2.  "Hope" is pervasive in both the Old and New Testaments.  It ranges from individuals and groups seeking their destiny to the Christian concept of hope embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, although the Gospels never use the word "hope."  In the New Testament, it is a post-Christ principle that makes hope synonymous with Christ.

3.  I find the terms "perseverance," "self-discipline," and, especially "comfort zone," and their relationships, to be applicable as contemporary words and usage.  As such, each and its interaction with the others is a very subjective, personal situation.  I would have to take biblical stories of test and endurance and try to apply the words and their possible relationships.

4.  Faith and trust are essential when facing challenges, misfortune, and setbacks.

"Success" for me is not the outcome or goal.  Yes, I have received many blessings in life, I have accomplished virtually all the goals I set out to achieve, and I have experience few losses or disappointments.  The exception is my divorce a decade ago when my world turned upside down.  I was lost.  Through an innate faith, strength and trust, I reached out to those I respect and love.  I found gifts I had rarely used before -- nurturing, listening, helping, affirming. This is my Christian, my spiritual practice.

5.  There are times to embrace and times to let go -- embrace what we love, is good, and has meaning; let go of what is hurtful to us and others, obsesses and angers, separates us from the love of Christ Jesus.  For me is my corollary to the Golden Rule:  What I do to and for others I do to and for myself.