Hometown: Richardson
Present City: Garland
Education: B.A., Journalism, Baylor University
Profession: Journalism, communications, writing
Tell us about your family.
My wife, LeAnn, and I have been married 14 years. We met at Wilshire, primarily through Wilshire Winds but also some committee work. We don’t have children but enjoy spending time with our extended families, which includes our mothers and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I started out as a newspaper reporter and have worked in magazines, corporate and institutional communications, much of that in the commercial development and construction industry. My last full-time job was at DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit). I left that in 2010 to pursue freelance and personal writing interests, which has included work for Baylor, construction and design publications, national construction industry associations and Baptist News Global. Over the past dozen years, I’ve written and published seven books including novels, short stories and essays.
Any favorite hobbies?
Gardening, hiking, jigsaw puzzles.
What are your favorite places to travel?
Any place LeAnn is going! We like traveling where there is scenery, history and opportunities to get in a good hike.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I joined in 1990 when I moved closer to the church and when my Sunday school class at another church disbanded as people moved away.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
Wilshire Winds, deacons, ushering, Epiphany Class, committees including Library, blood drives and a weekly Facebook blog.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
I believe the writing I do has transitioned from job to ministry. I enjoy exploring God’s presence in ordinary people, places and situations, and telling stories about community and faith.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I was raised in the church, so my faith journey has mostly been about making sure I’m always learning and growing and not just being “Christian by habit.”
What is something interesting most people would not know about you?
I’m the only member of my family over many generations who is not a native Texan. I was born in Great Falls, Montana, when my father was in the Air Force, and somehow that knowledge has always had me looking toward the West rather than the East.
What adjectives best describe you?
Observant, persistent, loyal, durable, resilient.