There is no better way in the world to test every trait in a soul than by little things.... It is our unplanned, instinctive actions and words that reveal what we really are, not those large, conspicuous things for which we especially arm ourselves.

It seemed a waste of precious life when Jesus died so young, and in such shame.... He lost His life, but that seed became the world's hope and joy. We understand it now. Christianity is the outcome of that "waste." Heaven is the fruit of the Redeemer's sacrifice.

If in our hearts the great master purpose is to live for Christ only, we will grow continually away from all that is worldly and unworthy, toward things which are spiritual and Divine. Paul describes himself as "...stretching forward to the things which are before."

Travail is one of the sharpest pains known in the physical realm.... [God] applies it to the church, and says that such a suffering, burden, and agonizing cry must come on His people, before sons and daughters are born unto Him.

Snip! Snip! The proud vine is pulled off the wall. There, I have cut it down and it won't bother our raspberries again! you say. You must not know brambles. Cutting it down is not enough—we must now get out our shovels and dig out the root or it will grow back.

Rosie felt a small smile creep onto her face. Maybe this would be fun after all! She quickly picked up a jar and looked at its dusty bottom. "And we must remember," she said, as most grown-up as she could, "that the king doesn't like one speck of dirt!"

"Push," said Josh. Timothy sighed. He pushed Josh a little bit. "More," said Josh. Then a thought came to Timothy. If he pushed Josh very hard, Josh might get scared. He would cry. He would want to go to Mother. And Timothy could play by himself!