My Heart Cries out for the Breath of Heaven

My heart cries out today, for me, for you and for our children and grandchildren.

I find myself doing it all over again. Looking to something or someone to do what only the Lord my God can do for me and in me and in my family.

I see that I still want my own timetable for healing and relief and that peace that only comes from the Lord. In my mind, I can fix it. As the firstborn daughter that was part of my job description for so long, fixer/caretaker of the family. When the fixer got weary, things needed to change, I needed to pull back; I need to pull back even now. No fixer or caretaker lives forever. Sometimes as with the case with my mama, the Lord seemed to have taken her early, perhaps to spare her from some acute pain, both physically and emotionally in her life. The Bible even has a verse that says He takes those early to spare them. It is His mercy yet we at home still grieve the loss of her love, her humor and her hearty laugh.

I repent once again Jesus. I repent of wanting a counselor to fix my family. I repent of looking to the world for what only You can do. I repent of getting weary in praying and wondering if You hear me? Do You see me still? Will You send an angel as You sent to Hagar; she named You the “God who sees.” See me, Jesus; see my hopes, dreams and aspirations. See my children that I love and have failed in so many ways, but yet I am blessed to have had the privilege to bring them forth for You and give them back to You. Thank you for each one and for some wonderful grandchildren. As I look to this day, knowing I have given it over to Your hands, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will rise up strong in me, that I can face the day, future and even the dreaded hour, that I can get through anything by Your strength and power. The old song, “Where Can we go, but to the Lord” has been in my heart since I was a young girl and knew I needed a savior so much. One thing I have always known is You are the one who holds the words of life, the only one I can constantly go to, my source of peace. You are the One who holds me. You will get all glory and praise. You are my heart’s desire. Live through me this day.

The lyrics to this song can apply to others than Mary, “Breath of Heaven”

I am waiting in a silent prayer

 I am frightened by the load I bear

 In a world as cold as stone

 Must I walk this path alone?

 Be with me now, be with me now

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

 Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

 Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

 Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

 Breath of Heaven

(Read more: Amy Grant - Breath Of Heaven Lyrics | MetroLyrics)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW2OBT-5qfc

The Good Upscale Doctor, This is dedicated to the members of the Substance Abuse Task Force (Daytona) and all Addict's Moms groups

As we talked about painkillers on Friday at the Substance Abuse Task Force meeting, I still struggle with the good, upscale doctors who prescribe heavy painkillers so frequently. Now we find out they are making it easy for the elderly to become addicted. May the Lord have mercy on the families who have lost loved ones because of these issues. I pray for them daily.

I am doing a repeat of this blog today. This is dedicated to the faithful members of the Substance Abuse Task Force.

The Good, Upscale Doctor

"18-year-old son died of overdose, Grieving mother pushing Oxy ban,


RX for trouble: Painkiller abuse plagues society, Falling short in fighting addiction," these all were either headlines or editorials recently in our local newspaper. They say in the State of Florida 7 people die daily from overdoses of prescription meds.


Until it hits home in your own family, headlines like these will not affect you. It will be somebody else's child, not your own; it doesn't affect you. You can put down people like that, thinking they may be the scum of the earth, not even realizing that some of those children started off like your own kids. Just living their life, going to school, thinking about college and their careers. Then the tragedy of addiction hits the family.
It may have been a legitimate pain issue, they may have had surgeries young and pain issues that seemed beyond control. You as a parent may have questioned the expensive upscale doctor, wondering aloud to him your concerns. "Why such high pain killers so soon? Aren't morphine patches something given to hospice patients? Will my child still need these medications if they have surgery? "
He immediately tried to pacify you, "It isn't addictive, and it is something they can take their whole life through if necessary."


You weren't convinced, yet who were you? Did you have as many degrees as this doctor? Isn't he noted in the community for his work? Wouldn't he do the same for his own daughter or son if in your shoes? It wasn't long before the teen that was in pain was of legal age to continue with the doctor without your consent. And sooner than later the things you were concerned with came about. That is why we have painkiller abuse in our society. I don't have to name names; there are legions in our State and country that are writing prescriptions with no concern for the long-term outcome, which in most cases is addiction.


Prescription medicine addiction is a real dilemma in our society and it isn't getting any easier to decide who is right and who is wrong. Of course, I can understand when someone is in dire need of medications that they shouldn't be denied. I am not against doctors who truly must help those who suffer with chronic pain; I am all for good medical care. Yet the utmost scrutiny should be given to doctors that write painkiller prescriptions, too many, too soon. Look at the recent celebrity deaths and the doctors that were a part of each one! We have become such a drugged up nation; sometimes I wonder if anyone knows real people anymore or are they just someone either doped up or a facade of that person you used to know and love.

Addiction itself has been described as cunning, baffling, and powerful by AA and Al-anon groups. That means to me that the person becomes so cunning in taking care of their addiction that it is second nature to them to use any form of manipulation to get their source of relief. It baffles the ordinary person to find this such a powerful influence in our loved one. The person you once knew and loved seems to be gone from you forever and you can only hand the problem over to a loving God who alone can bring help for the true pain; the pain that painkillers will never cover
Try not to judge harshly; statistics say addiction hits all families and social-economic groups before long. You wouldn't want to walk a mile in the shoes or the grieving mother or father, rehash in your mind what you could've or should've done, or be in the body of the addict who became addicted following doctor's orders. Yes, the good, upscale expensive doctor is of no help now. Only the healing hand of the Great Physician can have mercy on this kind of hurt.


We go to the Word of God for help and comfort.


Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,


for his compassions never fail.


They are new every morning;


great is your faithfulness.


I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;


therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version, ©2010)


I see in this verse that God truly started the “One day at a time” movement long before Bill W. came up with it. We wait on His compassions and healing for our families!


Another version that might help:
I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,


the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.


I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—


the feeling of hitting the bottom.


But there's one other thing I remember,


and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:


God's loyal love couldn't have run out,


his merciful love couldn't have dried up.


They're created new every morning.


How great your faithfulness!


I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).


He's all I've got left.


God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,


to the woman who diligently seeks.


It's a good thing to quietly hope,


quietly hope for help from God.


It's a good thing when you're young


to stick it out through the hard times.


When life is heavy and hard to take,


go off by yourself. Enter the silence.


Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:


Wait for hope to appear.


Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.


The "worst" is never the worst.


Why? Because the Master won't ever


walk out and fail to return.


Lamentations 3:19-33 (The Message)
We have a faithful God to whom we can trust our family’s problems and issues. But as mothers, it still hurts. And good upscale doctors may be the ones that help bring about the hurt.


By Donna Collins Tinsley

This is dedicated to the faithful members of the Substance Abuse Task Force and all the Addict's Moms groups.

Please send your prayer requests to the Somebody's Mother Online Prayer Support Group:)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/119408188089314/?id=281112801918851

Jericho Project and praying for single moms and their kids

Sometimes life just gets too hectic to blog. So today I will just blog some of my facebook posts and try to put a video about a great, new project in South Daytona that Bob Langford and some volunteers and churches are sponsoring. The cute redhead in the video is our Isaiah:)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QwZneXkfdA

Today my prayer burden is for single parents. I was one for a few years and it brings many challenges to the table. I only had one daughter at the time and even though it was hard, there were some good memories of that time alone with her. Many in our groups have three and four children, mothers raising them alone and my heart goes out to you. The Lord steps in to be a father to there fatherless; lean on Him for wisdom.
I pray that all who are discouraged today will find their peace in the Lord and we ask that a blood covering be over all our loved ones in Jesus name.

Do you have a fractured family? Is your family tree messed up? You are in good company then and Jesus is our hope. Sometimes it may not seem that way but we have to get our eyes off our circumstances, look up to the Lord, find a Word from Him and claim it. Then pray, pray, pray! Prayer is a true working tool to peace and acceptance. A lot of our turmoil in life is not accepting the things we can't change; We sometimes have to accept that things are the way they are for a reason. I'm sure Joseph, during his days in prison and slavery felt forgotten by God as well as his family but he went ahead being the best he could be in those circumstances. The Lord caused him to rise above them and to rise in favor. Don't look at things the way they are but look at them through eyes of hope.

Jesus is the answer to all our problems and our strong help and that will always be the case. His ear is open to our prayers for help and hope. He is such a creative God that He brings forth beauty and grace and gifts within us that we never thought were there. He can bring the dormant seed to life. We praise His name and ask that He cover our families today. We thank You, Lord Jesus ahead of time for Your great blessing and favor towards our loved ones.

A song and a prayer about the Family Tree:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-opi1Qre8Cc

Family Tree
You didn't ask for this
Nobody ever would
Caught in the middle of this dysfunction
It's your sad reality
It's your messed up family tree
And now you're left with all these questions
Are you gonna be like your father was and his father was
Do you have to carry what they handed down?

No, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

I have a dream for you
It's better than where've you've been
It's bigger than your imagination
You're gonna find real love
And you're gonna hold your kids
You'll change the course of generations

Oh, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

'Cause you're my child
You're my chosen
You are loved
You are loved
And I will restore
All that was broken
You are loved
You are loved

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You're bringing new life to your family tree now
Yes you are, you are

Oh, this will be your legacy
This is will be your destiny
Yesterday did not define you
Oh, this will be your legacy
This will be your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You're bringing new life to your family tree now
(Matthew West)

May you have a peaceful day filled with love:)

Paying it Forward

I admire people who take the pain of life and pay it forward in wonderful ways to help others. I have always said one woman can make a difference; in this case it is four wonderful women, check out:
"Family charities keep memories of loved ones alive"
http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130901/news/130839857

She's "Somebody's Daughter," this and that about Miley Cyrus from others

I once took to heart the theme of "Somebody's Daughter" years ago when traveling north on 1-95 and seeing all the billboards advertising adult clubs with pictures on them that would break a parent's heart. All I could think was "She is somebody's daughter; what if she were yours?" I hope it is OK to post these links on my blog as I don't think I can say it better than this:)

 

This is a great blog I borrowed from a post on Shelly Beach's blog. It is written by someone who works with women to bring help for them and that organization is called "Somebody's Daughter."

http://shellybeachonline.wordpress.com/2013/08/29/guest-post-from-steve-siler-on-miley-cyrus-at-the-vmas/

It may seem like people are overreacting but do we really want our granddaughters to grow up and be like this? I think not. Here are some other thoughts:

 http://annieblogs.com/2013/08/26/how-do-we-help-miley/?utm_source=%28in%29courage+Email+Subscribers&utm_campaign=cd64f3b85e-INCOURAGE-RSS-EMAIL-CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_215aa6cf1a-cd64f3b85e-5000049#.UiJRo8bD-72

http://www.cwfa.org/content.asp?id=22534

 

http://www.cwfa.org/content.asp?id=22539

Book Review; The Gospel According to Les Miserables: 30 Devotions to Inspire Faith Paperback by Selena Sarns

I only wish I had gotten “The Gospel According to Les Miserables” before I rented the movie. I know I would’ve gotten so much more out of watching it if I had the titles of the chapters in this book to ponder.

A 30 day devotional is something we all can use at one time of our life or another. I like being able to feel that I am reading something that is not a big project like a yearly one is, at times.

My first thoughts about “The Gospel According to Les Miserables was of giving this book in a gift basket. It would include the original book by Victor Hugo, popcorn and the new movie added as an addition. I don’t know about you but I would love for someone to give me such a gift basket. Add some Milk Duds and you’ve got a movie night and the devotional lends towards starting the day in a good way.

There were timely quotes such as “With God, mistakes can be corrected and any life, no matter how difficult, can still glorify Him.” Also “When we realize that running from God is futile and empty; we can know that being open before God is true joy.” One devotion title was “No Good Deed Goes Unnoticed” which sounds like something my mama might have said, although life doesn’t always seem to work that way.

I love the concept of this devotional because the characters and story from the original book are so deep, rich and loved. Ending with “The story of  Les Miserables is not so far removed from Christian’s life. Each one of us faces similar temptations and conflict that impact who we are in Christ,” gives us all food for thought.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of The Gospel According to Les Miserables through BookCrash.com

When We are Broken People in Need of Healing

 

 

There are some weeks that are harder to get through than others. Young people dying of overdoses, family friends having bad reports from medical tests, little children being threatened in schools, suffering is all around us.

Sometimes the only thing that we know for sure about our lives is that we are broken. We who have been affected by addictions in our loved ones are broken people who love broken people. We sometimes have to remember as pointed out in the AA Big Book that our loved ones are sick. And sometimes, we are sick, also.

We pray that those among us who are suffering will find the hospital of the soul, where Jesus is the Great Physician and He will bring them through the pain of recovery. We pray that their scars turn to stars in the kingdom of God. We pray for family reconciliation in whatever form that can come, knowing that it may not look like what we thought it would look like. My picture and dream has not turned out like I thought that it might, but I am not the wise Creator, weaving behind the scenes to make the very perfect ending. I still believe that He can and will.

We need the powerful armor of the Lord to protect us each day. We sometimes have to physically put it on by the prayers of our hearts.

Lord, we pray, heal our hearts, heal our souls, and make us whole. Glow through us, expand Yourself in us, heal us, and heal me. Lord, there doesn’t seem to be joy in living for many of your people right now. We need strong intervention and help from the throne of God. We are at Your mercy with a broken, frayed rope that can only be held together with Your cords of love. Heal us, help us, I pray once again and when I can’t pray another word then I say, Jesus, lover of my soul, bind our wounds and make us whole.  We all stand in need of healing at times. This is my time Lord.

Donna Collins Tinsley


Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

Be a three-strand cord to someone today by joining in prayer with us.

Praying at Somebody’s Mother Online Prayer Support Group;:https://www.facebook.com/groups/119408188089314/permalink/676697812360346/

You Are Wanted, Today and Always

I know that I have gone way too long without updating my blog. Today though, I want to feature a friend and writer who has expressed herself so well and I glean from her often. It is through trials and pain that we all grow and learn to lean more on our Lord. He is ever faithful. I had never heard the song that is on the link here but I feel that there are many today who need to take this message deep into their heart. I welcome Elaine Creasman today and her post, You Are Wanted:

http://elainecreasman.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/you-are-wanted/

 

I want to add a note to those who feel broken today. The Lord, the great God who made the universe and everything within it loves you and He only can fill the broken heart and make you whole. Let Him be the healing balm that you need for each hurt, pain and sorrow. Praying every day in every way for each of you.

Disney-World Christianity and When Your Rope Breaks

 So many books, so little time, is always my motto. I can't wait to have the heavenly home of my dreams where there is time to read all the books I would like to read. A really good non-fiction book I'm reading is "When Your Rope Breaks."

 

One chapter talks about Disney-World Christianity. It seems to be true that many people try to say that if you accept the Lord then all will be well in your life. The very opposite is true for many and they really don't know what to do when all hell breaks out in their family. Although it is very true that the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy it is not comforting to be walking in the midst of his attacks.

 

Ask the mother who has lost her child to suicide how she felt when her rope broke. Ask the father whose little princess suddenly changed and didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore or the mother who is afraid her daughter's pill addiction will end her life if they believe in "Disney World Christianity."

 

I say work on getting better, not bitter as bitterness is a cancer for the soul.  Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice”

Three quotes I loved in this book are:

 "One of the great problems as believers is that some of us think nothing bad will happen to us when we begin to follow Christ. Some feel that God is in the business of preventing tragedy and are devastated when their ropes break. They become bitter. You see, they have not prepared themselves by learning sound doctrine and studying the Bible seriously. Disney-World Christianity may work in a world where everything is clean and fun and right. But it simply won't work in a world where there is disease, death and heartbreak. You've got to have a tough faith for a tough world."

"Understanding that everything comes from God and praising Him for it is an effective way to prevent bitterness. Learn to thank God in the little things like traffic jams, late appointments, crying children, angry husbands and burnt toast. Then when the rope really breaks you will have established a hedge against bitterness."  

“We ought to pray: Father, here I sit with my broken rope and I’m angry. Bitterness wells up in me, and I don’t know what to do about it or even if I want to do anything about it. I now take the situation I don’t like, and I give it to You. You deal with the situation as You see fit, and you deal with me as you see fit. I trust You to give me an explanation when I get to heaven, if I need one.” "When Your Rope Breaks" by Steve Brown

 For further reading this scripture brings the comfort that we need.

The Bible says: "Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!...So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it." 1 Peter 4 The Message

 

http://www.amazon.com/When-Your-Breaks-Steve-Brown/dp/0801057299

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Don't They Just Quit? a book by Joe Herzanek is a must-read!

 

"Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer" was the most profound quote written by Joe Herzanek in "Why Don't They Just Quit?" If you are a parent of an addict you will relate to that quote profoundly. This book should be in every home if addiction has challenged your family in any way. "Why Don't They Just Quit?" is a family education course in a very easy to read book with bold subtitles, questions and answers and others stories at the end. Hope is woven all through it. There are contemporary quotes throughout, and scripture is interwoven as well as comments from the family who went through the trenches with Joe Herzanek. He has paid his dues in addiction and recovery and has gone on to be a blessing to others through his work as an addictions counselor, as a chaplain at the Boulder County Jail and the president and founder of Changing Lives Foundation.

 

He portrays that there are many different ways to walk a recovery walk and gives help for both the addict and their loved ones. Chapter titles such as, Dying for a Cold One, Houston we Have a Problem, Siblings, the Forgotten Ones, Different Strokes for Different Folks, Drugs, the Gifts that Keep on Giving, Whole Person Recovery, and Relapse, Plan On It make for interesting reading.

 

One quote that is key "But no matter what happens, at some point addicts need to deal with their issues, move forward and take control of their future."

 

The Questions and Answers with Joe at the end is a resource in itself and he also includes a self-test for addiction and many stories and resources at the end.

 

I felt his family's presence while reading. His mother's comments as well as his ex-wife and oldest daughter were meaningful and I have a whole new respect for Judy who tirelessly advocates her husband's work. The pain she and his new family went through as he healed from Hep C was shown. There truly are always two sides to every story and Joe does well showing the other side also.

 

Another quote from Joe, "That was then and this is now, I can't change the past no matter how traumatic it may have been, but I can change the future." He mentions, "Some parents are willing to jump in and take the blame, convinced that there was something they could have done to prevent the problem. But when my mother would ask me why I used drugs, I'd just tell her the truth: I don't like the way I feel when I'm straight."

 

Joe also says, "At some point we all need to become willing to deal honestly with our stuff. When an addict confronts his own issues, he can start to put things into perspective and make peace with the past and with himself."

 

I'm a big fan of of this book and recommend it to professionals, family and friends.