Acknowledgments

Three years ago I went through a time of reassessment and began to reconsider why I was writing and what I wanted to accomplish. In the process of re-examination I came to ask the question, If I could write anything right now, what would it be? This book was my answer. Writing a book is not as solitary a process as one might believe. Many more than I could list here came alongside to help in big and small ways, but I would like at least to mention a few.

   I am especially appreciative of the small crew I've come to affectionately refer to as my "staff." They tirelessly served only because of their love for me and their belief in this book. Chief among these was my mother, Linda Turner, who put helping me with this book at the top of her priority list despite other important things vying for that position. She often served as my proofreader, adviser, sounding board, babysitter and cheerleader. I am also grateful to her for passing on to me her love of the written word.

   I want to thank Carol Bradburn for helping in the writing and researching process, as well as for doing many practical things that gave me time to write — including mopping my kitchen floor.

   My husband, Erik, was a vital member of this book's staff, giving input, love, encouragement and patience, and serving as my personal computer systems engineer.

   My sister, Jeanna Hernandez, and Jennifer Hoskins, Audrey Kreutzer and Robin Swift cheerfully and lovingly provided childcare for my son during

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my writing time. I'm also grateful to Krista Stigall for her encouragement and willingness to help in whatever way necessary.

   Many thanks to the members of the Heart of America Christian Writers Network (formerly Kansas City Christian Writers Network) for their camaraderie and rich exchange of ideas.

   I'd like to acknowledge all those who have helped me in my faith journey, any of whom are authors past or present whom I have never met but to whom I will always owe a debt of gratitude. They have deepened my understanding and given me hope.

   Finally, thanks to InterVarsity Press and especially my editor, Cindy Bunch, who encouraged me to write this book when it was still just an idea entertained while daydreaming.

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