Deborah Howard, RN, and her husband, Theron, live near Little Rock, Arkansas, where she divides her time between writing, editing, ghost-writing, and lecturing. In January 2017, she retired from nursing to write full time.
Deborah is a versatile musician and an avid tennis player. She enjoys music, art, reading, decorating, movies, word games, cooking and spending time with friends and family. She is a member of the Bible Church of Little Rock and treasures her time in the study of God’s word, both corporately and personally.
Deborah’s Profile
Where were you born? Little Rock, AR. Was raised here and have always lived in Arkansas.
Family? My father died in 2020. Mom lives nearby. Husband, Theron. We just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. Two sons, Scott—married to Carrie with son, Xander, and Paul—married to Leslie with children, Haley and Brett. Haley and her husband, Nick, now have a son, Emmett–my first great-grandson. One daughter, Sarah–married to Patrick. I also have family I have sort of adopted over the years: My “kids,” Josh and Courtney and their son, Ezra, and my French “son,” Florent. My brother, Aaron—married to Mary. Nephew Joseph–married to Caroline, now enjoying baby Eleanor. My brother, John, died in 2006 at the age of 51—married to Regina with daughters, Laura and Rebekah. Laura is married to Roddy and they have two children, Hadley and Hayden.
Religious Background? Early childhood in the Methodist Church; in my teens moved into the Episcopal Church; early adulthood moved into the Baptist Church; 1986 moved to Reformed Baptist; member of the Bible Church of Little Rock since 1995.
When were you saved? When I was 15, my mom gave me a copy of The Cross and the Switchblade, by Rev. David Wilkerson. That was my first encounter with the plan of salvation, and when the gospel first became real to me. God used that book to draw me to Him, and I came to believe in Christ as my Lord and Savior.
What are your favorite interests/activities? I enjoy family time, reading, writing, music, tennis, word games, cooking, movies, detective shows on TV—especially all the British ones, travel and, believe it or not, public speaking.
What is your favorite book of the Bible? The one I’m reading at the time. I seriously love the Bible.
Where is your favorite vacation destination? Anywhere on the beach. Being on a beach and watching the waves is a spiritual experience I never tire of. I’m filled with awe for God’s power and beauty and “bigness” when I look out over the water.
What is your dream vacation? That’s a tough one because I love everywhere I go. But I suppose my dream would be attending the four grand slam tennis tournaments someday—The Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, the French Open in Paris, France, Wimbledon in London, England, and the U. S. Open in New York, New York.
What books do you enjoy reading? Reading is one of my favorite activities and I enjoy an eclectic selection of writers/genres. I adore Agatha Christie and have one of her books going all the time. I love to read mysteries, love to research history (especially enjoy studying George Custer), and appreciate helpful Christian books and commentaries. I usually have multiple books going at any given time.
What music do you enjoy? You wouldn’t believe my Pandora stations. I have everything from Mozart to Sousa, Air Supply to Stevie Ray Vaughn, and current artists as well, from Neon Trees to Bruno Mars. Favorite male vocalists are Adam Lambert (think his voice is exquisite) and Tom Jones. Favorite female artist was, is and always will be Barbra Streisand. Favorite group is Chicago.
Deborah's Writing Ministry at a Glance
Sunsets: Reflections on Life’s Final Journey
The road to the end of life is hard and fraught with obstacles. Part devotional and part nursing guidebook, Sunsets helps people navigate that difficult road by shining a light on the path. It is an integral, loving part of caring for your loved one facing this final journey. More HERE.
Where is God in All of This?
This book endeavors to answer this heartbreaking question by discussing the purposes of suffering as they relate to our loving, faithful God. Pain has purpose. It is not frivolously thrown onto our path. This sweet book points you to God and serves as a balm for your aching heart. More HERE.
It’s Not Fair!
Co-authored by Dr. Wayne Mack, this book comes alongside someone who is angry with God. Their suffering has caused them to lift their fist toward Him, thinking He has dealt them an undeserved hand. This book reminds us who we are and Who God is with a tender, warm embrace. More HERE.
Help! Someone I Love has Cancer
When newly diagnosed with cancer, we are flung into a new world with a new vocabulary. This little book gently, lovingly offers both spiritual support and helpful instruction. It defines words, stages, treatments, and options in a way that arms you for the battle ahead. More HERE.
Help! Someone I Love has Alzheimer’s
Dementia is one of the most feared diagnoses in the world today. Yet, learning about the enemy is our best offensive strategy. This little book offers both spiritual support and helpful instruction about this condition. You’ll find comfort, warning signs, and practical tips for caring with someone with Alzheimer’s. More HERE.
Help! I’m So Lonely
Loneliness, depression, anxiety and grief are widespread and take many forms. This little book offers more than mere comfort. It also provides basic, practical suggestions for how to reengage in life—especially after suffering loss. Sometimes people get “stuck.” Maybe reading this will be the first step in getting “unstuck.” More HERE.
As Snow Before a Summer Sun
Taking place in Indian Territory after the Civil War, lovely Cordelia Lawson finds herself caught between two worlds—the world surrounding Fort Cobb where her husband serves as a captain, and the world within a village of peaceful Southern Cheyenne. Cordelia must find a way to honor her husband, Robert, without betraying the trust the Indians have placed in her. Her escapades land her in some precarious situations—and her rescuer always seems to be the one man she detests.
Jonathan Edwards and the Christian Pilgrim
Is this life all there is? Is there a better world to come? How much time and effort should we devote to the here and now? Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, The Christian Pilgrim, gives us a pep rally for heaven. I’ve attempted to bring this poignant sermon into the 21st century to a new generation of believers. This life is not our final destination. It is a journey to our true home—heaven. No matter how pleasant the stops along the way may be, we honor God when we keep our eyes fixed on things above. This is not a “doom and gloom” book. It is highly encouraging and gives us tools to know how we are to live as we travel from here to there.
Salvation is of the Lord: An Exploration of God’s Saving Work
The Doctrines of Grace continue to come under criticism by those promoting the Doctrine of Free Will. This book clearly contrasts and compares these two belief systems (Calvinism and Arminianism), and logically leads to a clearer understanding of the marvelous grace of God in the salvation of His people. More HERE.