Fireside Chat Ministries

By: Mandie Nelson

8/12/2023

What you’re reading here is years in the making. I’m just a small-town girl, raised on a hobby farm in the foothills of Appalachia, now a professor-turned-writer, wife, and marketing specialist living in a big city. Well…Cleveland. 

Okay, a suburb of Cleveland. But, still.

It’s a bit fortuitous that I reside in the city known for the Cuyahoga River that caught on fire many moons ago (1969, I think?). Because in many ways, my life (more specifically, my brain) too was on fire for the first 30-ish years. Maybe longer…you’ll get a chance to decide. 

So, what happened? Why tell my story to the world, now?

Because I was sick, but now I am well.

I was broken, but now I am whole.

And yes, I was blind. But now I see.

And I’m here to help you find your way, too. 

I’m a Jesus-follower, who loves BIG and yet still misses the mark more often than not. I adore people, animals (especially kitties!! and bunnies!!), Scripture, frou-frou drinks, books, stickers, church life, mugs and bowls (the bigger, the better), flowers, naps, and anything sweet. I make the BEST iced tea (well, next to Rachel Green…another story for another time). 

My browser history is replete with worship music, comedy specials, and deliverance ministers preaching and teaching from around the globe. There are hundreds of unused journals and markers proliferating my apartment and more cat hair than any reasonable vacuum could keep up with. My life is big and messy and beautiful, and I’d love to invite you along for the journey. 

So…welcome to my world! Grab a cuppa joe or tea (I have some good recommendations for you!) and settle in. Bonus points if you read this with a furry friend on your lap (more on that later). 

It’s going to be a beautiful ride.

Love,

Mandie