I've had my life planned out more times than I can count, and about the only things that have turned out the same are my parentage, my blue eyes, the fact that I hate to work out and that Jesus loves me.  Otherwise, life actually took a few unforeseen twists and turns, some great and others heart-shattering, but all within the loving hands of my Father who never lets go of me! 

     My family and I have experienced divorce, suicide, miscarriage, a premature baby, disabling and chronic illness, church troubles and the death of our 33-year-old son (my stepson) in 2017, followed by a couple of close calls with the younger man-child (because all that other wasn't quite enough).  Eeeeeeeek!  That all means we've lived through pain, sadness, anxiety, anger, crying jags, insomnia, low motivation and a bigtime longing for Heaven (even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!). 

     We've also experienced God-up-close-and-personal, love, joy, peace, laughter, friendship, fun, "Downton Abbey," the Eagles in concert and cheeseburger patties with extra grilled onions from Burgerland a couple times a week, thank you Jesus.  The weather report of my life remains "mostly sunny with occasional thunderstorms and rare tornadoes."  God is still good, all the time.

     My "real" job is as a Licensed Professional Counselor, where I specialize in asking "so, how do you feel about that?"  And my "side gig" is professional speaking and/or Bible teaching for church conferences and retreats, corporate events, workshops, trainings, school classes, banquets, and whatever else someone can dream up.  Since speaking in public used to give me hives, weak knees and the inability to breathe (pretty necessary for speaking), it's really unexpected that it's now my favorite thing to do as long as I can make you laugh and have a few chuckles myself......no boring speeches allowed because I. Must. Be. Entertained!!!

     If you feel like life has been derailed for you or your audience due to death, divorce, disability or other drama, there's hope for you.  Life might not get less dramatic, but if you allow the Director of the universe to take over from your amateur self, an award-winning production will result.  I'm able to try that myself on some days and it works when I do!

     I am wife to Randy who already retired once but now works harder than ever; mom to Kellen who is rocking college; stepmom to Ross who moved Home to God in May 2017; a graduate of Paris High School (Go Cats!!!) and Liberty University; a former funeral director (bet THAT got your attention); part-owner of a group private Christian counseling practice; insanely voracious reader; occasional cook (okay maybe more like rare these days); member of His Place Fellowship Church; and resident of the great State of Texas and the second-largest Paris in the world, home of Jesus in cowboy boots!

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