Henri Nouwen Quotes

Real joy is not found in having the best of everything but in trusting that God is making the best of everything.

We're not in control but we do have a greater hope and we do have a source of joy that isn't based on our circumstances.

The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.

Hope fills the holes of my frustration in my heart.

I tend to say faith is believing in life, and as I love life, I try to do the best with it, make it as serene and joyous as possible.

I am a positive person. I am not cynical. If you are born in this world, no matter who you are, negative things will happen. If you aren't positive as a person, you'll be very unhappy. It's extremely important to be positive, to laugh, to be happy, to accept life as it comes.

I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today!

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

Often faith isn't hoping that good times are coming; it's trying to see that the good times are here.

You must not allow yourselves to become discouraged. Missionary work brings joy, optimism, and happiness. Don't give Satan an opportunity to discourage you. Here again, work is the answer. The Lord has given us a key by which we can overcome discouragement: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

You have to look for the joy. Look for the light of God that is hitting your life, and you will find sparkles you didn't know were there.

We have within ourselves Enough to fill the present day with joy, And overspread the future years with hope.

I know in whom all my highest hopes and dearest joys are centered. I know in whom my whole heart can rest — so sweetly and so surely.

Hope thou not much, and fear thou not at all.

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.

The only reason they come to see me is that I know that life is great, and they know I know it.

The difference between an optimist and a pessimist? An optimist laughs to forget, but a pessimist forgets to laugh.

My faith helps me overcome such negative emotions and find my equilibrium.

I like to think of myself as a positive person. Otherwise I wouldn't have had a child.

Don't let the past steal your present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.

God's got something for me. I have faith it'll be OK.

We live from day to day and get as much joy out of experiencing as we can.

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.

Today, I am blessed to be living a dream. And yet, if it all went away tomorrow, I know I would still have peace.

Misfortune is never mournful to the soul that accepts it; for such do always see that every cloud is an angel's face.