Friday, July 30, 2010

About

Thank you for visiting my web site! Here you can find information about my latest books, articles and thoughts via my blog.

Even though my husband is a Navy reservist, I never really considered myself a military wife. My first real experience with the military was as a journalist, covering stories in Iraq the first year of the war for Baptist Press. I visited with sailors on board the USS Harry S. Truman the first week of the war, watching the shock and awe from a front row seat. That experience led to a second visit to Iraq, this time to Baghdad, for my first book which I wrote with with Oliver North, A Greater Freedom: Stories of Faith from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The book was nominated for a Gold Medallion in 2005 and my stories covering faith and war were selected by the Library of Congress for their archive of electronic media covering the Iraq War. It was a life-changing experience.

In 2007, my life came full circle when my husband was deployed to Iraq. No longer was I just covering military families and spouses: now I was one. I’ve tried to take what I’ve learned to encourage and inspire other military wives by starting a military wives support organization, Wives of Faith, and most recently, in my new book, GOD Strong: A Military Wife’s Spiritual Survival Guide

I’ve written for Baptist Press, Purpose Driven Ministries and publications such as Home Life, Preaching Magazine, and Christian Retailing. I’ve also written a total of nine books, most as an unidentified collaborator or ghostwriter for best-selling Christian authors. I’m blessed to be represented by one of the best literary agencies in the country, Alive Communications, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I’ve contributed to several military spouse publications and websites including Military Spouse Magazine and CinCHouse.com. In 2008, I was recognized by Military Spouse Magazine’s “Who’s Who Among Military Spouses” for 2008.

In 2006, I founded Wives of Faith, a military wives support ministry that connects, supports and encourages military wives from all branches and types of service, which I currently direct and lead. I love speaking to and encouraging military wives, particularly those dealing with deployment, and reminding them of the hope we all have when we have a relationship with Christ. My newest book, GOD Strong: A Military Wife’s Spiritual Survival Guide, focuses on this, and it’s been a joy to speak on this topic to groups all over the country. If you are a military wife, let me invite you to check out the free group and individual guides available for your use.

I am married to the love of my life, Cliff. There has not been a day since we met that he doesn’t make me laugh. He is a friend to everyone and has the best sense of humor. God knew what He was doing when He put him in my life!  Follow him on twitter (@whodeeni).  We just celebrated twelve years of marriage together and we have one son, Caleb, who is in fourth grade. Our second “child” is Sammy, a not-so-miniature miniature schnauzer who keeps me company when I’m writing or working in my home office, usually at my feet or right behind my chair.

We have recently started a brand new adventure, making a move from Nashville to Anderson, SC, where I am serving as the director of external relations for the College of Christian Studies at Anderson University. We certainly have a full life, but I’m grateful for every opportunity God’s given me to serve Him.

Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you’ll visit again soon!