Life Story
I was born in Oklahoma and that is where I grew up. I graduated from The University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Elementary Education. My parents were loving and I was taught to love Jesus at a young age. I was raised in the church and was baptized at the age of 12. I am the youngest of 3 girls. My parents have passed and I miss them every day. My oldest sister died tragically when I was 20 years old. I have one sister left who lives in Oklahoma and we remain very close to one another. I taught 1st grade and Kg. in Oklahoma. To me, I suppose Oklahoma will always be “home”!
I have been married to Jim for 30 years. We have two sons, Blake and Brett. Blake is newly engaged to Lindsey, and we're very excited! After 4 years of marriage Jim went to work for the Secret Service. That was great because his office was in Oklahoma City. The thing that was not great (or so we thought at the time) was when we received orders to move to California. This meant leaving our family and friends of a lifetime. Our kids were little at the time, which seemed to make it even worse. After we were in California for 3 years we received news that the Federal Murrah Building had been blown up, that is where Jim worked while we were in Oklahoma City. Many of the people he shared an office with were killed in the bombing. This was a tragic event and we were quickly reminded of how we had prayed and ask God not to send us to California, and now so grateful that He had.
After 5 years of living in California we were transferred to Washington D.C. We lived in Virginia for 4 years. This time of life was busy as I went back to teaching. Our kids were growing older, so that meant sports, homework, projects and me trying to keep up! Virginia was beautiful and there were many interesting places we got to visit. Leaving Virginia was a time filled with mixed emotions, sad to leave our friends, but exciting to be moving closer to home!
When we moved to Texas we lived in a small town outside of Waco for 4 years then we were transferred to Dallas and have been in this area for 9 years. Life seemed to be a constant status of adjusting and readjusting. This was difficult for all of us throughout the years. Looking back though I’m not sure there is a lot I’d change as I see how God’s purposes have unfolded over time in our lives. We have been afforded some unique opportunities and have met some interesting people along this journey.
Jim and I have been members of Bara since the beginning. When I became the Administrator of Bara in February of 2012 I believe I was stepping out in bold faith because this was outside of my comfort zone. I have learned a great deal since becoming the Administrator. I’m a firm believer that God is able to work in us and through us and that we should not refuse to take on challenges that lie ahead because God used countless people in the Bible that seemed like unlikely candidates for the success that God led them to achieve.
My Hope For Bara Church
My hope is that we at Bara will always reach out and love others, bring God glory, encourage others and strive to be a Church that reflects God’s purpose and will.
About Me:
Favorite Restaurants
Saltgrass
Any Mexican Restaurant
In & Out Burger
Favorite Drink
Dr. Pepper
Favorite Holiday
Christmas
Middle Name
Renee
Birthday
August 5th
What I Like To Do For Fun
Crafting
Decorating
Reading
Favorite Bible Verse
“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love The Lord and have been called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28
