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Treasures pop up in unexpected places. We may see them as a perfect shell on the beach, or in a new friend who joins us in a hard season.

Nearly thirty years ago, I found a treasure in a mentor and friend. I was a new Mom, my mother had passed, and my husband and I relocated from a big city to a small town. I discovered, though life wouldn’t be idyllic, and in some circumstances and seasons not even close, God loves me, is faithful, and His promises were true. I found life-giving treasures in His Word. 

How about you? Have you had new friend come alongside of you at just the right time?

My life path, like others, has had detours, seasons, and challenges, but I have found priceless treasures along the way: hope and encouragement in unexpected  change; and others you’ll read about on my blog, articles, and devotions…

My career in speech-language pathology took me on a variety of paths-schools, teaching the deaf, long-term health care, and teaching in Christian higher education. Each time, I had treasures in opportunities to stretch and develop personally and professionally. I admit I started some jobs and relocation with apprehension, but I met treasures in disguise, in the smooth days and challenging ones. 

Where has employment taken you?

In 2004 I sensed God moving me to writing and other areas of women’s ministry. That step of faith-leaving my profession-and walking into the treasure of the unknown– led me to write Bible studies, devotions, devotional books, and contribute to compilations and online sites.

You can read more on my site and perhaps find a connection in an article or devotion.

   When my husband took early retirement in 2009, we left our Pennsylvania home of sixteen years and moved to the sunny Charlotte area. Life abruptly changed for me, when in December 2011, two thousand miles from home and two days before Christmas, he suffered a fatal attack. I experienced the most dramatic life interruption and detour of my life. Personal grief, pain, and loss ran deep. The treasures of hope and grace surfaced in this most unexpected and cloudy season as I relied on God’s promises of comfort and faithfulness. Later, connecting in compassion with widows and grievers, has opened the privilege of contributing to blogs on that topic and serving as a facilitator and speaker for a grief support group and share hope.

Yes, there are treasures found in grief and loss. Grief and loss are not meant to be carried alone. If you are looking for a listening ear, please contact me

In August 2014 I moved to Greer, SC to be close to family. Just as I learned in my early days as a Christ-follower, with every step I take, I drew on the confidence, hope, and treasures of Lamentations 3:22-23: God’s handcrafted mercies, faithfulness, and compassion. It has been a season of newness-new friends, new church, new writing opportunities.

Have you had new experiences that blindsided you? . Hard and new don’t seem to be compatible but travel through this site and you will find there are hidden treasures in challenging times.

I have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight sweet grandchildren scattered in the US. When my family gathers around my dining room table, you will hear me say, “My cup is running over.”  My family is without a doubt, one of my priceless magical treasures.

  

So what do we have in common?

• Unexpected life changes,
• Relocating personally and professionally,
• Grandmothering and legacy
  
• Grief and widowhood,
• Bible study
• Looking for hidden treasures in life stories and asking, “Now what?”

Browse around my site, check out my blog categories, and look for some “coffee cup” reading-including free resources. As you learn more about me, what stirs my heart, and keeps me going, I hope we’ll connect and share life.. If there is a topic your group would like to hear more about, contact me for information about speaking to your women’s group. And if you think someone else would be encouraged by reading here, please send the link to them.