“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” — Epictetus
Inspirational thoughts
Spiritual poverty
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.” — St. Mother Theresa
Godly friends
“Perfection does not consist in having no friendships at all, but in having those which are good, holy, and sacred.” St. Francis de Sales
Temperance
“Too much self-indulging or too much self-discipline have one thing in common: too much. Living to extremes–either extreme – generally does little to promote lasting health, happiness or holiness.” St. Francis de Sales
Judging?
“Those who look well after their own consciences rarely fall into the sin of judging others.” St. Francis de Sales
God’s mercy
“Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God’s mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved.” St. John Chrysostom
Gossip…
“Above all, avoid false accusations and the distortion of truth regarding your neighbor.” St. Francis de Sales
Purity of Intention
“Those who run best in the race do not think of the crowd which is looking at them.” St. Francis de Sales
Silence…
“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.”
– St. Mother Teresa
Too defensive?
“No matter how just your words may be, you ruin everything when you speak with anger.” St. John Chrysostom