It’s easy to write upcoming scenes in books and television shows. Trusting God to write them in real life is a lot harder. But it’s worth it. And you have to admit, it’s an adventure.

You’re valuable to God... It doesn’t matter what you look like or even what talents you have. He cherishes you. You’re beautiful in his sight.

Just the self-assurance that God created you exactly like you are and loves you just the way you are.

I had to wonder if the Lord above had flashed a heavenly spotlight over my head and whispered, “Preach this sermon just for her. She’s not going to get the message otherwise.

I’ve got you figured out,” he said. “You’ll forge ahead and act like everything’s okay when it’s not. You’re the kind to just keep going, to make sure everyone else is okay, even when you’re not.

But Mari, I just don’t think I can justify a show-offish wedding. I’ve never been that sort of girl. I’m the ‘Let’s go to a third-world country and take care of orphans’ kind of girl, you know?

May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door. Irish blessing.

May those who love us, love us. And for those who don’t love us, May God turn their hearts. And if he cannot turn their hearts, May he turn their ankles, So we may know them by their limping. Irish saying.

May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth. Irish proverb.

There are good ships and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.