Today we welcome my blog guest Taylor Bennett, teen author and my new friend, as she shares “a scattering of thoughts” and favorite quotes that have touched her life.
Take it away, Taylor!
Words are some of my favorite things in the world—a single strand of them, a mere sentence, has the power to transform a day, a week, or even a life.
It’s one of my greatest hopes that, someday, my words will touch the lives of thousands. Until that day, though, I will continue to delight in these uplifting quotes from others who have gone before me.
These quotes have touched my life, given me hope, and made me smile—I hope they’ll do the same for you. (Click-to-Tweet)
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
I tend to be a careful planner and plotter—I’m not as flexible as I could/should be, but I strive to follow this advice and just go for it when I’m presented with the opportunity.
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” – A.A. Milne
This lovable quote from the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh warms my heart and reminds me that everyone has something good hiding beneath the surface.
“Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.” – Anonymous
It’s all about perspective—and ingenuity. Work with what you have, and don’t be afraid to search for the potential in everything.
“If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.” – Beverly Cleary
When we have dreams, hopes, or aspirations, we can’t expect to sit around and wait for our wishes to come true. We need to step out on our own and do the work ourselves—the future starts with us. (Click-to-Tweet)
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss
Why, I wonder, does life work this way? Why can’t we learn to live more in the moment, not worrying about the past or the future but simply resting in the now? If only we could become more satisfied with exactly what God has given us right now.
“Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you will look back, and realize they were the big things.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Let’s not overlook the smallest, most delicately beautiful parts of the day—a sunny smile, an extra-long hug, a stunning sunset, a whispered word of encouragement. In the end, they’re what matter most after all.
“Some see a weed, some see a wish.” – Anonymous
Once again—it’s all about perspective. And potential.
I truly hope that some of these wonderful words and “scattering of thoughts” have inspired you. Before I go, I will leave you with these words from one of my favorite books. These words have helped me through difficult times and inspired me in all circumstances.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
These words promise that if we, as Christians, place our focus on the Lord and take great delight in His ways, He will direct our steps and take control of our hearts’ desires.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that He will give us exactly what we want. Instead, it means that He will show us what we want. And, once we’ve opened our hearts to Him, we’ll realize that He knew what’s best for us all along.
***
Author Bio: 
Homeschooled since kindergarten, Taylor Bennett is the seventeen-year-old author of Porch Swing Girl, which released with Mountain Brook Ink on May 1st. When she’s not reading or writing, Taylor can be found playing her violin or taking walks in the beautiful Oregon countryside. She loves to connect with readers via her author website, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (her favorite!), Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Links:
Website: http://taylor–bennett.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorBennettAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writer__taylor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylor.bennett.author/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Taylor__Bennett/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/66039360-taylor-bennett
by Taylor Bennett
What if friendship cost you everything?
Stranded in Hawaii after the death of her mother, sixteen-year-old Olive Galloway is desperate to escape. She has to get back to Boston before her dad loses all common sense and sells the family house. But plane tickets cost money—something Olive gravely lacks.
With the help of Brander, the fussy youth group worship leader, and Jazz, a mysterious girl with a passion for all things Hawaiian, Olive lands a summer job at the Shave Ice Shack and launches a scheme to buy a plane ticket home before the end of the summer.
But when Jazz reveals a painful secret, Olive’s plans are challenged. Jazz needs money. A lot of it. Olive and Brander are determined to help their friend but, when their fundraising efforts are thwarted, Olive is caught in the middle. To help Jazz means giving up her ticket home. And time is running out.
***
PLEASE SHARE
Do words really have the power to transform lives? This teen author shares her perspective.
Taylor Bennett, teen author of Porch Swing Girl, is a careful planner and plotter. Still, sometimes she just “goes for it.” Here’s why.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Can the Weary Writer Write? via Julia Kay
When writer’s block and exhaustion threaten, is it still possible to get words on a page? This author shares her secret.
I Can Only Imagine: 10 Things I Loved About the Movie
I Can Only Imagine strikes the perfect chord. What I loved about this movie and 10 reasons you should see it.
Original Image Credit: Kevin Young on Unsplash
Author headshot and book cover image via Taylor Bennett
How have words or favorite quotes touched you?
What dreams or desires are you still believing for your life?
***
Wow, friends… Can you feel the LOVE? We’re on an encouragement roll! Stay tuned for MORE in the coming weeks ahead.
As I wind down copy edits for HER HOPE DISCOVERED, Book One in my Welcome to Ruby series, I wanted to share just a few quick goodies with you.
- My June newsletter went out this week and it’s packed with tons of good things! Not a member of my newsletter family? Let’s remedy that! Sign up today so you won’t miss a single power-packed issue. (Once you sign up, be sure and click on the confirmation link that will arrive in your inbox. This double opt-in process lets me know you really want to hear from me.) Remember, no fancy duds required— Just your comfy, old bathrobe and your bunny slippers! 🙂
- Love grins, giggles, encouragement and HEARTFELT, HOMESPUN FICTION? Me, too! That’s why I’ve started “Cynthia’s FABulous Readers and Influencers’ Group” on Facebook. This is the place I often hang out and where I’ll share fun news and tidbits about HER HOPE DISCOVERED and my upcoming books. We’re a little (okay—a lot) more casual over there. It’s a closed group, but anyone can join. To enhance the relaxed atmosphere, only group members see posts. We’d absolutely love to welcome you to the fold!
- Heading to the ACFW conference in September? Great! So am I! If you want to meet up for pie and coffee, I’m your girl. Give me a shout!
Until next week…
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 15
Wow – great collection of quotes, Taylor. I love the one from Dr. Seuss. “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” So very true.
I also love Psalm 37:4, and your thoughts on it:”It doesn’t necessarily mean that He will give us exactly what we want. Instead, it means that He will show us what we want. And, once we’ve opened our hearts to Him, we’ll realize that He knew what’s best for us all along.” Well said.
Thank you for the early morning inspiration, and congratulations on the publication of your book!
Hello Taylor! Congratulations on your debut novel! It sounds like the perfect summer read and you are one inspiring young lady. When I was seventeen I dreamed of writing a novel but didn’t get to it. So well done!
I love your encouraging quotes here. They are so important to remember. Kurt Bonnegut was one of my favourite authors in high school.
Have a blessed day!
Taylor, your thoughts are PERFECT! Treasuring special moments is so important. Thank you for sharing your heart. Congratulations on your book!
Great collection of profound quotes! I’m guessing there are a lot more tucked away in many notebooks…Thanks for sharing!
Hi, friends ~ I believe Taylor may stop by later, but thanks so much for visiting! We appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
Now, raise your hands if you’d like a chocolate chip muffin still warm from the oven! *passes you napkins* …And we have plenty if you’d like seconds. 🙂
Hi Taylor – how remarkable for a young person like you to have such a unique perspective. Porch Swing Girl just went on my TBR list. Thanks for being here today and to Cynthia for inviting you. Best wishes for your future success as an author!
I really want to read Porch Swing Girl. I am enjoying reading all about Taylor Bennett on various social media pages.
There really is a lot of wisdom in this post, Taylor! Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. 🙂
Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your kind words 🙂
I love hearing that, Melissa. Thank you!
Oh, wow! Thank you so much, Cindy. That means so much to me.
Thank you, Heather! <3
Sherida, Thank you so much for your lovely comment and kind words 🙂
Thank you so much, Laurie!
Thanks so much for the congratulations, Laura!