the real "work" of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me. To gently push aside and silence the many voices that question my goodness and to trust that I will hear the voice of blessing-- that demands real effort.

When I saw what a mess everything was in I asked for my money back on the ticket. I would have felt I was deserting. If everyone of any value leaves France, what will remain of France?

Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.

He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his souls estate.

There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.

Oh, one world at a time!

I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least — and it is commonly more than that — sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.

I, who cannot stay in my chamber for a single day without acquiring some rust, and when sometimes I have stolen forth for a walk at the eleventh hour of four o'clock in the afternoon, too late to redeem the day, when the shades of night were already beginning to be mingled with the daylight, have felt as if I had committed some sin to be atoned for.

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.

I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about.

Right now, God is working all around you.

John the Baptist's training was in God's University of Silence. God takes all His great men there.