Meet iFlourish

    JENNY AVIS 

     

    Jenny Avis is the second of four children. She has a music degree, an M.Ed. and a post graduate degree from the Institute of Children’s Literature with various published articles. She is the author of the children’s book Morty the Meerkat Has Autism.

    Always a kid at heart who actually believes she is an artist, she plays with paper, paint, crafts, words, decorating, and the occasional revival of old furniture. She then dips her fingers into cooking gourmet meals, while singing arias in the company of her husband, her three children, and her golden dog named Spirit.

    Her philosophy is that “What I create in my home pours out into the spirit of all who reside here.” And with the help of the Lord, she continues to grow and thrive on joy as a wife, a mother, and a lady. Want to know her secrets of finding joy? Follow her blog at http://ladyinthehouse.net.

     

     

     

    BETHANY BOMBERGER

     

     

    For almost two decades Bethany Bomberger has been an educator – encouraging and empowering others to pursue their life goals. She has spent years teaching in the classroom, coordinating educational programs and working with thousands of children, youth and adults of all ages. Bethany’s experiences have led her to love and appreciate the uniqueness each individual holds. Married to her best friend, Ryan, and mother to four amazing children (ages 8, 5, 4, & 2), Bethany has experienced, firsthand, the joys and challenges of raising children. She always says, “Without a lot of love, prayer, and laughter – it just doesn’t happen!”

    In 2009, Bethany and Ryan co-founded The Radiance Foundation (TRF), a life-affirming organization that educates audiences about pressing societal issues and how they impact our God-given Purpose. They have reached millions through media campaigns, multi-media presentations, and community outreach. One of the community outreaches Bethany loves and directs is Sally’s Lambs, a ministry for birth moms who have chosen to place their kids for adoption. Donors make it possible to bless birth moms with beautiful gift baskets, maternity clothes, and financial assistance.

    “…Those who know God will be strong and do great things.” Daniel 11:32

     

     

    Anna Bowman

    Anna Bowman is a mother to three beautiful children, two girls and a boy sandwiched in the middle. She is a wife to her wonderful husband of thirteen years, whom she lovingly refers to as “superman.” She spends the majority of her time taking care of these four people.

    When she finds a spare moment, she is passionate about all things creative including art, photography, dance, music, writing and design. Anna holds a BA in Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and an Advanced Diploma of Practical Theology in Worship and Technical Arts from Christ for the Nations Institute.

    She currently runs a blog based ministry called “Who Is Beautiful” focused on redefining personal beauty in a biblical way and helping women discover their true identity in God.  Anna finds joy in her children’s faces, soaking in the sunshine, a good cup of coffee, heart to heart conversations, and of course a little chocolate. Her heart’s cry is to see women discover the truth about who they are in God and step into their God-given purpose and call in life.  Visit Anna’s personal blog Perfectly Imperfect.                 

     

    KRISTIN COONEY

    Born and raised in snowy Pennsylvania, Kristin Cooney was only too happy to move to warmer southern Virginia in 1997, where she soon became well acquainted with both the oceanfront and sweet tea. Prior to her big move, she received a B.A. from Grove City College and directly after moved to Spain for a year to study Spanish in post-graduate work. After completing her M.A. from Bowling Green State University, she hightailed it to the warm weather to work for Regent University and, later, The 700 Club features department. It was there she met and married her co-worker, Damien, and the two have since celebrated over a decade of marriage and added two boys to their family.

    Kristin and her family have recently moved to the Nashville area, where she continues on-call work for The 700 Club and has launched head first into the new rewarding, yet terrifying, arena of homeschooling a very curious first grader. She currently writes as a hobby and has published devotionals with the national magazine Sports Spectrum. She has a passion to see women truly know the Scriptures and walk out their lives under the full counsel of God’s wisdom and guidance. She’s also pleased to report that the sweet tea is just as refreshing in Tennessee.

     

    TINA DAVIS

    Cristina Davis (Tina) has been a part of the leadership team of New Life Providence Church, a multi-site, transethnic church based in Virginia Beach, Va., since 1999, currently serving as the campus pastor of their Deep Creek Campus, Chesapeake, Va., and the director of women’s ministry.

    She has traveled nationally and internationally leading missions trips and ministering at various conferences and events through worship and speaking. She has an M.A. in Counseling as well as in Practical Theology, working bi-vocationally for many years with at-risk teens and their families. 

    With a focus on leadership, worship and women, it is her desire to see people walk in the fullness of who they are in Christ and recognize that their design and destiny are found in Him.  She resides in Chesapeake, Va., with her husband, Christopher Davis.

     

     

    BELINDA ELLIOTT

     

    Belinda has been writing since age 10 when she crafted poems and shared them with her church and any other crowd who would listen. Since then her writing has consisted of magazine articles, devotionals and blogs. She began her professional writing career as a newspaper reporter and worked as a web editor/writer for The Christian Broadcasting Network after earning a master’s degree in Journalism from Regent University.

    In her head she is a gourmet chef, but in reality, she spends more time watching cooking shows on television than she does working in the kitchen. When she isn’t obsessively following her favorite cooking or writing blogs, she volunteers at her local library and co-directs the women’s ministry at her church.

    In 2009 God launched her into a new ministry by way of a job loss. Now she coaches job seekers on resume and interview skills while helping them navigate the rough waters of unemployment—encouraging them to listen for God’s reassuring voice and trace His hand of provision in the midst of the journey. Her favorite editor is her best friend and husband of eight years, Matt. 

     

     

    KELLY HEAD

    Kelly Head is founder of iflourishonline and seeker of gems of Wisdom hidden amongst crusty earth along the pathway to ‘The Promised Land.’  She is wife to her “Weetie,” Jason and stay-at-home mama to three fantastic littles ages 2, 4 and 6. The ‘fam’ recently packed up from Virginia and headed to Dallas, Texas, where they are learning deep and out loud what it means to live by faith in pursuit of a God dream. Kelly is kind of a mighty mouse of sorts; small on the outside yet, bursting at the seams inside with holy passion to leave the world and those around her better than she found them.

    Never forgetting what her Savior did for her, she wildly clings to grace.  From that, she loves to find  the ‘ jewels’ in others, help polish them off with encouragement and watch them shine radiant for God’s glory. 

    Kelly began her writing career as a journalist in the United States Air Force in the early 90’s and has dabbled in (and out) of writing, producing and media management ever since. She has an educational background to include practical theology, business administration and writing. Always eager to fan the flames of others’ God-sized-dreams,  you may find more of Kelly’s musings at her blog Designed to Flourish. Or read part of her testimony at Who is Beautiful. 

     

    LAUREN HOLMES

     

     

    Lauren Holmes is a mother, wife, writer and Jesus lover with a passion for seeing marriages restored and building relationships. A graduate of Regent University, she is a Professor and Faculty Chair of Communication at a local university and a Network Developer/Publicity Coordinator for Mothers of Preschoolers International, serving both on the local and state levels. She has two small children, a loving husband and an adopted Beta named Buddy. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys Zumba, “date nights” with her husband, spending time with friends and family, healthy eating and relaxing at the beach. Lauren blogs on marriage, relationships and motherhood, (just to name a few,) and be on the lookout for her first book soon to release. You can follow her blog at lholmes79.wordpress.com or Facebook.

     

     

     

     

     

    NATALIE JETER

     

    Flourish editor and contributor Nathalie Jeter was born and raised in Paris, France where her parents were missionaries. She has a double M.A. in Journalism and Government and is currently fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a full-time writer. Her ultimate goal in writing is to encourage people to dream, think and act.

    Nathalie writes travel guidebooks that introduce people to the most beautiful cities in the world, not only showing them the practical, fun facts about each city but also pointing out fascinating Christian heritage information and important prayer points. Her latest project, PrayerWalk London, tackles the lively and multi-faceted city of London, England. She blogs about travel, food and prayer at www.prayerwalkguides.com.

     

     

     

     

     

    MELISSA McDERMOTT

    Melissa McDermott is from New York City, but was sweetened in the South after living in Texas for high school and college. She moved to Virginia for graduate school where she met and married her husband Paul in 2000. She has always loved to write and studied English in college, but also wanted to help people around the world. So she pursued an MBA in Non-Profit Management and after several years of working in various non-profit organizations, she began the journey towards a PhD in Organizational Leadership, which she completed in 2008.

    She loves to travel and loves the thrill of flying across oceans and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of various cultures. Her favorite past times have been chatting with a friend over coffee, writing in her journal or capturing moments with her camera. She loves interior design and has been moving furniture at least once a week since she was 5 years old. Melissa has been blessed with two beautiful children, Caitlin and Dylan, who are miracles and gifts who have graced her life. Visit her blog, Fresh Living Water.

     

    FELICIA MURRELL

     

    Married to her husband, Doug, for 20 years; together, they have four children: Brittany (21); Tre’ (18); Chaya (16) and Jeremiah (15). Felicia was born in Washington, DC and raised in Clayton, NC.  For most of her adult life, she has lived in Nashville, TN or Hampton Roads, VA. Presently, her family resides in a south side Atlanta surburb. Felicia is an itinerant speaker, life coach and minister of the gospel. Often expressed through her writings, teaching, and coaching, her hearts passion is to equip and empower believers to live consistent, sustained lifestyles as sons and daughters in right relationship with Father God empowered by the Holy Spirit. Felicia says, “I’ll give my life to bring a revelation of the Father’s love to others and to demonstrate Father’s love by displaying His goodness through signs, wonders, miracles, and prophetic insights.

    To enjoy Felicia’s musings and poetry, visit her blog at http://feliciamurrell.blogspot.com/

     

     

     

     

    VIRNA NAOIMI

     

    When not busy with her day job in marketing communications, Virna is a professional bridesmaid with almost seven dresses in her closet. She actually started her career as a graphic designer, which is why she became active in her church’s Creative services ministry.  She now sees that the biggest frontier to share Jesus is in the workplace and so she has now become more active in the Market Workplace Ministry.  

    She started her blog www.christianityinhighheels.com to reach out with positive thoughts for today’s single Christian woman. Her message is that while it may be impossible to fully traverse life in high heels, one can always live life with flair, style, wits, extraordinary wisdom and peace by way of Jesus, the lover of our soul. 

     

     

     

    Kristin Reeg

     

     

    Kristin Reeg is passionate about exhorting, equipping and encouraging others to move forward in their personal walk with Jesus Christ. She has obtained a B.A. in Communication from Malone University as well as an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University. Her first book titled, Pressing On Hope for the Weary, is currently available on Amazon.com. Kristin also writes adult Sunday School material for Union Gospel Press. She resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a faithful member of Church on the North Coast.

     

     

     

     

    CRESTA SHAWVER

     

    Cresta Shawver is mom to five gorgeous and messy little boys, ranging in age from 8 years to 4 months. As if her hands aren’t full enough, she is also the fellow “life giver” and senior editor of iflourishonline.com.  She often says that life in her household is usually chaotic, but the love and cuddles more than make up for it!

    Cresta is the heart of hospitality and all things “girly.” If you’re one of the many who graces her home for a visit where true Southern charm resides (or, most likely, to her table for tea) you will notice her love of china, good ol’ home-cooking and DIY crafts. Also, you’ll see that her latest “good book” is never far from reach.

    A self-described grammar Nazi, Cresta has spent many years as an editor in the world of publishing.  After years of helping others develop their writing, she’s finally taking the time to do a bit of her own. Cresta feels that God has called her to encourage women to bloom wherever they’re planted, even in this crazy season of motherhood! Follow Cresta at www.musingsofaqueenbee.com.

     

     

     

    PAM SPINOSI

    Pam Spinosi has taught college English as a Foreign Language in Tallinn, Estonia;  Helsinki, Finland; Paris and Laval, France; and Malmesbury, England (besides several U.S. cities). Since August 2006, she has worked as testimony writer at Bethel Church, where she also serves the international student body (600+) at Bethel’s school of ministry, teaches writing classes and organizes the bi-annual Writing Unto the Glory Conference (next one: June 5-7, 2013). Pam has contributed to and compiled two books: An Apple for the Road (Destiny Image Publishers 2011) and the forthcoming An Apple a Day (Destiny Image Publishers, 2013). Pam’s writing passion is children’s stories and creative non-fiction, and, a grammar enthusiast, she mourns the abuse and gradual disappearance of the apostrophe.

     

     

     

     

    DINA SLEIMAN

     

    Dina Sleiman writes lyrical stories that dance with light. Most of the time  you  will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Since finishing her Professional Writing M.A. in 1994, she has enjoyed many opportunities to teach literature, writing and the arts. While starting her family she focused on poetry, songwriting and scriptwriting, but once the youngest started school, she turned to her true passion: fiction. Her debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion with Whitefire Publishing, is now available at Amazon and other online and ebook distributors. Her latest novel, Love in Three-Quarter Time, will be the launch title for the new Zondervan First imprint. She has recently become an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire as well. Join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace.

    You may also visit Dina at her website.

    

    

    

    

     
    

    

    Lori West
    

    Lori West desires to be a passionate conduit of God’s love with a huge heart especially for women and the issues they struggle with. She loves to connect God’s heart with theirs through the prophetic, encouragement and just showing His love to them!
    

    She has expressed her passion in various capacities – as a Labor and Delivery/Postpartum nurse, Doula, Childbirth Educator. She has also been active in ministry, working with Mother of Preschoolers (MOPS), the women’s ministry, Bible study and adoption.
    

    Lori’s passions range far and wide – from photography, travel, adventure, prayer, worship, writing, blogging, movies, and even skydiving once!  Above all she is passionately in love with Jesus, her heavenly Daddy, & the Holy Spirit. She totally loves and adores her husband Jeremy and their five  awesome kids. 
    

    You can catch some of Lori’s passion at http://drinkfromthedeep.org and http://mothering-matters.com.