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Jack Nicolson put it brilliantly in the road-trip scene from the 1999 movie As Good As It Gets: Not everyone has a terrible story to get over. Some people have great stories; beautiful stories that take place in parks with friends and noodle salad. Good times, noodle salad. Just no one in this car.
If you're overwhelmed by your circumstances or need help facing a painful past, you're in the right place. I'm here to say, "You matter to God. It (whatever it is), matters to God." But no one can make that discovery for you. No matter what, don't give up. You are worth fighting for, and so is your family.
I realize now that the lessons I've learned through my toughest years of healing were never just for me. God had you in mind as well. You are why The Medicine Place exist.
Healing is a journey. And if I could go back in time and choose instant healing over what I went through, I would choose the long way. Because it was on that road that I discovered how beautifully my hand fits in my Savior's.
Welcome to The Medicine Place...proof that there is beauty to be gained from a breakdown.
--Wendy J. Saxton, Ordinary Woman
have you read it?
The Subtle Ways We Unknowingly Emasculate Our Sons
A sobering subject, but one that's been on my heart lately. And as usual, I'm writing about the lessons I've learned the hard way.
Last weekend my husband, Michael, took our ten-year-old, Zach, on an adventure. Never mind that it was twenty-seven degrees outside. They sat at the kitchen table with a map and a highlighter, plotting their attack on the grasslands.
I did what mom's do best--served up a "manly" breakfast and smiled the "you-guys-are-crazy-smile" as they loaded up the jeep. And then off they went, with the windows rolled down, so that our two labs could feel the wind on their faces. Did I mention it was twenty-seven degrees outside?
Ahhh... A woman with the house to herself. "Thank you, God, for the day they will have together and for how far you've brought our family."
At 5:30 PM they returned, covered in mud, and with pictures to prove how they got that way. I watched a video of Zach climbing an enormous tree, its roots exposed, right off the bank of a lake. I quickly pointed out that if Zach had fallen, he would've landed in the freezing water. I wish I had a picture of the smile on my husbands face when he proudly exclaimed, "I know, I wanted to see if he was strong enough to do it!"
I realize more than ever, how important it is for boys to be provided with opportunities to be strong and effective every day. (Girls, too, but their opportunities are presented differently.)I have three sons, so today it's about mom's and boys.
Published on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 @ 12:38 AM CDT
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Are We There Yet? Recognizing the Will of God
When The Medicine Place was still a dream in my heart, more than one godly person who I respected told me that it wouldn't look like I thought it would. I found that to be disconcerting. I had high hopes of providing a safe place for survivors of sexual abuse to gather resources and receive encouagement anonymously.
Eighteen months later,
Published on Monday, January 25, 2010 @ 5:22 PM CDT
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The Impact of Neglect
The other day I watered a plant that had gone neglected over the holidays. I had put it in the spare room to make room for "Christmas."
It was in desperate need of sunlight and water...attention. As I was watering my sad plant, in my spirit, I heard God say, "All forms of neglect grieve Me. I created plants, too."
It got me thinking. When we neglect a plant, an animal, a child, a parent, a spouse, a friend, a widow, an orphan; what and who He has created, it grieves Him.
Published on Thursday, January 21, 2010 @ 8:24 AM CDT
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Is Your Marriage Caught Between A Spiritual Rock and A Hard Place?
Omission of truth. A full blown in-your-face lie. Betrayal. Infidelity. Addictions to pornography, drugs, or alcohol...not all wounds are created equal.
Men and women who face any of these challenges, know well the emotional pain that accompanies a marriage that for a season, has become more of a battlefield than a blessing. Several years ago, while listening to a pastor disclose that most problems in marriage come from an accumulation of little things; the dishes, the trash, a bill not being paid on time; I whispered to my friend, "Just once I wish Michael and I would have an argument over something insignificant."
Back then, most of our fights were over his relapses. I tried to be a supportive wife. I spoke life over him, prayed for him, studied my Bible, and thanked God daily for my husband. Between my efforts to remain a faithful and godly wife, I took aerobic classes and with every knee lift, thought to myself, I hate him! I hate him! I hate him!
On my way home from the gym I would ask God to forgive me. I love him. I love him. I love him. And then I would cry, and cry, and cry.
Today, my husband is clean, sober, and amazing! I just happen to believe that the grace of God shines through a lot brighter when we're honest about how broken we once were. If you can relate to my former struggles, I'm going to share something that will set your feet on higher ground, if today you happen to be at your wits end.
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 @ 11:43 AM CDT
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The Simplicity of an Effective Christian Walk
Last sunday as I sat in church, the pastor asked us to bow our heads and close our eyes so that he could ask a personal question. I imagined him asking for a show of hands from the people who still hadn't taken down their Christmas trees. No need to feel embarassed. Just a quick slip of your hand. Thank you for being honest. Bless you. Bless you. Hands are raised all over the room.
Have you ever just run out of steam? I've gone from stopping to smell the roses to stopping to camp in the garden. Normally when I spend time with God, it energizes me and I become more productive. But for reasons unbeknownst to me, the more time I spend with God, the more I want to nap afterward.
Published on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 5:43 PM CDT
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