My year included some non-negotiables. I try to be careful about have to’s, because I’m a recovering Type A perfectionist—who will be in recovery the rest of my life! For me, a have-to can quickly become “I don’t want to” and “I can’t,” and then I’m planning the pity party, addressing invitations, ordering a cake. Still—my year has included with three non-negotiables.

#1 Every day I take a walk or ride my bike. Every day.

For 247 days straight now, I have been outside in the fresh air. Some days were hot and I actually sweated, not something I enjoy doing—ever! Some days were brutally cold and my little hand warmers merely reminded me how warm one part of my body could be while the rest of me froze! Some days were so windy I had to use my umbrella as a wind shield. Some days I got so wet that my coat went to the dryer, not the closet, when I got home. But every day I strapped on my helmet, tied the laces of my tennis shoes, and headed out. And every day I’m closer to God because of it. More about that to come…

#2 Every day I have Bible study. Every day.

I’m embarrassed to say that my non-negotiable walks came before my non-negotiable study time, but I think my biking streak, my walking streak helped me get past my old “resolves” to study, which never lasted. Instead of resolving to do it, I just do it. And every day I’m closer to God because of it. Because here’s what’s happening.

Every week I’ve got to have something to say here during our “Morning WOLK with God.” Frankly, it’s also a non-negotiable that I find a little frightening. During my time outside, during my walk, during my bike ride, I think. I plan. I walk and talk with God—sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly. And away from my computer and my phone, I’m able to connect and reconnect with God’s wisdom and encouragement. And every day I’m closer to God because of it.

And on a personal note, I have learned that while walking and talking with God—every single day—I’m not whining and complaining about the trivial and the trite in my day. I’m not addressing invitations to that pity party. Changes my whole outlook. I know!

And about Bible study, if I’m going to be honest, I can honestly say I’m not sure I’ve ever finished a Bible study. I’ve been part of church studies, small group studies. I’ve spoken at studies. But I can think of no study I’ve ever finished. I’ve always started with the best of intentions, the best resolves, but would soon find myself getting behind, and then getting further behind, and then getting so far behind, I wasn’t sure I should go to the next get-together.

In the past many weeks, I’ve been working through a Beth Moore study all by myself in the quiet of the morning. I get as far as I get. Some days I finish a whole chapter. Some days I get half-way through the video lesson. To make it work, I’ve actually set my alarm to get up 45 minutes earlier. I know! And the study God put in front of me? The study that was actually unopened on my shelf for 10 years (!), that was actually on my 2020 vision board—“Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit” by Beth Moore. Yes, living beyond yourself. During a time when I’ve been a little inwardly focused, God suggests “living beyond yourself.”

I love God! I love God!

#3 There’s a third non-negotiable that become more and more important to me: gratitude.

I don’t think of myself as an ungrateful person, but challenges and disappointments can leave me way too inwardly focused and less than appreciative, and in a year of challenges, I have needed to make gratitude a very real—very out-loud—moment of my day. And every day I’m closer to God because of it.

Beside me at my desk is that 2020 vision board that I created last January—long before COVID became a defining moment in our lives. I titled the board, “Walk the WOLK” which stands for “walk the words of loving kindness.” Below the title is a monthly WOLK calendar with small ways in which to “walk the WOLK.” On my board are pictures: pictures of family,

pictures of trips we would be taking to New York City, Palm Springs, and Crescent Bar. Next to the picture of Beth Moore’s study is a cut-out of my Bible. There’s a picture of me at my computer writing. And tacked throughout the board are “HIS” reminders: His will, His message, His people, His way, His love, His timing, His approval, His pasture, and His grace.

If you’d asked me about the past year, like many, I’d say it was horrific. But looking back at what was most important to me as the year was starting, I’d have to say it was very blessed. Not everyone can say that and I don’t mean to discount or dismiss those challenges, the losses that many have experienced and continue to experience. I just want to make sure that I’m sharing God’s love, joy, peace, and hope in ways that support and encourage those around me, and a spirit of gratitude can help me do that.

What are the non-negotiables in your life? How does God support and encourage you in your daily walk with Him? How can you best connect with God’s wisdom? How can you get closer to God? To His will for your life? As Beth Moore reminds us, “You were called to be a mighty woman of God.”

From Paul’s New Testament letter to the Philippians

chapter 4, verses 8 and 9:

Heavenly Father,

help us focus on whatever is true,

whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

help us think about such things.

Whatever we have learned or received or heard from You,

help us put it into practice.

And may Your peace be with us. Amen.

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

You’ll often hear me talk about “walking the WOLK,” walking God’s words of loving kindness. When we walk the WOLK, we get to share God’s love, joy, peace, and hope. When we walk the WOLK, we’re part of a divine regifting strategy. Yes, divine regifting.

Throughout life I’ve been blessed with God’s love, joy, peace, and hope, and today I’m celebrating the gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope that have been regifted to me. This celebration could include name after name after name, but I’m going to name four. In the midst of unexpected challenges this past year, God has blessed me with very special relationships, some newer, some older, women who exemplify God’s loving kindness in very special ways. Let me introduce you to a friend, a colleague, a friend and colleague, and a neighbor.

I start with Kathy Collard Miller. Eighteen months ago I did an internet search for Christian writing retreats. I needed some quiet time, time for reflection, time to write. The top result was a retreat hosted by the Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry (NEWIM). I signed up, not knowing who these people were. I got on a plane, not knowing where I was going. I checked in, not knowing what to expect. But there I would find myself at a beautiful retreat center with beautiful women for a beautiful time of quiet and reflection and writing. And there I met Kathy, a co-leader for the writing portion of my getaway. Into my life, into that conference room, stepped a delightful lady.

Kathy Collard Miller is a prolific writer (over 55 books, friends!). She’s a passionate advocate for Jesus, first and foremost. She’s also a passionate advocate for storytelling.

We all have a story to tell and Kathy’s the first to encourage us to tell our story. Kathy shared the gift of hope with me. At a time in my own writing life when I wasn’t sure I was “feelin’ it,” Kathy helped me find my voice.

And then there’s our dear Karen Rae. My opportunities here at Fave Lifestyles were not expected, never imagined. Our Friday “Morning WOLKs with God” started with her question to me, “Have you thought about…?” I’ve watched this dear lady walk through difficult circumstances with grace and dignity, finding ways to stand tall, to find her voice. In turn she’s found ways to help us all stand tall, to find our own voice. I’ll be the first to admit that there hasn’t been a photo that I’ve ever posted to social media that hasn’t been cropped, the color corrected. Really?, you’re thinking. Yes, really! Karen has taken us through times of great joy and disappointment without cropping the photo. Karen inspires and motivates, encourages and empowers, sharing with me a peace that often surpasses understanding.

I’ve also had the joy of meeting Barb. I don’t know Barb’s last name. We met while I was walking back from the post office. I’ve watched Barb walk every day for months. I’ve tried to catch her attention with a wave, but she’s an older lady who’s a little stooped and careful to watch the pavement in front of her. We walked only a couple blocks together. I explained that I was the woman in the window who waved at her. “You wave at me?” I showed her the window to my office, promising to watch for her. We maybe had seven minutes together, but her smile has remained with me. The twinkle in her eye captured my heart. I waved goodbye thanking God for our moment of joy.

I end with my dear friend, Claudia, who actually gave me this WOLK necklace you see each week. Claudia is a friend from PLU who shares handcrafted gifts at our annual weekend together with college roommates. On my desk is a fused glass coaster of flowers bursting into bloom. She made it. On my counter is a ceramic box. The lid has dots of glaze. The handle is a triangle topped with a ball of clay.  She made it. The necklace she made goes perfectly with a favorite sweater. The ceramic pin goes perfectly on the lapel of a jacket. A bowl of boiled wool holds them both. All are small gifts of love that were part of small celebrations.

Yes, small moments with all four ladies. It’s easy to discount our impact on others. “Oh, it wasn’t that big of a deal…” We think we’re just doing what we do. But ladies, that’s what God needs us to: to “just do what we do.” God put us in relationship with Him and each other. We may never know the impact we have on those around us. Kathy was just sharing what she knows about writing. Karen was just asking a question. Barb was just out for a walk. Claudia was just sharing her creativity. Each woman shared love, joy, peace, and hope. It really was divine regifting at its finest!

You’re doing the same. You’re sharing love, joy, peace, and hope in the lives of those around you. Yes, you’re just doing what you do. And you’re having meaningful impact on those people and places that mean the most to all of us. What a blessing to us all!

Romans 15:13, a favorite verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen!

What does your regifting strategy look like? Oh, the possibilities! Oh, the places you’ll go!

Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.

Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

On Amazon is a book with the title, Be Bold. Be Brave. Be You. It has 100 blank pages. Yep, blank pages. The description says “Perfect for all ages—kids or adults!” As you would imagine, the point of the book is to record ways you’re bold and brave, ways in which you’re being you.

As a woman of faith, do you think about being bold and brave in being you? Do you ever use the words “bold” and “brave” to describe yourself? And as a woman of faith, I’m going to be so bold and so brave as to say the answer needs to be a resounding yes!

I’m a passionate advocate for words of loving kindness. Walk the W.O.L.K, I like to say. “Walk the words of loving kindness” in words and deeds. To encourage and hopefully empower, I post silly inspirational videos on YouTube and my web site. I post a monthly calendar of with small suggestions for “walking the WOLK.” I try to share words that motivate and inspire in my conversations, in my personal interactions throughout the day, in my time on the phone with my internet service provider when I’m desperately seeking customer service. Yikes! Perhaps that’s not the best example.

I’ve talked about my dear friend, Michol. She’s a long-time church friend who follows my author page on Facebook. She likes and comments. I like and comment in reply. One day rather than post something, Michol thought it best to talk to me personally. My heart skipped a beat. My cheeks got warm.

After seeing another comment about words of loving kindness, Michol asked, “Deanna, when are you going to say words of loving kindness about yourself? To yourself?”

Hmmmm…, I didn’t have an answer for her.

Are you able to speak kindly about yourself? Do you worry that to do so might bring out a little too much bravado and not enough humility, not enough appreciation, not enough gratitude, not enough you fill in the blank ________? Are you at a loss on where to even begin?

I’ve lost count of the number of days that have started and ended with a critical assessment at the mirror. And that’s after jumping on the scale with great hope and anticipation and then jumping off with a heavy sigh. I can’t tell you the number of times my internal dialog has been anything but loving, anything but kind. It’s certainly not bold and brave.

What do you say to yourself in the quiet moments? In the crazy ones? When life unfolds beautifully? When it doesn’t? Remembering Michol’s call, do you say words of loving kindness about yourself? To yourself? Are you too quick with the critical assessment, too slow with the personal encouragement?

Last year on Valentine’s Day, my husband, Kurt, gave me a beautiful card that read: “When I say you’re beautiful…” And there I stopped. I could not get past the word beautiful. “But I’ve got another 10 pounds to lose…” “But I’m getting grayer by the day…” “But I messed up this afternoon…” “But…” “But…” “But…” My dear, darling husband of 38 years shared a beautiful card and I got stuck on “but.”

Last week I was taking a walk when I ran into someone I hadn’t seen in perhaps twenty years. Our kids were in preschool together, played soccer together, graduated high school together. We were both bundled up and masked up. After passing each other the second time, we looked at each other and said, “Aren’t you…?” She was. I was. Neither of us could remember names, but she remembered getting my older son Kyle home from preschool.

I remembered her older daughter making my lattes. Before saying goodbye that day, Diane apologized for letting her hair go during the pandemic. Her shoulder length hair was gray with tips of color. The first time I passed her I’d been struck by her beauty, the way her hair blew gently in the wind, the peace and serenity in her eyes. When she apologized, I was taken aback.

Ladies, you are I are beautifully and wonderfully made. No one has your wisdom and experience. No one has your giggle, your laugh, your gray hair, your heart. No one has your story. No one can do what you can do. And that’s a great thing, because my children will be the first to tell you we don’t need another Deanna in this world. We need you!

But I can’t be bold and brave, if I deny how beautifully and wonderfully I’m made. You can’t be brave and bold, if you deny how beautifully and wonderfully you’re made. This week—no, today—I encourage you to step in front of the mirror and give yourself the opportunity to see the God’s awesomeness. Let God’s beautiful and wonderful creation—that is you—take your breath away! And then smile because today’s a blank page in your book.

One of our Fave experts, Kim Peterson, posted a wonderful quote on Facebook: “Today is the first blank page in your 365-page book. You have the pen. You have the power. Write a great book.” Be bold. Be brave. Be you.

I close praying the words of Psalm 139, verse 14:

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for the beautiful and wonderful way you created each one of us. Wonderful are Your works.

How well we know it. Amen.

Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.

Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

We all have days that go well; others that don’t. Some of my days have even included lost keys and pinched fingers. Fortunately, we have a God of loving kindness who is there every day, reaching in so we can reach out.

Here at Fave Lifestyles I hope to share encouragement and empowerment as we “walk the WOLK,” as we walk God’s words of loving kindness. I also want to be able to celebrate what God’s doing in, through, and around each one of us.

My husband, Kurt, “walks the WOLK” every day. He encourages me every day. I met Kurt as a ditzy 18-year old. We were a study in contrasts then; we are a study in contrasts now. He speaks when he has something to say; I never shut up. He’s calm, reasonable; I’m not. But more important than our differences is the journey we’ve been able to take together.

Kurt is a man of great faith who supports and encourages those around him, and I’m a grateful beneficiary. After my first episode of “Morning WOLK with God,” Kurt came into my office and sat down at my desk to talk. Kurt’s a former high school football coach and when he calls a timeout, I’ve got to put the ball down and hustle over to the sideline, if you know what I mean. Even if the games just starting (or a web show), if the coach needs my attention, I listen. I let him call the next play.

Kurt pointed to a rock on my desk and said, “You need to talk about your rock.” Knowing the words “Choose Joy!” were etched in my rock, he added, “Talk about joy.” Excited to think about a future episode, I thanked Kurt for his suggestions, made a couple notes, and went back to work.

Days later, stress started to overwhelm me. I had several days in a row where I was making a zillion—zillion with a z—client calls. There were also days with more than my usual share of online meetings, a wonderful way to stay connected, but difficult for someone needing to see eyes, hear words, and read body language. Day after day found me further and further behind with calls and messages. By Thursday, I was in tears when a co-worker asked for a small favor.

Knowing I was not at my finest, Kurt sent a short text. While I was out running errands, he thanked me for including him in one of my videos, a short feature in which I’d shared my own gratitude for him and his special place in my life. And in that moment, I got to find joy.

Friends, driving around that afternoon, I was planning a very large pity party, addressing invitations to every single person I’d ever known, ready to order a massive cake and lots of party favors. Gotta have party favors. And in that moment, I found joy. In that small moment for a small moment. I still had a zillion—zillion with a z—calls to return and emails to answer, but in that small moment I was able to cancel the pity party.

It wasn’t easy. Every part of me wanted to cling to my frustration, my anger, my righteous indignation. But into a small moment, God poured a few words of loving kindness, a text of gratitude.

God is always with us, so we can be there for others. But sometimes He’s there for us, so we were not there for others with our frustrations, anger, and that ol’ self-righteous indignation. Sometimes He’s there with a moment of joy in the middle of chaos and overwhelm.

In the New Testament is the book of Titus, a letter the apostle Paul wrote to a young co-worker, Titus. Writing to Titus, Paul knew that our walk as people of faith would be most compelling when we fully participate in public life (It’s what Jesus did!), when our lives look culturally similar on the surface, (Days that go well and days that don’t.), but when it’s revealed that we live by a totally different value system, knowing we have a God of loving kindness, a God who insists on being there for us in the smallest ways as well as the bigger ones.

You and I are women of faith and we are fully participating in public life, albeit pandemic-style. On the surface our lives look culturally similar. We have hard days, difficult weeks, stressful days, frustrating weeks. Too much stress, too many mis-understandings, not enough answers, no breaks. But you and I live by a totally different value system, because God steps into our frustrations, grabs hold of our anger, and stops us in our tracks of self-righteous indignation. I found joy because God found me in a small moment. God will be there for you, too, in times of frustration, anger, and—should it happen—self-righteous indignation. Watch for Him.

Two things to consider: 1) Find a rock and 2) Find joy.

First, find a rock. Go outside and find the roughest, ugliest rock. My rock is smooth, but beside it on my desk, I’ve added a second one, a rough one. I’ve also added a little gravel. Yep, gravel. Put it somewhere where you’ll see it—when times are great and also when times are rough. Then, under your rock, put a sticky note or a small piece of paper that says, “Find joy.”

Tiffany Gough (Goff), one of Fave Lifestyles contributors, shared a beautiful post encouraging us to “Find Your Joy.” Her article talks about the gift of joy and the importance of finding joy. She suggests writing down things that bring us joy and putting the list somewhere we know we’ll see it. She ends asking us to keep joy in our hearts.

This next week find a rock, find joy. As Kurt nicely reminded me at the end of our discussion, when we don’t find joy, we can find ourselves being a butt.” That’s my guy!

Today I close with a verse from the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 11, where Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

May your joy be full!

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

So often our days are defined by errands, lots if errands. Some errands are just that—a short trip to the post office, groceries, but some errands are more—for you and for those you’re with.

One of my favorite errands each week is picking up my three-year old grandson Austin from daycare. That was an earlier story about “pinched fingers.” Yikes!

Last week Austin and I were in the car together when he asked me to sing. I chuckled. I have a five-note range on a good day. On most days, less. But no one told Austin that I don’t sing. No one told him his father used to look at me in church and shake his head during the music portion of the worship service.

Ready to regale my grandson with a rousing rendition of the ABC song, I started in: A-B-C-D…

Austin interrupted, “No, Grandma, the other song…” Not sure what the other song was/is I started to make up nonsense melodies and verses.

Not impressed, Austin pointed to the car’s radio and asked that I make the music come out there. “Oh…”

I turned on rock-n-roll classics. Austin smiled. I smiled.

Never did I ever expect to be having a Led Zeppelin moment with a dear three-year old.

So often our days are filled with music—beautiful music, memorable music, silly songs and grand ones, songs on the radio, songs in church. Not only did music connect a grandmother and her grandson, but music connects all of us in special ways—individually and together.

At a time of political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days, that connection is a gift. Christmas music will always connect me to Dad. His favorite hymn was “Silent Night.” Every year, my heart dedicates all four verses to him.

Not only can music connect us to our past, but music connects us to each other. You might be singing along to Led Zeppelin in your car while I’m singing with Austin in mine. You might be singing a praise hymn in Florida or Wilbur or Whidbey Island and I might be singing in Monroe. You might be part of a special concert. I might be the row behind you. And this year, we might all be watching the same YouTube videos.

Wherever we are, music brings us together. Words and melodies span church denominations. Music crosses borders and cultures. Music also connects us to generations of God’s people—past and present. King David’s life included music, beautiful music, music that calmed, music that celebrated the moment, music that probably anticipated the coming of our Savior. I love knowing that we all might be separated by thousands of years, but we can connect in the Key of D, two sharps, no flats, four beats to a measure, lots of quarter notes.

I love lots of quarter notes. That F sharp you just heard, you just played, you just sang, David heard it, too. He played and sang it, too. Notes that touched his heart might be the same notes touching yours. Isn’t that just a beautiful connection!

Earlier I mentioned political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days. We are all part of difficult times. But when our hearts can share a moment, share a history, share hope in the future, we can experience a very special peace. You may not think of music when you think of peace. Austin and I did have the volume up for Led Zeppelin, because Led Zeppelin needs to be a little loud. But peace is not always about volume. Peace is not always about a quietness outside. God’s peace is the quiet inside, the quiet in our hearts, the quiet that came to us when God shared His loving kindness that was our saving grace.

Music can help us share a moment, share a history, share God’s hope and peace. Your favorite song?

Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.

Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.