"The soul must empty itself of all that is not God in order to go to God. . . For Christ, desire to enter into complete nakedness and poverty in everything." ~ St. John of the Cross

"I cannot do it alone; the waves run fast and high, and the fog closes chill around, and the light goes out in the sky. But I know that we two shall win in the end - Jesus and I. I could not steer it myself - my barque on the roaring sea - what of that? Another sits in my barque, and pulls or steers with me. And I know that we two shall come into port - His child and He. Coward, wayward and weak, I change like the changing sky - one day eager and brave, the next, not caring to try; But He never gives in, and we two shall win, Jesus and I. Strong, and tender and true, crucified once for me, I know that Jesus never will change, whatever I do or be. We shall finish our course, and get home at last - His child and He."