“Mamma says she is quite certain that "how old is too old?" is not a question known to the Lord.”

“When it comes to words Mamma says, "If they are not good, then maybe they should not be said.”

“Mamma says gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn't.”

“Mamma says if we stay so focused on our past failings, we won't be able to move beyond them and learn what we need to know.”

“Mamma says we would be wise to remember that what goes around usually comes back around to us - the good or the bad - depending on which we dish out.”

“Your Imperial Highness, will you do me the honor of this dance?" I turned to see Miechen's twelve-year-old son, Boris Vladimirovich, looking at me solemnly. "Of course," I said with a polite curtsy. Angels and ministers of grace, defend me.”

“I grew up in the 1930s Great Depression when many families struggled to make ends meet, and in an area where old-fashioned country gospel music was popular. Later, as an adult with a more mature outlook on Christianity, I realized that a lot of that music was rather shallow.”