Wow! Twenty-five years! It is hard to believe that twenty-five years ago this summer at VBS a women whose name I cannot remember took the time and sat down with a shy 7-year-old so that she could ask Jesus into her heart. Growing up in a Christian home, I was given the opportunity to understand God’s grace at a very early age for which I am forever grateful. After accepting Jesus into my heart, on Easter Sunday at the age of 11, I just knew I had to be baptized.

As a young girl, I have to admit all I ever dreamed about was that I wanted to grow up so that I could become a wife and mother. While half of that equation was realized in 2001 when I married my wonderful husband, Jason, the other half has just recently come to fruition with the adoption of our baby girl, Taylor Faith, born on October 19, 2008.  She is a constant reminder to us both that God loves us and will use us according to His plan if we let Him by submitting ourselves to His will.  If there is anything that the process of adoption has taught us, it is that we have zero control over our lives, and things go much smoother when we are able to put our faith in our Father who loves us and knows what is best.

Professionally, I have worked in various administrative positions over the years, but really never knew how God could use my gifts in the church. I mean I am a behind-the-scenes, introverted type of person. Where was God going to use me? It seemed from all of my experience at churches you really had to be outgoing to be used. However, when Joe approached me about working for Journey in the spring of 2006, I knew it was God answering my prayers giving me an opportunity to be used by Him. While there are many challenges, I know they make me stronger and I am so blessed to see God working in people’s lives on a daily basis.  I have a gift for organization and an attention to detail and I love being able to use my natural talents and previous work experiences to help Journey make a difference in the lives of people in our community and around the world.  

I am a Phoenix native, and Jason and I have been living in our home in Peoria for the past 5 years.  Both of our families live nearby and we love to hang out with them and play with our 5 rambunctious nephews. In our spare time we enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, going for Jeep rides, or just taking our chocolate lab, Riley, for a walk. Jason and I like going on dates to movies, concerts, or the occasional Broadway musical.  I also like to read, scrapbook, shop with friends, and travel when I can find the time.

While I have never understood God’s timing, I have always known that He is working in my life.  I have only to look around at my husband, my daughter, my friends, my family, and my church to know that I am truly blessed. 

Joy Herring