First dates can be so stressful, so if I were to date someone I'd want it to be as relaxed as possible. Maybe a picnic in a park, a walk through autumn leaves or through untracked snow, a day at a museum, or dinner in a nice restaurant with candle light and soft music - something where we can talk and get to know each other. The possibilities are endless.

People aren't always who they present themselves to be, so I've had to learn to be cautious and not take things at face value, but look below the surface and take time to get to know someone. If two people are open and honest in their communication with one another, respect each other, and have Christ at the center of their relationship, it will be a beautiful thing. If not, they are headed for disaster.

Just as God rested on the seventh-day of creation because it was complete, I can rest in the salvation given to me as a free gift from Christ, because it is complete. "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law; Christ died for nothing." Galatians 2:21

Wow, that's a tough one. I learned over the past couple of years that nothing is sure, so I try not to anticipate. I will continue to seek His will. I have learned that He never leads us down a path that won't bring Him glory.

"Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7. Even though the difficult things in my life, I know I can rely on God completely, and have peace in my heart because He has everything under control.

My heavenly Father is the most important relationship in my life. I want to know Him better every day of my life. Learning to trust Him for everything has been a lifelong journey, and He's still working on me.

I'm a very eclectic person. I like sports. . . baseball, football, (I'm a huge Ohio State fan) and college basketball (preferring live games to TV, except for March Madness) I love the outdoors and like to camp and hike, but you can forget the fishing on the choice in the above selection, since I've never caught anything in my life. I love being out on the water, so you can fish, I'll take a book and read and keep you company. Mountains give me peace and serenity, and I've fallen in love with the wide, open spaces here in Northeastern Colorado where I moved a few years ago.

I love many kinds of music, and I have been singing since I could talk. Music is an important part of my life. I'm an avid reader, and l like to go to movies once in a while, but rarely watch a movie if it's based on a book I've read and loved.

I like classic cars and riding on a motorcycle behind my guy, with the wind in my hair. There are times I enjoy going out and doing something active, and other times I would like to be curled up on the couch watching a movie and eating popcorn, reading a good book, or studying scripture.

I love being with family and friends, but also like my time alone. I am not afraid to laugh at myself and people like to be around me. I love to travel and visit new places. I would love to travel around the country, writing about the things I see and experience. I love photography, and would also like to take pictures of the places I visit to go along with the things I write. I love to take nature pictures, and I also love to take pictures of unique architecture.

Writing is as necessary to me as breathing. Teaching English is my passion, and I get goosebumps when one of my students writes something beautiful, or discovers something about himself/herself through their writing. One of the greatest thrills of my life was having a short essay published and getting paid for it. Makes me want to do more.

I've never been bored a minute in my life, because there is always something to do or see or learn. There is so much more to know about me, but if you want to find out, you'll just have to get in touch.