The poem was given to me one night after a Gaither Concert here in Seattle. My heart was so full I picked up a pen to write in my diary...but what came out of that pen was the poem, And God Said No. I knew it was from Him. I knew it was significant - what I didn't know how far it would go -- around the world and back -- and around and around again.

It was first published in Oblates, a Catholic missionary magazine. Years later, it was published in The Christian Family Today. I submitted it to both publications. A portion of it turned up in Dr. Charles Swindol's study guide for his radio program. That was my first hint that the poem could, and would be, changed, and in some cases, mutilated.

One day, a few years ago, someone sent the poem to Ann Landers, and she printed it in her column, without the verse about Jesus. Now I have no idea if she, like Dr. Swindol, printed only what was sent to her, or if she deleted the verse on purpose.

Some have changed the verse to "I asked God to take away my habit." Others have added or deleted what they wanted to, such as "I asked God for all things so I could enjoy life, and He gave me life so I could enjoy all things." Nice words...but not mine. My poem is on hundreds of websites, some claiming authorship. It is often set to music. I read in one website that it was written by a prison inmate.