The inspiration for this book came from four sources, my relationship with a godly mother, my more than fifty years of ministry at home and abroad, my very brief, late-in life, first-time marriage, and other, unrelated, meaningful experiences.

These experiences cover more than eighty years, from childhood to the present. They are, ultimately, God's messages to me. He used them to grow me up, to become the woman I am today. I want to share them with people everywhere. I want to share them with you. That's the reason I wrote this book.

I am praying that you will laugh and cry, be encouraged, and challenged as you experience with me these Defining Moments.