I think it is important to begin with a statement in your speech that grabs the attention of the audience. I try to make my opening line 15 words or less.

Helen Rosevere was a British medical missionary in the Congo years ago during an uprising. Her faith was strong and her trust was confident, yet she was raped and assaulted and treated brutally. Commenting later, she said, "I must ask myself a question as if it came directly from the Lord, 'Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?'" What a profound thought. God has trusted each of us with our own set of unfair circumstances and unexplained experiences to deal with. Can we still trust in Him even if He never tells us why?

Walk by faith! Stop the plague of worry. Relax! Learn to say, "Lord, this is Your battle."

We gain the ability to rejoice under pressure through a carefully monitored training program directed by the Lord Himself.

Good listeners believe they can learn something from everyone.

Joy is a deeply felt contentment that transcends difficult circumstances and derives maximum enjoyment from every good experience.

There are times we need to tell ourselves, "Good job!" when we know that is true.