CONTRIBUTOR TEAM 2023
CHRISTY BASS ADAMS, CONTRIBUTOR
Christy Bass Adams is the Outreach and Connections Coordinator at Fellowship Baptist Church in Madison, Florida.
She is the author of the devotional, Learning as I Go: Big Lessons from Little People (WordCrafts Press), and the middle grades children’s novel, Cricket and Kyle: Imagination Checkers (Elk Lake Publishing). She is a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volume Three (VineWords Publishing).
Christy pens a weekly local newspaper column, Learning as I Go, and is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More, and Inspire a Fire.
She is published at CBN, Inspire a Fire.com, Christian Devotions Ministries, and Inkspirations Online, The Secret Place, VineWords: Devotions and More, and The Upper Room.
Having silently struggled with a secret addiction for over a decade while maintaining a façade in church, Christy’s biggest desire is to see women set free. She speaks at women’s events and recovery facilities, including Honey Lake Clinic and Humble House.
Having her own love for bad jokes, boogers, and bugs, raising boys with her husband of eighteen years is her greatest joy. Firepits, hammocks, fishing, and hunting are a way of life at the end of their North Florida dirt road.
Christy’s most important role, however, is with her family, as a wife of eighteen years and a mother of two busy, country boys. Having her own love for bad jokes, boogers, and bugs, raising boys is one of her greatest joys. Firepits, hammocks, fishing, and hunting are a way of life at the end of their North Florida dirt road and Christy wouldn’t trade this joy for anything.
Christy and her husband are building a house and doing the work themselves (with help from family and friends), taking the trees from stump to finished walls. Pickleball is her favorite sport. After learning to juggle in middle school, she teaches workshops on this subject.
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CHERRILYNN BISBANO, CONTRIBUTOR
Cherrilynn Ryerson Bisbano is an award-winning writer and editor, and the author of Shine Don’t Whine (CrossLink Books).
She proudly served her country in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.
As former Managing Editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life, and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with When Words Count Retreat.
Cherrilynn is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More and a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volume Three (VineWords Publishing).
She is a contributing author to Get to the Margins-Author Anthology (Enliven Devotions), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Kiss Guilt Goodbye (Enliven Devotions)
She is published in the online magazines Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life, Christian Rep, Christian Voice, and Refresh.
Cherrilynn loves her husband, son, and family, chocolate, coffee, and cats. She lives in the metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina.
CONNECT WITH CHERILYNN BISBANO AT
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ED CHAPPELLE, CONTRIBUTOR
Ed Chappelle is the Founder/Administrator of Come to the Table Facebook ministry and Soul-Searching Devotions Facebook ministry.
Ed is a graduate of Vintage Bible College earning an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies. He is an ordained minister, holding credentials since 2010.
Having overcome challenges with a childhood speech impediment, writing and speaking were the last career choices he thought of making, but because of the Lord’s empowerment, he is excellent at both.
Ed is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More and a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes One, Two, and Three (VineWords Publishing).
Some people say Ed’s genealogy can be traced to Noah. He and his wife Kym manage an animal rescue ministry, Critter Care. Their “family” includes dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, sugar sliders, ferrets, geckos, bearded dragons, tropical fish, and a plethora of God’s creatures.
Ed served in the United States Air Force earning the rank of Sergeant. His love for country, the armed forces, and space exploration compelled him to write the tribute, Man on the Moon.
CONNECT WITH ED CHAPPELLE AT
Ed Chappelle Come to the Table Ed Chappelle Soul Searching Devotions
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BEN COOPER, VINEWORDS AMBASSADOR, CONTRIBUTOR
Ben Cooper is an award-winning writer. He is the author of All Nature Sings: A Devotional Guide to Animals in the Bible (Christian Faith Publishing), and the children’s book series, Created Critters (Shine-A-Light Press).
He is a contributing author for two of Guideposts imprints: All God’s Creatures and Inspiration from the Garden. He is a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes Two and Three(VineWords Publishing).
Ben is a speaker, educator, beekeeper, and active in Christian camping ministries. He is a regular speaker on PJNET.tv. He is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More.
Father of five adult children, he and his wife Sonia live in southern Pennsylvania.
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LYNNE HEAD, CONTRIBUTOR
Lynne Head operates a counseling practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned an MS in counseling so she would have the skills to help others heal from various traumas.
She and her husband served as church planters in the Paris suburbs and since 2003 worked as counselors in member care with World Team, training and equipping missionaries.
Lynne is the author of Unfolding: Recovering Your Identity After Sexual Intrusion (Peppertree Publishing). Having been a victim of sexual molestation, Lynne desires to help others who have been victimized, to overcome with the Lord’s help.
She is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More and a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volume Three (VineWords Publishing).
Lynne has two adult children and five grandchildren. She enjoys family activities, mission trips, bird watching, nature walks, gluten-free baking, reading, and singing.
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JULIE SOUZA BRADLEY LILLY, CONTRIBUTOR
Julie Souza Bradley Lilly blogs at Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior and directs Gift of Thorns Facebook ministry.
She is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More, and a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes One, Two, and Three (VineWords Publishing).
Julie is quick to tell you she is a worshipper, a servant, blessed wife, step-mom of four adult children, caregiver, retired chiropractor, writer, but most importantly, a forgiven daughter of God.
With thirty-plus years in healthcare, and through her own multiple injuries, PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and other health concerns, she has found God to be true to His Word, in turning all things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
CONNECT WITH JULIE SOUZA BRADLEY LILLY AT
Julie Lilly Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior
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CYNTHIA MENDENHALL, TEAM COACH, CONTRIBUTOR
Cynthia Mendenhall is committed to creating and living a life of audacious adventure, and she loves to challenge others to do the same. Once captive to religion, guilt, and fear, Cynthia’s passion is leading others into the true freedom Jesus offers all of us.
Her prescriptive nonfiction sits within the context of stories filled with common sense teaching, splashes of humor, and a biblical foundation. She writes with the quiet voice of a friend sharing conversation over coffee.
Cynthia is the author of Spunkify Your Life: 8 Secrets to Living with More Focus, Fascination, and Fun (Day Dreamer Books),the Spunkify Your Life Growth Guide (Day Dreamer Books), and Spunkier Yet! 8 Secrets to Living with More Fullness and Freedom (Day Dreamer Books). She has contributed to several anthologies, including three Chicken Soup for the Soul titles.
In 2024, End Game Press will release Cynthia’s latest book, Better Because: Create Your Most Incredible Life After Divorce. Her aim is to guide readers to live, heal, and grow intentionally and biblically beyond the trauma of divorce.
She is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More anda contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes Two and Three (VineWords Publishing).
In addition to writing, Cynthia is a dynamic and engaging speaker, a Certified Christian Life Coach, a trained chaplain, a writing coach, and professional editor. She is a former high school English teacher and an all-around word nerd.
After finally making her move to a coastal town on Florida’s east coast last year, Cynthia lives simply with a growing collection of friends, a shiny blue pitcher, and an unlimited amount of spunky hope. She often sneaks away on all sorts of adventures and indulges regularly in literary novels, coffee, and dark chocolate.
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GLENDA SHOUSE, CONTRIBUTOR
Glenda Shouse is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More.
She is the proofreader to Love-Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volume Three (VineWords Publishing) and a contributing author to all volumes of the devotional series.
She serves on the advisory, devotion writer, and prayer teams for Song of Solomon Expeditions.
Those who know Glenda are aware of her gifting as a prayer warrior. Her prayer shawl ministry, Three-Strand Cord, focuses on imparting hope to ladies going through difficult times. When possible, Glenda delivers her prayer shawls personally.
Glenda is published at Answers2Prayer, Christian Devotions Ministries, PresbyCan, The Upper Room, and other ministries.
In her spare time, Glenda enjoys her role as “Grammy” to her two grandsons. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and knitting.
CONNECT WITH GLENDA SHOUSE AT
Glenda Shouse Three Strand Cord Facebook
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DEANNA STALNAKER, CONTRIBUTOR
Deanna Stalnaker is an award-winning author who has been pursuing her passion for writing since 2011, drawing on her life experiences as a medic in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war, and afterwards, as a nurse. She earned degrees in art, nursing, and a master’s in biology. She worked in the nursing field for over twenty-five years.
She authored many Christian contemporary woman’s novels, Amish stories, devotionals, and children’s stories including: The Amish Quilt and Tea Society; Tea with Grandy Dee; Christmas in Clairmonte; Miss Waverly’s Ghost; Sarah: A Story of Sacrificial Love; Miracle at the Christmas Eve Tea Party; Samantha: A Not So Plain and Simple Life; Roses for Emma: An Amish Christmas Romance; The Redemption of Jo’bella Jordan; Eliza: A Story of Overcoming Limitations; Kari: A Story of a Prodigal Daughter; Miriam: Diary of a Lost Woman; Jo’bella: A Story of Loss and Redemption; Billie: A Story of Dedication and Hope; The Not So Plain and Simple Life of Samantha Hoffman; Cathy & Catina; From Tragedy to Victory: Zoe’s Story; Hannah and the Amish Teacher. Find her books under her pen name, D.L. Stalnaker.
She has also written devotionals, including Jesus, Me, and Afternoon Tea and Purr-fect Wisdom: Heartwarmin’ Devotions based on Psalms and Proverbs. She is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More, and a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volume Three (VineWords Publishing).
She authored the children’s books, Catnip T. and Herb: A Child’s Tea Party Cookbook and The Cat’s Visit with St. Nick.
She lives in the foothills of North Carolina with her husband, younger daughter and cats. When Deanna is not writing, she enjoys reading, and working on her on her arts and crafts business.
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SANDRA STEIN, CONTRIBUTOR
Sandra Stein is a contributing author to the devotionals Take My Heart O God (Zondervan), Heaven Calling (Zondervan), and the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes One, Two, and Three (VineWords Publishing).
She is published at Vista Magazine, Victory in Grace Magazine, and VineWords: Devotions and More. Sandra’s work-in-progress is a victim-to-victory true story titled, Emotionally Uphill.
Sandra’s work-in-progress is a victim-to-victory true story entitled, Emotionally Uphill. Having been subject to abuse both inside and outside of her home, Sandra felt she had no safe place—that is, until she met Jesus, the Lover of her soul. This book intends to help the reader overcome trauma, as Sandra did, by clinging to the One who loves with an everlasting and divine love—Jesus Christ.
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EVELYN MASON WELLS, CONTRIBUTOR
Evelyn Mason Wells is an award-winning author, and a contributing author to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).
She is a contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, Volumes One, Two, and Three (VineWords Publishing).
Evelyn is published at Refresh Bible Study Magazine, VineWords: Devotions and More, and Christian Broadcasting Network.
She speaks, stateside, and abroad, including Costa Rico, Mexico, and Uganda.
Evelyn enjoys having good conversations with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She enjoys books, cats, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Mason and Lilly.
CONNECT WITH EVELYN WELLS AT
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DIRECTOR TEAM
MARTIN WILES, DIRECTOR
Martin Wiles is a multi-published author, pastor, freelance editor, and English teacher. His most recent book is Don’t Just Live . . . Really Live (Ambassador International).
He is the Director of VineWords: Devotions and More, the Managing Editor for Christian Devotions, and the founder of the internationally recognized devotion site, Love Lines from God, www.lovelinesfromgod.com. He is a member of the Christian PEN and has served on faculty for the Asheville Christian Writer’s Conference. He has also been published in numerous other publications.
Martin has authored A Whisper in the Wood: Quiet Escapes in a Noisy World (Ambassador International), Grits & Grace & God and Grits, Gumbo, and Going to Church (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas), Morning By Morning, Morning Serenity, and Grace Greater Than Sin (America Star Books), Don’t Just live…Really Live (Ambassador International).
He is a contributing author to Penned from the Heart (Son-Rise Publications), and Rise (Chaplain Publishing). He is the co-editor and the contributing author to the devotional series Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
Martin is a regular contributor to Christian Devotions, PCC Daily Devotions, Theology Mix, Inspire a Fire, VineWords: Devotions and More and is a regular columnist for the Dorchester County Eagle Record, the Orangeburg County Times and Democrat, the Greenwood County Index Journal, and the Kilgore News Herald.
He has also been published in Christian Living in the Mature Years, Mature Living, Open Windows, Proclaim, The Secret Place, The Word in Season, Upper Room, Light from the Word, Reach Out Columbia, Mustard Seed Ministries, Journey Christian Newspaper, Common Ground Herald, The Quiet Hour, Power for Living, Halo Magazine, Joyful Living Magazine, Christian Broadcasting Network, Sharing, Today’s Christian Living, These Days, Plum Tree Tavern, Eskimo Pie, The Scarlet Leaf Review, Creation Illustrated, LIVE, Purpose Magazine, Stand Firm, The Banner, Relevant, and Lutheran Digest.
Martin is the husband of one, the father of two, and the Pop for six grandboys—soon to be seven. He resides in Greenwood, South Carolina.
CONNECT WITH MARTIN WILES AT
Managing Editor, Christian Devotions
Senior Editor, Inspire a Fire
Proof Editor, Courier Publishing
On the Web: Love Lines From God
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DIANE VIRGINIA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Diane Virginia (Cunio) is author of The Kiss of Peace: A Contemporary Exploration into Song of Solomon (2022 Selah Awards Finalist; Mt. Zion Ridge Press). She is the Founder/Executive Director of Song of Solomon Expeditions.
She is the Founder/Executive Director of VineWords: Devotions and More, the Founder/ Executive Director of VineWords Publishing, and the co-editor and a contributing author to the devotional series, Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
She is published at Answers2Prayer, Christian Broadcasting Network, Christian Devotions Ministries, Faith Beyond Fear, Inspire a Fire, Pentecostal Publishing House, PresbyCan Daily Devotionals, The Secret Place, VineWords: Devotions and More, and other ministries.
Diane has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a major in Natural Resources from The University of the South, Sewanee, TN. Diane graduated as a Gownsman. She completed a two-year biblical studies program at Harvest Bible Institute, Winston-Salem, NC, graduating with a 3.91 GPA.
Her hobbies include cooking, homesteading, writing, reading and making Scripture-inspired jewelry for clients. She and her husband, Phil, have two grown children. She resides in North Carolina.
CONNECT WITH DIANE VIRGINIA AT
Diane Virginia (Cunio) Facebook
Song of Solomon Expeditions.com
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PHIL CUNIO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TECH SUPPORT
Phil Cunio is an Executive Director for VineWords: Devotions and More, providing direction, tech support, and website maintenance.
Having worked in IT for over forty years, Phil is the behind-the-scenes guy, making sure VineWords runs smoothly, has needed updates, and keeps current with available site improvement apps. He has a servant’s heart, and regularly prays for the VineWords ministry.
Phil typesets much of the content for the devotional series, Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, that VineWords produces annually.
Phil is an IT Director for Inmar, a Ford car enthusiast, and a family guy. He lives in the Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina. He enjoys deep sea fishing, reading, homesteading, watching sci-fi, and taking his mustang to car shows.
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