In a world where the true meaning of the holiday season can sometimes be overshadowed by materialism, Marietta Terry, a wife, mother, grandmother and woman of God, reminds us of the importance of faith, family and giving. Over an elegant spread of fine china, tea and her favorite Danish cookies, Marietta shared the values that have guided her through decades of service to her family and community and the story of how her devotional book, Mornings With Nana, came to fruition.
Marietta’s story is rooted in both her deep faith and her desire to pass it on to future generations. It all began as a personal practice, sending daily scripture texts to her children and grandchildren. “I wanted to keep them in my prayers, to remind them of God’s Word in their daily lives,” she shared. What started as a simple gesture grew into a cherished tradition, with Marietta’s daily messages becoming a source of comfort and encouragement for her loved ones.
The turning point came on her 80th birthday when her family surprised her with a special gift: a book compiled of all the devotions she had sent over the years. “I couldn’t believe the effort they had put into it,” she said, her eyes lighting up with gratitude. “The gift meant more to me than the product itself because it was their way of honoring the words I had shared with them.” Encouraged by her husband Ted, who had experience in publishing, they decided to take it a step further, turning her personal devotions into a book for others to enjoy. And so, Mornings With Nana was born.
When I asked Marietta about her inspiration for the daily devotions, she explained that it wasn’t just about staying connected with her family—it was about sharing the Word of God with others in need. “The Word of God sustains us and heals our souls. It brings redemption and renews our spirits,” explained Marietta. For her, the scriptures are a source of life, and she hopes her readers find the same sense of peace and renewal in them.
Guided by prayer, Marietta selects scriptures that resonate with the spiritual needs of her loved ones, often drawing from passages like Psalms that emphasize finding fulfillment and faith over material things. This focus on spiritual richness carries through to her family's holiday tradition of giving back.
This spirit of giving extends beyond her family. Marietta and Ted remain active in their church and local community. They recently started a booth at The Painted Tree in Highland Village, where they sell Christian books, Bibles and journals. “It’s a way for us to continue serving and providing resources for others to grow in their faith,” Marietta explained. The one booth quickly expanded to two so that they could offer Christian art and home decor, creating a space where people can find meaningful gifts that reflect their beliefs.
Marietta’s advice for others is simple but profound: “Share your personal stories and experiences. You never know how your words might resonate with someone else.” Whether it’s through a book, a conversation or a small act of kindness, Marietta believes that giving of oneself is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. Her life is a true testament to the power of faith, family and community. She continues to give back, both through her words and her actions, inspiring all who are fortunate enough to know her. As we prepare for the holiday season, Marietta’s story serves as a gentle reminder that the most valuable things we can give don’t come wrapped in paper, they come from the heart.