Inspirational thoughts

“We have to do everything for love, not out of force.” St. Francis de Sales

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either he will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” St. Francis de Sales

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.” St. Francis de Sales

“When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.” St. Francis de Sales

“Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin thieves that rob us of the moment.” Amish proverb
God’s spotlight and microphone are in the present moment…where are you standing right now?

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.”

– Virginia Woolf

“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.”

– Cormac McCarthy

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” Socrates

“The problem with a little sin is that it usually grows into a big one.” Amish Proverb
The graces received in Confession help weaken the tendency towards sin, refine the conscience and strengthen the will to keep up the good fight…and prevent one from “breaking bad”.

“Bend the branch while it is young.” Amish proverb
When I was in 2nd grade, my dad bought a small Birch tree that was badly bent.  I helped him tie a rope to it and attach it to a stake in the ground.  Each year, he would move the stake to make it bend a little more and eventually, it became a straight tree…a symbol of what he did with me in my childhood formation days!