Category Archives: Quotes

Inspirational quotes collection related to lifestyle themes.

On Greatness

On Greatness

greatnessA Quote to Carry You

February 15, 2016

“People do not become great by doing great things; they do great things because they are great.”  George Bernard Shaw

On greatness…There is something about this quote that begged me to dig deeper.  On the surface, it didn’t really mean much to me.  In fact, I rather didn’t agree with it at first glance.  For greatness, described as something extremely large or notably big, sounds to me to be awkward and cumbersome.  There is however, an aspect of it that captivates me…that of being remarkable, outstanding, eminent, distinguished.  Certainly those qualities imply greatness, but what is more interesting to me is how does one achieve it.

I suppose, like beauty, greatness is in the eye of the beholder.  A parent has the greatest influence on a child in his early years.  As he grows, that sphere of influence expands…the individual begins to be molded into a person, full of strengths and weaknesses, positive and negative traits, all that combine to define who he is.  I believe that a person’s greatness stems from this.

For me, greatness doesn’t necessarily have to involve some heroic, life-saving act, that draws attention to the person because of the dynamic nature of the act performed.  Indeed, such acts are great and should be recognized and honored, of course.  I do, however, believe that greatness is carried out in a more profound way, in ordinary, daily life.  When a wife or a husband tenderly cares for their spouse as a disease ravages their spouse’s body to the point that the life is drained right out of them.  When one friend sits and listens quietly for hours as the other pours out the depths of his soul in his darkest hour, because otherwise he may not find the strength to go on.  When a person in a position of authority risks bending the rules in order to allow for the greatest good to be achieved.  Greatness…happens when we reveal love for others that goes beyond ourselves.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”  Matthew 22:37-39

Peace and love,

Felecia

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For Those Who Walk Alone

those who walk alone

Photograph courtesy of Ray Flanagan rflanaganphotography.wordpress.com

For those who walk alone – a poem dedicated in celebration of my precious one’s birthday, February 9th…Happy Birthday Steve…I will always love you.

For Those Who Walk Alone

For those who walk alone,

There is a privilege, grace and power.

Our strength has no limits, our wisdom abounds…

We walk in a realm all our own.

For those who walk alone,

It’s not a life to be pitied or unnoticed.

Our tears never weigh us down,

They cleanse our hearts, to enable a new harvest to grow.

For those who walk alone,

Remember always, you are never alone truly,

For although God walks with us, side by side,

He was there in the past behind us…and tomorrow, He is already there.

Felecia R. Weber 2016, OntheWingofaDove.com

One of the most powerful memories that I have of my late husband happened on the night that he passed.  It seemed he’d been in dreamlike state throughout that day.  Amazingly, he walked around the house, up and down the stairs, traveled in the car to his doctor’s office for hydration, just like a “normal” day in his life as a cancer patient.  He was his usual soft spoken, good-natured, courteous self.  I knew in my heart that indeed that could be his last day here with us on earth, but it seemed like he was already somewhere between here and heaven.

As you can imagine, by that stage, the disease had taken its horrible toll on him.  He had wasted away to only a shadow of the man he’d always been.  That late afternoon, however, as he rested. stretched out on the bed in the haze of the dimming sunlight, there was a wholeness and serenity to him that I’ll never forget.  As he lay quietly on the bed, he stretched out his left arm and held it there for a long while.  He wore a slight smile on his face.  All I could imagine is that he was being gently ushered into his true home, to be with our lord.  As I stood next to the bed just gazing upon that peaceful sight, I closed my eyes, and through the lenses of hope and truth, I could see my Stephen, confidently walking toward the light, toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Now as I continue to walk alone, here on earth, I replay that image in my mind…what calmness, what peace…what a treasure our Lord is for those who walk alone.

“However, as it is written:  ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human has conceived’ – the things God has prepared for those who love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Loneliness

On Loneliness

lonelinessA Quote to Carry You

February 8, 2016

“For me, loneliness offers a silver lining that can only be discovered by those who have had the privilege to have been adorned by it.” Felecia R. Weber, Onthe WingofaDove.com

On loneliness – Those who’ve spent time with me would likely describe me as being quiet, shy and reserved.  After they really get to know me, “a little chatter box,” would definitely be a more suitable depiction of me.  I do love to converse with  others.  Not only do I get to learn from experiences that they share with me, but I get to impart some of what interests me to them.  Engaging with others in that way makes me feel vibrant and alive.  Contrastingly, like most people I imagine, when there is no one around me to talk to, the zest and excitement seems to fade away quickly, and loneliness threatens to move in.  Before long, like a tenant taking up residence, loneliness gradually begins to feel so comfortable, that it surrounds me even when I am in the company of others.  I haven’t painted a very pleasant picture of loneliness have I?  However, as with many masterpieces, the beauty of loneliness isn’t realized until after it has completed its work and has passed out of sight…

I’ll admit that these past many months that I have walked alone have been the most difficult steps that I have ever taken in my  life.  There have been so many things that I’ve experienced during that time that I pray to God I will never have to repeat.  Yet, there are many others that, as I look back, have become priceless, and I would not exchange them for anything in the whole world.  For me loneliness offers a silver lining that cannot be discovered by those who have not had the privilege to have been adorned in it.  Indeed there is a richness that can only be attained by becoming well acquainted with the solitude of being alone…and I believe that the intensity of loneliness is the part of being alone that makes the experience uniquely one’s own.  It is like the signature that is only inscribed on the canvas when the artist deems his work of art to be “finished.”  It is when one can view his loneliness as a beauty to behold, because of the profoundness  that was perfected in him through it, that loneliness is not that at all…rather, it becomes a fullness that, in my opinion, can never be emptied.

May your lonely days and lonely nights be filled as a canvas with dazzling, colorful lights.  And may you discover the most precious truth too, you will never, ever be alone, when you ask God to walk along side you…

“…because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'”  Hebrews 13:5

Peace and love,

Felecia

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All Is Bright

all is bright

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacqueline Green in “Cry.” Photograph courtesy of Paul Kolnik

All is bright on this holy night, hear the angels’ voices sing!

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”  Luke 2:13

All Is Bright

All is bright on this holy night,

Hear the angels’ voices sing!

Alleluia, our Lord and Savior is born!

And the gift of salvation to us did He bring!

All is bright on this holy night,

Come and see what from long ago was foretold.

The Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of all;

There is no other glory in earth or heaven to behold!

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Wishing you and yours the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Brightness and Light

On Brightness and Light

on brightness and lightA Quote to Carry You

December 21, 2015

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

On brightness and light – It is amazing how connected we are to nature.  I don’t know about you, but during these months when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, my energy level goes way down and I find myself feeling tired much of the time.  My general mood seems to be more somber too.  Once I return home from a days work, I rarely feel like venturing out into the darkness of a late autumn/early winter night.  There is just something about the dimness of this time of year that casts a shadow over me.  What is interesting though, is that in the midst of the darkness of this season comes the contrasting brightness and light that the hope of Christmas brings.

As the above Scripture declares, Jesus is the light of the world…that truth cannot be denied.  Even in nature, when winter’s solstice heralds in the lengthening of days, just the thought of brightness and light enhancing our days seems to energize our surroundings.  With the streams of flickering lights adorning trees and houses in our neighborhoods throughout the Christmas season, that brightness and light really does shine in the darkness.  I imagine you’d agree that we are all attracted to the brilliance of the light, and it not only brightens our streets, but it causes our hearts to glow with the hope and wonder that was offered to each one of us on the night that Jesus Christ was born.

As the days grow longer and the seasons change from the dead of winter to the liveliness of spring, may you consider how much the brightness and light (and life) of Jesus Christ can enhance your life when you step out in faith and let Him shine in your heart.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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All Is Calm

all is calm

“In the Stillness,” photograph courtesy of Lisa Richter

All is calm in the stillness of this night, but through the darkness a heavenly light glows…

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”  Mark 4:39

All Is Calm

All is calm in the stillness of this night,

But through the darkness, a heavenly light glows.

As God’s peace fills the air, it filters through every heart,

And as we yield to His love, oh how that light within us grows.

All is calm in the stillness of this night,

There is nothing on earth that can compare,

For God so loved us, that He gave to us His only Son,

Oh what a precious gift that we’ve been given; and it is ours to share.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

May you take the time to pause in the stillness of this night, and contemplate what great a gift God gave to this world, when Jesus Christ was born.  More importantly, may you receive that gift of salvation into your heart, and share it lovingly throughout the world.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On The Power of Peace

On the Power of Peace

on the power of peaceA Quote to Carry You

December 14, 2015

“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

On the power of peace – The power of peace is amazing and it can enable so many wonderful things.  When I experience peace, it causes me to smile; it allows me to rest; and most importantly, it causes me to focus on the things that are most important to me.  The power of peace became even more evident to me while preparing for Christmas this year; and I will cherish what I found in it…

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is to bake my grandmother’s Italian Christmas cookies.  Every year, I pull out the tattered recipe and go out and purchase the  ingredients.  After setting up the kitchen with all of the bowls, stand mixer, rolling pin, cookie cutters, and cookie sheets, I embark on my day long task of baking.  I’ll admit that by the time I begin making the second or third batch of dough, covered in flour dust I might add, I start feeling a bit fatigued and overwhelmed, wondering if I’ll ever finish.  Then, by the time I’ve iced and sprinkled candies on the last cookie, and I stand back and survey the kitchen table filled with all of those colorful treats, the power of peace pours into my heart and it fills me with an overwhelming joy.

The joy that I feel is not so much the happy relief of having completed my baking for the season, or having a tangible symbol of my labor of love to share with others.  My joy goes deeper than that.  You see, for me, the power of peace is manifested in the sense of closeness that I have to those who are dear to me.  When I am baking and singing along to the Christmas carols playing in the background, it feels as though I am a young girl again standing next to my grandmother, rolling out the dough and putting the finishing touches on our little “works of art,” as she used to call them.  While I am carefully packing each cookie into tins decorated for the holidays, I can almost hear the voice of my sweet husband telling me how beautiful and delicious my baked goodies are.  While labeling each cookie-filled package, I find myself smiling with delight as I envision each recipient delving into and savoring all of those sweet treats.  That close connectedness that I feel towards my loved ones, of both my past and present, floods my heart with a peace that is so powerful, I can hardly describe it.  Indeed, it is a peace that transcends my understanding.

May the power of peace fuel your heart and soul this Christmas season, and may it reveal to you the fullness of the love that God bestowed upon us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Holy Night So Glorious a Sight

holy night so glorious a sight

“The Archangel Gabriel, Announcing the Birth of Christ, 1520s, Lucas van Leyden. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store.

Holy night so glorious a sight, when God reached down from heaven to earth…

“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, who is, and who is to come.”  Revelation 4:8

Holy Night So Glorious a Sight

Holy night, so glorious a sight,

When God reached down from heaven to earth,

Who but you Lord could do such a thing,

As to save mankind through our Savior’s birth.

Holy night, so glorious a sight,

How your gift made the hearts of mankind rejoice!

For there is no other way to resolve sin’s deadly hold;

Still to be free, we must make a choice.

Holy night, so glorious a sight,

To this dark world may you shine your heavenly light.

May all who seek you find you; may you dwell in their hearts.

May all praise, honor and glory be yours tonight.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

On this holy night, as you reflect on how great a gift, our Heavenly Father bestowed upon us, may you lift up your countenance in praise and thanksgiving to his holy name.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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