A spark of heavenly fire

There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

--Washington Irving 

(This, dear Hannah, is for you and your courageous mother.)

Cheerfulness

Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance - the cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it better, will preserve it longer, than the sad or sullen.
--Thomas Carlyle

The strong soul

Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: it is this that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.

--Thomas Carlyle

Farther

Go as far as you can see; when you get there you'll be able to see farther.

--Thomas Carlyle

Ash Wednesday

Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine. The greatest of all faults is to be conscious of none.

--Thomas Carlyle

Hand in hand

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.
--Emily Kimbrough 

Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
--Saint Thomas Aquinas 

Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.