Sometimes I’m wise enough to slow down and be still. Not often. But sometimes. Gratefully, this morning was such a time. And it gave me a moment to pause and praise God for all He is doing in the lives of several of my clients….and what He’s doing in me. I’ve worked with a client–we’ll call her Sue–for several years. She has done great work in counseling and has overcome many obstacles and strongholds in her life. Knowing her childhood history of sexual abuse, it is easy to see why she has struggled in so many ways. Recently we’ve been… read more

It is the bane of my existence. A love-hate relationship. And way too often the source of my identity. What, you ask? …. My hair. I came into this world on November 19, 1967, with a head full of black curly hair–looked just like my chubby Grandma Rosie Maniscalco Mondello. My mother tells me that her first words when she saw me were, “Look at all that hair!!” And ever since then, it has been the thorn in my side. I never had pretty, silky curls. I’d describe it more like frizzy, coarse, it-always-looks-damaged (even when it isn’t) hair. And though I love my… read more

I remember the day as if it was just yesterday. It was early spring 2001. I had applied for the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte. The school had called and asked if I could come down for a meeting with the Registrar, Tim Myrick. They didn’t tell me why he wanted to meet with me. So, being the dreamer that I am, I imagined that he was wanting to tell me that they were so impressed with my application packet that they planned to give me a full scholarship! Well, let’s just… read more

Even those who know me just a little know that one of the deepest longings of my heart is to be married one day. I believe the sacred relationship of marriage is one of the primary vehicles God uses to heal our deepest soul wounds. Bev and Tom Rodgers, Christian counselors in Charlotte, NC, and the authors of Soul Healing Love state, “Marriage is the hardest piece of work the soul will ever do….and perhaps the most rewarding!” There is something beautifully mysterious about the bond of marriage. And, like I mentioned, I hope to have the chance to experience this… read more

I heard a new song on the radio the other day. I instantly recognized the distinct voices as Nichole Nordeman and Amy Grant, two of my very favorite female vocalists. It took several times of hearing pieces of it for the words to really begin to sink in. And then I had to know the story and meaning behind this song that had captivated me. I guessed at the title by the lyrics and went to seek out more information in the only trustworthy place on the planet–Google. Nothing to be found on the artists’ websites about the song, and… read more