The Divine Center Quotes

“... mental-emotional defenses take many forms, including (1) categorizing and prejudging people, places, and ideas, so as to be protected from the new and unexpected (prejudice); (2) expecting nothing, so as to not be disappointed (hopelessness); (3) believing nothing, so as to not be responsible (cynicism); (4) communicating in sarcasm and cutting humor, so as not to be emotionally exposed and vulnerable (lightminded, guileful); (5) waiting on others to love us first, and even then inpugning the motive of one taking such initiative (doubting, fearing). On the other hand, a genuine testimony provides it's own armor, making such defenses unnecessary.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“words, that man got hold of our best missionary”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“There are two seas in Palestine. One fresh, and fish are in it. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters.
Along its shores the children play, as children played when He was there. He loved it. He could look across its silver surface when He spoke His parables. And on a rolling plain not far away He fed five thousand people.
The river Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And men build their houses near to it, and birds their nests; and every kind of life is happier because it is there.
The river Jordan flows on south into another sea.
Here is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children's laughter. Travelers choose another route, unless on urgent business. The air hangs heavy above its water, and neither man nor beast nor fowl will drink.
What makes this mighty difference in these neighbor seas? Not the river Jordan. It empties the same good water into both. Not the soil in which they lie; not in the country round about.
This is the difference. The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure.
The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously. It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps.
The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. This other sea gives nothing. It is named The Dead.
There are two kinds of people in the world. There are two seas in Palestine.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“We exhibit the highest form of divine influence when we exemplify divine attitudes and attributes in the worst kind of situations and predicaments.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“... our reactions are a product of our perceptions, and our perceptions are a result of what is the center of our life.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“It is only in orienting his life to the divine center that a person can secure anything else he desires and yet not be based upon it.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“... true love is found in the affirmation of another person's identity and stewardship, in seeking his or her growth and good, not on interpreting all the other person's responses in terms of one's own needs, hungers, or desires.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“I believe that days one and two for most of us involve getting more control over the body-such as getting to be early, arising early, exercising regularly, eating in moderation, staying at our work when necessary even when tired. Too many are trying to conquer higher weaknesses such as procrastination, impatience or pride while still being slaves to their appetites. If we can’t control the body and its appetites, how can we control our tongues, or overcome the emotions or anger, envy, jealousy, or hatred?”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center

“followed, almost any perception problem can be solved. So can most credibility problems, if one or both of the parties involved will realize that, at root, it is a perception problem”
― Stephen R. Covey, The Divine Center