Are circumstances, then, in the last issue, our friends or foes?   There is only one answer – they are what we choose to make them.

Souls within bodies are like dwellers in a wave-washed city, besieged by land but not by sea.   And the city may be taken, but its inhabitants, with all that is worth transport, will have embarked already on some glorious fresh adventure, banners flying and sails set.

There is no knowing whither God might call us, if we would only keep our minds, by His help, free and true to hear His bidding when it comes.

Man’s heart is like a millstone, for ever swiftly at work, grinding its grist of thought and feeling and purpose.   And, like a millstone, the heart will grind itself if it has nothing else to grind.   

Thro’ this new year I pray Thee give to me 
A heart of joy that can sing songs to Thee

The goal of yesterday will be the starting point of tomorrow.

We live by days.  They are the leaves folded back each night in the great volume that we write.   They are our autobiography.