Stephenie Hovland wanted to be a teacher and a pastor’s wife ever since third grade. (She’s pretty goal-oriented.) Recently, she left the classroom (but not the pastor) to pursue another passion in her life: words!

She writes devotions for all ages, educational articles and resources for teachers, picture books, and much more. Stephenie has worked with Concordia Publishing House and Creative Communications for the Parish for several years.

Stephenie has been speaking professionally to women’s mission groups, church retreats, school groups, writers, and teachers.

Editing was a bit of a hobby for Stephenie. She volunteered to edit and proofread for her church and school for years. (Yes, she was the one who complained about stray apostrophes.) Then, she took some classes and did some higher-level editing before embarking on her professional freelance editing career.

Stephenie volunteers in leadership roles, parish music, education, and life-affirming ministries. For fun, Stephenie may be found storm spotting (staring at clouds) or tending a campfire (poking it with a stick). If you want to get her talking for hours just ask her what book she recommends. (Not sure you actually want to do that.)

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of “Your story plus my story become our stories.” An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Several local television stations and a cable network have featured her book and ovarian cancer journey. Joanie has made guest appearances on national radio programs and podcasts. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Life Repurposed, We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished, God Still Meets Needs, The Upper Room, and Coping with Cancer Magazine. When not attending her book club or writing critique group, Joanie advocates for ovarian cancer awareness and enjoys swimming, knitting, and playing autoharp. You can find her media interviews, blog, speaker topics and contact information at www.joanieshawhan.com.

Meet Michelle Rayburn, the ultimate trash-to-treasure guru. When life hands her lemons, she not only makes lemonade but also crafts a stunning lemon-themed centerpiece out of the peels. She's a woman of eclectic talents, including writing, podcasting, and mastering the art of lighthearted sarcasm and dad jokes - a language all moms seem to pick up eventually. With an MA in ministry leadership and counseling, she also helps others turn their own trash into treasure, both in life and in faith.
 With her husband, Phil, by her side for 33 years, they've successfully launched two sons into adulthood, which is no small feat. But don't worry, Michelle has reinforcements on the estrogen team with her two wonderful daughters-in-love. Together, they're ready to tackle whatever life throws their way - and turn it into something beautiful. So if you're looking for a dose of humor and inspiration along with serious Bible study, look no further.

Lori Lipsky is an American writer living with her husband on an acreage in southern Wisconsin. Her most recent book, Trips to Town, is a Great Depression and World War II era memoir. She wrote the book after interviewing her father for several years about his childhood days. Writing the book gave Lori a greater appreciation of her dad and her Iowa roots.

Her books, Used Cookie Sheets and Turquoise Parade are both short fiction story collections. In addition, she is a contributing author of the books Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, and Live & Learn. Her short fiction stories and poems have appeared in a dozens of publications. Family relationships, friendships, and communication are common themes in her work.

When Lori isn’t writing or teaching, she loves to read and spend time with friends and family. She is an enthusiastic audiobook fan and has been a member of the same book club and writing group for over a decade. When she visits her dad each week, they try to outperform one other as they compete at games like Rummikub, Five Crowns, pitch, and pinochle.

One of the comments she hears most often from readers is, “When I read your writing, you cause me to see things from a different perspective.”

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom.

Kathy coaches others to remove the training wheels of fear and not just risk, but also take pleasure in the joy ride of life. She is known for her debut book, Grin with Grace, and for her grinning Boston terrier, Hettie. Her new book, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Joy is inspiring Joy Sightings everywhere.

You’ll find ministry at the heart of everything Kathy does. Her inspirational words motivate audiences to grin as they grow. She graduated with honors from Bible College and has served for 30+ years in full-time ministry.

Kathy is active as a book industry pro, and her coaching group, WordGirls, propels women toward their writing goals. Her book, The Ultimate Speaker’s Guide is a full-service handbook for communicators.

Readers find Kathy’s work in blogs, articles, magazines, newspapers, books and online publications. Family and friends find Kathy most at home when she’s entertaining in her Mid-century modern home.

www.kathycarltonwillis.com

Born and raised in the deep south, where accents melt your heart like butter on a biscuit, Gina’s gift of storytelling drips off the written page. Her hospitality welcomes readers into real, truthful, honest conversations about God.

Gina was raised in Georgia and homeschooled by her parents— before homeschooling was cool. In college, she earned a degree in Education and Bible. She’s put that degree to good use homeschooling her own children and teaching elementary school throughout the years.

In between raising kids and teaching, Gina has enjoyed serving with her husband, Bruce, in full-time church ministry for 27 years in Texas. She’s been involved in women’s ministry, music and children’s ministry. She’s served her fair share of hotdogs and pizza at youth lock-ins.

These days you can find her writing on her own website blog, in Journey Magazine, Pathways to God Devotional and other online and print publications. She is also a contributing author to Yvonne Lehman’s anthologies: Remembering Christmas (2019), Pandemic Moments (2020) and Christmas Stories (2020).

A few of her favorite ways to pass the time are crocheting, playing piano, crafting and spending time with her family at home. She also enjoys browsing small-town markets and fairs.

I live in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with my Hubby and my dad.

I have been a freelance writer since 1996. 160 devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). I've also written for Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum and Thriving Family. Warner Press released my coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? January 2006.

As a speaker, I enjoy connecting with women and seeing them find affirmation for the phase of life they face daily. I am passionate about helping women find encouragement from God's Word, as well as supplying the tools to help them apply what they've learned there.

I love organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom when we take time away from our daily routine. My ebook, How to Plan a Women's Retreat, tells the story of how that passion has evolved. Our Women's Retreat celebrated 15 years!

Thanks for stopping by. Reviews are a blessing to authors!

Lisa-Anne Wooldridge is an author and speaker who makes her home in Oregon with her husband and three children. She is a serial contributor to anthologies, a former newspaper columnist, and is perpetually at work on a new novel. She is inspired by stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, and living "in the land of rivers and mountains that drink the rain of heaven." Find out more about Lisa-Anne at Lisa-Anne.net

Eva Burkholder was born to missionary Bible translators in Papua New Guinea and later became a global worker herself in Indonesia.

She first began writing stories of life and work for her newsletter, then for church publications, and finally started her own blog, Pondered Treasures (evaburkholder.com).

She uses her MA in Christian Education, her training and experience as a women’s ministry director, and as a Bible college adjunct professor to enhance her study of Scripture, her teaching, and her writing.

She and her husband currently live in Richardson, Texas, and oversee the wellbeing of global workers for a church planting mission agency. They have two married sons.

Eva rejuvenates by doing puzzles, crafting, baking, and sitting by the ocean when she gets the chance. She can be heard strategically quoting lines from Jane Austen, Tolkien, and Princess Bride.

Diana "Leagh" Matthews writes to share God's kind of love for women who are hurting..

She is a novelist at heart although she also writes non-fiction and children's stories.

Her path has taken twist and turns she never expected as she pursues publication.

Leagh is a survivor of domestic violence, depression and prodigal living. She often incorporates her love of the arts and history into her stories.

Leagh has contributed to numerous anthologies, including many of Yvonne Lehman's Moment series.

In addition to her writing, Leagh is a vocalist, provides historical monologues, genealogist of over twenty years, and a Nationally Certified Activities Consultant. During the day, she's a volunteer coordinator for a hospice company.

Leagh blogs on struggles, hymn stories and faith at DianaLeaghMatthews.com

She also blogs on history and genealogy at ALookThruTime.com and music at SingingthroughtheHeart.com

Leagh would love to have you join her at her website and share a word of encouragement.

Nancy Graves is a Christian freelance writer and editor. Contributor to four Women’s devotional books, author of print and online articles, and a blog writer, she is also the editor/proofreader of several publications. As an adult student she served on the staff of her college newspaper, eventually stepping into the role of editor in chief, where she gained invaluable experience and garnered multiple ICCJA awards.

Passionate for words—especially, the Word of God—she writes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s stories. Writing from personal experience on topics such as marriage, finding contentment, dealing with life’s trials, and how to stop smoking, all from a biblical perspective, she is currently writing an eight-week Bible study.

Nancy and her husband of thirty-eight years live in the Midwest. Together they have raised two precious children, five cats, multiple rodents, and a much loved but rather challenging beagle who provided them years of good entertainment and rich story fodder. She considers being a wife and mother her most important life's work, alongside her call to write for God’s kingdom.

Most days she can be found sitting by her computer with a fresh cup of coffee and her precious-as-a-baby cat, Miss Lucy.

Becki James is an ally to all who desire to live in the presence of God. With an “Old Friend” flair, she is a voice of reason, gently guiding hearts to the throne of God. Whether she’s ministering with microphone or pen, Becki’s way with words catches the spirits of all ages with fresh direction, engaging the thoughts of preschoolers to professional athletes.

Raised as the eighth of nine children, at a young age Becki discovered her voice in the gift of words. After raising her own brood of five children, she continues to minister through writing and speaking. Becki has been a guest speaker at churches, schools, banquets, and sporting events. She is a registered nurse and delights in mending hearts by sharing God's love through her passion for prayer.

Becki enjoys living life with her husband by traveling abroad, doting on adorable grandchildren, and serving together in ministry. She treasures morning time with God, interior decorating, hosting a full table of friends, and resting by the water.

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TLC Nielsen hangs out with students in a school library, sharing the love of stories with staff and students. As a Word Weaver writer, jazz trombonist, and gardener, Nielsen also writes poetry and grants while editing her first fantasy novel, By Land or Sea. TLC contributed a tale or two in the books I Believe in Healing (Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk), Stories of Grayslake (Grayslake Historical Society), Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom (Kathy Carlton Willis), and most recently in Snapshots of Hope & Heart (a WordGirls Collective). Find her on Bookstagram (tlcniels), Goodreads (Tlc Nielsen) and only occasionally on Twitter (Read2mii2).

Mary Curcio has taught Women's Bible Studies and Sunday School for thirty years. Desiring to serve the Lord through ministering to women, Mary uses God's Word to raise women up beyond any circumstances they have encountered. To leave a legacy for children and grandchildren, she uses compassion, humor and understanding to help women live victorious lives for God and family. Currently she is the Women's Ministry Leader at her church. After retiring as a teacher and school administrator, she is writing devotionals and a new book. You can find her at www.facebook.com/mary.o.curcio/

Edna Earney is a contributing author of several books: Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, A Father's Hand - A Mother’s Heart, We May Be Done, But We Aren’t Finished, and Weaving the Earney Tapestry. Her editorial credits include the memoir Birds, Bees, and Me.

For thirty-three years, Edna taught middle school and high school English in public and private schools in the Beaumont, Texas, area. In 2010, the Beaumont Foundation awarded her the Southeast Texas Reaud Award for Excellence in Education.

A member of WordGirls, coached by the nationally-known Kathy Carlton Willis, Edna currently writes full time, taking time out to travel the world with friends. She lives in Lumberton, Texas, with her husband and two pups, Lizzie and Dickens.

Sandy Lipsky tries to sit still so she can compose the things God whispers in her ear. During the day she writes and cares for her household. Nighttime finds her reading. Her first published article appeared in Focus on the Family and her newest contributions may be found in the devotional book Wit, Whimsy, and Wisdom. Sandy’s motto is “be a blessing.” She enjoys Georgia weather and loves spending time with her husband and daughter.

Drawing from life experience, MINDY CANTRELL lives her passion, writing and ministering to ladies’ groups. She is published in the WordGirls collectives: Sage, Salt & Sunshine, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, and Live & Learn. Mindy resides in Texas with husband, Bill, and cat-child, Ramjet. She also spends

time in North Carolina with the other loves of her life: daughter, son- in-law, granddaughter, and five grand-fur-babies. Come learn more about Mindy and share some Hope & Grace at mindycantrell.com.

Robin Steinweg finds life is Sweet in the Middle—like the creamy center of a sandwich cookie! She’s the wife of one husband, mother of two sons, and enjoys her daughter-in-law and being Gigi to her little granddaughter.

In addition to writing devotions and stories, Robin is a private music educator, performer, choral director, and composer. She loves her own 3 R’s: Reading, Riding, and Rhythm!

Her writing can be found at The Christian Pulse, Keys for Kids, Just 18 Summers, The Upper Room, The Secret Place, Today’s Christian Woman, and Music Teachers Helper blog.

Read Robin’s daily prayers for those with children in their lives at Prayerenting on Facebook, and bits of positivity with songs on her YouTube channel, both found at robinsteinweg.com.

Charlaine Martin is a writer, speaker, certified personal trainer, and Christian wellness coach. She lives with her Boaz, her Second Blessing, in Central Florida. They share a love of flying, cycling, and traveling to enjoy time with their adult children and share tickle bugs with their grandchildren. Her blog covers health, fitness, remarriage, Christian faith, and other God-adventure topics on her website www.charlainemartin.com. She also leads Healthy Lifestyles groups with her ministry Be Totally Fit for Life! at www.betotallyfitforlife.com.