short stories

Thin Places by Mary E. DeMuth

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:59:05 CDT

I just read it. My feet haven't touched the ground yet. But I'll say this: Sometimes it's tempting to treat my testimony like an old trophy to be taken off the shelf and shined up to WOW a group of people who can't imagine life without the challenges that "by the grace of God" I never struggled with again.

But truthfully, our stories should be an integral part of not only leading people to Christ, but inspiring them to follow Him through the guts-and-glory journey of overcoming the hellish wounds and insecurities that reside in their very own hearts.

Thin Places, is a beautiful reminder that I'm human after all, and still so very dependant on Jesus.

For more information, please visit www.marydemuth.com

How to Make Wise Decisions

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:24:41 CDT

The word of God shapes and matures our decision making when we follow it. If you've never thought about it that way, try reading a Proverb everyday and you'll be amazed at the results.

I remember when I didn't make decisions, but rather reacted emotionally and then complained profusely about the outcome once the dust settled from the drama. It takes time to grow, and the changes that are necessary in order to make wise decisions only come as we concede that the contents of our hearts are under the sovereign authority of God.

Lack of accountability + Less time with God = Potential relapse

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:46:30 CDT

A few weeks ago Josh and Katie Hamilton shared a bit of their story at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. Josh plays professional baseball for the Texas Rangers, loves the Lord, and shared openly about his battle with drug addiction. I wouldn't classify myself as a baseball fan, so when I first heard that he was going to share a bit of his testimony, I yawned and imagined yet another person in a suit standing on a platform, sharing some elusive story about how bad life used to be before the grace of God made life wonderful all of the time.

Is God sovereign over your healing process?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:38:35 CDT

According to Wikipedia: sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law which no purely legal explanation can be provided.

Sounds similiar to Isaiah 55:9: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."

Whether you call it a "healing process" or a "journey," it's of paramount importance that you understand who your physician/tourguide is. I'll give you a hint: It can't be you.

I know firsthand that you can be a church-program-junkie, commit to Christian counseling, never miss a church sermon, and still manage to inch God right out of it if your main focus is on how you will heal instead of who will heal you.

The Power of Sitting in the Presence of God

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:25:08 CDT

Lately, I've been spending more time basking in the presence of God. I don't have much to say, I just need more of Him. Sitting quietly in His presence with no desire to identify and manipulate how He works in my heart, has always been one of the key elements in spiritual breakthroughs in my life.

The Subtle Ways We Unknowingly Emasculate Our Sons

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:38:49 CDT

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.

Are We There Yet? Recognizing the Will of God

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:22:33 CDT

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,

The Impact of Neglect

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:24:09 CDT

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.

Is Your Marriage Caught Between A Spiritual Rock and A Hard Place?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:43:15 CDT

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.

The Simplicity of an Effective Christian Walk

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:43:19 CDT

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.

We Cannot Overcome What We Deny

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:55:00 CDT

More than anything, I want the church body to grasp that truth. It seems, in this day and age, that we've gotten away from good old fashioned confession.

I'm not referring to the confession of our sins, though that certainly applies, but confession of the areas of our lives that we flat out don't trust God with, whether it's a current issue, or something that happened years ago.

A Rebel and A Popsicle Stick Cross: part 2

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:16:55 CDT

I did the best I could to respond in a loving, non-argumentative manner as Christopher continued to stage conversations of point and counter-point with me. He often accused me of shoving Christ down his throat and I would calmly reply, "I have not once done that to you. I believe Christ died for my sins and rose again on the third day, but if you don't, you don't." And that seemed to settle him down. I think he needed to know that I respected his right to choose for himself, as teenagers seem to be very concerned about their "rights."

I often told him that God does not want puppets without choices. He gave us free will and He delights when we choose Him. I simply refused to argue with my son.

A Rebel and A Popsicle Stick Cross: part 1

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:28:48 CDT

If as a child, you attended church or Vacation Bible School, you are most likely the retired maker of crosses made from Popsicle sticks. Five years ago, my refrigerator proudly displayed such a cross. Zach, now ten years old, made it in Sunday school; complete with a magnet on the back.

I placed his cross on the upper right hand corner of a stainless steel billboard for all the world to see, or at least anyone who needed something from the fridge. It was purple, it was precious, and it was...UPSIDE DOWN! Who would do such a thing?!

2010: The Year Hope is Affirmed.

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:19:41 CDT

"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it off to future generations."

--George Bernard Shaw

A Single Mother's Un-sung Hero

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:54:22 CDT

The year Michael and I separated was one of the most challenging years of my life. Our son, Zach, was just six months old. Almost ten years have passed, the dust has had plenty of time to settle, and God used a recent conversation with my twenty-two-year-old son, Christopher, to reveal that he is the un-sung hero during that part of my story.

Dictionary.com has several listings to define the word hero, but these are the two I most relate to in regards to a twelve-year-old boy who changed a thousand diapers, rocked his baby brother when his mother broke down, and spent countless hours watching a baby and his younger brother when opportunities came for me to work when childcare was not available.

1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds and noble qualities.

2. the principle male character in a story, play, film, etc.

Love Un-hurts the Ones We've Hurt

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:54:04 CDT

Several years ago, when my husband was thick in the battle of addiction, he would often say to me, "I wasn't trying to hurt you." (because let's face it ladies, it feels so personal, though in reality it's not about us at all.)

My usual retort was, "Well, you weren't trying not to!" Ouch, right? I didn't read my Bible in those days and the truth is, neither one of us had a clue as to what love is and isn't, does and doesn't do.

Years later, I discovered that God maps it out very clearly for us in His word.

Merry Christmas!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:26:20 CDT

Hi ladies! Once again, I find myself apologizing for not blogging. I have a sinus infection and the sinus pressure makes it hard to have organized thoughts.

I have something to share with you as soon as I'm well. Meanwhile, please know that I am praying for you. I understand how painful the holidays can be for some, so know that I pray over my precious readers on a regular basis. You are not alone and you are covered in prayer!

If you have a special prayer need, please let me know through the contact page.

A Christmas Story for Single Mothers

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:18:46 CDT

An excerpt from The Jonah Chronicles. At this point, Michael and I are separated due to his drug addiction. I attend church, pray to God, but still refuse to say the name Jesus.

"Michael got a job, and every Friday he left money on the porch after his shift ended. I wasn't ready to see him, and I didn't want to raise the children's hopes only to disappoint them later.

Christmas was approaching, and the thought of getting the tree out of storage and decorating it alone weighed heavily on my heart..."

Love and Marriage

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:12:32 CDT

I recently went through a little slump in my marriage, as we all do from time to time, whether we want to admit it or not. It stemmed from a combination of things really...not enough time alone together, hormones (hello forties), and my own selfish fears. I openly share that my husband battled drug addiction for many years. Today he is clean, sober, and amazing! But from time to time the enemy likes to remind me of how hard the holidays used to be.

I thought for a moment and was quickly greeted by a spirit of despair. Now mind you, I have a wonderful life with my husband, there are no circumstances in my life today that merit those feelings. I got my Bible and read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV).

As I read, my heart sank. I realized that I had not been actively expressing God's description of love in my marriage. I certainly had in the past, but God is interested in my walking in love today.

Deeper Still

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:37:44 CDT

I've made several attempts to write this week...to no avail. Christmas is my favorite time of year, but it also requires a little more of my time: to bake, fellowship with loved ones, and to snuggle up with my youngest son and watch movies. My friend, Carrie, has a son who used to refer to those moments as "cuddle-uh-zations." Don't you love that?

I was going to write early this morning, but I found myself sitting in front of my fireplace with two adorable labs at my feet and my Bible in my lap. I sang, I prayed, I read, I listened, I napped. I guess you could say that God and I had a "cuddle-uh-zation."

When I encourage you to go deeper, you can rest assured that God continues to tap me on the shoulder and take me deeper too. And in the midst of everything wonderful about the Christmas season, He did just that this morning.

I often pray that God will expand my territory in ministry. Today He led me to Isaiah 26:15;

"You have increased the nation, O Lord, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have expanded all the borders of the land."

Beautiful isn't it? But once again, God is showing me that before physical territory can be expanded, the territory in our hearts must first be expanded by Him. For me, going deeper is always uncomfortable. But I am willing to follow the Savior and I pray that you are too. We're in this together!

How about you? Has God tapped you on the shoulder and asked you to spend more time alone with Him? You may not be praying to cover more territory in ministry, but maybe you would like to be more effective in your workplace or in personal relationships. If you feel in your spirit that it's time to be still, then He will bless your obedience.

Often times, we want the blessing, but we aren't willing to take the time it requires with Him to be prepared to receive it. We must ask Him to prioritize each day, allowing for time alone with Him. I know it's challenging. Last night I missed a dinner party that I was really looking forward to. The sitter got sick and no one else was available. I could have gone without my husband, but I didn't have peace about it. So I stayed home and realized how much we needed to be home last night. (Of course, God already knew that!)

But it is written:

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of
man,
The things which God has
prepared for those who love
Him."

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV)

I'm almost back!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:57:16 CDT

Hi everyone! I got busy doing holiday stuff with my family over Thanksgiving. Blogging is next to impossible with a house full of kids!

It's back to the keyboard this evening! I'm thinking of you and haven't forgotten you in my prayers.

We're Not Alone

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:23:15 CDT

Several years ago I sat in a darkened church sanctuary during my lunch hour, wondering how I would make it through the day. The previous night's therapy session had been particularly painful, and I longed for a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

I was confused about Christ, confused about the cross...confused about Christianity. How can I come to believe God's love for me when I feel so invisible before Him? Does the Son who died for me see me dying today?

And then something happened that changed me forever.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:57 CDT

Last Sunday, while visiting a friend's church, I attended a class called The Empty Nesters. I'm not quite there yet--still have one out of three living at home, but they welcomed me anyway.

I'm about to be forty-two and I would say that the average age in that group is sixty. I was a little uncomfortable at first...my age, the fact that I was the only one wearing jeans, but after a few minutes I realized that something profound was taking place in my heart. Once again, God saw a desire in my heart that I'm not smart enough to pray for, and He provided.

The Baby Steps of A Changing Heart

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:47:32 CDT

Just a little "light bulb moment" I want to share with anyone who is in a relationship with a drug addicted person.

The Original Sanctuary

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:40:14 CDT

Introducing authors David Terry and Marc Owings:

Most of my guest blogs have been written by women to women. But today I'm sharing an article written by two men. They are writers and speakers, but most importantly, they are men of God. I once doubted that "safe" men existed. I have since learned that you can't throw a gender away and experience the fullness of God. When I became open to the belief that there may be some good guys out there...they showed up in my life.

I met David and Marc about four years ago. I observed them as they told the truth, remained faithful to their wives, fathered their children, took the time to minister to the broken hearted, and sought God passionately. And because I was willing to believe, I received. God has transformed my husband into a man of God.

My guests today have written a book titled: The Original Sanctuary
It's all about the heart with them--you'll love it!

For more information, please visit: www.elevatehim.com

Before I post Part 3...

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:02:50 CDT

'...And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

"And second, like it, is this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31 NKJV)

I'm taking a few days to meditate on this Scripture? Will you join me?

The Narrow, Less Traveled Roads of the Heart: Part 2

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:19:03 CDT

In Part 1, I left off asking you to consider who puts a smile on your face and who makes you grateful for caller I.D.

But the motive behind my request was not to encourage you to find fault with another, but rather to help you identify the areas in your own life that lack boundaries, and therefore steal the joy of fellowship.

Beth Moore once said that God didn't give her Bible studies to share because she was exceptionally knowledgeable and mature--that surely she needed them most. She then teased that before a Bible study "hits" us in the book store, she has been beaten half to death with it.

I'm feeling a little banged up myself these days. I can't tell you that I'm on the other side of this lesson. This is the first time I've ever felt led by God to share something I don't feel like I have a strong handle on, but the good news is that my personal insecurity keeps me fully dependant on Him.

Jesus has some very specific words for how we are to treat one another. Will you journey with me?

""And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV)

The Narrow, Less Traveled Roads of the Heart: Part 1

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:26:47 CDT

A year ago several people told me that this ministry would not look like I thought it would. Up until now I wasn't sure what they meant. I launched The Medicine Place hoping to encourage and validate women who have been sexually abused. But it's gravitating toward something more than that. It's quickly becoming a ministry for women seeking encouragement through a variety of circumstances.

That certainly includes sexual abuse, but if you've spent any time reading my previous blogs then you know that I am a woman who has suffered much, but that I live my life cradled in the redemptive arms of a Love so powerful that human limitation prevents me from fully grasping it.

In layman's terms: The good Lord has delivered me and my family from layers of crazy! :)

As long as there is breath in my body, I will continue to experience a deeper measure of His redeeming love. And I will continue to humbly share those miracles of redemption so you will know that you are not alone.

God is all up in my business again, only this time it's not in the earth-shattering stuff like abuse or addiction. It's in the little things. For example, some of the long-term relationships I have that leave me feeling drained, but I haven't said anything because I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings or (and this is selfish), suffer the ill opinion of another.

Jesus is always on the move. Once again He has invited me to walk with Him on the narrow, less traveled roads of my heart. It's dark; I don't know the way, and the only light at the end of the tunnel is the assurance that He will never leave me or forsake me.

Just me, Jesus, and a sign that reads "Authentic Friend or Acquaintance"?

He wants me to understand that there is a difference. As women, we need to know the fundamental differences between the two. Our lack of understanding in this area often spreads us too thin and our husbands and children feel neglected.

In a few days, we will touch on those differences. Until then, think of your "friends". Which ones make you smile and which ones make you grateful for caller I.D. ?

Get Out of the Way

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:05:45 CDT

Several years ago I had a habit of enabling my boyfriend (now clean and sober husband's) drug addiction. I certainly couldn't see it at the time. I was just trying to "help": help him get off drugs and stay off drugs, help him keep his apartment clean, help him wake up on time so he wouldn't be late for work, help him become the man I needed him to be.

And then one day his sponsor said to me, "Michael would find God a lot faster if you and his grandmother would get out of the way and let him hit rock bottom."

He was right.

Feedback on The Jonah Chronicles

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:33:07 CDT

If you've visited the book news page, then you know that I have recently released my testimony in a book titled: The Jonah Chronicles. It's a candid re-telling of how I overcame abuse, betrayal, and religious rejection.

I expected to be asked questions about healing from abuse, but the most consistent comment made is, "I can't believe that you and your husband are still together after everything you've been through."

I can't help it, it puts a smile on my face; the thought of giving families in way over their heads with dysfunction...hope. God has taken layers of crazy in my family and transformed it in to mulitple stories of redemption. If you've ever wondered how in the world someone can say that they don't regret their past; that's how.

The Jonah Chronicles is now a blog category. If you want to know more about a specific circumstance I shared in the book, just submit your question through the contact page and I'll be happy to elaborate. Your comments are welcome!

Lessons in Humility

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:22:37 CDT

Today I hope to shed some light on a side to gossip most of us don't recognize as gossip. And like most things, I learned this one the hard way. God has been bustin' on me!

The God Who Sees Me

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:36:10 CDT

It's interesting how God works to fulfill our heart's desires. I spent the better part of last week caring for my father, who is now being treated for throat cancer.

He and my mother divorced when I was seven years old; growing up I always saw more of my mom than my dad. I was sitting across from him during Chemo and he said,"I really like your shoes." This may sound silly, but in an instant I became a little girl being complemented by her Daddy--and it was healing.

The next morning I drove him to the hosipital. I have no memory of driving my dad anywhere as a teenager. I never had one of those classic teenage moments when the daughter is nervous behind the wheel and the dad is equally nervous by her driving. My dad lives out in the sticks so we had to leave before the sun came up. We were dealing with winding roads, fog, and my forty-something-year-old eyes.

We were both nervous. And just like that God made arrangements for the "teenage moment" I had not previously experienced--and it was healing. It amazes me that He's always looking for opportunities to minister love to the lonely places in my heart; places that I'm often unaware of.

It never would have occurred to me to ask God for those circumstances. I couldn't identify the need, but the God who sees me could. Unfailing Love is always on the look out for me (and you). I'll see my father again in two weeks. Though I hate to see him suffer, I am blessed to have him back in my life and I know that he too, is healing.

Are you so over-stimulated by modern technology that there is little awareness of the quiet ways God moves in your life each day? Will you take twenty minutes today and identify a time when perhaps He handed you flowers, but you didn't recognize it? It's never too late to take a moment to smell those flowers and extend your thanks.

Setting Boundaries with a Drug-addicted Loved One: Part 3

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:08:32 CDT

Today I'm offering solutions for the challenges that often arise when dealing with a drug-addicted loved one. They're tough, but the motive behind tough love should always be: love.

Be firm, but honoring. Acknowledge to yourself and to God that you are in the midst of highly emotional circumstances, and then ask Him for peace that transcends understanding as you boundary set with your loved one.

Part 3 on Setting Boundaries will post by next Tuesday.

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:02:48 CDT

I'm leaving town tommorow to help care for my dad, who is being treated for cancer. Meanwhile, I've posted an article written by Cecil Murphy that I think you'll find helpful. It's under: Guest blog

Reasons to Dislike

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:07:42 CDT

Today I'm happy to share, with his permission, a news letter written by Cecil Murphy, titled: Reasons to Dislike. "Cec" has written books on many different topics. His primary areas focus on Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, and Caregiving.

I've had brief conversations with him at writer's conferences, but it only takes a few minutes with him to grasp his sincerity for helping others. I've always been a tell-it-like-it-is person, and I appreciate his honesty and frankness.

If you're willing to take an honest look in the mirror as you seek healing, you will find Cec's news letters to be most helpful. For more information, visit www.cecilmurphy.com

I'll be out of town next week

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:12:28 CDT

I have the best intentions to introduce you to an author by the name of Cecil Murphy before I go out of town next week to help my Dad, who is being treated for throat cancer.

I'm a mom and I still have the day job, so the plan is to share a news letter Cecil wrote by tommorow, and hope to blog again by Tuesday, October 20th.

Thanks for understanding and I appreciate your prayers. The good news is, The Jonah Chronicles can now be ordered by going to the book news page. Life truly is a wonderful and awful mixture of things.

Hopeless Stars

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:06:55 CDT

I wrote this poem after six weeks of faithful attendance to group therapy. I remember being frustrated because I wasn't healed, (I had a lot to learn about healing processes).

I needed to heal fast...I had a job and a family that needed me sane. I was constantly on edge and I didn't want to be touched. Every day presented new challenges. It all seemed so unfair and the truth is, it was.

One Smooth Stone

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:36:04 CDT

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is of David and Goliath. David fought a giant who mighty warriors feared, and defeated him with one smooth stone and a slingshot...against all odds.

I love a good under-dog story!

Invisable Child

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:12:42 CDT

I've decided to share a collection of things I wrote when I thought healing was impossible and also what I wrote when healing became a reality.

I'm not sharing the dark stuff for the sake of being edgy. I just think it's important to show all aspects of the journey. And I want you to know that when I say that I know how you feel, I really do know how you feel.

Your story doesn't have to end with what I once wrote. I now live in the light at the end of the tunnel and it's brilliant. You can too.

Setting Boundaries with a Drug-addicted Loved One: Part 2

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:03:17 CDT

Ten Rationalizations That Make Bad Situations Worse:

Repairers of the Breach

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:32:25 CDT

Introducing Marty Norman!

Today I am sharing an article written by Marty Norman, an inspirational speaker, writer, and licensed therapist. Her specialties include women's issues, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual abuse, grief issues, and play therapy for children.

I met Marty a few years ago at a writers conference and she is an amazing woman. She is the author of Generation G - Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray. I'm not a grandmother, but as I read her book I found comfort in knowing that my influence in the lives of my adult children is not bound to the mistakes I made when they were younger.

For me, healing was a long and challenging process. Initially, I remained committed for my own benefit. But I slowly began to realize that it wasn't just for me. My decision to face the past and heal was one of the greatest gifts I could give to my family. Generation G is a delightful reminder of that truth!

For more information, visit www.martynorman.com

Personal updates

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:54:04 CDT

I'm trying to be back! My son's fever was the onset of swine flu. You read it right. After a tough week, I am blessed to announce that he is feeling much better and ready for a full day of school tommorow.

Meanwhile, I just spent the last hour setting up my next guest blog and somehow lost the whole thing! I'm going to bed and plan to rise early to re-type.

A quick hello with an update

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:40:35 CDT

Hi ladies! I'm sorry I don't have a new blog for you today. My son is home from school with a fever, so he gets my undivided attention.

'Just wanted to tell you that I'm thinking of you! Good news, my book is going to the printers tomorrow. So The Jonah Chronicles should be ready toward the end of October. A look inside feature has recently been added to the page! You can now read the chapter titles and an excerpt in addition to the introduction.

And if you pre-order your copy, you receive a discount.

book news

Setting Boundaries with a Drug-addicted Loved One: Part 1

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:04:35 CDT

I pray you'll benefit from the lessons I've learned through personal experience. I have rationalized the breaking of every boundary listed, suffered for it, and welcomed the internal peace that accompanies setting good boundaries and maintaining them. I'll say this as gently as I can: If nothing changes, no one changes. It starts with you today.

The Great Exchange

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:05:21 CDT

Hi Ladies! It's important to share stories from multiple stages of healing. We're not all at the same place at the same time. Today I'm blogging from the deep end of the pool.

It's okay if you're not ready. Re-visit at a later date. Meanwhile, continue to seek God and trust Him with your pain.

Work of art

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:12:56 CDT

Introducing Lisa Buffaloe!

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

Through Christ, she has overcome molestation, assault, rape, divorce, cancer, and remains in God's 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. Today I'm posting an article she wrote titled Work of art. Enjoy!

New Online Sanity Support Group is Starting in Two Weeks

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:57:48 CDT

Don't miss out on the chance to learn how to take your life back if you have an adult child causing chaos and turmoil in your life...

What do you need from God?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:24:36 CDT

It was a strange request to a single mother at her wits end. Looking back I can see that my response opened the door to the great journey of trusting God.

The Beauty of Fellowship When We're Uncool

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:12:05 CDT

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone when you're uncool."
movie Almost Famous

Seemingly Impossible Things

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:30:36 CDT

"Sometimes I've believed in as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
                                      --Lewis Carroll

Happily Ever After

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:01:26 CDT

Stay with me, this has nothing to do with perfection and everything to do with progression...

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Forgiving

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:49:29 CDT

Funny...unusual, not funny ha-ha. We'll get to those later.

Guest blog coming soon.

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:59:21 CDT

I've been through a lot, but I haven't been through everything. Here, special guests will offer additional insight on how God equips them to walk through challenging circumstances.

Topics will vary, but they'll be stored in this category.

A Prayer For Survivors

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:54:59 CDT

"Father in heaven, I thank you that none of us go unseen in your eyes..."

Updates coming soon!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:38:32 CDT

Hi ladies! I haven't forgotten you...

Sometimes You Have To Look Back To Move Forward

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:55:23 CDT

"All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why."

--James Thurber

How do you treat yourself?

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:03:28 CDT

One of the most thought provoking questions I have been asked as a survivor is, "How do you treat yourself, Wendy?"

The Reality of Healing from Sexual Abuse: It's a process!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:34:16 CDT

This is a topic the church as a whole, avoids like the plague...probably because it is one.

Praying For A Prodigal Son

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:53:01 CDT

I've seen him twice in three weeks...

A Prodigal Son and A Heartbroken Mother

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:58:11 CDT

My middle son is a senior this year...was. His ceremony was yesterday morning, but he chose not to participate...

The Early Days of Healing from Sexual Abuse

Mon, 04 May 2009 15:59:06 CDT

Where do you start when you don't know where to start?

Codependency

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:47:16 CDT

The obstacle to love's most honorable expression . . .

If I need Jesus to heal, why are there so many unhealed Christians?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:54:28 CDT

That's a tough question, and my answer is tough because it requires trust.

How Do I Overcome the Memories of Child Sexual Abuse?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:33:03 CDT

It takes courage to ask the question and courage to read my response. That's half the battle . . .

When Monsters Are Real

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:36:24 CDT

God, save the little ones. Not everyone is sent to bed with a hug and a story. For many, the monsters are real . . .

Tiny Boxes Filled With Pain

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:16:03 CDT

"Most of the women in this support group cry every time we meet, and I don't see them healing! If I have to cry to heal, then I'm really in trouble."

A Normal Marriage

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:49:24 CDT

Can a survivor of child sexual abuse and a recovering addict have a normal marriage?

Christian Moms Lose Control

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:55:21 CDT

She's one of those women you can't imagine losing control . . .