Richelle E. Goodrich

Statistics, likelihoods, and probabilities mean everything to men, nothing to God.

A mother is a child's first looking glass into the world.

I hang around kids so people will assume when I act like one it's because I'm babysitting.

Someday my children will look fondly on the annoying things I did and see them clearly as evidence of love.

Effective parenting requires being the grown up version of what you want your children to be. Why? Because example is the most compelling superpower.

I may deserve your disappointment as well as a lecture and strict discipline, but what I need is your understanding, your guidance, and your unconditional love.

Children harbor a great many doubts and sorrows that could be eased by a loving hug from a parent.

Mind what you say, but mind more closely what you do. For though children close their ears to you, their eyes remain wide open.

Validate my existence with your words and I will speak to you all the day long.

Children rarely follow parental advice unless it is acted out repeatedly. It__ called being an example.

I am but the reflection in your eyes, the effect of your expressions, and the sum of your praise and criticism.

Without you there would be no me. I am everything reflected in your eyes. I am everything approved by your smile. I am everything born of your guidance. I am me only because of you.

Our greatest duty to our children is to love them first. _Secondly, it is to teach them. _Not to frighten, force, or intimidate our children into submission, but to effectively teach them so that they have the knowledge and tools to govern themselves.

A moment of torture feels like an eternity, while an eternity of joy passes in a moment. Perhaps time is naught but an illusion.

We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service. It is sad we forget a truth so elementary.

There are still blue skies and rainbows and days bathed in sunlight. There are colorful shade trees filled with sweet bird songs. And there are wishing stars in the heavens as well as angels in God's service. So lift up your eyes. Refuse to be unhappy.

The road to happiness starts with a deep breath and an awareness of the many blessings tied to that single breath.

Giddy is a grin and giggles and that glint of goofiness in your gaze.