Just as the oak tree converts all chemistry into oak by the peculiar quality of its oak life, so the pure in heart, he that lives the Christ life, will from the dark chemistry of this world—its disappointments and suffering—turn all things into glory and praise.

It is easier to be kinder to our friends.... But the Lord has grace for us to get along with the people we do live with.... We may think, why does someone in my family always have to irritate me? But remember, that if we never had any trials we would never grow.

God is always giving us trials that are open doors. Every single trial we have is a chance to be an example, to show someone what Christ was like. Oh, dear sisters, take those privileges to be examples seriously! They are so important!

I have found His way is best in my own life. When I commit all my thoughts and ideas, hopes and plans to God, how beautifully He works all things out than if I struggle in my own strength!... The Lord had led to me to higher ground to see what really matters.

But in all this rejoicing, revealed to our wondering eyes, was a solemn reminder to those brethren of a different dispensation, so long ago, of the absolute need of doing the work of God as He wants it done.

When Jesus said, "My Father is the husbandman," He was communicating to His disciples that the care of their lives is in the hands of God, whose name is Love.... There is no "chance"—all things are under control of God's infinite wisdom and love.

There is a wide difference between being anxious about coming troubles and being prepared beforehand for troubles that may come.... Those only can truly live in quiet peace... who have already made preparation for anything that may come to them.

Too many people think their weakness is a barrier to their usefulness, or make it an excuse for doing little with their life. Instead of this, however, if we give it to Christ, He will transform it into strength.

What is our daily cross? It is those things in our lives that produce suffering of body, mind, or heart. It is those things which in our poor judgment seem to hinder the easy flow of our religious life.... Were there no suffering at all, then there would be no cross at all.

Christ in heaven sympathizes with His friends on the earth in all their experiences.... We believe all this as a doctrine, but what meaning has it for us in our own lives? What is Christ in heaven to us in a personal, practical way?

But Irene didn't listen. "Hurry now! Mom said she needed us to get the weeding done this afternoon. You can pick flowers later." Rosie turned quickly to hide the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. Irene didn't understand! It just wasn't fair!

Isaac.... avoided his master, who sat like a beggar in his own yard, scraping oozing sores.... All that was good was gone. How could Master Job keep trusting God now? Maybe he and Anna should leave before everything was destroyed.

As he helped his father get ready for the feast, Ethan kept wondering who the Rabbi was after all. While they were working on their booth, he got up the courage to ask, "Father, do you really think the Rabbi is the Messiah? Is he our conqueror, or not?"

Do you have a favorite toy, a new book, or special clothes that you like very much? Yes? Then you want to preserve it from getting ruined, don't you? Well, that's exactly what I want to do with this orange. I want to keep it safe so that we can enjoy it for a long, long time.