Celebrating God's Goodness

This book is a collection of personal reflections contributed by 30 different people of the goodness of God. The title embraces the idea that these events are worthy of not only remembering them, but celebrating how they enhance our understanding of the very character of God. The stories range from major life-changing events such as being spared from danger or something that established a direction in life, to seeing the goodness of God in an ordinary life activity. The vision of the book is to capture stories that can be passed on to our children and grandchildren that provide them assurance that God is at work in our lives, providing direction, protection, and love. Additionally, we hope that these stories will provide encouragement for persons in the final stage of life's journey who may need a reminder that God remains faithful in the struggles associated with aging. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Eccl 3:1). These are our stories of God's goodness in various seasons of our lives.

LaVerne is an Adjunct Professor Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University and former Dean of the Graduate and Adult Studies Humanities and Social Studies Division at Colorado Christian University. She earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Purdue University. She is married to Gary Jordan, is mother of two daughters and has six grandchildren.

Mary was "born into" College Church and grew up in Bourbonnais, IL. After graduating from Olivet Nazarene College (now University) and she and her husband, Tim, spent 25 years as missionaries in South Korea. She and Tim returned to Bourbonnais and College Church in 2004. Since returning, Mary participates in a prayer group, a Bible study group, the Nazarene Missions International Council, congregational care, and the Writers Group. Mary and Tim are the parents of two daughters and grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Marsha is a recent retiree, having worked for over 40 years as a computer programmer at Olivet Nazarene University. She is originally from Texas but has lived in Illinois for many years. She is a member of College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and serves as a counter and co-leads the writing group at the church. She is married to her husband, Robert, is a mother of two and grandmother of two, with another grandchild on the way.