Our little town, nestled in the valley, was a charming, secure place for us kids during our growing-up years. Our family probably wasn't perfect, but we had a lot of fun, and we were sure of our parents' love for each other and for the four of us. Best of all, my sister -- just a year older than me -- was also my best friend. Looking back on those years, I realized now carefully and intricately the circumstances and events of childhood weave together to form the person we become. Our attitudes about life, our values and, most of all, our understanding of God, all are profoundly affected and formed through what we see modeled in our homes. When someone's mental images and memories are not positive. I'm sure God's abundant grace is available in extra measure for that person. For me, I know the things our family faced together -- the joys and triumphs, the difficulties and sorrows -- have provided a firm foundation for my own spiritual journey.