Two super sons, a precious daughter-in-law, three delightful teen-aged grandchildren, and a young adult step-grandson.
Nickname:
Dee, D, or Dee Anna, but my favorite nickname is Nana!
Favorite Restaurant/Food:
Olive Garden
Favorite TV Show:
Hallmark movies, Kennedy Center Specials and Public TV musicals
Favorite Quote:
“What you think is what you are.”
Life Verse:
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Bro. Dan didn’t want to share, but I’ve had this verse longer than he has.
Hobbies:
Reading, visiting with friends over a cup of coffee or a meal at Olive Garden of course.
If you were a cookie, what kind would you be and why?
Oatmeal Raisin. There is nothing glamorous about this cookie, but it is supposed to be about as good for you as any cookie can be. The oatmeal has the characteristic of staying/sticking with you. It is also considered heart healthy. And the cookie has a fruit, which you hope you will taste and enjoy with each bite. Hopefully, I am a good dependable stand-by that normally has a positive influence in a person’s life because of the stability the Lord has given me and the fruit He has produced in me. Now I am going to have to bake some cookies. My mouth is watering!!!
My Story:
I am the oldest of five children born to a farmer (who was also an entrepreneur) and his wife. I was bashful and unsure of myself, turning beet red at the drop of a hat. We were poor as could be, but never knew it. Our friends loved to come to the farm, and mom always made them feel welcome. As a young teenager, the Lord began speaking to my heart, and I gave my life to Him one Sunday evening kneeling at the window in my bedroom. I claimed Philippians 4:13 soon after and have tried to walk with Him as Lord of my life for well over 50 years. The truths of that verse have allowed me to do many things I would not have attempted otherwise, and continues to help me step out in faith for the Lord.
I went to college in Florida. Unthinkable! I married a minister. Me? A minister’s wife? I added 18 hours to my college degree to change teaching areas to put hubby through seminary – with a newborn baby. I stepped into any position my husband needed a body to fill, led various studies, and did all the things expected of a minister’s wife – ONLY with the help of the Lord. The foundation was laid. I knew the Lord was faithful. And He has been faithful to continually see me through valleys and mountaintops. I have raised three sons as a single mom, with the Lord miraculously providing a teaching position at the school nearest our home. He also always provided the needed money when there was none.
I lost my third son in a traffic accident and I’ve led my siblings in caring for mom and dad through many years of Alzheimer’s and cancer respectively. I managed, with the boys’ cooperation, to earn my Masters Degree. I taught school 20 years in Nashville, partnered with my sister in owning a gift shop, raised emus for about 6 years, and now am retired (did I say retired???) here in Hopkinsville, back on the family farm.
Why have I shared all this? Only because the Lord has been my Enabler, my Partner, my Strength and my Miracle Worker through it all. The amazing part to me is how He has grown me and chosen me to continue to be used in His work. All this in ways that simply blow my mind. My Lord has become a natural part of my life, and I love Him dearly for loving me so.