Welcome to 31 days of Hope

WELCOME TO 31 DAYS OF HOPE

As many of you know , this is a blog for encouragement. Every where we look there is some form of hardship ; in the newspapers, on the news, in our families , in our workplaces. Not only are jobs shutting down, churches are closing and so are many of the agencies that provided direction and assistance. Hopelessness is all over: in every age, in every tax bracket, in every neighborhood !!! January is the first month of this new year. I am not promising any magical cures, but I am convinced that if we can fortify our selves with HOPE in the first month, we will have increased stregnth to handle whatever comes in the days that follow.

I have  found wisdom and encouragement in the Holy Scriptures. I promise not to preach to you but, I know The Scriptures can be applied to everyday life with an enlightening and promising result. We are after, all the Children of   Promise, right ? So. What I need you to do is read the posts when you can, apply what you read to your situation and interact with me, let me know what you think , how The Word is moving in your life . I know many "like " or comment on Face book , and some Tweet, but if you look at the end of the post on the blog page ,you will see "comments".  Click  there , type your comment  or suggestion  and enter it. If you need a private response from me, a consult or a referral, e-mail me. My e-mail address is at the top of the blog.

Prayer-Almighty and Holy G-d thank You for allowing this chance to speak to Your People. Father ,I recognize that I am only a vessel and not a Source so I ask that in these difficult days , You will have me decrease and You increase so that Your Voice will be heard by those who are reaching for the Comfort & Hope only You can give. This is Your Servant's Prayer. Hallelujah! Amen.

Be encouraged. Dr Norma

No More resolutions. .lets say hello to 2012 by saying goodbye!

This is my last Friday night post for the year 2011. When I post again it will be a new year and we will have all kinds of new goals and high hopes for 2012. I know this is a time when many will make "New Years Resolutions" that we will forget about before the end of January: weight loss and time management and closet organization.

So. . .  lets do something different. Insead of making resolutions , make this the year we just say goodbye to the things that have held us back in 2011 & for so much  longer than that. Lets say goodbye to fear, we will get rid of anger and bitterness, we are gonna  kick sarcasm out of our mouths and out of our hearts. Hopelessness &  despair we will toss like a used up tissue. Lets say hello to 2012 hopefully, with every expectation that this new year will be a time of learning and giving and receiving, taking our losses with grace and looking for the Face of our G-d in every situation.

Prayer: Precious and Most Glorious Father , thank-You for bringing us thru another year. Some of us thought  ,Lord ,that we would n't make it , some actually thought there were some things going on in our lives that were too hard for You.But in spite of our unbelief You were patient with us and brought us thru . And the things we walked thru have not been easy, there were deaths of loved ones and unfilled emptiness in our hearts, there have been financial losses and illnesses , but Father we would rather go through these evils of life with You than have to face them without You. As we look back over this year there is much to rejoice over, many have received You into their hearts, a war has ended, someone has been delivered from a  personal turmoil.Thank You , Lord. And now as we walk into a new year we do so confidently knowing  that whatever we face , we know our prayers are heard by our G-d Who never sleeps. Hallelujah!!!!!!

Lets be hopeful. Lets Be Encouraged!!! See you next year. Happy  New Year!! Dr Norma

It's The Day After Christmas...... Is everyone as tired as I am???? Or are you just engrossed in new electronic devices?? I am both;tired, but really loving my latest toy. Iam writing this post on my IPad which is a gift from husband. Now I can share with you whereverr I am! This is great because next month we will be doing a Word Study on Hope. I believe this will be a great spiritual Focus on which to start the new year. I am praying that G-d will speak to your spirits and to your situation as you join me in this study. Prayer|: Precious and Almighty One, You Whose Exellence is unequaled, thank You for sending Your Son to us that we may No longer be subject to the power of darkness, but have a right to walk in fellowship with The Light of Perfe ction. Father, we ask that You would forgive us for all the things that we as a people have done that offend You. Forgive us for all the anger , bitterness and rage that grieve Your Spirit. Let us be reminded of The Love You sent in The Person of Your Son and let us walk in That Love. Amen. Be encouraged and be filled with Hope! Dr Norma

Merry Christmas To All!!! Why We

Merry Christmas !!!!
For these most recent past  weeks I have been ,like you ,enjoying the December energy: shopping, decorating,  and admiring other peoples' decorations and traditions.
Last month, my husband & I traveled to  Fayetteville,North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with our son and our  daughter in law.  On Sunday we worshipped with them at their church : New Life Bible Church where  Rev Drs. Allen S and Norma McLauchlin are the Pastors. As it happened, we were at the church on the 1st Sunday of the Advent Season and we were very pleasantly taught many things about Christmas traditions. Some of the teachings included:

• The use of evergreens- Isaiah 60:13-"the Glory of Lebanon shall come unto you , the fir tree, the pine tree and the box together , to beautify your sanctuary."
• The poinsettia- a Mexican plant whose flower has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.
• The candy cane - representative of the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the Newborn Savior. The red stripe- the Sacrificial Lamb, the white stripe- our Sinless Savior. The smell & taste of peppermint relate to the herb hyssop-"purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean . Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" Psalms 51:7 

This list is not exhaustive; many more traditions and symbols were explained in the service . I found it very gracious  that not only did several ministries  have an explanatory part in the service but all the congregation participated , even guests , by singing and by the responsive reading. We had a good time at New Life Bible Church and as we wait on Christmas Eve, it is my prayer that you never forget the reason Christ came , and why we should always remember Sacred Traditions. They keep us in touch with The Reason for the Season.

Prayer - Hallelujah ! Thank You Lord Jesus for laying aside Your Heavenly Glory and coming to Earth so that we may have a Place in Our Father's Kingdom. Without Your Obedience it would not be so.Thank You for teaching us the value of forgiveness. Thank you for enduring The Cross in our place . Thank You for getting up and Thank You for being our Advocate even now. May Christmas with all its traditions constantly remind us of You and cause us to hunger and thirst for Your Presence in our lives even more. Glory , Hallelujah. Amen.
       Merry Christmas & be encouraged. Dr Norma

Seasonal Stressors-Beware Part 2

Another , more debilitating stressor you may  come up against in the Winter is Seasonal Affective Disorder., also known as Winter Depression (S.A.D.) This is a type of depression that occurs in  Winter as the days get shorter, although the symptoms may first appear in Fall.  A short list of key points regarding this form of depression:

• Symptoms- social withdrawal, energy loss,weight gain, appetite change 
• Causes/ Risks - loss of sunlight , altered biorhythms , loss of sunlight leads to low serotonin, melatonin. Risks include being female, family history, clinical depression , bipolar disorder
• Complications -Suicidal thoughts & behaviors, substance abuse, problems at work or school
• Lifestyle Changes- make your environment as bright as you can , exercise regularly, get out during the day & get some sun.   

These are some points that hopefully  will make you aware of what some people may be suffering thru as the seasons change.  SAD is more common in Winter among women , but it can occur in Summer and it does affect men : although not as frequently but when it does , it appears more intensely .

You can read more information about this type of seasonal stressor  by clicking this link : Mayo Clinic Auger Depression

If you need help in assessing whether your symptoms are SAD , please contact us. You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post where it reads "comments", or for a private and personal reply e-mail me at the address that appears at the top right  of the blog. Be encouraged! Dr Norma

Tonights Prayer- Precious Father; in the Name of Jesus we come before you thanking You for all that You continue to bring us through. Thank You Lord , for Jesus . Help us in the midst of this Season to remember that He is  Our Reason for celebrating. Father at this time , many struggle. We pray that You will help and heal them as only You can. This we ask in Jesus' Most Holy Name and we thank You for hearing our prayer. Amen

Seasonal Stressors - Beware!!!!!

I believe December is one of the most mystifying months of the year. The beauty of  Christmas decorations, winter fashions, the stark, contrasting natural scenery, and that awesome , hopeful energy charge that is in the air only in December create a wonderful, joyous season. As beautiful as it is , December is  the most stressful month  in the calendar year.

In this post I want to encourage you with  some ways to de-stress December.

• Stressor -Over extending yourself
   Its ok to say "no" when you already have enough to do. Firmly, but pleasantly state that you will be happy to help at another time when you are less committed. 
• Stressor- Spending too much  Set a realistic budget, especially on holiday spending. As you wander around the malls , remember that there are 364 more days you have to live.
• Stressor- Family drama
•   Accept your family for who they are- they are feeling the same strain that you are feeling  and you aren't perfect either. Hug'em , remember why you love 'em and enjoy 'em.
• Stressor- Overeating-
•    For many of us, it is hard enough to be disciplined about food thru the year.  However, when we are constantly surrounded by holiday goodies for a good month or 2, it is that much harder!!! If you can , eat lightly or have a cup of tea before you get to the party . Should you mess up, forgive yourself and get back on track .

Hopefully this list will give  you some help in navigating though some of the stress of the Holiday season. This is a time of joy!!! Be merry and Be Encouraged!!!!  Dr Norma

 Scripture Reference- Phillipians 4:5- let your moderation be known to all men

In A Season of Hope..........

Hello,

 As you know we don't usually publish this late,  however I  just read some really encouraging news, and I did not want to go to bed without wishing you a safe and happy week-end.

As reported by the Associated Press, there are 2 new medications available that have had a stunning effect on breast cancer .One experimental drug called pertuzumab held cancer at bay for 18 mos, versus the 12 months reported  by more usual treatments.  Another medicine, everolimus sold as Afinitor, kept cancer in check in a median of 7 months in women who had conditions that were worsening in spite of treatment. Although the new meds are expected to be very expensive, and are NOT proven to be cures, physicians are hoping that they may become cures when given to women with early stage cancers.

I found this to be very encouraging , very hopeful GOOD news and so I had to share it with you. For more information about this consult the American Cancer Society, or if this information is directly pertinent to you, speak with your oncologist.

This week-end, remember that as Christmas approaches , we are in a Season of Hope. Look for it: its all around us! Lets not forget to thank G-d for it. Be encouraged! Dr. Norma