CONTRIBUTORS to Journeys to Mother Love

Alice-web A. R. Cecil resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her physician husband of forty-one years, Joseph. The Cecils have four grown children and four young grandchildren. Mrs. Cecil received a MSFA (Masters of Science in Fine Art) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Cladach published her collection of short stories entitled That Was the Best Christmas!. A.R. (Alice) has shared her testimony at Christian Women’s Clubs and has done book readings at Barnes & Noble. A.R. Cecil contributed “Run, Run as Fast as You Can” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Treva-Brown-web Treva Brown is a wife, and mother of three, who lives in Colorado. She has a heart for those who are hurting, especially those affected by uxoricide (murder of a wife by her husband). She is writing a book to show grieving children of uxoricide that life did not end for them too, and they do not have to walk that painful road alone. Following another passion, she also serves as social coordinator on the steering team of her local Mothers of Preschooler’s (MOPS) group. Treva maintains a blog at: http://treva-brown.blogspot.com/. Treva Brown contributed “She Did Her Best” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Verna-Simms-webVerna Hill Simms lived in the Midwest close to her family. Verna joined the Jefferson County (Missouri) Writers Society at the age of eighty and for ten years was an active member. Verna’s stories were published in two Cup of Comfort books and eight other anthologies. She wrote for magazines and had a column in local newspapers, where she shared “short essays on slices of life.” Verna’s hobbies included swimming, sewing, gardening, and reading. Verna Hill Simms contributed “Take Care of Your Mother” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Kerry-Luksic-webKerry Lonergan Luksic is a mother, a writer, and an Alzheimer’s advocate. Her work has been published in numerous newspapers and periodicals. Kerry’s memoir, Life Lessons from a Baker’s Dozen: 1 Mother, 13 Children, and their Journey to Alzheimer’s was recently published by Unlimited Publishing, LLC. Kerry has an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and an MBA from Seton Hall University. She is a member of the International Women’s Writers Guild and lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three daughters. Kerry Lonergan Luksic contributed “Finding the Blessings in Alzheimer’s” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Kyleen-webKyleen Stevenson-Braxton has an MA in Literature from the University of Wyoming. She has led several post-abortion healing groups, given her testimony at numerous churches, and presented a workshop at Ramah International in 2006, on how infertility complicates post-abortion healing. Her published writings are on similar topics. A wife and mother, Kyleen is co-owner of Fashion Crossroads, Inc. a chain of two women’s retail clothing stores in Casper, Wyoming. To learn more, visit Kyleen’s blog: http://singobarrenwoman.wordpress.com/. Kyleen Stevenson-Braxton contributed “Beauty from Barrenness” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Ellen-Caldwell-web

Ellen Cardwell was raised in San Francisco and lived most of her adult life in the East Bay. The majority of those years were spent raising two children and helping her husband with his business. On becoming empty nesters, Don and Ellen moved to a pretty little town on the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas. After becoming a widow and seeking God’s direction for the future, Ellen began putting into words what God had put in her heart, finding a way to reach others beyond her immediate circle of influence. For instance, she has had numerous devotionals published in The Upper Room. Visit her on the web at: www.ellencardwell.com. Ellen Cardwell contributed “Finishing Well” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Ardis-Nelson-webArdis A. Nelson is a wife and a mother of two teenage young men. The family reside in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington with their miniature schnauzer named Zoe. Ardis’s hobbies include photography, scrap-booking, reading, and memoir writing. Her ministry passion is facilitating spiritual growth and support groups for women. She has been active in organizing women’s retreats and events, speaking at women’s functions and sharing her testimony. Her writing includes e-devotionals for her church and regularly blogging at ardisanelson.com/makingmebold/. Ardis A. Nelson contributed “Walking My Mother Home” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Loritta-Slayton-web Loritta Slayton grew up in sunny California. She learned early that she had musical and artistic abilities, which she still uses passionately today. She and her husband celebrate their thirty-seventh wedding anniversary this year. They have lived in Loveland, Colorado, for twenty-one years. Their three daughters are grown and married, and now there are six grandchildren. Loritta loves to share about the faithfulness of the Lord and how God’s Word has been the light on her path. Loritta Slayton contributed “White Knuckles” to Journeys to Mother Love.

Catherine Lawton was born in Colorado and grew up as a pastor’s daughter in many parts of California. She went to college in Pasadena on a California State Scholarship, earned a BA degree in English and married Larry for over forty years. She began writing for publication at an early age and dreamed of designing and publishing books. When Cathy was 28 and had two young children, her mother died suddenly of cancer. This event opened pain-filled early memories for which she sought and found healing. Catherine compiled and edited the book, Journeys to Mother Love, as well as contributing her personal story, “When I Feel Forsaken.”


All these women write for the BLOG:

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