Eleanor Mendoza Whitney, primary author

As a church musician, the wife of a pastor and the mother of three young children, Eleanor understands the stress that women experience during the Christmas Season. She has written this devotional to inspire and remind women that God loves us just as we are and calls us to peace and joy.

Eleanor received her B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and later studied at San Francisco Theological Seminary where she earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction. Through her studies she learned to rely on God and stay centered in difficult times.

Eleanor has led seminars on prayer and spirituality including her popular seminar, “How to Pray with Children.” She facilitates small groups, offers spiritual direction, and leads group retreats. She also loves music and uses her musical skills as a cantor, choir director, and solo singer.

The Rev. Stephen A. Whitney, secondary author and editor

After serving a local church as senior pastor for eight years, “Pastor Steve” felt led to combine his love for God and his technical expertise to found Looking Upward Apps. He also started WhitneyApps to provide apps that empower, encourage, and engage - for phones and tablets (just Android, including Amazon Kindle Fire, for 2011 - adding Apple’s iOS in 2012).

Steve earned a degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and later a master’s degree from UCLA in Computer Science. After working as a programmer and software development manager for several years in the Silicon Valley, Steve followed God's call to pastoral ministry and entered San Francisco Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity degree and found his love of church transformation.

Steve has a heart for bringing the Good News of the Gospel to those around him. Even as he focuses on software for a living, he continues to provide pastoral care on his Facebook groups and does blogging and video blogging. He also preaches from time to time at local churches and has begun several writing projects meant to equip and encourage other pastors. Watch for them from The Rev Books.

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