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I grew up in a small Southern Minnesota border town with my mom and dad, a younger brother and sister, and a Golden Retriever. I had an ordinary childhood, except for a seasonal business that kept our family well supplied with hard work and Dairy Queen treats. My parents first noticed my perfectionist tendencies when, at the age of four, I colored every page in my Cinderella color book in order and never colored outside the lines. My diligence, plus a little creativity and a strong dose of work ethic, produced a string of personal achievements. Six years after graduation and two college degrees later, I married my high school sweetheart, Howie Nelson. We settled in suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul to raise children and a Golden Retriever of our own.
My professional career began on the faculty of the University of Minnesota where I developed community health programs and taught clinical skills to dental hygiene students. An MBA helped me transition into the business sector where I established education and communication departments for two large health industry firms. Later, I founded Soterion, a Twin Cites-based healthcare communications consulting firm. Through the years, I have published articles, led workshops, and presented at various healthcare and education conferences.
I attended church regularly, but it wasn’t until a breast cancer diagnosis in August of 1999 that the Lord won my heart. During this dark bald time, my relationship with Christ became personal and my occasional Bible dabbling turned into a deep hunger for the Word of God. Jesus became more than Lord of my Sunday mornings; He became Lord of my life. I emerged from the fire a brand new person, obedient to His call to share what He had done for me and what He can do for you. I am the author of Grace for Each Hour: Through the Breast Cancer Journey (Bethany House, 2005) and Grace for Tough Times: Keys to Hope, Comfort and Encouragement (Bethany House, 2006). My writing draws readers into the heart of God where my deepest desire is to deliver His message of hope to those who need it most.
Today, I serve on the Vision Board at Hosanna! in Lakeville, MN, a congregation of 5,000 members, where I also lead the Pray for the Cure cancer ministry, the weekday prayer team, and several small groups. A survivor of breast cancer, I mentor other women who face the disease, and consult and speak to disciple the hurting and help others do the same. 
Avid motorcyclists, Howie and I enjoy taking road trips on our Gold Wing with “Kalifornia Kids” and other friends, and are leaders in Hosanna! Bikers, a ministry that reaches more than 350 fellow bikers. We are blessed with two wonderful adult children, son Bryan married to Sharmi, and daughter Kelly. I am continually amazed how the Lord invites ordinary people like me to participate in His Kingdom.
