Please Meet... Emily Lee!

I am Emily Lee and am the wife of a 1L from Orlando, FL. We've been married seven and a half years and have two sons (4 and 1/2 years old and 18 months). I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist but haven't worked much since becoming a mother. I was surprised (sorry!) by how much I enjoyed all the women and events with Law WIves upon arriving at Regent. Therefore, I want to play a role in encouraging current law wives and new comers through this service. I have been involved in Bible Studies and attend events hoping to develop more friendships while here. However, my hope for Law Wives is that it will continue to be a great resource of connection and information for mothers who are doing so much alone while their husbands study AND that it would help encourage more incredible families to choose Regent for their law school experience.

Please Meet... Ashley Cowgill!

Name: Ashley Cowgill

From: Salem, Oregon (3,010 miles from Virginia Beach) :)

Number of years married: 1 year, 8 months, 20 days, 23 hours and 20 minutes

Fun fact: Shaniqua is the name I use when I karaoke.

God has blessed me with an adventurous spirit so you better believe I was RUNNING around our house, jumping up and down, screaming when I got the news that God was sending us on a journey to Regent University...

One of my fondest memories in Law Wives to date is laying down at the top of Mt. Trashmore (only in VA would they make a 'dump' a city park and then name it Mt. Trashmore:)...) at the LW family picnic ready to 'tumble' head over heels down the hill with other wives... So many giggles and brain jiggles and that was the start of blossoming new friendships.  Besides all the fun social activities I have LOVED the bible studies, experiencing life with other women and diving DEEP into God's word and soaking up His great love for us. 

Law wives has allowed me to be me.  I am an extravert (who knew) and God created me to be in fellowship with people... how AWESOME that he gave me such an INCREDIBLE gift through LW to continue to help mold me and shape me into who he created me to be.  

My heart and my vision for LW next year is outreach ministry.  Since we have been in Virginia Beach God has burdened my heart for the less fortunate.  This is something that He continually does but it's been evident out here there is such a need.  Two verses that come to mind, 'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and the widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.' James 1:27.  And, 'Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' Matthew 19:21.  God has blessed us with a roof over our head and in a community of widows.  I imagine LW gathering together next year to wash the feet of these women, love them, encourage them, and share the gospel with them.  A lot of them eat TV dinners because to cook for only one person is hard and a lot of effort, we could make meals together and deliver them a home cooked me at least once a month.  The homeless population down at the boardwalk can feel overwhelming.  I imagine LW coming together to prepare some meals and to nourish souls physically and spiritually.  

My experience in leadership positions in ministry through Young Life, my church, and volunteer ministries have prepared me for serving on the Law Wives board.  I have a heart to serve and care for others.  'Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Matthew 20:28.

Roses are red...

Violets are VIOLET...

Daffodils are yellow...

Lilies are white...

This poem doesn't rhyme...

But at least it's accurate... 

Thanks for reading my FIRST blog post ever!

-In Him-

Ashley 'Shaniqua' Cowgill

Please Meet... McKenzie Swan!

McKenzie Swan

1L

Portland, Oregon

Married to Kevin for 1.5 years  (7/11/2010)

No kiddos (well sort of my pup her name is ROO!)

Graduated from Oregon State University (GO BEAVERS!) in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Human Services & Child Development

Currently working for property management

To begin, I would like everyone to know, that without the support of Law Wives, I would not be able to survive this adventure with my husband gone so often. The community that we have together is of incredible value and has helped me grow in the Lord and in my marriage.  Moving across the country can be a time of vulnerability and fear of the unknown. From the time that I arrived in Virginia Beach, I felt welcomed into the Law Wives family as if I had been a member all along. The confidence and reassurance this provided me, allowed me to support my husband and encourage him to do his very best in school, without reservation.

            My involvement in Law Wives includes…well…almost every event! But most of all, weekly bible studies, the progressive dinner, many girls nights and the NightLight event. I feel that each of these opportunities has provided me with the ability to plant roots and has given me a strong sense of community. The Night Light event particularly stood out to me. Although we are all poor “law-student-families”, the Night Light event showed me just how lucky we all are, and also showed me just how much of God’s love is needed in the world.  In addition to the Night Light event, I really enjoyed the girls nights, where I was able to leave any stress from work or home behind, and fellowship with an incredible group of women. Kevin likes it too because I am able to talk your guys’ ears, so when I get home I don’t have any more of my words left for the day to use J

            Much of my vision for this coming year with Law Wives comes from two things; the Night Light event and girls nights. First, I feel that because we as a group are the hands and feet of God, we need to act out our faith in a manner that continues to express God’s love to those in need. The Night Light event opened my eyes as to how impactful such an incredible group of women could be to a community. I see Law Wives holding simple, yet impactful events like volunteering at a food bank or homeless shelter, or volunteering with an organization that helps children in need. Whatever the event, I see a great power that could be harnessed if we all regularly come together to serve in our busy lives.

Second, I see a continuation of the ever-important girls nights. Lets be real, we all need a break, a time to laugh, a time to cry (if need be), and a time to let our hair down and just be there for each other…if your not careful Ashley and I will do our famous stand up comedy J In general, I want to continue regular get togethers! I feel this is important because it helps me keep a balance of time with my husband but also allows me to encourage him to invest as much time as needed in his school. The more events I have to go to, the less pressure my husband has to extra time with me. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with Kevin, but without Law Wives, he would feel bad when always leaving me at home alone!

            Throughout undergrad, I was disciple by several women within the Navigator Ministry. I feel that their guidance and personal attention to the growth and strengthening of my faith has equipped me to be light to other incoming Law Wives. During college I also lead small “women’s group” Bible studies and mentored younger women within my sorority. I feel that I can apply this experience to be impactful for the Law Wives in whatever capacity is needed and to support incoming Law Wives. I also was greatly involved with Greek Life where I held many positions such as, risk management, Chapter Development and was on the board in the house, which had 80 woman members. It taught me how to organize, plan and execute big events effectively and managed to create a sense of community with in a large organization and of course HAD FUN DOING IT!

            I want to be on the board because I value relationships and fellowship more than anything. Being very apprehensive to move across the country, I know what it feels like to be scared out of your mind and have so much unknown that you don’t even know where to start. I want to be there relationally for the next generation of Law Wives. In addition, I want to continue to help grow the relational environment through the continuation of current activities and by adding some others that are described above. I feel that I can help our organization preserve the foundation that has been set before us as well as be of impact to my friends and future members.

Please Meet... Cate Smith!

Cate Smith (1L)

Husband: Jeremy

From: Northern Va/West Virginia

Married 20 months (2 years as of June 12, 2012!!!)

Children: One baby in heaven...hopefully one in my arms someday! 

Graduated with B.A. in Journalism from Patrick Henry College 

Senior Research Editor for www.smyrnaministries.org

Law Wives impacted my life even BEFORE we moved down here! When Kirsten Dalton found out my husband was applying to Regent, she emailed me a ton of helpful info and explained how blessed she had been by LW. When we came down to look at the area, she opened her home to us and she and her husband answered a ton of our questions. Her encouragement really helped me find peace with my husband's decision to start law school. 

I am thrilled to be part of Law Wives now, and I want to be on the board because I want the next wave of Law Wives to experience the same encouragement and hospitality that I have received. I love the weekly Bible Studies - the prayers and wisdom of my sisters in Christ has challenged my faith. I found the NightLight jewelry fundraiser to be another event that really touched a chord with me, and reminded me that energy and fervor flourish when our hearts are set on zealous service unto the LORD (Rom. 12:11).  I love it when women have the chance to get together and partner to accomplish things specifically to help others. As a member of the Board, I would seek out those ideas and passions of other Law Wives - give them a chance to voice their outreach goals, hear their input, and see if Law Wives can be part of the "good works that God has prepared in advance" for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

However, the area where I most want to serve Law Wives (whether or not I am on the Board) is in prayer. Jesus says, "And this is the confidence we have toward Him, that if we ask ANYTHING according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14). If you're anything like me, you struggle to pray. Days go by and I drift from the anchor of God's promise to hear me. Yet when I persevere in prayer, deliverance and joy fill my heart....His comfort is beyond words! I want to foster a community of sisters that bears each other's burdens in prayer. I want my house to be a place where anyone can come and pray - anytime. When Jesus was overwhelmed, He sought the Father's face in prayer. Life gets overwhelming...a lot. But, "Though one can be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). As a member of the Law Wives Board, I would seek to find ways we as a body can better 'defend' each other through prayer. 

I have expertise in: Analytical and technical writing, radio and web journalism, and print media graphics (brochure/poster/email design). I DO NOT have expertise in baking bread...but I'm trying :P

Please Meet... Kayla Germann!

Hi friends! My name is Kayla Germann and my husband Phil is a 1L. We’re both country kids from Ohio and have been pumped to live in a beach town! We’ve been married nearly 4 years, all of which one of us has been in grad school, and we do not have kids. I spent the last three years obtaining a doctor of physical therapy degree, and now I am a physical therapist at a nursing home in Norfolk.  I tend to be introverted and like a very ordered, well-planned life; however, I have been known to break out of that routine—for example, before moving to VB, I went skydiving with my husband, dad, and brother!

Because I’m introverted, I am not always the quickest to make friends. Law Wives impacted my life almost as soon as moving to Virginia Beach by providing a large, built-in family of Christian friends to give me a support system. I actually made my first friends while walking into the Meet and Greet, and have depended on Law Wives since then to be my family away from home. Law Wives has also been a blessing through Bible studies, helping grow my relationship with Christ more so than I have experienced since college.

I have attended all major events hosted by Law Wives and never missed a week of Bible study; I have also attended “unofficial” Law Wives events, such as the NightLight jewelry party Anna organized, and spent a lot of time getting to know other wives and families more personally. I also recently became a Law Wives Ambassador, reaching out to potential incoming Law Wives. My favorite event so far has been the Meet and Greet, in part because that was my first introduction to the extent to which Law Wives strives to build a community, and it was my first opportunity to meet so many of the other law wives. I love thinking back on that night and realizing, “THAT was the girl who sat next to me!”

I see Law Wives as a lifeline to all wives involved—whether you work outside the home, stay home with children, do not have children, are a 1L or are a 3L. Basically, Law Wives exists to be a support group to any wives involved, as well as a way to teach us how to better support our husbands. We are a cohesive group of friends, family away from home, helping each other out, and growing together in Christ. I want Law Wives to continue helping law students and their wives find purpose and peace during this period in our lives, as well as to reach out into the community and help others by spreading the love of Christ and giving of ourselves.

I want to be a Board member because I am passionate about Law Wives and want to be intimately involved in blessing upcoming wives as I have been blessed in this first year of law school. I believe Law Wives has helped keep me afloat away from home, and I have a heart to assist other women in feeling the same. Prior to coming to Regent, my husband overlooked opportunities, such as the move-in ministry and the preview weekend, for me to learn about Law Wives; I would like to be part of brainstorming new and unique ways to reach out early to potential Law Wives to make the idea of moving here seem easier. I am organized and love to attend to details and make plans, so I believe I would be an asset to the Board. Through high school, college, and grad school, I have served in different aspects on boards and committees, from planning events to managing finances. I have a flexible work schedule and no children, so I have plenty of time to devote to working for the Law Wives Board. Thank you for reading and considering voting for me to be involved!

Please Meet... Natalie Moffitt!

Natalie Moffitt (1L)

Hubby: Jonathan Moffitt

Seattle, WA

Married for 4.5 years

2 Daughters: Arianna (2.5) & Brooklyn (born any day now)

Graduated from the University of Washington with BA (Business Adminstration: Concentrations in Finance & Tech. Info Mgmt)

We wives come to Regent to support our husbands in this important investment in their lives and callings. It is a special time when we have dedicated our entire families to this adventure. But, the Law Wives Organization reminds us that this time is a purposeful time for us as individuals as well. We are here to support our husbands and families, but we are also here to spiritually grow. This adventure is a crucial part for each one of our spiritual walks. Law Wives is about supporting each other in that spiritual growth, while, also, helping each other in practical manners. We are sisters and Law Wives fosters that family relationship. The sisterly support is how Law Wives has blessed me the most.

My favorite "event" Law Wives puts on are the bible studies. Plugging into a bible study enables us to quickly deepen our relationships and encourage each other in a much deeper way. I have been especially encouraged by the study of Song of Songs and would love to see more studies focused on studying scripture directly from God's Word.

As a member of the board, if elected, I would like to see more external outreach. We are so blessed within our community and I see opportunity to lose sight of how richly we are blessed, because the blessings are so rich and can be expected. The best way to remain sensitive to the fullness of God's gifts is to give back in any way we can. We may be short on funds, but we can donate time as a group and have fun while serving God together.

I have served in many different positions - church leadership, mission trip member, nursery volunteer, etc
I have a degree concentrating in Finance which would be a help to the board's budget.
I have a heart and calling to defend and support the family structure, support marriages, encourage and mentor moms in all types of circumstances

I desire to be on the board to give back to an incredible organization that has truly blessed my family and me. I love the women here and greatly look forward to meeting those to come. I have found mentors in this group, for whom I am so grateful. I would love to mentor others in my personal time and by being on the board.

Please do not vote for me as a friend, but if it is a step of obedience. Please, please pray about your vote before making a decision. If I am elected I want it to be God's Will, not due to a number of friendships. Thanks!

Please Meet...Anna Goodrich!

Hi ladies! My name is Anna Goodrich and I am a 1L Law Wife. My husband Ben and I celebrated our first anniversary this past New Year’s Day. We moved to Virginia Beach in August from Phoenix, Arizona. We love it here and are so glad God brought us here for this season in our life. He has orchestrated everything so beautifully and so much better than we could have ever dreamed.

One of the ways that God has blessed me beyond measure, and by proxy my husband’s and my marriage, has been through Law Wives. I am naturally very timid and quiet when I am new somewhere and do not know people. God knows that. So what did He do? He put Brittany Hoffman in my life, who is neither timid nor quiet J, to invite me to the meet-and-greet and, subsequently, to Bible study. I am so grateful for the friendships I have formed and the encouragement and edification I have received through being involved in Law Wives.

I have had the privilege of being able to participate at many of the Law Wives functions, from the Meet-and-Greet that started everything off, to Bible study, and the Progressive Dinner. The best part, however, has been the relationships begun and the progression into good friendships that have led to getting together outside of official events.

I want to be on the board so that I can serve the ladies of the organization that has made living 2,200 miles away from everyone and everything I knew an amazing blessing. I love being behind the scenes because it means that I get to help serve and make sure this organization stays around to provide a family to others who come to Regent.

Please Meet... Christy Thorman!

Hello, My name is Christy Thorman. Patrick and I will be married 17 years in March of this year we have three children and this is our 2nd year of Law School. We lived in Texas before coming here for Law School.

Something interesting about me,huh? Well, I am Missionary Kid from Argentina, I am fluent in Spanish and I love doing mission work.
Law Wives has been a blessing to us, they are one of the reasons we choose Regent. This past month Law Wives have really blessed my family. You have taken care of my husband and two youngest children while I have been in Texas with Davey.
Patrick and I helped with the move in ministry this summer and I have been involved with the weekly bible studies.
My favorite event this year was the Progressive Dinner. I think its my favorite event due to the fact I am able to get to know some of the newer law wives better and of course the food is always wonderful.
My vision for law wives: Titus 2 is something that really speaks to me. I want law wives to be a place where we as women can grow each other. We are doing a pretty good job, however I believe we can always improve. These 3 years of law school are trying and scary we need to make sure we are reaching all of our law wives and that we are being accountable with our spiritual lives. I would like to see a mentoring program started. Maybe a woman that has been married for a few years mentoring one of our newly weds. Or maybe one of our 2L and 3L's wives mentoring our new 1Ls.
God has allowed me to teach, to lead bible studies, to do mission work and to do social work. All theses areas have prepared be to take on a more leadership role.
I would love to be on the board to help others in a more intense way. I am ever so grateful to the law wives.