About Shelly Burke
From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mom, a writer, and a nurse.
I spent many hours "taking care" of my sisters, and when they tired of my "nursing care," my dolls, on whom I started many "IVs" and gave lots of "shots."
I remember starting a book, writing in pencil in wide-lined, spiral bound notebooks, which I bet my mom has packed away somewhere. I don't remember what the book was about, but I do remember the satisfaction I felt at writing.
After I graduated from high school I attended Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University), where I achieved my dream of becoming a nurse. The summer after I graduated, Tim and I got married and I began my first nursing job at a children and adolescent psychiatric hospital. Over the next few years I also worked on a telemetry (heart monitoring) unit, and as an inservice coordinator, and in home health.
Our son Cody was born in 1991, and daughter Morgan in 1993, and another dream--that of being an at-home mom--was realized. I loved (and still do love!) being a mom! Cody is now a sophomore at Kansas State University, and Morgan is starting her senior year! I can't belive how fast the time has gone by.
When Cody and Morgan were toddlers, I began to pursue writing for publication. When writing for magazines, the prospective author must send a query letter, outlining what the article will be about, to see if the magazine is interested in an article on that topic. While I published several articles in nursing magazines, parenting magazines were not interesting in the articles I proposed.
After receiving yet another rejection letter I decided, after much prayer and consideration, that instead of writing individual articles (which no one seemed to be interested in) I would write a book about being a mom. The idea for Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, was born! After several years another dream came true, when I held the first copy of Home is Where the Mom Is in my hands.
Several years later I was led to write another book, What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations.
The Nebraska Family Times
Through this time I continued to promote both of my books; as a self-publisher I was responsible for all of the publicity and promotion. As part of promotion, I contacted various magazines and newspapers about doing a review of either book. One of the newspapers I contacted was the Nebraska Family Times. To my surprise, the editor of the paper at that time asked me if I would write for the paper! I was thrilled with the request and happy to do so; I reported on Nebraska news.
In the summer of 2008 the editor of the paper approached me with another request; would I be interested in buying the paper from her and taking over publication of the Nebraska Family Times? I was shocked by the request and my immediate thought was "I've never done anything like that--I can't run a newspaper!" But when I mentioned my doubts to Tim, his response was, "Why not? This would be the perfect thing for you to do!" So, after much prayer and talking with friends, I became the publisher and editor of the Nebraska Famliy Times!
The mission of the Nebraska Family Times is to "inspire, encourage, and motivate readers in their Christian walk," and I strive to do that with the articles I print and write every month. It is my prayer that articles will touch the hearts and minds of readers, strengthen their faith, and bring them closer to God.
Through the years I've added and changed features of the paper, in an attempt to bring more valuable information to readers. I'm thankful that several local authors write for the paper on a regular basis; I enjoy reading their articles am blessed to have them writing for the paper! I work to continue to improve the paper, and I welcome any suggestions from readers.
One of my favorite parts of being the editor is featuring local people, families, and events. I enjoy promoting organizations that people might not otherwise hear of, and spotlighting individuals and families who are using their faith to encourage and help others.
During the first few years of running the paper, I spent my time finding resources for the paper and getting to know sponsors. My goal for the next year or so is to spread the news of the Nebraska Family Times; our country is in some very uncertain times, and a positive, Christian resource is needed more than ever! If you enjoy reading the paper, or the blog, please pass on the links to friends and family members. The Nebraska Family Times is also on Face Book; "Like" us and you'll get information about the paper and links to more Christian resources.
Back issues are available at no cost, as long as they are available, to share with others or to read yourself if you've just discovered the Nebraska Family Times. Commission is paid to readers who get new sponsors or advertisers; contact me (information below) for more information.
The Nebraska Family Times is for readers, so if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know, by e-mail at shelly@shellyburke.net or by calling (402) 993-2467. If you would like a FREE sample issue of the paper, or would like a FREE sample issue sent to someone else, contact me by e-mail or phone.
