Getting to Know You

So I'm reading the August issue of Whole Living and was inspired by the "interview" questions on the back page. Here are my answers.What about you?

IF I COULD SAY ONE THING TO MYSELF 20 YEARS AGO:
Bloom where you're planted.

MY FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD:
Wrapped in my hubby's arms.

BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE:
The Bible (God transformed my life on September 9, 1984.)

Gone With the Wind (I read the book 13 times in my early teens; it was an escapist novel for me when I was going through a rough time in my family.)

Roots (Inspired by the TV series, I read the novel and was fascinated with this era of American history.)

Night (Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's account of his experience at Auschwitz and Buchenwald; since then I've read everything he's ever written.)

Watership Down (I had seen the animated version on TV and was immediately touched by the story. I later read the novel and it became my absolute favorite book of all time. Author Richard Addams creates an amazing world of rabbits who seek a better life and in the process must deal with peril, tyranny, love, friendship, death, family and hope.)

Chronicles of Narnia (I've read the series about five times and read the stories to my children when they were small. I stand in awe of C.S. Lewis and his amazing ability to touch my spirit.)

NO ONE KNOWS I:
Am afraid of monsters under my bed.

I FEEL HEALTHY WHEN:
I run.

THE LESSON I KEEP LEARNING OVER AND OVER:
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Jesus in Matthew 7:1)

MY FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE DAY IS:
Early in the morning at first light. I see the dawn outside my window and contemplate the beauty of God.

I ALWAYS FEEL SANER WHEN:
I organize my calendar.

MY MOM WAS RIGHT ABOUT:
When I was afraid of speaking in front of a crowd, Mom would say, "If they kill you, they won't eat you."

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT:
Worrying about my family.

CRAZIEST ADVENTURE I'VE BEEN ON:
Outrunning a tornado that ripped through our town.

WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED:
Read what God told Joshua in the Bible (Joshua 1:9) "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

WHAT I THOUGHT I WOULD BE WHEN I GREW UP:
An artist.

MY PHILOSOPHY:
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all
(Emily Dickinson)