Alan

“Life is a series of beautiful moments interspersed by great trials. The trick to being happy is to learn to have beautiful moments during the trials. Faith isn’t a belief that God will spare you from problems; it is a belief that he’s still God and will carry you through those problems.”
― W. Lee Warren, I've Seen the End of You: A Neurosurgeon's Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know

“Confucius was once asked if there is “one teaching that can serve as a guide for one’s entire life.” He said that all you really need to know is the word reciprocity: “Do not impose upon others what you yourself do not desire.”
― Massimo Pigliucci, How to Live a Good Life: Choosing the Right Philosophy of Life for You

“When you are weary of praying, and do not receive, consider how often you have heard a poor man calling, and have not listened to him.”
― John Chrysostom

“Christians are to live their lives on earth dour and sullen; they enjoy the goods of this world as anyone is entitled. Yet they do so with a constant gratitude expressed through virtuous moderation and with an eye toward the giver of all good gifts. Christians are unified in love of their enemies and are therefore able to endure hatred in return because they know to whom they truly and eternally belong.”
― David Meconi, Christ Unfurled: The First 500 Years of Jesus's Life