I'm a Michigan girl, born and raised. I had such an amazing childhood, the youngest of four girls with two loving and god-fearing parents.

After college and a gap year of backpacking around Europe, I decided to volunteer for a year--give back so to speak, which eventually landed me in the Windy City, where I earned my Master's and became a middle school teacher. While I have very fond memories as a teacher, I can honestly say I lost my way, spiritually, at this time. I was a people-pleaser, so I let the beliefs and values of others influence and change me, and not for the better. I see this time as when I began my walk away from God...little by little. It's easy to see that this is exactlly when the "fear" began attacking me, also little by little, but eventually taking over my life.

Fast forward many years, I moved back to Michigan. It was at this time my sisters and I realized both my parents were showing the early signs of Alzheimers and dementia. Two of us decided to take care of them in my sister's home, full time. This was the single hardest thing I have ever done and yet one that brings me a great peace and joy, knowing that I honored my parents and the Lord. I let the pain and heartache of slowly losing my beloved parents draw me ever-closer to Jesus, from whom I drew my strength.

After my parents passed, I took some time to think about what was next. I knew God had been doing a work in me, and was preparing me for ministry...combining all the skills, talents and experiences I had had up to this point, but mostly preparing my heart to be soft and obedient to the direction of Holy Spirit.

And so Traveling With Jesus was born: preaching and teaching the Word of God wherever I went. I've been writing Bible devotionals, how-to books, directing small Bible studies and retreats, and for the last four years, I've been sharing my travels, along with God's Word, on FB and IG.

My goal on social media was trifold. First, I wanted to uplift and encourage people with God's Word using the beauty of His creation as a backdrop.

I also wanted folks to get out there and experience what I was...taking advantage of all the physical, mental and emotional health benefits.

But mostly, I hoped people could see that traveling with Jesus, every day and every where, was THE way, filled with The truth and THE Life (see John 14:6).

I don't know what the next corner or bend in the journey will bring, but I know that I have decided to travel every step with Jesus, and hopefully you, Friend. Together, we can help each other on the journey to stay close to Jesus who brings us life, and that more abundantly (John 10:10).