Tighten Our Child Sex Abuse Laws

I know, some of you may be getting tired of hearing me repeat myself, but this is a subject that is dear to my heart...NOT abuse, but in trying to get help for victims of abuse, whether it be sexual or other. I continue to read about so many young people who continue to suffer abuse in a nation that looks the other way and deny that it is happening. What is it going to take?

The scars of abuse "leave emotional bloodshed" on all of us by the guilt of not doing enough in our societies to help and make a difference. It is also on all of us as a financial burden due to the numbers of humanity who have to be locked up. Our prisons today are FULL of perpetrators who were victims themselves...it has snowballed from generation to generation, and is a burden on all of society. We MUST stop this horrendous epidemic (and THAT is what it is...no matter what anyone says) so that our children and grandchildren don't continue to pay in future generations for our denial and complacency.

All child abuse should be reported and dealt with, and punished (not just with a slap on the hand and let out to abuse again...but to the full extent of the law). I live in the U.S. and there are a number of states who are mightily tightening their laws on child abuse. Claire Reeves (who wrote the promo for the back cover of my book) has been instrumental in getting these laws changed...one main state was California. Claire is the Founder/President of MASA (Mothers Against Sexual Abuse) and she works tirelessly in government to tighten these laws.

Also, when we traveled abroad a few years ago in the Caribbean, I did a little research on my own while we were on tours. I asked our guides in each city we stopped, "Do you have much child abuse here." In every instance they would answer with words to the affect "No, you touch the child, you do life in prison." It was no 3 strikes and you're out...ONE time and you do LIFE in prison. These little countries have made the effort that it takes to get their laws changed. This is what needs to happen in every state of the US and in every country of the world.

Thanks again ShoutLife friends for all the efforts that YOU make where you live. And please, whoever reads this and knows of someone who needs healing from abuse, please refer them to my book, "Father, Forgive My Father". It is being called "the roadmap to recover" all across the country, and praise God, it is healing people so that they can live victorious lives through the healing power of Jesus Christ. With current statistics what they are (1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys abused by the age of 18) almost everyone knows someone who has been abused or, unfortunately, has been abused themselves. Those are the "published" statistics; who knows how high the numbers really are. So, put on your thinking caps, and open your eyes, and be more aware of your surroundings and those who may need your help.



"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

Zanzibar Wins Trophy in Fair

Zanzibar Wins Trophy In Fair

This is a video of the horse that my husband Forrest had, and we sold her to a young girl a couple summers ago. (Go to Facebook Link and look for video entitled "Kittitas County Horse Fair 2009" by Monica Renning) Zanzi has found her niche in life and is doing wonderful under the tender love and care of Tessa. She seems to love gaming and has just won a trophy in the Kittitas County Horse Fair 2009...Go Zanzi!

"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

Missing My son - Tamara's MySpace Blog |

Missing My son - Tamara's MySpace Blog |

Shared via AddThis

Sharing My Grandson's Life

On July 12th of this year, I received one of those phone calls that a parent or grandparent never wants to get. It was my daughter-in-law, Tammy, calling to let me know that my 22 year old grandson, Jake, was missing on the Talkeetna River up in Alaska. They moved up there a few years ago, and I get up there once a year to visit my son and his family. This news was hard to grasp because Jake had just been down here this Spring and had managed to make contact with most of his family. Now...missing in a raging, cold river??? NO, NO, I couldn't take it in, and a wave a nausea came over me, and after I hung up, the tears came. This precious grandson was the only one of my grandchildren who always offered to help me in my yard, and would come and stay with me. As I said, he was down this Spring, and I had the privilege to have him join me on a trip down the coast to our family beach house. He stayed with me and my girlfriend who was also visiting, for a couple of days. During that time, my friend and I had opportunities to discuss his philosophy of life, ask questions and exchange thoughts. He was such a free soul, who was upset with the establishment and didn't have much faith in our nation...only in our Lord. He spent the past few years of his life, playing his guitar at coffee houses and on the streets, and living among the homeless so that he could share the Lord, and any food he could find. He told me that "A lot of times, Grandma, I had to go "dumpster diving" just to feed the people who were hungry. Is it any wonder that when they held the first Celebration of Jake's Life in Anchorage, AK, that 1,500 people showed up to pay their respects and to remember how he had touched their lives? And so many people shared at our local memorial service what a wonderful, memorable young man he was. I want to take this opportunity to share my grandson, Jacob's, life with you all. He will be missed and loved by his family and friends forever.





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"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

When God Closes A Door...He Opens Another

One Door Closes...

Another Opens

Revelations 3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen - either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

I remember when I was growing up that my Grandmother would always tell me this. And...as I reached my young adult years, and had disappointments, she would remind me. I thank God for a loving Grandmother who always prayed for me and is the reason I am where I am spiritually today. Even though I could not see her often during my growing up years, I did get to enjoy knowing her better in my young adult years. She let me stay with her for awhile during the time I worked my first real job and needed a helping hand. I thank God for a loving, listening, Grandmother, who always let me feel her love. Now, in my sunset years, I love my own grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and even though they live far away and I don't get the time I'd like with them, I hope they feel my love, as I felt my grandmother's love. I thank God that I was allowed to have a wonderful son and daughter, and that I lived long enough to enjoy having 14 grandkids & 10 greats. You ALL are GREATs in my book, and you will always be loved more than I can ever tell you in words. I want you to all remember that, when you have disappointments in life, you will always remember that "God never closes a door...but what He opens one far better." Just lean on him and ask Him, as I have many times: God, please close doors to impossible situations, and open ones you want me to walk through. He will guide you, and you will be a better man or woman...and ALL that you can be.

"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

Your Daily Motivation

YOUR DAILY MOTIVATION

Monday, April 20, 2009

SUCCESS REQUIRES A WILLINGNESS TO ACT.
-----------------------------------------------
If you want to be successful, you can start at anytime.
But you must start.

Don't make the mistake of not doing anything
because you can only do a little.
Do what you can do.

It will always be your attitude
at the beginning of any difficult task which,
more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.

To be aware of what you want and not go after it,
to spend years wondering if something could have materialized,
and never knowing if it could have been,
is a tragic waste of your life.
The worst thing you can do is not to try.

To reach a port, you must sail.
You must sail, not lie at anchor.
You must sail off in the direction of your dreams, not drift.
-----------------------------------------------
Sam Maitz

Director of Marketing Technology

Leadership Management® International, Inc.

www.lmi-inc.com smaitz@lmi-inc.com

"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

Book is "Road Map to Reclaiming Your Life"

Child sexual abuse is an epidemic in our country as you know, and it is hurting all of our society. Since April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I would like to let you know about my book written to help victims of sexual child abuse. It is entitled, "Father, Forgive My Father" and is the product of a life-long dream and goal to get it published. The book tells my story of how, as a victim of sexual child abuse for 15 years, I was able to get through it and ultimately heal from the wounds of abuse; how I let God "turned my scars to stars".

Claire Reeves, Founder/Director of MASA (Mothers Against Sexual Abuse) wrote the Promo for the back book cover, and has called it a "road map to reclaiming your life". So far, reviews from all across the country are encouraging, and I am hearing reports such as "your book healed my whole family", or "your book saved my life". But we need to reach many, many more victims, because as I said, child sexual abuse is an epidemic in our country and it is hurting all of us. Our prisons today are full of victims who were never healed, so they went on to abuse others. With the statistics of child sexual abuse so staggering these days, almost everyone has either experienced abuse or knows someone who has. Please partner with me in letting your friends and loved ones know about this book that is helping so many. You can order it at the following web sites: www.authorhouse.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com. I am also available for book readings and signings, and give a workshop entitled, "Becoming God's Woman/or Man".

Please feel free to let me know how I can help you to help other victims still needing healing. Since April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month we need to be thinking of how we can be a part of that...to reach out to people that YOU know of who were or are victims of child abuse. Because these victims going through the abuse need help to get away from it, and if they are already away from it, they need help in healing. Until we all get involved, this national epidemic is just going to keep growing. Please contact abuse prevention organizations in your local areas to see what you can do to help. Believe me, those victims will thank you, and maybe they will even go on to help others in the future. Together we can put a stop to this epidemic.

"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

Visit With Grandson & His Wife

AT LAST...MY VISIT WITH IAN & LIZ!
This was a Grandma's dream come true, and I enjoyed my trip to Texas and visit with Ian and Liz more than I can say. It was very rewarding to see them in their new home, happy together, and working hard toward goals in the future.

Ian just got home a couple weeks ago from completing two tours of duty in Iraq, and he's thoroughly enjoying 3 weeks of R&R (a much needed vacation). He's preparing to take more classes, and when he gets out of the Army in June, he will be working in a hospital as a radiology technician & taking classes at night.

Liz keeps busy working as a CMA at a hospital nearby, and goes to classes 3 nights a week. She is a very busy girl, but always has time to stop and smell the roses. She and Ian take time to enjoy outside activities with friends and family, and really entertained me royally while I was there. Ian is very blessed to have found such a down to earth, girl next door type, who is willing at the drop of a hat to go have fun. They have a lot of fun together, and I enjoyed hearing them laughing (and playing) together, as happy couples do. I'm so glad that they have found each other and are so well suited.

After the kids picked me up in Dallas, they took me to see the King Tut Exhibit at the Dallas Museum. It was really interesting, but we were disappointed that we couldn't take pictures. I would have liked to have had pictures of all the intricasies of the jewelry and architecture; it's amazing what they could do back then in primitive times. It must have taken a long time and a LOT of patience to create their projects. Also, while I was there we visited the Cameron Park Zoo and had fun taking lots of good pictures of animals, birds, & fish. It was beautiful weather for a day at the zoo; not too warm, and not too cool...very enjoyable.
When we found the giraffs, Liz wanted me to take a silly pose, and this is how it turned out...but she didn't really bite his head off!


The bears were pretty active, too, and these 2 were really having it out; was fun to watch. Just a little spat between two friends:-}


This is what one looked like after all the fun was over; guess he felt like a nap! All of the animals were beautiful to watch, the birds and fish, too. This was a beautifully kept park and the animals all seemed to be really well taken care of.My Grandkids also took me to a Petting Zoo, where some of the animals got too close. One of the zebras leaned into Ian's car window and promptly sneezed all over him...it wasn't the shower that he wanted. Then there was the very obnoxious camel who stuck his head in MY window and acted like he was going to bite my leg or my hand trying to get at the feed sack (treats you know). Well, it kinda scared me, so I just let him have the whole thing; last I saw of him he was chomping down the bag and all. They sure aren't afraid of humans!

On the last night I was in Texas we decided to meet with my niece, her husband and son, at a Chinese Buffet.
The food was very good; the sushi was the best.
It was good to see my niece and her family, &
they were also gracious host & hostess & put
me up in their home for the first few nights.
Ian had not seen any of them since he was
a baby when we all lived in Sitka, Alaska.
So it was great to have a reunion; a GREAT
time was had by all, and I can't wait for my
next visit to the great state of Texas.














"The only people who are truly free are the ones who live in a continual spirit of forgiveness."

"THE 1ST HUNDRED YEARS ARE THE HARDEST"

As my new "Dad" has always said, "The first hundred years are the hardest...then you just don't give a rip."
However, when he turns 100 years old on March 27th, I'm going to write on his card: "....and YOU'RE on your SECOND hundred years, so just relax and enjoy it!"

As a part of "Becoming God's Woman" I have learned to really respect and admire my parents, and am actually enjoying them in their sunset years. I have learned in raising my own children, and now having grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren, that we parents don't always make the right decisions for our offspring; nor do we always set a good example. So I've opted to cut mine some slack.

Seeing my parents reach the ages of 92 and 100, I find that I am enjoying them more as the years fly by; because I KNOW what they went through to GET here. I can respect that they have gone through good years and hard years; fruitful years and lean years; been in good health, and experienced illnesses; have met personal challenges and not always seen all their dreams come true, and dealt with their children lovingly through it all. No matter whether or not they always made the right decisions for us, or protected us from all of life's hurts and disappointments, they meant the best for us, and always tried (within the best of their ability and power) to do the right thing by us.

However, the more I talk with other people, I have come to the conclusion that some of our younger generation do not feel as I do. They criticize and cast blame on their parents for every short coming and disappointment they experience. Now, don't they ever think to themselves: my parents are human, and as such they are going to make mistakes. And, as I've said before, there is no such thing as a "perfect" parent. We don't need to cast stones unless we have walked in our parent's shoes. Have a little respect and be thankful for the good things they did do, and for the things they did that got you as far as you are today. My parents were not "perfect" either, and, as many of you know, I suffered abuse at the hands of my natural Dad. But, I chose a long time ago to forgive them; didn't make any difference if THEY changed or not...I forgave them right where we were. Therefore, today, in my parents sunset years, I am able to be with them, do things for them that they aren't able to do for themselves at this age, and just enjoy the time we have together. And, at the same time, unforgiveness has not been allowed to make me sick...did you KNOW that holding grudges, resentments, and not forgiving can make you physically ill? It most certainly can; it can cut your life short.

So, to sum it all up, treat your parents as you'd like your children to treat YOU in your later years. Don't waste your years and their years by fussing and fuming about things that happened long ago. Put them behind you and get on with the business AND the FUN of life and loving. Because it IS true, the first hundred years are the hardest, and we need to help our loved ones enjoy them. Another bit of advice for you parents: Be nice to your kids...because they may be the ones who pick out your retirement location or take care of you. And remember, all of you, it's true what they say: "What goes around, comes around." The world would be a better place if we all just forgave and loved each other for the very human beings that we are...NOT perfect.
Dad: A VERY HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY TO YOU, and thanks for treating me every bit like your daughter.

Note: Mom and "Dad" met 8 years ago when my husband and I were going together. We introduced them because we thought Dad would be a good influence on my mother. He had his own pickup truck, cell phone, and computer, and was a real go-getter. They met on his 92nd birthday when she was 83, and he proposed 4 months later on HER birthday. We were planning our wedding for in the fall, and for a time we thought we might have a double wedding. But, being the age they were, they didn't want to waste any time, so they beat us to the alter by just one month and married October 6th of 2001. So...you might say that Dad said "I do" at 92. They have had 8 years together now, and both of them help each other so much. We are very glad that they have found each other and happiness.

EMPTY NEST "KIDS"

How many of you have tried to fill the dark hole of "empty nest syndrome" with little furry friends? Well, we definitely fall into that category, and find ourselves spoiling them more each day. This little guy is our "Owey", our "baby" who weighs 20 lbs. now, and he's only a year old. As you can see, he's always the first one at the breakfast bar, saying "Set um up".

You might wonder right now, what has this got to do with "Becoming God's Woman"? So, I'll tell you. When our children have left our homes, or in some way disappointed us or neglected us, our faithful little pets are always there for us. In my quest to "become God's woman" (the best that I can be), I have discovered that the comfort of pets is like a "warm fuzzy" in the depths of loneliness or depression. They can lift you up when humans just don't cut it. Did you know that they have discovered that just petting your furry friend can lower your blood pressure? It's a fact...and I use it quite frequently:-} They also have an uncanny sense of when you're not feeling well; I have one cat who won't leave my side when I'm under the weather. So why shouldn't we dote on them, feed them, love them and protect them? After all, it's showing compassion for the little creatures that God made for us. When you reach out to one of them, you become a better person. Later I will post more pictures of our "babies" (1 large dog & 4 cats) all of whom we rescued; now they are rescuing US.

Waiting for Grandson's Return

Hi Everyone,
This will just be a short blog today, as I stop to reflect on what I am feeling today. Our grandson is just finishing up his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, and due to arrive home in a few days. Oh, how I wish I could be at his homecoming ceremony, but have opted to give he and his new bride some much needed R&R before company shows up. They got married about a year ago on one of his leaves, and we have had the joy of meeting her when they came up to visit last year. Right now we're sitting on pins and needles waiting for word that he has gotten out of Iraq and debriefing in Kuwait. We will be so thankful to have him back home, and can't help feel for those who's sons and grandsons won't be coming home. Our hearts go out to them and we wish them God's healing touch.

I am really looking forward to April 1st, as they have invited me to come for a visit. It will be a grandma's dream come true, and I will finally be able to see my grandson again, and meet his bride's family. More on his arrival when we hear.

WHAT LENT MEANS TO ME

What Lent means to me (written by one of our Moms on Cafe Mom...but very appropriate for the season)

By definition, the season of Lent is the time of preparation for Holy Week, leading up to Easter. For many, it is a time to give up something like candy or smoking. It may be a time for more frequent Mass attendance for others. The following is a brief reflection leading up to what may be a better view of Lent for some.

Lent owes much of its spirit to the forty days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his ministry. We say he was tempted there, but a more accurate translation may be "tested." The Jewish view of the desert was an abode of demons, especially that part of the desert where winds would howl around tall, rough stone. It must have been terrifying at night: dark, looming shapes, unearthly wailing of wind, and nothing else. In this place, Jesus was offered the opportunity to be the wrong kind of messiah. He rejected each possibility.

When the Hebrews were led from Egypt to the Promised Land, they refused to go in because they did not trust God's promise. God led them into the desert for forty years, until they learned the trust they lacked. During this time, all the ones that had refused to cross the Jordan died. In this way, God's people were purified.

In Noah's day, forty days of flooding washed away the evil that had infected the world. This was not a permanent solution, just as Lent is not, unless we make it so.

In the Church, we often speak of entering Seasons as though they were countries or Ages of Man. For the Easter Season, we "wipe our feet," in a sense, before entering. But even this does not fully describe the spirit of Lent.

When Jesus entered the desert, he left behind all the expectations of others, all the hopes, all the illusions. It was just Jesus and the Father, in the Holy Spirit. But in solitude, demons come. No role is more dangerous than the reformer. There were at least three wrong ways to be the Messiah, and Jesus rejected them all. The defeat of Satan during this testing hinted at the final defeat of evil through the Cross and Resurrection.

We are people of illusions. We think we understand God, we think we know ourselves and those around us. We plan our lives and are shocked when these plans fall through. We impose our wills on God or even say we know His plans. Jesus did not have such illusions, but we have illusions about Jesus. In the desert, Jesus had no illusions of his own to face and destroy: he was tested for our sake, so we would know who he was not. He did not come to bribe us with earthly bread, or astonish us with feats of invulnerability. He did not seek world domination or command an army. He simply did the will of the Father.

In Lent, we abstain from meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Many people perform acts of penance or mortification, such as giving up sweets, TV and the like. What is the connection to the desert?

The desert experience is about deprivation. Most of the world experiences it involuntarily. For many people, however, deprivation is a great evil, and to be avoided at all costs. In deprivation, we discover that we are not all-powerful. We are slaves to our bellies, to the opinions of others, to pleasure. We cannot bear pain, so we take a pill. We cannot bear growing old, so we dye our hair. Like Darth Vader in Star Wars, we replace our humanity with technology until there is little of our selves left. Doing without can strip away some of the illusions and give us a glimpse of truth.

During Lent, we have the opportunity to hear voices that are usually lost in the din of pleasure and meaningless talk. We can enter into a private desert even in the midst of the world and face our own demons. We can tear down false idols only to be heartbroken at finding others behind them. If we are brave, we can run through this desert trying to find the real God amid the gods.

Thomas Merton writes about a kind of "dread." It is the nagging sense that we have missed something important or that we have somehow been untrue to ourselves. It may feel like a crisis of faith, as though we doubted God. In reality, we doubt the false images of God that we ourselves have created. We doubt the bold pronouncements we make about our independence or open-mindedness. This "dread" is heightened by the fact that the God beyond our imaginings is so close to us, although we know Him not. Thoughts cross our minds about this, but we push them away. Perhaps as you read this you are thinking, "I'm not that clueless. I have faith. I know God personally." Think again.

During Lent, we use abstinence from meat and acts of penance as metaphors. In a very small way, they model the rejection of illusions about what we need, who we are, and who God is. In this life, we try to make some progress in discarding our "disordered attachments." At death, we will no longer have a choice. We cannot enter Heaven burdened with a thousand foolish attachments. As our bodies lie rotting, there will be no more illusions about the worth of attractiveness. As others claim our possessions, they will finally have their proper value to us. When we stand in judgment before God, we will have no illusions about our sanctity or goodness. All will be laid bare, and there will be no more hypocrisy, lies, or illusions. It is far better to begin discarding our foolish attachments in this life, and Lent is a good time to begin this work. The best time to start, however, is always now.

To end this reflection with Hope, we must remember that through all of this, God is with us. He may not offer comfort now, but He promises no trial beyond our ability to succeed. He offers us no truth we cannot accept if we become as children. When Jesus had finally driven off the devil, angels came to wait on him. When, through Jesus, we have rejected illusion and self-deception, we can be sure of continued graces from God. These are not the rewards of virtue but those gifts which are available only to real people.

Thank you for your wonderful insiprational post peacelily3. Its time to shine my armor and refine my way to the lord. I hope everyone has a meaningful lent this year.

NEW BOOK TURNS SCARS TO STARS

Child sexual abuse is an epidemic in our country as you know, and it is hurting all of our society. Since April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I would like to let you know about my book written to help victims of sexual child abuse. It is entitled, "Father, Forgive My Father" and is the product of a life-long dream and goal to get it published. The book tells my story of how, as a victim of sexual child abuse for 15 years, I was able to get through it and ultimately heal from the wounds of abuse; how I let God "turned my scars to stars".

Claire Reeves, Founder/Director of MASA (Mothers Against Sexual Abuse) wrote the Promo for the back book cover, and has called it a "road map to reclaiming your life". So far, reviews from all across the country are encouraging, and I am hearing reports such as "your book healed my whole family", or "your book saved my life". But we need to reach many, many more victims, because as I said, child sexual abuse is an epidemic in our country and it is hurting all of us. Our prisons today are full of victims who were never healed, so they went on to abuse others. With the statistics of child sexual abuse so staggering these days, almost everyone has either experienced abuse or knows someone who has. Please partner with me in letting your friends and loved ones know about this book that is helping so many. You can order it at the following web sites: www.authorhouse.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com. I am also available for book readings and signings, and give a workshop entitled, "Becoming God's Woman/or Man".

Please feel free to let me know how I can help you to help other victims still needing healing. With April (National Child Abuse Prevention Month) just around the corner, we need to be thinking of how we can be a part of that...to reach out to people that YOU know of who were or are victims of child abuse. Until we all get involved, this national epidemic is just going to keep growing. Please contact abuse prevention organizations in your local areas to see what you can do to help. Believe me, those victims will thank you, and maybe they will even go on to help others in the future. Together we can put a stop to this epidemic.

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH...& USE IT!

Have you had any miracles lately? Do you even believe in miracles in these trying times? I believe that more than ever God wants us to exercise our faith and expect miracles. In His word He tells us that "we have not, because we ASK not"...and in a lot of situations, this is true...well, His Word is ALWAYs true, but you know what I mean. I think we get lazy in our prayer requests and petitions to the Lord, and sometimes it's the last thing we think of to do when there is a crisis. Let me tell you a little story of something that happened in our family this week, where a prayer petition to the Lord SAVED a family member.

My Step Dad's youngest daughter was lying in the hospital in critical condition; having been a smoker all her life, it had taken a toll on her overall health and she could not breath on her own. She had been on a respirator for several days, and she realized that she couldn't breath on her own anymore. I guess after thinking about it, and realizing she would be reliant on it for who knew how long, she decided she didn't want to live that way, and they had decided to take her off the respirator. "Dad" heard from the family that she would probably be gone within the hour.

Well, Dad, being the man of faith that he is, went into the bedroom, and prayed a fervent prayer to the Lord, asking for a miracle for his daughter, Ann. Awhile later, they received phone calls from the family saying that she had gone past that hour...then it was 5 hours; then 7 hours, and then he was told that he GOT his miracle. They also told them that while Ann was off the ventilator, 2 family members had dreams of their Grandmother (who is in heaven) telling Ann that it was not her time to go yet. So that was wonderful confirmation of the miracle Dad received.

This morning while talking with my Mom, she told us that Ann's appetite is good, and that she has even spoken with Dad on the phone this morning; that she has been up, and they are getting her a walker so that she can regain her strength. All of this within just a few days! Praise our wonderful, healing, loving God.

So, friends, whatever your needs for your self or your loved ones, pray and ask our heavenly Father for YOUR miracle...no matter what it is. NO TASK is too hard for our God. And be VERY specific in your prayer requests...He tells us to be specific. My husband even asks for help when he is frustrated with a mechanical problem that he hasn't been able to fix...and walla, God helps him. It's just amazing that we fail to use this so frequently "untapped" resource. God knows our need before we ask, so we might just as well humble ourselves and ask for that help that we all need.

We had some dear friends stay overnight with us this week, and they have an international ministry teaching intimacy with God. He says that having intimacy with God, is allowing ourselves to be transparent, and that we are so close and so intune with God, that when these problems arise it is just our nature to bring it to God in prayer. He says that the more you exercise this intimacy, the more He gives you. So exercise your faith; stayed tuned to all that God has for you and EXPECT your miracle.

GOD BUILDS A BRIDGE

Did you know that when God sees a breach between His people, he often builds a "bridge"? This morning we read in our devotional out of Power for Life by Robert A. Schuller of the Hour of Power, that God calls us to be peacemakers. "Jesus Christ was the ultimate peacemaker, and laid down His life to build a bridge...between God and us. The cross of Jesus is the supreme symbol of a perfect bridge. The vertical plank connects us to God, and the horizontal plank connects us to our neighbors.

In times of conflict, think of the cross and its high cost, lovingly paid. If you serve the cause of peace on the bridge of the cross, your efforts will not be in vain."

This blog is going to be short this morning, because I am going to meet in person, a new friend I have made on here by networking. In reading each others profile we first noted that we lived within a few miles of each other; then we realized how many interests we have in common. So, we are meeting for pie and coffee at a local restaurant this afternoon. I am excited to exchange conversation with her, as she, too is a writer, a believer, and mother...we should have LOTS to talk about. And, at the same time, we will bridge the generation gap, as she is a generation behind me. I will report back on what I feel is going to be an enjoyable, insightful first meeting. In the meantime, you all have a wonderful day and weekend.

BECOMING GOD'S WOMAN: Introducing Myself & My Book

Hello Everyone, and Welcome To My Website
Please follow along with me on my travels to Becoming God's Woman...of excellence...the best that we can be. I invite you to share this web site with your family & friends, and especially anyone you know who has been a victim of abuse. The book at the right was written for those victims, to help them to heal, & has been called a "roadmap" to recovery & living the rest of your life victoriously. You can find me and my book at the following links:

www.MySpace.com/Lees4, www.ShoutLife.com/Lees,
www.authorhouse.com, www.barnesandnoble.com,
www.amazon.com

ALIENATION BY A LOVED ONE

Have you alienated a loved one...a parent, grandparent, sibling, child or friend? Do you know that it hurts that person to the very core of their being? And, that it can make that person or YOU physically ill? I've been thinking about writing this for a long time, because I've been on the alienated end of this situation, and have been for too long a time.

On April 1st it will be 2 years since I have seen my daughter; oh, I've heard from her...hateful words in an email written on Halloween of the first year, and ending with "DO NOT CONTACT ME". I hate to say it, but that about finished me off emotionally. I think the thing that hurts the most is that she won't give me a chance by telling me (or writing me) the issues that she has. From the way she has turned from a sweet loving daughter who I've always been close to, to a daughter who obviously hates me for something I did, or didn't do, she should be able to tell me or write to me about it.

I know that over she and my son's growing up years I was not a perfect mother...if anyone thinks they can be a "perfect" mother, they are wrong. No matter how hard you try as a parent, you are always going to make mistakes, or what they view as mistakes. You can only do your best at the time, with what you have to work with. As God is my witness, that is what I always TRIED hard to do. I know of of many times when I actually put them first, above all other relationships, and even ended some relationships because they were not the best situations for my children. Yes, I divorced their father when they were 3 and 6 yrs. of age; but part of the reason I did was because our relationship was hurting THEM. He wasn't a bad father, but the fact that he was unfaithful to their mother, and didn't know truth from fantasy, was definitely affecting them. I tried hard over the years not to bias them against him or make them feel bad about themselves, but the fact that I took their father from them is something I feel they both resent. I also feel that my son has forgiven me for any shortcomings, and has said that he loves me and always will. That means so much to me, and I've told him so.

The reason I feel it's so important to let you all know how this has affected me is that, in the BIG scheme of things, NOTHING is so important that it should take us away from those we love, and rob us of precious time we could spend with them.

In addition to missing my daughter, her daughter (our granddaughter) is also missing from our lives, and we miss her terribly. These are her grade school years when extended family is so important to grandchildren. I still think of us getting her started in gymnastics and getting to take her to her practices. Those were precious times. And what must she think?? Where's grandma and grandpa now? Have they deserted me? I pray every day that her little mind and heart are protected.

And how has it affected us? All summer long the first summer, I could not sleep but maybe a couple hours a night, and could not stop crying day and night. My poor husband felt helpless and could only hold me until I went to sleep. I got so depressed that I even had thoughts of suicide..."why not just end this by crossing the center line while driving home?" But I could not do that to another person, or hurt other loved ones in my family. Then, after going to the doctor with my husband, and breaking down in her office, she felt the need to put me on an anti-depressant. I do feel better lately emotionally, and can actually sleep at night. But I feel as if this whole thing has taken about 10 years off our lives. I am experiencing some new health issues now and waiting for test results that will determine how I live the rest of my life. But I feel that even if my daughter knew about it, she would not care.

When someone alienates you, it is almost as bad as losing that person to death...it's as if they have chosen to throw you away like you were garbage. So I feel that what we have gone through is like mourning a slow death. If you have alienated someone you love, ask yourself how you would feel if that person's life was snuffed out, they were in a horrendous accident or something, and you never got the chance to make amends. That almost happened to us one night. We were returning home, and because we stopped for a few minutes to pick up a loaf of bread, we missed a terrible fatal accident that was a few minutes from our house. So, please, we never know how much time we're going to get in this life...and NONE of us can afford to let a loved one go to their grave unforgiven.

Please pray about your own situation, and ask God for a time when you can sit down peaceably with that person, and get it taken care of. That person is probably just waiting for the opportunity, and probably loves you enough to listen. If boundaries have been crossed and you need more space...TELL them. I love my daughter enough to listen to anything she has to say, not give excuses or point fingers, but really LISTEN. I want us to be a whole family again; in the meantime, my husband and I are counting our blessings for what we do have, and looking forward to a better New Year. And that's part of "Becoming God's Woman"...ask forgiveness if you need to, and forgive those who have hurt you. God hates discontent. Set yourself and your loved ones FREE so that God can make you ALL that you can be.

Introducing Myself & My Book

Hello Everyone, I'm the new girl on the block and thought I'd just drop by to say "Hi" and introduce myself and my book. Aside from my 2 children, it is my life's best work...and the longest to complete. I'm a little ashamed to say (but not daunted by the fact) that it took me over 35 years to complete, and perhaps might never have been finished if I hadn't met and married my husband. He was my greatest advocate and encourager over these last 7 years, and through his constant prompting, I finally got with it and kept at it until the task was done.

You probably want to ask, "Why did it take you so long?" My only excuse is that the abuse of my childhood led me to make bad decisions and choices in my younger years, and when you do that, you find yourself starting over...and over...and over again. That resulted in years of counseling and reconstructing my fragmented heart and mind. Well, you can't get much done in the way of writing, when you're so messed up that you can't think straight. Way back then I tended to choose husbands in the past who needed "fixing"; THEY needed my attention, were either alcoholics and/or abusive, and were not supportive to me when it came to writing my story. So, only when I married my 4th (and last) husband, was I finally with someone who would support me in every way...and he has, praise the Lord.

Now, we are an older retired couple, living in the foothills of the Cascade Mtns. of western Washington State, and enjoying our individual projects, and our family who live nearby. We have a big dog whose name is Bosco, an older orange tabby cat named Peaches, and a family of black cats we rescued over the past 2 summers: Mama Mitsy, Daddy Tommy, and "baby" Owey who weighs 20 lbs. now.
They are a joy to us since they have become our children in our empty nest. My husband has his hobby of restoring old cars, and I write magazine articles now to try and help others and to reach as many victims of child abuse as I can. We both keep very busy in our retirement.

I would like to invite anyone who has a problem with child abuse, needs to heal their wounds, or knows anyone who needs help, to email me or blog me back. My desire is to help others get through what I know is the hardest hurdle they will ever encounter...and to do it sooner, rather than later like I did. Nice to meet you all, and I pray each and every one of you have a wonderful New Year.