On my iPod: King Cole, Jonny Lang, Journey, Kayti Loflin, Jesse Rogers, Dean Martin, Kirk Franklin, The Eagles, James Taylor, Mindy Smith, Josh Groban, Barbara Streisand, Nickel Creek

My favorite books: Hunger For God, by John Piper, Run with Horses, by Eugene Peterson

During free time, I: Sit on the front porch swing with my husband, Hal; talk to Kayti while she primps; play with Skootch (our dog); relax in a sunbeam, or have lunch with a friend

One favorite memory: I remember my first “office”. It was on the steps in the storage closet leading up to the baptistery in the old sanctuary (now the youth room). Before I would teach on Wednesday evenings I would take my Bible and my notes, head into the little room, climb a couple of stairs and sit down; tuck the bible to my chest and just start talking to Jesus. It always began with Jesus, please help me. And He always did. I remember sitting among the musty old books, robes, and all of the other stored items, more nervous than I’d ever been in my life and thinking, One day you will miss these steps… and I was right.

Ministry history: As a PK, I began singing and working in the church from a very young age. My sisters and I sang together and led worship for years. I began teaching classes in my late teens, and became a part of the Christian musical group Manna when in my early twenties. I worked with teens and young adults for several years at a small community outreach in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, called The Extension, before beginning weekly adult Bible studies and leading women’s ministries. I continued my studies and became an ordained minister in 1995, founding Poured Out Ministries in 2003. I currently count it a great honor to serve as Assistant Pastor of Smyrna Assembly.

Originally from: I was born in Chicago where my dad planted a small storefront mission. We eventually moved to a church in Oliver Springs, Tennessee in the early 70’s. We would settle in Coalfield, Tennessee, where I would remain until meeting and marrying my husband in 1983.