About
I am the wife of a teacher and coach, and mom to two high school man-boys. I follow my guys to courts, fields, greens and diamonds all year long. I do my thinking in the bleachers and my writing in the living room with balls flying, bats or clubs swinging and ESPN on in the background. When Spongebob comes on, I get nothing done.
I’m a city kid but content here in rural northeastern South Dakota where by day I handle property and casualty claims (yes, one of those people) and do some bilingual customer service work on the side. If love is God’s first language, Spanish must surely be His second.
About every five years or so, God reroutes my career path. Before going to the dark side, I worked in fundraising and PR for a social service agency, youth ministry, retail sales, custom framing, web design, tech support and software training, and I owned a family business selling trophies and awards.
Parents, warn your college age children: This is what happens to people who leave the university with a degree in political science.
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I think the most important thing I can tell you about myself is that I am loved by the King.
He purchased me at an unthinkable price.
And I am His.
::
I love the Word. I love words. And I think the combination is blast.
The loss of a friend and coworker may have nudged me into this, but really, I write because there are words.
I don’t know how not to.
::
For an idea of what we try to do around here, try something from this sampling of some of our favorites:
On Being Found
Ripped Open
When Treasure Holds Us
You’re Not From Around Here
The Big Thing
Small Things
Series on John 9
Dogs Like This Don’t Bark
A Story of His Faithfulness
We Can’t Handle This Much Jesus
Becoming Men
Eight Days a Nobody
Photo Credit: Bear Rose Photography & Design, Milbank SD
(One of my longer term goals is to get my statement of faith posted, in the not so remote possibility that I don’t manage to clearly articulate my core faith in my posts. In the meantime, the Statement of Beliefs of the North American Baptist Conference is a fair representation.)
Found you at More Than Just Adam’s Rib.
So glad to stop by! I love this! LOVE how you were able to paint this picture of who you are after seemingly struggling with it. NOT who you are. Telling us who you are. ;D
I agree, The Word and words–too of my favs.
Great to meet you!
Rena Gunther @ insertgracehere.com
2009/07/05 at 5:29 PM
I loved reading this!
It was nice getting to know you more….
sending a virtual Starbucks treat.
deb
2010/02/15 at 9:30 AM
Deb, you’re very sweet. On a day like today, better make it a Venti with a triple shot!
2010/02/16 at 3:57 PM
Thanks for sharing a little bit of who you are. I too love God and appreciate all that He’s done for me. Also, congrats on being freshly pressed. Loved the history.
2010/05/31 at 1:03 PM
I found your blog because of your featured post on WordPress, and I am so encouraged by your writing. I’m also refreshed by the fact that WordPress was willing to highlight a blog that is openly Christian. I am a missionary teacher in Taiwan, and my WordPress blog is all about my life and ministry here. I’ll definitely be adding your blog to my blogroll. Thanks again for sharing!
2010/06/01 at 3:57 AM
I love every bit of this “about,” and you’re right, they’re hard to write. Great to connect through High Calling Blogs!
2010/07/29 at 9:07 AM
Lyla, You reflect Him well. I’m glad we’re friends. You are a gift. I love what you’re “about.”
2010/07/29 at 8:12 PM
Hi Lyla:
I’m Matt Woodley the author of the Folly of Prayer. First of all, I love your blog and I love your writing. It’s fresh, direct, simple but profound. Thanks! Secondly, thanks for your series on the Folly of Prayer. I loved the selections and the photos. I feel honored that you were able to ponder it and then recast it in your own beautiful words. May God continue to bless your ministry of writing.
Matt Woodley
2010/09/23 at 7:27 AM
I read your stories and am always moved and wanting more today…meeting you….thanks for that and for writing here.
2010/11/12 at 12:33 PM
Hello miss Lyla. Your site looks different than I remember. I think it’s been awhile since I was here last. It is beautiful. Your images and words are glorious. Thank you for your kind words re: my typos over at THC. I have met the nicest folks through that community. I count you as one!
May God gift you and yours with all you need for Christmas.
Blessings.
2010/12/22 at 1:11 PM
How PERFECT this description of who you are, Lyla. You make me smile very big to know you better.
2011/02/28 at 11:40 AM
Hello,
I’m preaching on “courage” this Sunday based on the story of Gideon over here in Detroit, MI, and found your blog doing research online. REALLY like your Gideon series and the way you write in general. You are an incredibly good writer and have awesome insights into scripture. God has certainly blessed you with his Spirit and a plethora of gifts!
You should write a book. What topic are you most passionate about? Do it for the glory of God.
2011/05/23 at 8:15 AM
Very nice to meet you!!!
2011/06/29 at 9:09 AM
“If love is God’s first language, Spanish must surely be His second.”–Oh, wow. You sound just like my mom when you say that.
2011/10/02 at 7:41 PM
Lyla, I am just now reading this for the first time. Thanks for making me smile.
And you always bless me.
2011/10/12 at 10:09 PM