The book 360 Degrees of Grief will be released on May 19, 2014. Sign up for my feed, follow 360 Degrees Books or Selah Press on Facebook to learn more about the upcoming release date. 360 Degrees of Grief is a Selah Press Anthology filled with stories, poetry and songs. Sixty-four authors contributed transparent stories written with open hearts reflecting hope to the reader. These authors have lived through the complete spectrum of life—from ecstatic joy to the darkest grief—and share the lessons they learned along the journey.
Steve Green is the son of missionary parents. Steve celebrates twenty-nine years in the Christian music industry. Steve Green Ministries was established in 1984. Steve had spent two years with the group TRUTH and four years with the Gaithers when the door opened for Steve to make his first recording with Sparrow Records. Following a significant spiritual awakening, Steve and Marijean began responding to invitations from churches all over America.
Throughout Steve’s years of ministry, his music has been honored with four Grammy nominations, eighteen number one songs, and seven Dove Awards, Christian music’s highest honor. Steve has thirty-seven recordings to his credit, including children’s projects and Spanish-language albums; Green has sold over three million albums worldwide. Steve is a regular contributor to CCA Magazine.
Steve has been married to Marijean for thirty-five years. Their daughter, Summer, and son-in-law Mark Schulz, along with their two granddaughters, live in Atlanta. Their son, Josiah, and his wife Jamie-Lee live in St. Louis where they are attending seminary
Steve has shared the gospel in almost fifty countries around the world. According to Steve, “In the end it will be clear that He alone is the hero of not only my story, but of all our stories.” More about Steve at SteveGreenMinistries.org.
Clay and Renee Crosse were married in 1990 and have four children: Shelby, Savannah, Sophie (adopted from China in 2005), and Garrett (adopted from China in 2007). Clay is a four-time Dove Award winner, including the 1994 New Artist of the Year. He has nine number-one songs, including I Surrender All, He Walked a Mile, I Will Follow Christ, and Saving the World. Clay continues to maintain an extensive singing, speaking, and worship leading/pastoral schedule.
Clay speaks at men’s events, and he and Renee speak at various churches, seminars, and marriage conferences nationwide. Founded by Clay and Renee after they went through a life-changing recommitment to Christ in 1998, Holy Homes Ministries challenges those in Christian homes to be less like the world and more like Christ. In 2012 Clay Crosse releases his new album reDedication. Clay is the Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas. Follow ClayCrosse.com.
Books by Clay and Renee Crosse include: Dashboard Jesus: Distinctive Reminders for Distracted Men; Rare Girl: Plain Talk to Lead Your Tweens and Teens in a World that Screams “Go Wild!”; and I Surrender All: Rebuilding a Marriage Broken by Pornography and Reclaiming Stolen Intimacy.
Wayne Watson’s voice and songs helped define an entire genre of Christian music throughout the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. As a songwriter he is known for his remarkable depth and relevancy has just brushed past the milestone marker of half a century—most of it shared intimately on the trail with God and his music. Much of the journey has been chronicled within the library of songs contained on more than two dozen album projects since his memorable breakthrough album Working In The Final Hour caught the imagination of an entire generation of Christian music listeners and radio with its release in 1980. To say his vocal styling and lyrics of open, honest communication of God’s presence in everyday life circumstances helped lay the foundation on which today’s contemporary Christian music is built would in no way be an overstatement.
Wayne Watson’s connection with his audience has to date produced twenty-three number one singles on Christian radio—including Friend Of A Wounded Heart, When God’s People Pray, Almighty, Be In Her Eyes, Watercolour Ponies, More Of You, Another Time, Another Place, and Home Free (which became the most played song on Christian radio in 1991).
Wayne’s litany of career credits includes a half dozen Dove Awards wins. He has twice been nominated for the Grammy Award—both for his performance of Watercolour Ponies (1987), and for Best Pop Gospel Album in 1992 with his stunning A Beautiful Place project. Wayne’s books include: Watercolour Ponies, For Such a Time as This, Wayne Watson Home Free (Piano Songbook), and When God’s People Pray and The Way Home (Artists Devotional). His website is Waynewatson.com.
Kayla Fioravanti is a wife, mother, author and speaker. Kayla is happily married to her serial entrepreneur husband Dennis. They are the blessed parents of Keegan, Selah and Caiden. Kayla and her family live in Franklin, Tennessee. Kayla is the Managing Editor of 360 Degrees of Grief and CCA Magazine. Kayla’s blogs are KaylaFioravanti.com, Selah-Press.com and GogoNaughtyPaws.com. Books by Kayla include: How to Self-Publish: The Author-preneur’s Guide to Publishing; How to Make Melt & Pour Soap Base from Scratch; The Art, Science & Business of Aromatherapy; DIY Kitchen Chemistry and poetry When I was Young I Flew the Sun Like a Kite.
Melodie Tunney is a marvelous vocalist, award-winning songwriter and top-notch arranger, and a gifted worship leader as well. Mel’s journey as a vocalist began at the age of eighteen with the Christian group, TRUTH where she met future husband, Dick, the group’s keyboard player. Mel had a successful career as a studio singer in Nashville, TN working on background vocal sessions, choral projects as well as regional and national jingles. The “studio season” brought new relationships with fellow singers Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall. Together they founded the group First Call in 1983. They held featured slot on tour with Sandi Patti, a record contract with WORD records, live performances on the Grammy Awards telecast and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. As well as opportunities to tour with Christian artists Amy Grant and Bebe and Cece Winans. Mel (along with Dick Tunney) continued to write songs that found their way to recording projects by Larnelle Harris, Steve Green, Sandi Patti, First Call, Glad and others. The couple was also lauded with one Grammy Award and ten Dove Awards for writing, singing and recording.
Mel and Dick spent four years as Worship Leaders/Artists in Residence at First Baptist Church of Columbia, TN and now spend several weeks each year leading worship at parachurch events for organizations like The Jesus Film Project, Cook Communications International, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Christian Management Association. She is also now the Minister of Music and Worship at the Haywood Hills Baptist Church. As well, Mel has found a new passion in teaching women on subjects such as How to Study God’s Word and Learning to Hear God’s Voice. This season of ministry for Mel Tunney is described in one of her favorite scriptures, Eph. 3:20:“God is able to do immeasurably more than anything we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us.” Read more at Tunneymusic.com.
Joyce Bone is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, speaker and nationally recognized authority in business start-ups. She has been featured on CNBC’s The Squawk Box, and in Money, Forbes, Kiplinger’s, Woman’s Day and CEO magazines for her business expertise. As co-founder of EarthCare, an environmental service company, Joyce went from stay-at-home mom to building a $125 million NASDAQ traded business. She is the founder of MillionaireMoms.com; a community and a book for entrepreneur-focused women helping them master the art of raising a business and a family at the same time.
While maintaining her standing within the environmental sector, she is also a partner in BLAMtastic®, a family focused consumer products company based in Atlanta. BLAMtastic is nationally and internationally in mass retailers like Walmart®. Joyce holds a Bachelor of Science and a MBA from Kennesaw State University and lives in Atlanta with her husband and three sons.
Linda Reinhardt – Raised in beautiful Washington State, since age eight, Linda J. Reinhardt has contributed to church newsletters, a puppet ministry curriculum, and wrote/directed a Christmas play and Women’s Bible Study play, and has written for Girlfriend 2 Girlfriend online magazine. Linda wrote a song performed at her wedding, which has now become a lullaby to her daughter before bed. She is now a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries and has also lead writers’ workshops.
She is the author of the Sister Blue Thread series, and has co-authored, with Sharon Bernash Smith and Rosanne Croft, the historical novel Like a Bird Wanders, Book One in The McLeod Family Saga, as well as the Christmas classics, Once Upon a Christmas and Always Home for Christmas, and co-authored with Sharon Bernash Smith another Christmas classic, Starry, Starry, Christmas Night.
Linda is a stay-at-home mom. Her favorite activity is spending time with her best friend and husband and her miracle daughter. She also enjoys sitting over a cup of coffee with her sister or a friend, sharing the details of her heart. Passionate about ministering to post-abortive women, Linda is active in leading small group Bible studies: HEART (Healing and Encouragement for Abortion Related Trauma), Time to Heal, and Life Groups. As an avid believer in the power of prayer, she has met for the last nine years with a prayer group dedicated to supporting family and friends. See her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and at Lindajreinhardt.blogspot.com and Sisterbluethread.blogspot.com.
Dr. Bruce Fong is a husband, father, ordained minister and Dean at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has a B.S from Western Baptist College, Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and Doctorate of Philosophy from University of Aberdeen. Bruce has been President of Michigan Theological Seminary; Professor of Bible Exposition, Homiletics, and Pastoral Theology, Multnomah Biblical Seminary; Missionary with Student Ministries, Inc. to Scotland. He has held a variety positions as Pastor, High School Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Lead Pastor and Interim Pastor over the years.
Bruce’s publications include: Always Hope Life is rough. Never give up. Believe, Hunting for Life, Messy Church: Living 1 & 2 Corinthians, Real Life: Determined to discover that each new day is worth living, Shepherd Strong: Living 1 & 2 Timothy, The Wall: Jesus destroyed the wall of hostility; His church must never rebuild it. Eph 2.14, and Racial Equality in the Church. His articles can be found in Evangelical Quarterly, Journal of Evangelical Theological Society, Berry’s Bible College and Seminary Handbook, Decision Magazine, Moody Magazine, PK’s Stand in the Gap New Testament. Brucefong.wordpress.com.
Tom Burgess has been a pastor for fifty years with two churches–eight years in Mooresville, Indiana and forty-two years in Portland, Oregon. Tom was raised in Los Angeles, California and received his Bachelor of Theology degree from Northwest College of the Bible and his Masters of Ministry degree from Kentucky Christian College. His is executive director of Global Missions International and has traveled to Africa, Central America and fifteen times to India on mission trips. He taught theology and practical ministry classes at Northwest College of the Bible for ten years and was host of a Television program in Oregon for ten years. He also began Crossroads Christian School and served as principal for nine years. He has written articles for numerous publications and has authored the book, Documents on Instrumental Music published by College Press. He and his wife Esther were married for forty-seven years before her death. They have two children and four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mary Humphrey is a Christian author with two books published and several others currently being written through her business His Pasture Press. Mary’s mission is to help others realize their God-given talents and to follow their resulting passions, with her motto being: Share, Encourage and Grow. Mary maintains blogs at Anniesgoathill.com and Hispasturepress.com. Mary’s books include: Advanced Soap Making: Removing the Mystery and Essential Soapmaking.
Elin Criswell is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, soapmaker and author who gains great encouragement simply by encouraging others. She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Danny, and family. Elin’s blog is ElinCriswell.com. Books by Elin Criswell include: Bubbles to Bucks: How to Make Money Selling Soap and Creative Soap Making.
Drenda Lane Howatt is the author of Strong & Courageous: A Survivor’s Facebook Journey through Breast Cancer. Active in her local church and area ministries, she also works as a Policy Coordinator for local government in Clackamas County, Oregon. Drenda has been married to Don for twenty-nine years, and they are the proud parents of three daughters. Her blog is iamstrongandcourageous.blogspot.com.
Lisa LaCross Wethey is a celebrated flutist from the concert stages of the world, including Carnegie Hall and La Scala Opera House. She and her husband Bruce left highly successful careers in the mainstream classical music world to pursue full-time instrumental music ministry. The ministry of BRUCE & LISA has taken them from church concerts to conferences nationwide. They have led worship for special prayer services at the Pentagon, and have appeared with the ministries of both Chuck Swindoll and David Jeremiah. They have recorded for many artists and have been guests on numerous television and radio programs, including Washington D.C.’s Janet Parshall’s America radio broadcast.
Lisa’s amazing experience as the survivor of multiple brain tumor surgeries, radiation five days per week for six weeks over the past several years and a major stroke just a short time ago, has given birth to a strong, new side to their ministry. Lisa has become a sought-after women’s ministry speaker bearing witness to the power of prayer and God’s healing.
Bruce & Lisa use their gifts in music ministry trusting God to provide for their needs every step of the way. They spend their lives serving as the Lord calls, wherever He calls them including churches, rehab programs, convalescent homes, women’s ministry and serving people from all walks of life. During their Christian concerts they take their direction from the throne of God as they share music, amazing testimony, unique stories and scripture. You can follow Bruce & Lisa on Facebook and their website is Bruceandlisa.com.
Kolinda King Duer is a Wife, Mother, Singer, Writer, Natural Health Coach
Marc Whitmore was born in Springfield, Missouri and attended Missouri State University. Moving to Los Angeles after college, he became an agent and later a personal manager of recording artists, actors, writers and directors in Hollywood. He is a strange mixture of Midwest values and West Coast living. While he enjoys writing, he’s an avid reader and lover of literature (having read well over two thousand books) and has represented a number of best-selling authors. He resides in a quiet, mostly literate, neighborhood in Los Angeles.
Jessica Mills Winstead is a lifelong resident of Morristown, Tennessee. Upon completing her B.S. in education at East Tennessee State University in 2000, she married and began raising her children in Morristown. She also began working at First Baptist Church Morristown as the coordinator of pre-school ministries, which she has continued for foureen years. She completed her master’s degree in education at Carson-Newman University and her ED.S. in Education at ETSU and taught classes at Walters State Community College in Morristown.
After losing her ten year old son, Noah Dean, in July 2012, Jessica became an advocate to raise awareness for Electric Shock Drowning, which claimed Noah’s life at a marina at Cherokee Lake near Morristown. She is on the board of the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association and she is currently working toward the passage of a state law in Tennessee to safeguard the public from the risk of electrical shock injury and death at marinas and boat docks. Jessica has also turned to blogging as one of the ways to work through her grief and allow it to become part of the healing process. In addition to carrying on her son’s memory, Jessica is mom to thirteen-year-old Haleigh Raye, who gives her reason to live every day and strive to make the most of each day. To read more from Jessica at Bendintheroadblog.blogspot.com.
T.G. Barnes is a Life and Wellness Coach and Natural Health Enthusiast. With a background in Clinical Counseling and Nutrition she is drawn to help people experience genuine healing and transformation in their lives. Having gone through a fair amount of struggle, the way that she faces and overcomes struggle is a direct input into what makes her services unique and valuable to others. Outside of business she is a wife, homeschooling mom of two ambitious superheroes (boys seven and four) and their Terrier sidekick Alice, an actress, lover of reading and studying the Bible and Children’s Health Advocate. Originally from New Orleans, L.A., she calls Hampton Roads, Virginia home. Her website is TGBarnes.com.
Duane Bigoni spent thirteen years as a paramedic in the Portland Metro, followed by thirty-two years of service at the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office. During ten years of his career he was the Team Commander of Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team. For the past five years Duane has worked for Operations with Health & Human Services Incident Response Coordination Team. His vast experiences have given him a unique perspective as an author.
Heather Blair’s world changed forever in 2008 with the sudden loss of her fourteen year old son. Therapy, and often survival, came in the form of writing, beginning at a memorial blog remembering Austin. Along the way, she realized the pouring out of our story was also helping others. With a gentle nudging, Heather chose to take another path, challenging herself to find the JOY in every day, despite the sadness she still felt. She loves and misses Austin daily, but she is living her life to honor him – and celebrating every moment it brings. Heather shares her journey at joyfulchallenge.com. She is a monthly contributor at Still Standing Magazine, as well as being featured on BlogHer, Exhale literary magazine, and as a guest blogger for beloved moms she has met on her journey.
Jacquelyn Bodeutsch (a.k.a. Gwen) is originally from Portland Oregon. She now resides in Olympia, Washington with her husband Justin and two children, Dahlia and Valen. She absolutely loves it there. Her favorite parts of the city are where the land meets the water. She lives within one mile of the Capitol of Washington and the Puget Sound. She is an artist, writer, mother, cancer survivor and lover of Jesus. Jacquelyn’s blog is Gwen.bodeutsch.com.
Beverly G. Brainard’s passion is to bring the Hebrew Scriptures to life one book at a time through meticulous research and excursions to the Middle East and Egypt. She is the author of two works of historical fiction set within the ancient Near East: Esther’s Song: A Novel about the biblical Esther, and Babylon: Center of the World about the prophet Daniel. She has graduate degrees from Vanguard University of Southern California and Portland State University, which fueled her life-long passion to make sense of the intricacies of the Hebrew Bible, Mesopotamian archaeology, and ancient Near East history. She lives in Oregon with her husband, five hundred orchids, and a little red barn. To learn more about the author and upcoming books, please visit her website at bgbrainard.com.
Sharon Steffke Caldwell is a Christian wife, mother of three wonderful sons, grandmother of five boys and one girl, author, lover of music, art, and travel. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Bill, retired to Florida where they enjoy time with family (especially their grandchildren), golfing, gardening, and friends. The tragic loss of their son, Brian at age twenty-nine, inspired Sharon to write Kiss An Angel Good Morning: The Brian Caldwell Story. Sharon founded a Compassionate Friends Chapter before moving from Michigan and continues her journey toward joy, hope and healing. You may contact Sharon at smc@caldwellfamily.com.
K.A. Croasmun was born and raised in Ohio. She obtained her Laboratory Science Degree in 2001 and has been testing things that gross people out ever since. She lives with her husband, children, cats and one crazy dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s busy collecting books and odd antiquities. She can be found on Twitter at @KCroasmun.
Kimberly Crumby is a wife, momma, daughter, and public school educator. Most importantly, she is a child of God. She has witnessed both the best and worst that this life can bring; she has a permanent scar on her heart that will never be completely healed this side of heaven. Kimberly considers one of her life’s callings to be a grief educator oddly enough; she enjoys talking about loss when many people avoid it like the plague. She is southern with a little bit of sass, and you can find her at Sonic happy hour pretty much any day she can get there. She reads as much as her sleepy eyes allow, and is an admitted recovering perfectionist. Kimberly strives to live with joy. Her website is kimberlycrumby.com.
Paul Dengler is an artist (starving artist), poet, singer-songwriter, “philosopher” and Forrest Gump impersonator. Paul’s music can be found on ReverbNation at Reverbnation.com/pauldengler
Wendi Fincher is a high school mathematics teacher. Her modus operandi is to create a plan. Wendi learned the fine art of surrendering when God turned her plan A into His ultimate plan. Today she is a teacher, mother and author following God’s direction day by day.
Zachary Fisher is the son of a United Methodist pastor and wife. He works with computer software, plays music, and generally tries to avoid the sun. He lives in Nashville, TN with his beautiful wife Rachel.
Gary Forsythe is a songwriter/musician living in Franklin, TN. Originally from North Texas, Gary moved to the Nashville area in 2004 to pursue his dream of songwriting, producing and performing. Over the years, he has had various songs published and recorded by Brentwood Music, Brentwood Kids and New Spring Publishing. In 2005, his song Crucify was recorded as part of the Dove award nominated musical My Savior My God. Recently, Gary founded Collision-Point Publishing which is committed to intersecting art and real life experiences with the hope of the Gospel. Once a Christian radio station manager and worship pastor, Gary now works at Thomas Nelson Publishing and resides in Franklin with his wife Pam and two sons Joshua and Cory. His music can be found at Reverbnation.com/garyforsythe.
Lona Renee Fraser is a sassy Italian freelance writer, warrior poet and motivational speaker. Her heart for writing utilizes a dash of nature, foundations in faith, a hint of humor and waterfalls of love. She encourages and inspires others to always hope no matter what the circumstances. She believes that as you inspire others you will in turn inspire yourself. Originally from Upstate New York, Lona now resides in Franklin, TN with her husband Jim and two children, Brendan and Kayla, their dog Ellie and Z.J., Pretty Boy and Trey, their three cats. Her blog can be found at inspireothersinspireyourself.wordpress.com.
Cherie Funderburg is the oldest of six girls, wife of twenty-two years to her husband Dennis, and mother of one. She and her husband have lived a nomadic life for a number of years, moving all over the continental US, and are currently enjoying life in the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands. Her website is Cherie.net.
Charles Garrett is a Nashville Area based songwriter, producer and guitarist. He has worked with artists such as Charlie Peacock, Rebecca St. James, Steve Green and David Phelps. His songwriting has been featured on the albums of Rebecca St. James, Margaret Becker, Code of Ethics and several other Christian artists. He can be found on Sound Cloud.
Maria Gelnett is an Instructor at Soapstudiobrookside.com, Certified Soapmaker and Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Board Past Director. Maria Gelnett founded AngelicGlow in 2001. Maria offers beginner, advanced and master soapmaking classes at Soap Studio Brookside and at various locations throughout the upstate NY area.
Valerie Geer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest University (Kirkland, WA) in 1999. She double majored in Church Ministries: Missions, and Biblical Studies, and earned a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. Valerie continued her education at Wheaton College (Illinois, WA), earning a Master of Arts degree (2004) in Intercultural Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Valerie has been working in higher education for thirteen years, including two years at Northwest University, two years at Beijing Institute of Technology (Beijing, China), and seven years at Huntington University (Huntington, IN). Valerie is currently at Corban University (Salem, OR), where she teaches courses in Intercultural Communication and Teaching, and works with the chapel ministries.
Valerie has been married for thirteen years to Nathan Geer, Dean of Students at Corban University. They have four sons, ages eight, seven, and four (twins). The Geers love outdoor adventure, reading, and traveling.
Chuck Hagele knows firsthand how much God loves His children and how He relentlessly pursues their hearts. Chuck has witnessed many miracles of the heart in working with youth and with youthful adults, which he has enjoyed doing since working at his first summer camp in 1988. From that time until now, he has been involved in serving youth in both paid and volunteer positions. Since 2003, Chuck has served a vital role at Project Patch in various positions including Chaplain, Youth Ranch Administrator, Operations Officer, and his current role as Executive Director. His background in pastoral work, his studies in psychology, and his MBA from Boise State University have all contributed a great deal to his success in leading Project Patch through several key transitions.
Chuck has been married to Kelly for nineteen years and is the very proud dad of two adorable and energetic young girls. When not focused on Patch or on being a dad, he most enjoys participating in triathlons, fly-fishing, and pursuing other adventures.
Emily Joy was a single mom for the two daughters to whom she was fully devoted for twenty-three years. Emily has been a cosmetologist for thirty years and an instructor for the past four years. On June 30, 2013 her life was changed forever, when her youngest daughter Emily-Anna Asbill was murdered. Her daughter Amanda is who she stays strong for now. Amanda is a student at the College of Charleston, SC. Now Emily’s life mission is now to help others in a domestic violence situation. This is what Emily-Anna would want her to do. She is closer to God now more than she has ever been in her life. He is working through Emily. You can connect with No More Lies & Bruises on Facebook.
Cathy Koch (pronounced like “Cook”) has ministered to women for more than twenty-five years as a small group leader, Bible teacher, event coordinator and Women’s Ministries Director. She has assisted several churches in developing and/or expanding their ministries to women. Cathy, along with her husband Earl, served as Ministers of Involvement at Crossroads Church in Portland, Oregon. Cathy’s passion is to encourage Christian women to become all they can be by discovering and developing the purpose and calling for which God created them. When teaching and writing, she enjoys transforming the “dailies of life” into practical, easily-understood illustrations with heavenly meanings.
Cathy has been happily explaining the odd spelling of her married name for forty-five years of what has been a rather mobile married journey. At the beginning of 2014, Cathy and Earl moved to Troutdale, Oregon, where Earl is on staff at Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham. They have three married children who serve in ministry in their home churches. Six grandsons and six granddaughters round out the family circle. Her website is Alakate.wordpress.com.
Kyle Koch lives in Sheridan, Wyoming on a small ranch where he raises a few head of cattle and horses. He has worked as a Ferrier in high demand for many years in the Wyoming and Colorado area. His specialty is restoring horses thought to be hopelessly lame back to health. Kyle, who is an accomplished vocal soloist, has written hundreds of cowboy poems, many of which were published in a book in the 1980’s. These days, he considers his writing to be the best possible therapy to help him deal with grief. He and Julianne (Juli) were married for forty-five years until her death in April of 2013 after a short but very intense illness. He has five children and nine grandchildren.
Shila Laing is a redeemed writer, foodie, artist and artisan redeemed by grace who lives in metro San Antonio, TX with her two special needs kids, sweet nerdy husband, a precious Great Pyrenees dog and geriatric cranky calico kitty. She can be found at Facebook.
Bethany Learn is the CEO and founder of Fit2B Studio, an online fitness portal at fit2b.com with members worldwide that provides unlimited access to almost one hundred wholesome workouts for the whole family. Her family-friendly focus keeps things modest, safe and fun for all ages. She is passionate about standing in the gap for those who have been led to believe that they will always look pregnant or will always leak when exercising. Bethany is happiest when she is proving to people that they don’t have to injure themselves to get into the best shape of their lives, or when she’s just talking about birth and fitness. Bethany lives in the Pacific Northwest on seven acres with her husband, two children, three goats, ten chickens, a Chihuahua, and a horse.
Shirley Logan grew up on Wrightsville Beach, NC, where she has returned from Nashville a little over a year ago with her children, barefooted and guitar in hand. A realtor by day, Shirley lives the life of mother and singer/songwriter in every space in between, “I am pushing. Pressing against the odds, and I am thankful for a bullish determination to do what I love—music!” Her 2008 CD release So Much to Say continues to receive rave reviews and heartfelt response from around the world. “I am a storyteller. I love music—GOOD music. I have been influenced by many different styles and don’t exactly fit into one box. My desire is to write excellent music that will be appreciated by many, crossing over the lines that separate style. Songs that are an expression of myself, my experiences, my struggles and issues that are universal to the human soul. I want to write music that identifies with people at their core—honestly!” Her music can be found at Reverbnation.com/shirleytiffany.
Dana Lyne is a single mom engaged to a handsome prince. Her blog is a platform to share her thoughts and have an expressive outlet through words and visuals and colors. Dana’s blog is Danalyne.wordpress.com.
Rebecca Marmolejo has a career background in Wellness Industries such as Nutrition & Weight Loss, Skin Care, and Anti-Aging. As a new author, Rebecca is currently writing to the heart of women, celebrating their unique beauty in a new way. This book is an invitation to celebration. God and his daughters unite in the true liberty of beauty, extending more freedom through each woman into the world around her. Rebecca’s passion is for the vibrant heart of women at the core of femininity, identity and personal beauty. Find Rebecca at Linkedin.com/in/rebeccam2.
Lynn McLeod has been described as a “Noticer” who writes then shares. Although an avid lifelong storyteller, she is relatively young as a fiction author. Her interpretation of the world betrays this newness as if it is comfortably aged. Being raised and living the majority of her life in central Illinois, Lynn moved to a suburban community just south of Nashville to discover a creative fate. Carrying her Journalism degree from Southern Illinois University, a laptop and vivid imagination in the nap sack of wonderment, she began writing for audiences. Stepping beyond normal life situations, her characters are interestingly flawed in stories written to encourage readers toward interpreting the unexpected or unconventional. Always including an underlying theme of hope, her faith in God is the seasoning that binds. You will find more of her stories at Lynnsstories.com.
Ric Minch started early in his contracting career, word-smithing proposals to make the subject more appealing, selling points to entice thought for additional recognition. Later as a speaker for the Oregon Food Bank, speech writing was required for maximum impact. Since then, articles have been written for church and volunteer information. Currently retired to the Washington coastal community of Surfside on the Long Beach Peninsula, his second career has begun to flourish in the field of fictional writing. Currently, completion of his first novel is in progress.
Ginger L. Moore is a Christian wife, mother, entrepreneur, homeschooler and writer with a “modern southern belle” personality. Born and raised in the beautiful hills of southeast Tennessee, she still lives there with her husband of over twenty years and their only child, a son born to them later in life, and their rescue dog, Miss Dottie. Ginger has been involved in Christian ministry for most of her adult life. She and her husband have held positions of leadership within the church in various ministries. Most recently, they both have been involved in personal counseling, Biblical teaching and encouraging others how to be over-comers and discover their identity in Christ.
With a lifelong interest in natural and alternative health and beauty, Ginger has devoted much of her time to learn more in this area and eventually launched her premium handcrafted cosmetics company, Neos Skin Care™ in 2009. The mission of Neos Skin Care™ is to bring women trustworthy skin care products made with fine ingredients, excellence and decadence while embracing southern inspiration and charm. Her website is Neoscreations.wordpress.com.
In 2012, Ginger started At Home Woman™, a community and blog for women with at home roles, ministries, and businesses. At Home Woman’s mission and ministry is to give women the opportunity to be real, encourage, share, support, have fun with friends and learn from one another in a safe environment, with a Christian faith-based foundation. From this arena, Ginger also plans to write books that she hopes will minister to and help moms, women and other home educators.
Ellen Peacock is a wife, mother, and sister. She enjoys art, making soap, painting silk, drawing, cooking, and just about anything creative. She owns a small online business Ellen’s Essentials, Ellensessentials.com and created a line of colorants especially for handcrafted soap makers Peacock Dyes. Being a former legal assistant, she loves research. If there’s something she wants to do, but doesn’t know how she’s willing to go the extra mile and dig until she figures it out.
Cheri Perry lives in Battle Ground, Wash., with her husband of nearly twenty-five years, Dean Perry, and their teenage son, Tyler Perry. Dean and Cheri are the co-owners/founders of Total Merchant Concepts, a national credit-card processing company that provides a variety of business services to merchants and credit unions. The success of the Perry family business and Cheri’s love of public speaking have yielded many opportunities for her to present on topics ranging from Small Business Success to Passionate Partnerships. Her personal passion for excellence in service, business development, heartfelt leadership, and relationships is something she lives and loves to share. The Perry’s experience with deep personal loss and a rejuvenated marriage have inspired Cheri to share their story to offer hope and healing to others.
Deborah Petersen, a single mom of one, Annie Grace. She loves the Lord with all her heart. She works with bringing healing to children whose parents are recovering addicts. She is a world class coffee maker and an aspiring speaker and author. Deborah’s blog is Anniemom2912.blogspot.com.
Karyn Pugh is a business consultant and writer. She lives in the South with her husband and two children, and does most of her writing in the wee hours of the morning, fueled by copious amounts of caffeine and chocolate. Her hobbies include hiking, running, tae kwon do, traveling, reading and baking.
Lane Reed is a dancer, inspirational speaker, lover of stories, music, cooking (and eating), shopping and traveling.
Mandalyn Rey is a freelance poet, musician, and inspirational speaker who is passionately in love with Jesus. Her greatest joy comes from mentoring younger women who struggle with identity wounds, depression, or finding their place in the body of Christ.
Debbie Richards is a professional soapmaker and business owner. Her professional career has spanned more than two decades and includes positions as a software trainer, help desk manager, technical writer/editor, research and development lab technician and quality assurance manufacturing manager. Debbie’s eclectic interests include cooking from scratch, mentoring others on healthy lifestyle living, organic gardening, and playing guitar. She currently lives and works in Sugar Grove, Illinois with her husband and two backyard hens. Her website BigFatSoap.com.
Loral Robben served as a marketing manager, creative director and managing editor in the higher education and financial services sectors for fourteen years in Chicago. In 2013, Loral exchanged architecture for natural beauty and relocated to Franklin, Tennessee. She is currently a freelance writer, editor, marketer and project manager. Loral earned a Master of Journalism from the University of Kansas. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, cooking, paddle boarding, kayaking and traveling. Loral’s website is www.loralrobben.com.
Lisa Rodgers spent eleven years in the cosmetic industry as a manufacturer of natural spa, bath, and body products. In 2009, her passion for creating bath and body goodness took a turn for the unexpected. Lisa plays as hard as she works, and at the end of the summer in 2009, she damaged several fingers on her left hand playing volleyball. Long story short, after much soul searching, Lisa made the gut wrenching decision to close the manufacturing side of Cactus & Ivy.
Shoot Y’all Photography was born out of a love for photography, cabin fever due to a snow storm, and the need to carve out a new journey. It’s a strange combination, and one that flowed together like the words to a poem. Lisa is a natural light photographer, she lives in the south, and she uses the word y’all…..a lot! Lisa loves candid; not posed. Flowing; not stiff. She shoots pictures based on the life that surrounds her clients. In addition to people, she shoots animals, landscape, architect, products and more. In a nutshell….she captures life.
Lisa is working on photography book, _________ {blank} Doesn’t Define Them which will show beautiful, passionate people fighting a diagnosis with grace, faith, determination and strength. This photography project will cover people living with Breast Cancer, PTSD, Autism, Downs Syndrome, Brain Cancer, Prostate Cancer and the list goes on. I have an overwhelming urge to photograph individuals dealing with a diagnosis or disease, and show there is beauty that lies within them, that what they are going through does not define who they are.
Spending time with family and friends is what Lisa loves the most. In her spare time, you will likely find her on their volleyball court or simply relaxing in the country surrounded by twenty-four fuzzy paper weights {aka cats}, Lucy the dog, and the love of her life, her husband Prevo. Her website is Shootyallphotography.com.
Prevo Rodgers, Jr. joined the military fresh out of high school. When Prevo put pen to paper and fingers to chords for Veteran’s Hand, he was serving a tour in Iraq. It wasn’t until he returned home that he finished the song. By the time Prevo retires, he will have spent thirty years serving his country. Veteran’s Hand is thought provoking and serves as a reminder what soldiers have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for the United States of America and its citizens. Freedom is not free. Prevo resides in South Carolina with his wife, Lisa, a dog and twenty-four cats, aka, Fuzzy Paper Weights. Prevo can be found on ReverbNation.
Sara Shay is a mama to three precious gifts and wife to a man who lovingly calls her “his nutter.” She started pushing her family into real food a few months after she started blogging. They will forever be on the road to real food and natural health. Balancing art and logic in her daily life and work, God’s balance of creation and healing is quite clear to her. She loves creating, experimenting, and learning. Whether it be food, health or crafting. She is navigating her family through healthy frugality – trying to THRIVE, not merely survive this life. She shares this journey at Your Thriving Family which can be found at Sarabethshay.com.
Tammy Lovell Stone is a pastor’s wife, writer and homeschool mom. She started writing poetry at the age of ten as a way to express her negative emotions and fell in love with how words written on a page can transform us. She is currently working on her first book, Rediscover the Apron that is expected to be finished in April 2014. She has been married for the past twenty-seven years to her high school sweetheart, Kenny Stone. They have three children Ashton, Charley, and Gabe; two grandchildren Britt and Boone. They live in Minnie Pearls hometown of Centerville, Tennessee. Tammy enjoys homesteading, playing the piano and gardening. She is a prayer warrior and active in music, women’s and children’s ministry. Tammy is available on Facebook. She may also be reached on her webpage, tammylovellstone.com.
Debra Sturdevant lives in the country hills of upstate NY with her husband Bob and several feline fans. She has two grown sons and an inherited dog from her mother named Timmy who thinks he is a real boy. She loves gardening, music and living the simple, country life. She has reopened her handcrafted, herbal soap and sundry shop after caring for her mother for several years. Educated in fine art and business she now runs her little eclectic piece of heaven and enjoys life and living while savoring every day to its fullest. Her website is TheCountryArtist.com.
Michelle Titus is a writer/storyteller who lives with her two children in Franklin, Tennessee. She is a National Novel Writing Month participant and 2013 winner. Her novel Cut of the Cloth is available as of June 2014. Michelle’s website is TheLifeofTitus.com.
Rachel Turner is the owner of Music City Suds in Nashville, TN. Her work has appeared in The Sun, Metropolis, Japanzine, and a variety of online publications. She currently lives behind a white picket fence with her husband and a pack of very short dogs. Rachel’s website is Musiccitysuds.com.
Dorothy Wagner is a full time wife and mother. She is forever a Twinless Twin after the unexpected death of her twin sister Tracy. She discovered the organization Twinless Twins Support Group International in 2009 as she sought ways to connect after the loss of her twin. She discovered that she is not alone in her grief, nor will she ever be alone. Dorothy also found the athlete inside of herself when she joined Team in Training with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She has since walked two full marathons and one half marathon to raise money to find a cure for the disease that took her twin sister Tracy.
Carol Wilson is a writer and part-time drug abatement tester for a national airline. She has enjoyed facilitating Bible study support groups for post-abortion healing since 1991 and speaks occasionally about the sanctity of human life and the devastation caused by abortion. She is currently writing a book designed to help women heal from post-abortion pain. Carol and her husband, Kevin, live in the glorious Pacific Northwest. They enjoy traveling and she always has several books to read anywhere she goes.