Ever since I was a youth, I've enjoyed words. I was especially drawn to wise words, making and mounting favorite quotes on my bedroom wall as handmade cardboard plaques.

I marveled at how a simple string of words could unravel for you some daunting mystery; or prompt you to burst out laughing; or resolve some conflict by being arranged into an apology.

Words to me are the beginning...of whatever you want to do. The scriptures (John 1:1) say that in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.

The word was here before we were. We, as mortals, think we control words. And we do on some level, but words control us. That's why it's important to me to write (or speak) words that build, not tear down or destroy. I want my words to encourage growth, healing, laughter. All things good.