March 6, 1996, 7:00 a.m. I had ju
st rolled into bed a few hours before—drunk. A couple hours later I was calling in sick at work – once again — telling myself I quit drinking. I finally hit rock bottom. I’d like to say I was finally thoroughly disgusted enough with myself—and ashamed enough of myself—that I quit drinking. And I was. But in truth, Jesus Christ is the One Who delivered me from this stronghold on my life. Because you see, this time was no different than the dozens of other times before this that I had said the same thing. It truly was all Him.
In fact, over the past 27 years I have come to realize that “apart from Him, I can do nothing,” (John 5:15, the very first scripture I ever memorized). But “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, my verse I hung onto all the way through chiropractic school at 40+ years old). And once I graduated and started my own practice that I had for 10 years, there came many more scripture verses that I would cry out to God with. As I started backpacking the Appalachian Trail, Psalm 91 became my theme scripture, “Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark…For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail.” As He taught me financial responsibility, “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), and into my retirement decision, “Your Heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them (what to eat and what to wear) and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to. So don’t be anxious about tomorrow; God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time,” (Matthew 6:32-34).
“Are You Being Deceived About True Wellness? Unveiling the Confusion, Myths and deceptions that Prevent You from Achieving True Health” is a result of my own wholistic journey of uncovering the deceptions and discovering the truths about health and wellness. I know with all my heart and soul this is God’s purpose for me: to share these truths with others—like you—so that you too can live a life of purpose, healthy and whole, free of sickness and disease.
I have been passionate about wholistic health & wellness since God delivered me in 1996 from an addiction to alcohol and the whole bar life. He pulled me out of the miry clay and set my feet on a new path – a wholistic path of health & healing.
I spent 10 years in the wholistic health and wellness field as a chiropractic physician in Charleston, SC, and earned my post-doctorate degree in internal disorders – Diplomate of American Board of Chiropractic Internists (DABCI) — which is a lot like a doctor of natural medicine. I am one of less than 500 worldwide, board certified Chiropractic Internists with a focus on internal disorders. Upon moving to North Carolina, I worked in the natural products industry in several health food stores for 3 years, and have taught continuing education seminars on several occasions for the Natural Products Association.
Over the years I served as a trained minister for several Christian healing ministries: Cleansing Stream, a healing ministry program founded by Dr. Jack Hayford; and the International Healing Rooms Ministries founded by Rev. Cal Pierce. I also studied under Dr. Mark Virkler, founder of Christian Leadership University and Communion with God Ministries. Dr. Virkler is also the author of “How to Hear God’s Voice.”
In addition to wholistic health & wellness, I love being in God’s creation outdoors. I have often said that I was “born to be outside!” Starting in grade school I loved going away to church and Girl Scout camp. I believe that’s where my love for the outdoors began. Always an active person, I swam on 3 different swim teams simultaneously in my high school years. I started jogging in college and ran in 3 Marine Corp marathons and the Disney Princess ½ Marathon, all after the age of 45.
Jogging is a great stress reliever for me and have been running for almost 40 years now! I first started backpacking on the Appalachian Trail (AT) as a section-hiker at the age of 54. To date I have had the tremendous joy of completing over 1800 miles with less than 350 miles to go! My goal is to complete the Trail in its entirety by 2024 — I will be 65 years old. Look for my next book that is already brewing pertaining to my many adventures on the AT! Kayaking and bike riding also bring me great enjoyment.
I often say that I could be a perpetual student, I love to explore near and far, and learn about the many people, places and things along the way. Speaking, writing and teaching are the gifts God has blessed me with. I recently came in 3rd place in the Toastmasters District 37 Table Topics contest – to say I enjoy a good conversation is an understatement! I have spoken to thousands of people over the years on a variety of subjects, but especially about wholistic health and wellness. And I have had the privilege of teaching hundreds of patients, clients and church members over the years as well.
I am blessed to live in the gorgeous foothills of western North Carolina with my 3 fur baby cats – Graycee, KoKo & Moses.