(formal wedding at Millenial Falls, Draper)
My "I" Story
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is "What got you into doing what you do?" An ordained minister doing massage therapy!
I am orginally from Butte, Montana and the nineth of nine children. Growing up in a rather unconventional family, I knew that I was called to do more than my upbringing prepared me for. I knew that I had a calling to serve and in a very untraditional way especially for a female.
In early 1998, I received a massage from a friend of mine that had just completed her massage therapy training. That massage sparked something inside of me, a subtle "aha" moment. At that moment, I knew I would be going in massage therapy training myself in the near future. I also knew that wasn't the whole thing for me. Soon after that while I was searching for the right massage therapy college for me, I received another massage from another friend. This one was much different than the first, this one had an intense element of spirituality to it. MAJOR "AHA" MOMENT with bells, sirons, and whistles!! Massage therapy would serve as a form of ministry work!! Perfect combination!!
In 2001, shortly after losing both of my parents, I received my ordination as an inter-faith minister and my national certification as a massage therapist! For the next six years, I was a silent minister, so to speak, doing my ministry through my hands. This was partly due to my fear of speaking in public, and being very passionate about massage therapy.
In Fall, 2007, I came face to face with my fear--I was asked by a dear friend to perform her son's wedding. At first, I almost said "No, I can't possibly!" That is what my ego believed; my inner self knew it was time for the preacher to use her voice! So I said, "Yes, I would be honored to!", all the while shaking inside! Luckily that fist wedding was situated so my back was to the guests! Perfect! Over the years, with practice and embracing the gifts and talents God blessed me with, I have been able to conquer my so-called preceived fear of speaking in public. Now my main focus as a minister is that of a guest speaker at churchs and a wedding officiant throughout the greater Salt Lake area--Ogden to Provo, Midway to Tooele. Each wedding ceremony that I officiate is created for the individual couple to match their needs, wants, and personalities. I offer everything from very religious and traditional to very contemporary and spiritual. Most are a perfect blend of all of the above!
Thanks to the world wide web, my ministry spands the globe with the use of blogs, myspace, twitter, and facebook!
In October 2005, I released my first inspiritual book, TO KNOW ME IS TO LOVE ME--101 WAYS TO LOVE, HONOR, AND CHERISH YOURSELF. With its release I was able to touch and minister to many more people than I could ever physically touch. It continues to have a positive impact as I celebrate its 4 year anniversary. It is a thought-of-the-day type book. Some of the typics I have included are ABUNDANCE, PATIENCE, CLEARING OUT, DANCING, SLEEP, PRAYER, and CREATIVITY.