Meet the Authors Who Make Great Guests
Angela Mackey
Janet K Johnson
Dani Pettrey
Denise Renken
Sharon Braner
Sharon Braner, wife, mother, grandmother and volunteer at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem Israel. As a former BSF Teaching Leader she writes Bible Studies and has taught women’s classes since 1984. She lives in Frisco TX with her husband Dennis of 54 years.
It’s Time To Flee is a memoir of the authors experience of living in Jerusalem and volunteering at the Garden Tomb during the fall of 2023. The circumstantial peace she enjoyed was replaced by the supernatural peace of God when the war broke out Oct 7th. She learned and shares the reality of living safe and unafraid in a war zone.
Kathy Harris
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a divine detour into the Nashville entertainment business. She is also a founder and co-owner of Arise Creative Entertainment literary and music management agency, www.arisecreativenashville.com
Kathy Harris is the author of women's fiction and romantic suspense novels, including The Deadly Secrets series and The Road to Mercy. After working for more than four decades in the Nashville entertainment industry, she co-founded Arise Creative Entertainment, a full-service music and literary marketing and management agency.
Jennifer E. Tirrell
Jennifer's writing often includes the natural beauty around her. She uses creation and the Word of God to point both adults and children to the Creator. A kinship adopted orphan, she offers a unique authenticity. Her co-authored children's chapter book series, Pets to the Rescue, seeks to strengthen young minds amid today's shifting cultural landscape. Jane's Secret, her debut novel, points to the power of prayer, and generational blessings. Her books have been endorsed by Leo Hindery, Jr., Dr. Gary Chapman, and others. She is a contributing writer to Focus on the Family, Guideposts, Arise Daily Devotions and more. Jennifer and her husband Bobby live life to the fullest in the Coastal Carolinas. Learn more at www.writingwithjet.com.
Topics: Virtues to Empower The Blessing Teaching Values in the Classroom Childhood Trauma: Pathways to Healing Benefits of Boredom
Maureen Miller
Maureen Miller is a multi-genre, award-winning author, speaker, and storyteller with contributions in more than twenty collaboratives. She writes for Guideposts’ annual daily devotional All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites, including the award-winning Arise Daily and Inspire A Fire. Married for thirty-six years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she enjoys life with their three born-in-their-hearts children and a trio of grand-girls, not to mention a variety of furry beasts. They live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. She’s the chaplain of her local Word Weaver critique group and blogs at “Windows and Wallflowers” (Maureenmillerauthor.com)—telling of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary things of life. Her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available, and she hopes this timeslip novel will encourage folks to pull up a chair and have heartfelt, healthy conversations, even about difficult topics. Relationships are important to Maureen, and it’s no surprise that her most favorite thing in life is to encourage others in their journey with Jesus. If coffee and dogs are involved… even better!
Possible Interview questions—
• Obviously, you have a heart for adoption and the lives of unborn children. Tell us a little about yourself and where this passion comes from.
·This is not your only writing. Tell us a little about where we can find more of your writings.
· You have a heart for racial reconciliation and open dialogue to encourage healing among people. Why this passion, and what is meant by Jonah Forney’s words in your book, “All it takes is pullin’ up a chair”?
· I love the logline of your blog: God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary moments. How did that name come about and what do you talk about on your blog?
· You say you are “an introvert who loves and values people and relationships.” How do you think that shapes your writing?
· What is one of the greatest gifts God has given you through this journey of writing?
· What is something you would love for your reader to walk away with after reading one of your books?
· Your story walks the reader through some heavy things. How can we walk through those life-altering moments that leave us with heartache and enduring sorrow?
Janet K Johnson
Janet K Johnson is an award-winning author, speaker, teacher, pastor, counselor, and spiritual formation coach. She has been married to Richard for fifty-five years, has four grown children, six grandchildren, and through fostering, has another granddaughter and four great grandchildren. She lives near Asheville, NC and enjoys baking and especially experimenting with new recipes.
The murder of her brother, death of her son, suicide of her brother-in-law, physical and emotional challenges of her daughter, along with her own traumatic brain injury, left Janet struggling to find joy amid so much pain through loss. Janet began a quest to find true, lasting joy. She now shares not only her journey but helps others find ways to live a life of joy no matter what life brings. She is an encourager who’s written and spoken words help audiences learn how to grieve well as they discover tools to live out their losses in life-giving ways. She is a joy sprinkling lover of Jesus.
While experiencing grief through the loss of her son, brother, brother-in-law, parents, and very close friends, Janet learned to lean on God. She dove into scripture, the promises of God, the love of Christ, and found the cloud of heaviness lifting. Since then she has written, Grief the Unwanted Journey (an uplifting devotional), Surviving the Holidays While Grieving (filled with experiential, spiritual, and growth through remembering and celebrating those who have been lost), and two children's books, Fly High Understanding Grief with God's Help and Fly High (General Market), in addition to being a part of many compilations and anthologies. Her spirit of joy permeates her life including her presentations to those who are struggling with their own losses.
She is available to speak to groups of any size, and to do radio, TV, and podcast interviews. Questions about life's struggles, God's faithfulness and promises, and grasping the meaning of eternity for our lives today are always great for discussion and helping others know there is always hope.
Amanda L. Scarborough
Debut author Amanda Scarborough was adopted at three days of age and grew up an only child on a farm in southwest Louisiana. At age twenty-two, she married her husband, Jeff, and became an instant mom to his two daughters, and later, the couple had two sons together. They own Scarborough’s Salon & Day Spa, Freedom Pharmacy, and Jeff is a contractor and developer. Amanda loves decorating for fall and Christmas and, as a tradition, always does so on October 31. Aside from being obsessed with French bulldogs, she loves to read, play softball, and spend as much time as she can outdoors.
“Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication for women who have just had a baby. It affects up to 1 in 7 women (about 15 percent),” according to the March of Dimes. Yet many women affected by postpartum depression do not acknowledge or share their experiences.
Debut author Amanda Scarborough knows what it’s like to feel hopeless during the nearly two years she suffered with perinatal and postpartum depression. In a new release, A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments (Redemption Press), Scarborough gives a personal glimpse into what precipitated her descent into the darkness of depression that brought her to the moment when she wanted to harm her newborn son.
Scarborough writes, “For me, the darkness that postpartum depression held was all-consuming and terrifying. I would have done anything to escape it without thought or reason.” But she said that in a moment of what she recognizes as God’s mercy, “the dark veil that shielded reality was violently torn away, and the weight of what I almost did caused me to shatter.”
This transparently told, brave personal story will resonate with anyone who suffers from depression, whether postpartum or not, or loves someone who does. A Beautiful War highlights the hope that comes from Jesus, the faith that casts out fear, and love that always wins.
Suggested Interview Questions
1. Why do you think it is hard for women to speak out about their experiences of postpartum depression? 2. There are physical reasons that cause perinatal and postpartum depression during pregnancy, but you also say that spiritual issues also enter in. Can you elaborate?
3. Do you feel that at your lowest moment, when you wanted to harm your newborn son and yourself, it was God’s intervention that stopped you from going further?
4. You didn’t experience an instant return to normalcy. What are some of the positive things you did after releasing your fears and anxiety to the Lord that helped you?
5. What advice would you give to other women who may currently be experiencing depression?
Lori Wildenberg
Lori Wildenberg, licensed parent and family educator, author, and national speaker, is passionate about helping families build connections that last a lifetime and beyond. Lori is the author of seven books including the newly released Grandparents Make Grand Partners: How to Have an Eternal Impact on Your Grandchild’s Life and the award-winning Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Lori is married to her college sweetheart, Tom. They have four adult children, 3 in-laws, and 5 grands. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom, any combination of family members, and Toby the family goldendoodle. The Wildenberg home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. loriwildenberg.com
Grandparents Make Grand Partners
What if the greatest legacy you could leave isn’t just your love, it’s your faith? Grandparents are second only to parents in shaping their grandchildren’s faith and moral development. Grandparenting is a sacred role, a partnership with your adult children and with God to nurture the next generation.
Yet many still wonder: What’s my role? How do I support my adult children without overstepping? How do I navigate cultural pressures, spiritual differences, or strained relationships?
Grandparents Make Grand Partners: How to Have an Eternal Impact on Your Grandchild’s Life is your practical, encouraging guide to becoming an intentional, spiritually influential grandparent. You’ll learn how to come alongside, not compete with your adult children, strengthen family bonds, and model faith in everyday moments. You’ll discover how to: Restore or deepen connection with your adult children Support your grandchild's emotional and spiritual growth Identify your unique grandparenting “style” Handle tough topics like gender identity and cultural pressures Pass on faith through stories, blessings, and prayer Embrace your divine role in a broken world
With Scripture, real-life stories, and honest wisdom, Grandparents Make Grand Partners will help you move from wondering, “What do I do?” to proclaiming, “I was made for this.” Whether near or far, close or disconnected, it’s never too late to step into your calling with purpose and grace. You’re not just a grandparent, you’re a partner in the greatest spiritual legacy of all.
Lynne Rienstra
Lynne Rienstra is a recovering Pharisee and spiritual orphan. Through her mentoring, speaking (she's taught thousands of women for over two decades), and writing, she leads women out of hiding and into a place of discovering their identity as God’s Brave Beloved.
Her first book, Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis, was a #1 Amazon bestseller and was named “Book of the Year” by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Lynne has been an English teacher, corporate insurance broker, women’s ministry leader, homeschooling mom, and development professional. She served as a regional director for Samaritan’s Purse and traveled across the globe with that ministry. She holds a BA in English from Smith College and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center. Lynne has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and online devotionals. Serving alongside her husband, a senior pastor, gives Lynne much joy, as do their adult children and grandchildren.
You can book Lynne for your event, or as a podcast, radio, or TV guest, at BraveBeloved. Access her teaching on YouTube. Lynne can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X.
My passion is helping women not only know the truth, but experience heart change that catalyzes long-term transformation. My goal is to help them close the gap between what they say they believe and how they actually live.
Abandoned by my father at four and betrayed by my stepfather at 12, the basic childhood mantra I internalized was: "You're not enough."
I'm not alone. Through decades of ministry, I've met thousands of women who operate under the same oppressive lie. As a result, we hide from God, hold back parts of our hearts, and hedge our bets with the Lover of Our Soul.
But if the Gospel is true, then living as spiritual wallflowers (hugging the back wall of the throne room) is no longer an option for those of us who follow Jesus. The truth of God’s holiness, mercy, and love compels us to start truly living out who we are in Christ. It’s time for us to take a step of faith (stepping on God’s promises) toward intimacy with the Father who loves us. Clothed in the righteousness He himself has provided (Romans 3:21-22), we can come with “boldness and confidence” (Hebrews 10) before Him. There, we make an ongoing journey deeper into encountering His holiness, His mercy (in light of our sinfulness), and His love continues. In this process, we come with “unveiled faces” before the One who, by the power of His Holy Spirit, is continuously transforming us from one degree of glory to the next (2 Cor. 3:18).
Even now, God may be asking you, "What if the deepest desire of your heart turned out to be what I most long to give you?" The world awaits.
Bruised, battered, and broken, many are waiting for you to come out of hiding and become in practice who you already are in union with Jesus Christ:
• A much-loved child. • A breath-taking bride. • A cleansed and empowered vessel. • An indispensable member of God's family (and part of Christ's Body). • A brave warrior who is courageously pushing back the darkness with the light of God's love.
Angela Mackey
Angela Mackey loves coming alongside people and helping them rethink their thinking through Scripture so they can live transformed lives. Her Bible teaching carries weight and depth, shaped by her passion for God, her master’s degree in biblical and theological studies, and her longing to worship Him with her whole life.
Angela hosts the Life as Worship podcast, where each episode begins with a passage of Scripture and a simple question: “What does this mean, and how do we live it?” She invites guests to share how God has led them to walk that truth out in real life—through both ordinary days and deeply challenging seasons.
Her journey through secondary infertility and pregnancy loss shapes the gentle, compassionate way she talks about suffering, helping listeners notice God’s love, comfort, and nearness when life hurts. Angela’s expertise includes finding joy in all circumstances, lamenting with hope, renewing our minds through God’s Word, living a life of worship, and loving well even when we disagree.
She is the author of Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead and a contributing writer in Still Speaking and God With Us: Immanuel. A registered nurse and black belt in Kuk Sool Won martial arts, Angela isn’t afraid of hard or complex conversations and brings a calm, grounded, hope-filled presence to every interaction. She lives with her family in the Arkansas River Valley, cheering on her mostly-adult kids and delighting in the surprising ways God shows up in daily life.
Infertility treatments are controversial. How did you find peace as a Christian to use IVF to expand your family?
Infertility often causes big questions about God and how He works. What were the biggest questions you faced and how did God help you work through them?
How did the idea of wrestling with God help you as you worked through these challenging questions?
In our culture there are many conversations both within the church and without that are fraught with high emotions and tension. What are some tools that have helped you have calmer hope-filled conversations even when you disagree?
Why do you think it is important to have these difficult conversations?
You mention that lamenting is a bridge to find hope in seasons of difficulty. How does lamenting help you experience hope?
What are some tools or ways people can lament that will help them handle the difficult and dark things in life?
Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength, but often life is dark and difficult. What have you learned to help you experience joy in these times?
Sometimes you talk about a battle for joy and other times you mention cultivating joy. Those two verbs seem contradictory. How can they both be true and what are some practical ways we can both battle for joy and cultivate it?
The title of your podcast is Life as Worship. What does that mean and what do you practically do so that your life can be lived as worship?
The name of your ministry is Rethinking My Thinking.
Why did you choose that name and what are some practical ways we can rethink our thinking to live transformed?
Why do you put so much emphasis on thought life? How does what you think affect your life?
Cassandra Armstrong
Cassandra Armstrong is a wife, mother, writer, U.S. Navy veteran, cybersecurity business-owner, and doctoral student with degrees in English and business, with majors in strategic leadership and technology management. Her current research focuses on servant leadership within doctoral studies of strategic leadership. She is the mother of four children and lives on her homestead in the mountains of Maine with her family, dogs, highland cow, pigs, and chickens.
Growth in the Grief is a faith-centered book for believers striving to continue moving forward while carrying loss. Written for those who are grieving, yet still showing up as spouses, parents, leaders, and professionals, the book offers a faith-filled invitation to slow down, acknowledge pain, and allow God to do deep, transformative work in the midst of suffering. Rather than focusing on quick healing or spiritual platitudes, Growth in the Grief addresses the tension that so many quietly hold in navigating faith alongside exhaustion, responsibility alongside sorrow, and leadership alongside feelings of inadequacy. Through biblical truth, reflection, and lived experience, the book encourages readers to remain rooted in Christ while navigating grief, expectations, marriage, parenting, and work. The message of Growth in the Grief lives under the broader Rooted brand, a ministry platform devoted to helping individuals and couples build lives firmly grounded in Christ. Rooted exists to support believers through seasons of growth, transition, and hardship, emphasizing spiritual maturity, authentic faith, and resilience rooted in biblical truth. These themes continue through the Rooted Podcast, where honest, Christ-centered conversations between husband and wife explore marriage, parenting, leadership, and faith in everyday life. Co-hosted by the author and her husband, Kayle Rivers, the podcast creates space for transparent dialogue about walking through grief while remaining spiritually aligned in marriage and faithful in their calling at home, as parents, on their homestead, and as leaders. Growth in the Grief and the Rooted brand are led by Cassandra Armstrong, an award-winning author, businesswoman, and doctoral scholar in strategic leadership. Her work bridges faith and leadership, addressing how believers steward their calling while navigating loss, responsibility, spiritual gifts, and growth. Together, the book, brand, and podcast offer a steady, biblical voice for those learning to trust God in the hardest seasons, while reminding readers and listeners that growth is still possible when our lives are deeply rooted in Christ.
Laura Petherbridge
Laura Petherbridge, author, speaker and life coach presents topics on women, relationships, stepfamilies, co-parenting, divorce prevention, and divorce recovery. She is the author of Stepfamilies of the Bible: Timeless Wisdom for Blended Families, The Smart Stepmom, co-authored with Ron Deal, 101 Tips for The Smart Stepmom , Quiet Moments for the Stepmom Soul, When “I Do” Becomes “I Don’t”—Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce, and Seeking a Silent Night: Unwrapping a Stepfamily Christmas. Laura has spoken at: The Billy Graham Training Center, Lifeway, MomLife Today, Hearts at Home, FamilyLife, FamilyLife Blended, Celebrate Kids (Dr. Kathy Koch), The American Family Association, and Cowgirls Get Together conferences. In addition to the USA, she has spoken in Australia and South Africa.
Her various TV, podcasts, radio broadcasts, and articles include:
• Focus on the Family with Jim Daly • Raising Christian Kids with Lee Ann Mancini • Family Life Today • Moody Broadcasting (including Chris Fabry Live) • 100 Huntley Street (Canada) • HomeWord with Jim Burns • Celebrate Kids with Dr Kathy Koch • Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson • Parenting with Ginger Hubbard • Culture Proof • Salem Communications • Lifeway Magazine (Monthly) She and Steve, her husband of 40 years, reside in Atlanta. She has 2 stepsons, and 2 grandchildren. Laura’s contact information is: [email protected] and www.TheSmartStepmom.com IG #smartstepmom
Why Stepfamilies of the Bible?
The 2025 Barna research shows: • 53% of children under 18 are living in complex family environments • For Gen Z (born after 1996) the stats go to 74%
In Stepfamilies of the Bible Laura addresses, and inspires, those connected to a blended family. This includes in-laws, grandparents, extended family, and adult step kids.
Her relevant topics include:
Overcoming Jealousy: Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar Although they lived thousands of years ago, Abe is caught in the middle between two warring women.
Overcoming Rejection: Laban, Jacob, Rebekah, and Leah Feeling like you don't measure up is a common problem in a blended family
Overcoming Despair: Elkanah, Hannah and Peninnah When it seems like God isn't hearing our cries for help, this biblical family reveals how God steps in when we want to give up.
Overcoming Bitterness: Joseph Part 1: Siblings, Stepsiblings and Half Siblings If there’s anyone in the Bible who knows what it is to be despised by stepfamily it’s Joseph.
Overcoming Exclusion: Joseph Part 2: When Your Family Hurts You Because the bond between stepfamily members is rarely instantaneous it requires grace to overcome the hurt that can be inflicted.
Overcoming Pride: King David Part 1: Wives, Wives, and more Wives Stepfamilies don't have a family tree, they have a family forest. And David’s plethora of wives reveal that “the more the merrier” isn't always true. Overcoming Failure: King David’s Part 2 Poor Choices David’s repentance is the quintessential example of what God can do with a man or woman who sincerely humbles himself and admits to sin.
Overcoming Insults: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and Half Siblings Jesus experienced extreme rejection and ridicule from his stepsiblings.
Each chapter concludes with a study guide.