Arena Database – Post Falls Campus
My Family: I have been happily married to Cliff Schmand for 33 years. We have two amazing children Michael and Katie and their spouses Heather and Levi. We have been abundantly blessed with four grandchildren so far. Michael and Heather have a boy Jason, 6, and girl Hailey, 4. Katie and Levi have two girls Kenley, 2, and Peyton, 7 months.
My Story: Well, apparently, I cost $25.00 to bring into this world. My parents were in the service at the time and that’s what they paid the hospital in San Diego, California. We moved to North Idaho when I was in the first grade and I never left. I accepted the Lord when I was six years old at a local Billy Graham Crusade. Since that time, I have never doubted that that was the moment I was saved. The call from the Lord was undeniable. However, I coasted for awhile during my growing up years, but when I got pregnant with our first child, I realized I needed to grow in my Christian walk. There was more than just me to consider. It’s been an amazing journey.
I went to Whitworth College and received my Bachelors in political studies and business in 1979. I worked as a paralegal for a Spokane law firm from 1979 to 1984. I married Cliff in 1981 and had our first child in October 1984. I decided to quit work to be a stay-at-home mom. We had our second child in August 1986. I ended up home schooling both my children. After the children graduated, I worked a couple of short term jobs before coming on staff at Real Life.
God brought us to RLM quite by surprise. We needed a church that Cliff and I, and the children, could attend together as a family. Our varied schedules meant we couldn’t attend a church that only met on Sundays. We tried RLM once and never left. We worried that the size of Real Life would make it impersonal but we have never felt that way. I ended up volunteering and was asked to fill in for someone on maternity leave. She never returned and I replaced her possition. We feel so blessed by this wonderful church family. Our journey continues.
Favorite Verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23.
Food: A great steak or lobster.
Quote: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” CS Lewis.
Hobby: Reading and playing with the grandchildren.
Exercise: Tennis (for fun – not competitive), walking and, again, chasing the grandchildren.
Smell: Dinner being cooked by someone else!