Growing up I had always been in love with nature, and the creatures God had made. My home life was extremely difficult and I experienced a multitude of physical ailments. One of five children, I was the “sickly” one. However, my connection to nature and The Lord always prompted me to ask the question “why”? Today, as an adult, I still ask those questions and look for answers in God’s Word, nature and science. I believe there are always solutions to health issues, and it has been this journey that has propelled me into the place I am today.

After being diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia at the young age of 25, I became determined not to be enslaved to a diagnosis that would cripple my life. I found out many years later that I had also contracted Lyme disease. Because I took long term antibiotics, the consequences on my gut and immune system were significant. I was struggling with IBS symptoms, and battled periodic bouts of depression, anxiety and insomnia. I began to plan my life around the availability of restroom facilities.

Chronic hormone imbalance (PMS, heavy bleeding and iron deficiency), were almost constant companions. These hormone conditions were exasperated during peri-menopause. I would often soak my bed with sweat and or blood. I did not know at the time that I had malabsorption, and I was extremely nutrient deficient. I had always felt that “the answers” to my health challenges would involve my faith in The Lord, and understanding why healthy nutrient-dense food, would be the answer for walking out of the many years of poor health.

I remember during one period of extreme exhaustion, when I was having difficulty even reading, yet I was determined to find solace and answers to the questions that were plaguing my life. I committed to reading the Bible out loud, so that my mind and ears could hear what I was saying. I came to the verse in John 10:10 “It is the thief who comes to kill and destroy, but I (Christ) came to give you life and give it more abundantly”.

As I read that verse it resonated that all “Good” comes from the Father of Glory, and God began to heal my broken heart first, and ultimately my body. I have learned on this journey that He does not create the difficult times in our lives, but He definitely uses them to help and serve others.

Fast forward to 2016, and I find myself in the best health in many years. I gave up gluten 4 years ago, ( I have one of two genetic markers for celiac disease), and most dairy. I have been blessed to work with many brilliant practitioners (and I was a learning sponge while working with them). Those practitioner’s who look at the body’s optimal function (functional Medicine Dr’s), brought incredible insight into my life.

A huge healing and learning curve came about when I researched and studied SIBO (small intestinal bacterial over-growth). Treating that with botanicals and targeted probiotics, made a huge difference in my health. The most valuable thing I learned is that the brain and the gut are interconnected! Today I live on a whole-food, organic, Paleo-ish nutritionally-dense diet.

My environment is toxin free (you won’t believe how many toxins are out there now (toxic home cleaning products, toxic chemical laden skin products and all hormone disrupters). I have cut out all processed sugars. It isn’t as hard as some may make it out to be. I have studied a great deal about genetics, and how food choices and environment affect those genes.

Some very wise person said, “Your DNA is your tendency, not your destiny”. Most importantly, I have come to know that I have choices to make every day; those choices bring either life or death. Deuteronomy 30:19 “I have set before you this day blessing or cursing, life or death, choose life”. Those daily choices effect all of us spirit, soul, and body.

Although, I am not 100% yet (very close); my quality of life and joy have returned. I will continue to grow my faith, and practice daily self-care, loving myself and others as Christ me.

I love this quote that has profoundly affected my life. It is from Cynthia Pasquella, the founder of the Institute of Transformational Nutrition, “We are not humans on a spiritual journey, but spiritual beings on a human journey.”