When La Duchesse Derat started this challenge my thoughts wavered on whether I could cope with adding it to my list , now it’s become a feature I look forward to weekly and this also goes to prove that you can go the extra mile and further if need be.
This week’s TGBOL prompt asking us to make a list of the ‘the words that matter to me‘ is what we refer back home as ‘buying market‘ or ‘inviting the insect infected log,‘ because yours faithfully Jacqueline has a lot to say, but I shall restrict my enthusiasm to 10 quotes.
1. ‘Hang your bag where your hands can reach.’
My parents used this phrase so much *in Igbo language * to teach us how to be contented with what we have and never be greedy for that which belongs to someone else.
They taught us that if you worked hard and with integrity, that yours will come and this is so true.
I can truthfully say that I have never owed for a day in my life because at every point in time even when it requires living the life of minimalism, what I have at that point in time is always enough and I even strive to create surplus from the little bit.
I endeavour never to buy that which I cannot afford to pay for, no matter how beautiful it is and for that, I have peace.
2. ‘For my Grace is sufficient unto the day.
The grace of God is free and belongs to all who seek for it. We all live by grace.’
3.’ As a man thinks in his heart so is he.’
Those things that you dwell on consistently, gradually erodes your mind and heart and becomes you, in the sense that you exhibit them and they control you.
4. ‘Never give up on yourself.’
Even if the World fails you, it’s only over when you fail yourself and stop believing in yourself that’s when it’s really over.
5. ‘For I have not given you the spirit of fear but of love, of power and of sound mind.’ 2 Tim 1:7
6. ‘Dare to dream big for the journey of a thousand miles started with a step, but you need to take that step and keep moving.’
Let your dreams be large. Then take them on. Even if you don’t arrive at that precise goal, you will have a heck of a good time getting there.
7. ‘Be appreciative of the simple things of life and be contented, for there in lies your sense of peace.’
The love from my family and the time spent with them is beyond priceless.
8. ‘Give. Be happy to share out of your bounty as well as your scarcity and you will see even more.’
Giving is not only when you have money in your pocket to hand out. If you do, all the better, but giving starts from the mind. Give of yourself and of the little that you have. Your resources well up and brim over.
9. ‘Be the light that you would like to see shining in others and do unto them as you would like them to do to you.’
10. ‘Be bold and be strong (courageous) for the Lord your God is with you.’ Deut 31:6
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

I love these. One could live a very fulfilled life by following these.
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Deb my dear, truly one can. I never knew a more contented man than my dad. Never heard him grumble for a day over lacking anything. I wish I could be as good a human as he was.
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I’m pretty sure you give it a good try. 🙂 He taught you well.
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He did his true best. Thanks dear 🙂
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thank you so much for these beautiful and inspiring words and quotes.
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Thank you dear Violet 🙂
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These are brilliant words that matter, Jacqui, very inspirational 🙂
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Thank you Judy 🙂
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Love this post x
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Thank you Lisa 🙂
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Great advice! Number 1 is my favorite.
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It is mine too, which is why it’s number 1. Thanks Kay 🙂
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I think I’ll post it in the children’s rooms and refer to it when the “i want/need” conversation is initiated ☺
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Wonderful! Learning to be content is one of the keys to happiness!
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Very much so Meg. Thank you 🙂
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And yet not complacent! Finding a balance…
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True indeed. A fine balancing act…
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An inspirational list here, Jacqueline! ❤
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Thank you Al 🙂
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A beautiful post Jacqui and an inspirational start for the weekend. Make it a great day.
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Thanks dear. A lovely one to you too 🙂
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I love your choice of wise words. I will to try to remember some of these, especially the Biblical ones.
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Thank you Mandi. I use them for myself and they’ve helped me a lot.
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I can always expect words of encouragement when I stop by 🙂 Any parent who teaches a child the trait of contentment did a great thing. It leads to humbleness, inner strength, it motivates, creates inspiration and so much more.
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They totally did their best, I must say. Thanks my dear friend 🙂
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I’ve never heard the “Hang your bag where your hands can reach” quote, but it’s going to be one I long remember. What powerful words to remind us that we should only take what is within our reach. Thanks for sharing that wisdom!
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Thank you Amy for visiting, reading and your comments. I appreciate that. Some of these sayings are old West African proverbs.
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