“The seemingly easy way out is never an easy road.”
“With freedom comes accountability. The two are securely bound.”
“Your life isn t some prerecorded movie where, no matter how many times you watch it, the ending remains the same. Your life is a book in progress, and you are the author. So if you don t care for the main character or the gloomy scenery or how the twisted plot is unfolding, then do something to change it. You write your own story.”
“A kiss says it all— I like you. I love you. I need you. I want you. I value you. I fancy you. I adore you. I prefer you. I missed you. I cherish you. I support you. I care for you. I long for you. I think of you. I treasure you. I hope for you. I consider you. I dream of you. I delight in you. I appreciate you. And I will never, ever forget you.”
“Your life is not a simulation; it s the real game. Play wisely.”
“The effects of loss are acute, and unique to each individual. Not everyone mourns in the same way, but everyone mourns.”
“I understand it was Derian who spoiled everything. He purposefully tainted your view of me and forced you to go along with him. I know none of what happened was your idea or your desire, Eena.” She didn’t get up, but spoke from her curled position. Her voice was weak, still heavy with despair. “Derian didn’t force me to do anything.” “But if he hadn’t influenced you, we would be enjoying a pleasant dinner again, telling stories and laughing. I’m sure that would be the case. You would be happy……and so would I.” Eena chuckled without amusement. “You have to admit we shared some very enjoyable evenings, didn’t we? There’s really no reason we can’t put this whole mess behind us and start from where we left off.” He sounded genuinely serious. “You forget,” she reminded him, “I heard your conversation with the Ghengats. This isn’t about Derian, it’s about you.” “Alright,” he admitted with an acquiescent sigh, “so I’m not everything you’d hoped for. But really, what man can ever live up to any woman’s terribly high expectations?” This got her attention. She almost stood up to face him, but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Leaning forward, she retorted, “Expecting a man to respect you, to be honest with you, and, oh yes, to not be a shameless murderer—I don’t think those are overly high expectations!” He shrugged, casually excusing his faults. “Nobody’s perfect.” “What do you want?” she finally asked, exasperated. He squatted to her level and stated his desire. “I want you.” Eena thought the expression on his face—the look in his weary blue eyes—appeared strangely sincere. But there was one thing she had learned from all this: never trust a master of deceit.”
“It isn’t always true that a critical end justifies desperate means.”
“In the end, your heaviest regrets will be nothing tangible.”
“In the dead of a long, black night it is hard to imagine a sunrise on the horizon extending its vibrant and warming rays, but that is how you hold out hope. Have faith that the morning you dream of will eventually come.”
“Having a birthday is like reaching a higher peak on a mountain. Pause to admire the view; reflect on how far you have come.”
“Gratitude highlights the good in what is.”
“If God commands it, have the faith to obey. Know that Heavenly Father gives no commandment that is not meant for our ultimate welfare.”
“When you make righteous choices and then experience the eventual results, you learn to love what is good. Likewise, when you make unrighteous choices and then experience the eventual consequences, you learn why sin is best avoided.”
“Be patient with God. Have faith in his timing. Listen to the gentle promptings that come to your heart and mind. In time, you will see His hand at work in your life.”
“To mute all other voices but one’s own, to live true to that voice—that is being bold.”
“Whether or not you believe isn’t half as important as whether or not you want to believe.”