From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You (Book) - 3/30/2020 3:18:18 PM
"From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You" is the true story about Adele M. Gill. Her childhood was centered around her mentally ill mother and Mafia involved father. This resulted in her suffering from childhood trauma that contributed to numerous medical conditions. Adding to this was, PTSD and major depression. Fortunately she had a supportive family (later in life, husband and children) but, I was astonished by her story about going to the ER while being suicidal and not being admitted until her husband explained to the doctors that she was having spiritual, faith-filled visions...then they found a bed for her. Very sad. Throughout her life she struggled severely but somehow, by the grace of God, she found Jesus at a very early age. "From Broken to Blest" tells of her life and the trauma she suffered but, it is much more than that. It is an outstanding witness to the power of God and the healing nature of Jesus. Adele Gill explains what her life was like dealing with childhood trauma, depression, and many medical issues but, through it all she puts her trust in the Lord. I love her quote, "Prayer requests require no waiting room, no office."
After seeking for years, found a wonderful group of doctors that are working together to help her. That, and having her own "3 day rule" to feel sorry for herself helped to sustain her throughout it all. She stated, "It is time to put aside self-pity, to stand up and make a difference in someone else's life now. There are so many people far worse off than me!"
At the end of the book is a wonderful self-help guide to examine your own childhood trauma. This is an amazing, "Spirit-filled" book that, though harrowing, is a touching story. It is also a love story about God and a great self-help book. I highly recommend the story line alone, even if you never suffered from childhood trauma.
From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You (Book) - 12/1/2017 1:14:57 PM
At a point in her life when all of the pieces seemed to be falling into place for the author, childhood trauma she had kept compartmentalized and locked away within her subconscious emerged as physical and mental illness, leaving her with seemingly irreversible neuromuscular damage, severe depression, and PTSD. Her years of struggling for a diagnosis of her life altering physical symptoms directed her to the mind, body, spirit connection that can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health when the three are disconnected as a result of buried memories of childhood trauma. Within her writing, the author has included a detailed workshop section with questions designed to help the reader uncover possible buried childhood memories of trauma within their own life, along with suggestions for steps to healing through turning to God and allowing Jesus to come into their life to stand beside them as their personal Savior.
The Winds of Change (3-Minute Read) (Short Story) - 1/27/2024 8:41:33 AM
Change is inevitable, predictable and the only thing we can certainly count on, so getting a grasp on acceptance and for me, asking God for help and guidance (on my knees, as Mom would respectfully do!) is the first step.
Change can be scary and disturbing (the half-empty glass). Yet, the half-full glass approach can bring new opportunities and challenges, allowing us to grow through the experience. We can not fight change and succeed, so it's healthier to embrace it and ask ourselves: "What does this change mean to me and what can I best and wisely navigate the process?
With God's help, we will learn the lesson that this inevitable change will bring. Let try not to fight it; it boomerangs! Change can lead to growth and a closer walk with God.
Blessings,
Mary Hirsch
The Winds of Change (3-Minute Read) (Short Story) - 1/22/2024 9:06:41 AM
I have always embraced change and been one of the first to try out something new. I've found that change helped my condition because it made it easier for me to do my work with paralyzed hands and arms. Change tended to give me many choices and I chose the ones that improved my abilities and my productivity so that I had more free time.
However, as change moves on and providers, particularly those providing hardware and software for the Internet, have increased options, making it more complex to get things done rather than simpler. Abandoning good platforms for platforms considered to be better, but harder for me to use. On several fronts, I have stopped accepting change and have tried to maintain my old way of doing things while providers are making them obsolete.
The need for security greatly slows down my work. Also the need for convenience that is inconvenient for me. Still, I keep looking for new solutions that will solve these roadblocks that keep raising their ugly heads. And, as aging increases my inability to accomplish certain tasks, I will find life more difficult. But I refuse to get angry. I'd rather get even. ;-)
Ron
BTW. I believe the trend for older people to move into angry conservative politics is their inability to understand and deal with the complexity of 21st-century life, wanting to return to the simpler lives of their childhood nurtured by their parents. Grasping at straws like religion as they slip into dementia.
Ron
Patience: Worth the Wait (3-minute read) (Short Story) - 12/4/2023 12:22:26 PM
Yesterday, I waited patiently and read from a magazine about two hours for a telephone advisor on a problem I was having with my computer after updating it to the latest operating system. The woman who eventually came on the line after having been transferred to her, was very patient as we attempted to solve the immediate problem on my computer and another problem with outgoing and incoming mail on another computer that I have.
Fortunately after several things didn't work, simply restarting my computer cleared up the problem. The other problem, the loss of mail since April on my other computer, she transferred me to another advisor and stayed on the line until I connected with him. He was very patient as we tried to make that mail client work again, but couldn't.
One has to be patient to salt problems these days online.
Ron
Whatever Is True (5-min read) (Short Story) - 11/11/2023 12:15:27 PM
At the time of Walter Cronkite, most news was local and never reported unless it was extraordinary. Not even the atrocities performed by Ed Gein 30 miles away from where I lived where we shot rockets thousands of feet literally in his backyard. The same is true today, only anyone with a mobile phone can take a video and become a reporter.
Still, I read that there are 32 armed conflicts going on in the world. Most are never reported in the news and we never see them. It's the overwhelming information that Alvin Toffler as Future Shock. Especially affecting older people.
I still watch the news, especially the national and sometimes, but not often, international news that is deemed pertinent enough for US audiences to watch or listen to. I stay away from experts and pundits.
As I read the sermons I have from the Church of England in 1771, members of the church and society will really very sinful. Much more so than today.
Ron
Today Is the Day (Short Story) - 8/26/2023 10:48:22 AM
Encouraging words. Thank you, Adele!
Blessed Beyond Measure (Short Story) - 7/15/2023 11:56:09 AM
My caregiver and I, with a life that is actually, quite good for both, because of our age, coming up on what may be very hard for both of us. If I stick around another 10 years, she will have to spend a lot more time with me and less on her needs in a healthy retirement. But, if something would happen to her, it would be very hard on me trying to get the care that I need and haven't been able to since the pandemic from someone else other than her to help her out.
For now, things are working out well. But the strain is on her, not me. If I can get that fixed, soon, it may get very hard for both of us.
Ron
PART I: Year-Round Christmas Spirit? (Short Story) - 12/13/2022 9:36:22 AM
I agree with the Christmas spirit all year long. I don't celebrate Christmas with lavish expensive declaration, overeating and parties with lavish gifts showing my wealth. Instead, I try to be kind and helpful without being judgmental all year long. My one flaw is giving to various charities only once a year after Christmas rather than all year long. I can only give money because my physical disability no longer allows me to visit others like I used to and try to encourage them to get better in the situation they are in. Like I did. I regret that I cannot volunteer physical assistance like so many do. Singing Christmas carols for the residents of a local assisted living home was always a joy to me. Maybe I should have tried to do it at least once a week when I was able, but didn't.
Ron
PART I: Where Does Your Strength Come From? (Short Story) - 9/29/2022 10:27:13 AM
I believe my strength comes from inheriting some of the perseverance of my ancestors. Having weathered many of life's little mishaps, I've reached the point where I have confidence in my own action and ethics without the need for any outside support except from my partner and caregiver who makes my life possible every day. Nothing else.
Ron
PART II: Can You Forgive? (Short Story) - 8/25/2022 4:07:56 AM
For Sandie May Joyce:
Yes--I totally agree. Forgiveness is the key to inner healing, peace and happiness. It frees us up to be our best self and grow better rather than bitter. Though easier said than done, forgiveness may be our greatest challenge, but it is mutually beneficial on so many levels, especially for the one who forgives.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this blog. As always, most appreciated!
Best,
Adele
PART II: Can You Forgive? (Short Story) - 8/23/2022 8:46:45 PM
Forgiveness is the way to heal oneself. When we forgive others we don't hold grudges and we will be able to remove ourselves from the anger and the unhappiness, thus we can move forward to a better self.
Thank you for the reminder, Adele!
Sandie
PART I: Fear-Less Faith (Short Story) - 8/9/2022 9:53:02 AM
A very good article. So many now have so much misinformation and fears. What bothers me is when people write that they no longer watch the news. The news is just the news. It is the tip of the human experience that we see. The rest is much more solid and very less volatile. That's why most main news outlets have gone to making sure they have human interest stories along with the gory details of the latest calamity befalling a very few people except, of course, pandemics.
I like how you use statistics and data. If a person has a fear, I would suggest that they study that fear and find out, definitively, how accurate and widespread it really is. Find out what is the chance that they will open the door and a wild creature will attack them. Once they let science and the scientific method determine what is really dangerous, they will quickly be able to dismiss 90% of the evil and unnecessary fear that has been passed down through the centuries by misinformation and myth.
Ron
A Life of Service (Short Story) - 5/11/2022 7:38:42 AM
I admire the way Jesus lived and how he treated people. But what seems to be left out of the story is how he existed. Surely people offered him food and shelter throughout his nomadic life. And, as he gathered his 12 disciples around him, it must have taxed villages greatly to feed and shelter him and his entourage. Did he make wine from water everywhere he went?
I have a friend and fellow author who has changed from his wild, but wasteful, younger days, into doing Christian good deeds throughout many countries through missions that he pays for by his profitable business here in the states. He meets your criteria in this article perfectly.
Growing up and having all of my basic needs taken care of, the companionship and assistance of my twin brother and a basic sense of moral right, I learned that helping people was just a way of life. When I saw someone in need and could help them, I just did.
As I grew older and more disabled, my help turned from the physical to the mental. I have tutored many students at no charge. I have offered to help people using the computer, doing their taxes, editing their stories and books, help with social problems and many others, just out of the goodness of my heart.
Ron
Lent: A Time of Renewal (Short Story) - 3/3/2022 4:11:10 AM
Hi Sandie, Lent really is a special time to do some "Spring cleaning for the soul!" Whether you do something or give something up, it is a time to strive to better yourself and live your best life in and through Jesus Christ!
Lent: A Time of Renewal (Short Story) - 3/1/2022 6:46:14 PM
Thank you for posting the information about Lent!!! It's time for renewal!
Sandie
The Great Invitation (Short Story) - 2/8/2022 7:20:37 AM
Thanks Sandie. I'm really excited about my new podcast, The Inspiration Cafe Podcast. As I'm sure you know from my Authors Den posts, today is Launch Day. I'm praying this monthly podcast will be a blessing to many!
Peace & Joy,
Adele
The Great Invitation (Short Story) - 2/7/2022 10:57:29 PM
Thank you for the links, Adele!!! I hope more people will click on it to listen to your podcast. Wishing you great success with the Inspiration Cafe Blog Podcasts!!!
Sandie
Finding Peace in Your Day (Short Story) - 1/31/2022 6:34:08 PM
Thank you, Adele, for the information!
Sandie
Kindness: Does Motivation Matter? (Short Story) - 1/3/2022 11:37:59 AM
Kindness to others can be an encouragement that motivates them to do things in life. Therefore, it is important to be kind to others.
Sandie
Contentment in Adversity (Short Story) - 12/2/2021 11:32:51 PM
Never be afraid of changes. Sometimes, when one door closed, another door will open for us. God makes it happen.
Sandie
7 Steps to Heal Anxiety (Short Story) - 10/30/2021 11:22:57 AM
Many people strive for success in monetary forms but are never satisfied because they keep comparing themselves with others the material things like their houses, cars, and money in their bank accounts, allowing themselves to build debts and be anxious about it. Little do they realize we cannot take these material things with us when we leave this world when we go back home to meet our Father in heaven and Jesus.
Life is not a bowl of cherries, but if we utilize what is gifted to us by God and make the best of our lives with what was given we can always feel content and successful.
Thank you for a meaningful post!
Sandie
US Negotiating with Terrorists (Short Story) - 8/25/2021 11:22:44 AM
President Trump announced the removal of all troops from Afghanistan in 2020 before he left office. President Biden was acting on advice from his advisers. Negotiating with the Taliban goes back to the beginning when George Bush decided that Afghanistan was where bin Laden was hiding and he needed to put troops on the ground to go find him.
No one could foresee that the Taliban would be able to take over the country so easily. And so far, they are allowing both Americans and Afghans to leave in large numbers. We do not want to risk global war like we experienced in the first 20 years of the 20th century. It is better to leave the Middle East to unravel itself. Totalitarian regimes eventually unravel, like the Soviet Union. Most of the former Soviet Union states are democratic republics. The Internet and the general push toward human rights will probably do away with most autocratic countries like what has happened in Cuba recently.
It will be far better to provide humanitarian aid like we are in Haiti and in many other countries, rather than try to wrest despots from their countries by military force.
Ron
The Taliban & the Afghanistan Miracle (Short Story) - 8/19/2021 9:24:32 AM
Rafael's commander may have hurt his feelings by telling him to leave, but did the right thing in saving him from the chaos that came soon after.
The fact that Rafael was "contracted" proves more and more that our military has become a mercenary army based on money and the military industry that provides all the goods and services for our massive armed presence around the world. Since the Vietnam War, time and time again, our military might has proven not to get the job done as ordered by one president after another. It's time we stop building regimes and let the consequences of bad people play out in their own countries where good eventually overcomes evil without the use of military force.
Ron
Remedy for This Crazy World (Short Story) - 3/21/2021 9:39:31 AM
"Thoughts and prayers" never solve any problem. Misconceptions, conspiracies and blaming never solved any problems either. What solves our growing anxiety about what has transpired recently is compassionate help from the strong to the weak and from the stable to the unstable, one-on-one, taking care of the neighborhood. There are countless stories of good news of people taking charge of something that needs to be done and doing it.
By the same token, the government has to listen to the people and all representatives represent their people in a positive way. Throwing up barriers to positive solutions that help everyone, not just the privileged wealthy dynasties that no longer pay taxes on passing on the wealth to their children. And their charities that cherry pick cute examples but never really benefit society, only perpetuate wealth for the wealthy.
Ron
PART I: UNREST: Peaceful Protests Gone Awry (Article) - 9/13/2020 9:26:41 AM
While you see China and Venezuela as basically the same, I don't. Throughout its history, China has had strong, despotic rulers. So when Mao zedong with his Red Guard (Brown Shirts) it was very similar to Hitler, promising to transform China into a communist power that failed. The Chinese have always been entrepreneurs and behavior couldn't be squelched. So today, China is run by a strong communist front that is weakened greatly by corrupt free enterprise with very little regulation. Venezuela, like much of South America, left brutal colonialism with two classes: the leftover wealthy Spanish and Portuguese elite, and the mostly indigenous, lower-class. The regime in Venezuela today is just another brutal dictatorship.
Income inequity in the United States is beginning to reach the portions of South America. So wealthy Americans should be paying attention to the peaceful demonstrations and also not use the outbursts of violence as a gauge of what the American people want and need. There are many ways that capitalism can reform without equally dividing the wealth or taking over the means of production and distribution. All people want is a fair chance and not to be discriminated against for any reason except the worth of their character. And especially not of their religion under our First Amendment right.
Economists know of several ways that everyone can share in the wealth of the country and the wealthy will not be hurt at all. In fact, with all of this deserved acrimony gone, everyone will benefit and real problems can be addressed.
I believe as result of the wildfires, the perceived problems in downtown Portland have gone away and masks are now required to keep chemical and dust particles out of everyone's lungs in the city.
How anyone can hold up and brandish a military weapon in public, screaming some Second Amendment right, and then claim it is, under God (would Jesus condone the open carrying of weapons?), and not think that they are fomenting violence, is a lie. It's hypocritical for Christians to act the way I see them acting.
Ron
21 Million Americans Living with Depression and Untreated Childhood Trauma (Article) - 12/21/2017 8:43:25 AM
Ron,
Thank you for your feedback, and more importantly, thanks for sharing some of your own story. It sounds like you had a big challenge but have been able to rise above the depression you experienced when you had your spinal cord injury. I, too, had quite a challenge establishing my self-worth while living with untreated childhood trauma and subsequent depression & PTSD. I am a retired neurology RN---worked at Johns Hopkins in the 80's before experiencing the neuro-autoimmune condition that I have lived with for 35 years. I have found that writing has been a wonderful outlet and vehicle for personal growth and healing, and presents many opportunities to help others through my books and blog www.theinspirationcafeblog.net
21 Million Americans Living with Depression and Untreated Childhood Trauma (Article) - 12/13/2017 11:06:07 AM
I suffered several years of depression as a result of my spinal cord injury when I learned that the world looked at me much differently with paralyzed hands and arms than they did before. It took me a long time to reestablish my self-worth after being rejected so many times because of my often, misinterpreted apparent disability. He's important. Unable to do anything physical. Etc.
Some good advice. I'm certainly glad celebrities are now talking about their depression.
Ron
