The most important thing about me is that I’m a daughter of The King. I am intimately known and loved by the God of heaven and earth. He’s not a box I check off on my to-do list or a list of rules that I follow or a trite saying I repeat to feel better about life or a book that I can file away on a shelf. He is my Lord and, amazingly, also my friend. I love being in relationship with Him. It really is the most important thing about me because I’ve been a people-pleaser and a perfectionist for as long as I can remember. I need reminded daily that my security and my significance come from my God. My relationship with Him shapes everything else about me. 

I’m also the helper, lover, partner, and best friend of my ENTJ husband. Rick and I met during college, married the weekend after graduation, and have been muddling through life together for the last 17 years. I love it when he calls me “his Shanskie.” 

We have two great kiddos. I’m convinced that nurturing Caleb and Madison is one of the most significant jobs I’ll ever have. Some days are rewarding and full; others stretch me to my limit. But, I know that whether I’m teaching them menial life skills, shaping a character issue, or caressing a fevered brow, that I’m doing something of great worth.

And, lastly, I’m the keeper of our little domain. Sometimes that means scrubbing toilets; sometimes it means hostessing a cook-out for friends; sometimes it means opening our home for someone in need. No matter the task at hand, I try to maintain vision for making our home a place of peace and refuge for all who enter. We live in a very diverse college-town, so that means I cross paths with all kinds of people. We love having them in our home and sharing life with them. 

Of course, like you, there’s more to me than those few paragraphs. In His creativity, God has imprinted every one of us with gifts, passions, callings, and dreams.  If you’re reading this, please know that I’d rather be sitting in my living room having vanilla tea with you and hearing YOUR story. But, for now, I hope mine will encourage you and spur you on in some small way.