Our glory story
I fell in love with words as a little girl, listening to my mother read books and recite poetry before bed. That early love of storytelling led me into newspaper journalism, where I covered everything from food to books to community heroes to artists across California’s Central Valley.
Today, I’m an award-winning author of children’s books, Bible studies, devotionals, and essays, with work featured through DaySpring, Proverbs 31 Ministries, The Message Women’s Devotional Bible, and other outlets. I am represented by Dorena Williamson at Ami McConnell Literary Agency. Whether I’m writing for children or adults, I’m passionate about helping people discover hope, purpose, and God’s glory and goodness through stories.
My life has been shaped by a rich multicultural heritage and a deep belief that our differences are gifts. Raised in a multiracial family with Filipino, Italian, Polynesian, Chinese, African, and Armenian roots, I learned early on to build bridges across cultures. I grew up in the kitchen with my mama, grandmas and aunties. My love for story was nurtured there. Through spoken word, feature articles, creative essays and podcasts, I have been writing these stories ever since.
My passion for cross-cultural connection eventually led me and my late husband, Ericlee, to serve in Haiti through nonprofit work and social enterprise, where I started The Haitian Bead Project. After his Ericlee’s death from cancer in 2014, God faithfully carried our family through grief and redemption. Today, my husband Shawn and I are raising three resilient daughters and continuing to embrace the unexpected beauty of God’s story.
Faith is the foundation of everything I do. Jesus has been my constant companion through seasons of joy, loss, growth, and healing. My Bible studies and devotional books, including Flourishing Together, Create in Me a Heart of Mercy, Redeemer, Breathing Through Grief, and Walk Run Soar, reflect my desire to help others encounter God’s presence in everyday life and difficult circumstances. I love teaching Scripture and sharing how God’s hesed or lovingkindness meets us right where we are.
Beyond writing, I’m passionate about investing in others. I serve as president of the Redbud Writers Guild, coach writers and leaders, speak at conferences and events, and co-host the Hear Women podcast. I also love cooking for retreats and taking people on foodie adventures.
Whether I’m mentoring communicators, encouraging women leaders, or equipping the next generation, my mission remains the same: to help people flourish in community, pursue God’s calling, and experience His glory in every season of life.
Friend, it’s a privilege to run this race with you.
Selected Published Books
2025 — Redeemer: God’s Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth — InterVarsity Press — February 11, 2025
2025 — Let In the Light: 50 Devotions to Confidently Know God Is Good and Guiding Your Steps * — Proverbs 31 Ministries/Thomas Nelson — October 2025
2024 — Kailani’s Gift — WaterBrook — April 16, 2024
2024 — 100 Days of Strength in Any Struggle: A Devotional Journal * — (in)courage/DaySpring — February 6, 2024
2023 — We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from 36 Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs * — Tuttle Publishing — October 24, 2023
2023 — Breathing Through Grief: A Devotional Journal for Seasons of Loss — Ink & Willow — November 14, 2023
2023 — Create in Me a Heart of Mercy — Revell — May 16, 2023
2023 — Chasing God’s Glory — WaterBrook — April 11, 2023
2020 — Take Heart: 100 Devotions to Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay * — (in)courage/Revell — October 20, 2020
2020 — Walk, Run, Soar: A 52-Week Running Devotional — Bethany House — September 29, 2020
2017 — Flourishing Together: Cultivating a Fruitful Life in Christ — December 2017
2017 — Glory Chasers: Discovering God’s Glory in Unexpected Places — August 25, 2017
2016 — Mothers in Children’s and Young Adult Literature: From the Eighteenth Century to Postfeminism * — University Press of Mississippi — May 5, 2016
2009 — Cora Cooks Pancit — Shen’s Books — Spring 2009
2006 — A Stone in the Soup: A Hmong Girl’s Journey to the United States — Poppy Lane Publishing — 2006
2005 — Children of the San Joaquin Valley — Poppy Lane Publishing — 2005
2001 — Mosaic Voices — Poppy Lane Publishing — 2001
* Collaborative/contributor publication
We were all designed to be glory chasers. When we open our eyes to see God’s glory all around us, our lives are transformed.
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I love sharing resources and insider stories with my Glorygram tribe! I write about food, books, travel, and all things multicultural. Be part of a community of people who are all learning to feast on God’s glory. This is a place to gain inspiration, deepen your faith, and share meaningful stories.
