His life was often one of devastation.

He was forced to battle many things and overcome many obstacles.

Time and time again his life was hit by adversity and hardships.

In spite of all this he knew deep down that he had something special and that he was born for a particular purpose.

Not only did he take his disappointments and make something out of them, but he made the world a better place to live in.

He donated a lot of his fortune to charities.

His early life was impacted by the death of his father and having to leave school at an early age to provide for his siblings.

Out of adversity good things came because this is where he learnt to cook.

At 16 he snuck into the United States Army.

He got honourably discharged the following year and then got fired from job after job.

He was forced to move back home with mum in order to survive.

He came up with a secret recipe for chicken but it was rejected over 1000 times.

Colonel Sanders said he had decided that he would make something of his life and nothing would hold him back from giving the best that was in him.

I share this story because I am reminded that there are a lot in our community that find life hard at the moment with all that life is throwing at them and with the drought.

You are valued and you matter. This is a very important message to remember:

If you can learn to not look down at all the hardships and find a blessing even if it is just one thing it will change your outlook and your life.

It's important if you are not coping to talk to someone.

Perhaps it might be your doctor, pastor or a good friend.

Scripture says:

"In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable."

We need to be very careful at the moment that our focus is on good things and remember that we are highly valued and of great importance.

Major Yolande & Captain Joel Soper (Salvation Army Tenterfield).