I was born into a Christian family and was baptized at six months old. I confirmed this baptism making the faith my own when I was twelve years old at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, Ohio. Following graduation from Holmes-Liberty High School, I attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), then took my State Boards becoming a Registered Nurse. I married my college sweetheart and we had three children. Mostly I was a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed such things as sewing clothes for the family, a large vegetable garden, grinding wheat and baking bread, and raising chickens. With a family history of music, I enjoyed dancing of all kinds, playing piano and handbells, and singing in various choruses and as a soloist.

After becoming a single parent of a 6th, 9th, and 12th grader, my life changed dramatically. Although I had been sustained by God's presence all of my life, I don't think I would have made it through these and subsequent years without His provision and support. He provided Christian friends to give me advice and comfort, He provided jobs so that my children and I had all that we needed, and He guided me to churches with wonderful pastors, resources for learning, and great music programs. For example, I attended the University of Michigan School of Public Health for two years and graduated with a Master's in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology. After graduation I worked as a Research Assistant studying Periodontal disease in Amish people. Part of my job was doing computer programming and I discovered that's what I wanted to be when I grew up - a Software Engineer. With that in mind I studied for an Associate's Degree in Computers at Washtenaw Community College. I had three great tutors - my kids.

I worked as a programmer in several jobs and then found my dream job at University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). I worked in the Medical Center Information Technology (MCIT) department with medical data, the benefits were great, and I worked with a team of good people. God was working through the years so that all my previous jobs prepared me for this UMHS job. I had five weeks of PTO time and stayed healthy enough to use it to fly between Michigan and Colorado to visit two children and their families who had moved there. I worked at UofM for ten years and then decided to join the Colorado families. God led me to Redeemer Lutheran Church corner of Carpenter and Timberline in Fort Collins where I continue to receive spiritual growth and have made many friends.

I was granted the time to be a caregiver for my elderly mother in her last years - and as anyone who has been a caregiver knows - this is a very trying although rewarding occupation. Again, Jesus is the one who sustained me and was my caregiver during this time. One day when driving and thinking I could not make it another day; Casting Crowns' song Just be Held was aired and gave me the strength to remember I was being held by Jesus during this time.

As always, during the stressful, lonely months of covid-19 in 2020, God was my provider of everything I needed. Family to bring me food and supplies, friends to encourage me by text and technology, peace and comfort during my morning 'Coffee with Jesus' time, piano and composition lessons via Skype, and encouragement to walk in His beautiful outdoors.

As I continue toward the future, I can truthfully say I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. Jesus has been with me every step of my life and my trust in Him grows daily. As Casting Crowns say in Who Am I? "Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are." Since God is directing my steps, why do I need to know what happens along the way. Proverbs 20:24 Living Bible

I am convinced that Jesus died on the cross for me taking away my sins, rose again on Easter Sunday morning, and I will live with Him eternally! This free gift is available for everyone. If you don't know how you can have it, I would love to speak with you.

Lindi Sue Siebert - 2021