Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway

"A little porch light from a distant farmhouse dimmed, feeling alone and unneeded until his smallest spark of illumination snuffed out entirely. The night fell as dark as it was quiet. Meanwhile, every secret eye within the vicinity―from insect to animal to human wanderer―stopped to blink, suddenly blinded. Their guiding light had vanished, extinguishing hope in the hearts of many. That little light had mattered, but he knew it not."

"Comparisons are like rigid fingers—eager to point at a subject but unwilling to grasp it."

"The reality is that doing good unto others actually does more good for you."

"Happiness is seeing blessings in disguise, beauty under camouflage, and love amid conflict."

"Life may dawdle along in minutes but don't be deceived, for it will sprint by in years before you even notice."

"It may not be fair that people make judgments so quickly, usually within a few seconds of observation, but it's unrealistic to expect that they won't. So, if you want to be judged in a certain manner, be sure that your look and demeanor give that impression."

"To punish someone for your own mistakes or for the consequences of your own actions, to harm another by shifting blame that is rightly yours; this is a wretched and cowardly sin."

"Boasting is one of those rare outfits that never looks good on you but makes you look stunning when modeled by your admirers."

"Just knowing you're not alone is often enough to kindle hope amid tragic circumstances."

"Kisses are a means to plant on another's lips a smile glossed with happiness."

"Last night I danced. My body rose from its slump for the first time since the beginning of sorrows—my fingers beckoning to the stars at arm's length, back arching as tingles bubbled up my spine, hips caught in a silent tempo while on tiptoe I twirled in endless euphoric circles. It didn't matter that you loved me or that you didn't. For I was wanted by the gods last night, their seraphs and muses descending on moonbeams into my midst, caressing my face and gliding their spirited arms about my waist, lifting my toes from the soil that I might feel what it is to fly without heaviness of heart. I danced with them under the glow of a loyal moon. For one brief, visceral dance I joyed as Heaven joys—in endless bliss. And the universe cherished me."

"The sun, moon, and stars God gave to the world, but He embedded their glories in your countenance just for me. Woven in your hair are the sun's shimmering golden rays. From your face glows the pale luminescence of the moon. And in your eyes God sprinkled a million stars to twinkle against a backdrop of endless night. You are my celestial light."

"When problems beat upon you like a raging storm, search for the eye. You might not be able to avoid misfortunes, but you can find the calmest spot within them."

"There's enchantment in a smile, did you know?Shall I prove in a wink that it is so?Watch my mouth grin wide and see,How quick your lips smile back at me!"

"Monsters excite us in this way or that. They make our pulse thrum and steal lives from the cat!They're frightening creatures, one peek and you'll see. Yet life without monsters, how dull it would be. Your tense, nervous laugh tells me you disagree?"

"Funny thing how when you reach out, people tend to reach right back. Best, then, to make sure your hand is open and not fisted."

"I shall ne'er chase rainbows again, Knowing no pot o' gold awaits at the end. My Irish treasure is not there. For ye, my love, abide with me here."

"Of course I want the moon. And were you to offer it, I'd propose as a trade the stars in my eyes."

"Time and again the sun sets like a bedimming curtain before my eyes, taking with it all illumination, warmth, and color.  I am overwhelmed by night and the monsters that lurk in shadows of despair.  But alas, stars twinkle from afar, shedding the tiniest rays of lighted hope.  I am reminded that the sun also rises and that morning's glory shall restore beauty to my world.  The realization of this dream is only a matter of waiting out the dreary night.  So, I shall persevere."

"The bitterest hardships, the most daunting trials; none of these are burdens if it means being with you."