I grew up in the rolling cornfields of Southwestern Wisconsin. I had a pony named Star, a purple gingham bedspread and a secret place at the end of the pasture where a tree was once struck by lightning. It was by that creek that I had my first talks with God and the conversation has never stopped.
I met a handsome Norwegian preacher’s son at a church retreat when I was a freshman in high school and married him six years later. After 44 years of raising a family and serving in ministry, I have just now caught my breath, looked at myself in the mirror and asked, “What do you have to say?”
I have a degree in Vocal Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. I am the wife of a pastor, mom to four grown and married kids, and Nonnie to eleven grands. After homeschooling for 12 years I began a career in ministry as the Christian Education Director at my church. This gave me the opportunity to write and lead several women’s Bible studies. I recently stepped down from my position to make room for serving my family and writing. I love to gather people around my table over a simple meal, look them in the eye and say, “Tell me your story.”
I am an ISTJ, a One, a guardian, a reformer, a melancholic, an upholder, a golden retriever, and a preserver. Although I’m intrigued by personality tests, writing has always been my pathway to finding the truth in both my heart and God’s heart. Words swirl in and out of my life in many ways. I like to read them, write them, sing them and put them in crossword puzzles.
I hope this blog, “a small drop of ink,” will give readers a fresh look at faith and a ripple of refreshment. My life is dedicated to serving The Word, who became flesh and lived among us. May He inspire every drop.
a small drop of ink 
you have a lot to say 🙂
What a blessing your words/thoughts are (and the “green smoothies” laughter and “wanna be vet” understanding is a wonderful bonus). Of course when I found this I had to read your achives and very much appreciated your camp out with Bartimaeus (among others). I just read his story to Gabe this morning (an old children’s version) and had to wipe away my tears when I finished. Gabe was gleefully cheering at the end. I didn’t catch the “want” vs. “need” — your words regarding that so perfectly echoed my heart. Thanks.
Whoa, I hadn’t read this before. Fantastic. Get it girl.
An Amazing women with amazing words. So Proud!
Hi Dinah! finally took the time to get a look at your blog. This is great! Your writing and topics that I’ve read so far are inspirational. Keep it up. Bless you! Lisa Thanks for prayers for the musical. Dec 8 and 9 at 6:30pm and 4:30am the morning before your time is when it is happening. God has been really apparent to me in this.
Lisa! Thanks for reading! I’ll be thinking of you
I love this Dinah! This is the first time I’ve had a chance to read this. It is awesome! Hudson is a real cutie…and I love how you got dressed up for his grand entrance into this world. Your pictures are great.
Dinah, I have enjoyed your blogs. They are thought producing and encouraging. I have many days that aren’t encouraging, so I really respect you honesty in your writing. Easy to read and leave a great deal of hope. I agree what you said awhile ago….I have to stop thinking about writing and write. Thanks.
Thank you for reading and for your kind comments, Wanda! That means a lot to me, as I know you are a writer. I think often about those August days around the table at Green Lake, and the wonderful people I met there. I hope you are finding time to write. Blessings!
Hi! I’m following you on social media and have signed up for your newsletter. I’ve added you to a list I’m compiling of grandmothers who blog. Since you’re a blogging grandmother, I’d like to invite you to join our Blogging Grandmothers group at Facebook for friendship, engagement, networking, and supporting. Also, please feel free to invite other grandmothers who blog to the group. We grandmothers have to stick together you know 🙂 Thanks, Dee
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1045124028915511/
Hi,
I was looking at old recipes in a Montfort church cookbook and seen a recipe by Dinah.. Unusual name so did some searching and believe I found my friend when we were little girls growing up. It looks like life has been good for you. I am married with 1son, 2 grandchildren and live in Minnesota. I stop by the popcorn stand whenever I go back home which is less now with parents and brother Dan passing away. Hope your life continues to blossom and aren’t grandkids special 😀
Jill Johns!! Oh my goodness! I have such wonderful memories of coming to your house to play, having overnights, going to church, going to the pool! We sure had some fun times! How sweet to connect again after all these years. Thanks so much for commenting. We live in Baraboo where Blake serves as pastor, but we’re getting closer to retiring. Hard to believe how fast time goes by. I’d love to do some more catching up! Sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. We lost my brother Dan’s wife, Barb, several years ago to cancer. And, of course, mom and dad are both gone now, too. If you are ever in the area, please, please let me know! I guess the internet is good for some things! So grateful you found me!
I’m so glad to have reconnected yesterday and also to have “stumbled” upon your blog. I admire your firm foundation in Faith.