I can’t spell Bio without BOI (born on island) because that’s where my story begins. I was born on Galveston Island to a first-grade teacher and a principal. Growing up, I loved to read and take care of our menagerie of pets. My most vivid memories are at our small church or reading in the cool area under our house.My first job was waitressing in a restaurant whose owner wasn’t picky about child labor laws. Really, I learned everything I needed to know as a fifteen-year-old burger-slinger: life is hectic, take it one step at a time, and rely on God’s grace to get through the really tough parts.I graduated from high school ready to experience something other than island life. Why not Nebraska? Sight pretty much unseen, I packed up my wardrobe of t-shirts and shorts to attend college at Concordia-Seward, Nebraska. Five years and fifteen pounds later I graduated with a passion for teaching, lifelong friends, and a constant craving for cafeteria food. I’ve never met a baked potato bar I didn’t like.During my college summers I worked at a camp in California. I loved worship in front of a crackling fire, introducing kids to their Savior, and embracing our close community. It was during those summers that God hooked me on public ministry.I met my future husband at a wedding a few weeks after college graduation. He said, “Can I buy you a beer?” Answering yes to that Budweiser Heavy was the best decision of my life.My first teaching job was in Houston and my new husband joined me here. I absolutely loved teaching and was named Teacher of the Year by the Houston Area Lutheran School Association and awarded Young Alumnus of the Year by my alma mater, Concordia.I earned my Masters Degree in Creative Writing, writing my creative thesis about Caroline, a high school student modeled after several of my students. Encouraged by how much my classes liked the novel devotions, I submitted the manuscript to Concordia Publishing House, who contracted me to write a series. More books, articles, and Bible study curriculum followed. With each new assignment I fell more in love with my Savior—and my calling to spread His message to the world.Our lives changed drastically in 2004 when God blessed us with our first daughter. About two years later He gave us the double blessing of twins, a boy and a girl. About two years after that, God gave us more love than we could imagine with the birth of our fourth baby, a boy (for those of you keeping track at home that’s four kids in five years). Haunted by the fear I wouldn’t remember anything from these hectic years, I started my blog, www.bestoftimesblog.com, which I try to update daily.I love to write Bible studies, teach college classes, take pictures, pray, speak to women, go to the beach, travel, and soak up every second with my wonderful husband and amazing kids.