This is me. Pygmy-sized grandma. Jesus Follower. Author. Word spiller. Christian Life Coach. Abundantly blessed. (And so happy you are here. Welcome!)
The most extraordinary thing about Marie is how ordinary she is. (Or perhaps it’s her ability to lose things like grocery lists, phone numbers and her car in the parking lot.)
When she isn’t looking for lost things, Marie writes silly plays with her grandchildren, hangs out with her six adult children and their loved ones, reads, plays word games, or hikes with Scott, her husband of 35 years.
She has been thinking in the third person and writing in her head most of her life. When she can find her laptop, she gets the words into blog posts, articles, and other writing arenas.
In 2021, Marie left her job as a CDE certified braillist to pursue her passion for empowering women by connecting them to the abundant life in Christ. She is a certified life coach for women. You can learn more about this by clicking the tab “Into Abundance Life Coaching.” in the menu.
Marie is forever grateful for the riches she has in Christ. Whatever she does – whether writing books or dancing to “It’s Raining Tacos” with her grandchildren – her goal is to shine light on the abundant life that is found in Christ.
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18
Thank you, dear sister, for a good perspective on your ordeal. But most of all, thank you for your clear testimony for our Lord. Keep trusting!
We share a number of likes – love my family – 4 sons their wives and children (my grandbabies – 3 boys!) – love to read, write, and laugh – and my love
over everything is the ONE Who makes LIFE possible – the Lord !
A friend put a link to your blog post today on Facebook. We also seem to have much in common…I have 5 children ages 12 & under who I’m currently homeschooling. We just moved to Aurora 3 weeks ago and would love to “meet” new friends/Christians…we’re still searching for a church as well.
I was led to your blog from a “share” on facebook sharing your post regarding the shooting. Thank you for your obedience to God in sharing the post. What faith you have in our Saviour! Praying for rest and peace to your entire family! God bless you continuously!!
Thsnk you so much for sharing a side of Jesus with the world that so many get confused over. I have had Micah 7 on my mind all week and also the verse about calling evil hood and good evil. In light of this I am curious how you feel about our culture of worldly movies?
May God give you deep rest and more snd more of his spirit to show others the way. I thank shod for your experience and the writers touch.
PS it has recently been said by a man who came to speak in Colorado named Doug Addison that a new arising of youth will come from Colorsdo. May your kids shine in that place !
amazing testimony! thank you!
we, too, have much in common – particularly, “sometimes impatient, usually disorganized, frequently forgetful…but always grateful for this wonderful life.” i’m grateful to be making your acquaintance! 🙂
tweeted this to our sister effect community(@sistereffect). thank you for such a gracious, wise and honest perspective amid an unspeakable tragedy. we’re praying for all of you.
Can’t wait to continue to read your blogs. Always blessed to “meet” new sisters in Christ and one who loves her God, family and life with a passion. I am praying for you, your family and “J” at this time in your life but so amazed at how God has already used your blog.
My cousin shared this article and that is why I read this today. She is the reason I love god. And you are the reason I beleive in the good of god’s love. I’m gald that you and your family is safe and hope that your strength will help you in the future, not feel terrified or scared. Thank you for sharing your account and thoughts and feelings.
Yahweh bless you, and keep you.
Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you.
Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.
– and rest for you and your’s
I found you today through a pastor friend. I’ve doubled your years of marriage, but have only three children – each grandparents now. I always appreciate finding God’s children here that will be sharing eternity with us later. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Even the description of yourself was eloquent and beautiful! Thank you. I loved your line: “I’m sometimes impatient, usually disorganized, frequently forgetful…but always grateful for this wonderful life.” I see myself in that statement, thank you again for your blogs and I believe that God has many more great things for you yet!
I love your story and pray that others can see that God is good and He doesn’t do bad things to people. As for praying for sleep, I would like to share a pray with you that my boys prayed as childred.
Father, I sing for joy upon my bed,
I lie down and sleep quietly.
I’m not afraid because You, Lord
watch over me and keep me safe.
My sleep will be sweet,
and You will bless me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen
This is from Psalm 149:5, Psalm 4:8, Proverbs 3:24 and Psalm 127:2
This prayed if from the Word that is alive and powerful when we speak it out of our mouths.
you could be my new best friend, what with the paper and ink and words and laughter and Scrabble; but make mine just plain ol’ chocolate cheesecake, please, and add coffee!! 🙂
Marie,
I also am a clay pot, but with many a cracks and dings. God’s light shines through anyway. I have been blessed with a husband of 29 yrs.and four children. At this time a new challenge has encountered our lives – one of my children has put God aside and whether he believes it or not, is struggling with it. Your story about God’s mercy has struck close to our hearts. God is using you and many ways. I have been encouraged and uplifted by your story – keep sharing. Telling our stories is how God works through us.
You really got it right…and you and your kids probably won’t need therapy, either.
Enjoyed this blog. Sorry you had to go through this, but God is sovreign and there was a reason for this . We are praying for all the folks in Aurora; this was a horrific choice for someone to make ( to shoot up a theatre ) . Keep encouraging us, please !!! Lynne Coltrane Fancy, Lexington NC
I am currently involved with The Truth Project. This week we delved into the lesson about who is man and what is evil. The focus Scripture was Galatians 5:16-17. Your message is right on target and Scripturally sound. Thanks for perspective.
One of the many who have found your blog from your now viral post. Thank you for spreading your love of God. If you need a distraction during this time, feel free to check out my blog to see some creations from another ink and paper addict! 🙂
You sound like the kind of woman I would be friends with! I look forward to reading your posts! ~ Sheila
http://napkinwriter.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/my-almost-wordless-blog/
Marie, you did a blessed job of FINDING THE WORDS. I Am grateful for yours and your family’s safety, and you are in my prayers, and my prayer practice is “Pray always.”
I loved your blog about the Aurora tragedy. You expressed in such an articulate way, what so many of us believe. God is bringing good out of this tragedy by using your testimony, I’m sure. May God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts concerning the horrific shooting ordeal that you survived. Praise God you and your girls made it through and a long with you I pray for the families of those that did not make it.
If I were you, I’d be prepared to do MUCH more freelance writing after your post about the theater shooting. Keep the truth rolling! Praise God that He spared your life!
Your words are just what is needed. I will pray for you and your family. I too trust the Lord and believe He is a merciful, loving God. Rest in Him.
Thank you for your recitation of your harrowing experience, and your faith that sustained you in the face of evil. It is always inspiring to find those that truly believe that the worst thing is never the last thing because of the sacrifice made by our savior.
Thank you my sister for such a wonderful response to such a senseless act of man. You have brought clarification and wisdom to my soul! Praying God’s peace over your family today!
Barb
I am another forgetful, slightly (??!!) disorganized, paper piling (neat piles, mind you), sometimes impatient mom too. With 1 child left in high school, ready for grade 12! Appreciate so much your candor and wise words. What a blessing to read this blog. Bless you all as you readjust to life with another twist that has affected so many, but thank God for His sovereign mercy and grace and love even in the midst of tragedy.
I have read your report on the shooting in Aurora. You are so right. God gave man the privilege of choosing. Choosing Him or choosing evil. Even at our best we are not perfect but we try to love others because He loved us and gave His only son for us. It is sometimes difficult to love as we should but with God’s help we can try. Why so many reject God will always be a mystery to me. I think that many times it is because they have not heard the GOOD NEWS It is a sad, sad event that occurred and as in the 9/11 maybe it will send some into a relationship with God. Many others will see it as an act of God. which it is not. He allows these things to happen. God bless you for your ministry.
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your heart. I pray that your words (His words) will continue to go far and wide. God bless you.
Marie, thank you for the explanation you have given regarding our Great and Awesome Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn’t create evil but allows man the freedom to make choices, whether bad or good. I am anxious to meet you someday we are kindred spirits. in Jesus Nancy B
thank you for your wonderful post on the theatre shooting, praise God, and I am praying for your sleep,
take care and rest in His arms, best, Holley
I am so thankful to know that you were there that night and that you and your girls survived and are still proclaiming that God is indeed great! Hopefully, many people will come to know Him as they search for answers in the aftermath of this great tragedy! God Bless! TT
Now you are slammed, but my quick question: I am disorganized & artsy. CAN I STILL HOMESCHOOL?
I enjoy your blog so much I’ve nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog Award”. You don’t have to accept it, but it’s kind of fun. You can check out the rules here:
http://work4christ.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/one-lovely-blog-award/
I have been inspired by your blog and have nominated you for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award”! Check out the rules here:
http://work4christ.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
I’m sure I won’t always have time to read your posts but I’m enjoying the ones I’ve seen since that horrible day in the theater. I appreciate that you are not dissuaded by Christians who think it more important to tear you down than rejoice that you have had a testimony as a result of this tragedy. Your views on this are right on and perfectly in keeping with the grace God extends to us through this wonderful gift of salvation.
Your post on being short was educational (LOL) but if you have to live with being short, at least be thankful that you’re pretty!
Blessings on your new job and your writing.
Karl Janzen
I have nominated you for the one lovely blog award Thanks for everything you do!
http://onechristiandad.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/one-lovely-blog-award/
My son shared your post with me on FB last summer, but “somehow” I just noticed it today? I guess this is the day God wanted me to read it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your ordeal that horrific nite. With all that has gone on since that shooting in the movie theater, most recently the bombing at the Boston Marathon, it becomes more and more clear that those of us who believe in the sovereignty of God must keep on proclaiming His glory–proclaiming His goodness and mercy for all to hear.
AMEN! We are all temples of the holy spirit.
I really like your posts, especially the stories.
May God coninue to bless your work!!