Life for me has been an
amazing adventure. Some of my journey has been truly awesome, and some has been
a true test of faith. I would not have been able to go through the mountains
and deepest valleys without my Lord and Savior who renews my strength each day.
Like many of you, I have
experienced various losses such as: growing up with an abusive father; parents
divorced; miscarriage; hysterectomy at age 25; life threatening illnesses;
homeless; housebound/disabled; troubled teenager; family members with various
chronic health and mental illness; my husband I have both lost our fathers
(cancer and rheumatoid arthritis) and his mother's death (Alzheimer's); my step
father died of kidney failure; foreclosure of our house; financial woes; many
heartaches, and trials just to name a few challenges.
I have been married to the
love of my life, Jim, for over 40 years.
We currently live in a little community nestled in the Blue Mountains of
Pennsylvania with three furry children – two cats and one dog. We enjoy spending time with our beautiful
grown daughter, Heather, a loving son-in-law, Karl, and an awesome adult
grandson, Travis.
For over 30
years I have been living with multiple chronic Illnesses and disabilities -
fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome ,
osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, peripheral neuropathy,
thyroid disease, overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep
apnea, asthma, depression, restless legs
syndrome, morbid obesity and treated for
Lupus – just to name a few.
My husband, Jim, has been
challenged as well with chronic pain. He has been diagnosed with degenerative
disc & joint disease and spinal stenosis as well as other debilitating
chronic illnesses/challenges. He had his first back surgery the summer of 2012
and another more extensive spine surgery in December 2013 which has left him
unable to work.
You can
imagine the challenges that are arising now that both Jim and I struggle with
chronic illness/pain along with unable to work; but the Lord is faithful as He
shows us that He is not finished with Jim and I yet.
Through the
years our Lord has called us to various ministries living in Pennsylvania,
Texas, New York, and Arizona. I have been involved in all aspects of the church
ministry in addition: pastor's wife, Child Evangelism, Evangelism Explosion,
regional women's ministry leadership, Christian Women’s Club Leadership,
women's ministry leader, teacher, missions, nursing home ministry, homeless
ministry, music ministry, wellness ministry and a Christian counselor. I have
also been a kindergarten teacher; bookkeeper; business office administrator;
and office manager for various businesses.
I also have a BA in Biblical Counseling.
Through all the pain, trials
and sufferings there have been many blessings as well. We have seen hundreds of
souls receive Christ as their Savior, lives changed, marriages healed, families
healed, and Christians grow in their walk with their Savior. God has shown us that we are still exceptionally
useful vessels worthy of His use. The Lord has been teaching Jim and I to Live
Simply, Laugh Often, and to Love Deeply.
Currently my heart and
calling is to help and minister to those who are hurting – a Compassionate
Wellness Ministry – and to bring
awareness to churches, ministries, families and society in general regarding the plight of those who struggle
daily- whether it be physically, emotionally, ministry, relationships or
spiritually and how to minister to their needs without shame or reproach.
If you would like more
information regarding our ministry please feel free to contact me first via
email: free2soarhigher@aol.com I am available to speak to a group, church,
and individuals regarding how to help those who are hurting in your community
as well as a public speaker for retreats, bible studies, conferences, and other
group events.
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