” As long as we are alive and kicking, we can be improving ourselves. No matter our age, if we always have a project which we can apply ourselves, then we will wake up every day with an objective, something productive to get done. This allows us to go to bed at night in the peaceful knowledge that we have done some good, gained some achievement, however small. Having ears for this lesson has been one of the luckiest pieces of listening I’ve done.”

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned.

2 Corinthians 4:8–9

“I used to think hope was the same as optimism: expecting things to turn out in the end even when they look grim. I thought hope was dreamy and ethereallike wishing on a star or wondering what Santa left under the tree.

I’ve witnessed violence since then, however. I’ve experienced illness and isolation. I’ve watched people I love suffer and have stood helpless to stop it. Those were times when I felt afflicted and driven to despair. Yet, when I turned to God, he was always there. He didn’t swoop in and fix my problems, but he stayed with me in the midst of them and shown a light to the other side. Hope then wasn’t the soft, squishy feeling I used to take it for. It was dogged, not dreamy, believing that God would never abandon me to face my trials alone.

Lord God, when I am driven to despair, help me to hope in you.”

Karla Manternach

“Look in the mirror and smile… and see an amazing person looking back at you. You really are someone special, and your presence is a present to the world around you.

When you’re counting your blessings, be sure to include the privilege of having a new sunrise every morning and a brand new beginning every day.

Don’t ever give up on your hopes and dreams. Your happiness is depending on you to stay

strong.” Douglas Pagels