1885
"WInter has passed ... It has been a long and sad one for me, in bed since November, but not without joy nevertheless. Suffering has its compensations and the dear Lord came to me since I could not go to Him. It seemed to me I was very near Him; often He comforted me. I do not think, however, that suffering always brings one closer to God. The first movement of nature draws one away whereas joy, true joy that brings tears to the eyes, lifts the heart to God. But, undoubtedly, suffering sanctifies; by suffering one learns to suffer and to Whom one must have recourse, whereas in continuous joy, one tends to forget its Author. My God I thank you, I thank You for all of Your graces."
1886 (Easter)
"The holy day of Easter! The passing of Our Lord. Lord, permit me to pass, like You, to my Father in Heaven. Make this passing continuous that I may live not in this world but always for Jesus and when I will hve come to do Thy will, may the happy day come when on which You will call me, saying 'Mary' and I will answer, 'Rabboni.'"
1886
"Do not consider that in order to be great either in the eyes of men or of God, it is necessary to do great deeds. It is an error; to do well the little duties of every day life; to perform well the duties of your station; is to be great. It is the noblest task of man for it is the fulfilment of the law of God. It is as if it were we who are helping Him in bringing forth with our effort His eternal designs with regard to the world."
1889 (Epiphany)
"Lord, I have sought You and at last I have found You. ... Draw me to You, my Lord, because I love you. WIth the kings I adore You and offer You all that I have - almost nothing, only myself without reserve, I give myself; I do not wish to live an hour, a minute of this year, except for You and You alone. Accept the offering of myself and make of this me a useful servant.
Trust in God
My God, I desire only to be a tool in your hands; use me to do your work; and if, thus using me, You hurt me, let me say Thy will be done so long as I do your work.
Our dear Lord suffered that He might thereby leave me an example of patience. I make His example naught by impatience.
I must not rush through my daily duties worrying that I cannot get all that I wish done. I must do but one thing at a time and by that one duty do my best not worrying over what will become of the others…