INTRODUCTION

      Along about March of 1997, I had almost finished writing my memoirs, a long and painful story.  One morning during my quiet time, the Lord said, "I want you to start Book II."  "But, Lord," I complained, "Book I is not finished. It needs a lot more editing before it's done. Besides, I don't know what you want me to write about for Book II."  "I will be with you and help you day by day.  Just write from your heart."

      Even though I did not have a clue what I was supposed to write, I decided I would have to trust God to show me.  So I said,  "I'm counting on You, Lord, to guide me daily as I write this book.  I expect an inspiration for the day's theme to greet me with the dawn.  I give You thanks."

      The next morning, I awoke with the title for the book in my mind.  I said, "Well, Lord, is the title for this book Learning to Soar based on Isaiah 40:31?  I like it and I think it will encourage people."  I heard no response from God, so I decided to go with that title until I heard otherwise.  "They shall mount up with wings as eagles" should inspire people, I thought.

      Next, I inquired, "Now Lord, Is this book about Your intervention in my life?  Is it a log of the many lessons You have taught me since I decided to follow Jesus?"  "That is the plan, My daughter.  Try to work on the book a little each day.  I have called you to be an encourager."

      So I began assembling stories I had already written about some of the lessons I have struggled to learn.  I found out how ignorant I was to the ways of God, and how hard-headed I was at times.  How thankful I am that God Never gives up on us.  

      I've recounted my journey to God starting with my encounter with Jesus soon after the death of my seventeen-year-old daughter in October, 1980.  

      In writing this book I discovered just how undisciplined I've always been.  God was faithful to help me.  Most days I would wake up with a theme for the story fresh in my mind.  I couldn't wait to get a rough draft on my word processor.  Other times I complained to God, "Why do I have to tell that story about myself?" " People will think I am terrible."  After some stalling, reluctantly I'd write the story, wondering how it could possibly help anyone.
 
      Deep in my heart, I knew the importance of obeying the Lord.  Often, when the Lord said to write a particular story.  I didn't have a clue where to begin.  I would sit down, turn on the word processor and ask the Holy Spirit to please tell me what to say.  Without fail, He would fill my mind with just the right words.  The Bible says the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.  I believe it wholeheartedly.

      As I reflect on the time spent writing this book, I can see a purpose in all this.  The Lord had me start writing it a few months after R.J.,  my husband, went Home to be with the Lord.  During the long lonely days this project has kept my mind busy as I looked to God for help daily.  

      If the lessons I've learned and the adventures I've experienced bring hope and encouragement to others, then I will rejoice.  I give God the glory!

      The realization that I would not die of grief over the death of my daughter left me in terrible void. I sat on the sofa day after day, crying and staring out the window, unable to function. I left the house only when absolutely necessary, moving like a robot without feeling.  I cried out to God for help, but since I had been mad at him all my life I didn't expect an answer.

      I was aware that my friends thought I was a 'basket case' and tried different ways of pulling me out of my melancholy.  My dear friend Adabelle called one day, saying "Lenore, you need to get out of the house. Let's go out to lunch... I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes."  We talked about what I should do to start living again. Then Adabelle said, "Would you consider going to a Good News Prayer Meeting with me? Maybe R.J. will go too."  I said, "Well, I guess it would be good for us to get out of the house--a prayer meeting, you say?"  Yes, it's at a church in Corona...you'll be blessed. If you want to go, We'll pick you up at six-thirty."

      This turned out to be the turning point in life. I had an encounter with Jesus Christ, the living God!  In the ensuing years I found that God was not cold and uncaring and has gone to great lengths to prove his faithfulness to me. Though sometimes He chastens me, testing weather I will obey him, I am learning to trust God with my life.