I'm a middle aged (that term becomes relative as you get older) married man with two great kids. My son Nicholas is 24 and in full time ministry to young adults and newcomers to the local church. My beautiful daughter, Danielle, (okay I'm biased but she is.) is actively involved with the church and is a real advocate for the underdog. My wife Dawn is a wonderful companion, love and mother. I couldn't ask for a better family.

I've always been a writer. For years I was the chief copywriter for a marketing communications agency. I founded the company with two other partners, so I had plenty of responsibility outside the writing. Nonetheless, for over twenty years, I wrote thousands upon thousands of words. But that was "hired gun" writing. The kind I enjoy most is writing with passion about things I care deeply about. (It was hard to get passionate about a new banking product, or a radio script for a consumer product.)

I write quickly to get my thoughts on paper. (or computer screen). But then go back and edit several times to clarify. I've always written in different forms. I like the variety of expressing myself in short stories, poetry and essay. And I've written a play and a couple of songs that have been recorded. What I enjoy most about writing is the ability to engage a potentially large audience with what I hope will be encouragement and inspiration. For the most part what I write has to do with making sense out of life. It's a big target and writers throughout the ages have taken aim at it. For me my faith influences my world view, so it filters into every thing I write, either directly or indirectly.

I'm a serious Christian. That doesn't mean I have it down pat. And it doesn't mean I know all the answers. It means that my life would be without foundation if it were not for what I believe about Jesus Christ. I don't see Him as a task-master. I see Him as a loving, but firm, guide. I believe He alone holds the answers to what life is really all about. I see Him as the incarnation of a Holy God. And I believe His Spirit indwells me with power I otherwise could not obtain.

I believe there should be no barriers or judgements made based on color, ethnicity, social position, education or any other man-made standard. In my opinion, God sees all people with the same Father's eye. Besides I have enough flaws of my own-I don't need to go looking to judge other people.

My life has changed, as I recount in I Had Other Plans, Lord. I have new circumstances to deal with. I fought it for a long time, until I realized that it was a debilitating waste of time.

I have a new mission and a clearly defined purpose. I hope to do it with kindness and passion for the rest of my life.

"My mission is to educate, encourage and inspire by
empowering people with the gospel of hope
in Jesus Christ."

Nick Gugliotti