About Me

Marcia, would you tell us a little about yourself? Well, let’s see, first of all, I am a born-again Christian. And, under that umbrella, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, trainer, speaker, and writer.

I grew up in Western North Carolina, the 2nd of 4 children. My mom and dad are Jim and Bonnie Lawrence, and my siblings include my older brother JR, and my younger sisters, Donna and Betty. Dad entered glory in June of 2013, and we miss him terribly but celebrate that he is sitting at the feet of Jesus, worshiping and praising Him.

How long have you been married and to whom? I have been married to Brian Furrow since July 1979. We met as freshmen in 1975, at Judson College, now known as Judson University. After a couple of years, we transferred to Eastern Illinois University and after we graduated, we were married.

We currently live in Cedar Park, TX, but during our married life, we have lived in Charleston, IL; Bowling Green, OH; Perrysburg, OH; Champaign, IL; Melrose, MN; Beaver Dam, WI; Fort Wayne, IN; Springfield, MO and Grayslake, IL.

We have two sons, Daniel and Robert.

Dan is married to Nicole and they have three sons, Jacob, Matthew, and Bennett, and a daughter, Stella Claire. Dan and Nikki live in north Georgia.

Bob is married to Jennifer and they live in Round Rock, Texas. They are the parents of our first-generation Texans, Cal, Johanna, and Wyatt.

You attended two colleges. Why? And what degree do you have? Actually, I attended three colleges. I started at Judson and was a Communications major before transferring to EIU and obtaining a Journalism Degree. A few years later, I enrolled in Indiana University when the boys were in school. I thought I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up, but after a few semesters, I changed my mind without completing that degree.

How ironic that even though I thought teaching was not for me, God called me to teach. I love teaching! I have been teaching the Bible for most of my adult life.

Where do you teach? For over fourteen years I taught at Bible Study Fellowship International. I taught the Libertyville, IL Day Women’s Class for five years and then moved to the Winnetka Evening Women’s Class where I taught from the fall of 2004 until the fall of 2013. Currently, my favorite teaching venues are my church, my living room, and women’s retreats and conferences.

What have you taught in BSF? I taught all their studies (except Revelation) at least once: Genesis, Life of Moses, History of Israel and the Minor Prophets, Isaiah, Matthew, John, Acts of the Apostles, and Romans.

What do you enjoy about teaching the Bible? I simply love teaching the Bible, and I love preparing to teach the Bible. There is something satisfying about diving deep with the Lord daily to study His Word to teach it.

However, the part I enjoy most is that the Bible changes lives. Whether you are the teacher (and we all know, the one who teaches learns the most) or a student, when you study God’s Word, your life will be changed. God uses the Bible to accomplish His purposes in the world. What a privilege to teach the Word of God, and to have a front-row seat to watch God at work in the lives of his people.

What are your current plans? God used BSF to train me for many years. I feel like I’ve been given a most wonderful gift and now it is time to use that gift in other areas.

I am enjoying speaking engagements and retreats, and I look forward to building that part of my career. As God directs, I will prepare for and speak at more and more women’s retreats and conferences.

And, I’m writing. As a teacher, it is almost impossible to not communicate what I am learning, so I’ve begun a blog on this site. Hopefully, this will serve to encourage others in the application of the truths found in the Bible.

In addition to the blog, I recently published a 365-Day Devotional, “365 Days of Grace: Experiencing God’s Grace from Genesis to Revelation“, which is available at most online booksellers.

35 thoughts on “About Me”

  3. Cindy Dennis

    Looking so forward to the daily devotional and I’m going to enjoy your blog…. Thank you what I didn’t see up there is the fact you a great encourager, you offer hope and encouragement to all who are Blessed to know you.

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  4. Martha Engelke

    What a beautiful opportunity the Lord has given us to stay in contact with Him through you, Marcia. Martha

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  8. Lisa Peterson

    Marcia, Marcia, Marcia…you never sees to amaze me. I will follow you as you are the one who started me on my journey during those walks we always took. I have learned to turn to God and he will guide us if we listen. Can’t wait to read the devotional. Love you so much

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  10. Kimberly Wolf

    Marcia, my dear! So happy to have this opportunity to stay connected. You go girl. Woot woot! God loves to surprise us with new adventures. Can’t wait to see where He leads you next….He has prepared you beautifully and exceptionally for such a time as this. Blessings, Kimberly

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  12. Sue Church

    What a beautiful picture you have given me (us) for today. You have honored your father and brought our hearts to God. I think both Fathers are saying….Well done! I’ve never followed a blog….so excited to follow yours…. as you follow Him. Love you my dear friend! Thank you for your obedience. Sue Church

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  15. Kathryn ozborn

    So so happy for you! The way you have lived your life is a true inspiration!
    Best of luck in this new adventure! God has miraculous ways!!!
    Love you
    Kathy

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  16. Chris Risner

    I am so terribly sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing and hope your Mom is doing okay. Thank you for sharing – I’m forwarding your message and Blog link to my Son, John. Really like “the furrowed brow”.

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  17. Louann Snow

    Marcia – As you know the Bible says, “Pride goeth before a fall”, however, nowhere does it say anything about a fall for your best of friends who are proud of you. And I am – so very – not only for this (love it!) and your new writing opportunity – the Bible DOES say something about envy! 🙂 – but also for all you’ve always been (and all you always are to me).
    Love you, Lou

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  20. Donna Bell

    Under “the umbrella” of being a born-again Christian you listed everything but being a friend…being one of your friends, that makes me just a little nervous :} LOL…I think you can include being a “friend” under your umbrella…I’ve never seen you take it anywhere else!! Maybe Lou has, but then you guys go waaaaay back!!! 🙂

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  21. Sandy Carlson

    Thanks for being such a good example to me Marcia! To all the other great comments about you, which I agree with, I’ll add cheerful! Jesus shines brightly in your face and beautiful smile! I’m so glad I get your blog so where ever you are living, you can continue pouring God’s message into my life! God Bless you!

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