"Out of the Ashes" is the true story of the life of Kathleen Butts Snyder, from her physically and mentally abusive childhood, through the years as an adult when fiery trials heaped upon her like coals upon fire. Follow her journey as she questions God the eternal question "why?," on to considering whether or not He even existed to allow so much heartache and trials in her troubled and tormented life. Find yourself in these pages, when you have asked the same questions, gone through the same experiences, perhaps never found your own answers. Kathleen's journey finally found answers, though not necessarily what she expected, but certainly what God had purposed, which finally gave her peace. Travel the journey with her, as God brought forth His purpose in His daughter from "Out of the Ashes" of the destruction of what had been her life. Kathleen Butts Snyder was raised in the southern Oregon countryside. Her parents raised dogs and had boarding kennels. The few dog shows she attended with her parents, Kathleen won trophies in both obedience and breed, showing that she already had a gift and a love for dogs. After a childhood marked with abuse and cruelty, Kathleen attended Northwest Christian College where she met Ed Snyder, studying for the ministry. The two were married in 1972 and welcomed a daughter, Rebecca Suzanne, in 1975. The family moved to southern California in 1976 so Ed could obtain his Master's Degree and served various churches in the Los Angeles area. Kathleen is an excellent seamstress; she has raised and shown English Springer Spaniels for 33 years; and has also recently started a line of Christian jewelry called Shepherd's Heart Creations. The Snyder's are very proudgrandparents of two young grandsons.