Nancy Schneider…What can I say except she has the most engaging smile and laugh you’ve ever seen or heard. I’m not kidding. If you hear her laugh you’ll instantly know that Nancy is in the room. I love it!! She and her husband, Tom, have been with us at UPC since 2003. They have a son named David who’s 16 and a Junior at Timber Creek. Their daughter, Ellen, is 13 and is in the 8th grade at The Master’s Academy. Nancy grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where heading “north” was going to Atlanta.
I asked her…
Do you have any pets?
We have a dog - Maisy. She’s a black cocker spaniel who looks a lot like the Delk’s dog! She is a fabulous pet. Came to us via a pet rescue network.
Daisies or roses?
Daisies. We had gerber daisies in our wedding.
Vanilla or chocolate?
Vanilla if drinking a hot drink at Starbucks. Chocolate if having a milkshake at Crispers.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to read and browse bookstores. I love to meet friends for coffee and laugh (or cry!). When I have time, I love to work in the yard. I also love holidays and celebrations!
What’s your favorite vacation spot (real or imagined)?
It’s a tie! Anna Marie Island; High Hampton Inn near Highlands, North Carolina; Callaway Gardens in Georgia; and finally, Yellowstone National Park, specifically the Old Faithful Lodge.
What’s a weird thing about you?
I love the Old Testament. Great stuff. Also, my husband and I loved throwing birthday parties for our kids. (How’s that for offering two answers from differing ends of the life spectrum!)
Our favorite was David’s seven year old “Swamp” party. We turned our garage into a swamp, complete with a fog machine, sounds of frogs and a wet, muddy trail. We had great games, even a rubber snake toss!
A funny memory from one of Ellen’s parties. She was having a gymnastics party at a local gym. Fifteen minutes into the party, one of the girls showed up late with her dad. He said, “I’m sorry we’re late. Grace had a stomach ache and had to throw up. But that was 30 minutes ago. I’m sure she’s fine.” Trying not to look horrified, I said, “You realize this is a gymnastics party, lots of jumping up and down.” He seemed non-pulsed. Nodding and smiling he said, “Well, the good news is there’s nothing in there now!” Hey, he was factual. Well, we let Grace stay but watched her like a hawk. As soon as I could, I asked Grace, “Sweetie, is your mom out of town this weekend?” “Yeah, she went to visit Grandma.”
If you were stuck on an island for a week alone and allowed to bring your Bible and one other book what would it be?
Another tie…”Come Away My Beloved” by Frances J. Roberts (a devotional) and anything by Gary Larson, creator of “Far Side” cartoons.
If you could have one super power what would it be?
I’d go with “shape shifter.”
What’s your favorite TV show?
My favorite television show at the moment is “24.” “LOST” is close behind. Used to be “The West Wing.”
What is your job?
My current job is VP: Prayer Ministries at Wycliffe.
Where can we find you at UPC (i.e. ministry involvement)?
It’s varied…I’ll be leading Simply Soul in September. I also assist Mike Osborne with different aspects of the Discovery class. I tend to work on special events and projects.
Does your family have any unique traditions?
We don’t put Christmas gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve. Until then, Christmas books fill the space. Through the years, we’ve gathered quite a collection. By having books under the tree, we find ourselves slowing down and enjoying the season more. It was also a great way to encourage reading. Each year, as soon as we put the remaining ornaments on the tree, someone will say, “Should I go get the books?”
(note from the editor: This is only one of MANY traditions in the Schneider house. They are truly one of the most celebratory families I know!)
What’s been your greatest victory as a Christian woman?
My greatest victory as a Christian woman is to truly trust God with my life. At my core, I have complete confidence in His love for me. I know that He is for me — all the time. While I’ve “believed” that since becoming a Christian, there have been significant “markers” where this truth has taken on deeper meaning. Healing from my childhood has been a process — like pealing off layers of paint from an old piece of furniture. (valuable furniture!) As each layer of pain has been removed, God has replaced it with a deeper awareness of His character and love for me. He is magnificent to the nth degree. I never cease to be amazed at His heart and hand.
Do you have any Bible passage that’s special to you?
Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” I grew up in a very unsettled home so the image of God meeting my fears was important. The only Scripture I remembered committing to memory was this verse which hung on a “banner” — a piece of burlap decorated with markers — in my room. I think it was a VBS craft.
From the Editor:
I have to add that Nancy has shown my family love when my 3 year old broke his leg and found himself in a full body cast. Nancy, who was barely and acquaintance at the time asked if she could come over and read to him. She came over a couple times with a stack of books and entertained him while I was able to get a much needed break, and more importantly…a shower! To this day Adam looks around for Missus Schneider at church and shyly approaches when he gets the nerve up.
Thanks so much, Nancy!
You are truly a woman to be admired and I know your children will “arise and call you blessed.”
