A Blast From the Past

Exciting news! I just received an e-mail letting me know an article I wrote several years ago for the Old Schoolhouse Magazine was republished on the Spiritual Warfare for Moms web-site. That is a crazy blast from the past. As I read over the article, it's amazing how much has changed, and yet, the core beliefs are still the same. A good thing for sure.

As of a couple of weeks ago, all of my children have now graduated from high school. It's crazy to think I am a retired homeschool mom! But I love it! I love to see what God is doing in the lives of my children and where He is leading them. Our daughter is transitioning from the political realm into ministry, she will be working at our church, Rock City. She and her husband just celebrated their first anniversary. Our second child takes care of the facilities and maintenance at a large non-profit; he will be walking down the isle later this month. Our third child, is our creative artist. He is very involved with the worship band at Rock City, as well as, playing with friends in a few different bands. Our youngest, who just graduated from high school, would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. He is currently involved in the cadet program with our local police department. He will be participating in a couple of academies this summer, he's looking forward to them.

I love seeing the people God has created and gifted them to be. They are a true blessing. I am so thankful for the time I was able to be with them and share in the schooling process, and now I enjoy them as adults. I have told others our job as parents is to work ourselves out of a job, and to launch faithful, wise people into the world to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. I understand the journey of parenting is never really over, but it does change as the years go on. We will always be parents but our role changes and we transfer over the decision making process from total control over a young child to no control when they become young adults. We transition from caregiver to friend and advise giver (if they ask). This is not always an easy thing but it is necessary.

This was a wonderful reminder to me of the journey we have been on, God is always so faithful.

Breaking Addiction

Last week, I posted about the sadness and devastation alcohol addiction can bring. This week, I wanted to give some places to go for help.

First and foremost, a person must be ready to break the addiction. Once there is realization of a problem, the road to true healing can begin. There are many organizations that provide assistance with alcohol addiction; one organization is Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known to many as AA, has been helping people since 1939. AA is built upon men and women who have had a drinking problem in the past, and are now, in return, helping others who are in that beginning place. They do not turn anyone away from the program; there are no membership requirements. AA is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.

What if we see a friend or loved one suffering with this addiction? What can we do to help them? Certainly, it is wise for them to seek help from professionals; however, I believe it is important for us to walk alongside them. Prayer is the most important thing we can do; in addition, encouragement and accountability are also helpful.

Everyone needs encouragement. When you are facing one of the biggest fights of your life, it can be the difference between success and failure. Knowing someone cares is so important. By letting someone know you believe they can do it, that may be just the thing they need to get them through.

Not everyone likes accountability. Lets face it; it’s uncomfortable. It’s also uncomfortable to hold someone accountable, but it is so very important. Many times, people need a gentle reminder, whether or not they want it. In the end, your friend or loved one will thank you for caring.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of resources, but please get help if you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol addiction.




Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http://www.aa.org/

The Problem of Addiction

Have you ever looked at the people who pass you by on the street? I mean, really looked at them. Have you ever wondered what’s going on in their lives? Is there hurt? Is there disappointment? Is there joy?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of hurting people out there. One of the hurts is alcohol addiction. Addiction for many is a never-ending cycle of wanting to do better, being strong for a while, then falling back into the same behavior again. This monster has a strong hold and rarely lets go on its own.

Who are the people caught up in addiction? According to The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., one in every twelve adults is dealing with alcohol abuse or dependence. According to this fact, we all know someone who is battling with enslavement. Addiction is not prejudice; it does not attack some groups and not others. No, it is equal to everyone. This master grips people young and old, rich and poor; it plays no favorites. Sadly, many people suffer in secrecy, or perhaps, denial.

The lives of those affected can be devastated financially, as well as, relationally. If you think you or someone you love may have a problem with alcohol answer the following questions honestly: Are you neglecting responsibilities at work, home or school? Do you put yourself in dangerous situations like driving while impaired? Are you finding yourself in more and more legal situations due to driving drunk or being involved in domestic disputes? Are you spending time out drinking with friends, instead of, spending time with your spouse or family? Do you get drunk after a stressful day at work? Are you having more and more “stressful” days to justify getting drunk? If you find these things to be true, this may be indication of an alcohol addiction and you or your loved one needs to get help.

Where do you turn to get help if you feel you, or someone you, know has a problem with alcohol? You have options, next week, I will give you some suggestions on where to turn for help.



The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (n.d.). Learn About Alcohol. Retrieved from https://ncadd.org.

Doors

It's a been a long time since I posted anything. And yet, so much has happened. Three of our children have graduated from high school and the last one will graduate this spring. So what now? What is a stay at home, homeschool mom to do when she nears "retirement"?

Well, about two years ago God started opening doors for me. Now, I didn't realize doors were opening, it takes me a while sometimes, but He was opening doors, none the less. After being able to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, a position on staff became available. After much prayer and conversations with Tom (asking if now was the right time), I applied for the position. The position is so interesting for me, working directly with the families and getting to love on them. Human Resources had issues with my "lack of experience/education", however, the hiring manager went to bat for me and told them she wanted me, end of story. I greatly appreciated her confidence in me, but I was a bit taken back, I hoped I would live up to her expectations. After a seemingly long hiring process, I entered back into the "paid" work world on a part-time basis. Over the past two years, I have increased my hours to a full-time work week.

I can't begin to articulate how much I love my job! I truly believe what I learned along the way raising our kids has prepared me for where I am today. I know everything in life has a reason and purpose, there are no coincidences. At times, I just stand amazed at where I am and how I got here, it blows me away.

I am so blessed to do what I get to do. I am also blessed with who I get to walk this journey with. My manager has been such an encouragement to me. What we do matters to her and she takes it seriously. Dealing many times with delicate situations, she has taught me much about grace and kindness.

So now what? You would think I have enough going on, but another door recently started to open. I have learned over my years, God often opens doors I didn't realize were there. Whenever there is a new door in view, I want to look at the possibilities and investigate it. A new door appeared this past fall--college! Yep, I started college! I have the opportunity to attend Ohio Christian University and study Human Services. At this point in life, I have a pretty good handle on what I want to be when I "grow up." I have had only encouragement from everyone around me. God has placed me in a class with amazing people and I have much to learn from them. My current professor has been wonderful, she is so encouraging and wants me to succeed. Again, I am amazed at where I am and so thankful we have a God of details. Even the details of opening doors at just the right time!