About

Bio
Born in Illinois. and lived most of my life in the Midwestern states of IL, WI, MN, and IA.
Currently retired and living in Oregon.

Education
1962 Graduate of Zion-Benton Township High School in Zion, IL.
2009 Certificate of Ministry from INSTE Bible College in Des Moines, IA.
2017 Web Site Development and Design Certificate from Portland Community College in Portland, OR.
2019 Creative Writing classes at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR.
2023 Ordained as a Licensed Clergy/Christian Wedding Officiant by Christian Leaders Alliance Institute in Spring Lake, Michigan

Ministry
President of SGLY Ministry–an encouragement ministry which has been online encouraging Christians since 1997.
Website:  “Smile God Loves You” www.smilegodlovesyou.org

Writing
Several local news articles for “The Beacon” a hometown newspaper [2008-2010]
A Devotional “Praise Pause” was published in part in the Cokeburg Presbyterian Church Newsletter [August 2003]
“Proverbs 31 Woman” Scripture Acrostic was published in Proverbs 31 Club Newsletter [2000]
Several articles published by Oregon Women’s Report Portland, OR. (2011–2012)
Several articles, devotionals, and poems currently published to my online blogs.

PowerPoint Presentations
“The Way” An original presentation of the Gospel.  A courtroom drama that brings the Gospel to life in an easy-to-understand way. [2008]
“Plastic Pollution” What can we do about all the plastic pollution that is destroying our oceans and marine life?  [ 2012]
“Recycle Empty Tissue Boxes”   Make two pretty Gift Bags from one empty Tissue Box in three easy steps. [2012]

Songs
   “Come Holy Spirit” [2008]
    “Up on the Housetop” [2008]
    “God’s Way” [2009]

Books
Written and published by Leona J. Atkinson–Atkinson Publishing

• Devotional-Journal– “54 Spiritual Blessings in Christ” (2011)
• Poetry Chapbook “April Ad-Libs” (2014)
• Poetry Chapbook “May Flowers” (2014)
• Children’s Book–“What Can Winnie Do?” (2022)

Written by L.J. Atkinson–Published by: SGLY Ministry–SGLY Books

• • Reference-“Names of God” (2012) (2013)
  • Devotional-“Psalms Prayer Pockets” (2013)
  • Devotional: “Praise Pause” (2017)

Art
Papers With A Purpose ministry is way I minister to others by sharing my love of creating art with paper.
I create and donate greeting cards, journals and notebooks to uplift and encourage others.
Blog:  Papers With A Purpose 

My illustrations are in two children’s books “Make It Count-Oceania” and “Make It Count”-Africa” 
published by Izzy Lewis– Izzy Bizzy Books 2021

Currently working on:

My Memoirs– “Midwestern Memories”
Children’s Book–“The Year of Good Things”

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