My Story

Well, I did it. I stepped into the new millennium ... perhaps a little later than most of you, but here I am. I'm here because I have a story to share. A story of encouragement. A story of hope. I began Light of Grace Ministries about 13 years ago. Actually, the Lord began the ministry. I was simply His vessel. In January, 1995, my husband of 13 years was diagnosed with AML ... Acute Mylogenous Leukemia. We had two boys, ages 5 and 7. We had just moved into a brand new home, and my husband had just been given a wonderful promotion at work. Life was perfect for my nice, neat family. Then ... life happened. In the matter of a few short months, my dream-life became a nightmare. The journey carried us through two very long years. There were extended hospital stays, bone-marrow transplants (yes ... plural ... there were two), financial concerns, familial disruptions. I could write a book chronicling the ups-and-downs, the hopes fulfilled and dashed through that season ... actually, I have written a book! A Bible study called "Living in the Light of Grace." The roller coaster ended on January 21, 1997 ... my precious husband breathed his last breath and went home to be with the Lord. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is death of one of His saints." That scripture from Psalms became a mantra for me. On January 23, 1997, my 15th wedding anniversary, I buried my beloved.

But that is far from the end of the story. The things I learned, the experiences God allowed have all shown me things I could never have experienced in any other way. I want to use those experiences, and the experiences He continues to carry me through to encourage others on this journey called life. I meet so many people who are discouraged and think all is hopeless. But I'm alive and WELL today because I have a God who is closer to me than my own breath. I walk hand-in-hand with a Savior who isn't distant or cold, but the very embodiment of love and care.

This ministry exists ... I exist ... to share the news that hope is still alive and thriving on planet earth. Although I am a mild-mannered teacher by day, God has called me to share the good news of hope wherever, whenever I can.

As I send this word out over what feels very "Orwellian" to me, I leave these words in the Hand of God, to share with those who need to hear. So whoever, wherever you are, I pray that God will use this simple posting to bring you encouragement for whatever you are facing today.

Be Blessed!