As I begin this journal, it is difficult for me to imagine anyone actually reading these words. I guess that some day in the distant future, some great grandchild might open this page up to learn more about his or her heritage. I often wish that I could read some of the words of my forerunners.

One of the most interesting books that I have ever read was the story of John Johnson, a circuit-riding preacher, who lived around the turn of the 19th century. He lived and ministered in the very same part of the country that I live. His son wrote the story that John's wife told him. It is a book rich with antidotes and flavors of the time.

I am sure that my life is not nearly as interesting as Brother Johnson's, but we both have traveled down some of the same physical and spiritual paths and we both have been refreshed by the same streams of flowing waters.

It is my intention in the following pages, to tell of my journey down the sometimes twisted and confused paths of life. I'd like to remember some of the interesting people that I have met and perhaps tell a story or two.

The purpose is to chronicle my spiritual journey. That journey is not over yet, but my path is no longer twisted and confused. The footing is now sure, and though there are still hardships and struggles, the final destination is no longer in doubt.