“WHAT SHE SAID” SERIES
Have you ever listened to a speaker, read a blog post, article, or book, and resonated so much with the truth communicated that you knew you couldn’t say it better and you wanted to exclaim, “What she said!”
God has encouraged and inspired me by gifted communicators, many of whom I have never met. After reading their work, I often sit back and exclaim, “What she said!” I’m delighted to introduce some of them to you through the devotional series "What She Said". Each writer brings a unique style but shares passion in proclaiming the help and hope of the Gospel through their writing and speaking. I suspect that you know some of them through studying their books or following their blogs. Let us introduce you to the guest writer featured in Part 6 of What She Said.
"What She Said" Writers
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Dianne Balch moved twenty-four times during her fifty-four year marriage to her beloved Dave. After Dave’s death in 2016, she downsized and moved four times during 2019. Dave was a lawyer in Indianapolis, while Dianne was active in organizations such as the Junior League, Symphony Society and DAR. In New York City they co-founded Business & Professional Outreach, Intl. under the umbrella of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, after establishing Executive Ministries for 15 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. Dianne served 3 years as a deaconess and served on the Women in the Church (WIC) ministry Council for 7 years.
For 35 years Dianne lectured at weekly women’s studies, using Community Bible Study and Precept Ministry materials, as well as other materials she wrote. Dianne has two children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. When she isn’t busy mentoring and teaching, you might find Dianne painting in oil, pastels or watercolor.
Sherry Bitler, founder of a local traditional Christian School, a home school cooperative school, and a summer program for children at a popular Christian Conference Center. She is a spiritual mother to hundreds of young women. Challenged by her daughter-in-law, she began writing a blog, The Grateful Grammie. She loves time with her husband of 47 years, their four children, their spouses, and twelve grandchildren. Sherry shares more about living with Multiple Sclerosis in this interview: When MS is Your Constant Companion.
Andrea Maher is the former editor-in-chief of PARENT ABC’S a monthly magazine. Her writings have been featured in local newspapers and parenting publications nationwide. She writes a monthly blog, Women Arise, for Soldiers for Faith Ministries. She is the author of SLAMMED: Overcoming Tragedy in the Wave of Grief, and her newly released book, “LETTERS TO MY SON: Solely a God-Story” is available through Amazon.
She is the executive director of the Be Still Foundation, a ministry that disseminates hope and encouragement to families in crisis. She has been married to her husband John for 44 years and has four children and 10 grandchildren. You can listen to Andrea’s MARKINC Help & Hope story: Surviving a Tsunami of Grief, and her son, Matt’s Help & Hope Story: One Wrong Decision Can Change Everything.
Leigh Ann Betters and her husband, Ted, have been married for 33 years and are members of Reach Church in Bear, DE. Together, they have raised four kids: Keri (husband, Luke), Jeremy (wife, Alice), Zachary, and Josh. Leigh Ann has homeschooled for more than 20 years, beginning when her oldest was in kindergarten, and plans to continue until her youngest graduates in 2022. In addition, she is on the leadership team for Glasgow Christian Academy, a hybrid homeschool program at her church where she also teaches Geometry, English, and SAT Prep. Raised in a Christian home, Leigh Ann came to know Jesus as a child and has experienced His faithfulness throughout her life. She loves to learn more about him, serving in woman's ministry and hosting a home fellowship group with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys curling up in front of a fire with a good book, cheering for the Steelers with her family, and spending time at the beach.
Keri Papili, wife to Luke and dog mom to Lucy, earned her communication degree from the University of Delaware and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Wilmington University. She works full-time in marketing. Keri’s faith in Jesus began when she was a child and strengthened over time through her family and serving in multiple ministries at her church, including worship team, youth ministry, and women’s ministry. In her free time, Keri enjoys drinking coffee, reading, running, and blogging at CoffeeWithKeri.com.
Barbara Thompson and her husband, Mark, moved the week Covid quarantine began from Louisiana, where they had lived for most of their lives, to Mississippi. Their desire is to finish well unto the Lord, living near their son and his family. Caregiving for Barbara’s parents was a ministry priority until her mother and father both passed away in August 2020. Barbara’s great joy is to, as she defines it, “sit on the bleachers” for women - praying, listening, connecting, and rejoicing as these women grow in grace. She’s a proud “spiritual mother” and rejoices to have a part in God’s work among us, through us, and in us. Barbara is intentional about connecting with her grandchildren and even learning to listen to the music they love.
What SHe Said - Part 6 - DAily Treasures
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