If one is devoid of hope and thanksgiving, he cannot for long remain sinless, for he will, in despair, have slackened his resolve. Feelings of futility foster vulnerability. Self-pity is such a busy stagehand, rearranging the scenery to help sin make its entrance. No wonder the prophets say that without faith in the Lord, there is no hope.

Mother lode of learning.

Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing!

The Lord has said, ‘I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.’ (Isaiah 48:10, 1 Nephi 20:10). He knows, being omniscient, how we will cope with affliction beforehand. But we do not know this. We need, therefore, the refining that God gives to us, though we do not seek or crave such tribulation.

Conscience warns us not to sink our cleats too deeply in mortal turf, which is so dangerously artificial.

Let the scriptures refresh you.

The soul is like a violin string: it makes music only when it is stretched.