Christmas, when observed with the right spirit, still has the power to call miracles from Heaven to Earth.

The fact is, the man who’d begotten me didn’t want me. In his eyes I should never have been born. And perhaps that would’ve been best. As it was, my existence had proven to be...

There are no real start-overs, only start-from-heres.

Zahvalnost ne menja pejzaž oko nas. Ona samo pere prozor kroz koji ga posmatramo, pa jasno vidimo boje.

In the heat of an argument I sometimes resort to thumb-sucking. It’s hard to have a serious fight when someone’s sucking their thumb.

It’s going to be okay, Gwen, I promise.”—from “Phantom’s Veil

We always feel the brunt of the blow dealt to us, but hardly ever do we feel the impact we have on others. Why is that?

In other words, ‘I told you so!’

When a person boldly declares, ‘You can’t,’ he might as well add on, ‘Can you?’, knowing that this spoken roadblock only serves to fuel a challenge in naturally stubborn souls.

True love takes time. It’s an earned comfort that tells you she’ll be right there beside you no matter what you do, not necessarily happy with your every action, but faithful to you just the...

Your mother loves you too, son, more than anything in the world. She worries about you, day and night.”That sentiment stirred something profoundly pleasant inside the boy. He grinned at the internal warmth it created.

Statistics, likelihoods, and probabilities mean everything to men, nothing to God.

I’m not saying that I think one man is better than the other. I’m not saying that either is kinder or wiser or more ambitious, more thoughtful, confident, or able. But the fact is that...

Flames burn so long as they are fed. Rivers rage so long as it rains. The sun rises so long as the earth rotates. Prayers are answered so long as they are uttered sincerely. Hope...

Freedom is essential to the pursuit of happiness. Freedom is essential to artistic evolution and expression. Freedom is essential to the expansion of the human mind. Freedom is essential to the development and application of...

The sign of a good leader is easy to recognize, though it is hardly ever seen. For the greatest leaders are those who share as equals in the trials and struggles, the demands and expectations,...

During an especially noisy elementary school assembly I witnessed a common marvel. Someone spoke,”Once upon a time…” into the mic, and the room hushed. Such magic never ceases to amaze me.

As a writer, you must truly possess a love for words.””Yes, that’s right,” I agreed.”I’ve noticed that some authors favor particular words, making frequent use of them. Do you have a favorite?”I nodded assuredly and...

Discouragement is like a scorpion in your shoe; it takes courage to toss it out so you can move on.

Pray for good.Pray for happy.And always pray for Mom.

I felt ashamed for having judged him so harshly without knowing the real boy. His one offense against me―goaded by Charlie’s bullying character―was easy to forgive.

My spirit mirrors the radiance of a clear, blue sky. With closed eyes I lift my face and smile, warmed from the core and from above. All hopes and dreams compete with this endless expanse...

If only this great concern we have for our own sensitive feelings expanded to encompass the feelings of our fellow men.

You don’t do kind deeds expecting kindness in return. You don’t do kind deeds because you deem the recipient worthy. You do kind deeds because it’s who you are, and because you understand the powerful...

Socially interacting with a storyteller can be a frustrating challenge because a portion of her awareness is constantly sorting through the details of a developing book. And while you may successfully engage in a meaningful...

The direction you choose to face determines whether you’re standing at the end or the beginning of a road.

The night creeps in by subtle degrees while a show of fierce colors attracts and distracts me. I look up, suddenly aware of remote lights scattered overhead. I gasp as the last streak of fire...

Why hasn’t someone lassoed a few teenagers and had them sit down and write out all the supposed answers they have so we can solve the world’s problems already?

The humanitarian is a treasure hunter seeking gems of remedy and appreciation.

What would it be like to live as a butterfly, being admired by the world for your color and beauty and grace? What would it be like to live as a spider, having people shriek...

You can’t make me be nice.You can’t make me be good.You can’t make me believe.But your example, your kindness, your patience and love will affect me perhaps enough that eventually I may choose to do...

Compassion only plagues those with hearts, much like a field of thorns only troubles those who bleed.

My favorite quote in the world is this one.

My love for you reaches beyond the borders of continents, so vast in scope that I would cross oceans to be with you.Yes, but does that same love penetrate so deep as to dare thee...

One thing about a skunk – once you recognize the markings, you know things are gonna stink.

It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay. You can let go of the sword.””I can’t. I can’t leave him alone. I have to protect him.””You have.

It is said that you can’t write without a reader. The opposite holds true as well; you can’t read without a writer. But if as a single, creative person you are one in the same,...

There are many who don’t wish to sleep for fear of nightmares. Sadly, there are many who don’t wish to wake for the same fear.

The irony of life: Realizing a lifetime is barely long enough to figure out how it should have been lived.

A truly humble apology works to part storm clouds, calm rough seas, and bring on the soft lights of dawn; it has the power to change a person’s world.

I believe people are more inclined to do their best not when they feel loved, but when they feel loved regardless.

Life has moments that feel as if the sun has blackened to tar and the entire world turned to ice. It feels as if Hades and his vile demons have risen from the depths of...

Happiness doesn’t always come in pink. Learn to appreciate the rainbow.

We grow up opposing our parents only to become like them enough to oppose our children who behave as we once did—a reminder of how dreadful we were toward those now vindicated grandparents. And you...

Rainy, gloomy, drab, sunless day. There are times when hope seems entirely clouded over; when looking for the blessings in your circumstances feels like trying to catch a ray of sunshine from six feet under.

It is a key keeper’s right to bestow a copy of his key on anyone he wishes. But this practice―a phenomenal rite―is hardly ever performed. To receive a copy of the key means to have...

A sincere and warmly expressed apology can produce the same effects as morphine on a suffering soul.

One grateful thought is a ray of sunshine. A hundred such thoughts paint a sunrise. A thousand will rival the glaring sky at noonday – for gratitude is light against the darkness.

You cannot fully understand a person’s need until you have endured the same need. As hard as you may try to predict and comprehend their situation and suffering, I guarantee you’ll fall short until you’ve...

Life is a character-building opportunity that we all volunteered for.