About Me

I'm the mom of a beautiful teenage girl. I’m passionately in love with Jesus. I’m a young widow. I adore and advocate for orphans.

If I had to sum me up in four simple phrases…those listed above would do the trick. Yes, there’s so much more to me than that, but whenever I’m asked to introduce myself or whenever someone says to briefly describe who you are…this is really where I tend to focus. A mom. A widow. A Jesus girl.

That’s the short answer, but if you want to know a little more…keep reading…

First of all, you might be asking…where did I come up with the crazy name for this blog? Panthers and Petals 4 Him. Back when I started this blog (on December 31, 2008, to be exact), I simply set out on what I thought would be a writing journey for me. I never thought anybody else would want to read what I write. Thank you for proving me wrong. So…back to the name thing…I came up with something on the fly that I thought represented the polar opposites of me. The Panthers represent the football-loving side of me. I am a huge Carolina Panthers fan! I also love being outdoors…hiking, etc. The Petals symbolize my feminine side…I love the color pink, girly movies, flowers, being pampered, flowers, bubble baths, flowers, “raindrops on roses…whiskers on kittens”…you get the idea...oh yeah…and, flowers!  But, whether I’m cheering for my Panthers or sitting in a salon…it’s all 4 the Glory of Him…my sweet, Savior Jesus! This blog began as merely a simple expression of another one of my pastimes – writing. I love sharing, through this blog and speaking at women's events, the day-to-day happenings in my life and especially how they relate to my walk with Christ. He has been so good to broken me!

My life has taken a drastic turn from when I began this blog. I was happily married to the love of my life. Now, I’m a widow…a survivor of my husband’s suicide on May 4, 2011.

(Click here to read more about Chris' sudden death.)

I am not the same woman I used to be. My husband’s death radically changed me, and I honestly believe I’ve been changed for the better, but I’m a work in progress and will continue to be until the Lord calls me Home!

Thank you for stopping by. Your presence here at this little corner of my world means so much to me, and it would mean even more if you feel so inclined to comment and leave a word of encouragement occasionally. I pray that my simple musings ignite something in you! A fire, perhaps, to live a life of victory in Christ Jesus – regardless of your past, regardless of your brokenness, regardless of the personal tragedies that you’ve had to endure. Because, simply put, Christ alone can heal broken hearts, spirits, and souls. And…if all is stripped away…He’s simply enough! I pray that one day; you too, can come to that same realization, because it ushers in a place of peace and joy in spite of our circumstances.

(I am also privileged to be a Brand Ambassador for DIY Ministry! I'd love for you to check out this amazing and practical ministry!)