About Me

Let me tell you a little bit about me. I grew up in a very abusive home. My father was a man with a temper. He abused us verbally and physically almost every single day. We didn’t talk about the way he was amongst ourselves or with anyone else. We loved him, so our family hid his abuse from everyone. I became really good at hiding things and keeping secrets. I worked really hard to keep the peace in our home by performing and pleasing. My life centered around trying to keep my dad happy.

My brother was also deeply affected by my dad’s behavior. When he was 18, he developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. His illness completely took over his life. My parents took him to several institutions for help. Nothing worked. He eventually took his life when he was only 32 years old.

His death started a chain reaction in my body. My body started shaking and I began having panic attacks. My body was telling me there was something deeply wrong inside of me. I learned I had to deal with my past in order to heal and move forward. My attacks were the worst and best thing that could have happened to me. They drove me into counseling. I also began to get my feelings out by journaling. I started reading books that dealt with healing from abuse. I also began studying God’s word with a fierce determination. I wanted to get better and I knew the only way that was going to happen was through dependence on God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

After several years of counseling, journaling, reading and studying; the Lord impressed on my heart to write a blog to help others. I honestly didn’t think I was the right woman for the job. I had many objections. I was not computer savvy; I didn’t consider myself a writer; and I had no idea how to start a blog. After much deliberation with God and wanting to be obedient, I am here–writing and sharing with you what God has taught me through my struggles. My prayer is that God will use my posts to help you in your journey. I want you to know that healing is possible. I want to give you hope. I want to tell you that all the counseling, reading, journaling and studying is worth it! I fall deeper in love with Christ every day and I am so grateful for all HE has done for me! This is my journey to joy.

*My family loves to take crazy pictures. My husband is on the left. I am next to him. I have three beautiful daughters in the center and one incredible son-in-law. Three amazing grandchildren  have been born since this was taken. I am a “LiLi” now. This is my life and this is my story. I pray the Lord uses my words to encourage you in your walk with Him.