“Words from the Heart”

Linda Vestal Mondy, of Licking, has self-published “Words from the Heart,” an inspirational memoir that shares how God has worked in her life. Her purpose in compiling the book was to glorify God and to encourage others to rely on God so He can move in their lives.

Mondy dedicated “Words from the Heart” to her mother, Hazel Leona Vestal, with these words: “I thank God for giving me to a Christian mother who taught me about Jesus. He has been my strength and my comfort during the storms of my life.”

In the book’s forward, Mondy states, “The purpose of this book is to share what God has done for me and to give glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It covers my life’s journey and experiences.”

“I believe God has been with me all my life,” she concludes.

God placed people into her life to make “Words from the Heart” possible. The idea was sparked by her pastor’s sermons about doing more for God during a time when she was digitizing journals of poetry and short stories she had written throughout her life. She had heard other members of her church give witness to how God moved in their lives, and when the pastor said, “Everyone has a story,” she realized her story could be shared and might be an inspiration to others. She credits Gaye Lynn Blankenship for proofing “Words from the Heart” and is grateful to Marie Lasater, who guided her through the publishing process.

“Words from the Heart” shares the story of her life. Linda Vestal was born in Houston, Mo., to Leona and Charles Vestal. She grew up and went to school in Licking, graduating in the Class of 1976. Her father ran B&C Motors on Green Street and was a blacksmith and butcher, as well. They lived in town, but also had a farm outside of town. Linda recounts in the book some of the trials and tribulations she faced in her early years, including blindness and Type 1 diabetes, and how God led her through every storm.

With the guidance of God, she attended Southwest Missouri State University, where she earned two teaching degrees, in Elementary Education and High School English. She graduated in December 1980, and quickly took a job at Phelps County R-3 School as a librarian and substitute teacher. The position allowed her to live in Licking and take care of her mother, as her father had died in 1978.

The following year, Phelps County R-3 hired Vestal as a teacher for their Gifted Program, and when the grant funding the Gifted Program ran out the next year, she proceeded through a 14-year tenure as half-time Language Arts teacher and half-time librarian. She continued her own education as well, earning two degrees in counseling, then became the counselor at the school. Throughout it all, she was steered by God along the path He chose for her.

During those years, she met Kerry Mondy, also a teacher, and they married in December of 1990. Her husband was an answer to prayer, even more evidence of God working in her life. Linda was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in July 2008. She kept her faith in God and was able to beat the illness after surgery and a strict regimen of several non-traditional methods to treat the disease. She emphasized that the path along which God led her to healing was the right one for her, though it might not be the correct choice for everyone.

Linda retired in 2009, and says she is busier in retirement than when she was teaching full-time. She has been Registrar for the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Noah Coleman Chapter for 21 years. As Registrar, she researches families for those who want to join, which is a very lengthy process. She also is a member of two quilting groups and a Red Hat group. As a part of her cancer fighting regimen, she began making her own personal care items, and she continues to make her own lotions, lip balms, soaps and candles. Another favorite pastime is cooking and creating recipes, and she submits regular recipes to Ozarks Cooks in The Licking News. “Words from the Heart” was the first book she penned, but she is working on a second book, which is a biography of a friend of hers.

Mondy has heard from one reader that her book was “a blessing” and another thanked her for writing it and shared that she was giving it to her daughters to read. Mondy’s faith in God continues to carry her through her life, and she believes that God is the only one who can bring about true change in our lives. Sharing that belief in order to inspire others and glorify God is just the latest step in that journey. Only God knows where her future path will lead. She believes, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing is impossible for you.”

“Words from the Heart” became available on Amazon in October 2025. She also offers them for purchase at The Licking News office.