Contributors 2012

Courtney (66books365)

Known to binge on coffee, chocolate and books in no particular order. My name is Courtney. I haven’t read the bible in a year yet, despite blogging through it–now into the fourth pass. But I’m a lot closer to doing it than I was in 2009. God has been at work changing my heart these years–hard as it has been (the change, the heart). And time in His Word made the difference. Writing on Thursdays.

Reggie (yicareggie)

I am a spouse, parent, reader, tutor, photographer, writer, and student of God’s word. I never tire 0f learning new and fascinating things. Since I was saved on January 19, 1991, I’ve read through the bible fifteen times and I’m still finding things I never noticed before. The power of the living word of God is what shapes us into the divine image. ( Hebrews 4:12). On the day I see God face to face I will be a completed masterpiece. Until then I struggle toward the goal of becoming a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. I am happy that I am not alone on the journey. Writing alternate Fridays.

Kathy (klueh)

I’ve been married for almost 30 years, have 2 college age children and work as a therapist with oncology patients. I made a decision to follow Christ as a teenager. Over the years, I have enjoyed reading the Bible regularly. At times reading it has felt like more of a wrestling match. There are parts of it that I just don’t get, but God invites me into His Word to get to know Him better and I am always left in awe of how He has chosen to reveal Himself. I am looking forward to what’s in store for all of us in 2012. Writing alternate Sundays.

Sue (suegraff)

I am a wife, a mother of two teenage girls, and a Systems Engineer for a large corporation. About 10 years ago I took a class at my church that read through the Bible in a school year. The spiritual growth spurt that accompanied that undertaking was one of the largest in my life. The familiar [and not-so-familiar] stories came to life. I saw connections that I don’t think I realized before and the big picture of God’s story began to come into focus. It was amazing to actually experience the power of God’s Word. It sparked a journey that I hope continues for all of my days. I’m honored to be part of this group for a third year, and I am excited about what God wants to show me in 2012. Writing alternate Mondays.

Ed (edsorrell)
I have always known about Jesus. I spent the first 40 yrs of my life living with knowledge of but no real relationship with the Savior. A couple of years ago He changed that by calling me off of the couch and into an active relationship. It has changed my life. As I grow my relationship with Christ, all of my other relationships have improved. My marriage is improving daily. My kids are benefiting from a less angry father, and my co-workers no longer have to witness my outbursts of frustrations. God has actively moved into my life and I don’t want to ever push him back out. I look forward to a year of aggressively pursuing his word to help ensure that I can keep moving towards our mighty God. Writing alternate Tuesdays.

Julie (juliet2912)

I am a marvelous creation and a favored daughter of the King. I am an avid reader, a foodie, a gamer, and a world traveler. I am the wife of a pastor from Tamil Nadu, India and a first time, stay-at-home mother to a beautiful little girl. I am currently living in India near the remote village where my husband grew up, ministering to people who have put their hope in false gods and fruitless rituals. I do my best to walk in Matthew 10:7-8 (“Go to the lost, confused people right her in the neighborhood, tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick, raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out demons. You’ve been treated generously, so live generously.” MSG). My desire is to spread Father, Son, & Holy Spirit’s love and compassion everywhere I go.

Amid caring for 30+ orphans, dealing with daily power outages and little running water, doing daily chores without modern facilities (yes, I wash my clothes by hand on a stone), doing various ministry and social outreaches, learning a different language and a different culture, taking care of my family (and sometimes … though very rarely … having time for myself), I try to keep up with my personal blog (reflections from a puddle http://reflectionsfromapuddle.blogspot.com/) and our ministry blog (Maaratha Kirubai – Immovable Grace http://immovablegrace.blogspot.com/).

I am looking forward to this new journey and seeing how it will be God’s way of answering some of my recent prayers. Come on butterflies, let’s go!  Writing alternate Mondays.

Dave (dmbaldwin)

I am the husband of Louise, the father of Erin, Eric, Mandy & Sarah and the grandfather of David, Aubrey and Ian.  I am also the Pastor of Ministries of a Church in suburban Baltimore, MD.  I enjoy reading about leadership, management and World War II.  I love the one-on-one time I have in the mornings with Jesus.  I look forward to contributing to this blog.  The time I spend with the Lord each day has made all the difference in my life.  I hope it will and has for you as well. Writing alternate Sundays.

Jim (jmitch1)

Like so many of us, I find it hard to talk about myself, so for starters I’ll state the facts and see where it leads. I am a husband of 17 years to my best friend – we were never able to have children – and a professional working for one of the world’s largest companies.  I gave my heart to Christ when I was 17, but when reflecting back on these last 30 years, I never fully lived or loved like Jesus.  A few years ago, God moved me, quite literally, into the back yard of an amazing church family. It was this family that showed me what it truly means to live and love like Jesus. My experiences there through worship, learning, and serving and my involvement with 66 Books have led me to a more profound and deeper love of God, myself, and all my treasured family and friends.  I thank Him every day for taking my hand and guiding me on this journey. Writing alternate Tuesdays.

Crystal (psalmthirty4)

I am married to my devoted husband of 25 years, and we have three cherished children, ages 18-22. Life has been quite wide-ranging for me and through it all, the Lord Jesus Christ has been my best Father, Husband, Friend, Comforter, Teacher, and so much more. I am deeply grateful that the Lord God Almighty saved me from hell in 1976 and made me His child.

I am blessed and honored to be a part of this blog. I am excited for what God will do within, through and for me in this year! He always surprises me as He grows me. The Word of God always changes me, corrects, disciples, delights and brings me closer to God. I most of all cherish the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1) I eagerly look forward to what God will do within, through and for you this year, too. Writing alternate Saturdays.

Janet (jansuwilkinson)

Hi, my name is Janet. As a professional counselor, I spend a lot of time either in my head or the heads of others, so I can sometimes get a little too intense. Hiking, reading a good book and discussing it with a friend, spending time with my daughter’s family, and seasonal crocheting give me a break from this serious side. What truly brings balance to my life is reading and reflecting on God’s word and spending time in prayer.  It has been my passion since becoming a Christian to hear His voice and find His purpose for my life; yet sometimes I struggle to unmask my fears.  I have always been intrigued with the line from a C. S. Lewis novel, “How can [the gods] meet us face to face till we have faces?” To be genuine before God, to deepen my relationship with Him, and to honestly share this journey with you is my desire in 2012. Writing alternate Saturdays.

Amy (amyctanner)

My name is Amy. My husband Allen and I have been married for 15 yrs. Sometimes it is hard to believe that God has given us four children. We had two miscarriages before our son Gabriel was born. Now we have Lily, Ian and Victoria. Though it is often crazy to hear “mommy” so much, I know I am truly blessed. I do my best to record funny, heart-filled things that my kids say and do. Mainly, so I can look back and remember! I guess you could say I have mommy memory. That is why I like to journal about life and what God is teaching me. My favorite place to journal is in the bathtub, which my friends kind-heartedly tease me about.  It’s where I feel God speaks to me best. I like to read and am an introvert at heart. I feel refreshed after a long talk with a friend over a cup of coffee. Or reading a book, with a bubble bath,  of course! I am an artist and always feel God prodding me to pick up the paintbrush, sketch or write. Writing alternate Wednesdays.

Heather (heatherpotts5)

After having lived in the frozen tundra for my first 20 years, it’s interesting to me that I now call southwest Florida my home.  But happily, I’ve lived here for the past 11 years and now my husband and I are awaiting the birth of our first child!  How exciting this journey has been and continues to be, as God reveals to me different levels of writing and the different ways for which He desires to use my writing.  When I was little, it was songs and poetry for Jesus.  As I got a little older, my interests turned to writing science fiction novels, of which I’ve written two.  And over the past few years, my writing has included my own blog, http://heather-potts.blogspot.com/, ghost writing for three friends, and two of my own books—one on marriage, and one on deepening your faith.  I’m very excited that this year’s journey also includes sharing my writing and seeing what God has for me through 66Books. Writing alternate Wednesdays.

Allen (Allen4myfamily)

Married for 15 years to my best friend, father of four great kids. Worship leader at a great church. I love to sing and spend time with my family as I learn more about God and discover who he wants me to be. My life’s motto is “It’ll be fine.” I say this no matter what adversity I have faced in my life; I have seen God bring me through it. Writing alternate Fridays.