I am attending the Declare conference next week. I am very fortunate to have this wonderful, Christian event right here in Grapevine, TX (about 20 minutes from my home). No need for hotel or airfare! I am thankful for this opporuntity to connect with fellow bloggers and writers. I am even more thrilled that I have appointments with 4 agents to discuss my book. I have the completed manuscript and a short pitch prepared for when I meet with each of them. I am nervous, but I am putting it in God’s hands, as he is the one who told me to share our story. I have peace knowing he will work out all the details. I was obedient and wrote the book, now it is in God’s hands.

The Declare Conference has asked for participants to blog and answer the following 7 questions. So here is what they asked…

When did you feel called to be a digital evangelist, what’s your main medium (podcast / blogging / books / speaking / social media / etc.), and how long have you been doing it?

I started blogging a little over two years ago. I felt God calling me to write a book about our story on how we lost our son Barron and how God carried us through that awful time. I began the book and then started researching how to get the book published. I quickly learned that in order to get published and get an agent you need a following. You need to have your writings out there already before you come to them with the book idea. Blogging is one of the best ways to get a following and to get practice writing. I started blogging and have never looked back.

I love to blog. It is my hobby and passion. I share my life, my family, faith, and psychological expertise on the blog. It is a great outlet and helps me continually focus back on what is most important in this world- God, Husband, and Children. My blog is:  https://livingjoydaily.com

I also write for www.LifeHack.org, as a contracted author and psychology expert for their website. I like the exposure this site gives to my little blog. LifeHack has been a blessing to me and has helped me grow as a writer.

I post all of my blog postings, articles published from LifeHack, and Christian inspirations on my Facebook group. This is where I have grown my largest following (almost 15k). The growth happened in about 6 months and God made it happen!! He gave me the idea to do giveaways to get interest in the page and I ran with it! It is an active group and I am so thankful for everyone in the group.  Here is the link to this group, I always love getting new members in the group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/245329795925427/

What is your life scripture?

What are your passions?

God, my husband, and my children, everything else comes thereafter. I participate and co-lead two weekly bible studies. Tuesdays is my ladies bible study and we are doing the Amazing Collection (comprehensive study of the Bible cover to cover that takes 3 years). Sundays my husband and I facilitate a couples bible study. We are currently doing the book Cherished to help us all have better, Christ based, marriages. I am passionate about studying God’s word with other believers, so we can grow together and support one another in the journey.

I enjoy writing, traveling, camping, road trips, National Parks, hiking, Silkie chickens, incubating chickens, singing, decorating, shopping, style/clothes, party planning, reading, community involvement, and volunteering at Church. We are active members and volunteers at Gateway in Southlake, TX.

What is your favorite candy and / or food?

Steak and Lobster. I am not a huge chocolate fan, but I love Carmel!

Where is your happy place and what’s it like?

Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. It’s our home away from home. Time with my family is also my happy place. Lately it’s been time in the camper with the family. We purchased a camper this summer to make our road trips a bit more enjoyable, and it has made our family closer. We have bonded while camping and we are loving this whole camping lifestyle! It is my happy place to be with my family enjoying God’s beautiful creations all across our beautiful country.

Are you working on any exciting projects that you can share about? If so, please share!

The book I wrote is what I am working on and my goal is to get it published. I need an agent first so I am praying this Conference is fruitful. Again, it is in God’s hands and he has the plan.

How can we pray for you as you prepare for this year’s conference?

Pray for God to align me with the people at this conference that he wants me to build relationships with now and into the future.