A Joy-filled Journey is a strong, powerful collection of Christian poems filled with hope, strength, and love that comes alive due to the awesome power of God. Masterfully written, each poem speaks to the mind, heart, and soul of readers with its uplifting message of love and joy a life with God can bring. Poet Sister Marilyn Brinker, C.H.M. speaks from experience since 1987 when she was first diagnosed with several chronic illnesses, especially Rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. She has used her illnesses as an opportunity to deepen her relationship with God and how she is guided and empowered on her daily journey to eternal life. Marilyn Anne Brinker grew up on a farm in Westphalia, Iowa. It was there that she developed a special love for God's creation and all of nature. She attended parochial schools through elementary, high school, and college. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa and her Master of Science of Education in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. After high school graduation she entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, a women's religious order now headquartered in Davenport, Iowa. She taught pre-school and primary grades for 38 years prior to her retirement from teaching. Due to her chronic illnesses Sister Marilyn retrained into hospital chaplaincy and ministered to the sick and dying for 10 years. She retired from hospital ministry in May 2008. She has been writing poetry since 1967, however, she has done more writing these past 10 years due to her hospital experiences and her own health issues. Sister Marilyn has shared her poetry with both family and friends who have gained inspiration, courage, and peace from her writings.
