There has always been discouragement, negativism, and temptation in the world because of Lucifer.

In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result.

The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things - the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.

We observe that in the scriptures, fasting almost always is linked with prayer. Without prayer, fasting is not complete fasting; it's simply going hungry.

As society has shifted from an agrarian to an urban structure, the joy and necessity of diligent, hard work have been neglected.

Our computers have become windows through which we can gaze upon a world that is virtually without horizons or boundaries.