JOHN GARLAND THAYER grew up on a farm with seven siblings at Abingdon, Virginia, though he is now a Tennessean. He earned a bachelor's degree from Berea College, a master's degree from East Tennessee ~tate University, a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Boston University School of Theology, and a doctorate from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. He is a retired educator and a United Methodist pastor. Thayer is married with four children and seven grandchildren. The author visits homebound members of his church in Johnson City. He enjoys gardening, writing, dancing, reading, and public speaking.
