Session Notes

Ok, I just got this sent to me and had to post it — actually, I owe it to the world, Bill W. and Dr. Bob to post it…

Are you too serious? Take these 12 steps…

1. We admitted that we were powerless over seriousness — that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that only by lightening up could we achieve a state of non-seriousness.

3. Made a decision to turn our constant self-criticism over to our sense of humor and learn to “lovingly and wholeheartedly” laugh at ourselves.

4. Decided to give ourselves a break once in a while, instead of constantly doing searching and fearless moral inventories of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being that our wrongs were often in our heads.

6. Were entirely ready to accept that our characters were as good as anybody else’s and possibly better than most.

7. Quit harping on our shortcomings.

8. Made of list of all persons we thought we had harmed and saw that they’d forgotten all the crap we’d blown out of proportion.

9. Quit making amends for breathing air and taking up a few square feet of the planet’s surface.

10. Resigned ourselves to the fact we were going to criticize ourselves at times, but would try to stick to our guns when we knew we were right.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to calm down and realize we’re not responsible for everything.

12. Having experienced immense relief from these steps, we would try to carry this message to other over-serious people and to practice these principles in all of our affairs.

Steve McVey: How To Forgive Somebody:

“‘(Insert the name of the person who wronged you), I want to resolve a matter of unforgiveness toward you. You have wronged me, but I don’t want to be handicapped by this hurt for the rest of my life. What you did to me was (describe the exact incident). When you did that, it made me feel (describe how you felt, not what you thought at the time). You were wrong and I was hurt by your actions. But, (insert the offender’s name), right now I forgive you. I release you from any obligation you have toward me because of what you have done. Just as Christ has forgiven me, I now forgive you.’ Now, pray and thank the Lord for the grace He gives you to forgive others. Ask Him to bring healing to your emotions and to fill you with a greater sense of His love for you. Complete this time by affirming that you have forgiven others at this very moment. Will your feelings instantly change? Maybe not. But that’s okay. As you remind yourself of the truth that you have forgiven those who wronged you, your feelings will gradually change. You may still find that feelings of anger or resentment arise within you at times. That’s normal. When they do, remind yourself of the truth that you have forgiven. It doesn’t mean you didn’t forgive just because you may still have negative feelings at times. Simply acknowledge your feelings and then walk in the truth. Forgiveness is a choice and you made that choice. Don’t allow the enemy to bring you back into the slavery of unforgiveness again. Through forgiveness you have been set free. So enjoy your freedom! ‘If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed’ John 8:36″

THIS IS A GREAT BASIC ARICLE ON FORGIVING THOSE WHO CHOSE NOT TO ACCEPT THAT GOD TOOK AWAY OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE SINS AND HURT US. I PRAY OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CLIENTS, SCHOOLS, AND WORLD ARE OPEN TO J.C’S GRACE.

Forgiving Ourselves – Grace Walk Ministries:::Sharing the Love & Life of Christ:

“‘I know that God has forgiven me, but I just can’t forgive myself,’ someone recently said to me after describing a recent period of time in his life when he had made the choice to repeatedly commit the same sin again and again. As Christians always do, he had finally reached the place where he couldn’t stand the thought of living like that for the rest of this life. So he cried out to his Deliverer and the cycle of sin was broken. The foolish behavior was now a thing of the past, but he couldn’t disconnect from it mentally and emotionally. A sense of guilt and self-condemnation was draining him of his energy, enthusiasm and joy. He wasn’t still committing the sin, but was as miserable as he had been when he was. ‘So you do believe that God has forgiven you?’ I asked. ‘Yes,’ he answered, ‘but I can’t forgive myself for what I’ve done. I’ve been a Christian long enough to know better.’ After we had talked awhile and nothing I said seemed to be sinking in, I finally asked him, ‘Do you think you’re better than God?’ ‘What do you mean?’ he asked. ‘I mean that if the blood of Christ is sufficient for God to look at you and say, ‘Forgiven,’ what will it take for you to forgive yourself? If the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for this sin you committed isn’t enough for you, what will it take? You’ve set a standard for yourself that is obviously higher than the one God has set.’”

This is a great encouragement to allow children the grace for God to change them! There is no need for guilt/drivenness. May it be so for the world.

Sleep Centre – Online Class:

“Avoid sleeping on your back.  Many people only snore or stop breathing while sleeping on their back.  In such cases, avoidance of this position during sleep reduces both snoring and apnea. There are some simple procedures that can be used to reduce sleeping on your back such as attaching a sock to the back of your nightshirt with 1 or 2 tennis balls. Each time you roll onto your back, the discomfort will prompt you to roll onto your side. In time, you will favor sleeping on your side. Ask your doctor if your sleep study demonstrated whether your sleep apnea occurred only on your back.”

Sleep Centre – Online Class:

“Eat regular meals and a healthy balanced diet. If you feel hungry in the evening, have a light snack or a glass of milk. Heavy meals close to bedtime can result in discomfort and sleep disturbance. Take Calcium 500 mg and Magnesium 250 mg with a light snack to aid in relaxation (mild muscle relaxant). Always check with your doctor before taking a supplement. Above all, don’t try too hard. If you can’t fall asleep, don’t lie in bed anxious and frustrated. If it has been 20 to 30 minutes, leave your bedroom to read, watch TV, or do something else to relax, going back to bed only when you feel sleepy again. If you are a clock-watcher, turn the clock around. Do meditation, yoga or self-hypnosis to help with stress and sleep.”

Sleep Centre – Online Class:

“Private Sleep Clinics There are 2 private sleep clinics in Calgary that can diagnose and treat any sleep disorder.  The following table compares both clinics: Updated April 14, 2008 Canadian Sleep Institute Centre for Sleep and Human Performance Referral from family physician required? Yes Yes Fees for at-home sleep study Yes Yes Fees for polysomnography (in-clinic sleep study) Yes Yes   At both clinics the sleep specialist will discuss your results and follow-up your treatment progress.  The main advantage to going to the private clinics is that they have a shorter waitlist than the Sleep Centre.  There may be fees associated with each clinic visit.”

Cling to Jesus – Grace Walk Ministries:::Sharing the Love & Life of Christ:

” When grace is a subject you believe, but wonder how to move it from your head to your experience, cling to Jesus. When your heart has grown cold and you haven’t felt God’s presence in a very long time, cling to Jesus. When a friend betrays you in a way you never would have expected, cling to Jesus. Cling to Jesus. He will guide you through His Spirit. He will nurture you by His love. He will provide for you through His generosity. He will comfort you through His tender compassion. He will heal you by His stripes. He will reveal truth to you through His Word. He will transform you by His power. He will touch you by His presence. He will sustain you by His faithfulness. Cling to Jesus. He holds you in His arms at this very moment and will never let you go. “

This is an incredibly comforting article about being open to holding onto Jesus in our challenges! It only seems done through His grace. May it be so for us, our family, friends, and the world.

Steve McVey:

“I’ve taught several times about how sailing is a metaphor for the grace walk. On land, we seem to have control of our own forward motion, which I’ve suggested depicts a legaslitic lifestyle of self-sufficiency. Once we abandon ourselves to the wind (the Spirit) and the water (The Word/Jesus), we have no illusions that we are in control anymore. Safe sailing necessitates that you go forward as the wind leads you. To fail to cooperate with the wind can bring dire consequences – not because the wind is punishing you, but because you are experiencing the natural result of independence and pride. Happy sailing involves watching the wind and water and cooperating with what they are doing. That’s what we plan to do today. Will we go? Will we stay? We don’t know yet, but we are willing to do either one, once the wind lets us know. So it is to be in life if we want a successful and enjoyable journey.”

This is a great article regarding resting in that EVERYTHING, HAPPENS FOR A REASON. Any situation can result in experiencing/showing God’s love understanding and grace because Jesus took any the sins of the world. May the Lord give us/our families/teachers/friends that rest.

Green Smoothie Recipes + In-depth Info on Green Smoothies:

“Here’s a variety of Green Smoothie recipes chiefly from Frederic Patenaude – see  his Green For Life program – includes 7-day green detox cleanse and Green For Life book by Victoria Boutenko. Always blend the fruit first – 2-3 cups any greens of your choice, 2 cups papaya, 2 oranges, 3 dates 1 handful lettuce leaves, 1 handful mint, 4 bananas, 1/2 cup water Winter Smoothie – 1 cup organic frozen berries (any kind), 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/4 inch fresh ginger, water 1/2 bunch romaine lettuce, 1 cup strawberries, 2 bananas, water 4-5 kale leaves, 4 apples, 1/2 lemon juiced, water 2 big handfuls mixed baby greens, 2 pears, 2 mangoes, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Choc-mint – 2 cups spinach, 10-12 mint leaves, 3 bananas, 2 Tbs. carob powder, 1 cup water 1 handful of spinach, 2 stalks of celery, 2 bananas, 2 pears, 1 apple, 1 cup water 1 small handful of spinach, 2 cups arugula, 2-3 mangoes, 1 cup water 1/2 head romaine lettuce, 1 small pineapple, 1 large mango, 1-inch fresh ginger 1 handful wild greens (e.g. dandelion), 1 small handful mint leaves, 3 cups honeydew melon 3-4 stalks celery, 2 ripe persimmons, 1 banana 1 handful chard leaves, 5-6 kale leaves, 3 large bananas, 1 cup water 1 handful parsley, 3 cups of peeled papaya Do you see that anything goes? Buy bunches of greens, a variety of fresh fruits, a GoGreen Sprouter, and CHANGE YOUR LIFE. The First Step to Health is One Green Smoothie a Day. How much time and money we save on dental and medical bills – when we get the kitchen equipment we need to enjoy Mother Nature’s food.”

This is great for selective kid eaters. It is a wondeful way to combine breakfast and lunch when your really busy. You can’t even taste the veggies, except don’t use snap peas!

ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE:

“Adam and Eve fell for the temptation to believe Satan’s one iota of a difference regarding the truth about God, and as a result, a division resulted between man and his relationship with God.  All of us inherited this division, this separation.  Jesus the Truth came (John 14:6) to eliminate that division by exposing all iotas in order to make us one in relationship with God (John 17:21). Believing little iota changes in God’s truths can subtly and significantly impact my relationship with God.  The following table presents some examples from my life.  Most often the difference is only one word.  God’s revealed truth nurtures my genuine communion relationship with Him.  However, just a little iota of difference in the truth tempts me to view myself as separate (divided) from God…tempting me to relate to Him as a separate Helper rather than my intimate Life.  When I fall for this temptation, stolen from me is the joy of experiencing the intimacy (oneness) that my relationship with God really is.  The undivided truth sets me free to genuinely, not religiously, relate to God and others (John 8:32, 36).    THE ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE   A temptation that steals the joy of my fellowship with God The truth that reveals the joy of my fellowship with God Foundational Biblical Truths God wants me to do good. God wants me! Jesus said, ‘If I am lifted up from earth, I will draw all men to Myself’ (John 12:32). I’m on fire for the Lord. I’m on fire with the Lord! You are light IN the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). I just hope for the best. I already have the best hope! The Lord Jesus Christ IS our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).”

This is a great article on the importance of truth rather than the temptation to trust a lie! One is doing it in our own strength the other is just Jesus as the truth of our heart. I agree we do not strive for victory. However I believe we rest in Jesus the victory in us. Our identity is not that we are sinners. We really are saints because Jesus is our heart and that He rose on the cross. We have Him as our new nature. I pray we know it as believers.

My Personal Psalm 23:

“…I shall not want (lack). I used to fall so short in my self-efforts to achieve goodness and happiness (Romans 3:10-12). But now the Lord has given me His righteousness as a gift (Galatians 2:20-21) and His life as my joy (Galatians 5:22, John 17:13). I am now complete in Christ and, therefore, I lack nothing (Colossians 2:9-10)!   He makes me to lie down in green pastures… God makes me lay down my self-efforts (Philippians 3:8).  The pastures where I then rest are lush green, and full of life (John 15:5). God nurtures me there in my true identity and life in His dear Son (Romans 8:16, John 6:51).   …He leads me beside the still waters. God then leads me to a quiet place to assure me of the finished work of His dear Son through the cross for re-creating me (Galatians 6:14-15). He leads me beside still waters to show me my reflection is now a reflection of Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 3:18)!    He restores my soul. This truth restores my soul (mind and emotions).  God turns my focus from temporal things to the indwelling eternal life of Christ (1 John 5:11-13). My mind is being renewed and my emotions are being healed by beholding the glory of His presence (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:20-24).   He leads me in the paths of righteousness…  God delights in ordering each of my steps (Psalm 37:23)… the unique ways Christ expresses His life through me (Colossians 1:29). Christ leads me in His righteous paths, not an external guide, but as my very life (Colossians 3:4).”

This is an incredible personal interpretation of the most common reading of the Bible at funerals for comfort/peace! It reveals we have so all of His LIFE/spirit in us if we just allow it show and not try. I pray we let Him have this control of our lives.

TRUE HEALING:

” But Jesus never physically healed anyone to healing sakes.  His healing was always for His sake…to reveal the reality of His divine life — the only true life there is and ever will be. I believe the primary focus on our preconceived idea of physical healing can subtly tempt us with the lie that we are not complete.”

An excellent brief article on the revelation of the risen Christ in us for our greatest good. God’s life can still bless others regardless of our physical condition. I pray we believe it.

intimacy in marriage:

“Everyone agreed that after a full day’s work both men and women are weary and exhausted. But when a husband seems to reserve all his attention for his work and shows no attention to his wife, she feels unloved. When that happens, instead of having a loving and sexually responsive wife, he will run the risk of being at continual odds with her. He will get wrath instead of warmth.”

This is an excellent series of articles on sustaining intimacy in marriage. Even though one sees the other through the Finished Work of Christ, it is important to share the feelings with each other/the Lord together.

The Health Benefits of Prayer:

“”People who are anxious, worried and depressed do poorly when they’re sick,“ Stevens said. ”Those with hope and peace in the midst of a [health] struggle seem to do much better. People with religious commitments have that hope and peace.“ Prayer brings a definite physiological benefit, noted Dr. Bob Orr, director of clinical ethics at Fletcher Allen Health Care, the teaching hospital for the University of Vermont. ”I certainly encourage people who are believers to pray,“ Orr said. ”My observation is the person who prays is less stressed. He becomes less anxious, and his blood pressure and pulse improve.“ Stevens pointed to one study which showed the risk of diastolic hypertension was 40 percent lower”

Our cares should be cast on the Lord not left in our bodies.

American Lung Association

41. Be flexible. Some things are not worth perfection.


43. Change pace on weekends. If your week was slow, be active. If you felt nothing was accomplished during the week, do a weekend project.

Worth the read.

BULLIES BEWARE: TIPS FOR TAMING A TYRANT:

” If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. (Luke 6:29).”

This is a good basic article on living out gentleness in a conflict. Fighting is reserved for the gravest of times.

It’s Not Good For a Man to What-What? – TrueU.org : Men’s Hall:

” If we believe that the Bible sets the pace for our worldview, then asking it to reflect our desired beliefs will not lead us to a biblical worldview. It will simply lead us in a circle back to what we wanted to believe in the first place.”

This is a good article which helps clear some of the frustrating confusion of our beliefs. Having more questions than answers is disorienting. We doubt, when we have in mind what we feel a verse should be saying. It is so crucial we give God our presuppositions/beliefs in order for God’s truth to manifest in us. Lord, may it be so. Unfortunately a person wants his/her understanding to be correct so badly that what he wants to be true, or liked to think of as true determines truth for him/her.

AN UNLIKELY CAST:

“aul, the great missionary of the early church, had Christians imprisoned and killed before his salvation. There are many more examples. But all these men started doing great things for God with one simple thing: a willing heart. When God called, they answered. Some took longer than others. Some failed along the way. But when God asked, %u201CWhom shall I send?%u201D each one of them eventually raised his hand. Will you? “

This is a great encouragment of grace.

Family.org %u2014 Focus Over Fifty %u2014 Coping When Your Spouse is Unemployed:

“Remind yourself and your spouse to take this one day at a time. Help your husband avoid catastrophic thinking (I’ll never find work!). Be positive in your attitudes and pray together every day for God’s provision %u2014 for your physical, emotional and material needs, and for your relationship. And keep talking! Deliberate communication mitigates the effects of depression and helps boost bruised self-esteem. Accept that you’ll have good days and bad days. On the good days, discuss what makes them good and brainstorm ways to keep up positive energy (going to bed at a reasonable hour, rising together, morning exercise, prayer time, etc.). Maintain a routine as much as possible. Be mutually accountable, setting a daily agenda for both of you: job interviews, personal appointments, chores around the house, etc. Unemployment can make people want to withdraw, but avoid becoming socially isolated. Continue to attend church and keep up social commitments during the week. Share what you’re going through with friends. You need support now more than ever, and contrary to what you might think, friends will be honored by your desire to confide in them. Plan activities together that will help you let off steam. Many big-city zoos and museums have occasional,free days. Get outside in the fresh air, take a bike ride, have a picnic. Plan time where you agree to put aside job worries and focus only on having fun.”

From the Heart:

” I feel spiritually dead when I don’t take the time to get in the Word or write in my prayer journal. I have a responsibility to be a mouthpiece for God when doing shows, so I know I need to be as spiritually stable as I can be. When Krystal is on the road, it’s easy to make up excuses for not spending time in the Word, but when she hasn’t taken that time, she says her shows are terrible. Without starting my day by asking God, How do You want to use me today? I walk around in a zombie-state, she says. I don’t want to play my guitar. I don’t have the drive to get up and practice, sound check or do my vocal warm ups. I feel like a vegetable. Describing herself as stubborn, Krystal says getting that motivation back sometimes requires God knocking on her heart, saying, I miss talking with you.”

After reading this point, I realized I felt this way the majority of my school and teen years. I also needed someone to encourage and challenge me in the faith.

How is Your Teen Wired?: Your Teen’s Sensory Preference:

“Sensory preference refers to the type of sensory input that registers most quickly in one’s brain. Unimpaired, we’re able to use all the senses. But each of us tends to rely on sight, sound or touch for more of our “data collecting” than on our other senses. We feel most comfortable and understood when we get data through our preferred system — visual, auditory or kinesthetic.”

An excellent article on capatilizing on one’s strengths.

Understanding Your Teen and Letting Go: Difficult Teen Stages:

“The eighteenth year is the time of greatest conflict between parent and child, typically. But the thirteenth and fourteenth years commonly are the most difficult twenty- our months in life for the youngster. It is during this time that self-doubt and feelings of inferiority reach an all-time high, amidst the greatest social pressures yet experienced.”

This is a good article of understanding the pressures of teens.

Focus on the Family Magazine: Facing Fears:

“I’m afraid you will die! Or I will, Ashley admits.

Children are sometimes afraid of being left alone or hurt in some way. If you don’t carefully monitor your child’s TV viewing, children take in horrid scenes of war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Some fear death when a parent is in the military.

Children are also bombarded with news of accidents, murders and fires. Some children will face traumas of their own, such as the death of loved ones or serious illnesses. Though many children are able to work through fear and grief, others can become emotionally paralyzed.”

This is a great article on grieving. I believe the line where it says that some people don’t follow God’s ways needs to be expressed differently. Perhaps instead of saying they are not following God’s ways. It could be stated that they are not making the best choice of allowing God’s ways in them. They are following their own. I also believe that the verse, Cast ALL your cares needs to take precedence over do not fear.

Freighting Facts About the Foods We Eat :: Main Page:

“The problem is the body cannot properly digest and eliminate some of these foods and the substances they contain–and they can become lodged or stuck in the lining of our intestinal tract in the form of old dried fecal matter and mucus. It is estimated the average person can have between 4 to 25 pounds of this ‘built-up’ intestinal toxic matter in their colon–and it can just keep accumulating over the years!Besides ‘pushing out’ and bloating the abdomen, this build-up can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, the inability to lose weight or flatten the waistline (even when dieting or exercising), a slow metabolism, and constipation or improper elimination (even those who eliminate regularly can have this build-up). Poisons from the build-up can also contribute to wrinkling and skin ailments, including acne and rashes, cramping and fatigue, stiffness in joints, lack of mental clarity, as well as sinus problems, a weakened immune system and many other health problems.The first step in any weight loss program should be cleansing. Colon cleansing is one of the most important steps–and usually the most overlooked–when attempting to lose weight, shape the body, flatten the waistline, improve the immune, digestive and eliminative systems, help certain health problems, and achieve optimum health. “

This is an excellent article on comparisons of cleanse systmes. Intracleanse is comparable but less expensive.

Clubhouse Magazine:

“On an average day in Judea, the disciples enjoyed a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee while Jesus took a nap. Suddenly a strong wind kicked up and gigantic waves began crashing over the boat. The disciples were sure they were about to die, so they shook Jesus awake. “Teacher,” they screamed, “don’t You care if we drown?”

Jesus spoke to the storm: “Quiet! Be Still!”

The disciples, wiping the salt spray from their eyes, stared in disbelief as the water went still.

“Who is this?” they murmured in amazement. “Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”


Did you see a common theme? In each of these situations, God used the storm to accomplish a specific purpose. Jonah learned obedience. Paul found people who needed help. The disciples discovered that Jesus was more than a man. And although the storms were scary, God was in control.

Isaiah 51:15 says: “For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar.” Storms are an amazing display of God’s power. And because He controls nature, He can end a storm as quickly as He allowed it to start: “You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them” (Psalm 89:9).

Storms of Life
The Bible uses the storm as a picture of hard times in our lives. These life storms may include danger, sickness, persecution or the death of a loved one. When hard times come, people sometimes feel as if their circumstances, like giant waves or howling winds, are about to destroy them.”

This is a good basic article of the purpose of grieving.
When we tell Jesus our fears, He will bring the stillness.

A Fresh View of Blue: Thoughts on Depression :

“The Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen believed that our wounds can be a source of healing for others. Not only do they help us to become compassionate, but they humble us. As we work toward healing in our own lives, we can help bring healing to others.

For Smith, part of integration involved accepting the fact that depressive episodes might come and go for the rest of his life. In the same way that an alcoholic must come to terms with the unhealthy way in which their body responds to alcohol, so too, a person who is prone to depression can prepare themselves for the possibility of another bout later on.

Perhaps the most hopeful aspect of this book is that Smith (after losing a job and a girlfriend) ultimately becomes realistic. He realizes that he may not ever be able to work a typical 40-hour week, although he can lead a productive life. He marries a woman who is able to be primary breadwinner, and he works from home writing, cooking, cleaning and gardening. Both he and his wife thrive. Although their solution is obviously not workable for all, his realism is refreshing.

He’s not the only person who has struggled with depression and found a way to a productive, if unconventional life. Historically, many of the people who made the greatest contributions to society struggled with depression or bipolar disorder, including Michelangelo, Isaac Newton, Emily Dickenson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Winston Churchill. Two of our nation’s most influential presidents also suffered from mental illness – Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.”

Sanoviv Alternative Health Care Medical Institute treats obesity, diabetes, Parkinsons Disease with holistic medical treatments – Why is dental health so important?:

“Mercury is the most poisonous, non-radioactive, naturally occurring substance on this planet. It is far more toxic than lead, arsenic, or cadmium and the World Health Organization has stated that there is no known safe level for mercury. It is classified as a neurotoxin. Mercury can readily cross the blood-brain barrier, and can seriously impair the health and function of the brain and central nervous system. It has been implicated in a number of emotional and psychological problems such as memory loss, mood swings, anxiety, and depression, as well as some severe diseases and disorders including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to mercury can also damage the endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, enzymatic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. It can interfere with, and overload the natural detoxification pathways of the liver, kidneys, skin, and intestine, depleting the body of critical antioxidants. Mercury is linked to autoimmune disease and allergic reactions.”

Age-Appropriate Praise: :

“By focusing on the effort, you will help your child transition into the real world where self-motivation is essential to success and where a job well done is often appreciated but very rarely rejoiced over. “

Talk To Yourself:

“Scientists have discovered that self-talk sends the same chemical messages to your brain as actual experiences do. In other words, a negative thought can make you feel as awful as a bad experience. And unfortunately, most of us have lots of negative self-talk chattering away in our heads. Positive self-talk, on the other hand, can help you appreciate yourself, set goals and handle problems. But learning to “Chear” your own self-talk and then changing the negative messages to positive ones takes practice. Think of it as training for a big event. Practice increases the odds of success. Fight Back With Questions Certain thoughts can trigger a flood of negative emotions, leaving you frustrated, angry or unhappy. Fight back by asking yourself questions. For example: Words/Phrases To Watch Out For I have to . . . Ask Yourself: Why do I have to? What will happen if I don’? I can’t . . . Why? Do I want to? What will it take to learn how to do this? What am I afraid might happen? This isn’t fair . . . Is it really unfair? Why? What can I do to influence a change? I never . . . Really? Or does it just feel that way now?”

I believe part of this is good, yet it doesn’t address needing God’s perspective to counter the lies. /

Pew Research Center: Are We Happy Yet?

One way to find out is by way of a statistical technique known as multiple regression analysis, which gauges the relationship between each factor and happiness while controlling for all the other factors. That analysis shows that the most robust correlations of all those described in this report are health, income, church attendance, being married and, yes, being a Republican. Indeed, being a Republican is associated not only with happiness, it is also associated with every other trait in this cluster. Even so, the factor that makes the most difference in predicting happiness is neither being a Republican nor being wealthy – it’s being in good health.

Fact or Republican party propaganda? You decide…

Time Enough for Me:

“Truly effective people learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff. They let the small stuff go. I’m not so good at this. One time, while turning in a torturous twenty-page paper, I suddenly realized that I’d left the bibliography at home. I was so frustrated that I nearly broke down in front of my teacher. His stern face softened and he shook his head at me. “Jenny, there are big things in life, and there are little things. This is a little thing.”

A few words of advice on not sweating the small stuff.

Family.org: Pregnancy Resource Ministry: “Fifteen years have passed and only recently have I experienced emotional and spiritual freedom. I share my story, not to exalt my pain, but to exalt God, who heals. I want to encourage women with similar pasts because many post-abortive women feel they’re the “only one.” And, I want to share keys to open the door to God’s healing and hope.”

How to deal with the memory, guilt and pain of an abortion.

TrueU.org | Women’s Hall: A Single Blessing

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (1:21, NIV). Job did not sin when he was afflicted. He questioned God, he searched for answers, he came close to cursing God. But he didn’t. I sometimes wonder if Job meant it when he praised God that day. I wonder if he could truly praise God in the midst of his grief. Either way, he did it. He worshipped his God, who had the ability to give and take away. He accepted the good and the bad. He realized that his circumstances did not change the goodness of God’s character.

The Thanksgiving Test: The Thanksgiving Test

I’m thankful God is working in her even when I can’t see it. Like Taylor’s 6-year-molar that just emerged, at the right time a mature attitude will develop.

Preparing for Adolescence: How to Avoid an Identity Crisis

when a son believes his mother dislikes him and feels out of place in the family, studies show that he’s more likely to become peer dependent. And the one thing you don’t want your son to be is peer dependent. On a positive note, when a daughter feels like she belongs in her family and receives healthy affection from her dad, she is the least likely person to try to prove something sexual to her adolescent boyfriend.

Preparing for Adolescence: Steps to Overcoming Inferiority

Ask if she would be willing to share that list with you or with her youth pastor. Let her know that it’s highly likely that many of the problems she has listed have been experienced by most people, and she can benefit from their experience.

Preparing for Adolescence: The Agony of Inferiority

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of teenagers don’t like the way they look? No matter how minor the physical “problem” is, it can create anxiety and depression.

I like that this articles stresses that a child may not feel intelligent if he/she struggles in school or fails.

Husbands and Wives: Pure Pleasure: Setting the Mood with Words

In Solomon’s Song of Songs, both the bride and her husband knew the value of a few kind words. The young wife was insecure in her looks and about her simple background and station in life. Her husband used language to build up her self-esteem.

In turn, this bride sought out times to be with her husband.

This is a good article stressing that intentional romantic commitment cultivates a strong/intimate relationship. Cal affirms me in this way almost daily.

Focus on the Family Magazine: Standing in the Gap

My son was just 5 years old when his father and I separated, and my son was very angry. He had been witness to two prior separations and audience to the disintegration of our relationship.

This is a great article to pour out anger/sadness to God about wanting a real parent.

Helping Too-Busy Teens Beat Burnout: Stressed Out

List all the activities you’re committed to — daily, weekly, seasonally, occasionally Divide them into 3 groups: essential, important and pleasurable Beside each, write down something you must say “no” to in order to make that item a priority. Take your time and be honest.

Helping Too-Busy Teens Beat Burnout: Stressed Out

List all the activities you’re committed to — daily, weekly, seasonally, occasionally Divide them into 3 groups: essential, important and pleasurable Beside each, write down something you must say “no” to in order to make that item a priority. Take your time and be honest.

Focus on the Family Magazine: Not So Happily Ever After

Physically used and emotionally abused, a seemingly God-forgotten Hagar fled to the wilderness — and God found her.

This article is encouraging as it talks about God pursuing us even when we are not even looking for Him. It also stresses God’s challenge to look at family of origin issues. The Lord doesn’t always change others or our circumstances but changes our view.He is the perfecter of our faith if we humbly surrender or experiences in grief.

Ask Theophilus: A Soul is Like a House

And I gave up all hope of life, in the thick sense of “life,” which meant my communion with Him. I also, by the way, became a very repellant person.

I did not find all things about this article great. However it does stress the importance of not abandoning faith which is making happiness god above God.

Family.org — Focus Over Fifty — When It’s Time for a Belief Makeover

And she can’t seem to connect with anyone at church — “everyone is so self-absorbed.” She has all but given up in her quest for personal happiness. Somewhere along the way, Emily traded in hope for despair. The Bible says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:11-13, NIV)

This article discusses the self-fulfilling prophecy of disappointment.