You all know me - I like surprises, especially ones that I have forgotten about. One of many best parts about being a pastor's wife is the trinkets and goodies that I get handed to me. Last Sunday, a precious little one who has taken to me as much as I like her, told me that she likes collecting sticks. I asked her if she would do me a favor and bring me a stick, a wonderful, beautiful stick. Yesterday, I hear footsteps running in church. "Ms. Simone! Ms. Simone! I got your stick!" This little princess, all of 5 years old, remembered her promise to bring me a stick. The smile on her face was priceless. She made my day but I think I made hers more! She danced from foot to foot. As I prepared for church to start, all I could think about was that little one's precious treasure for me. If only I had the same giving spirit in giving things. Not only would there be a whole lot of sticks being handed to the people I meet but smiles and maybe a dance from foot to foot to...

When I think the many, incredible, amazing, unusual, horrifying, exciting, loss for words moments in my life the last few years, I'm speechless. Those of you that know me know that that isn't very often that I'm speechless. I can't wrap my mind around loss. I lost my mom, then my dad. I lost my godmother, a second mom to me, an aunt who also help raise me and my sisters. Then came the loss of a deep friendship. But even though there has been loss, there have been so many blessings to rejoice over. Pastor J pastors a church where we truly love the church family. We have the joy of ministry together. We have a wonderful neighborhood in the small community we live. And get this, four children's chapter books getting published next year. I have joy in the simple things. Watching my peonies bloom, hearing the wind blowing through the trees, working a puzzle, creating artistic masterpieces, cheering my love on and snuggling up with our 75 pound labradoodle and pint siz...