Dan is a retired IT Test Engineer who loves and believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He uses his creative talents to compose Christian songs, in his small professional photography business, and writing this book, his first. Dan is married to Sandi (Grammy in the book). Jenny, their older daughter, is the illustrator for the book and is the mother of John. Their younger daughter, Terri, is the mother of Hannah and Lizzie.
MUSIC
Dan’s creative spark began when he wrote his first lyrics in high school. He ran to his best friend’s house (he was so proud!) to show him, and his mom said, “you can’t do that!” What?! I had written a lyric (still have it!) to an existing song, which is illegal without the original song writer’s permission. Ooops – his first lesson in the music business!
He wrote many secular songs before becoming a follower of Jesus. Several years after becoming a Christian, he heard in a dream (yes, nothing is impossible with God!!) “Write Twelve Songs!” This could only come from God, so he started writing the twelve songs for Him. It took over two years, but he was obedient and completed them. One of the songs is sung at his church at Christmas time.
Dan sings with his church’s praise team and choir. He’s also written many children songs and sings them for preschoolers at church. One of the songs is included in The Giggle Couch Video Trailer!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dan prayed and asked God how he could use his passion and talents in photography for Him. God opened the door for Dan to take professional pictures for the Upward basketball program at his church. Thirteen years later he’s still taking kids’ pictures.
He is active as a men’s team member at West Virginia Emmaus Community weekend retreats. His gift as a photographer is used to take team photographs at these retreats.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
God called Dan to minister to and teach preschoolers. Both Dan and Sandi are active year round volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child and have traveled to other countries to distribute shoebox gifts to needy children.
OTHER INTERESTS
Dan has a lifetime interest in all things baseball and bike riding. He regularly rides and explores the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal National Park tow path in Maryland.
Please note: The names and characters are used in this book with permission!