We just did a few takes of a song and just picked the best one. It was real organic and genuine.

I'm fascinated by the whole concept of snake handling. When you read about the Pentecostal snake handlers, what strikes you the most is their commitment.

I'm just like everyone. I like to feel togetherness with someone.

So few people are truly themselves when they're in the spotlight.

I'm not just a doormat. I'm not just being stepped on all over the place. If you look at the bulk of my material, it's about trying to find some strength through that.

People let their own hang-ups become the obstacles between them and personal happiness.

As it turns out, now is the moment you've been waiting for

I guess you could write a good song if your heart hadn't been broken, but I don't know of anyone whose heart hasn't been broken.

The perfect man? A poet on a motorcycle.

First thing, I throw on some jeans, a T-shirt and my Keds sneakers and make coffee. That is actually my favorite time of day. That is when I do my songwriting, when I am in writing mode.

Have compassion for everyone you meet, even if they don’t want it.

I have been my own disciple and my own master. And I have been a good disciple but a bad master.

Proof that they do not understand the republic is that in their fine promises for universal suffrage, they forgot women.

I'm opening the doors, I'm buying dinner. Yeah, I'm romantic.

On this important anniversary, we must remember that while we have come a long way in eliminating barriers, critical work remains to ensure all Americans can live up to their full potential.

If it's painful, you become willing not just to endure it but also to let it awaken your heart and soften you. You learn to embrace it.

... the core problem with Christians communicating faith: we do not always do so in love. That is an indispensable point to presenting faith in a grace-full way.

Figure-flingers and star-gazers pretend to foretell the fortunes of kingdoms, and have no foresight in what concerns themselves.

Should you trust a stockbroker who's married to a travel agent?

I have a great relationship with animals, and with children. I get to their level. I try to see the way a child looks at the world, it's hugely different.

I'll treat myself every now and then. Like if I get $100,000, I'll spend $20,000 and put the rest away.