Laura's Story

Laura Holland grew up in a rural community in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico. Her journey of faith began at an early age, as did her interest in writing, with a love of literature inherited from her mother. She attended the University of New Mexico and went on to receive a B.A. In English, Creative Writing, with a minor in U.S. Military History. During her time at UNM Laura was actively involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, through which she grew and deepened in her relationship with Jesus Christ. After one of IVCF's Chapter Camp retreats Laura acquired a summer job at Bear Trap Ranch near Colorado Springs. It was an experience that would change her life, one that would bring her in contact with people of deep faith, as well as teach her about Christian work and prepare her for the uncertainties of the future so that she could walk out with boldness and trust.

Laura returned to UNM to take up her studies again, and early in the semester she had a bike accident which resulted in a concussion and broken collar bone. God would use this as a wake-up call to show her how quickly things can change in this life, and to cherish each moment and not take relationships for granted. Laura would later look back on that semester as one of the best of her life because of that wake-up call and the subsequent deepening of relationships that happened. Now, the occasional ache in her shoulder caused by changes in the weather or other factors serve as a reminder of that wake-up call.

During her time at UNM Laura also became involved with one of the campus literary magazines and managed to find time between her activities to participate in NaNoWriMo. In addition to this, she was taking classes which pertained to many different genres of writing, including fiction, creative non-fiction, biography, journalism, and screenwriting, as well as a wide variety of literature classes.

Laura met her future husband, James, through Intervarsity, and they began dating in the spring of 2009 when he asked her to one of her all-time favorite
activities, a baseball game. They married on May 30, 2010, at a little church in Laura's beloved Jemez mountains.  Afterwards they returned to Albuquerque where Laura finished her last semester of college and graduated in December 2010. Over the next three years Laura and James would go through many ups and downs, experiences of both joy and sorrow which would challenge them and draw them closer together.

In May 2014 they moved into a house in Albuquerque with their closest friends, a couple with a one-year-old daughter. James, after taking some years off to work full time, is currently finishing up a Computer Science degree. Laura worked for two years as a server at Village Inn, and did some writing on the side.

After experiencing two losses, Laura and James were blessed with a son who was born on August 23, 2014-- David Roger Frederick Holland.  Laura did not think she would be able to become pregnant again, so David is definitely a miracle and a blessing!  Laura now stays home and loves her new occupation as a full time wife, mother, and homemaker.

Laura and James are unsure what God's plan for them is after James finishes his degree, but they are striving to remain open to His will, and trust Him with the changes and uncertainties ahead. Their greatest desire is to see God's kingdom and His fame advanced.