Hometown: Dallas;
Present City: Dallas;
Education: B.S. in education, Baylor University;
Profession: IT Engineer at GuideStone Financial Resources (formerly the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention);
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Mike, and I have been married over 27 years. Our family has consisted of various cats, all adopted, over the years. My sister Sherry and her husband, Pat Hicks, are also Wilshire members. Our parents, Neal and Shirley Sanders, were longtime members of Wilshire as well.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
My original arrival was via the cradle roll. I returned after college but lost my way for a bit after my mother passed. My last return, this time with my husband, was in 2006. My main reason for returning? I very much missed singing in a high-quality community of faith choir.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I am a newly ordained deacon. I am also part of Sanctuary Choir, Nova, Carillon Ringers and chair the Building and Grounds Committee this year. I am part of Faith in 3D. Mike and I volunteer in the church office every Sunday morning during Sunday School.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
Its resiliency. There have been so many changes in less than 10 years, yet the spirit of Wilshire continues to thrive. We are embracing changes and allowing God to be the Master Artisan with us being the clay.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
God has been stretching me, urging me into new roles at Wilshire since 2017. I know there is more to come because I actively ask God to show me where I can be used. Gone are the days where I could just sit idle and watch from the choir loft.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I gave my life to Christ at age 8 and was baptized at Wilshire by Bruce McIver. In the last few years, God has intertwined my life with people I consider strong Christians with strengths and spiritual gifts that I can see and learn from — for a time. Then God gently moves them back a bit and puts others into my life, and then new opportunities to grow continue. I know God is not finished with me and still has more expectations of me.
Tell us something interesting most people would not know about you.
Back in the 1980s I worked for Wilshire member Bob Harty writing business stories for The Shopping News.
What adjectives best describe you?
Positivity.
*If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire feature, contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org)