Hometown: Waxahachie;
Present City: Dallas;
Education: Master’s in mental health counseling;
Profession: Music and Worship Coordinator;
Tell us about your family.
Brian and I married on 11/11/11 and have two fur-babies, Toby and Mayberry. My mom, Barbara Clayton, is a Wilshire member and staff member. I have one younger brother and two younger sisters. My brother and nephews all live in or near Dallas; my oldest sister and my niece live in Cypress; and my youngest sister and her husband live in Point. I have several fur nieces and fur nephews. Most of my immediate family live in and around DFW, so get-togethers are no small affair. Family has always been a big part of my life.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Brian and I both enjoy going to estate sales. You never know the treasures you just can’t live without.
What are your favorite places to travel?
Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is my favorite place right now. Brian and I recently rented a cabin there and really enjoyed the getaway. We rented a Polaris Slingshot to drive around Beavers Bend State Park. The weather was perfect, and it was so much fun. This was really a great trip.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
What brought me to Wilshire is my family. My grandparents were members for many years, and then my mom and siblings joined in the early ’90s. I stayed at Wilshire for the music department and the sermons that challenged me and didn’t make me “check my brain at the door.” I always like to think about topics on a deeper level. It helped me nourish and grow my faith.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
Outside of being a staff member, I am involved in Carillon Ringers and teach two-year-olds in Sunday School. I have been involved in Nova, Sanctuary Choir and Pre-K Choir in years past. I also have worked with the children of the SAMs group at the Grief and Loss Center of North Texas. That is something that is very dear to my heart — children dealing with grief.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
I can never be too sure, but I will say God has been a sense of comfort and strength during the last three years or so as I have gone through some major and minor health challenges. Even as I would want to break down in despair, I would feel God’s presence around me in some way, and it helps me continue. God continues to show me that he’s “got this.”
*If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire feature, contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org)