April Lorier, Author and Encourager
Inspirational author, poet, writer and Christian blogger. Children's rights activist who successfully fought for the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Encourager of Christian believers worldwide.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 188,522
- Content
- 300
- Fans
- 99
- Contributor since
- 12/21/2007
Education/Experience
Psychology, Biblical Studies, Music (BA and MA)Interests
abuse, blogs, bible, bloggers, child abuse, child neglect, survivors, writers, authors, writing, religion, God, Christianity, faith, forgiveness, Jesus, spirituality, peace, prayer, NATURE, horticulture, Creator, Christ, California, life, growth, humorMotto
I am the only Bible some will ever read.
Displaying Results 1 - 200 (of 300) for All Content
Next »
-
Shame on You, Terry Jones!I am ashamed to hear you call yourself a follower of Christ. Don't you think there were Muslims around during Christ's time on earth? Where, in the Bible, do you see Christ burning Korans? -
Go Carly Fiorina, Go!In a state where unemployment is 1/3 higher (12.3%) than the national rate of 9.5, government workers are being paid with I.O.U.s, and services have been drastically cut, Fiorina has her work cut out for her. -
How Can I Control My Temper?I have a horrible temper. At a moment's notice I am enraged. I am almost ashamed to tell you I am a Christian because of my behavior. -
The 300-Year-Old Book and the Big WordMy young grandson, Jacob, and I were looking through my Great-Grandmother's 300-year-old Family Bible. He stopped and focused on one big word. -
The Ultimate Make-OverNothing grabs us like a good make-over. But all of the things that are made-over are 'outside' things. Interested in an ULTIMATE MAKE-OVER? -
Recovering Alcoholic Hesitant to Wed Fiance'Going through recovery is like peeling an onion, one layer at a time. You stink like a half-recovered alcoholic! -
Would You Be Attracted to a 'Cling On'?I tell him he is being selfish, and he just stomps out of the room. I can't seem to get through to him. What can I do to make him see that he is making a huge mistake?
-
Am I Wrong to Not Visit My Dying Father?I am a four year old little boy sitting in the corner, rocking back and forth afraid for my life. My arms are crossed, my body shaking teardrops run down my face. What did I do to make him hurt me the way he did?
-
Abuse Survivor Thinks Husband Will Cheat If She Doesn't PerformIt is imperative you surrender yourself (in marriage) to him as often as he wants or he might be tempted to cheat. How do women become okay with this and call it love? -
The Euell Gibbons I Knew - Part IIWe live in a vastly complex society which has been able to provide us with a multitude of material things, and this is good, but people are beginning to suspect we have paid a high spiritual price for our plenty. - Euell Gibbons -
The Euell Gibbons I KnewWe live in a vastly complex society which has been able to provide us with a multitude of material things, and this is good, but people are beginning to suspect we have paid a high spiritual price for our plenty. - Euell Gibbons
-
Inch Worm Recovery from AbuseDevelopmentally - that's how children learn. They watch, they listen, and they mimic until they become unique individuals who are in a constant state of change. In many ways, child abuse makes children of all of us. But... -
Research Shows Premarital Sex Damaging to the BrainHormones to males and females cause brain's inability to bond once they are married. -
Be a Man If You Want Her Back!We really do teach people how they can treat us, Dad. And my perspective is that you have taught your wife she doesn't have to respect you. As long as she hangs around, that will do.
-
Consequences - the Price for Our ActionsGod always forgives us when we walk away and mess things up; but consequences are always the price we must pay for our actions. -
How Can a Christian Mom Cut Off Her Son?Let's talk about what emotional abuse is. A verbally or emotionally abusive person shows it several different ways. If that person has known you a long time (as your son has), he will:
-
Does Talking to My Plants or Playing Music Help My Plants Grow?I can't count the number of times I have been asked this question: Does talking to my plants, or playing music for them, help them grow? Yes!
-
Why Do I Keep Getting Fired?I keep getting fired! I have had five jobs in four years. Why? It's not that I'm not well-qualified. I am! My termination always seems to be about relationships.
-
Why Are There 60 Minutes in an Hour?Ever wonder why 60 seconds make a minute, or why an hour has 60 minutes? After all, there are no natural reasons for this. A year is a natural time measurement, based on the sun's position in the sky.
-
The Body Snatchers - Jewel WaspPerhaps you've seen the Hollywood version of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or if you're like me, you don't watch scary movies. But you can see the very same movie if you venture out into nature!
-
The Blessing of ConstantsWhat can you count on to be constant today? Do you worry as the sun goes down that it will never come up again? No? Why? Because it always does! Have you ever considered what blessings the 'constants' in life are?
-
The Giant David Could NOT KillIs there anyone who has not heard how diminutive David killed humongous giant Goliath? It is a story that has been passed down for thousands of years. But have you heard of the giant David did not kill?
-
The Nature of a Sick Dog and a Cold ChristianOwning a dog is an exercise in observation and symbolism. Everything she does means something.
-
Wife of 34 Years in Shock as Husband LeavesI was a good wife and faithful to both my husband and to God. I feel betrayed. So now what happens? I'm left with nothing to show for my 34 years?
-
How to Honor an Abusive MotherI wanted to be God-honoring, but it was so difficult, especially as many of my wounds had not yet healed. So I prayed God would help me think of ways to honor her as the mother He gave me without allowing her to steal me from myself.
-
Help! I Am a Crazed Cukoo Mother!I feel so powerless as a mother, like a crazed cuckoo mom. I was abused as a child, and no matter how out-of-control my kids get, I will not touch them. I'm afraid I will begin and not be able to stop.
-
What Are My Rights as a Wife?My husband is the bread winner and controls all the money. I have absolutely no say and have to ask for anything I want. I am given an allowance for my personal needs and to purchase things for the house. It is gone by Friday.
-
"Trees" - Joyce Kilmer Memorial ForestThe Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (in North Carolina) is a tribute to a hero whose poem "Trees" inspired millions. Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action in France in W.W.I, has a living memorial in his memory, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
-
Are You a Tea Cup or Sledge Hammer?Being the weaker vessel is actually a precious term. Let's think about it. What's weaker, an expensive, delicate teacup, or a sledge hammer? Obviously the teacup is weaker, but it's also worth more!
-
I Come from a Family of Angry MenI think we have too many communications problems. If I say I'm too tired to go to one of his family's functions, we will definitely argue. We have been to a short stint in counseling, but I don't think it did that much for us.
-
Is This the Holy Spirit I'm Hearing?I find myself defending him more and more to my friends and family. I wonder if this is instinct, or is it The Holy Spirit trying to tell me he's not the one for me. How do you know the difference?
-
Obama's Red Hot Car Pitch for Health Care BillI just heard President Obama's press conference on the Health Care Bill. He took no questions. But the method of his pitch took me back to days when I was involved in the car-selling business.
-
Why Are Obama's Speeches so Effective?He has a good handle on what people are complaining about, so he makes sure he uses all the keywords he knows will appeal to even "the other side." A good example of this was his speech at Notre Dame.
-
Pruning My Plants and MyselfWhen I am pruning my own Pothos, I am usually thinking I want the plants to last a long time, and they must have constant new growth for that to happen. That takes pruning. It's the same in my spiritual life.
-
Turtles, Shells, Personae, and Susan BoyleI have been thinking how similar we all are to turtles. We all have protective shells. Some have sharp, horned shells, while others have smooth, shiny, leathery shells. Some even have soft shells! But all turtles (and tortoises) have protective shells.
-
Lessons Learned from My Computer VirusApril 1st was no joke for me. Never did I think I would be shot down by Conficker or any other virus! After all, I take all precautions and don't do anything risky!
-
How Can You Know If You Will Be an Abusive Mother?I was abused until I left my parents' home, and now I am in my thirties. I have not tried to have children because I'm afraid I would end up treating my children as I was treated. How can you know what kind of mother you will be before you have children?
-
Do You Care Why Pigs Stink?I find it hard to believe that someone actually sat and wondered why pigs stink. But evidently, someone did. And he wrote a bill that actually made it to Congress. And now you and I must pay $1.7 Million to find out why pigs (and manure) stink!
-
His Eye is on the Sparrow and on YOU!I don't want to be a welfare mom, but I see no other alternative. I'm a Christian, but I'm scared. How will I provide for my children?
-
Die a Little Each Day Until You Draw BoundariesAll of us have some situation in our lives we don't like, but because of our codependency'"our desire to please and keep the peace'" we don't say anything. Or, we don't say enough.
-
The Three Skins of the Born-Again ChristianI have been a Christian for four months, but I still have my horrible temper. I thought when I accepted Christ as my Savior, my temper problem would go away. But it hasn't.
-
Abuse Recovery Counseling - when Will it Get Better?Self-centered people who don't like who they are. They are obsessed with meeting their every need and yet, like Peggy Lee, they ask "Is that all there is?"
-
I'm a Control Freak and I Hate It!I am a recovering control freak. I've been one all of my life, and I hate it! I'm sick of my behavior. My mother was also a control freak, so I know how it feels to be on the other side.
-
Creepy Phenomena "Reborns"Just Google "Reborns" and see all of the sites (including Amazon) that come up. I don't know about you, but this creepy phenomena scares me.
-
Millard Fuller Dies at 74Preaching the "theology of the hammer," Fuller built an army of volunteers that included former U.S. presidents, other world leaders and Hollywood celebrities.
-
But He's Always Sorry AfterwardAfter he abuses me, he is immediately sorry (even crying and begging my forgiveness). But I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
-
Happy 100th George Beverly Shea!As the musical mainstay in Mr. Graham's crusades, Bev Shea is often called "America's Beloved Gospel Singer."
-
Ted Bundy and Dr. James Dobson's ConversationYears before he had become violent, Ted (as a child) had picked through his neighbor's garbage and found porno magazines. It started an inexplicable addiction to violent sex inside of him, and it grew exponentially.
-
"Seven Pounds" - What Happened to Grace?I saw the movie Seven Pounds (with Will Smith) and here are some of my reactions to this "inspirational" movie.
-
Check Your Credit Card Statements!A security breach has occurred and our credit cards have been targeted, and this affects Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
-
The Formula for SuccessI have written before about love being a verb, not just a noun. One who really loves will put feet to his/her feeling. (Actions really do speak louder than words!)
-
He Loves Me, but He's Not "In Love" with MeI never saw this coming. After 28 years of marriage, my husband announced he loved me, but he wasn't "in love" with me. Is it my fault?
-
Greatest Love "Poem" Ever WrittenAs we look forward to Valentine's Day, let's remember the qualities of the love we must share with those to whom we relate. It is the ultimate love.
-
Huckabee Surprises Chatty Ann Coulter!And before we knew what happened, He said something about being unable to understand why people say untrue things about others.
-
Grandma Jacobi's Faith Saves Her LifeI came across an amazing story not long ago that reminded me just how much being a follower of Jesus can shape the way you face what you hope you never have to face.
-
Surviving Aggressives - Practice Makes Perfect!I know too many people who go home feeling as if they have been run over by a train. Here are some helpful hints.
-
Three Distinct Personality TypesSomeone asked me this week what "passive-agressive" behavior was. It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?
-
Money, Money, Money, MONEY!"Money, money money, MONEY!" sang the O'Jays.Their grammar wasn't the best, but their message was clear: money can make people do things they wouldn't do otherwise.
-
What is it and Why is it Called a "Ponzi Scheme"?We keep hearing the term "Ponzi Scheme" on the news as they refer to Bernard Madoff who ripped off $50 Billion from trusting people who were expecting high dollar results. What is a Ponzi Scheme, and why is it called a "Ponzi Scheme"?
-
Caroline Kennedy or Fran Drescher for Senator?Was I ever shocked! This woman spoke in a low, methodical voice and looked Mike Huckabee straight in the eye during the entire interview.
-
The Birth of Jesus the ChristGlory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
-
How to Make Christmas HolyChildren have a natural curiosity about Christmas, so every feature of Christmas provides a wonderful teaching opportunity.
-
Abuse Survivor Alone and Awake in the DarkIf your sexual abuse happened at night, your guard was down and you couldn't protect yourself. Sleep equaled vulnerability.
-
Living the Difference Between a Holiday and a Holy DayThere is little difference between a holiday and a holy day today. With the plethora of holidays, few hold religious meaning, including (sadly) Christmas which is becoming more and more a materialistic secular federal holiday.
-
Looking for the "Holy" in HolidaysWhy do we have holidays? Are they just days for making various groups of people feel good?
-
To My Husband's MistressCompared to you, I look like an alley cat, ripped and torn from battle.
-
To Be or Not to Be AngryI see things on the news that make me want to throw something at the television. Why am I wrong to get angry?
-
California Fires: How Many More Days of This Hell?It's Saturday morning. We've all been dealing with The Santa Ana Winds and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees for two days now
-
My Son was Abused - is He Bipolar?Some of my friends have suggested he might be bipolar. His father was extremely abusive, but my son won't talk about it.
-
It is "Merry Tossmas" Time Again!It's "Merry Tosmas" time again! Get those trash bins ready!
-
The Well-Hidden Tim GillHave you wondered why the momentum in the gay marriage fight? Learn about Tim Gill and you will understand.
-
At Home with "Sex Begins in the Kitchen" AuthorIf you don't recognize the name "Dr Kevin Leman", you may recognize some of his book titles.
-
Are You Praying for Your President?The new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world-challenges that, in my opinion, he won't have the power to overcome without divine aid.
-
Thousands Thank Bush for Pro-Life PoliciesNearly 2,000 people have thanked the president for defending the preborn.
-
Election Day: The Day for Change?I don't believe I have ever heard the word "change" so much in my entire life. It seems to me, at times, that people want change whether it's good or bad. We had a big change on 9-11-2001, remember?
-
Roe V Wade's Jane Roe: Change of Heart"I'm one hundred percent sold out to Jesus and one hundred percent pro-life," Norma says. "No exceptions. No compromise."
-
Obama and the Book Dedicated to the DevilIf you want to know about Saul Alinsky, pick up his book Rules for Radicals. It has a shocking dedication!
-
Abandonment: From Devastation to RestorationTo be as committed as I was to the marriage, to my spouse, and to my God, and then to be unceremoniously dumped is devastating.
-
A Story for My Young GrandsonOnce upon a time there was a very rich man who had lots of employees. He decided he wanted to go on a long trip around the world.
-
The Fate of FoolsThis is a message for all people of the world: High and low, rich and poor, this is for you. This comes from hard-earned wisdom and insight.
-
Who Do YOU Want to Be: Common or Uncommon?My job is getting me down emotionally and spiritually. The women just gossip constantly and it's getting to me.
-
"If You're a Christian, You're Stupid. Get Over It!"But don't be dismayed by the wave of films and books that mock your faith. Get used to it.
-
How to Combat Fear in This EconomyThe fear of financial ruin, failure in a relationship or job, fear of sickness or death, or just fear of not being accepted can lead our emotions down a path that makes us believe that certain doom is near.
-
In This Rotten Economy, What Are You Worth?How do you know what something is worth? Let's say you're trying to sell your second vehicle in this rotten economy.
-
Why is it a Sin to Be Proud of My Daughter?My question is, as a Christian mother, why is it a sin to be proud of my daughter?
-
Trees and the Body of ChristSee the parallet God was showing me of us, His children, and how we need to be in the Body of Christ (the forest).
-
Why Doesn't 'Buick' Rhyme with 'Quick'?I can imagine explaining to a young child that there is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger. And a pineapple comes from neither a pine tree nor an apple tree.
-
Fireproof is Hot! Hot! Hot!Fireproof; is doing better than most people thought it would do at the box office. DVD sales haven't even started yet! The Love Dare, written by the Kendricks, was at No. 8 on Amazon's best-seller list Thursday afternoon.
-
She Loved God Enough to Break the RulesLying at the foot of Boaz's bed? I would never have imagined doing something like that! As a teenager, I had a very narrow view of the full meaning of the Book of Ruth.
-
Friday Night I Have a Date with Billy GrahamHis life might have started out as a comedy routine, but God used him in ways He's never used anyone else, including his predecessor, Billy Sunday.
-
'American Idol' Finalist, Chris Sligh and Psalm 32Chris did not win "American Idol", but has gone on to bigger and better things because he allowed the Lord to lead him. Yes, he was confused, at first, but because he had a heart to be led by the Lord, he is doing what God created him to do.
-
Phil Keaggy and "Ronettes" Nedra Ross Sing "Full Circle"Nedra Ross, you might remember, was a member of the '60s group,the "Ronettes." They were the best-remembered of the "girl group" of the early '60s, and achieved their biggest success under producer Phil Spector.
-
New Game for Writers: "English is Stupid" - 20 ExamplesWe both love words. We began to out-do each other with examples of words that look the same, but are pronounced differently and mean different things. Actually, this would make a great party game for those who love words!
-
The Triangle is the TrapPicture a triangle. And keep this in mind: the triangle is the trap. You know it well, it feels normal, and yet it produces self-hatred in you.
-
Learn to Speak Your Mate's Language of LoveListen to your husband. Hear what he complains about the most. It will be a good clue to what his language of love is.
-
Rosh Hashanah: A Trumpet Call into God's PresenceMonday, at Sundown marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah for Jews and Christians who understand we have been grafted in by God and are, in fact, Judeo-Christians.
-
Is UP Even UP Anymore?There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 'UP.' I'm wondering if UP is even UP anymore?
-
Huckabee: The Best Show on TelevisionI never dreamt this show would be so delightful! The man, himself, has a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor, but too often I have been seduced by promises of a great show, only to be disappointed. Not this time!
-
Burping and Beat-boxing Won Last YearLast year the winners of the song-writing contest were Paul and Erin. Erin did beat-boxing while Paul burped the melody. It was way cool!
-
Dancing to Our HeartbeatsWe are students from Kindergarten through Third Grade and Miss April is our music teacher. She teaches music in a different way.
-
I Am BalanceAll these years I thought balance was acting happy when you were sad; staying calm when you were upset; being good because you were bad.
-
Pornography, Infidelity, and Fireproof, the MovieIt's a very masculine movie, with the firefighters, but it's also a chick flick. And the main character is not some religious guy.
-
Second Thoughts About Marriage Have Me in a BindI find myself in a difficult position. I am engaged to a "baby Christian". We were engaged before I started really becoming serious about God.
-
Terry Fator Won Last Year - Who This Year?I'm an avid viewer of America's Got Talent. I especially watch that last 5 or 6 weeks when the cream of the crop talent performs. Last season's winner, Terry Fator was unbelievably talented.
-
Does God Hate Me like Mama Said?Mama's favorite quip was, "God hates you as much as I do. You're no good and God knows it."
-
Spiritual Growth - Our Unreal ExpectationsWould you expect a four-month-old baby to be able to play hide'n'seek, or to carry on an articulate conversation? No? Why not? That's what some of us Christians expect from four-month-old Christians!
-
I Hate My Family!I hate my family! I come from a large family, but I am lonely most of the time. We cannot seem to get along with each other.
-
9-11 Seven Years Later: We RememberToday we remember the 9-11 that changed our lives forever, September 11, 2001. All over our country, the pettiness of politics is laid aside and we are, once again, all Americans.
-
Does Anybody Care for the Poor?Jesus had a heart for the poor. Through out the New Testament, we are told repeatedly to take care of the poor and needy. Jesus never told us to have a heart for the planet or the animals on it.
-
Is Pelosi Uninformed or Just Conniving?Pelosi identified herself as an "ardent, practicing Catholic" and said that she had "studied the issue for a long time."
-
I Am His Happy ChildWhen I am treated badly for doing right, God smiles on me and draws me to Himself.
-
RNC Releases Video Bio of Sarah PalinJust in case you've been hiding in a box and don't know anything about Sarah Palin, here's your chance to get a glimpse of her.
-
The Anointing of the SpiderConsider, if you will, the tiny spider as he builds his web. Back and forth he goes, crocheting a sticky trap for the moth.
-
The Games of an Alcoholic Husband - Don't Play!Men like your husband are solicitous when fear strikes them: the fear of losing their wives. Once he has won you over temporarily, he will become verbally and emotionally abusive again. It's a game.
-
Searching for Someone Who Could Unfold My LifeHow many years did I try unfolding my life and straightening out the chinks in it? Those who have experienced years of abuse keep trying, but without help it is an almost impossible job.
-
Who Writes the Drama of My Life?Having been through the book publishing process, I know, full well, the role of the editor in chief. He (or she) has the final word on the finished product. Let's apply that to a life in book form.
-
Where Heaven and Earth MeetBecause of the curvature of the earth, the horizon is the place where vision must give way to knowledge that there is more yet beyond, though you cannot yet see it with the natural eye.
-
A "Dancing with the Stars" TutorialDancing With The Stars is one of the shows I never miss. It will open Monday, September 22 (8:00 pacific time) with a two-night premiere, 2 hours each night. So to prepare you for the dances and the rules, here are the "have-to" criteria on each dance.
-
It's the Little Things I Remember MostI never was one who wanted big bling, preferring the thoughtful $3 gift that was related to some event in my life.
-
It is All About Focus!All racers fun, but only one gets the prize. Run in a such a way as to get the prize.
-
To Know Me is the Greatest GiftHe was still a babe in Christ, so he saw God as some giant Santa Claus in the sky who was similar to a vending machine: put prayer in, get answer out.
-
Where is the Line Between Enabling and Christian Helping?My friend keeps telling me I am an "enabler" because I am always there for my children. I thought an enabler was the spouse of an alcoholic, but she says it's more than that.
-
The Second-Greatest Love on EarthI have known many kinds of love during my life, and I'm grateful for all of them.
-
God Loves to Talk (Part 2)To recap, we were discussing how much our loving Creator loves to communicate with us, not just listen to our hurried prayers (our "to-do" lists).
-
God Loves to Talk!God loves to talk! Had you ever thought about that? He is a communicator.
-
Listen to the Music While You CanWe seem to have lost the ability to hear the music of nature - the music God gave us long ago. So here are some questions to ponder.
-
The Love of Real True FriendsSomeone said if you have one true friend, you are a rich person. I agree!
-
Is There Really Such a Thing as "Christian Counseling"?Christian Counseling has four distinctives. It is done by a Christian. It is consistent with Christian assumptions. It has Christ at the center. It is consistent with God's revelations.
-
Anything with Two Heads is a FreakIn parting, I would like to remind you that anything with two heads is a freak. There can only be one head per family, business, or organization.
-
8-8-08 Begins "Gossip-Free" ChallengeTomorrow is the beginning of an eight-day "gossip-free" challenge that is sweeping the nation, thanks to Pastor Kevin Hester of The Sanctuary Baptist Church in Coloma, Michigan.
-
Using Both Sides of Your Brain? Why Not?Did you know using both sides of your brain is an excellent way to move through abuse recovery? It's a way to move through the time line. We are, like God, creative beings.
-
"World's Strongest Hillbilly"Didn't seem like Steve had much going for him: abandonment, dyslexia, drugs, alcohol and violence. But he cried out to God, and God heard this very strong man who could be very funny while he shared The Bible with his audience. His first TV show was "The Tonight Show".
-
New Beginnings for April LorierOver the years, I have received so many emails from wounded people, and I've been answering them by email. Now it's time to answer them more publicly (names will be withheld) so other readers can benefit from the questions and, hopefully, from the answers.
-
Do You Have a Passion for Life?When the Greeks die, they ask only one question: Did he have passion? I've known that for many years, but yesterday I was the recipient of another person's passion. This man loves what he does!
-
September 26, 2008 is the Day!When a church in Albany, Georgia (Sherwood Baptist Church), released the film Facing the Giants, nobody expected it to become such a success.
-
How to Contol the Soul KillersFor years I have battled depression â€" not surprising for any one who is a child abuse survivor. But we must all grow up and accept responsibility for our adult choices.
-
Recovery 101 - Thank God for My FriendFor all the years I've been going through recovery, the main asset I have had has been my friend, Ann. There have been times I was so confused, wondering why I was like I was, and that's very normal for survivors of childhood abuse.
-
Are You Ready to Vote for "The New Messiah", Barak?I actually heard a German man, leaving the 200,000 member to-do in Germany, say, "Barak is my new messiah!"
-
Can Britain Survive Politically Correct Multi-Culturism?Whole sections of Britain are now considered dangerous" no go" zones for non-Muslims.
-
Encouragement from a Broken HeartToday I am acutely aware of and sensitive to so many "ships" that are battered on this sea of life. Life seems to be a series of battered ships and torn masts: home evictions, debilitating illnesses, broken families and broken hearts, and a sense of What's it all about?
-
Happiness During the Worst Fire Season EverAre you able to be happy just because you are alive and the sun is shining? Or, if it is storming outside, are you happy to have a roof over your head?
-
What is in Your Thought Closet That's Killing You?Be careful how you talk to yourself because the person we believe the most when we hear them speaking those destructive words is ourselves!
-
America Loses a Real Gentleman, Tony SnowToday I am very sad at the loss of one of my heroes, Tony Snow. He was truly a renaissance man, as well as a man of integrity. He was a man who had his priorities straight: God first, family second, and other people third.
-
A Divine Promise for SafetyGod will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones.
-
How Do I Know God Exists?David knew the skies intimately since he had spent years as a shepherd. Later, he knew sin just as intimately, and always knew he was sinning against God, not just the person.
-
What is the Point of Prayer?I have been in the presence of people who make me feel very small. In my years as Director of C.O.P.E., I was interviewed many times, and I rarely slept well the night before. I was nervous even though I was committed to my cause.
-
Prayer in the Middle of DespairThough I am in despair right now, LORD, I will praise You with my whole heart. There are so many "gods" on this earth, But I will sing praises only to You
-
Hurrah for the Turtle in You!Sometimes I feel like a turtle, slowly on my path of recovery. I keep reminding myself that the tortoise won the race because of his tenacity in the familiar fairy tale. But that wasn't real life. This is real life!
-
Looking Through the Rear View MirrorWhy would you want to keep fighting the same old battle over and over again?
-
Even If Earthquakes ComeI live in California where our three main concerns are fire, landslides and earthquakes.
-
Do You Know Who YOU Are?When you are alone - when there is no one to impress or blame - who are you?
-
When Can I See Your Face, God?God does not mind our questioning and searching for proof of His Presence. It is in those times when deep calls to deep in our heart as we cry out to The God who promised He would never leave us or abandon us.
-
Depression: Rest, Reflect, RefuelOne of the most common problems abuse survivors face is depression. You have just had a burst of energy and confidence in your progress, and then WHAM! All of a sudden, the damage done to you hits you right between the eyes and you feel you have made no progress at all!
-
The Daddy She Used to KnowShe was adopted at 13 days old and was her daddy's princess. Renee had a happy childhood until she was 5 years old, and then...
-
The Love of God - Can You Describe It?Someone asked me if I had to describe the love of God, how would I describe it? Well, that's even harder than describing romantic love or familial love! -- This song was written (first two verses) by a supposedly insane mental patient.
-
To Love or to BE Loved?Which do you think is more important: to love or to be loved? I have pondered this question most of my life. Now I think I know the answer.
-
Are You Afraid of Aging?Over 30 Billion Dollars were spent on weight loss methods way back in 1990, and more today. Yet our obesity rate increases exponentially every year!
-
Food Shortage Crisis 2009Many are blaming this crisis on farmers who raised corn, wheat, and hay for ethylene instead of food for human and animal consumption.
-
"Clean House" New Beginning!Abuse recovery is like this too. You reach a point in your journey when you know that it's time to clean house and unclutter - emotionally, relationally, physically, and sexually.
-
Pornography - One Wife's StoryMore than 25 years ago, Dr. Victor Cline identified the progressive nature of pornography addiction. He said that once addicted, a person's need for pornography escalates both in frequency and in deviancy.
-
Memorial Day: A YouTube ChallengeToday I hear little about the meaning of Memorial Day that squares with my knowledge of it. It appears to me that it is little more than a drinking holiday, a legal "day off" from work, or a day to become a couch potato watching television. And what do many see? Hatred!
-
"Growth"? Are You Kidding Me?I saw her after seven years, and she looked better... "Growth"? Was she trying to kid me as much as she had deluded herself?
-
I Recommend "What the Bible is All About"Dr. Henrietta Mears used to be a Sunday School Teacher, but she had no curriculum to teach her children. So, as any woman would do, she wrote her own! (That's how Gospel Light Publishing began!)
-
Does a Crooked Tree Offend YOU?I have always been fascinated by crooked or severely gnarled trees. The crooked trees were symbolic to me of damage done during the formative years. The severely gnarled trees spoke to me of life's inevitable pain.
-
Recovery is like an OnionRecovery is a process. Think of peeling an onion. The first layer of flaky skin is taken off. Good! We probably have decided we need help.
-
Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce for DiabeticsHave you ever wondered where bread pudding came from? It was originally created as a waste not, want not use for dry leftover bread.
-
The Thoughts of the Lord Are DeepI sing because of what You have done with my life! What great miracles you do, and how deep are Your thoughts!
-
How Do You Honor an Abusive Mother?Today is Mother's Day and I've been thinking about the years of struggle I experienced as I tried to find ways of honoring my mother (who never wanted to be a mother). She was, after all, an abusive and self-centered mother, thanks, in part, to her own upbringing.
-
Love in the Deepest of PitsOne of my favorite movies came from the 1971 best-selling book The Hiding place by Corrie ten Boom. It is the story of her family's involvement in the Dutch Underground and subsequent imprisonment during Word War II.
-
A Christian Divorcee's Prayer of StruggleI am confused and afraid, God. Changes are coming too fast. I cry out to You without holding back. Oh, if You would listen to me!
-
I Am so Glad You Are YouSome one asked me what I tell myself during times like this when I am low?
-
Geroge W. Bush in My Grocery Store?You stand on your tip toes to see what's going on, and see President George Bush! Oh, my gosh! Is that really the President of the United States coming into a grocery store?
-
Spelt Flour? is that Mispelt?If you're looking for a flour with more complex carbohydrates and higher protein, this is the flour for you!
-
You and I in the Dark of the NightYou satisfy me more than even chocolate does! You mean more to me than the most delicious of foods.
-
Gay Marriage May Depend on Little IsabellaIsabella Miller, an eight year old girl,may decide the fate of gay marriage! Her mother Lisa Miller, a born-again Christian who left the homosexual lifestyle six years ago,is fighting for custody against lesbian Janet Jenkins.
-
Show Me How to Be Your WomanLuci knelt down beside her bed on the eve of her wedding and asked the Lord to show her how to be His woman, for she knew if she could please God, she would please George.
-
Faith and the Abused: There is No Such Thing as "No Faith"!Lately, I have been listening how people describe faith. I mean people of all faiths, "no faith" as if there could be such a thing and from all walks of life.
-
Does the Rain Have a Father?There they go again, speaking godlike pronouncements, making promises they have no power to keep: meaningless rhetoric.
-
The Tragedy of Growing UpIsn't it odd how the very things that used to fill all of us with awe, wonder, and exhilaration now seem mundane and expected -- or even worse, unnoticed?
-
Peace in the Dark of the NightEverything seems worse in the quiet darkness of the night. I could not stay in bed. Some how, it seemed more frightening to lie in bed in this condition.
-
Parents, Ben Stein is Protecting Your Children!Ben Stein, a Jew, believes that the consequences of Darwinism have been terrifying and horrible because it has led to academic suppression.
-
Lazy Cook Meatball and Veggies SoupI am not known for my cooking ability! But recently, a neighbor brought me a pot of "Sopa de Albondigas" (aka Mexican Meatball Soup) and I fell passionately in love with it!
-
Faithful Father, Love UnexplainableWhen I called, You answered me in a way I understood; You made me bold and stouthearted -- not a victim anymore!
-
Silent No More!When I was silent, my bones wasted away and I felt a groaning all day long.
-
My Birthday Song, "Yesterday"Well, today is my birthday. My mother and I used to share this birthday, but since she has passed on to Glory, it is now just my birthday. I have a new "birthday song".
-
Not One More Step Without YouI am learning how to stay joyful, Lord! I do not follow the advice of the unbelievers, or hang out with those who do not love You, or join in with those who scoff at Your Word.
-
True Love Demands No PaymentI could never do enough to show my gratitude, for True Love expects no payment.
-
Listening with Your Eyes - Children Need to Be Noticed!Now listening with your eyes may sound peculiar, but to a child it is everything! A child wants and needs to be noticed!
-
Look into My Eyes, ChildMaking Psalm 139 and 132 personal. Reversing the order makes me feel God truly loves me.
-
Learning to Read Music Increases Your Child's IntellectIs it a coincidence that Alan Greenspan, former Head of The Federal Reserve Bank [and an economic genius!], had early musical training, and still spends many of his evenings playing the piano?
-
Donald Pennington Snags a Texas Girl!Now I know what being honored by Donald Pennington feels like. Wow! Read his interview with Yours Truly!
-
A Musician's Homage to MusicMusic is a vehicle used to transport me anywhere I want (or need) to go.
-
Were Can I Go, Lord, that You Are Not?Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
-
Abraham Lincoln: Failure to PresidentPresident Lincoln's "melancholy" was not a secret. He struggled with depression all of his life.
-
My Friend, a True Renaissance Man!Michael is every bit an artist and a true renaissance man. A true artist has many artistic outlets, and Michael Kocis (Michael John, pseudonym) fits that description to the max!
-
Is "The Secret" a Secret? is "New Age" Really New?This blasphemous doctrine is being promoted by Oprah Winfrey who has a large platform. This is the same Oprah that, as a young girl, loved Jesus and wanted desperately to be either a preacher or a missionary for Him.
-
Prayer for PeacePrayer of Saint Francis is a Christian prayer for peace. It is attributed to the 13th-century saint Francis of Assisi, although...
-
My Prayer for My FriendMay you have enough success to keep you eager.
-
Twelve Things I Need to Know and Rememberif anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you.
-
Jesus' Greatest Miracle on EarthHave you ever felt empty? I mean that feeling that nothing matters, not even yourself? I have. That's why I believe the greatest miracle Jesus performed on earth was His first one.