Introduction

At one of our Bible studies recently, we were asked what we would say if we were given 10 minutes to describe ourselves. My mind went blank. What in the world would I say?!? Normally, I have high self esteem; I don’t really care what others think of me (as long as it’s all good thoughts!), but I don’t like to brag on myself. I will give my opinion when asked (and sometimes even when not asked!) and inform you of my likes and dislikes, but to describe myself? Now that’s a tough one! And yet, that’s what I’m going to attempt to do. 

As many of you know, I’m from Canada, and, basically, that’s all you know. Let me fill you in on the rest of the nitty gritty details... Canada is basically the same as the States; country is country and people are people. It is a lot colder up there, but that’s about it. I was born on the east coast and moved out west to Calgary, Alberta when I was 3. I got the Holy Ghost at age 5 and  attended Bro. Johnny King’s church until I was 18 when my dad took our family on the road evangelizing. (More on that later.)

My dad did construction work. My mom taught at the Christian church school I graduated from at the age of 18. My sister was just my sister- in other words, we didn’t get along. She is 6 years younger than I... That explain anything? 

I enjoyed school; that is, I enjoyed lunch and breaks and anytime I could get away with talking to my friends or fooling around. I did well, even not paying attention. Of course, I didn’t do nearly as well as I could have had I applied myself, but I think that’s something we have to learn the hard way. 

I had friends growing up, but no real best friend. I found the girls were too petty, but, I wasn’t a guy, so it was a challenge. Much to my dismay, my house was not Grand Central Station. My poor parents are not really “people persons”, so I was stuck with getting hang out time whenever I could at school. It didn’t bother me too much; that’s just the way it was. Besides, I always had my sister to pick a fight with if my book wasn’t good enough...

I was- and still am when I have the time- a bookworm. My favorite place was the library. All those books became my friends. I have so many special memories of things that happened at the library and many books that have a place in my heart. 

One month after I graduated, my dad packed our family into a 21 ft travel trailer and we went on the road. Sounds glamorous, but, believe me, the sparkle quickly fades. It was not easy as an 18 year old girl with no personal space. I couldn’t turn around without bumping into someone. Then, we added 2 cats to the mix. God blessed us with a longer trailer- 36 ft, and we thought we’d made it to heaven. It even had a bedroom!!

Many of my favorite memories of being on the road center around the many conferences we were able to attend and the preachers and their families we were able to meet. I had many happy times sitting around a dinner table listening as the goodness of God was talked about. 

I made many friends on the road, some of which still remain close today. One of these friends became my husband and best friend. We just celebrated our 10th anniversary, and they have been the best 10 years of my life.... Interesting, crazy years I wouldn’t trade for the world.

After marrying the man of my dreams- yes, he’s definitely worth the wait!!- I attend Pastor Todd Nance’s church here in Kansas City. We have served as the youth leaders in our church but resigned that a year or so ago in order to serve the youth of the whole state as best we can. I play the piano in our church, and wish that God would somehow fix the short in the wiring that is somewhere between my brain and my hands so I could actually play what’s in my head. (Maybe it’s a good thing He hasn’t!!)

Other than serving as the district youth president’s wife and pastoral assistant’s wife, I am the mother of 5 amazing children. We fostered Hailey and Janessa for 2 years before signing the adoption papers. Then, we had our “selfish” baby, Kyzer. We wanted to see what the whole pregnancy, birth, first 8 month deal was all about. And, in one of his many insane moments, my husband said he’d like a large family. The good Lord heard this and remembered it. He has blessed us with twins- a boy, Zander, and a girl, Londyn,- that were born February 18. 

And my hobbies? Well, I do have one, believe it or not. I still love to read, but I also really enjoy working with my hands, and so I quill. Quilling or paper filigree is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. (Got that as a direct quote off the internet.) I don’t get to spend the time on it I wish I could, but maybe someday. 

God has recently blessed us with the opportunity to start a work in Mission, KS called Pure Life. We meet at Panera Bread on Thursday evenings and have a very modern Bible study- use your laptop, eat a pasty and drink coffee!! Services are being held at the community center in Mission on Sunday afternoons. God has met us there every time, and has given us favor in the eyes of the people. 

I have a burden for the young people of this state and will do my best to let God use me to put His fingerprints on each of you. I pray that as you read this (and I promise to write often) that something I write inspires and encourages you.

Now you know my story. I’m sure I took longer than my 10 minutes, but at least you know my background and a few of my likes and dislikes. I know this is extremely condensed, but I will do my best to post when I get the chance. So, you will be hearing more from me, and maybe you’ll learn just what kind of person I am by reading my ramblings.

Salut!