I’m a collector of “one-liners”, and I’ve found them in various places.  Some are found in the Holy Scriptures and some came from bumper stickers and other sources.  A lot of wisdom can come from very few words.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• Life may not be tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
• It’s bad enough to mess up your own life, but you don’t have to mess up someone else’s.
• Live by the Ten Commandments.
• Never stumble on anything behind you.  If it’s in the past, let it be.
• You have a right to be wrong.  Smart people will admit it.
• When the student is ready, the teacher will arrive.
• We don’t have to label or stereotype people, for all of us belong to the human race.
• Judge not, that you not be judged.
• It’s hard to see what you’ve never been told to look for, so listen to the wisest among you.
• It is good to give thanks to God and to sing praises.
• Though my outer nature is wasting away, my inner nature is being renewed every day.
• The safest place in the world is the center of God’s heart.
• You cannot change anyone but yourself.
• Most mental and emotional problems come from the desperate attempt to resist the changes of life.
• You have a right to say, “No” and you don’t have to explain why.
• It’s okay to let your children see you cry.  It’s better than crying alone.
• God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
• There’s a time to mourn and a time to dance.
• Be interested in other people’s successes, and be generous with compliments.
• Forgive everyone for everything.
• Until further notice, celebrate everything.
• Use your good china, silver, nice sheets, underwear or lingerie.  Don’t shave it for a special occasion, for today is special.
• No one can make you feel anything, for you are in charge of your own feelings and happiness.
• What others think of you or whatever they say about you is none of your business.
• If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we would probably grab ours back.
• It’s never too late to have a childhood, but the second one is up to you.
• However good or bad a situation is, just remember: This, too, shall pass.
• No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
• For those who are married: Don’t let your love lose its luster—keep dating each other.
• Go out-of-doors every day and notice the formation of clouds, trees, sunsets, flowers, etc, and thank God for so many free gifts.
• Carve out a time (at least 30 minutes) a day for solitude, reflection and prayer.
• Keep your life simple; don’t over-schedule and never make a promise you can’t keep.
• Stop trying to please everybody, which is impossible anyway.
• Express love every day to those in your life.  All that matters in the end is the faith you have and the love you’ve expressed.
• We need seven hugs a day just to maintain our emotional balance.
• Laughing at yourself is one sure sign of good mental health.
• Don’t talk unless you can improve on silence.
• Deal with what is, not what ought to be.
• God does not deliver us from trouble, but is with us in trouble.
• Never trust a doctor whose plants have died.

If you have a favorite one-liner you didn’t see here, please send it to me at 4716 Bayou Court Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303 and share it in the comment section below.  Thank you!