Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a treat. I’ve been toiling over this book while I’m on forced sabbatical (COVID-19 shutdown). Some days are great. I feel the urge to write and pour my heart out. Other days, I stare at this computer and watch time pass on. Day transitions to night, and I haven’t written anything that feels like it’s worth something. In my toiling, I’ve decided to share the original introduction to the book. As the book has progressed this introduction just doesn’t fit anymore. But this is my public diary. So, I’m going to share it with you. You’ll know how I felt at the beginning of…

Remember being a kid and playing outside?  I feel bad for many kids today, because in some ways, they’ve been robbed of the opportunity to be creative.  Technology creates fancy worlds for them.  They don’t have to really stretch their minds and use their imaginations.  They let people that create code define their fantasies. Of course, it would be wrong for me to paint an entire generation with the same brush.  I despise it when people lump me into a category, so I won’t do that to them.  Many kids today love outside play and use their imaginations to the fullest.  Technology is not an enemy. It has helped advance…

I’m a firm believer in making a statement.  You can see that when you walk into my home.  My décor is simple, but I have chandeliers EVERYWHERE!  They’re all small, but they bling and provide just the special touch that I want.  You can see it when I use my liquid eyeliner.  Cat eyes anyone?  But my love for making a statement was most recently reflected in the circle of people that surround me.  I’m talking about my community. People say that birds of a feather flock together.  I have found that to be true quite often, but it’s not always the case.  When I think of how kind my…

I spent many of my summers in St. Louis with my grandma.  I got quality time with grandma, and let’s be real, she was free childcare for my parents.  Although we traveled to St. Louis every summer until my grandmother moved back to Arkansas, that was not the extent of our summer expeditions. My grandma would take us on grand adventures while we were in St. Louis.  Bible Study Brother and I enjoyed going to the store, Ventures.  The outside of the building had large black and white stripes.  I would be thrilled to see those stripes.  I loved any shopping expedition and Bible Study Brother was determined to procure…

Spring has sprung which means my favorite household chore is rearing it’s ugly head.  Mowing the yard.  You can probably tell from my tone that it’s not really my favorite chore.  But it’s necessary for the upkeep of my home. When I first moved into my house, I had big plans.  I had no need to purchase a lawn mower.  I would just find someone and pay them to do the job.  Finding my first lawn care technician was incredibly easy.  Frank, my next-door neighbor, volunteered for the job.  We settled on a price and mowing schedule.  That worked perfectly…until it didn’t. Initially, Frank was compliant.  He mowed my yard…

 It happened.  The stone has been rolled away.  The tomb is empty.  The angels asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here but is risen!”  After that quiet Saturday.  That dark Saturday when it seemed all hope was lost.  It happened!  Jesus Christ became our resurrected Savior! And I’m so thankful!  My life would useless without this wonderful gift.  I can imagine that Saturday was probably a day full of grief for those left behind. They had walked with Jesus.  Broke bread with Him.  Talked with Him.  Laughed with Him.  Ministered with Him.  They truly did life with Jesus.  So, a life without Him…