About the Writer

A cabin, a cup of coffee and a typewriter; a picture I’ve carried around in the back roads of my mind for several years. From a rebel in the ’50′s to a college graduate in the ’90′s, I have evolved. Many roads have I traveled and many travelers have I met along the way; all with stories to be told. With my faith in God and “dust on my shoes,” I travel the writer’s path.

“It’s never too late,

and you are never too old,

to do what you have always wanted to do,

but never had the time.”

I was born in Pontiac, Illinois and attended Pontiac Township High School in the ’50′s during the beginnings of Rock n Roll. My paths in life have taken me from a teenager in the fifties to the U.S. Navy in the sixties; from a blue collar worker to a nursing degree; from Illinois-Arkansas-Florida-Tennessee and back to my hometown in Illinois. Before retiring from nursing, I was working as an RN, focusing on the care of hospice patients and their families.

My writings are about faith, hope, love and the human condition. I write in various genres and am presently working on two books. It is my hope that the thoughts and images expressed in my writings will find a way to speak to your heart.

Blacksmiths Craft Horse Shoes…Wordsmiths Craft Words.

 _______

Contact Information

butchdeanil@gmail.com

183 thoughts on “About the Writer

  1. About the Writer Wordsmith's Desk Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  2. Hello_____,
    Your writing is an art; it’s beautiful. I think if you keep doing what you’re doing now, you will have good future. So keep it up my friend! :-)
    I have a joyful ride in your blog, and now I’d like to invite you to visit mine. Thank you and have a wonderful day, my friend! :-)
    Subhan Zein

  3. About the Writer Wordsmith's Desk I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are incredible! Thanks! your article about About the Writer Wordsmith's Desk Best Regards Lawrence Andy

  4. I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months, and I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs. Therefore, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award. As a novice, this is something new to me. I’m honored to be nominated myself, but have found that it’s taking up a lot of time to be nominated. So, if you’d like to follow the drill after your nomination, please do, if not, I understand. You are still one of the few I subscribe to and enjoy. If you decide to pass it on, click on the link for the award and use my acceptance page as a template. Congratulations!

  5. Hello LeRoy! You have a wonderful site…thank you for following my blog at Faith1st Ministry. I hope it has and will continue to be a major blessing in your life. May God richly bless you as you continue to write and blog. Please continue with us on this journey and remember to have Faith 1st. — Sebastian

  6. hi LeRoy Dean! Thanks for dropping by my site and liking one of my post. It was a pleasant surprise that someone out there is reading my posts. Btw, nice blog you have here. Keep on bloggin’ ^_^

  7. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I usually check back out of courtesy. However, when I came to your blog something about it touched me. Its beautifully written but not in a way that seems created. Its honest and real. It feels like the words were poured from your soul. I felt transported to a time more innocent and pure. It was beautiful.

  8. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my site! I’m not always comfortable writing about my faith so it was nice to see that someone else enjoyed what I had to say. Come back anytime!

  9. LeRoy, Thanks for checking out and liking the Ray of Hope Ministries blog, (Today’s Enlightenment) which was recently opened by my partner in ministry, Patty Perez, and myself. I am impressed and inspired by your blog, which I will be subscrfibing to our blog so I can use the using content for my daily devotional time. Thank you again,

    Ray Gough
    Ray of Hope Ministries
    http://www.ROHM.WordPress.com

  10. I love that cabin. As a writer, I’d love to “retreat” there. My father served in the US Navy during the 1960′s. Thank you very much for your service. All the best.

  11. I’ve read your posts for a while, but never read the “about” post before…yes, it Is good to evolve! Interesting to look back over the journey, and satisfying to know that if I don’t have life all sorted out, I know more than I did!
    Obviously you do too.
    Thank you for all the insights you share. You are more productive than me with blogging, and your daily post in my email is a welcome read for me! Sheila

  12. Ditto. You sure are a busy man. May God bless you and the work of your hands today and for the rest of your life.

  13. I’m glad you discovered my blog today (Do not be caught unaware) so I could discover you! Many blessings to you as you seek to encourage and inspire others through your writing. In that way, we are kindred spirits.

  14. Hi Leroy, thanks for liking my post Getting Your Gulls in a Row: 4 Steps to Eternal Life. I have enjoyed visiting your site. I’m wondering how you manage to have the drop-down menu and multiple posts on your pages?

  15. Thanks for liking my post. I really enjoyed reading through some of your posts this morning…such an encouragement…and such a window you’ve opened into your life. Thanks for your writing.

  16. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ that I have found a wonderful site in which His presence richly dwells. There is a unique manifestation of His presence in a vessel of clay that spends time with Him….heart to heart….face to face. You my dear friend are a fellow lily…a lily among thorns. Although I don’t know you in the flesh, you are known in spirit, by His Holy Spirit. I will be praying for you as the Lord guides your heart and mind to write, that you may bring Glory and Honor in all you do.
    Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
    ICor. 10:31

  17. Also I made some changes to light verses dark, now I am happy with it
    I find as I have evovled as a writer I also have an evolving pair of eyes. I am going back to my ealier pieces on my site and sometime making changes. As our spirit moves closer to the light, our eyes view everything with a clearer view, to sort of speak
    I alway pray to the lord to give me the words that might mean something to someone and bring a positive energy. Into their lives!
    God Bless
    William Hay

  18. Thank you very much for your kind responce. Like you I have travels many roads and at the age of 48 began witing poetry. I have worked as artist in other mediuns
    In reading some of your pieces I saw a wonderful imagry and honesty, the 2 most important ingrediance in creatinf any art form.
    I will most def continue to follow your site, I prefer that word over blog because to go to a site is to see(LOL)
    At the age of 51 I am pursueing my bliss and as a writer and who knows what next!
    I wrote a piece recently called, Think Outside the Box, I think you might enjoy it. To make a life is far better than making a living,
    although we must pay the bills.
    Sincerely,
    William Hay

  19. Thank you so very much for taking time to read & comment on a recent writing of mine. I am learning as I go.. So very nice of you. I have certainly enjoyed reviwing your blog.

  20. Thanks for the follow. And, oh, how a cabin and coffee (and maybe a typrewriter but I make way too many spelling errors!) sounds SO good right now!

  21. Hey Leroy,
    Thanks for taking time to find my blog and making me not feel so lost in the blogisphere…Love your space here. I shall return again.
    Visionkeeper

  22. Hi Leroy. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog and “like” the post on The Joy Of Power Steering. I was born and raised in the Midwest too(Chicago) but have been a Californian since 1989. I also enjoyed reading your post on being God’s ghost writer. Although my time is limited when it comes to blogging, when I am able to do it, that is also the goal for which I strive.

    Blessings to you and yours,

    Carol Connell

  23. I was delighted that you visited and responded to “Praying God’s Name”. We are truly rich to know the many (over 500 and still counting) names that God gives Himself that we might better know Him. Rich because the Bible tells us that He values nothing above His word and His name. One of His names is Creator. How gracious He is to give us the ability to take words and thoughts and weave them into truths that glorify a magnificent God. Blessings.

  24. If that cabin is your home, I am horribly jealous! As a lover of tall trees, clouds, and all things wet and green, I can only say what a pleasure your surroundings must be!

  25. To the Author…

    My name is Julianna and God has blessed me to be the pen in His hand. I am writing a book and would like permission to use “My Cross is too heavy too bear” for one of the personal reflection sections in the book, if that is okay with you. I would put you as the author of that amazing God given revelation!
    Please contact me and let me know if I have your ok on that. My e-mail is ajcbleavr@yahoo.com

    For the glory of Jesus Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom
    Julianna Hab 2:14

  26. Thank you for liking my post. My posts were more like thinking out loud. No time to check words and grammars, I just want every thought out during wee hours in the morning. Having you like my post is an honor. Thanks again.

  27. LeRoy, I so like this opening page. It always gives me a sense of wholeness. Just had to tell you that I’d spent a little time being a blacksmith, too (as well as a wordsmith). One of my proudest accomplishments was a hot weld. Best, J.

  28. Thanks for having liked my post “The Battle: Dying to Yourself”! I’m honored. What are your thoughts on the concept of dying to oneself and allowing Christ to dwell and live within?

    • Thanks for your visit and your comments. You asked my thoughts on dying to oneself and allowing Christ to dwell and live within.

      When one is born again, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. This is the new birth. Now a great battle begins between the new nature and the old sin nature. Jesus is now our Savior, but giving Jesus Lordship of our life is another matter. Paul talks about knowing what to do, but doing the opposite, thus the battle of the new and old nature.

      The Christian life can only be lived through Christ. Dying to oneself and allowing Christ to be Lord of our life is imperative, but far from easy.

      I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.(Galatians 2:20 NKJV)

      • Having been a Christian for 40 years and yet admittedly was in a “God Mad” for 10 years, and then a “do my own thing” Christian for 14years-I am ashamed to say-at least God finally got ahold of me and shook me to my very marrow starting when I was 50 and for the last 10 years, I have spent in the blacksmith’s shop being refined. I think I am still there. At least this close to the Light, you can see clearly your cobwebs, dirt, and filthy rags. I thought so many times, I had gotten rid of them, but like magic, here they come again. I think that is what is called my flesh. I asked the Lord this spring, why? why for so many things? and do you know, He answered me! I know He doesn’t often tell us why anything–but for me, His bottom line was for me to be cleaned up and ready for Him-to share His story for His glory and somehow, He made me a part of His story.

      • LeRoy, I really meant to just come and thank you for liking my post about doing God’s work while I am in the hospital every time. If you have the time, you should read the one in May when I recount God being in the ER with me in the corner!

  29. Thank you, LeRoy for liking my post – review of “Escaping Innocence” by Joe Perrone Jr. I am honoured and touched.

    Your posts are truly inspirational. You have a beautiful gift.

    I will be back to visit again!

    Patricia

  30. Thank you for visiting my blog, “Breakawaybylintrollins.” Like yourself, I have a passion for teaching and writing. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. Thank you for sharing your talents and gift of writing with others. Lin T. Rollins

  31. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your positive response – It is always nice to know that someone likes what I write! And it has been a pleasure to discover your writing. Look forward to reading more from you.

  32. Mr. Dean, Could you help share the word about a short story I have written on Yahoo Contributor? It is a story that I believe will provide great encouragement to people, especially those going through dark times and those who wonder what can be better than earth that we have not. The link to my blog post which links to the story is http://wp.me/p1mXHZ-s6. If you would do me the honor of reading the story, and then if it is worthwhile helping to get the word out about it, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

    Nancy
    http://www.workingmomadventures.com

  33. Thanks for visiting my blog today, I’ve enjoyed reading through your posts, and yes you brought a tear or two to my eyes tonight. Your writing is truly gifted!

  34. I’m glad you connected with “Thanking the Unthankable” at RadicalBliss, LeRoy. And I love and admire your commitment to continually expand yourself and your life! I look forward to hearing from you again.

  35. Thanks for checking out my blog, Living Sublime Wellness, and liking a post! I look forward to you sharing comments on my blog as you like. I love feedback and appreciate the support. Thanks again!

  36. When you liked my post, “Where He Could Be Alone”, I had to check out you out too! You’ve been a busy little bee, producing lots of honey. I am glad I stumbled over you.

  37. Thank you for visiting my blog and for liking my post “What We Give to God”, I am glad to come and visit yours…and I really like what I am reading here. After years of half-hearted attempts at writing a story, I have finally gotten serious and have a novel going through a review process at a publishers right now. That is in God’s hands, and I am awaiting His will on where it takes me. You are a great encouragment and I have added you onto my list to follow. Thank you again.

  38. Thank you for ‘liking’ my post, ‘Two Grey Heads’. I came over to see who you are and find myself liking what you write – a lot! :D

  39. Thanks for “liking” my post about “the giving tree” LeRoy. Hopefully you’ll get to check out some of my more “irreverent” sqwakings sometime. : )

  40. Good to hear from you again LeRoy. I got your “Like” on my most recent blog post today. Always enjoy reading your prose posted here. Have you “shaken the dust off your feet yet?” Happy trails!

  41. You’re a busy man LeRoy! :) You also have a way with words. Keep the gift flowing. Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m just starting out and am enjoying blogging, having a place to “share” my journey of life. I am always encouraged to read others (like yours) as it comforts me to know that I am not alone, that others are on a similar journey.

  42. “It’s never too late,
    and you are never too old,
    to do what you have always wanted to do,
    but never had the time.”
    You hit the nail on the head!
    I always enjoy stopping by to read your thoughts and poems.
    I wish to thank you for being my blogging buddy as in my heart you have touched me
    where no one can! AMEN to that! Bless you my brother. ~Jackie Paulson~ © 2011

  43. thank you so much for “liking’ my few-liner…. this reads so good here / do keep in touch.. just learningabout blogs &life in all its dimensions. Great reading this !

  44. I am so happy that I found your blog. I am a navy brat and my mom is was a navy nurse (retired after 27 years). I am also an aspiring writer. I can’t wait to catch up and read your new posts. It sounds like you have a pretty amazing life. =)

  45. Hello LeRoy Dean,

    Thank you for liking my post “If There Is a Need…?”. I appreciate your kind and encouraging words and we thank GOD for HIS PROMISES and allowing us to do exciting things above what we can think or dream. I like you blog as well. BeLinda, abiblereader.wordpress.com

  46. That cabin is incredible! I like your “motto” too. You are 100% correct; it is NEVER too late to do what you want to do, and IMHO it’s never too late to chnage. An old dog can be taught new tricks; it’s all in the method used!

    Mark
    armyveteran

  47. Hey, thank you for reading my short story. I just got my blog set up today, so it’s really encouraging to have already had someone read my work.
    And I really enjoyed “Visitor from the Sea” and “Morning.” Very good pieces.
    Thanks again!

  48. I was honored that you came to my blog. I will subscribe to yours, because I know your blog will be an inspiration to me. We all need as much inspiration as we can get, huh? Thank you for sharing your gift with others. Be blessed. Sharon

  49. Thank you for visiting my blog. You have opened my eyes to a world of believers I used to wish about, to find that they exist. I look forward to reading your future writing.

  50. hello! i am enjoying your blog! ty for liking mine! :)
    you are completely correct..it is never to late..no matter the age to do what you love.

  51. Thanks for the like, i thought i was blindly sending words out there into the ether every so often…good to know someone caught them

  52. Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for reading my blog. It really means a lot to me to know that there are people who really do read it.

    Thanks and God Bless!
    Emily

  53. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog (God’s blog, actually :) ) and liking it. Your writing reminds me very much of my grandfather, who was a published poet from Brooklyn. I look forward to reading much more of your work. God bless you.

  54. I just wanted to thank you for giving my blog a read and being kind enough to click the “like” button. Such bits of encouragement make me want to keep writing. God bless.

  55. Thank you for visiting my blog and liking my latest post. It was meant for the young people at my church, but you liked it… so thank you! God bless you! :-)

  56. Thank you for taking time to read and “like” my post last week. Just got in from being on the road and do want to let you know how much I appreciate your visit. It’s so nice to be back home in my chair that swivels and rocks and get back to my routine and blogging world. I read several of your posts and look forward to reading more.

  57. LeRoy – thanks for visiting my blog so frequently and letting me know that you like it. How very gracious of you – I appreciate the encouragement.

    I like many of your entries. Since I get them in my E-mail, I am not able to like them unless I log into WordPress, which is hard to do on a Blackberry. Please be assured that I like your work – you have a lot of thoughtful insights.

    Thanks for sharing your work and passion.

    Nancy
    http://dogear6.wordpress.com/

  58. Hi LeRoy – thank you for pressing ‘like’ on my most recent post! Not only does it make me a smile that other people are reading, but it also opens the door to another interesting blog to read. Today, I opened that door to find yours :)

  59. Hmm. Your middle name might be Barnabas from all the encouragement you’ve given other bloggers! And yes, thank you for giving me a “like”. Your home page has given me some ideas for my own. Blessings.

  60. Hi LeRoy Dean- thanks for liking my site today! Isn’t Marguerite’s art the best. Love her poetry as well. Your site is awesome. Will make it a part of my fav sites to visit!

    Clara.

  61. Hi Leroy Dean! Like the name & love the site! Thanks for liking my post today, but the credit goes to the artist of today Marguerite Beck-Rex! Hope you stopped in to say hi to this 80 year old creative & talented lady!

    Best,
    Clara.

  62. Hi LeRoy,
    Thanks for gifting me by visiting my blogsite. I appreciate the opportunity to check out your blog and to learn a little about you. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

  63. “Click”…I’m subscribed. I’m so glad you took the time to pop over to my blog and check things out. Now I get the pleasure of enjoying yours.
    Leroy, this is beautiful stuff. Can’t wait to read more. :)

  64. Hi LeRoy,

    Thank you for “liking” my post this morning. I really enjoy your writing style, as well as your content, and intend to come back later and check out more posts!

    Best,
    – M

  65. Hi Leroy, thanks for clicking the ‘Like’ button on my blog – I don’t even know where it is! But it’s so great when a new name pops up on my screen – I so appreciate it. I’m enjoying discovering your blog ….

  66. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your writing looks to be inspirational and interesting. I have subscribed to your blog and added a link to it on mine. Looking forward to future posts from you.

    Gordon

  67. thank you for your like on my blog… nice introduction… sometimes… it is faith that is writing us… and you so beautifully written…all the best Serena

  68. Pleasure to “meet” you LeRoy! Adding my thanks to what looks like many you have dropped an ‘encouraging’ *like* to. :) Always wonderful to come across like minded friends along this journey – please stop by again & get to know us some while you share the path. Likewise, we will enjoy discovering more of your writing as time goes on! ~mj

  69. Thank you for the Likes on my blog, LeRoy. Lead me right to your blog which I’ve enjoyed discovering. I’m also a wordsmith, we have that in common, although I don’t do much creative writing on this blog. April is almost over–it’s been fun posting a poem a day. I’ll miss the discovering every day. I think I’ll shift and give a few of my own poems a try.

  70. Thank you for visiting my site, Sending Joy and pressing like. You have a wonderful, kind and loving spirit that the world needs. Keep writing and keep your light shining on my world and everyone else’s. Peace and Joy to you always, Sharie

  71. Hello, I was going to say thank you for liking my post, that was really sweet of you and I’m glad someone enjoyed reading it because I’m always worried everyone is going to hate how I write! haha.
    Your writing is really lovely, very optimistic I think your blog will be something I’d like to read to bring me out of a bad mood :)
    I really like your “about the author” segment it’s great that you’re pursuing something like writing when other’s may think their time has past to do it.
    I hope you inspire someone to do the same that you have done.

    • Thanks for your feedback about my song, “In the Palm of God’s Hand.” I’ll look forward to visiting your blog and being in sync with a kindred spirit.

  72. Hello, LeRoy Dean. Thank you for the ‘like’ – the first I’ve received for my blog site since connecting it with Facebook. The site you created is so interesting, and so are you! Thank you for blessing us with your talents!

  73. Thanks for visiting my blog, and introducing me to yours…followed the link on your comment. I enjoyed several of your thoughtful and beautiful posts!

    Sheila

  74. Thanks for the like, LeRoy Dean. It is a pleasure to read from your desk! And stop back by This Perfect World anytime!

  75. It’s never too late and you are never too old to do what you have always wanted to do, but never had the time.”

    I totally agree and I can see that you are doing precisely that, by what I have seen at your great site.

    Blessings to you and your family.

  76. So happy that you came to my blog – and liked it – it gave me the chance to check yours out and it’s great!

    When my dad died we had hospice and it was wonderful so I have high appreiciation for what you did for a living -

    Thanks for adding light to the world!

  77. “It’s never too late and you are never too old to do what you have always wanted to do, but never had the time.”

    Love this philosophy!

  78. Thank you so much for visiting my site and adding me to your Blogroll. I really do appreciate it and never take it lightly when people visit me. As I was reading your bio I thought about all of us who have traveled many roads some where not the correct path some was the correct path. But thanks be to God we are on the right path now.

  79. Thank you for “liking” the poem Mighty Oaks which led me here. This morning I read the first page of your “webbing” “blogging” blog. It was a pleasure.
    I find it is rewarding to discover a like minded traveler. I look forward to exploring the entire blog.

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