Early in my career, a concerned 22-year-old mother named Karen approached me and asked if her daughter’s imaginary friend was an early sign of “insanity.” There was a history of mental illness in the family, and she was extremely distressed by her daughter’s sudden insistence that an extra place be set at the dinner table…
Read moreCategory: Resources
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of. After a woman gives birth, changes in her hormone levels can spark a host of rollercoaster emotions. According to the National Women’s Health Information Center (www.4woman.gov/FAQ/postpartum.htm — one of many helpful Web sites devoted to aiding women suffering with this condition), postpartum depression may be caused by…
Read moreBroken Vessel: Renewing Your Mind
Renewing your mind through the Bible is key to producing everlasting spiritual fruit. As you enter into new beginnings, meditate on the following ten scriptural truths. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV). He Himself has said “I will never leave…
Read moreReally Loved Me: Where to Find Help
The following are Christian ministries that provide help, support, and/or information to those experiencing infertility. Stepping Stonesc/o Bethany Christian Services901 Eastern Avenue NEP.O. Box 294Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0294Phone: 616/224-7488Fax: 616/224-7593E-mail: Step@bethany.org http://www.bethany.org/step Stepping Stones is a bimonthly, donation-supported Christian newsletter offering hope, encouragement, and support to infertile couples. Hannah’s Prayer Ministries P.O. Box 5016Auburn, CA…
Read moreMore on Down syndrome
Down syndrome is the most common genetic anomaly, occurring once in every 800 to 1,000 births. Down syndrome is a genetic characteristic, like skin color and hair type. It is not caused by parental drug use, environmental conditions, or birth trauma. 5,000 children with Down syndrome are born each year in the United States. Although…
Read moreChoose Life
The medical prognosis for Sarah Young is not good. Still in her mother’s womb, Sarah suffers from complications that threaten to impair her life. Her parents, Alan and Kendra, have chosen to keep their daughter and give God a chance to do a miracle. Here are some of the words from the expectant parents: We…
Read moreWhat is an attachment disorder?
What is an attachment disorder? . . . a condition in which individuals have difficulty forming loving, lasting, intimate relationships. Though attachment disorders vary in severity, individuals lack the ability to show genuine affection to others. They typically fail to develop a conscience and do not learn how to trust. Symptoms of attachment disorder Superficially…
Read moreHomeschooling: Recommended Reading
Books Ballman, Ray. The How and Why of Home Schooling. Crossway Books. 1987. Fugate, J. Richard. What the Bible Says About . . . Child Training. Aletheia Publishers. 1980. Leman, Dr. Kevin. Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours. Dell Publishers. 1984. Moore, Dr. Raymond. Home Grown Kids. Word Publishers. 1981. Moore, Dr. Raymond. Home School…
Read moreAdjusting to Pregnancy
Don’t deny your feelings, but realize they are just that — feelings, not eternal reality. The way you feel right now about this pregnancy (angry at yourself or husband, scared, flustered, etc.) is OK, so don’t feel guilty about what you feel. Yet realize in six months or a year, your feelings most likely will be…
Read moreDoubt and Belief: Finding the Road Again
Perplext in faith, but pure in deeds, At least he beat his music out. There lives more faith in honest doubt, Believe me, than in half the creeds. He fought his doubts and gather’d strength. He would not make his judgment blind. He faced the specters of the mind And laid them; thus he came…
Read more