RUN TO LIFE
Are you running to the wrong things in life?
"I was bullied & the bully--I ran to all the wrong things--now I'm running to schools & communities to share my powerful story of survival."
Awards & Achievements
It Wasn't All This Glorious In The Beginning
Writing
When Lisa began writing, she wasn't published right away. For five long years she sent out her book about her son's miraculous healing from a critical heart defect. And for five long years, rejection letters filled her mailbox.
"But I knew I was called to write," she says. "So I didn't give up."
In 2000, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. BAM! Right away, she landed her first sale in Guideposts for Teen Magazine, which is no beginner's market.
"Funny, the editor called me a month after rejecting the same story saying they wanted to publish it," she says.
That same year she won the Writer of the Year Award at the American Christian Writer's Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And soon had three other articles published.
By 2005 Lisa had a permanent position of writing for Guideposts and other prominent magazines on assignment. Guideposts for Teens even awarded Lisa along with nine other talented writers across the nation to attend an all expense paid Writing Workshop.
"I was really nervous," Lisa says, "because I knew I didn't have all the education that a lot of the other writers had. But the editors treated me like royalty and were in awe by my God-given talent. It was an amazing experience."
Teaching & Speaking
Once Lisa started feeling comfortable writing, she felt a new tug on her heart to begin speaking.
"The thought of it terrified me," she says. "But again I stepped out in fear and watched God do another miracle in my life."
Miracle is right! She began teaching others the craft of writing, sharing her testimony abroad, presenting school workshops (even all school assemblies), and even pet therapy classes for the community education program.
"It seemed like once I started I couldn't stop," Lisa says. "People were always calling and I was pumped to share."
Today Lisa continues to share her experiences through fun, uplifting workshops and presentations to a variety of audiences. She also offers an online Writing Course "How To Get Published" for beginner, intermediate, and advanced writers.
"In the beginning I was really into all the glamour and awards because I'd never won anything," she says, "but now I'm more into people, their needs, and helping them reach their goals in life."
Lisa's Awards
-Writer Of The Year, 2000 & 2007 (Twice!) American Christian Writer's Conference
-Distinguished Achievement Award 2005 Print Publications: Periodicals/ Young Adult
-Winning Story in Chicken Soup Books 2005 & 2009 (Twice!)Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul & Chicken Soup Mom Knows Best.
-Diploma 2005 Guideposts For Teens Writing Workshop
-All Time Best Award 2006, FanStory.com for Run For Your Life Book One for getting over 50 Five Star Reviews
-Best New Book Award 2007, Writer's Legacy Conference, Run For Your Life Book One
-Certified Pet Therapist 2007, Therapy Dog International, Inc
-TDIA Award, 2008 Therapy Dogs International, Inc, for more than 50 therapy visits
-Degree In Ministry 2008, Vision International & The International School Of Ministry
-Chairman's Choice Award, 2009, Kidz in Curwood Country Parade, Pet Therapy Dogs
-Best Novelty Unit, 2009 Ovid Carriage Days Parade, Pet Therapy Dogs
Dog Awards
-Canine Good Citizen Snickers, 2007, American Kennel Club Association
-1st Place Costume Contest, Snickers AKA Bully Buster, 2007, Gilbert's Annual Pet Halloween Contest
-2nd Place Costume Contest, Baby, 2007, Gilbert's Annual Pet Halloween Contest
-2nd Place Obedience 2008, Curwood Dog Show, Snickers placed 2nd in his class
-3rd Place Christmas Costume Contest, Snickers, 2008, Corunna Public Parks Committee