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In this touching memoir, author Lund recalls her childhood in the farming regions of Iowa and Indiana and the powerful influence she felt from family, religion, and the natural world. Queen Anne's lace plants graced the roadsides, the weather was pleasant, and she acquired many skills as a child: crocheting, sewing, gardening, and caring for pets. Her mother was a teacher who vividly conveyed Bible stories to children. Lund played trumpet, was active in school basketball, and held a variety of jobs. Her bipolar condition, not well understood at the time, sometimes made her "a problem" to those around her. As an adult, with her mental condition under control with medication, she maintains a very strong Christian faith. She wishes to help others grasp the biblical truths through stories that she conveys from scripture and her life experiences, generously shared here.
Lund uses her enjoyment of writing to spread spiritual realities, advising readers that, "You can be a missionary in your town." She has worked with the Salvation Army and other outreach organizations, assisting people who, like her, have mental issues of stress, trauma, or developmental disabilities. Inspiring stories from friends and family are blended with her own memories, ranging from the loss of her mother in an auto accident, to the experience of rape, to the happiness of her marriage to a man who has overcome physical pain and disability just as she has overcome her emotional problems. Such biblical accounts as Noah's building of the ark told in her own words reveal her understanding of religious material and her ability to convey it to others in a lively fashion. Lund's recollections are clearly intended as a beacon of hope to any who face similar trials, serving as an encouragement to help oneself through helping others.