Life, no matter how we choose to look at it, is a constant battle. It is the beginning of a struggle that continues until we breathe our last breath.

It is important then that we understand from the outset that one of the first realities we must face in life if we are to survive this pilgrimage of faith is that troubles are a given. We have to fight daily just trying to live in this rapidly changing world. Sometimes the burdens can be so heavy, the criticism so severe, the opposition so great, that we wonder if it is even worth the effort. We know that troubles never take a respite; problems never take a rest; negative challenges never sleep and difficulties never take a vacation. Trials and tribulations tease us by visiting, leaving for a while and then returning once again.

Well, when life takes a turn in the negative direction; when sun filled days turn into stormy nights; when