I grew up in Berkeley, IL, the oldest of six kids in a big, loud, musical family. My dad played the guitar, so all of my childhood memories have a song being strummed in the background. In high school, I was involved in sports and student council, and after graduation I attended Arizona State University.
I was raised by Christian parents, but I did not choose to follow Christ. I went my own way instead until finally calling on Jesus to save me from my sin in 2002 at the age of 30. Jesus changed me from the inside out that day, and I have been walking with Him ever since.
I have been married to my kind and caring husband, Ken, for 29 years, and we have six children (which includes two sets of twins) and three grandchildren. We live on five acres just outside Cherry Valley. Over the years we have raised goats, a cow, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits,dogs and lots of cats. It’s been a fun adventure.
I enjoy reading, my vegetable garden, canning and preserving, walking outside and spending time with my family. I attend Faith Baptist Church in Belvidere where I teach Sunday School and Wednesday night Kids’ Club. I love being at church, and my church family means everything to me. Most of all, I love the word of God, and my very favorite thing to do is to sit in the still quietness of the early morning while reading His word and talking with Him.
I am passionate about sharing the hope of the gospel with children. My siblings and I rode the church Awana bus every Wednesday night until we got too old to go, and although I did not come to Christ until years later, those seeds that were planted in my young heart would one day take root and begin to grow. I am forever thankful to those that took the time to minister to me, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do the same.