Better to Light One Candle

The Christophers' Three Minutes a Day

The Christophers

• Publisher: Continuum
• Year: 1999
• Print ISBN:
  9780826411624
• eBook ISBN:
  9781441181374
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

When Father James Keller founded The Christophers in 1945, he chose an ancient Chinese proverb as the motto, the credo, for the movement: "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness". Father Keller wrote the first Three Minutes a Day book of daily reflections in 1949, believing that "the most effective exterior action had to come from a strong interior spirituality".The popular series has continued for fifty years. With a story or anecdote for each day of the year plus a scripture verse and a prayer, each volume offers daily inspiration throughout the year. This is the thirty-fourth volume in the series. It is a collection of some of the best stories from several volumes, and to make it a true perennial, it includes a separate section for twenty-five movable holydays and holidays.

Table of contents

• Better to Light One Candle
• Introduction
• JANUARY 1 Positive Beginnings
• JANUARY 2 A Most Human Prayer
• JANUARY 3 On This Island Earth
• JANUARY 4 Seeing All Life's Colors
• JANUARY 5 Words of Wisdom from "Silent Cal"
• JANUARY 6 Just for Today
• JANUARY 7 His Home Was a Box
• JANUARY 8 A Great Singer
• JANUARY 9 Homeless, Not Friendless
• JANUARY 10 Presidential Hospitality
• JANUARY 11 The Work of His Hands
• JANUARY 12 Shapers of Our World
• JANUARY 13 Promoting Peace
• JANUARY 14 Chasing Happiness
• JANUARY 15 Sing Out Loud
• JANUARY 16 Sheltered From the Wind
• JANUARY 17 Making Non-Violent Choices
• JANUARY 18 Legacy of a Bear
• JANUARY 19 Steward and Homemaker
• JANUARY 20 A Good Scout
• JANUARY 21 Getting Past Discouragement
• JANUARY 22 Let There Be Peace
• JANUARY 23 Out of Tune Singer
• JANUARY 24 The Birth of Hans Brinker
• JANUARY 25 Driver Courtesy Could Be More Common
• JANUARY 26 Pride: Good and Bad
• JANUARY 27 Formula for Failure
• JANUARY 28 "Only" a Drop in the Ocean
• JANUARY 29 Disappearing Hometowns and Homes
• JANUARY 30 Two Special Rings, One Great Difference
• JANUARY 31 Putting Together Worker and Work
• FEBRUARY 1 Shall I Compare Thee to a Bamboo Shoot?
• FEBRUARY 2 Just Short of Perfection
• FEBRUARY 3 Grief as Part of Life
• FEBRUARY 4 Positive Picture of Aging
• FEBRUARY 5 What "Letting Go" Means
• FEBRUARY 6 Of Names and Places
• FEBRUARY 7 Age as Incentive to Help Others
• FEBRUARY 8 What Goes Around...
• FEBRUARY 9 Prioritize, Prioritize
• FEBRUARY 10 Listening Heart-to-Heart
• FEBRUARY 11 Your Voiceprint — and Voice — Are Unique
• FEBRUARY 12 Lincoln Took His Medicine
• FEBRUARY 13 Inventing the Future
• FEBRUARY 14 Happy Valentine's Day
• FEBRUARY 15 The Courage of Her Convictions
• FEBRUARY 16 The Gift of Hope
• FEBRUARY 17 Dream Becomes Reality
• FEBRUARY 18 Corrosion and Self-Destruction
• FEBRUARY 19 You Have a Mission
• FEBRUARY 20 Caring Is Catching On
• FEBRUARY 21 On Compromise and Planning
• FEBRUARY 22 Conflict and Resolution
• FEBRUARY 23 Talking It Out
• FEBRUARY 24 Visitors Clog Mountain's Trails
• FEBRUARY 25 Learning to Serve
• FEBRUARY 26 Sticky Question
• FEBRUARY 27 Put Healthy Guilt to Work
• FEBRUARY 28 Feeling Special, Doing Better
• FEBRUARY 29 Time — Past, Present, Future
• MARCH 1 Turning a Foreign Phrase
• MARCH 2 Looney Cartoons Are Serious Work
• MARCH 3 Family Writes Rules for Survival
• MARCH 4 Two Good Neighbors
• MARCH 5 Knowing Your Place in the Universe
• MARCH 6 Learning Real Value
• MARCH 7 Growth of Love
• MARCH 8 Keep Lent Well
• MARCH 9 An Evening Prayer
• MARCH 10 The Things We Know - But Don't
• MARCH 11 Art of Self-Restraint
• MARCH 12 Cooperating with God
• MARCH 13 Likes, Dislikes and You
• MARCH 14 Friends of Youth Lend Support
• MARCH 15 The Tides of Change
• MARCH 16 Honesty — and a Second
• MARCH 17 Hymn to the Treasure of Your Heart
• MARCH 18 Old Answers to Violence
• MARCH 19 Here's to Somebody
• MARCH 20 Moderation Makes the Difference
• MARCH 21 Enjoying the Here and Now
• MARCH 22 Not a Dog-Eat-Dog World
• MARCH 23 Being Attentive to Others
• MARCH 24 Taking the Long View
• MARCH 25 Notes from One Heart to Another
• MARCH 26 Twain on Respect
• MARCH 27 Attitude and Abilities
• MARCH 28 A Springtime Harmony
• MARCH 29 Rekindling Light and Warmth
• MARCH 30 Being Kind
• MARCH 31 All Wrung Out
• APRIL 1 Humor, Happiness and Health
• APRIL 2 Cold Taste of Criticism
• APRIL 3 Vest Pocket Beauty
• APRIL 4 Reaching Out Long Distance
• APRIL 5 Fly Balls at Fenway
• APRIL 6 Symbols of Faith
• APRIL 7 Toad Tales
• APRIL 8 Great Expectations for Yourself
• APRIL 9 Baskets of Blessings
• APRIL 10 Delightful, Imperfect Creation
• APRIL 11 Nothing Trifling about Truffles
• APRIL 12 A Haven of Welcome
• APRIL 13 Disarming Weapons and Holility
• APRIL 14 Rich Beginnings
• APRIL 15 The First Tax Shelter?
• APRIL 16 Images of Our Loving God
• APRIL 17 Secret of a Job Done Well
• APRIL 18 One Neighborly Church
• APRIL 19 Use All You've Got
• APRIL 20 An Apple for the Stranger
• APRIL 21 Easing Grief
• APRIL 22 Between Youngsters and God
• APRIL 23 Alone with God
• APRIL 24 Danger at Home
• APRIL 25 Believing in a Fiddler
• APRIL 26 Salute to Fair Play
• APRIL 27 The Taste of Togetherness
• APRIL 28 Turning a Parish into a Farm
• APRIL 29 Technological Advances in Communication
• APRIL 30 Colors in a Rainbow
• MAY 1 Portrait of One Busy Woman
• MAY 2 Beauty Found in Flaws
• MAY 3 Nine-Letter Word for Compulsion
• MAY 4 Helping Others, Helping Himself
• MAY 5 One Perfect Day
• MAY 6 Fair Words Work
• MAY 7 Hope to Keep Going
• MAY 8 Brighten Your Life
• MAY 9 To Rise Like a Phoenix
• MAY 10 Sing a Song of Courage
• MAY 11 Responsible, Not Self-Righteous
• MAY 12 A Helping Hand — and Much More
• MAY 13 Discovering Magic in Paper
• MAY 14 Perfection No Requirement
• MAY 15 "If I were You . . ."
• MAY 16 Finding Real Happiness
• MAY 17 Saving Young and Old from suicide
• MAY 18 Our Street, Our Responsibility
• MAY 19 Clearing Clutter
• MAY 20 Teacher Discourages Coarse Language
• MAY 21 Speak Up for Understanding
• MAY 22 Sheba to the Rescue
• MAY 23 Courage of a Lifetime
• MAY 24 Powerful Pollutants
• MAY 25 Careful with Praise
• MAY 26 Planning Meetings that Work
• MAY 27 The Quality of Mercy
• MAY 28 Career Considerations
• MAY 29 Enduring Criticism
• MAY 30 Alone with God
• MAY 31 The "Easy Drift"
• JUNE 1 Why Pray?
• JUNE 2 How to Cheer Your Spouse
• JUNE 3 Finding the Right Course
• JUNE 4 An Optimist's Eye-View
• JUNE 5 Unplug the Bad News
• JUNE 6 Giving Youngsters Tools for Success
• JUNE 7 A First Lady's Lessons on Life
• JUNE 8 Unforgettable Feasts
• JUNE 9 Grass Roots Campaign for Safety
• JUNE 10 Ignorance Leads to Violence
• JUNE 11 "This Grace of Love"
• JUNE 12 Today Is for Dreaming
• JUNE 13 Problem Behind the Anger
• JUNE 14 Strong Principles
• JUNE 15 Small Cuts, Large Hurts
• JUNE 16 Stretch Your Way to Success
• JUNE 17 Fathers: Todays the Day
• JUNE 18 Share Learning and Caring
• JUNE 19 Routine Breakers
• JUNE 20 Docking in a Desert
• JUNE 21 Guide to Contented Living
• JUNE 22 Sharing the Fruits of a Garden
• JUNE 23 True Generosity of Self
• JUNE 24 Community = Hospitality
• JUNE 25 Making a Day of Rest
• JUNE 26 Keep Your Strengths — Strong
• JUNE 27 Small Obligations
• JUNE 28 Ground Rules for Marital Conflict
• JUNE 29 "Know Yourself"
• JUNE 30 Choosing What's Right
• JULY 1 Lonely Seeker of Comfort
• JULY 2 The Truth about Equality
• JULY 3 Waspish, But Wonderful
• JULY 4 Putting Theory to Work
• JULY 5 If You Don't Know...
• JULY 6 Age-Old Secret
• JULY 7 The Power of Persistence
• JULY 8 Remembering a Hero
• JULY 9 Part of the Whole
• JULY 10 Deceptions, Harmless and Otherwise
• JULY 11 Keep Your Faith and Goals Fixed
• JULY 12 Creating an Atmosphere
• JULY 13 Fast Learners Take Off
• JULY 14 The Earliest Age
• JULY 15 Away for the Weekend
• JULY 16 An Anonymous Opinion
• JULY 17 A Person, Not a Handicap
• JULY 18 A Guide to TV for Parents
• JULY 19 A Shield Against Stress
• JULY 20 The Meaning of Words
• JULY 21 A Distant Goal Achieved
• JULY 22 Life Saver at Sea
• JULY 23 Reflections on Thinking
• JULY 24 Unclear Ads
• JULY 25 Wrong Way — or Right?
• JULY 26 Advice for Parents and Others Adults
• JULY 27 When Is a Fruit a Vegetable?
• JULY 28 Sounds of Beauty
• JULY 29 Leading the Simple Life
• JULY 30 Prescription for Coping
• JULY 31 Running from Failure
• AUGUST 1 Early Emancipation Proclamation
• AUGUST 2 Playing Ball for Love
• AUGUST 3 From the North Pole to California
• AUGUST 4 Promote Self-Respect
• AUGUST 5 Traffic Tickets Save Lives
• AUGUST 6 Peace Prayer for Our World
• AUGUST 7 Vacation Values
• AUGUST 8 Brake that Fall into Anger
• AUGUST 9 Out of Darkest Depths — Light
• AUGUST 10 By the Sea: A Banana Farm
• AUGUST 11 Building Confidence in Prayer
• AUGUST 12 Of Sun, Summer and Flowers
• AUGUST 13 Testing the Unknown
• AUGUST 14 Children Still Need the "Other" Partent
• AUGUST 15 A Life-Changing Truth
• AUGUST 16 Ben Franklin, Swimming Instrucor
• AUGUST 17 From Clothes to Trash and Back Again
• AUGUST I 8 Picture Imperfect
• AUGUST 19 Good Porches, Good Neighbors
• AUGUST 20 Everybody's Doing It
• AUGUST 21 Clean Humor
• AUGUST 22 Philanthropy of Compassion
• AUGUST 23 Time for "Thank you"
• AUGUST 24 Taming Malignant Elements
• AUGUST 25 Honest Family Returns Cash
• AUGUST 26 Dressed for Genuine Success
• AUGUST 27 Faith Renewed
• AUGUST 28 Score One for Determination
• AUGUST 29 Paving the Way to Heaven
• AUGUST 30 Common Philosophy
• AUGUST 31 It's a Stretch
• SEPTEMBER 1 Education — a Lifelong Companion
• SEPTEMBER 2 Miracle: A Second Life
• SEPTEMBER 3 Rules for Respect
• SEPTEMBER 4 A Boss's Kindness
• SEPTEMBER 5 Some Innovations Pay Off
• SEPTEMBER 6 Peace and All Good
• SEPTEMBER 7 How to Make a Wise Decision
• SEPTEMBER 8 Disaster at Sea
• SEPTEMBER 9 Growth in Adversity
• SEPTEMBER 10 Break Barriers to Listening
• SEPTEMBER 11 Monday, Monday
• SEPTEMBER 12 Success Depends on Hard Work
• SEPTEMBER 13 "Once in a Blue Moon"
• SEPTEMBER 14 Encourage! Encourage! Encourage!
• SEPTEMBER 15 Fun for Fundraising
• SEPTEMBER 16 One Creative Manager
• SEPTEMBER 17 Freedom of Religion: The First Step
• SEPTEMBER 18 Basic Balancing Act
• SEPTEMBER 19 Quality Is Made of Details
• SEPTEMBER 20 Tender, Loving Care for Planet Earth
• SEPTEMBER 21 Breaking Down Walls of Prejudice
• SEPTEMBER 22 Good Sports
• SEPTEMBER 23 In the Mood for Music
• SEPTEMBER 24 Sanctuary from Stress — and Much More
• SEPTEMBER 25 Have You Heard?
• SEPTEMBER 26 "Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind . . . "
• SEPTEMBER 27 Flowers and Prayers
• SEPTEMBER 28 Of Kindergarten and Crime
• SEPTEMBER 29 Happy Birthday and Many Thanks
• SEPTEMBER 30 A Worship Tradition
• OCTOBER 1 "Thank God Each Day"
• OCTOBER 2 Rdmitting Mistakes
• OCTOBER 3 Putting Books into Readers' Hands
• OCTOBER 4 Don't Count Your Chickens
• OCTOBER 5 Relief — for a Danger Missed
• OCTOBER 6 Porcine Paradise
• OCTOBER 7 Sagging Spirits
• OCTOBER 8 Nourished by Prayer
• OCTOBER 9 From Fear to Faith
• OCTOBER 10 A Matter of Perspective
• OCTOBER 11 Happy? Put Others First
• OCTOBER 12 Unsettling Earthquakes
• OCTOBER 13 Indian Heritage and Pride
• OCTOBER 14 In Search of Beauty
• OCTOBER 15 A Prayer of Praise and Gratitude
• OCTOBER 16 A Garden of Knowledge
• OCTOBER 17 Pick Yourself Up
• OCTOBER 18 Your Own Wonderful
• OCTOBER 19 Even Experts Can Fall
• OCTOBER 20 Charting a Course for the
• OCTOBER 21 Colorful Fall Foliage
• OCTOBER 22 Words Spoken with Hearts and Hands
• OCTOBER 23 Nine Kinds of Trouble
• OCTOBER 24 Ideals to Live By
• OCTOBER 25 Reach Out, Give Back
• OCTOBER 26 Reconciling Ourselves
• OCTOBER 27 On Complaints and Listening
• OCTOBER 28 Lost in Time
• OCTOBER 29 On Holy Ground
• OCTOBER 30 A Toast to Opportunity
• OCTOBER 31 What Goes Up . . .
• NOVEMBER 1 Find Your Place Among the Saints
• NOVEMBER 2 Warm Heart, Warm Hands
• NOVEMBER 3 The Right Question
• NOVEMBER 4 Where the Potato Is King
• NOVEMBER 5 The Difference Between Price and Value
• NOVEMBER 6 Another Way to Win a Race
• NOVEMBER 7 The Value of a Vote
• NOVEMBER 8 Mary's Little Lamb Revisited
• NOVEMBER 9 An Appreciation of Happiness
• NOVEMBER 10 Creativity Is Ageless
• NOVEMBER 11 The Measure of Greatness
• NOVEMBER 12 A Lesson in Giving
• NOVEMBER 13 Books Beyond Price
• NOVEMBER 14 Surprise Gift of Love
• NOVEMBER 15 Appreciating Another's Talent
• NOVEMBER 16 Conflict for the Better
• NOVEMBER 17 Hope in the Morning
• NOVEMBER 18 A Different Vision
• NOVEMBER 19 Jefferson's Rules for Living
• NOVEMBER 20 Prospecting for Peace
• NOVEMBER 21 Concrete Idea Paves the Way
• NOVEMBER 22 Warm Hospitality
• NOVEMBER 23 Talking Turkey
• NOVEMBER 24 Thanks, Good Neighbor
• NOVEMBER 25 Personal Disaster Plan
• NOVEMBER 26 Defining Success
• NOVEMBER 27 Setting and Meeting Goals
• NOVEMBER 28 Familiar Feelings
• NOVEMBER 29 Failing, Trying, Trying Again
• NOVEMBER 30 Someone with Whom to Talk
• DECEMBER 1 The 1,200-Pound Donation
• DECEMBER 2 True Joy in Giving
• DECEMBER 3 Clay in the Hand of the Potter
• DECEMBER 4 Pause a Moment for Thanks
• DECEMBER 5 Sharing Our Blessings
• DECEMBER 6 Remembering the Best
• DECEMBER 7 L-I-S-T-E-N to This
• DECEMBER 8 Res of Scripture
• DECEMBER 9 Discouraging All Kinds of Thieves
• DECEMBER 10 Every Creature Prays
• DECEMBER 11 On Keeping Christmas
• DECEMBER 12 Crime Victims Struggle to Recover
• DECEMBER 13 A Light at the Center of Celebration
• DECEMBER 14 Gift-giving Etiquette
• DECEMBER 15 "I Felt Like a Millionaire!"
• DECEMBER 16 Laugh It Up
• DECEMBER 17 In Praise of the Messiah
• DECEMBER 18 An Ancient Blessing
• DECEMBER 19 Friendly Persistence
• DECEMBER 20 Keeping Christmas Always
• DECEMBER 21 Praying and Questioning
• DECEMBER 22 One Special Festival of Light
• DECEMBER 23 Making Work Sacred
• DECEMBER 24 A Merry Christmas Greeting
• DECEMBER 25 Celebrating a Holy Day and Holiday
• DECEMBER 26 Unique Lives, Unique Prayers
• DECEMBER 27 Getting Untangled
• DECEMBER 28 Not Just a Trifle
• DECEMBER 29 College Students Volunteer
• DECEMBER 30 Between Dark and Light
• DECEMBER 31 In Christ's Hands
• Movable Feasts and Holidays
• MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY: How to Honor Dr. King
• PRESIDENTS DAY: On Being a Good Citizen
• ASH WEDNES DAY: Would Peter Make the Grade Today?
• FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT: Persistence in Prayer
• SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT: Learning from Creation
• THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT: Thoughtful Lesson in Life
• FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT: On the Trail of a Comet
• FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT: "I Made You"
• PASSION/PALM SUNDAY: Jesus' Forgiveness Is Total
• HOLY THURS DAY: In His Will
• GOOD FRIDAY: Another Repentant Thief
• HOLY SATURDAY: The Promise of the Egg
• EASTER SUNDAY: Easter Triumph and Love
• MOTHER'S DAY: Being a Mother Is a Tough Job
• ASCENSION THURSDAY: Living Prayer
• MEMORIAL DAY: The Start of a Prayer-Filled Tradition
• PENTE COST: Who Is God?
• FATHER'S DAY: Father Really Did Know Best
• LABOR DAY: Work of Mercy, Holiness
• COLUMBUS DAY: Seeking Truth, Exploring Worlds
• THANKS GIVING: Thanksgiving: Then and Now
• FIRST SUNDAY OF A DVENT: One of Life's Necessities
• SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Purpose of a Church
• THIRD SUNDAYOF ADVENT: Inviting Others to Celebrate
• FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Holding "the Hand in the Night"