I’m not all metal. I’m not all hippie.

I am in this world but not of thisworld and that’s why they call me gypsy: a “Jesus Gypsy” at that. I wasgiven that title by a wonderful woman of God named Tan.

My life has been a wild journey. I have an acquired taste for zestfulliving.

I have become delightfully hostile, genuinely free, and more aliveduring my walk with Jesus than I ever imagined possible. I petition my Maker through song.

Be it joy, pain, sorrow, or bliss, Ichoose to sing. I have suffered in ways many would not be able toendure.

My answer to all problems is love. It is always enough.

I was raised by a sweet momma. She is a strong southern woman.

Likeme, she was raised by strong southern women. Matter of fact, one of mygreat aunts was one of the first female marines in the military.

I look toall these women for encouragement. My mother told me that mygrandmother had to learn diplomacy.

My mother’s lesson was discretion. My lesson is choosing peace.

Jesus is the first choice of peace I have ever made. He knew why suchwars waged inside of me.

My second choice of peace was my followingHis way instead of taking the enemy’s bait. My granddaddy told me “Ifyou don’t have a temper, you’re not worth your salt.

But if you don’tlearn to control it, it will get you in trouble. ” Those words flash in mymind every time I start to react via my emotions instead of respondingwith grace.

I hope my Pops in Heaven knows I am still working on that. Enoughabout me, I hope you genuinely enjoy this book that is filled with love,revelation, humor, truth, and mischief that teaches valuable life lessons.

Emily a. k.

a. Peaceful Waters.