New Life Ministries offers help for a variety of spiritual and emotional crisis. Affiliate offices are located across the nation. I have personally called the 800 number to help a woman in crisis and they were most helpful. Call 1-800-NEW-LIFE or visit www.newlife.com for counseling resources in your area. 

You will find everything from helpful articles you can read at no cost, to workshops you can register for and attend.  

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) The nations largest anti-sexual assault organization, operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, and offers programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Call 1-800-656-4673 or visit www.rainn.org.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline "When it seems like there's no hope, there is help."

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).  

Set Free Today provides blogs, resources, and prayer support. Visit www.setfreetoday.com.

Living Proof Ministries is "dedicated to Biblical literacy and a commitment to guide believers to love and live God's Word." Visit www.lproof.org today.

Beth Moore remains a cherished resource for me. I had not spoken a word to Jesus in over twenty years when I made the decision to pursue Him in her ten-week Bible study titled: Breaking Free. And while they are intended for group gatherings, I began in the privacy of my home, alone at the kitchen table. 

I was hurt, confused, and highly suspicious of the God who professed to love me. Midway through the Bible study, I broke my vow of silence, and I've never been the same. By the way, you don't have to be a Christian to commit to a Bible study. Just show up and do your part and God will do His!

Gateway Church..."They're all about people."
Gp tp www.gatewaypeople.comfor more information. If you don't live in the area, you can download Pastor Robert Morris' sermons. You won't be bored, you'll be blessed.

Lisa Buffaloe is a friend of mine and fellow writer. I met her three years ago at the North Texas Christian Writers conference in Keller, Texas. Her website, www.lisabuffaloe.com is reflective of her heart for people in search of encouragement and helpful resources and links.

Through Christ, she has overcome molestation, assault, rape, divorce, cancer, and remains in His loving embrace as she battles the chronic effects of Lyme's disease. Lisa is an amazing woman who does not know the word quit. You will be blessed by her writing.

Fellowship of the Sword provides the opportunity to set aside time to actively pursue and be pursued by God. Through a combination of confession, fasting, and Biblical teaching, men and women can experience His life changing presence. The five-day Quest uses Biblical truths to show men how to "live life to the fullest." The Heart Quest, for women, is a perfect compliment to Quest in the restoration and strengthening of our heart's desires.

My husband and I have both participated and we encourage you to log on to their website at www.fellowshipofthesword.com and prayerfully consider going. Watch for my upcoming Heart Queststory on my blog.

Joyce Meyer Ministries, among many things, is a wonderful audio resource. I listened to her faithfully through one of the toughest years I've know in my healing process. Sorry, of course there are times when God instantly heals us, but by enlarge, it's a process. To quote Mrs. Meyer, "There's no such thing as a drive-through break-through."

There is one audio in particular, Wilderness Mentality, that you must hear. She speaks candidly about her personal struggles with God, herself, and everyone around her. We can all relate. No matter how many tears you cry each day, when you start listening you'll come across parts that invoke side-bending laughter . . . good medicine.

Joyce has publicly confessed that Christ delivered her from the effects of multiple years of sexual abuse. Joyce Meyer Ministries offers a resident program for abused girls, Mercy Ministries. For more information, log on to www.joycemeyer.com.

Suggested reads:

Hustling God, authored by M. Craig Barnes. I was not yet on speaking terms with Jesus the day I stumbled across it, but I found the title intriguing. After reading one chapter, I saw something in the authenticity of the writer that made Christianity appealing for the first time in a long time . . . Christ. If you've been hurt in church or know someone who has, this book is a must read.

A Glimpse of Grace, written by Mary Forsythe, is a harrowing story of a Dallas woman's descend to rock bottom while in her prime as a business person. She was successful, pretty, and personable, but not above the law. Through a series of events she was sentenced to several years in a federal prison.

I was touched to know that none of us go unseen in God's eyes. Mary was more than a number. She was more than a mistake. She was a child of God. As you read, you will witness a child of God becoming a daughter of the King before your very eyes.

Mary Forsythe is now the president of Kingdom Living Ministries. You can log on to her website and view her testimony as shown on the 700 Club at www.kingdomlivingministries.com.

What Does She Want from Me Anyway? Authored by Holly Faith Phillips with Gregg Lewis. Another book that showed up when I wasn't looking for anything in particular. The title says it all. Michael and I have come a long way, but there are still days when the words we speak to express our feelings become a foreign language in mid-air.

This book provides two essentials in male/female communication: validation for women and a practical explanation for men. I read it first before asking my husband to read it. The Saxton's give it two thumbs up!

Marley & Me, authored by John Grogan. Okay, it's not "spiritual," but I'm a firm believer that it's always good to be reading something just for the fun of it. It's a true story of a man and the life of his yellow lab, Marley. I happen to be a dog lover and a book lover. If you're neither, don't bother. But if you are, you'll laugh, cry, and give your dog extra belly rubs.