Title: Associate Pastor, Pink (Gateway Women)

Department: Pink (Gateway Women)

Areas of Ministry: I help plan and develop all kinds of resources and opportunities for women of Gateway to gather—everything from Pink Impact to Pink Nights to Pink fun!

Family: Married to Mark for 26 years. Four kids: Ashley, John, Luke and Matthew. This year we have one child in college, one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary! Makes me tired just typing it! I don't want to forget two other important "children" —our dogs Mocha and Katy.

Saved: I grew up in a Christian home and invited Jesus into my heart at the age of 9. Even then, I knew Jesus was my friend.

Education: BBA, University of Central Arkansas

Previous Lines of Work: I’ve done a little bit of everything, mostly in the market place. I’ve run a nonprofit organization; been a professional consultant to other non profits; co-owned an insurance agency with my husband for many years and served as a women’s pastor in a small church. I worked for a cosmetic company for a few years, and surprise, I even once sold burial plans for a funeral home … that was NOT fun! The most important job I’ve ever had is the one I still have—wife and mom.

One of the Things I Find Most Fascinating: That God works good from great suffering, trials and even evil and that people are so diverse and interesting.

FAVORITE
Book: There are too many to list! I love books!
Food: There are too many to list! I love food!
Snack Food: You’re getting the idea, right?
Movie: Changes all the time! I love movies, too!
TV Shows: Extreme Home Makeover, Project Runway, Survivor—anything with real people in real places overcoming real challenges.
Musical Artist: I don’t know. I’ll have to ask my daughter. Whatever music she brings into my life, I seem to love. It plays in my car and pretty soon, I’m thinking “Who is this?”
Time of Day: Mid-Morning
Season: Summer
Place in the World: Anywhere with my family or friends
Place to Pray: Front porch, shower, driving
Recreational Activities/Hobbies: Reading, conversation with friends
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Sports Team: Whatever team my kids are playing on
Sport: Baseball or football or soccer or track or cross country—same answer—whatever they’re doing!

LEAST FAVORITE
Food: Beans - Yuck!
Snack Food: I can't think of one I don't like—oh wait—beef jerky is not awesome!
Time of Day: Before the sun is up. I’ve only experienced it once or twice, and I did not like it!
Season: Winter - brrrrr
Place in the World: Any place that is cold
Sports Team: My kids’ opponents

Best Thing Someone Said to You: I love you!

Life Motto: You’re worth it!

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Does it have to be just 3?

My Hero: My husband. He has the most amazing capacity to see where God is leading and the personal integrity to persevere in the face of obstacles. He loved me when I was unloveable and believed God when I was weary. I’m grateful he thought I was worth pursuing!

One of My Greatest Experiences with God: In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few weeks into my journey, I was participating in an encounter experience at Gateway. I was too tired to stand, so I sat down and closed my eyes. Somehow I experienced an encounter with God that I can only describe as a "council." He met with me. I asked Him if He was going to heal me and He said, "I AM."  I knew He was telling me not only His plan to restore my body, but that He was revealing Himself to me as the Great I Am. I am now cancer-free and on my way to restoration. But more than that, I have a new revelation of how awesome and personal our God really is.

Most People Don’t Know This About Me: I used to teach disco dancing—much to the embarrassment of my children and husband!