I have lived a life strapped in the armor of hope and breastplate of faith. As I have stated in earlier writings, “there is little of my life I expected it to be”. Yet, I would not reposition one grain of sand, one raindrop, or hide from one gust of wind. For with that deflecting, I would not be who I am. Good or bad, I do not know. I do know that I am me, and the road before me is engineered for my steps and none other.

Simply Being in Love

Many years ago, while discussing the subject of love, hopes, dreams, and aspirations, a friend said to me that I wasn’t really interested in finding love as much as I was enamored with the idea of merely being "in love". I was not sure how to receive those words, then or now. It has been more than two decades since the words were first spoken to me. Since that day, not one syllable has left my heart or mind. I am in hope that the meaning will be revealed to me as time goes by.

I know that, strange as it may seem, there is an element of truth within the statement, which I cannot deny, nor can I clearly define. I have always found love to be a fascinating emotion. It is my unmatched hope to be not only the daily recipient of unconditional love, but to be the dispenser of love, renewed each day in breathtaking and astounding ways.

There is absolutely nothing better than being “in love”, and yes, I love that about life. But it is not merely an idea, hope, dream, or aspiration. It is a singular emotion not meant to be shared with just anyone. It requires a pouring out of hope on that unique someone about whom you care most.

I once read in a book by Dan Brown, “Love is from another realm, we cannot manufacture it on demand, nor can we naively subdue it when it appears.” Unlike lust, which requires nothing more than the scraping of the bowels of our minds, love is not our choice to make, but it is our choice to embrace. After traveling deep within my peaceful soul, I wish to share with you 50 quotes and thoughts inspired by love...