My passion in life is to encourage women to pursue Jesus Christ—helping them grow in their faith and equipping them to disciple others. I became a Christian early in life but struggled in my faith the first two years of college. The Lord brought a Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) leader into my life who helped me see how I’d lost my way, and she discipled me my junior year. Bonnie showed me what it looked like to passionately pursue Jesus, and I’ve never been the same. That relationship taught me the importance of investing in the lives of others.

I’m amazed and humbled at the opportunities God has given me—working on staff with Cru for ten years, serving at several large churches with women and singles, writing and teaching Bible studies, speaking to women’s groups, traveling all over the world, attending Dallas Theological Seminary where I studied Christian Education with a focus on Women’s Ministry, and then serving as the Women’s Ministry Director at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, Tennessee for 17 years. I’ve published several Bible studies, including two with Moody Publishers: On Bended Knee: Praying Like Prophets, Warriors, and Kings and Before the Throne: Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times.

You may be wondering if Crickett is my real name. No, my parents named me Janene, but I was given this nickname when I was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). My fellow staffers said I reminded them of Jiminy Cricket because I was little and bouncy. They dubbed me “Crickett,” and it has followed me wherever I go.

I’m a sister to Jimmy and John (whom I affectionately call Big Bubby and Little Bubby) and an aunt and great aunt to their three children and five grandchildren. I also share my home with two lovable cats, Hobson and Hannah.

Five fun facts about me:

I love SEC college football and especially my alma mater, LSU.

I’ve lived most of my adult life in major cities, but I’m a small-town girl at heart. I grew up in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, a town of 1,000 residents about 30 miles north of Shreveport. (Yes, there really is a town called Plain Dealing.)

I was a perfusionist for 18 years running the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. I learned a lot during those years that equipped me for what I’m doing now in ministry.

Being a good southerner, I love an ice-cold glass of sweet tea!

I’ve been sky-diving and climbed two 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado. I’ve always dreamed of climbing Mount Everest, but after seeing it up close from a plane the past few years, I think I’ll settle for that!

I’d love the chance to connect with you and encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Feel free to contact me. For my subscribers, I’ll send you two free resources: “Six Steps to a Healthy Lament” and “A Five-step Journey to Developing Your Personal Mission Statement.”

Let’s passionately pursue Jesus Christ together!