Quotes from Jan Karon

How could people let go of their old things, when each told a part of their story? Old things were a literature, a narrative.

We are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to heaven; we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through this world. The Lindisfarne, via The Anglican Digest

Peggy Lambert.

At a time when he really needed to let go, he was holding on. To Lace. To his stuff. Let go, let God. Come on, man.

It makes everything innocent again," she said. "A winter Eden.

Peace . . . and plenty . . . graciously provided by God who created us for himself, and who loves each of us devoutly, devotedly, steadfastly, forever.

George, Lord Lyttelton had said, How much the wife is dearer than the bride.

In effect, a good marriage happens when the happiness of the other is essential to your own happiness. We might say that a good marriage is a contest of generosities.

God had been merciful. He wanted to be merciful, too. He was the only one who could open the channel between his children and their grandmother. If he could do this with his head, maybe later it would move to his heart.

Love is a constant act of forgiveness.

Listen. 'Listening is among the most generous ways to give. When a loved one talks to us—whether their words appear to be deep or shallow—listen. For in some way, they are baring their souls.

The house rule was no Christmas tree 'til after Name Day. These were two separate life events, to be celebrated on their own merits.

I like being around the house with you,' he said. 'I like to be where you are.

so calm our minds that fears may cease, and rested bodies wake in peace.

graced lawn parties at Fernbank." Hoppy stood and applauded.

And, as Mr. Shakespeare said, 'thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks'!

In any decision making, he'd learned to wait for the peace; it was heedless to make a move without it. There was no time for waiting, and yet waiting was imperative.

All your circumstances are in the hand of God," Chambers wrote, "so never think it strange concerning the circumstances you're in.

He'd been amped for a long time; actually, everybody he knew was amped. He would like to spend the rest of his life de-amping.

Indeed, it seemed to be the wont of most people in a distracted and frantic world to blast through an experience without savoring it or, later, reflecting upon it.

I've found that if one keeps pushing along during the mopes, out will flash the most exhilarating thought or idea—a way of doing something that I had never seen

To roughly paraphrase Paul, why do I do what I don't want to do and don't do what I want to do?

He wanted to hold his boy and tease him and make him laugh, he wanted the chunk of him close;

was sea and islands now; the great continent had sunk like Atlantis . . . .