About

My greatest desire is to help others understand how deeply they are loved by God—and to learn how to use His Word to live the life He has purposed for them.

The Lord has graciously given me the gift of teaching, which I’ve had the joy of using in Bible study groups for many years. He also placed a call on my heart to write, and through this blog, A Satisfied Spirit, I share what He continues to teach me—lessons of grace, truth, and learning to rest in Him.

I have been married to my husband, Ray—God’s perfect gift to me—for over 45 years. While it was not God’s plan for us to have children of our own, He has allowed us to love deeply in other ways through our nieces, nephews, and the many children whose lives we were blessed to be part of during my years in public education as a music teacher and elementary principal.

Music has always been a thread woven through my life. From singing in the Rose Garden at the White House as part of the Ohio Youth Choir, to performing with groups such as the Toledo Symphony Chorale and Cantare’ of Northwest Ohio, to serving in my local church today—music has been both a gift and a form of worship. Currently, I sing with our praise team, play piano, and direct special choirs as needed.

I hold a B.S. in Music Education and Performance from Defiance College and an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University. Today, I remain active in my church, Living Hope, where I also teach an online Bible study.

As a 25+ year cancer survivor, I have come to understand the quiet ministry of presence. That season was not easy, but God has used it to help me walk alongside others—with a listening ear, an understanding heart, and the reminder that He is always near.

Outside of ministry, I enjoy creative pursuits like sewing, embroidery, and counted cross-stitch—skills lovingly passed down from my mother and grandmother. I also enjoy baking and decorating, a passion that grew during the years my husband and I owned a coffee shop and bakery.

Our family is full and joyful—siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews—as well as our three cats, Chewy, Ebony, and Sassy.

We also love to travel, especially cruising and visiting the Smoky Mountains, where there’s nothing quite like sitting in a rocking chair on a quiet porch, taking in the beauty of God’s creation.

Here on this blog, my prayer is simple:

  • that you would come to know His love more deeply…
  • hear His voice more clearly…
  • and find rest for your heart as you respond to His call

22 thoughts on “About”

  2. Hello Marie,
    I come from CBB and I just wanted to say hi. I just read your post Faith Fragrance and it really touched me. You see I LOVE perfume and get a new fragrance every year. So, I have a collection. I love the verse “we are a fragrance of Christ to God” and I’m going to go highlight that verse in my Bible. It amazes me after years of walking with the Lord I will still discover verses that seem like they were meant for me to find.
    I’m happy to meet you at CBB.
    Valerie

    Like

    Reply ↓

  4. Hi Marie,
    Just thought I’d check that you’re letting Rebekah know that you’re planning to take her Interview a Blogger Challenge -http://heritageofgrace.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/interview-a-blogger/
    Rhoda 🙂

    Like

    Reply ↓

  6. Hi my name is Anita and I found your blog through aloha blog hop. It seems really encouraging but anyone who has been married for 40 years would be very wise 🙂 I am now following you and am looking forward to reading your posts.
    Anita

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you, Anita! Though 40 years have given us both much insight and knowledge there is never a day that I (or) don’t learn something new together or about each other. He is not the same man I married nor am I the same woman. That’s challenging and exciting in itself. Thanks for the follow and I will hop to your site to return the favor. Many blessings to you! Marie

      Like

  8. Hi Marie,
    I just wanted to take this opportunity to really thank you for nominating me for the award, for your support, and for thinking of me. I am delighted to accept and will be meeting the requirements very shortly. Thank you also for adding links, I do appreciate it. May his richest blessings always overtake you. Love Diane x

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks Alyson! What an honor and I happily receive this.

      Here are 7 things about me:
      1-I own my own e-Marketing site at http://www.countedcross-stitchcafe.com
      2-I retired from public education after 25 years because I was tired of the drama and politics
      3-I love to travel
      4-I wish this election were over
      5-I play piano and flute and sign professionally when asked.
      6-I love being outdoors
      7-Fruits and veggies are my favorite food.

      I’ll be putting this info along with the rest of the requirements on my Awards page.

      Thanks again,

      Marie

      Like

  13. Dear Spirit Sister thank you for your comment I appreciate it and I’m pleased you enjoyed the post, I have also enjoyed what I have read on your Blog and look forward to reading more.

    I’m sorry but I can’t stay subscribed to anyone for long there is something wrong with my blog which WordPress can’t fix, but please remember I will keep in contact and keep joining up with you so I can receive your new posts etc so even though I won’t stay on your list I will still be there.

    Christian Love Anne.

    Like

    Reply ↓

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.