GOD'S Rx FOR CHRONIC PAIN
and group Bible study
Autobiography
For thirty years, I wrote and taught innovative curriculum for both children and adults in the public schools of California. I touched thousands of children's lives in grades 1-6 through inventive programs in science, computer, music, and physical education. In my school district, I pioneered lessons in computer use and time-management for both students and teachers, contributed lessons to a national teachers' magazine, received a grant in computer literature from my school district, and wrote the Christian teachers' workbook, Lord, What Do I Do with Sammy? Sammy references Fruit of the Spirit vocabulary to use when dealing with a disruptive child.
With my teaching background and church position as Director of Women's Ministries, I was able to facilitate a novel approach to the development and teaching of personal growth, adult Bible studies. I organized and coordinated women's retreats, seminars, classes and workshops.
I have retired from both teaching school and participating in women's ministry leadership due to the disabilities caused by my chronic illness. It is through my experiences with Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue (CFS), Irritable Bowel (IBS), Irritable Bladder, Interstitial Cystitis (IC), Reflux Disease, jaw problems (TMJ/TMD), Burning Mouth Syndrome, back and hip pain that I have learned there is a better way of living. How very organized in "doing" I was in my 20's and 30's; and how very "being" I have become in my 60's. God is my first line of defense against this insidious enemy called pain. And I would not have known Him so intimately had I stayed healthy.
This personal truth has led me to begin writing the personal growth Bible study series called God's Rx for Chronic Pain. Through writing Book One, The Silver Bullet: God's Rx for Chronic Pain, I learned to focus on Jesus Christ, who is God's answer for me in times of difficulty. Jesus is my hope in spite of my chronic pain. Through writing Book Two, Choices: Managing Chronic Pain, I recognized that my physical choices directly helped or hindered my spiritual and personal growth.
Both of these Bible studies became a unique quest for finding and developing, short, easy-to-use methods for encouraging intimate time with God, and for discovering quick, useful ways to apply Scripture to the "dailyness" of chronic pain.
Though I can no longer attend church, I do facilitate a chronic pain support group in my home called Good Tidings for Pain (sponsored by Adventure Christian Church in Roseville, California). I continue to write Bible studies and supportive material for Good Tidings groups across the country. My life is imbued with the sweetness of the Lord, enriched by the impromptu visits of my 30-something son, flavored by my many colorful friends, and ruled by my cat Chatty. Welcome to my world.
| Publications: | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Lord, What Do I Do with Sammy? Christian teachers' workbook | 2003 |
| The Silver Bullet: God's Rx for Chronic Pain | 2006 |
| Choices: Managing Chronic | 2008 |
| Education: | ||
| High School at Hiram Johnson in Sacramento, CA | 1965 |
| B. A. in Psychology, minor in Biology at | 1969 |
| University of Washington in Seattle, WA | ||
| Provisional Secondary Teaching Credential from | 1969 |
| University of Washington in Seattle, WA | ||
| Standard Life-time Elementary Teaching Credential from | 1972 |
| California State University at Hayward, in Hayward, CA | ||
| California Administrative Service Credential | 1976 |
| Professional Career: | ||
| Taught 7th & 8th grade Science | |
| Taught 4th & 5th grades' seven-subject curriculum | |
| Taught 1st-6th grade Music, P.E., Computer, and hands-on Science | |
| Developed Curriculum for Computer and Science lessons | |
| Designed Innovative programs for Computer and Science teachers | |
| Created and taught adult classes in time management & computer use | |
| Ministries: | ||
| Established and directed Women's Ministries in local church | |
| Renovated curriculum for Women's Discipleship | |
| Improved new couples' Bible study lessons | |
| Organized retreats, out-reach, and special events for women | |
| Taught adult Sunday School classes | |
| Continues to write personal growth Bible studies for people living with chronic illness | |