tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67569000108338908512024-03-13T17:18:11.319-04:00Of Faith and Mental HealthDo you know someone who lives with mental illness? Many of us do. The purpose of this blog is to to equip, educate, and encourage those living with mental illness and those who care about them. It's also to give a voice to those who seem to be unheard. Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-88450878250820831232022-08-08T17:36:00.000-04:002022-08-08T17:36:19.801-04:00Don't Play With Your Health<p dir="ltr">In July of 2018, I experienced an accident where I hit my head; twice. I didn't think much of it. I experienced some pain, but that was to be expected. Soon after, I experienced confusion, a lack of focus (both mental and physical), and a lack of drive. I just didn't want to do anything. The more I tried to push through the feelings, the more complicated some things became. I finally sought medical attention. It was then that I learned that I had a concussion, a TBI (traumatic brain injury), to be exact. It was mild but an injury nonetheless.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Concussions are no joke! The prescription given was rest. How can I with four active grandchildren? I had every excuse not to rest. And, being hardheaded, I didn't. Anxiety kicked in instead of faith. All that I knew believed, and thought flew out the window. I became more isolated. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Oh, I went to church, even preached, attended meetings, and ensured my grandchildren didn't miss a practice (football/cheer). But it wasn't long before I had a meltdown. One Sunday morning, before the entire congregation, I lost it. My sermon, or what I thought was a sermon, was a dud. I hit rock bottom. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A few days later, I met with my Bishop and requested a sabbatical. Wow! What a difference a day makes! This would seem like the common sense thing to do at the very beginning, right? Well, when you're not thinking straight, you will not be able to make the right decision. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The trauma of any kind can, and in many cases, will cause you to experience life differently. You mustn't take anything for granted. Take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Lose the "I'm good" or "It's nothing serious" mentality. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Have you ever faced a situation, thought you had it all together only to learn that you were totally out of the sink? Be careful that your "confidence" isn't pride mixed with some rebellion. Scripture warns us that pride comes before destruction.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Your health is essential. When you're unbalanced, everything is affected: relationships, productivity, etc. When things happen, take it to God. He has the answer to every situation. Remain humble and rest, trusting that He will take care of everything. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Reflecting on the past month, I want to kick myself. I know better. How could I forget so easily? How could I become so arrogant to think I was ok? Pride snuck in while my attention was elsewhere. Being a minister doesn't give me a gold card to not being attacked. In fact, the attacks are more intense. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I share this experience because even though we are educated, experienced, or gifted, we ARE also susceptible to the enemy's devices. We are not supposed to be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). Instead, we are to be wise, remain humble and prayerful, and seek God's strength, guidance, and power. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Here's the takeaway:</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seek ye first...</p>
<p dir="ltr">In everything, give thanks...</p>
<p dir="ltr">Humble yourself under...</p>
<p dir="ltr">Be careful for nothing ...</p>
<p dir="ltr">Rest ...</p>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-27604396161095567562021-02-05T21:26:00.000-05:002021-02-05T21:26:28.740-05:00What to do when feeling depressed.<h1 style="text-align: left;">Feeling Out of Place?</h1><div>I always start off an idea by defining the word or phrase that anchors or serves as a seed to my thoughts. In this case, out of place is defined as </div><div><br></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Not in the <i>proper</i> position; disarranged</li><li>In a setting where one is or feels inappropriate or incongruous (Oxford Dictionary)</li></ol><div>Notice that I italicized the word "proper." Everything and everyone is in a position. The question is whether or not it's the right or proper position. In some cases, the answer is yes. I am in the right position even though it's uncomfortable, and I feel like a fish out of water. On the other hand, there are times when I'm so out of place or in the wrong position that I feel lost and confused. Have you felt that way?</div></div><div><br></div><div>For many who suffer from depression or anxiety, this can be a regular occurrence. So, what do you do? Change positions. We do it all the time. We do it when uncomfortable in bed, or when sitting in a chair.</div><div><br></div><div>How do we change? It's a decision to praise God in the midst of depression. Start with, "Thank You, Jesus." And keep saying it regardless of how you feel. "Hallelujah" just because God has been good. No, let me rephrase that. It's because God <i>is </i>good. </div><div><br></div><div>We have to be like David in Psalm 42 that says, <b>(5)"Why am I depressed? Whis this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.</b> (6) I am deeply depressed; therefore I <i>rememberđ€ </i>You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermonâ°, from Mt. Mizarđ. (7) Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfallsđ; all your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. (8) The LORD <i>will</i> send His faithful love †by day; His song đ” will be with me in the night đ - a prayer to the God of my life. (9) I will say to God, my rock, Why Have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of my enemies oppression? (10) My adversaries taunt me, as of crushing by bones, while all day long they say to me, "Where is your God?" (11) <b>Why am I so depressed? Why is turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him my saviour and my God.</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>Notice that verses 5 and 11, bolded, are the same. "Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God?" David makes a declaration to "still praise" God in the midst of feeling depressed. He encourages <u>himself</u> to "Put your hope in God."</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><div><br></div>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-24286256992962278412020-06-30T08:20:00.001-04:002020-06-30T08:20:47.647-04:00Managing Mental Health - A COO's Perspective<img height="221" src="https://www.gurumd.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/bipolar-disorder.png" width="320" /><br />
<br />
From time to time I run across articles that bring perspective, understanding, and, hopefully, opportunities for open healthy dialog about mental health. One such article is an editorial piece found while going through one of my online business magazines. In the June 25th issue of <a href="https://theamericangenius.com/" target="_blank">The American Genius</a>, COO Lani Rosales discusses managing bipolar disorder in the workplace and gives insight on how employers can support employees.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://theamericangenius.com/editorials/managing-bipolar-disorder-and-what-i-wish-my-employers-understood/?mc_cid=57e539e90e&mc_eid=3f7bf65f11">https://theamericangenius.com/editorials/managing-bipolar-disorder-and-what-i-wish-my-employers-understood/?mc_cid=57e539e90e&mc_eid=3f7bf65f11</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Articles like this are important. They provide a voice to those whose voice isn't heard. I want to hear your voice. What do you think about this article? What are your experiences? What do you wish your employer or employees knew?<br />
<br />
Share our comments below.Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-57171503977356808642020-04-18T22:19:00.001-04:002020-04-18T22:19:40.084-04:00Think On This<div>THINK ON THIS:</div><div><br></div><div>The world has sinned against God yet God has not forsaken nor failed us. The world wants to blame God for all things. Our God is not evil but a loving and fair God.</div><div><br></div><div>We make mistakes by choice. God holds no failing policy, but He is a jealous God. He doesn't like cheaters because He is faithful. But we have not been faithful in our walk with Him. God is not looking for separation or divorce. Remember His decision to love and cherish us has never wavered.</div><div><br></div><div>We need to let go of our cheating and unfaithful ways with Satan, the father of lies. Choose ye this day which relationship is more valuable for you to spend eternity. This will be the most important decision in life that you will have to make.</div><div>Who would you rather please, serve and love, God who is eternal life or Satan who is eternal damnation. God who is truth or Satan who imitates truth. God who's Son brought forth healing or Satan who wants to kill, steal and destroy. God with grace and mercy or Satan with lies and accusations.</div><div><br></div><div>You know, the perfect way to correctly ride a horse is on one side to put one foot in the stirrup, climp up, bring the other foot around and place it in the other stirrup while facing the back of the horse's head making sure that you are seated in the saddle. If you don't complete this task, it will cause you to become unstable and you are at risk of falling off and be critically injured or fall to your death.</div><div><br></div><div>Let's not forget God holds time and how much time you have left you know not.</div><div><br></div><div>This is not "Let's Make A Deal", but it is a "Choose You This Day" decision.</div><div><br></div><div>God wants none to be lost; preach and teach in season and out of season. There are those that will hear and those that will be deaf. The unsaved, the backslider and the confused we have to reach now.</div><div><br></div><div>There is war in the spirit realm that we have already battled and won, when are we going to believe it.</div><div><br></div><div>It's our time to throw out God's lifeline and fish.</div><div><br></div><div>Because of Who He Is,</div><div><br></div><div>Bishop Ellen A. Stevens </div>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-47329316732404089582019-06-11T09:04:00.001-04:002019-06-11T09:04:13.332-04:00Peace Scripture Meditation<p dir="ltr">https://youtu.be/cmv2kyIUF6g</p>
<p dir="ltr">We own no rights to audio/video. For more videos like this visit Youtube.com. Search Simply MichMich and subscribe. </p>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-24374154558887547572018-09-05T18:08:00.001-04:002018-09-05T18:08:17.948-04:00My Pastor is My Hero | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness<a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/August-2018/My-Pastor-is-My-Hero">My Pastor is My Hero | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>: I know I can be a lot to handle, especially when my moods are out of control. Iâve had people tell me that they just couldnât handle it anymore. Yet, thereâs one person who has stuck by me through the good, bad and ugly: my pastor, Robby.Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-29940766133321735622018-06-27T13:07:00.000-04:002018-06-28T20:07:35.107-04:00June: PTSD Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Today is #PTSD Awareness Day. </span></b></h2>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbrFewFG8act0iuXJX3FrbdQTYbuzemtOF0_Azv6ibn1_cVChp-N94k2NQCZHl71-Lhhbk6x2mJEIU9CG0PwMJqfQVVVK3yvffmXjoDa8Z2D7VLjEKYQD0RjuzQSDJQs_0Vid-UvmXw/s1600/NCPTSD-Aware_FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbrFewFG8act0iuXJX3FrbdQTYbuzemtOF0_Azv6ibn1_cVChp-N94k2NQCZHl71-Lhhbk6x2mJEIU9CG0PwMJqfQVVVK3yvffmXjoDa8Z2D7VLjEKYQD0RjuzQSDJQs_0Vid-UvmXw/s200/NCPTSD-Aware_FB.jpg" width="200"></a>We hear about how PTSD effects our soldiers and veterans. As a veteran, I understand the stigma and the challenges, as well as the possibilities of living a productive life. As a mother, grandmother, pastor and just a human being I understand that PTSD affects more than just veterans.<br>
<br>
I want to personally take this time to honor everyone who has and continues to suffer from this disorder. It affects more people than we realize from the Wall Street banker to Susie Homemaker, even children suffer from it. There are loved ones who are also affected because they care for someone with this disorder.<br>
<br>
Let's work together! Help spread the word and raise awareness about PTSD treatments, research, and resources. Join the national conversation at www.facebook.com/VAPTSD. Everyone can contribute. Learn more at the National Center for PTSD website.<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/PTSD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="National Center for PTSD homepage" border="0" src="https://www.va.gov/health/vamc/images/badges_2013/Badge_PTSDInformation.png"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information about PTSD click the image. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can also check out our previous post on PTSD.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-message-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-awareness-day/?utm_source=link" target="_blank">Message from POTUS</a><br>
<br>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-23838213878150589802018-06-12T08:30:00.000-04:002018-06-12T08:30:08.123-04:00Faith Comes by Hearing<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Romans 10:17</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With the advancement of technology we can listen to more than just music on our cell phones. Today, we can watch movies, stream music, and connect with friends through video conferencing. Out sick and can't go to work? You can do a conference call. Services like YouTube, Vimeo, and the like, we can subscribe to our favorite groups, artists, businesses, friends, family, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This advancement has also allowed us to listen to audio books. This is one of my favorite things to do. I have several applications that allow me to hear inspirational, educational, and motivational messages. Technology has taken away the excuses of not having time to read or study God's word. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I learned one of my greatest lessons from my oldest grandson who was diagnosed with dyslexia. His school psychologist enrolled him in a program that allows him to listen to books as he reads them in class and at home. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I watched as his interest in books grew while in the program. His vocabulary improved and, to add icing to the cake, he excelled so much that he was on the honor roll. Wow! How awesome is that!? I'm really proud of him. My lesson from his experience was to not settle for the simple excuses of, "I can't" or "I don't have time." or any other excuse we come up with. He got it done. So, I followed his example and began looking for Bible apps that allowed for audio listening, even off line. I also began to look for some of my favorite written books in audio format. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Scripture say that "faith comes by hearing." We have to take time to "hear" what's being said and then apply it so that my mind becomes renewed and I become transformed. To <i>hear </i>or <i>hearing </i>suggests fame which is heard, rumor, report, or audience (Strong's Concordance). Merriam-Webster defines hearing as <i>the process, function, or power of perceiving sound; specifically: the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli. </i>God's word, the Bible, stimulates our senses and causes us to act. Well, at least it should. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1HD2NXQmWaMED8erfVrKavZ2vz1mU1PwU-vHDDUpZtEQGzmPaB29waBrEeFtNWohb1wk-kInH9Ns8S3oPUPJkH4KWmBk61iZON4BfeuKyMtElpr5JJGaCVy1EXSxdtD7h_6iLfsSiA/s1600/Prayers+that+Rout+Demons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="213" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1HD2NXQmWaMED8erfVrKavZ2vz1mU1PwU-vHDDUpZtEQGzmPaB29waBrEeFtNWohb1wk-kInH9Ns8S3oPUPJkH4KWmBk61iZON4BfeuKyMtElpr5JJGaCVy1EXSxdtD7h_6iLfsSiA/s200/Prayers+that+Rout+Demons.jpg" width="141" /></a>One of my favorite books is Prayers That Rout Demons by John Eckhardt. I highly recommend this book! I read the many affirmations, decrees, and confessions. It wasn't long before I began speaking them aloud. Something began to click on the inside! I'll admit that I fell off after being sick for a few weeks. It just wasn't in me to read. I experienced pain that I hadn't had in a very long time. It wasn't long that I began becoming unable to focus and mentally drained. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now this may sound strange to you, but was my personal experience. Then my grandson came and asked me a question about one of his apps. Boy did I feel dumb. I wasted so much time being miserable physically and even emotionally. After spending time with my grandson I got up grabbed my phone, searched my YouTube subscriptions, and found a video of the book. I listen to the book while walking, cleaning, or whatever I may be doing at the time, but especially when I'm doing absolutely nothing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are too many examples of how God's word has the power to change us. Question is, are we listening enough to hear? I want to encourage you to find an audio Bible, listen to affirmations and confessions; allow them to become a part of your daily routine and please apply what you're learning. Ask God to help you understand what you're reading/listening to. And please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need help with something. I'd love to help you! When we take time to hear what's being said, gain an understanding and apply it we will experience change. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over time I will be adding audio/video affirmations, confessions, and decrees for you to listen to, learn, and apply to your life. Below is the video of Prayers that Rout Demons. You may need to listen to this in small sections. That's fine. Listen and enjoy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/APxOHsk7uPU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/APxOHsk7uPU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Have a question or comment for Elder Linda? <a href="mailto:elderlindab@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email</a> her and let her know how this or other posts have helped you. She loves interacting with you. </i><i>Faith and Mental Health is a part of the teaching and outreach ministry of Cross Connection Ministries. All rights reserved. (c) 2018</i></div>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-84078195363756830652018-04-05T15:05:00.000-04:002018-05-01T07:03:08.486-04:00Sexual Assault Awareness - My Take<br />
If you remember my previous post, I spoke about how creating t-shirts for Sexual Assault Awareness month opened up some things for me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1-etmo6KXueOJD9i1mD3bdJsLww4CvuKqoILGnFNuuFZjzxXld4WkJwTw_AaFGDs7gWL8whnfMbrqFCVz0Vke9cB6QSNmqVk-HvPK_6VUfbzYGhFZnSb5KjiOMGiM9AaqagwbqlxWw/s1600/20180313_104222%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1-etmo6KXueOJD9i1mD3bdJsLww4CvuKqoILGnFNuuFZjzxXld4WkJwTw_AaFGDs7gWL8whnfMbrqFCVz0Vke9cB6QSNmqVk-HvPK_6VUfbzYGhFZnSb5KjiOMGiM9AaqagwbqlxWw/s320/20180313_104222%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the original shirt based on one of my favorite scriptures, Romans 8:31-39. For anyone reading this who is a survivor of a sexual assault, I salute you. You are <i>more than a conqueror!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i> <span class="st">As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, <em>in all these things we are more than conquerors</em> through Him that loved us. Romans 8:37</span></i><br /><i><span class="st"></span></i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>This week I attended the opening of the gallery where my shirts were on display.<i> </i>I was surprised <br />
when I walked in and the first thing I saw was one of my shirts hanging by the welcome table. I did have a close up of the shirt before it was presented but ... well, the photo is blurry. I'm going to try to doctor it up a bit and hopefully I'll have a decent one to show you. :)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj2zoHQ7H3FJA92oGbxnfC1Qh4g_GtAhJeQ5rCiDyBD_zOwof1svZXGdGVm_V_tGG3-8FVpho2uvP7uvM3b6BY_9AZcOzJNOC4gsAZSCL7MiVTItAqbVkvta-4SU2s0btBKqSDKGgeA/s1600/20180403_125047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj2zoHQ7H3FJA92oGbxnfC1Qh4g_GtAhJeQ5rCiDyBD_zOwof1svZXGdGVm_V_tGG3-8FVpho2uvP7uvM3b6BY_9AZcOzJNOC4gsAZSCL7MiVTItAqbVkvta-4SU2s0btBKqSDKGgeA/s320/20180403_125047.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Diamond Life.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This shirt is called, <i>The Diamond Life. </i>The thought behind this piece was the process in which diamonds are formed. It is believed that diamonds, depending on its location, come to the surface during <a href="https://geology.com/articles/diamonds-from-coal/">volcanic eruptions</a>. Now I confess that I'm not a geologist and have no real interest in geology. In fact, I believed the myth that diamonds were made from coal.<br />
<br />
After I did some reading on Geology.com I found out differently. Nevertheless, the idea of pressure forming these beautiful and very precious gems encourages me to understand that I too, have become like diamonds. We experience the dirt, pressure, heat of life and it's up to us whether we stay in the rough or we come out and allow God to shape us into precious pieces. <br />
<br />
In the pressing, in the heat, in the cutting, we may feel like we're about to die. Then too, something in us does die. But hopefully it isn't the good or positive attributes that make you and I so unique. Even as I write this I see how the two shirts really resonate a sense of encouragement; I feel knowing that God is with me through all of the trauma, the recurring symptoms, and the healing process.<br />
<br />
NOTE: I used the acronym MST (Military Sexual Trauma) to describe who/what survivors of sexual assault are:<br />
<br />
M - We are<i> multifaceted </i>and <i>motivated. </i>Our lives are (can be) quite <i>meaningful</i><br />
S - We are <i>sophisticated </i>and <i>successful. </i>And we <b><i>shine </i></b>brightly.<br />
<i> </i>T - We are <i>talented, treasured, </i>and we <i>thrive</i> in the midst of adversity. <br />
<br />
I hope that as you read this you will, if you're not doing so already, become engaged in the healing process. It may be uncomfortable at times, but it's worth it!<br />
<br />
If you are a veteran and have experienced symptoms of PTSD or any other mental health issue due to MST, please connect with your MST coordinator at your local VA hospital or speak to your primary care physician or nurse practitioner. You can also connect at Military Sexual Trauma website <a href="https://maketheconnection.net/conditions/military-sexual-trauma?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkpfWBRDZARIsAAfeXaqgFIDK92yTo_4f8Bqi7lLUXe2GrHfJEtkLNailJO5Lyh8Riigvgk0aAi6LEALw_wcB">Make the Connection.</a> <br />
<br />Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-50437074329759340942018-03-16T16:51:00.001-04:002018-05-01T07:05:09.211-04:00Creative TherapyAfter another hiatus I decided to return to therapy. Seeing a therapist has been one of the hardest things to come to grips with. I've encountered both Christian and secular therapists and my experiences have not been always favorable. Frustration usually ensues and I stop participating in treatment. <br />
<br />
Over the past few months to a year we've seen an onslaught of women coming forward about emotional, sexual, and personal abuse. They bravely faced their fears and spoke out. In the midst of this many others began experiencing heightened symptoms of nervousness, fear, depression, etc. Well, I was one of those people. Not long after that I began experiencing sensations of needing to be on "high alert". If you've served in the military or are/were a first responder I'm sure you understand.<br />
<br />
In a previous post I spoke about being diagnosed with PTSD. With all the media attention on sexual <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLscBjP6DNqLgFdVjcKs-5t7jIX1rEiB1Wcr-R9wUuV6B2nELax1OsQ-Xxh9YuLBLZrsgfheZq-kNbOLCGqKGow9b6TYXDZTFfVChGXmj7XenGJtMV_-bdW3fv4bJBfO8GJdSbsU7Itg/s1600/Military-Sexual-Trauma.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="300" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLscBjP6DNqLgFdVjcKs-5t7jIX1rEiB1Wcr-R9wUuV6B2nELax1OsQ-Xxh9YuLBLZrsgfheZq-kNbOLCGqKGow9b6TYXDZTFfVChGXmj7XenGJtMV_-bdW3fv4bJBfO8GJdSbsU7Itg/s200/Military-Sexual-Trauma.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
abuse I felt both the feeling of victory and pride for all the women who stand courageously to fight against the stigma many women(and men) face. It was doing this time that I realized that I not only want but need to become active in therapy. There were and are, some unresolved issues that must be addressed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZicb5A3g_3185DXl7yIJOLlqBTbtZ3AahetkFXGvY4a4GHm5QkRfDHVVzYOcSZG7nt5KgaFURsbCA4IIRzR1IYwwxMORXJfTncE5enmSv9Zen_bniL0s92GJ77D7tBSNHAtavddvu-A/s1600/lucy-cartoon-therapist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="561" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZicb5A3g_3185DXl7yIJOLlqBTbtZ3AahetkFXGvY4a4GHm5QkRfDHVVzYOcSZG7nt5KgaFURsbCA4IIRzR1IYwwxMORXJfTncE5enmSv9Zen_bniL0s92GJ77D7tBSNHAtavddvu-A/s320/lucy-cartoon-therapist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My intake took place this past February at my local VA medical center. With my original therapist going out on maternity leave I was assigned one of the coolest therapists, Dr. Marino. Now, I have to confess that I didn't walk into this situation with the most positive thoughts. Will they listen to my concerns and hear what I really need or go "by the book" with types, systems, analysis, etc? I'm pleased to announce that not only does Dr. Marino listen, but she's actively engaged and keeps me engaged in the process.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>NOTE: </b>Keep an open mind when seeking a therapist. You don't know who God will put in your path. Trust Him in the process and watch Him work things out on your behalf. </i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Not only have I begun individualized therapy, I've participated in my first MST group meeting. It was really cool meeting other women. During this last group session our group therapist had an activity prepared for us. We painted on T shirts in honor of MST Awareness month in April. I'll attach a photo of the t-shirts I designed. This experience was very therapeutic and I recommend that anyone in therapy find a place where they feel safe and have freedoms for creative expression. It's important to know that you're <i>not </i>alone.<br />
<br />
Well, that's it for now. I'll be writing more often. <i>shhhhh! </i>I've incorporated this blog as part of my therapy. Being able to express my experience so that it'll help someone while helping myself is important to me. Hopefully what I post here will be beneficial to someone.<br />
<br />
<b>What's next?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b> </b>Types of therapies. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Writing my life's mission statement. </li>
</ul>
That's my homework from my individual therapy. I'll also share bits and pieces of things I've learned.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx9-oP2s8IwnacGq4p83ShwOpeRga5eh_GmvgZY3_hf9wWInpSsDsdRSZPIx0cyXN7TYFoxwXntRnw1tcH5FmmX6hIehyR5pwVBaxmrjSp5xKjNpQwEyuOLPSr5zxwLNClEc-5UWqrA/s1600/romans-8-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1200" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx9-oP2s8IwnacGq4p83ShwOpeRga5eh_GmvgZY3_hf9wWInpSsDsdRSZPIx0cyXN7TYFoxwXntRnw1tcH5FmmX6hIehyR5pwVBaxmrjSp5xKjNpQwEyuOLPSr5zxwLNClEc-5UWqrA/s200/romans-8-37.jpg" width="200" /></a>And remember, <i> "in all these things <span style="font-size: large;">we are</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>more</b> <b>than</b> <b>conquerors</b></span> through Him that loved us." </i>Romans 8:37<i><br /><br />Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in (good) health, even as your soul prospers. (3 John </i> 2)<br />
<br />
<br /><i></i>
<br />Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-20136653713451401222015-04-27T22:56:00.000-04:002015-04-27T22:56:05.769-04:00Affirmations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgGFwhNWHYr8GGhd-r1tYP91NwXnULokNaLnNgM_KiY7TFf-0wSGJG_2CdnzRA_VvqJArmNXo6sgo7_1FDVrKzg0Ysyb2sNpvQ5v4-r4bxjDRsd2tfRqz9DGpaN_gXel7NEMnqTyqdg/s1600/compliments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgGFwhNWHYr8GGhd-r1tYP91NwXnULokNaLnNgM_KiY7TFf-0wSGJG_2CdnzRA_VvqJArmNXo6sgo7_1FDVrKzg0Ysyb2sNpvQ5v4-r4bxjDRsd2tfRqz9DGpaN_gXel7NEMnqTyqdg/s1600/compliments.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
It's always good to hear kind words from other people. Whether it's a compliment, validation, or a word of encouragement, we like to receive positive reinforcement.<br />
<br />
<br />
A new page, Realistic Self-Talk, has been added to help facilitate how you speak to yourself. Here are a few examples:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I will enjoy myself, even when life is hard. <br />I can stay calm when talking to difficult people. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Other people's opinion are just that, their opinions.</blockquote>
Visit the page as often as you'd like or need to. Print them out, write them down on index cards and post them on your mirror. Better yet, come up with some yourself.<br />
<br />
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-86243605716880329042015-03-17T10:32:00.002-04:002015-03-17T10:34:01.666-04:00Fear NotFear is one of the greatest strongholds in a person's life. There are people who face simple fear to the extreme fear or phobias. There are both mental and physical health links to fear of one sort or another. I will not go into all of the psychological or medical babble at this time, however, I will attest to the fact that fear untreated can and will imprison your mind, emotions and your life. It can and will cause physical ailments that compound the situtation. <br />
<br />
In the article, <i>Figuring Out Phobia, </i>on the American Psychiatric Association's website, Lea Winerman states, "More than 10 million adults in the United States suffer from some
sort of phobia.."(<a href="http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug05/figuring.aspx">Winerman</a>) That's staggering!<br />
<br />
What is fear?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Fear - </i><span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">distressing</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">emotion</span> <span class="oneClick-link">aroused</span> <span class="oneClick-link">by</span> <span class="oneClick-link">impending</span> <span class="oneClick-link">danger,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">evil,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">pain,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">etc.,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">whether</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">threat</span> <span class="oneClick-link">is</span> <span class="oneClick-link">real</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">imagined;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">feeling</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">condition</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">being</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">afraid. (<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fear">Dictionary.com</a>) </span> <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Phobia - </i>A phobia is an overwhelming and unreasonable <i>fear</i> of an object or
situation that poses little real danger but provokes anxiety and
avoidance. (<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/phobias/basics/definition/con-20023478">MayoClinic.org</a>)</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dIaZl-Mu8_375KR70do1eR-UW5vRrkOjpW33Q9_JOA53t7m_vLq99o8S4bd7Emk1gAab7syqBuzo8K6yGRGq2aeM8t9Lh63QpnCuxvzMDgudFD3NRPea0h8pfG-a3L8x7gSr43rpjg/s1600/FEAR.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dIaZl-Mu8_375KR70do1eR-UW5vRrkOjpW33Q9_JOA53t7m_vLq99o8S4bd7Emk1gAab7syqBuzo8K6yGRGq2aeM8t9Lh63QpnCuxvzMDgudFD3NRPea0h8pfG-a3L8x7gSr43rpjg/s1600/FEAR.png" height="150" width="200" /></a><i>Anxiety</i> -<span class="ssens"><i class="sn"> <br />a</i> <b>:</b> painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill </span> <br />
<div class="scnt">
<span class="ssens"></span><br />
<div class="break">
</div>
<span class="ssens">
<i class="sn">b</i> <b>:</b> <b><i>fearful</i></b> concern or interest </span><span class="ssens"> <div class="break">
</div>
<i class="sn">c</i> <b>:</b> a cause of anxiety </span></div>
<div class="sblk">
<div class="scnt">
2<span class="ssens"><b>:</b>
an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and <b><i>fear</i></b> often
marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased
pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by
self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it </span></div>
</div>
is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. (<a href="http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/">American Psychiatric Association</a>)</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBEvEplLnis0hzvU9TXkTotXRynJMMQjERW3Q4YRuRYC-pI1q_BtUdrT2f8N3Y5ja5LsTNvNXDlgHWJj4l7EWzwoF6DsvKZ03erh0OWZT2vfNTvcGrnszsYkw9zsHSOk74dc80MUGwA/s1600/FEAR-NOT-I-AM-WITH-YOU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBEvEplLnis0hzvU9TXkTotXRynJMMQjERW3Q4YRuRYC-pI1q_BtUdrT2f8N3Y5ja5LsTNvNXDlgHWJj4l7EWzwoF6DsvKZ03erh0OWZT2vfNTvcGrnszsYkw9zsHSOk74dc80MUGwA/s1600/FEAR-NOT-I-AM-WITH-YOU.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uF6Ec4PcgGRvpO3jCTMKIJ4hAfbzcllCx5rFgzPR1UT_2gZjVoaQnjpp1b2YnU0XOR3rhDfuj7i_Ye3n8M47qFOymZ-oRQ9NmFmGLh_q6Pppk7u0nyB53SKnIAWrtX1hfdo8kX155A/s1600/2Tim17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uF6Ec4PcgGRvpO3jCTMKIJ4hAfbzcllCx5rFgzPR1UT_2gZjVoaQnjpp1b2YnU0XOR3rhDfuj7i_Ye3n8M47qFOymZ-oRQ9NmFmGLh_q6Pppk7u0nyB53SKnIAWrtX1hfdo8kX155A/s1600/2Tim17.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are over 400 verses that speak about various forms of fear. Though some deal contextually about reverencing God, more of them deal with the negative emotional aspect. This includes 103 instances where God's people were encouraged to,<i> <b>"Fear not.."</b></i><b> </b> For those of us who have experienced traumatic events this may be a struggle. But remember,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For
we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-29350a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-29350a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup> against spiritual <i>hosts</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places. </i>(Ephesians 6:12 NKJV)</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6fhEiFqHnrR2mWRVa_5bTigUtWHsS-goLGemObPuDoJ7QrImfCA6xqJLvRXZKrCW7fpPYj8QXy0JULp19kwKmH8qHKW5ccVjbvx3DK7W2ZvA7qEd978zfxdpbI2DGUNS6yNKziglFw/s1600/mustard-seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6fhEiFqHnrR2mWRVa_5bTigUtWHsS-goLGemObPuDoJ7QrImfCA6xqJLvRXZKrCW7fpPYj8QXy0JULp19kwKmH8qHKW5ccVjbvx3DK7W2ZvA7qEd978zfxdpbI2DGUNS6yNKziglFw/s1600/mustard-seed.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>And the enemy, our adversary, the devil, would like nothing more than to keep us imprisoned in fear; impeding our goals, relationships and life at every level. We know that fear is the opposite of faith. But it doesn't take great faith to obtain our freedom. All we need is<i> faith the size of a mustard seed</i>. Do you see how tiny that is?<br />
<br />
Let's go back to those two words, <i>"Fear not". </i>How can we live without fear? Maybe it's best to ask, How can I keep from becoming overcome with fear?<br />
The answer is found throughout scripture. Where ever we see "Fear not ..." there is a reason ... "<i>for I am with you." </i>Each time God tells us not to fear or be afraid He lets us know that He is with us.<br />
<br />
The emotion may come, but God is yet with us. Therefore, we not be overcome with fear. One of my favorite "fear not" scriptures is found in Isaiah 41:10<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Fear
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness. (KJV)</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. (Amplified)</i></span></blockquote>
<br />
So, take a deep breath, let it out and let God be God in your life. Allow His peace, that surpasses all understanding keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. And remember, the weapons (devices, plans, strategies) of the enemy are going to be formed (developed and brought to fruition) but they will not prosper (be effective).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/s3v2TRuaDMI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s3v2TRuaDMI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-24174513347210313112015-03-10T08:30:00.000-04:002015-03-10T08:30:00.924-04:00What do you do...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2U_DAwm9X5-kCwXjuptjjTUxpvdbJvba5j-odEPhVpIaxRoJMyDjhQnT-iR3qtnbu9zxFKtUGEaJ2wdauunYh7jZEROwOR2Dlhi7eRHc91Lh8KAzSe8U4ltWc_mW_d3rVYaM4C9pow/s1600/doesn't+fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2U_DAwm9X5-kCwXjuptjjTUxpvdbJvba5j-odEPhVpIaxRoJMyDjhQnT-iR3qtnbu9zxFKtUGEaJ2wdauunYh7jZEROwOR2Dlhi7eRHc91Lh8KAzSe8U4ltWc_mW_d3rVYaM4C9pow/s1600/doesn't%2Bfit.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a>...when things don't look like they're coming together? For many of us the first reaction is disgust, <br />
fear, anxiety, etc. Some of us even fall into various states of depression. It's something that people deal with on a regular basis. We are forever gauging ourselves by others(their thoughts about us, their ideas, and even their accomplishments). One thing that I have to remind myself about is that I'm not them. <br />
<br />
So, what do you do when things don't go just right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgJKqGngINpOT00LkkRJpjAZI8RKkQM2hcloibtSYoihOWWSF5LwTaxqwt9Q8Bjo1KmYv403Z6cA2ll5V6H6glx8F-TE9Ok5eVpRPYEXvEizqLOXVKdQx5VlHNomANGDNEY0_Z9GhyQ/s1600/just-breathe-source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgJKqGngINpOT00LkkRJpjAZI8RKkQM2hcloibtSYoihOWWSF5LwTaxqwt9Q8Bjo1KmYv403Z6cA2ll5V6H6glx8F-TE9Ok5eVpRPYEXvEizqLOXVKdQx5VlHNomANGDNEY0_Z9GhyQ/s1600/just-breathe-source.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a>
<li>Step back from the situation </li>
<li>Breathe deeply</li>
<li>Examine your expectations, that is, "What you are expecting as an outcome."</li>
<li>Examine your intent, that is, "Why are you doing whatever you are doing?"</li>
<li>Detach from the outcome</li>
<li>Call on God for strength, support and guidance</li>
<li>Remind yourself of everything you can be grateful about</li>
</ul>
Here are a few other things I personally find helpful<br />
<ul>
<li>Find someone to talk to - it's ok to vent. And if you don't have someone you can confide in then ...</li>
<li>Journal - very therapeutic. When we write things down we find that there is a release that takes place in our hearts and minds. </li>
</ul>
Blogging for me is very helpful. Working through things (hands-on) helps me to see things in a different perspective. The hardest thing for me to do is to step back. I like manipulation. No, not in manipulating people but actually taking a hands-on approach to things. That's not always a good thing for me. So, I'm learning to step back, reevaluate, and then get back to work at the appropriate time.<br />
<br />
It's when I don't get right back to work that I find myself falling into discouragement and even procrastination. So listen, though you may be feeling <i>some type of way</i> about a situation, take control of your emotions and don't let them rule you. Remember that this is only temporary. And don't forget that God already knew that you were going to face this obstacle, so go to Him and get your answer. He will answer you - even if you have to wait for it.<br />
<br />
Blessings~
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WCSkAJ3ksbw%2FVP6x19VsiLI%2FAAAAAAAADec%2FlrcLmVyDyDI%2Fs1600%2Fjust-breathe-source.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgJKqGngINpOT00LkkRJpjAZI8RKkQM2hcloibtSYoihOWWSF5LwTaxqwt9Q8Bjo1KmYv403Z6cA2ll5V6H6glx8F-TE9Ok5eVpRPYEXvEizqLOXVKdQx5VlHNomANGDNEY0_Z9GhyQ/s1600/just-breathe-source.jpg" -->Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-78783389616654519922015-03-04T09:26:00.001-05:002015-03-04T09:26:58.356-05:00Seven Steps to Forgiving and Healing<a href="http://www.cbn.com/family/familyadvice/newlife_forgiving_healing.aspx#.VPcWKtUr_WU.blogger">Seven Steps to Forgiving and Healing</a>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-67271131824028305482015-02-21T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-21T08:00:03.194-05:00For the Distressed Heart<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div class="PadderBetweenControlandBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qnEvT7pyrbwrq9pPacRqEfc-7yzxjWMVKb2DbcjA8v1neOTno4onkhA4Fd3-voje9FM6a7g_Ol6R9kylMAZpSrFnLxzqXrFjrttB1ksOKLdnMWe-NNCcMAHUPnh9sSC8MCZMPxonJw/s1600/distress_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qnEvT7pyrbwrq9pPacRqEfc-7yzxjWMVKb2DbcjA8v1neOTno4onkhA4Fd3-voje9FM6a7g_Ol6R9kylMAZpSrFnLxzqXrFjrttB1ksOKLdnMWe-NNCcMAHUPnh9sSC8MCZMPxonJw/s1600/distress_blue.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="goog_115114495"></span><span id="goog_115114496"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">February
is Heart Disease Aweness Month. Iâve never learned so much about the heart than
I have this past month. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually
too. But Iâm not going to get into all of that today. Today I just want to
encourage those who feel lonely. Many of us who face mental health challenges
have moments when we believe no one understands, cares, or has a clue of what
we deal with. And to a point thatâs true. But today I read something that
really amazed, encouraged, and was my anti-depressant. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="height: 516px; margin-left: 112px; margin-top: 13px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 574px; z-index: 251661312;">
</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="516" style="vertical-align: top;" width="574"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_e6IzKT1qkT3tQG0TyMOR2cXMY562g96C_tMMLwkwYzvLfPEELYcre0SrinjU0g1nmrkSaQfBM9B-1ODUVddLBA4cRIwlxvZIjqU3NriXMIx_PVNUS04Dce5MEgE_DYz5mJuvplovw/s1600/PS102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_e6IzKT1qkT3tQG0TyMOR2cXMY562g96C_tMMLwkwYzvLfPEELYcre0SrinjU0g1nmrkSaQfBM9B-1ODUVddLBA4cRIwlxvZIjqU3NriXMIx_PVNUS04Dce5MEgE_DYz5mJuvplovw/s1600/PS102.jpg" height="469" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; z-index: 251661312;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">There
are 28 verses in all, but I want to bring our focus to these first 11 verses. The
Bible doesnât say if this is a Psalm of David or Asaph. In all intended
purposes it really doesnât matter who wrote it. What matters is the message. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><i><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></sup></i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 </span></sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hear my prayer, O Lord, and
let my cry come to You. <sup>2 </sup>Hide not Your face from me in the day
when I am in distress! Incline Your ear to me; in the day when I call, answer
me speedily.</span></i></blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL8MG0MT8Edd93Xlum49u0u3vLgHD-S46CMJEPInZoRsvVtL-0Xi0nAoh4VsfgGZWGSr-SdQunnb4g7s275SvsesCTQm_a_E5Nw4khYUjNQB084QedKX4P15GU11AlKvn1IRICGJOFA/s1600/real+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL8MG0MT8Edd93Xlum49u0u3vLgHD-S46CMJEPInZoRsvVtL-0Xi0nAoh4VsfgGZWGSr-SdQunnb4g7s275SvsesCTQm_a_E5Nw4khYUjNQB084QedKX4P15GU11AlKvn1IRICGJOFA/s1600/real+talk.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a>How many times do you
just want someone to listen without judgment, partiality, opinion, and the like?
How often do we not go to God because we feel that He doesnât care, has thrown
us to the wolves, etc.? Itâs ok to desire and petition for Godâs undivided
attention. You need to know that He will, âHear my prayerâ and let your âcryâ
come to HIM. Itâs also important that you know that He will not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hide</i> His face from you as if to say, âOh
boy, here comes âŠ..â He doesnât do that. Though sometimes we may feel like
that.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Itâs important for you to know that God is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> like man that He should lie
(Numbers 23:19). If He says you can come to Him about anything and everything
He means just that. So stop being fearful. And just in case you are angry with HIM for "allowing me to go through this" then fine, be angry but don't sin. Remember, God was with you and brought you through your traumatic event(s) and wants you to be healed. Letâs move on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of verse 2 the author asks God to answer <i><span style="color: #0b5394;">âspeedilyâ</span></i>.
Like ⊠right now⊠today⊠<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are </i>my answer. The author pulls no punches with coming to God with
their whole heart, earnestly, honestly and still respectfully.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But why did the author come in the first place? Because
he was distressed, depressed, lonely, and even in physical pain âmy flesh
cleave to my bonesâ. Issues and triggers surround them and they felt
overwhelmed. <b><i>And</i></b> because he realized that he could go to God about it ... about anything.Can you relate to the authors feelings? Verses 3 â 6 talks about how his life
had become a mere existence and not living. Have you felt that way? Do
you feel like that now?<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOcer3WkeLg4N31yKQ3uVQRHPruZM3dhO47eHEKfAPpJdvBN8nW3v6xscWOKCgomzypnCEiA1EBq5arQ_qPzLF-zhYKXISxGNuYIAj98D7cYysJ94PRketc3cs5Ha576WeuAiGwswGg/s1600/I-am-with-tyou-always.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOcer3WkeLg4N31yKQ3uVQRHPruZM3dhO47eHEKfAPpJdvBN8nW3v6xscWOKCgomzypnCEiA1EBq5arQ_qPzLF-zhYKXISxGNuYIAj98D7cYysJ94PRketc3cs5Ha576WeuAiGwswGg/s1600/I-am-with-tyou-always.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a>You canât sleep or your sleep pattern is totally thrown off
and people are just a pain; taunting, judgmental, putting me down, etc. âThey
talk about me as if I donât even exist.â Thatâs kind of what the author is
saying. Right? At least this is what it said to me. âIâm crying and itâs all
Your fault!â Did you see that in verse 10? Verse 11 is just like saying, âIâm a
hot mess.â<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing that I love about God and His word, itâs real
talk. You see, just this morning Iâm lying in bed talking to the LORD. I really
didnât know what to say to HIM. All I knew is that I needed my Daddy, my Abba
Father. (See Mark 14:36; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Romans 8:15</i></b>; Galatians 4:6) I
highlighted Romans 8:15 because thatâs the verse that helps me remember who I
am to God â His daughter. And guess what? You are His son/daughter too.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as Iâm lying in bed I pull the covers over my head and
just let out a, âugh!â and grab my pillow. Then He speaks. Yes, my friend, He
speaks. To me He only spoke this scripture, âPsalm 102â and there I went.
Needless to say I cried like a baby. He heard what I could not say. He knows
the innermost part of my heart and understands. Yes, that is the message for me
⊠and you⊠today.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Books of Psalm has many divisions (not chapters) that
talk about everything from military victory to Godâs unending love to being in
deep depression, feeling anxious fearful and alone. I want to encourage you to
seek God. You will not just hear His voice but you will begin to understand His
heart. The ultimate thing is that it helps you develop that Father/child
relationship. Thatâs the most important thing â relationship; one that is
healthy, sustainable, and worthy of our trust and devotion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Today I sit typing these words because I am a person
diagnosed with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and a few other things that I donât
even remember. But I do know this: God loves me and has a great plan for my
life. He wants me to live and not die and proclaim His name, His work, and who
He is to everyone who will listen to or read what I have to say. See, thatâs my
purpose. You too will not die but live and proclaim the works of the LORD. It
doesnât matter how. Heâs already given you the vehicle to do it (dance, art,
writing, speaking, woodworking, etc.). May be youâre not creative. Thatâs ok
too. But there is something deep inside you waiting to come out.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when you feel overwhelmed, alone, and that everyone has
forgotten you, remember this prayer. Oh let me share this too. This is what led
me to write this (long) blog. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoQuote">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObzdYmADSSAGdOpKIF3fUta6Lo5VetkcfWpVC7AwOg6a2HxVDVLahUV4cAHh0nJ0Xt_U6FZrMVuh2JWL7HRmQWygBF1gETaf4v4Ldm1wvUzpxn2stKYByqhFzvNNhpw0FooKCgQ-onA/s1600/take+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObzdYmADSSAGdOpKIF3fUta6Lo5VetkcfWpVC7AwOg6a2HxVDVLahUV4cAHh0nJ0Xt_U6FZrMVuh2JWL7HRmQWygBF1gETaf4v4Ldm1wvUzpxn2stKYByqhFzvNNhpw0FooKCgQ-onA/s1600/take+note.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">âThis shall be written for the generation to come: and the
people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.â Psalm 102:18</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is why I write. So that people today and for
generations to come will read and will praise the LORD for being a God who
cares and understands.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One last thing. Donât compare yourself to another person.
Thatâs wasted energy. Look into the Word of God to find out who you really are.
Everyone has a different testimony (story). We are all living epistles
(letters). (See 2 Corinthians 3:2, 3) People need to see, read, hear our (your)
story or letter. For those who are healed⊠hallelujah! For those who are still
fighting the battle ⊠hallelujah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
matter where you are in life Godâs grace is sufficient for you. (2 Corinthians
12:8-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend (thatâs you) I wish above all things that you prosper
and be in (good) health; even as your soul prospers. (2 John 3:2)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6756900010833890851" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-20ReYWTh9Qk%2FVOhlcvLCDzI%2FAAAAAAAADbY%2FTIw37uY3WPI%2Fs1600%2Ftake%252Bnote.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObzdYmADSSAGdOpKIF3fUta6Lo5VetkcfWpVC7AwOg6a2HxVDVLahUV4cAHh0nJ0Xt_U6FZrMVuh2JWL7HRmQWygBF1gETaf4v4Ldm1wvUzpxn2stKYByqhFzvNNhpw0FooKCgQ-onA/s1600/take+note.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ni12o4V8sJY%2FVOhid3EFMxI%2FAAAAAAAADa0%2FLEHZi5Bwz1w%2Fs1600%2FI-am-with-tyou-always.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOcer3WkeLg4N31yKQ3uVQRHPruZM3dhO47eHEKfAPpJdvBN8nW3v6xscWOKCgomzypnCEiA1EBq5arQ_qPzLF-zhYKXISxGNuYIAj98D7cYysJ94PRketc3cs5Ha576WeuAiGwswGg/s1600/I-am-with-tyou-always.jpg" -->Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-14048002443347454232015-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:002018-06-27T12:00:54.430-04:00PTSD: What does it stand for?Now we all know that PTSD is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to the National Center for PTSD, it is described as...<br />
<br />
"A traumatic event is something terrible and
scary that you see, hear about, or that happens to you, like: <br />
<ul>
<li>Combat exposure</li>
<li>Child sexual or physical abuse</li>
<li>Terrorist attack</li>
<li>Sexual or physical assault</li>
<li>Serious accidents, like a car wreck</li>
<li>Natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake</li>
</ul>
During a traumatic event, you think that your life or others' lives
are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over
what is happening around you. Most people have some stress-related
reactions after a traumatic event; but, not everyone gets PTSD. If your
reactions don't go away over time and they disrupt your life, you may
have PTSD." (<a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp">ptsd.va.gov</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzL7wAcSqRv_JiM6lVkONLAC5jqF0OJKGihvEp7LGhTVjS1PhfK3ypROevWFOvV68SNxNvU8tKNy60n-NhbOA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I joined a PTSD online support group. There are several closed groups on Facebook dealing with PTSD, depression, and mental health in general. There are women only, Christian, and other specialty groups as well. Just remember, when choosing a group choose prayerfully. At any rate, I noticed a game that one of the participants started. PTSD Acronym.<br />
<br />
The gist of the game is to create your own personal PTSD meaning. So I did one today and I'm creating a graphic for it as well. So PTSD to me means <i>my Past is Thoroughly and Soundly Destroyed.</i> My <i><b>past </b>- those things that happened to me, my sin, my confusion, etc </i> is <b>thoroughly </b><i>completely, leaving nothing, encompasses everything </i><b>soundly</b> - <i>I'm single minded, not fearful and developing the mind of Christ </i><b>destroyed </b>(my favorite part) <i>crucified with Christ, death/hell/grave destroyed on the cross - enough said. </i><br />
<br />
So what is PTSD for you? Please share and <i>please</i> be positive - speak life!<i> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>NOTE:</b> June is PTSD Awareness Month. Help raise awareness of PTSD, its treatments, and research. To discover ways to connect and share, visit the <a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/about/ptsd-awareness/index.asp" target="_blank">National Center for PTSD</a>.</i>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-65712128042783463492015-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-10T05:34:40.734-04:00Reconciliation - No More Excuses (Repost)Have you ever had trouble reconciling your faith with your mental health diagnosis, symptoms, experiences, etc.? Do you ever wrestle with understanding why something happened? I've been there.<br />
<br />
What's even more challenging is being a minister of the gospel and realizing the stigma of mental health and deciding to break my silence. How can I be a good Christian and feel like this? The frustration, fear and even confusion that comes with the emotions of feeling less than can be very overwhelming.<br />
<br />
Recently I decided to return to counseling and seek help. I found a Christian psycho-therapist who wasn't judgmental, met me at my point of need <i>and</i> challenges me. This brings me to the <i>ministry of reconciliation </i>found in 2 Corinthian 5:11-21<i>. </i>The key verse is in verse 19.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="verse">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><span class="text 2Cor-5-18" id="en-AMP-28894"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="verse">
<span class="text 2Cor-5-19" id="en-AMP-28895"><i><sup class="versenum">19<b> </b></sup><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and
holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and
committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to
favor).</b></span></i></span><i><span class="text 2Cor-5-21" id="en-AMP-28897"></span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So what does all this mean? This means that despite what you are going through you are held in high esteem to God. He says that you are the apple of His eye <i>(see Zechariah 2:8). </i>He said that He will never leave you nor forsake you. <i>(Deuteronomy 31:6) </i>But here is the coolest part; something I just recently saw in scripture.<br />
<br />
God sticks by you and is there to help you heal. Check out Zechariah 3:1-5. Zechariah is having a vision concerning Joshua the high priest (not to be confused with Joshua, the son of Nun, who took Israel into the Promised Land. Joshua was called to be a servant of God, a minister, a priest. But people didn't like him. They considered him to be unfit for the position. Do you feel unfit for something God is calling you to do or be?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Joshua stood before "the angel of the Lord" and Satan was right there. Even though Joshua was before the preincarnate Christ the enemy stood to "resist him" or keep him from obtaining what God had for him. </li>
<ul>
<li>Stay before the Lord. The victory is already yours. </li>
</ul>
<li>Joshua was clothed with filthy garments - Sin is filthy to God. Remember, God is looking for a church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 2:27). Because of the stigma that he may have face Joshua may have felt unworthy. </li>
<li>Joshua's clothes was changed. "The angel of the LORD" commanded that his old filthy clothes be taken away from him and that new clothes and a "fresh mitre" be placed on his head. </li>
<ul>
<li>Dual significance </li>
<ul>
<li>The new clothes is personal and speaks to Joshua's heart. To be reconciled to God means that you have to change your mind about what God says about you - who you are, what you are, and where you are. (We'll cover this in another post.)</li>
<li>The fresh mitre is a head covering that signified his position as high priest. At this time Joshua was being "reconciled" or reinstated to his position. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
Have you walked away from something or let something go because you felt unworthy? Let God restore you. Don't allow your health (mental or physical) define who you are as a believer or person in general. Grab a hold of the peace that God promises us through Jesus Christ (see John 14:27). One of my life verses is in Philippians 4:6, 7. I think of it every time my mind gets bombarded with mess. God isn't the author of confusion. In fact, He's the author and finisher of our faith. So if, or since, He created us and graces us to live this life, we have to trust HIM through this process.<br />
<br />
Jesus asked the man that was at the pool, "Do you want to be healed?" (see John 5:6) The man answered with an excuse, not with a definitive yes or no. Jesus overlooked his excuse and told him to "Rise," Get up "take up your bed and walk" and move on. There are no excuses for not being obedient to God's word. Don't worry about what people say. See yourself through God's eyes. <br />
<br />
Be encouraged! <br />
<br />Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-29766510148226214292015-02-04T15:08:00.000-05:002015-02-04T15:08:17.232-05:00Healing Scriptures Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-dxoPP2l1ZI?list=PL4CA14EB829B6DC19" width="459"></iframe>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-60259049224295165452014-11-30T21:51:00.001-05:002014-11-30T21:51:20.196-05:00My Mental Illness & Christian Faith: Fear of Abandonment in Borderline Personality Diso...<a href="http://mentalillnessandchristianfaith.blogspot.com/2013/08/fear-of-abandonment-in-borderline.html?spref=bl">My Mental Illness & Christian Faith: Fear of Abandonment in Borderline Personality Diso...</a>: We all go through loneliness and fear in our lives. They are unavoidable feelings we experience that make us anxious and sad. Fee...Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-2003583660185318352014-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-11T07:00:07.172-05:00Honoring our Veterans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNQwKKxUFjOxMckyl6s96oM9bIgII663p2AAVbYDQvPIsSeBtvbPiAoBA5LWhc2wU35cUfFGfT5IxZpMshNjFIUFlTsdVNZ8XAyflibyvkzpiR3bKzr5DeCN6aSX4abDHoy17O0_8kA/s1600/Veterans-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNQwKKxUFjOxMckyl6s96oM9bIgII663p2AAVbYDQvPIsSeBtvbPiAoBA5LWhc2wU35cUfFGfT5IxZpMshNjFIUFlTsdVNZ8XAyflibyvkzpiR3bKzr5DeCN6aSX4abDHoy17O0_8kA/s1600/Veterans-Day.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of Faith & Mental Health and Your Life by Design wish to honor all those who in our armed forces and the families that sacrificed to much. As a veteran I am thankful to all those who I served with and those who blazed a trail of leadership, service, and courageous duty. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Oooh Raaah!!!</b></i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Duty | Honor | Country</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dcZVJsU5wtI" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh6I-h4KaxcOVzcagwfBmCDfX8oz86HnWxzJGlvqQaGuihJBZ1eFFu3i0TAT2nJiQr2bogt2OSeJwWMD63d1YmAZVsdfUQmsYCB6c7d83-PTttj3tz_R-233CKjtCPUQHBYuKlPDumA/s1600/WoundedWarriorProject.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh6I-h4KaxcOVzcagwfBmCDfX8oz86HnWxzJGlvqQaGuihJBZ1eFFu3i0TAT2nJiQr2bogt2OSeJwWMD63d1YmAZVsdfUQmsYCB6c7d83-PTttj3tz_R-233CKjtCPUQHBYuKlPDumA/s1600/WoundedWarriorProject.png" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-58901767527366120672014-11-06T07:30:00.000-05:002014-11-06T07:30:01.512-05:00It's Throwback Thursday!<h3>
Throwback Thursday, a good experience or downer? </h3>
On many of the social media sites people post pictures of things from their past. For many people suffering with mental illness, their past is riveted with traumatic experiences and/or a loss of memory about certain times in their past. I recently saw a post on one of the Facebook groups I'm in about this very thing. What do you do when you don't remember the good things?<br />
<br />
Here are some of the ideas that came forth:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Talk to someone</b>. Doing this may help bring a more positive outlook at things. </li>
<li><b>Grab some pictures. </b>Looking at old photos may be very therapeutic for some people. Just know your limits and triggers. It's good if you have someone to share this time with. </li>
<li><b>Therapy. </b>I found out that there is a type of experiential therapy that allows you to revisit a time in your past but not be harmed by it. This idea challenges me, but it may work for some people. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-66655784494265993862014-11-04T10:03:00.000-05:002014-11-05T11:51:44.669-05:00Can We Talk?Do you need someone to talk to but you just don't know what to say or who to go to? What about those times that you do share but the person seems like a brick wall or judgmental or passive. Ugh, so frustrating! It makes you want to shut down and build a fortress around yourself. At least that's how I felt and still feel from time to time. But, I know One person who I can turn to over and over again. <i>His </i>name is Jesus. Hold it, don't click away! This isn't just some religious mumbo jumbo. Check this out!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">" </span><i><span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-AMP-23488"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-23488a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-23488a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11:28&version=AMP#fen-AMP-23488a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>ease and relieve and <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-23488b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-23488b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11:28&version=AMP#fen-AMP-23488b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>refresh <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-23488c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-23488c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11:28&version=AMP#fen-AMP-23488c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>your souls.] (Matthew 11:28 AMP)</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
What an invitation to relationship and conversation! Oh, here's another one of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> Come now, and <b>let</b> <b>us</b> <b>reason</b> <b>together</b>, says
the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.</i><br />(Isaiah 1:18 AMP)</span></blockquote>
What!? You want to talk to me??? Really?? Yes!! You, today, right now ... He wants to talk with you.<br />
It may seem strange to many to have a conversation with Someone you can't see, feel or touch. But He invites us to,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;">"<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>... fearlessly and confidently and
boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of Godâs unmerited
favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and
find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and
well-timed help, coming just when we need it].</i></span>" </span>Hebrews 14:6 Amplified Bible</blockquote>
How awesome is that?! He wants to hear our voice! Talking with God isn't about fancy words like what we may hear in church or even see on TV. He's a holy God and we must reverence HIM, but we can be open and honest with HIM. He is the only One I know that I can be vulnerable with. Why not? He knows about it anyway!<br />
<br />
<b>So why talk to God? </b>Why not?<br />
<br />
Have you ever thought, "What's the point?" Maybe you feel angry that the trauma you suffered happened in the first place. Yeah, I know the feeling. I remember feeling so upset with God about my divorce, my father dying, etc. I denied my feelings at first, being all religious about it. How could I say that I was mad at God? He's G-d, YAWEH, Creator of All Life, The Almighty... <i>really? </i>Yes, really. But He knew my heart and met me at my point of need. And He's there for you as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
God can and will bring you to peace, but you have to let go and talk to HIM about it. <i>Pray. </i>One of my life verses is, <i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"<span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NKJV-29449">Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; </span> </span><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NKJV-29450"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</span>" </span></i><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NKJV-29450">(Philippians 4:6, 7) I had to learn to pray and let God know how I was feeling. And believe me, after some of the rants I had I am a witness to His mercy. But I remind you, He is a holy God and you cannot go to Him any kind of way. </span><br />
<span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NKJV-29450"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Ps-51-17" id="en-AMP-14709">My sacrifice [the
sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite
heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly
penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17 Amplified Bible)</span></span></i></blockquote>
Broken, in despair, you want out and bad ... Pray! You're angry, frustrated, confused ... Pray! And as you pray you will find, as I did, that God changed me - my attitude, healed my hearts, and strengthened my resolve when triggers cause me to just go off. But prayer works.<br />
<br />
So I encourage you to take a step of faith (even if it's a small baby step) and pray - talk to God. Tell God how you feel. And hey, be thankful too. I know it's not easy to say, "Thank You for my PTSD" I'm not that crazy. But thank Him for keeping you through it. Remember the scripture I posted earlier that mentions <i>prayer <b>with</b></i><b> </b><i>thanksgiving... </i>Yeah, with thanksgiving. Whew. Go ahead take a deep breath. Talk to HIM, and take time out to listen for His voice.<br />
<br />
The more you pray and the more you listen for His voice the more you will find peace, grace, mercy, joy and a plethora of other blessings and gifts in the midst of your situation. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-14-27" id="en-AMP-26694"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and
bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let
your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing
yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to
be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] (John 14:27)</span></i></span></blockquote>
In the midst of PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and the list goes on, you can and will find peace just like I did and still do. Sometimes I pray after one of my "moments" and I feel horrible about. I don't want to damage anyone. So, I pray and ask for strength to handle it better the next time. I pray that the other person forgives me and that I forgive myself. I pray about how I feel, my desires and above all things, that He gets the glory. Hey, if He can get the glory out of my life He can get the glory out of anything and anyone ... yes, even you and your situation.<br />
<br />
So now, the ball is in your court. He wants to talk to you. He's asking you right now, "Can we talk?" I hope that you say, "Sure, why not." "Yes!" <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-61361388593905179332014-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:002014-11-03T19:30:49.883-05:00Are you and emotional eater?How do you cope with your triggers? Do you yell? Cry? Crawl up in the fetal position? Do you eat?<br />
It is very interesting at best to realize that many people handle their anxieties, stress, depression, etc. by eating. Emotional eating is the act of eating in response to an emotional
trigger. When a person is depressed or sad because of an event and
responds by overeating, or when a person is lonely and tries to fill an
emotional void with food, the person is suffering from emotional eating.<br />
<br />
Between 2% and 5% of Americans experience emotional eating, also called binge-eating. About 35% of that population are men. (Grigorian and Vest)<br />
<br />
While online I found this picture. How fitting! And of course the picture shows two of my favorite things <i>chocolate and cake. </i>I don't have to have them both at the same time, either or will do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJGU9Fo3ZsUdMaw_UahngHLttzt56ibyuU5RD3zxE54Z7iUeawz2k8a7oMjdfOCg8ig1w3SWesGNq4ZLcQcmLVaMqxd_MN66hU5BrD72LzbTdZuMvbI5OENHtV9LcU1f1JN4P35Xz8Q/s1600/stressed+desserts.jpeg" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do you know if you are an emotional eater? Check this out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li>You eat when you're not hungry</li>
<li>You have food FOMO (fear of missing out)</li>
<li>You and your body are not such good friends.</li>
<li>You really don't want other people to know what you eat.</li>
<li>You feel guilty for eating.</li>
</ol>
You can read more about these five signs on<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-jenks/emotional-eating_b_3009496.html" target="_blank"> Huffington Pos</a>t. Now, as women we have our cravings. I've craved everything from chocolate to fish (not at the same time). And my weight was a tell-tale sign. One and three were very true for me. <br />
<br />
<b>When do you eat? </b>I learned that I ate when studying for exams, can't sleep, working on projects, and at other times. It's important that you know what your trigger(s) is/are and develop healthy coping skills.<br />
<br />
Drinking water when one of those cravings come really works. And from a person who doesn't like drinking water that's saying a lot. Keep a food journal. Ok, this isn't the most fun thing you can do, but it works. When I found out how much I was eating I almost passed out. <i>Exaggerated, but you get the point. </i>Key factors were not only what I ate, but how much, when I ate it and what activities (if any) were I engaged in.<br />
<br />
There is so much more I'd like to share, but, I cannot put the whole of the matter here. Want more information? Become a subscriber and get the entire lesson "Lose the Weight." Subscribing is easy and free. Just send an email with your email address and you'll receive our newsletter with this and other lessons, articles and information. <br />
<br />
<br />Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-81314197366078956152014-10-24T22:01:00.001-04:002014-10-24T22:03:50.200-04:00Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)<br />
<br />
<br />
I found out about this just today and thought I'd share it with you. It doesn't seem to matter what the trigger is, this set of exercises seems to release the physical tension felt in your body. I'm going to try it and will let you know how it works out. In the meantime, try it yourself and leave a comment.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/27VgK0LrR3Q" width="480"></iframe>Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756900010833890851.post-82593924484444649742014-10-12T21:54:00.000-04:002014-10-12T21:54:00.723-04:00Today was <b><i>very</i></b> challenging. I enjoy going to church in the morning. I knew that I had a couple of stops today and prepared my timeline on how I could get things done; even my grand kids cooperated and were ready on time. Yes! Then ... everything started falling apart.<br />
<br />
<br />
Trouble with the car, debit card wouldn't work, late for church and to put the icing on the cake I got into an accident. Normally my anxiety level would have gone through the roof with the first three incidents, but things were ... decent. But the accident set me in a fit. Just as we were leaving a local convenience store the steering locked up on me and I just missed hitting a pole. But God!<br />
<br />
I believe that an angel of protection was there to guide the car away from the pole and not get hit by the truck behind us. I say that because I cannot figure out how I missed it. Not only that, the truck behind me see so closed and the traffic so heavy that I don't know how he missed hitting us. <i>Again I say, But God. </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Flashbacks from previous accidents - one in particular - came rushing in. OMG! I sat ... and sat... and sat. I was so shaken I couldn't even call anyone. My grand daughter sat looking at me. I realized that if I lost it so would she and the other grands. A calmness came over me enough for me to drive home. <i>Isn't God good?</i><br />
<br />
The car was silent. The stillness was almost deafening, but I requested the quietness. Every time I looked in the rear view mirror I saw a blue truck burrowing down on us. But it wasn't real. We made it home safely and the children enjoyed a picnic in thee living room and a friendly game on the Wii.<br />
I on the other hand broke down in the privacy of my room. I began shaking and my back spasms began. My heart rate went up and I immediately went into prayer. But wait... I couldn't even pray. Words wouldn't even come out. Ugh!!!!!<br />
<br />
After a few moments, I called my pastor. All I said was, "I need you." My pastor spoke to my brokenness and instantly prayed for me. Without me telling her how I was feeling she spoke to and prayed about every emotion, every twitch and pain ... even to my fast heart rate.<br />
<br />
Many people may not believe that God can and will speak to His people audibly in this day and time. But if there isn't another time that I know that God exists and speaks I know it today. I am so grateful for the experience of seeing God move in my life like this. You see, it took me almost 10 years for me to get back behind the wheel and drive. <i>But God! </i><br />
<br />
I was so afraid of driving and the thought of it would send me into a full panic attack. But, <i>whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36). </i>I refuse to return to the bondage of fear, anxiety, and depression. Though the symptoms of PTSD arises now and then, I refuse to allow it to define me and bind me.<br />
<br />
Today my life and the lives of my grandchildren were spared. The car will have to go in the shop, but thank God no one had to go into the hospital. Today I'm victorious because of God. There is no way whatsoever I can take credit for anything. <i>God is our (my) refuse and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)</i> God proved Himself strong to me.<br />
<br />
The name of Jesus is above PTSD ... above anxiety ... above depression ... or any other mental health issue that has plagued my life. I declare and I decree the Word of God over my life and I am victorious. And guess what? God is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11). What He did for me today He can and will do for you. He is able to keep you in the midst of all the craziness and bring you peace in the midst of your storm.<br />
<br />
Be encouraged. God is able to do exceedingly abundant above all that we could ever ask or think by the power that works in us. Do you want that power? You can have it today. Just ask for it. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and to reign over every situation. Admit that you need HIM. Not only will He come in He will fix you and in the process fix relationships and other things.<br />
<br />
Have something you'd like to share? I'd love to hear from you. Just send me an email. Have a great week!Nani Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01668128609776745118noreply@blogger.com0