Meet the Author

Denise Mira grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, loving Barbie Dolls and planning to follow in Barbie's footsteps. All she needed was a briefcase, a sports car, an extensive wardrobe and a ‘Ken' to complete the picture. At the time, Barbie didn't do babies — and to Denise, snotty-nosed kids seemed only to
be extra baggage that could severely limit her professional career pursuits. By the age of 16, Denise had wholeheartedly embraced the feminist agenda. Boy oh, boy, does God have a sense of humor! Now — fast forward to today — and we
find Denise the mother of five sons. Denise met and married Gregory in 1980. Twenty-eight years later, their adventure continues.

In 1979, Denise came to know Jesus Christ and her life has never been the same. After her marriage to Gregory in 1980 she began ‘warming up' to the idea of kids as she hung out with lots of pregnant friends, taking part in their joyous journeys of mothering and finding her heart changing about the issue of children. During these years, Denise also became involved in children's ministry at her local church; first teaching Sunday School, then directing children's churches, overseeing a bus ministry to unsaved families and teaching pre-school. She was falling in love with kids.

In 1984 her firstborn son arrived. She and Gregory enjoyed him so much, they decided to have another and another and another and another...as you can see, when God changes a heart, He really does the job! As it became time for the boys to go to school, Denise found herself torn about the prospect of sending these little boys away for the day. Coincidentally in that season, they found themselves connecting closely with a family who ‘home schooled'. At first, the concept boggled Denise's mind as she relegated this practice to hippies and gypsies. But what she was seeing defied her preconceived ideas about ‘home schooling being for weirdos'. The Miras soon became a home-schooling family. Several years later, they gave private school a try for a brief season, but home education has proved to be the most effective fit for their brood.

The Miras have lived in Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Adelaide, Australia, southern California and the Pacific Northwest. They now reside in northern California. They've led churches for over 20 years and served in trans-local ministry during that time as well. They've considered it a privilege to have their sons at their side, ministering along with them through the years.

Denise has traveled extensively, speaking at local churches, ladies' retreats, parenting seminars, home education conventions and private schools - inspiring change as she shares the message God has given her for families. She is passionate about helping moms and dads train up No Ordinary Children for the glory of God.