She will be the first to tell you that she can be a living fragrance or a "little stinker", depending on who's got control. Those who know her best recognize that her enthusiasm, sincerity, passion and "open-book style" come out of her living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Hiding like a little girl in the dark alone with God in the closet, Marlene felt it easier to be a Mary than to be a Martha. She sometimes felt Martha was more gifted and could do a better job. Because of childhood trauma, the fear of authority figures and the fear of being hurt or of hurting someone else, she questioned her ability to be the woman God had called her to be. She knew God was safe, but what about the people? Could she risk stepping out to be the woman God had desired? Just as she is doing, Marlene invites you to step out from your comfort zones by putting into practical application His words to you.

After discovering that she had heard Him and He had given her gifts she began to step out to help other little girls who are hiding in the dark. They, too, are holding out on God with the hopes that someone someday will recognize the gifts God has given them and help them to get free.

Marlene was a member of the Business and Professional Toastmasters Club for almost eight years; a graduate of CLASS (Christian Leaders and Speakers Seminars), the Proverbs 31 Ministry and a graduate of the Daughter of Zion Leadership Mentoring Program, founded and directed by Women of Faith speaker, Rev. Thelma Wells, D.D. She is also an active member of the Greater San Antonio Christian Writers Group and Texas Authors Speak.

In 2005, Marlene and Thelma Wells teamed up for a retreat. In addition, Marlene spoke at the 2004 Lifeway Conference doing three breakout sessions at the Alamodome. Besides speaking, Marlene is a writer. She loves to journal, penning over eighty notebooks full of thoughts, stories, scriptures and quotes. She founded and directed Hand to Heart, the Woman-to-Woman Mentoring Ministry in her local church. It is a ministry where you start by holding a woman's hand and develop a heart for her. "...love one another deeply from the heart." I Peter 1:22

Marlene sometimes teaches Sunday school, is involved in market place ministry at Greenway Park Medical Group. Her new ministry is called, "Girl's Night Out: Little Girl, Come Out!" Christian women are challenged to revisit their childlike faith, have fun being Christian women and to walk in freedom in more practical ways.