Introduction

Well, let me say, first and foremost, I'm not obnoxious, per se. I can be. But for the most part, I'm not. Loud, on the other hand, I definitely am. I'm loud when I'm happy, loud when I'm sad, (very, very) loud when I'm angry.

In my defense, I do have substantial hearing loss, meaning I can't hear myself talk, which is how most people gauge their volume. Okay. Who am I kidding? Hearing loss or not, I am LOUD!!

So who am I and why am I writing this? I'm sure you've noticed there are no fancy titles or letters, acronyms or even substantial experience behind my name. No "Stephanie, Christian Studies PhD" or "15 year Christian." Nothing like that. In fact, the only thing I am, and know I am, is a child of God. I've only been a Christian for about three years and I'm not very good at it. I couldn't quote you a scripture if I had to. I don't lead anything or disciple anyone. I curse occassionally, lose my temper a lot and sin daily. In fact, I'm asked more frequently to not say things, than to say things. I'm known as harsh and ill-tempered. So what qualifies me to write this?

Well, I'm an obnoxious woman (or something like that) and I'm on a journey to have a gentle, quiet spirit. That's pretty much all I got. I want to please God. And this is, for me, an important step in doing that. I don't want to know what other's perceive as a "gentle, quiet spirit." I want to know what God's intention of "gentle, quiet spirit" is for me.

So there I am: inexperienced, a "baby" Christian, no degrees, no pedigree or spiritual wisdom. Just a woman who loves God and wants to please Him. So let's see how this goes.