I was adopted into this incredible home, a loving, positive environment, yet I had this yearning, this kind of darkness that was also inside me.

Children are easily influenced, and I always want to do things I can be proud to show my kids someday.

I don't know why 'happy' can't be a story.

Nashville is one of the greatest places for the best songwriters in the world. It's been fantastic to live there and to raise our family there. It's a great town.

I think beauty comes from within. If you're happy and look at life in the best way you can, even when there are problems, it can make you beautiful on the outside.

Nashville was totally different than I ever dreamed. I had only seen the music business on television and been to a couple of concerts. I had no clue.

I have this strength that comes from knowledge.

Country music is the people's music. It just speaks about real life and about truth and it tells things how they really are.

It's not complicated to embrace life. You just have to make the choice.

A little bit of stage fright, then I'm ready.

It's okay to take time for yourself. We give so much of ourselves to others and we need to be fueled both physically and mentally. If we are in balance, it helps us in all our interactions.

What you call pride, I call courage.

Is human nature to believe that other places and other times are better than the here and now.

The dream has to be translated into reality.

Actually my first eight books were historical novels, but they were never published

We have to get rid of excuses, no matter why you are the way you are, don't let it be an excuse to stay that way.

In any grass-roots campaign, building an ongoing base of support is as important as winning the ultimate goal.

My parents were married my whole life until my father passed away a few years ago.

Make me remember you like you remember me.

I have an audio stigmatism whereby I hear things wrong - I have audio illusions.