Many years ago, as I was describing the latest saga in my bizarre life to a dear friend, she suggested I write a book about my life. Eventually, over a period of several years, I started writing down these short stories and finally put them together into a book. It was then that I realized that many of my life experiences had a profound impact on who I was and how I thought. I started out as a quiet, shy person who was unsure of herself and her abilities. Even though I had grown up a" ending church every Sunday, trying to follow the teachings of the Bible, I knew something was missing in my life. Eventually I married a United Methodist minister and we raised two children together. The challenges we faced during our years in the ministry allowed me to grow in strength and confidence. I was continually learning new life lessons as God put me in positions where I could be of help while caring for the needs and problems of others. As God led me to take on leadership roles, I found I could depend on His guidance and continual support. I was energized as He guided me to use my creative and artistic talents. Then one day the doctor told me I had a tumor and needed major surgery, all at the same time my husband was being put on trial by the church for behavior unbecoming of a minister. When you are down and out is when you find out about your faith and God's power to turn things around. Never before had I envisioned the challenges I was yet to face. I knew that God was not finished with me and that I had much more to accomplish. Praise God!