I recognize God as the source of all things. I can do all things through Christ, and I can do nothing without Him. Above all, I'm undeserving of His great mercy and favor.
In 1986, as an exhausted new mother getting a mere three hours of sleep at night, I had a crazy idea: I would be a writer. Not just a writer, mind you, but one who got paid to write. I know. Silly me. With nothing more than a notion and a cranky typewriter, I entered a little contest and nearly passed out when I won first place, and received a modest check for my efforts.
What started with a bang, however, soon fizzled. I quickly learned that the road to publication is lined with a zillion rejection letters, and just as many reasons to give up. But I hung in there, and God blessed my efforts.
I studied Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing at Rice University, and with God's help, I have authored three books and contributed to 22 other works, including A Family Christmas, by Dr. James Dobson, multiple Chicken Soup titles and other anthologies. I've published more than 200 articles and essays in dozens of publications, including The Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Beaumont Enterprise, Southern Families, Houston Woman, Guideposts, King Features Syndicate, Focus on the Family, Appeal-Democrat, Moody Magazine, Mature Years, Living With Teenagers, HomeLife, Christianity Today, Christian Educator, Upper Room, The Lookout, Signs of the Times, Vital Christianity, Virtue, Catholic Digest, Standard, Power for Living, Christian Home and School, and Today’s Christian Woman.
And online at www.dallasnews.com/, www.o8sis.com/, www.wvec.com/, www.jewishworldreview.com/, www.homebodies.org/, www.newsandopinion.com/, www.safamily.org.za/, www.menslife.org/, www.adopt.org/, www.mare.org/, www.witandwisdom.org/, www.adoptionjewels.org/, www.pe.com/, www.uttyler.edu/, www.christianitytoday.com/, www.appeal-democrat.com/, and www.drlaura.com/.
I was deeply honored and humbled to receive an Amy Writing Award in 2012 for my work in the Beaumont Enterprise, and in 2001 for my work in The Dallas Morning News. In 2009, I received an "Honorable Mention" award in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition in the Magazine Feature Article category.
I'm pleased to have served as part of the adjunct faculty of Lone Star College (North Harris County) in Houston, Texas, teaching creative writing, and what a privilege to be a charter member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
When people ask why I write, I always think of the words of Isaac Asimov when he said, "I write for the same reason I breathe--because if I didn't, I would die." There's that, but there's also another reason. You see, I believe we are all alike, for we all have fears and dreams, joys and heartaches. And we all need books and articles and blogs that offer hope, encouragement, and solutions. That is why I write. To encourage, to inspire, to change, to motivate, to reach across the miles and take a reader’s hand and say, You’re not alone, and I’d be most honored if you walked alongside of me on this journey.
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On a personal note, I was raised in a Pentecostal minister's home, by godly parents who have always loved me unconditionally. They were, and are, a true example of Christ's love for us. It was this kind of love that steered me in the paths of righteousness, and at the age of 13, I was born again and received the most wonderful gift ever given--the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, as written about in the Book of Acts. It was a life-changing experience, and it is why, no matter what dark and heavy trial I may be going through, there is a deep and unspeakable joy at my very core. It is the one thing I possess that nobody can take from me.
On a lighter note, fall is my favorite season. I love the ocean, a rainy night, and all things in the sky. I can't imagine a world without music. I love listening to it, or playing and singing. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, needlework, and capturing life through the lens of a camera.
On a lighter note, fall is my favorite season. I love the ocean, a rainy night, and all things in the sky. I can't imagine a world without music. I love listening to it, or playing and singing. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, needlework, and capturing life through the lens of a camera.
I've been married since 1980 to the same incredible man. We have one amazing daughter (married), whom we adore, and an awesome extended family.
In 2008, my husband (aka The Man; sometimes referred to as The Captain) retired as a captain from the Houston Fire Department, after a 34-year career.
In 2008, my husband (aka The Man; sometimes referred to as The Captain) retired as a captain from the Houston Fire Department, after a 34-year career.
One of The Man's dreams, post-retirement, was to visit all of the Major League Baseball parks (baseball player/fan that he was/is) that were yet not visited. We are well on our way to completing this dream, and what a joy it has been to do it together. We thank God for His favor and never take it for granted.
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