There are rare life events that are so titanic they become a defining moment where life’s history becomes understood as those events which happened prior to and those that then happen after that event. For my family, this defining event happened in the early morning hours of July 5, 1996 when we were terrifyingly awakened and cast out of our home by a devastating house fire. Our lives changed that day. The only possessions to our name were those worn on our backs as we escaped the blaze – then God took over to write a new and glorious story. A story of one of God’s plans, carried out through my family, and used by God to energize a community.

The readers of this book will discover that there is always a story within the story. This story is much more than about the things lost, but rather about wonders gained through entry into God’s little symphony composed to invigorate our communities through our tragedy. Is it possible that a tragedy can really be a blessing in disguise? This story then tackles the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

St. Peter’s first Epistle states one must always be prepared to give an explanation to anyone that asks about your reason for hope. This book then provides my explanation for my reason for hope. It also presents a challenge to become an active part of Jesus’ prayer and plan for salvation.

I bid you now to read the story about the absolutely best thing that ever happened to me that I would never wish on my worst enemy.

Why I Wrote This Book Chapter 1: The Lead In To The Fire Story Part 1 The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me That I Would Not Wish On My Worst Enemy Chapter 2: Life Prior To The Fire Chapter 3: The Fire: 7-4-96 to 7-12-96 Pictures From The House After The Fire Chapter 4: The Reality Sets In - Getting Life Restarted Again Chapter 5: The Face of Angels Part 2: Takeaways From The Fire Experience Chapter 6: Humility Hurts Chapter 7: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Chapter 8: Power of Prayer Chapter 9: God Given Gifts vs. Own Earned Wealth Chapter 10: We Take A Lot Of Things For Granted Chapter 11: The Essence Of True Peace Chapter 12: Paid Back In Full Chapter 13: Doing God's Will Breeds Disciples Chapter 14: New Appreciation Of The Beatitudes Chapter 15: Go Tell It On The Mountain! Chapter 16: God's Most Precious Gift - My Family Part 3 Closing Thoughts Chapter 17: Jesus Is Relentless. He Wants Us All With Him In Heaven. Chapter 18: Review Of Things Learned From The Fire Experience Chapter 19: Final Concluding Thoughts