When I started writing this book, I decided to title it "Stories." After all, that is what this book is about. I tend to be black and white, straight to the point; that's how I roll. God always brings someone into my life possessing the ability to help me see my need to fill in the blanks with some color. This time, that person happens to be Alexys Wolf, my friend and ministry partner.These stories are true accounts of my life and, more precisely, my faith-journey. However, just the title "Stories" can sound a bit generic and not very descriptive. Alexys suggested a subtitle with a bit of an explanation. I agreed, thus A Woman's Journey to Becoming Imperfectly Perfect" became the subtitle. How did I come to use this subtitle? Well, that is a bit of a story in itself. I prayed about the subtitle and just couldn't come up with anything. Seriously, nothing came to mind. When that happens, I have learned that God probably has a plan and I just need to trust and wait for it. That moment came quite unexpectedly while getting my hair cut in Missouri.I have some good friends in Missouri and I had flown there to do a memorial service for my friend's mother. Every time I'm there, I take advantage of my friend's son's talented scissors. Joshua was cutting my hair and talking, and, suddenly, he said, "Sandy, you are a woman becoming imperfectly perfect." Bingo! I knew that was my subtitle. That describes my life. I am imperfect within myself, no doubt about it. But, because Christ, who is perfect, lives in me, I am becoming more like Him. 2 Corinthians states, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."I have been told, many times, that I seem to have more stories than anyone. I find that amusing. It's not like I've lived an exotic life. I don't consider myself different than most people I have met in my lifetime. You know-kind of ordinary. I grew up with five siblings ranging in ages like doorsteps. I was sort of in the middle, which is really like no place at all. I was not the oldest, nor the youngest, certainly not the smartest or the prettiest. I think I developed a sense of humor by necessity. When life gets uncomfortable, I tend to crack jokes. Hey, don't laugh-it got me through some tough spots! Something quite extraordinary did happen to me, though, when I was in my early twenties. It happens to a lot of people, but still. I met a man named Jesus! He is extraordinary, so doing life with Him can never be mundane. Even in my difficult childhood, my stories have a link to my relationship with the Lord. However, I would not come to understand that for many years. I grew up in an alcoholic home. Both my parents drank heavily, but not all the time, but it was often enough that it overshadowed any good memories, which were few. For many, as an adult, it was difficult for me to recall any memories. God really has a sense of humor: He used a forgotten memory to bring me to Himself, and I will share that story later.