liadanslyre

today's chewable vitamin
"decide then, like a good and faithful servant of Christ, to bear bravely the cross of your Lord. it was out of love that he was crucified for you. drink freely from the Lord's cup if you wish to be his friend. leave your need for consolation to God. let him do as he wills. on your part, be ready to bear sufferings and consider how in these sufferings lies your greatest consolation. the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come.

when you get to the point where for Christ's sake suffering becomes sweet, consider yourself fortunate, for you have found paradise on earth. but as long as adversity irks you, as long as you try to avoid suffering, you will be discontent and ill at ease.

realize that to know Christ you must lead a dying life. the more you die to yourself, the more you will live unto God. you will never enjoy heavenly things unless you are ready to suffer hardship for Christ. nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing more helpful for you on this earth. when there is a choice to be made, take the narrow way. this alone will make you more like Christ."
~ thomas a'kempis