"This chapter sets the stage for the book and follows a conventional path, increasing the likelihood of reader engagement and that it will influence community practice, which quite frankly, is the bottom-line. I do not subscribe to the axiom of advancing knowledge for the sake of knowledge. I am much too practical! Some readers, however, may beg to differ. Books challenge readers to entertain new ways of thinking on a subject, supplying a rationale for the subject's importance. Books need major time, financial, and intellectual commitment to a subject, bringing heightened expectations and serving as a key motivator for action. Readers have a right to have lofty expectations from a book because of the time invested, and that must be confirmed and met by an author! It is impossible for an author to suspend their experiences and worldviews from the task of writing a 300 or so page document. The more an author uplifts their values, motivations, biases, limitations, and experiences (both good and bad), it allows readers to have a better grasp of why a topic is framed in a particular manner. This stance ascends in significance in this journey and more so when it covers religion. Readers may ask about my personal stands on religion, religious beliefs, and houses of worship. More specifically, although raised Catholic up to my late teenage years, I am a member of a Church of Christ congregation because of the values that this church embraces. This church, too, is facing its challenges with dwindling congregations and closures. Suffice it to say, I respect people's religious/spiritual beliefs that are different from mine, although I am not a "very" religious person by nature, it is fair to say"--

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

When encountering a whirlwind of emotions, it is often difficult to know just what to do. When facing difficult situations, whom do you turn to? And in times of extreme happiness, do you first thank the one who is responsible for that joy? Nancy Hurley learned at a young age that turning to God in every circumstance is the only way to make it through the tough times. When faced with the threat of a sexual predator, Nancy Hurley turned to God. When she was repeatedly put down and belittled by family members, Nancy turned to God. When she married her husband, Ron, and gave birth to her two sons, Nancy turned to God. Nancy's conversations with her Lord have been a constant in her life from the time she had to have her tonsils removed. When she was frightened, lost, sad, and overjoyed, Nancy knew the Lord would see her safely through. You will find comfort in the heartfelt prayers Nancy lifts up to God in times of need and times of joy and will be inspired by the intimate relationship Nancy shares with the one who has been her strength through thick and thin in Close Encounters with My Lord.