Featured Guest Author

So exciting! Today, as I write this, I am the featured guest author on a blog. This is my first time being a guest on a blog. It's interesting, because I don't have to physically be there. However, at the same time the interaction is quite different. I only interact with someone when they comment.

As of yet, there are no comments, so it is hard to tell if anyone stops by. I've put the info out there, as much as I am visible on the internet. I don't have a lot of followers on Twitter, yet (less than 200). I don't have a lot of followers anywhere. I do have just about 500 friends on Facebook, but we all know how that can go. We don't connect with all of them whenever we post something, depending on the settings.

I'll let you know how it went, after day's end. Bye for now.

Oh, don't forget! God loves you!

Angela D Meyer

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

A new page has been added. We all know there needs to be more education in the area of mental illness in the church. Maybe you have mental illness. Maybe you are not sure. Perhaps your family member, or friend, has certain behavior patterns that you are concerned about. There are warning signs to let us know that maybe something serious is wrong. Go to the new page, Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness, to learn what they are.

Too often we have heard, "If only I had known." You can know. Is it fail proof - no, but you can still arm yourself with information on what to look for. Be prepared.

Whenever you have questions, first go to the Greatest Answer Man ever, the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray, and ask the Lord what avenue should you take in seeking help either for yourself, a family member, or for someone else. Always remember, though, if there is danger involved, you already know the Lord wants you to take immediate action. We can quickly throw up prayers with just a groan, if necessary. The Spirit discerns and knows what you want. He also knows what's the best action to take. Listen and then act!

In my brokenness, before God miraculously healed me in the state mental hospital, I suffered with Borderline Personality Disorder. This video captures the thoughts at that time.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and My Christian Faith
or copy and paste this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkS0ZaQGlWg

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness
or copy and paste this link
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness

Be blessed

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26

Enjoy The New Look

Well, I finally did it. I updated my blog. I don't know my way around creating, etc. when it comes to making blogs and websites pretty. It probably takes me 5 times as long to create than someone who may know what they are doing. I tell you what, though. I sure had a lot of fun, but now I am very tired. It's nearly 1 a.m. and I'm pooped.

I intend to make many changes. One being I intend to post more regularly now that I have my first book, "The Woman at the Well...today" published, and Sunday evening I sent in my manuscript for "The Woman at the Well...today" Bible study. For more info on the Bible study, head on over to my facebook page Women at the Well Bible study. While you're there check out my other facebook Women at the Well Ministries. I guess since you're running around checking out well's, you may as well check out my website. I'm still working on that too. So I appreciate your patience there, as well. (My, I sure use that word [well] a lot.

Look for more changes and additions. Uh, that is as soon as I figure out how to add them.

Blessings to you all, or ya'll, if I was still in Texas.

Hello, I'm Back

Since my book, "The Woman at the Well...today", was published, I knew I had to work on marketing it. I didn't realize how much work that would be, and how much time each day it would take. I am not complaining, because it is an amazing experience. However, I don't move as fast as I used to, nor do I move as quickly from one thing to the next. I say this to say it is taking time to adjust to posting on all the groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. It's good that when I post many places it automatically posts on Twitter. That's a time saver. Now, is there a "click here" to post one place that will go to all of the social networks?

I appreciate you if you are a marketing expert. You have valuable information. It also takes a lot of energy. This is something I ask the Lord for daily. There are lunch breaks I delay, and dinner breaks I delay in taking. Too often I have been eating dinner (if one can call it that) too late in the evening. Hence, I'm staying up late because it's hard to fall asleep on a full stomach. That's another point. Discipline is lacking in that area as well.

Whew! I need a boost of energy that I had at 20, 30, 40; even 50 years old. Ah, I'm giving away a bit of age info here. That's okay. I am proud of my age, because the Lord has kept me alive to tell my story. He is the One holding me together in more ways than one.

All this said, I am excited beyond words, as to what God Almighty is doing in my life at this time. These are the best years of my life. I am with my son and his family in the most perfect setting I could ask. My granddaughters are absolutely the doting babies I could ever want and need. God truly is blessing me beyond belief. Then it is believable, because He is a God who keeps His promises. He has been so faithful, loving and patient with me all these years. Yes, He's been tough with me, but it certainly was necessary. He is the perfect Teacher who truly knows what's best for His child.

Walking in the wilderness all those years was horrendous. There were times when God had to supernaturally keep me alive. Either the enemy tried to take my life, or I tried to take my own life. Either way, it was something the enemy instigated. But God is greater in me than the enemy, who is in the world. No one is greater and larger than Jehovah. Talk about someone having my back. God always did and does have my back. He went before me to make sure the road was paved as He intended. He stayed beside me to guide me. Since I have no peripheral vision, He needed to hold my arm so I would not crash into the wall. Well, actually there were a few times I did crash into that brick wall, but He was there to make sure I continued breathing because the crash was terrific.

He walked behind me to limit the attacks of the enemy behind my back. Yes, He allowed attacks from the enemy, but they were closely monitored by Jehovah Jireh. He was always there is administer His healing balm of Gilead so that I would not perish.

Yes, you see, the God of my salvation is perfect! He breathed air into my lungs when it looked liked there was no more air. He took the heart that was so broken that it looked like sawdust, and He re-molded it. As a matter of fact, He put it back together again better than it was before. And my mind. Well, let me tell you. There was so much confusion there that it looked like the chaos of the world at the beginning of time. You know where it says in the Bible that the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep? Well, that's probably what the chaos in my mind looked like; without form, void and dark. But just like at that time, the Spirit of God was hovering over Barbara. He said, "Let there be light", and His Light healed my mind, my heart, and my spirit.

He's such a Good God. I want to shout from the rooftops of the goodness of the Almighty God I serve. Won't you join me?

Be blessed by Him today,
Barbara

The Woman at the Well...today

Second Leg of My Journey

Now that The Woman at the Well...today is published, I have the dubious task of marketing it. Even though it is available on my publisher's bookstore, Xulon Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iBooks, I still must get it out there to you, the public. I have great resources through LinkedIn writers who give great suggestions.

I really thought book signings were for famous people, but the more I read about them, it seems every author should have at least one. That's a scary thought for me. It's scary when we have to step out in faith, not knowing what to expect, right? But the Lord will show me every step, and hold my hand when necessary. He's like that, you know. And as He takes our hand, we know that whatever happens, we will be okay.

First, I need to go to Barnes and Noble and see if they will let me hold one at their store. After they give me the go ahead (faith applied here), I'll know the next step.

Second, I need to finish ordering new business cards and announcements for the publishing of the book.

Third, I need to have invitations (in the form of flyers) printed to pass/send out to the world.

I don't know what the step is after that. Oh, the invitations will have the date, time and place of book signing, so I'll need to confirm that with, hopefully, Barnes and Noble before I print invitations.

Just like I know He's holding my hand now, as my website page is 'down.' Arrrgh! 

If there are any authors reading this blog, please...feel free to contact me and give me pointers on marketing.

The Book is Finally Finished

A long time in the making! God's story how He healed me from a life plagued with shame, guilt and tremendous heartbreak is finally here. Now it's been nearly 18 years since I heard the still small voice telling me to put in a book how nothing is impossible with God. I procrastinated to the point I thought He might tell me never mind, He doesn't want me to write the book any more. Worse, I thought He would take me home before I would finish it.

It was about 3 years ago that I realized certain things still had to take place before we (God and me) could finish the book. I didn't want to bring any more shame or guilt to my mother and brother than I had already brought in their lives, and I didn't want more grief either. Mother passed in 2008 and Johnne, my brother, passed in 2005. It still took me a few years to realize that now (2008) is the time to finish the book. 

I struggled another 2 years. I bought the lie from the devil that God would take me home when I finished the book. Again, I procrastinated, not wanting to die upon the completion of the book. There was another factor involved in this mix. God had halted my other ministry activities. Doors were closing right and left. 

But here's the neat part. We (Christians) are called the Body of Christ for a reason. If the foot hurts, get a crutch or hop on one foot, while holding onto someone. If a sister is struggling, help her in her struggles. You get the picture. Right? I thought He was taking away Women at the Well Bible Study, too. If that happened, where would I be? Surely, I was created to teach the study and train other women to teach as well. Well, I talked to a precious sister in the Lord who simply told me that my identity was not in the Women at the Well Bible Study. Are you saying, "And...?"

For someone who thought God would never use her, I never dreamed that He could or would use me in more than one way. She reminded me that we serve a very multi-tasked oriented God.

I'm thrilled, excited and beside myself to have finished this painful journey. Don't get me wrong. I would take this journey repeatedly, knowing the relationship I have with Christ. To know there is life after this life is one thing. To know that the life after this one will be spent in eternity with the King of kings, and Lord of lords, is beyond my understanding. I get to spend forever with GOD!!

Won't you join me? Take the journey I took by reading God's story of my life...

"The Woman at the Well...today"

You can find the book at these fine locations:

Xulon Press Bookstore

Amazon Books

Barnes and Noble

Also on Apple iTunes Stores, under Books.

Do me a favor, please. If there is a link to this, would you let me know? I'm not that savvy when it comes to Apple things. Thanks.

Blessings,

Barbara

Is This The Final Editing?

It is officially Spring. Living in southern California it feels like Spring has been upon us for several months. We never really had Autumn, Fall or Winter. The weather has been moderate to warm, even between December-February. Where else can you wear shorts at Christmas, go snow boarding, ride in the desert, and go to the beach, all in the same day? Well, maybe a pretty long day, but you get the point. A few days ago we saw snow on the very top of the mountains, while experiencing 80 degree weather.
On a different note: 
The final editing of my book is complete (I think). I've sent it back to the publisher's with the latest changes. This is such an exciting process. I recommend it to everyone. If God has revealed to you to write your story, or write about something else, don't hesitate any longer. You won't be completely at peace until you do what the Master has asked of you. You will always feel something is left undone. That's not a place He wants you to reside.
I don't know all that He has for me, but I can hardly wait to find out. I have longed to shout from the rooftops of His great love for you and me. God never disappoints, nor leaves us. He is always faithful, and always wants the best for us. Never before have I experienced the love of someone who wants only the best for me. Not until I met Jesus! 

Sticks and Stones...

Sticks and stones may break my bones, and names can hurt me too.Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

You've heard it said that sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.

Just as those sticks and stones thrown at us can bruise and injure the body, harsh words and names hurled at us can break hearts and destroy relationships. I speak from experience as well as scripturally. I'm sure many of you can also speak from experience. Being direct is one thing, but when it drives people away, we need to access our "directness", or "honesty" as some may call it.

Many are not willing to tell you when you are offensive. They don't want to become the latest victim of the offender's sharp tongue. Words laced in grace accomplish more. 

Do you talk more than you listen? Do you impatiently wait for another to stop talking so you can give your opinion? These have a higher probability of indiscreet speech. We may be guilty of tearing down instead of building up, if these exist. If we are angry or dissatisfied, we may communicate insensitive words. Oh how wise it is if we ask a trusted friend if the way we speak helpful or harmful. 

If you are led by the Holy Spirit to correct someone in this area, please remember to place a caring arm around a friend's shoulder before you confront him or her with specific concerns. Like Jesus, look redemption in the conversation. Follow the Holy Spirit’s lead in leading others to understand their need to change. Don't get in the way of the work of the Spirit working in their heart though. Prayerfully wait to bring up sensitive matters when their heart is most open to truth. 

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Don't Give Up and Don't Give In

I can hardly wait until my book comes out. Spring cannot come quick enough. I wrote my story because I want to shout from the rooftops how big and awesome God is; to tell you not to give up hope. If you have faith as tiny as a mustard seed, God will show up and show off for you. I wrote my story to show you that God loves the unlovable, unwanted, and underserved. Yes, we're all deserving of hell, but our merciful God has given us life abundantly.

God loves you! He will never quit on you.

In ministering to hurting women for nearly 30 years, I have seen just as many who are hurting in the church as there are outside of the church. In most cases, you would never guess what is going on inside these women. When you ask how they are doing, they smile and say, “Fine” or that familiar, “Praise the Lord.”

As believers, Jesus said we are in the world but we are not of this world (John 17:11-17). He said in the world we will have tribulation (John 16:33). So why are we surprised when we go through trials? As Christians, we have the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to carry us through the trials. Jesus never said we would be without trials. These trials are to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him. They strengthen us when we trust in Him whatever the outcome of the trial. They strengthen us because we know no matter what, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Are you paralyzed by past hurts, ‘stuck’ in growth towards a more personal, and intimate relationship with Jesus? Are you fearful to seek help? Do you fear others will see you as a weak or bad Christian? Unfortunately, many churches push these serious struggles aside as one not having enough faith, having some unconfessed sin or to seek help is ‘unspiritual.’

Christian women are plagued in epidemic proportions with these types of painful experiences: Abortion, adultery, betrayal, chronic illness, divorce, emotional abuse, grief, incest, loss, the Occult, physical abuse, rape, rejection, sexual abuse, and witchcraft.

It is particularly hurtful when other Christians turn their backs when the results of these painful experiences lead to any of the following: Alcohol/drug addiction, anger/rage, bitterness, depression, eating disorders, guilt, mental/emotional illness, panic attacks, shame, suicidal thoughts/attempts, and unforgiveness.

Can you identify with any of the above? 

Do you ask yourself, “How could I be a Christian and do the things I do?” 

The Lord has not forsaken you. He has not forgotten about you or your circumstances. Has it been a while since you have experienced His goodness, mercy, grace, or love? As long as you have breath, there is hope. God is in the business of giving second, third, fourth and even fifth chances. Do you need more? Hold on to the cross tightly. Don't let the enemy pull you away. You are an overcomer!

I've Finished Writing My Testimony

I've finished my first book, "The Woman at the Well...Today." It is a story how God healed me from mental/emotional illness while in the state mental hospital. He delivered me from the chains of alcohol/drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and much more. The book is in the editing process, and should be ready for production in the Spring, 2014.

If you want to read an excerpt of the book, go to my website and click on the tab Woman at the Well Today, at the top of the page. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Women at the Well