Tell us your journey of publication:
I started out writing angst-filled diary entries in the sixth grade, graduated to angst-filled poetry in the 8th grade, aspiring to AP English in high school, then majoring in English in college. I created a newsletter for moms in the early 90s. I wrote in obscurity a good ten years before I got serious about publication in 2000. Then I met my dear friend and mentor Sandra Glahn (www.aspire2.com) who helped me navigate the crazy world of publishing. In 2003, I became a newspaper columnist and wrote my first novel, which helped me find an agent. In 2004, I sold my first two manuscripts, both parenting books. It’s been a busy, thrilling, wild ride ever since. Here’s a picture of me and my friend Sandra:
When did you start speaking?
When I was a one year old, with the word “Goalie-gopter,” which of course means Helicopter. I’ve been speaking ever since.
That’s not what we meant. When did you start professionally speaking?
Ah, well. I’ve been speaking for churches and groups since 2004. I spent nearly three years in France where I had the opportunity to speak in Munich, Vienna, Florence, Monaco and Amsterdam—quite an eclectic combination. And, no, I don’t speak all those languages, though my children speak French fluently and make fun of my accent all the time.
What are your favorite books?
Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger
The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin
The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
The Calvary Road by Roy Hession
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Who are your heroes?
Beside my husband and three amazing children? Jesus, Mother Teresa, Randy Alcorn, and anyone who dares to be humble and teachable. These days, my hero is my friend Paul who lives in Ghana. He exemplifies Jesus and depends on Him in a way I long for in my own life.
What’s your favorite ice cream?
A breathtaking tie between Moose Tracks and Mint Oreo cookie. Though I must say the best ice cream in the world is gelato from little gelato stands along the Italian Riviera. Wow.
Your most embarrassing moment?
When I was in the fifth grade, I went on all the rides at the county fair with some older, cooler girls. I was too afraid to tell them I had to go to the bathroom. On the scrambler, I peed on them all.
What do you hope folks come away with after they read your book or hear you speak?
That Jesus is real and active and is available to heal, restore and renew your life today. Whether you’re a parent needing strength, an abuse victim strangled by the past, or a seeker trying to figure out life with Jesus, it’s my sincere hope you find authentic answers in the pages of my books, from the words of my mouth.
Any closing remarks?
I’m just like you. I’m terribly needy and frail. But I serve and follow a dynamic God who dares to stoop low to earth to give me strength and joy and peace. That’s my sincere prayer for you today, that you’d know His power in your weakness. And that you’d experience His whisperings every single day.
