I made real sacrifices and took big risks. But living, it seems to me, is largely about risk.

I learned not to be so bitterly defeated when my fiction took a beating from editors. I learned in advertising to color in the lines and have my work done on time and to make it the very best it could be.

So many people don't know that God loves them. They feel, 'Why would God love me? Why would He be interested in me?

Even the roughest character, underneath all that hurt, is someone who wants to love and be loved.

When the trees and the power lines crashed around you, when the very roof gave way above you, when the light turned to darkness and water turned to dust, did you call on Him? When you called on Him, was He somewhere up there, or was He as near as your very breath?

When we turn from our sin, and have the blessed forgiveness of the Almighty, then we can ask Him to run things, and let Him be in charge.

The significant, life-forming times are the dull, in-between times.