My Story
THE BEGINNING
Rev. Dr. Deb S., LLC was birthed out of my love for God, His Word, His people, and, specifically, my personal bible journaling experience with my own children, when they were young, over 30 years ago. Yes, God and his word meant and means so much to me that I was determined to sow seeds of righteousness in my children early. Not just by sending them to church, but by being mindful that ministry begins at home, spending time with my children, focusing on what was going on in their lives and directing them to God and his word for peace, hope, and direction. Our bible journaling experience allowed for meaningful dialogue, reflective devotions, character building, and perpetual bonding as we sought the will of God together for our lives.
I thank God for the memorable moments that we spent together reading and studying God’s word as my children learned to scripturally journal their thoughts and prayers on many life lessons. And then I would write words of encouragement to them when they finished each week. I’m so very grateful that God saw fit to manifest this family bonding experience into a business. I was led to start my business during the COVID-19 global pandemic to encourage families through the word of God at a time when many people were struggling with uncertainty, isolation, sickness, and loss.
In 2020, I was inspired to write Bible Journaling for Kids, Putting on the Full Armor of God, based on Ephesians 6:11-18 as an interactive biblical approach, encouraging children and their parents to spend quality time together as they participated in this reflective exercise of studying the bible and journaling. The journal was designed to illustrate how children can apply the armor of God in their lives and feel protected by God. Of course, during that time, not only were our children dealing with the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were so many distractions and so much technology competing for their attention. And, today it’s still important for children to know what it means and why it’s so important for them to put on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, to have their Feet Fitted with the Readiness That Comes From the Gospel of Peace, to put on that Shield of Faith, that Helmet of Salvation, and that Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
In 2021, God placed in my spirit to write Bible Journaling for Teens, Doing All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me based on Philippians 4:13. This journal was designed to highlight areas in the life of teenagers that may require more strength than they have within themselves; when only strength from Christ could make things better and get them through - especially during the global pandemic when many were struggling with social isolation, financial woes, and sadness due to the loss of loved ones and important milestones in their lives. This book helps teens to gain strength from God’s Word to face life’s challenges, to remain hopeful, and to pursue their dreams. So, in the book, they’re led to journal on how Jesus Christ is there to give them strength to resist the devil, strength to do the right thing, strength to say the right thing, strength to deal with stress, strength to deal with grief, strength to overcome disappointments, strength to value themselves, strength to achieve their goals, strength to be a peacemaker, strength to be a good leader, and strength to grow in the Lord.
And then, in 2022, the adults said to me, ‘What about us’? So, God took me back to pen and paper to write Bible Journaling for Grown Folks, Having Life More Abundantly! based on John 10:10, to complete the family bible journaling series. This journal was designed as a therapeutic reflective tool for adults to grow in the faith by systematically studying God's Word. The scriptures encourage adults to overcome obstacles through the Word of God and enjoy the abundant life that Jesus has promised them. This book was truly a joy and a blessing to me as I wrote it, because I too needed to be encouraged through the Word of God and journaling to overcome obstacles and to enjoy abundant life! I too needed to reflect on God’s goodness and how all things were working together for my good! I too needed to embrace the abundant life that Jesus has promised me: Abundant Health, Abundant Wealth, Abundant Forgiveness, Abundant Love, Abundant Wisdom, Abundant Restoration, Abundant Joy, Abundant Peace, Abundant Gratitude, Abundant Service, Abundant Worship, and Abundant Favor! Glory to God!
THE EXPANSION
Since 2022, my passion for writing, editing, and helping others fulfil their dreams, has allowed RDDS to expand to offer Editing and Coaching services, where I began to coach students and writers, closely editing doctoral dissertation processes, thesis papers, and new book drafts for publication.
My gift of administration and heart for business efficiency has allowed RDDS to expand even further to offer business and client care resolutions that enable organizational leaders and individuals in ministry, education, and care industries meet their goals. These consulting services are offered under the HCPS arm of the business, specializing in Healthcare, Childcare, Pastoral Care, and Senior Care.
THE LEGACY
And now the legacy continues as my children, Marcus Shields and Barbara Duncan, are my business partners! I’m so very proud of them because this work is close to their hearts and has been very much a part of their spiritual growth and development! They are both grown, married with children of their own, and are continuing with the family tradition and legacy of bible journaling to the glory of Almighty God!
Of course, the legacy of bible journaling actually began with my beloved mother, the one and only, Dale Johnson, a godly woman who insisted on my brother and I knowing the Lord for ourselves, thus, teaching us how to pray and keeping us in church, especially Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, always studying the word of God, which continues to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
The legacy of entrepreneurship also began with my mother as she was the ultimate encourager, administrator extraordinaire, and true business trailblazer as owner and operator of Johnson’s Day Care Center, Little Treasures Child Development Center, and founder of Bible Babies Child Development Center.
THE HONOR
RDDS continues to honor my sweet mother since her transition to be with the Lord on January 21, 2024, a day we will never forget. Mom will always be with us, in our hearts, as we constantly find ourselves quoting her, modeling her, laughing at her sayings, reading her notes written in her bible, looking at her pictures, watching videos of her dance moves…oh so many precious memories! And just as mom's love, life, and entrepreneurial spirit evolved far beyond her family and her community, Rev. Dr. Deb S. has evolved far beyond family and community, even as we prepare to launch the Dale Johnson Scholarship Fund in the near future in support of young people seeking to study in the field of early childhood education. God is so good, so faithful, and so kind!
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV