Hi! I am so honored you have chosen to join me on this new blogging adventure. Speaking comes more naturally to me than writing, but I pray that God will use my words to encourage and challenge you as we begin this journey together!

Before starting my monthly reflections, I wanted to introduce myself and give you a glimpse into who I am and how God has led and shaped my life to this point. My walk with God has and continues to be a journey, shaped by the Holy Spirit, decisions I’ve made, and the people He has brought into my life. I am forever grateful for His grace.

Let’s Start from the Beginning…

I was born and raised in the small town of Conneautville, Pennsylvania located in the Northwest corner of the state. As one of six kids, I grew up alongside my two older brothers, older sister, and younger brother and sister. My Dad operated a Mobile Gas Station in Conneaut Lake. My Mom worked in the office and raised us six kids. Needless to say, my Mom is awesome!

When I was in 6^th grade, a new preacher, Gerald Comp, and his family came to town to serve at Conneautville Church of Christ. Their daughter, Jackie became my best friend and invited me to go to church with her. On June 6, 1965 I walked down the aisle of the church and made the decision to walk with God. It was the best decision I have ever made because Jesus changes everything.

My Journey in Ministry…

I graduated from Conneaut Valley High School in 1970 and that fall became a student at Cincinnati Bible College or CBC (now Cincinnati Christian University). My parents drove me down to Cincinnati and before they left, my Dad gave me $5 and said, “Good Luck, kid.” That day, having nothing but those five-dollars in my pocket, I got a job at Roy Rogers Roast Beef Restaurant and worked for the kindest manager. I majored in Christian Education and learned so much from my wonderful professors and friends.

In the summer of 1972, I began my first role in ministry at the First Christian Church in Evansville, IN, working in the office and leading the youth. During that summer, I made lifelong relationships and fell in love with vocational ministry. It was there I also met Lefty and Mary Schwind, who I affectionately called Mom and Dad for over 40 years. Having no children of their own, they embraced and loved me and my family as their own. Their love and influence was and continues to be a blessing in my life, even though their home is in Heaven now.

In 1974, I graduated from CBC with no prospects of a job. I lived with Mom and Dad Schwind during that season and was blessed by their generosity, wisdom, and love. I miss them so much.

As I sought God’s wisdom, I was led to Markle Church of Christ in Markle, IN. I met with the elders of the church and was hired as their Youth Director. I was young and dumb, but was led with grace and wisdom by the church leadership and learned so much about ministry and humility. The kids were incredible. We all just loved Jesus together! My memories of Markle are wonderful and the lifelong friendships I made there are irreplaceable.

In 1978, alongside my husband, Paul, we purchased a small bookstore in Wabash, Indiana we renamed as JOY Christian Bookstore. We operated and served in that ministry for 16 years.

In 1994, I began serving at our home church, Bachelor Creek Church and had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles over the next 22 years, including being the Director of Women’s Ministry. Encouraging, empowering, and sharing wisdom with the women was such a joy and honor. For 39 years I have been a part of a Ladies Bible Study. These women have not just become friends, but family. Their wisdom and friendship is a treasure and has helped shape me into the person I am today.

After 50 years in the workforce, 25 of which were in ministry, I retired and began investing more time into speaking and writing. I have had the absolute joy and privilege of meeting and speaking to women across the country about how God changed my life and the grace, hope, and love He offers each of us. I am passionate about “Celebrating Changed Hearts” because of the power of Jesus Christ!

My life verse is Micah 6:8. In everything that I do, I aim to “be kind, be fair, and walk humbly with God.”

My Family…

My husband Paul and I have been married for 41 years and have three amazing children: Darin Lee (39), Page Marie (37), and Stephen Paul (35). I love being a Mom and had two goals in raising our kids: to love God more than anyone or anything and to be kind as they walk through life.

After praying for their future spouses for years, the children found the love of their lives and have given Paul and I eight wonderful grandchildren. I love being their Nana!

Celebrating Changed Hearts…

My prayer for this blog is that you would be encouraged, affirmed, and challenged. I pray God would meet you where you are and would use my simple words and life-experience to share truth. Finally, I pray that we would all be changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ and live lives that glorify Him.

At the end of each blog post will be an opportunity to reflect on what God has taught us and to put love in action. I invite you to join me in these monthly “challenges” and would love to hear how God moves in and through your life!

Thank you for beginning this journey with me. Together, may we celebrate changed hearts and live loved. To God be the glory, forever and ever! Amen.(Galatians 1:5)