Quotes from Kim Vogel Sawyer

You be 'memberin' what the Good Book says 'bout how we is to love. Seems to me there be a verse 'bout a man lovin' his woman the way Jesus loves the church. Would Jesus be a-hollerin' right now or would He be tender?

How I abhor the cold, damp months of winter. Yet without them, we would probably not appreciate the warmth of spring." She chuckled softly. "But then, I suppose that's the beauty of any hardship—it brings greater appreciation for the pleasant times.

It's useless." "You will find it," he insisted, misinterpreting her meaning, "if your heart is open. So a way must be made for your heart to be open. I must change part of our bargain." Summer lowered her brows. "Are you planning to manipulate me again, Mr. Ollenburger?" "No manipulate. Only say this—if you teach my son, you must go to church with us. Church, like laughter, is good for the soul.

She has lost much, son. We must be patient while we wait for her to smile, ja?

One more word of advice from an old woman, hmm?" She nodded, as if he'd spoken an agreement. "Make a determined effort to acquaint yourself with Daphne Severt's character. I'm certain it will not be easy—she has been doubly blessed with external beauty, which would distract the most mature gentleman—but for the sake of avoiding heartbreak, you must try.

You didn't change me. You simply showed me the way to be. So thank you, Neva Shilling, for living your faith in the face of hardship. You are a true inspiration.

Sadie . . ." He swallowed. "I'm not willin' to just be your cousin anymore." His shoulders squared. "Whatever it takes to win your affection, I'll do it. I'm gonna woo you like no man's ever wooed a woman before. An' I'm gonna win your love. You wait an' see.

Snowflakes were dancing outside Neva's window when she awakened Sunday morning. She watched them land on the glass, one second resembling minute delicate doilies and the next teardrops as they inside warmth reach through the glass and melted them.

This town needs people like Neva Shilling, people with a giving spirit and a desire to serve. Especially in these times of hardship, Mrs. Shilling is a beacon of hope that things can be better if we're willing to give of ourselves.

An' something else you can remember . . ." He leaned in again, his mustache twitching. "My name." Sadie drew back in surprise. "W-what?" His friendly green-eyed gaze held her captive. "Would you consider calling me Thad instead of Sheriff McKane? You and me are the newest ones in town, and I think it'd be nice if we could be friends. Would'ja mind?

Neva closed her eyes and prayed aloud, asking God to kiss Belle's dreams with all things pleasant and awaken her in the morning with the reminder of His unwavering presence. Then she gave her daughter a hug and a kiss and tiptoed from the room.

Thad! Let me go right now!" "No, ma'am." He pulled, drawing her along beside him. "As sheriff, my job's to protect folks. An' you obviously need protecting.

Every season has its heartaches, but you done learned the most 'portant lesson, an' that's that God gits you through. No matter what comes along—when you leans on Him, He gits you through.

Which carries the greater value? The years or the weeks?

Well, this I can guarantee you: God doesn't always do things the way we think they oughtta be done." Tressa's head shot up, her gaze colliding with Aunt Hattie's. A soft smile warmed the older woman's face. "He always does 'em better. An' when we follow His lead, we discover what's best for us. God doesn't want you to hope only for second best—He wants you to find His very best.

angel took my flower away, but I will not repine, since Jesus at His bosom wears the flower that once was mine.

triangular-shaped dwelling about fourteen feet across on its

Summer thought about spending the day inside that house with the old woman watching. Silently watching.

he guessed they all knew what he'd done and counted him foolish for blatantly going against their boss. Well, he reasoned as he dropped his jacket over the high back of his chair, there was a Bible verse about the world's wisdom being foolish in the sight of God.

But it's so hard, Papa... Those things that are most beneficial to us generally are. But they are also worth the effort.

Sometimes I marvel at the extras God provides. He meets our needs, yes, but so much more. He did not have to make the world a bright, colorful place of beauty. He could have simply provided the things our bodies require to survive. But He also chose to feed our souls. He designed flowers, singing birds, and even little furry barking creatures that pop out of holes and make us laugh. And He created a sky that begins and ends each day with a show of color.

Well, now, what do you expect? You're His child. Of course you're going to be lonely when you hold yourself from Him.

I think that's a question I'll be better suited to answer when I'm behind a pulpit. Right now"—he picked up his fork again—"I'm just a small-town lawman enjoying supper with the prettiest girl in town.

I think, Lillian, that when we do not pause to admire God's wonderful handiwork in putting this world together, we disappoint Him. Surely He must delight in our wonder when we delight in His creation.