Quotes from Melody Carlson

She wanted to remind them that Christmas was more than just glitter and garlands—but that color and sparkle were a wonderful way to celebrate the real Joy of Christmas. And before she walked away, she lifted the baby Jesus and gave it a little kiss—just like she'd always done—and laid it in the manger.

You're down now, Jordan, but only for awhile. I think God is giving you a chance to really look at your life and decide just how you want to live it. That's right, said Kara. You can keep on living it for yourself or invite God to take over.

Caroline smiled and waved and blew kisses to both of them as she exited the building. But once outside she felt sad and let down, like the party was over and it was time to go home. And yet she remembered her promise to God. She was going to trust that he knew what was best for her.

Now she wanted it back. A Scripture she'd tried to live by as a teen came to her, and surprised she could even remember it, she said it aloud. "Trust the Lord with your whole heart, don't depend on your own knowledge and experience, include God in all you do, and he will direct you through life.

The best way to get past something was usually to simply do something else, right?

Next time, you might want to look before you leap.

Stay on good terms with each other,' " he read slowly, putting emphasis on each word, "'held together by love.

I'd rather have a few wonderful years with love than a long life with animosity.

Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!

she should trust their hopeful image of a kind, loving, and gracious God. It simply added up.

spent the evening letting Emily call the shots for what she called "a normal Christmas Eve" night—doing everything from drinking eggnog and eating snack food to watching, of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Finally they hung up Emily's Christmas stocking—a gift that Joy had tucked in one of her magical bins. Marcus hung it on the far edge of the fireplace to prevent the big crackling fire from scorching it.

if Lena hadn't already given up on old ideals of faith and God's goodness, she might've even wondered if Moira could possibly be an angel in disguise.

She led him into the family room and introduced him to Alice and Jeremy. Sensing Tommy's eyes on her and

the spirit of Santa is real. It's the spirit of love and giving, and I like to think that it's symbolic of God's love and generosity. Sort of like a metaphor for children.

Your kids ever act like that? Tim laughed. Come on, man, I'm a pastor. My kids were perfect.

It's times like these when we have to think on what is true...really meditate on it. We have a Savior who loves us. We have a Savior who gave His blood for us. And we can rest knowing, I mean really knowing that His Word is true. He will work all things together for those who love Him. We may not see it now, but eventually God will be glorified through all of this.

some of our descendents

When I'm patient, things usually work out for the best in the end.

You will never go wrong with trusting God. Never.

It's amazing the things you realize when you lose someone: you get mad at yourself for not saying the things you could've a million times, you take for granted the days spent doing nothing when you could have been with them. Anyone can be taken, at any time in our lives, but we always wait until they're gone to say the things we never had the courage to before.

I'll never be lonely Even if I am alone For I've a precious Savior Who'll come to take me home. But while I'm here His servant I will be With one foot on earth And one in eternity. And I'll gather His crops To populate His land And if I feel weary I'll cling tighter to his hand.

I welcome each new day with a hopeful expectancy that I, too, will rise above the ordinary. For I am not content to live a merely "normal" life or settle for an average existence. No, I am destined for more--much, much more.

I have become convinced that God thoroughly enjoys fixing and saving things that are broken. That means that no matter how hurt and defeated you feel, no matter how badly you have been damaged, God can repair you. God can give anyone a second chance.

being a teenager these days is not for the faint of heart.