Tag: Hope

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VL OO6 Sharing Hope

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ThreeCirclesALL1 Peter 3:15b Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you (NRSV) or

[And if anyone asks you about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. (NLT)]

We do not have to have the answer to every question, every objection, and every problem.  Rather, we are called on to give an answer for the hope that we have from a life in Christ.

How do we share “Hope”?

It does not have to be complicated.  We do not have to quote verse after verse to speak God’s truth.  The truth of Scripture is true even if we do not quote the verse in conversation.

We share it by entering into conversations with people.  It starts with caring enough to really listen.  Our agenda should be to live out the love of God, the love God has for them and the love God has shown to us.

Surrounded by “brokenness”.

We are often in contact with people that are experiencing the results of broken lives, bodies, relationships, and dreams.  In fact, we are no different.  It is from our own experiences with “brokenness” that we can compassionately connect with our fellow man.

Sometimes we experience brokenness as a result of our own actions.  Sometimes we experience brokenness as a result of the hurtful and selfish actions of others.

Many people talked about the difficulties they are facing, or difficulties their loved ones are facing.  When the opportunity arises in a conversation I will ask something like, “Can I share with you what gives me hope?”  If they consent then I share something like the following:

Three Circles

(developed by Jimmy Scoggins, Pastor, First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, Fl.)

God’s Design:

Genesis 1:31 says, “Then God look over all he had made and he saw that it was very good!” (NLT)

(Note: you do not need to quote the Bible verses to express the Biblical truth.)

God has a design for sex, marriage, finances, health…relationships.  When we depart from his design it result is our brokenness.  We not only can hurt ourselves, but we often hurt others.  Other people departing from God’s plan can also hurt us.  This departure from God’s design is what the Bible calls sin.  This departure leads to our brokenness and the brokenness of those around as, the brokenness of the world.

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)

Brokenness:

Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. (NLT)

We experience brokenness in many ways: bodies, minds, finances, and relationships.  We then seek to cover up our brokenness in an attempt to fix ourselves.  Some self-help attempts may bring some improvements; but in the end they fall short.

We may also attempt to cover up the problem with drugs, alcohol, money, education, success, relationships, etc.  Some of these actions end up causing harm and lead to more brokenness.  None of them can fill the void or fix the damage.

At some point we realize that we cannot fix ourselves.  We have tried this and that and nothing really changes.

God did not leave us in despair. There is Good News.  He did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

The Gospel:

Gospel means Good News.  God loves us, his creation, so much that he sent his Son to live as one of us, yet without sin.  The Bible says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NRSV)

Romans 10:29 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  (NLT)

We know that we need to change.  But we cannot fix our selves.  The solution is not simply turning from “sin”.  We must turn toward the One who designed us.

This kind of “change” is what the Bible calls repentance.  When we confess that Jesus is Lord (that is, that He is Lord over our lives, this universe, our problems…) and believe that God raised Him from the dead (as such He is victorious over sin and even death itself) we will be saved.

“Saved” into a relationship with the Creator.  We become a new person.  It is as if we are born a second time.  We start to experience God’s design for us and His creation.

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DD 001 – There is Hope!

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TreauseMapOfHope1 by nongpimmy fdpThis podcast is for all those with diabetes, pre-diabetes, at risk for diabetes or have a friend or loved one with diabetes.

It starts with hope.  Hope that you can do something to deal with diabetes.  It can be a sliver of hope.  Hope can grow.

If you dealing with diabetes you are not alone.  According to the CDC, In the United States alone there are more than 115 million people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  That is about 1 and 3 adults over the age of 20!

Over 90 percent of diabetics have Type 2.  Type 2 is closely linked to choices we make on a daily basis.  This is good news.  That means that we can do something about it.

This show is primarily focused on type 2 diabetes.  Nevertheless, the healthy choices discussed can also benefit type 1 diabetics.

Why a podcast on Defeating Diabetes

I am a diabetic.

In 2008 I was medevac’d from Iraq for damage sustained to my lungs.  While I received treatment they discover that I was a diabetic.  I was within the US Army height/weight standards.  Yet, I admit, I had too much belly fat.  Not so much that most would think me “fat”—at least not by modern norms.

Once diagnosed treatment was moderately aggressive.  I also made some lifestyle changes.  The doctors told me my diabetes was under “good enough” control.

However, treatment did little to prevent the progression of the disease and complication.  My feet started to hurt and go numb at the same time (neuropathy).  My eyes were being affected by “atypical” cataracts.  Then…

In December of 2013 I suffered a heart attack.

The cardiac care unit at Madigan Army Hospital did a fine job.  However, the closest they got to long term help was an additional handful of daily pills.  Eight (8) different medications—just for diabetes and its friends (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood thinners, etc.)  When you throw in the medication for my lung problems the number can rise up to as many as 14!

My passion for science: I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology for Texas A&M – Commerce.  I have always had a love for science and teaching.

My passion for teaching:  After graduating college (a long time ago) I taught Pathology (the study of disease), Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Biology at the School of Health Profession in Dallas.

My passion for helping people: After teaching for several years I returned to school and graduated seminary to become a priest/pastor and Army chaplain.

After being injured in Iraq I did not want to quit pursuing my passions.  Physical limitations greatly impacted my ability to do, well, just about everything.  I am not one to quit.  So I went on a quest for knowledge.

I started asking three questions:

  1. How can I accomplish my passions within my limitations?
  2. How can I maximize my strengths to accomplish my passions?
  3. Is there a way to improve other aspects of my health that can help me overcome my limitations?

In October 2013 I started a blog and podcast, “Healing the Wounds of War: Hope and Restoration for PTSD”.  That blog and podcast were able to help people around the world.  This showed me that combining two of my passions (science and teaching) with modern technology could go a long way toward fulfilling the third, helping people.

What will we do in this series?

  • Encourage each other: without courage and hope we will not experience the restored life we desire.
  • Explore practical applications: the what, when, where and how to defeat diabetes. There is not one simple answer that fits every situation—sorry.
  • Examine different claims, results and research. What does the science say in a way we can understand and apply it to our lives?

[Disclaimer: This show is not a medical advice show.  The information presented here is for educational purposes.  I am not a medical doctor or licensed healthcare provider.  Always work with a qualified healthcare provided when implementing lifestyle changes.]

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Encouragement…how a simple video has encouraged many.

After one year and over 31,000,000 views this video is still inspiring.  Be encouraged!  Each of us has a lot to contribute to others.  This thee minute video is not a major Hollywood production.  It does not star a famous actor.  It was not produced by one of the industries greats.  Yet it is impacting the world.  

We may never directly reach 31 million people.  But we can reach someone in our little part of the world. 

Encourage someone today.  You may never know just how much they needed that encouragement.

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007 Can gratitude save your life?

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Hand writes the word thank you“90% your long-term happiness is predicted not by the external world, but by the way your brain processes the world.”  Dr. Shawn Achor, “The Happy Secret to Better Work” TEDx 2011

In today’s episode we:

  • Explore the power of gratitude
  • Consider what we can do to make use of gratitude
  • Discuss how science is trying to reshape memories.

Gratitude/Thankfulness  

  • Can gratitude save your…job, relationship, life?
  • What about medication?   What if after doing all the right things our brain still do not cooperate and gratitude seems out of reach?
  • Seeing the good, not ignoring the bad.  Gratitude does not deny the bad.
  • Can we change the wiring in our brain?
  • Can an attitude of gratitude help us with PTSD recovery?  It can.  As we adopt a mindset shaped by being able to see what is truly good in ourselves, others, and the world we are in a better position to deal with our traumatic experiences.

Reshaping Memories with Genetics… (see the post on Reshaping Memories)

Gratitude Experiments:

  1. 3 Gratitude Each Day for 21 Days
  2. Journaling One Positive Event Each Day
  3. Exercise
  4. Meditation
  5. Random Acts of Kindness: E-mail/send a positive note

I will be doing #1.

What one or two will you be doing?  What other ways have helped you maintain an attitude of gratitude?

Resources and References:

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Change: (Part 1 of 3) Is it really possible to change?

For the small things in life the answer seems to be an easy, “yes.”  This even extends to difficult changes like quitting smoking, excessive drinking, drugs or overeating.  Some of these changes may be difficult; but they are possible.  Most of us accept that change can take place-even permanent change.  I know many who have permanently quit smoking and lost weight.

What about those things that seem to be deeply ingrained into our nature, mind and even our soul?  Can change occur in these deep character areas?

The theological side of me says a resounding, yes!  Is it that easy?  Can one say, “Just give it up to God.” or “Jesus will take care of it.”  Maybe, sometimes this is the case.  And I think this is an important part for wholeness.

However these deep seeded core characteristics are complex and a simplistic answer—in the physical, psychological or spiritual—is probably not a reality.  Perhaps it starts with how we see the problem.

Do we see it as an all or nothing situation?  Does it all have to change in order for it to be anything meaningful?  For some things the answer to these questions is, yes.  But for most things, even big things, I think the answer is, no.  It is not usually an all or nothing situation.

When we recognize (the first R in the RESTORE process) that something is amiss in our life or relationship—big or small.  Then we can evaluate (E) the situation—not to dwell on it, but rather just enough to get to the S of RESTORE.  We can then proceed to START to take some action.

In this series of posts, and next week’s podcast, we will explore a practical process leading to meaningful change.  We will investigate how to START to make a difference:

  • Set Goals: reasonable, responsible and measurable
  • Tools: Gather the necessary tools and resources
  • Action Plan: Put a practical action plan in place: who, what, when, where and how
  • Run with it: Up till now we have assessed, learned and planned.  Now it is time to run with the plan with confidence!
  • Test: Are the tools and the plan leading toward the goal.  If not, what needs to be changed or gained?

Join is in parts two and three (and the podcast on Thursday, November 22) when we explore this process that can be part of bringing change—big and small.  We will also consider why we sometimes do not accomplish our goals.

How do you see your problems?  Do you recognize any hope for change?

[You may benefit from listing to episode 002 – RESTORE.]

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005 Suicide & 4 Practical Parts to Becoming Part of the Solution

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If you believe someone is considering suicide, is it OK to ask: “Are you thinking about committing suicide?” or other direct questions? This is one of the questions addressed in this episode.

Hopelessness seems to be overtaking an increasing number of people–veterans and civilians alike.  This is showing up in an ever increasing suicide rate.  We will discuss this difficult topic and look at some practical ways of addressing this issue.  There is hope!  We can take action.

Let’s get right into today’s topic: Suicide

– About 12 (to 14) per 100,000 death are from Suicide in the U.S. (CDC report from 2009)

– For the Veteran population it is more than double at 30 per 100,000  http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/30/13292/suicide-rate-veterans-far-exceeds-civilian-population

  •                49,000 Veteran suicides between 2005 and 2011
  •                2012 VA study reports 8030 in the year 2010 (22 per day)
  •                Up from a previous study of 19 per day
  •                Suicide and PTSD

– The BBC reported that British Soldier suicide outpaced combat death in Afghanistan in 2012

               50 suicides (active + veterans) and 40 KIA

Civilian

  • Increase in the number of suicides from 1999-2010 affects all ages, genders and ethnic groups
  • In U.S. the number 10 leading cause of death among all age group, genders and ethnicities
  • 50 to 59 years old increased by about 49%

The loss from any to suicide is tragic.  However in the U.S. more men than women and more whites than any other ethnic group commit suicide.

White males most affected – Second leading cause of death ages 10-24.  The largest single teen group affected, 19 out of every 100 death, boys (white) ages 15-19.

People from all ethnicities, genders and age groups are increasingly losing hope and increasingly deciding to end their own lives.  Why the increase?  Let us know what you think in the comments section or leave us a voice message.

4 practical arts to become part of the solution…

Learn:

  •                Attend a seminar or class on suicide intervention such as:
  •                ASIST
  •                SafeTALK

 Some warning signs:

  • Increase/decreased sleep, eating, aggression (sings of depression)
  • Withdrawing for relationships and society
  •  Drug/Alcohol abuse
  • Talking about giving up, ending it all, never returning
  •  Possibly giving away possessions
  • Express a hopeless view of the future
  • Express feelings of worthlessness
  • Significant Loss: Relationship, Job, Identity, Ability

Look: for any of the warring sings (and many others) listed above.  Has your friend, coworker, child, spouse, gone through a major change?  Not every one that is depress or gone through a loss will commit suicide.

Listen: Listen for any warning sings.  Are they talking about death, dying, “going away” or any permanent change that raises any red flag?

Lead then to safety and to help.

  •                Doctor, psychologist, ER, ASIST trained cooworker, police, first responders,…
  •                Don’t ignore or dismiss the sings
  •                Don’t leave them alone
  •                Don’t be afraid to ask the question: “Are you planning/or going to commit suicide?”

In the U.S.

NationalSuicidePreventionLogo

 

 

 

 

Need help!  This is a list of crisis lines for several countries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Share your thoughts with us!  Ideas, experiences…  What is your school, community, church, company or organization doing to help people in crisis?

Below is the Mayo Clinic Teen Suicide Prevention video.  It provides practical advice for any age group.

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HTWW Episode 003 – Recognize

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In today’s episode we will:

  1.  Give a community update
  2.  Discuss in more detail the Recognize part of the RESTORE process
  3.  Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

More people connecting…

– We have over 275 people that have connected with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeAndRestorationTeam

– Twitter: @PadreDavid

– Of course our website: HealingTheWoundsOfWar.com

  •  Leave a comment or a voice message
  •  Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question (Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.)

– Our community Talk line: 253-235-9165 (please only ask one question per call)

 On to our main topic of our show…the Recognize part of the RESTORE process.

  • Recognize and evaluate go hand-in-hand.  Remember, don’t get caught up in this process.  Our point is to get to a place to set a goal and move forward.
  •  We don’t diagnose PTSD or any other conditions.
  •  We can recognize that something is not right with ourselves or another.  It does not even need to rise to the level of something that would be diagnosed for us to reach out for help or to help.
  •  Getting help starts with Recognizing that there is an issue/opportunity
  •  What has changed?  What is different?
  •  May take weeks or sometimes years to have symptoms.
  •  It is normal to be affected by a traumatic experience!
  •  4 identified areas to Recognize…
  •  From VA public page: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/symptoms_of_ptsd.asp

 Resource Spotlight:

  • in 2012, 22 US Veterans committed suicide each day!
  • US National Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

VeteransCrisisLine Banner Male2

  • for US Veterans – VA Hotline 1-800-273-8255 press 1
  • Do you know of a number in the country where you live?

Thank you for listening!  Let a friend know.  We would appreciate it greatly if you would give us a 5 star rating in the ITunes store and share the good news.

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002 – RESTORE: 7 Practical parts of the RESTORE process

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I am David Fell, your host for this podcast where we are building a community Hope and Restoration for all those dealing the Stress, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress and much more.

Each week we seek to inform, educate and yes, perhaps even entertain as we learn together how to live lives of victory!

In today’s episode we will:

  • Discuss ways to get connected to the community
  •  Give an overview of the RESTORE process
  • Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

So how do get connected?

> Leave a comment or a voice message   Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question.  Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.

On to our main topic of our show…a 10,000 foot overview of the RESTORE process…

Recognize: Issue (problem)/Opportunity

– What is not “right”, going well, in my body, thoughts, attitude, relationships, etc…?

Evaluate: Impact and Sources

  • Don’t get caught up in this part of the process!
  •  Sometime our situations are complex and need qualified outside assistance to work through. There are many qualified counselors/therapists skilled in different tried and proven techniques.
  • The purpose is not to answer every possible question or understand every aspect of the issue. Rather it is to help identify something for us to do, a goal we can set and achieve.

Example 1: Marc, 70 with High Blood Pressure….

Example 2: High anxiety in large crowds

START

– Set goal(s)

  • measurable, obtainable!
  • Let others help identify and define the goal; but they must be YOUR goals! You have to take ownership of the process.

– Tool: Gather tools and resources need to accomplish goal

> Friends, equipment, books (or other training material), doctor, therapist, coach…

– Action Plan: Goal and Tools in a concrete plan

> Who, What, When, Where and How

– Run with it!!! Execute the plan with confidence.

– Test: Is the plan leading me toward the goal, is this goal leading me toward the major objective.

Tune: Adjust and modify as necessary to accomplish goal

Overcome: Obstacles will arise; but they can be overcome. When we Recognize an obstacle we can Evaluate it and START to take action to overcome.

Reach Out to others: A key ingredient!

Evolve: Change and grow in Post-Traumatic Strength and Success

Science update:

NOTE: The following links are not endorsed by this podcast of the Hope and Restoration Team. All medical options should be done in consultation with your licensed medical provider.

Stellate Ganglion Block

Dr. Eugene Lipov

As of 2012 Livop has treated 65 people with variable success. Still under investigation.

Links to interesting articles and news reports….

Thank you for listening! Let a friend know. We would appreciate it greatly if you would give us a 5 star rating in the ITunes store and share the good news.

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001 Healing the Wounds of War – Post Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.

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Now available on ITunes, RSS feeds and the Zune Marketplace.

A podcast and community of Hope and Restoration for all those dealing the Stress, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress and much more.  Each week we seek to inform, educate and yes, perhaps even entertain as we learn together how to live lives of victory!

 In today’s episode we will…

  • Do some introductions
  • Look at an overview of this podcast series
  • And the dive into the main topic of the day…Post-Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.

Introducing your host: David Fell

  • Army Wounded Warrior; Retired Army Chaplain; Two tours in Iraq;
  • Devastating lung damage: Radically changed my life
  • Beyond the physical injuries…
  • Living with and dealing with my own post-traumatic issues…
  • Helping (as an Army Chaplain) hundreds of Soldiers, before, during and after combat
  • Helping family members (kids, spouse, and parents) between tours.

We will deal with the Physical, Psychological and Spiritual aspects of Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and the Post Trauma recovery process.

I am not a Medical Doctor or a licensed psychologist!

  • We don’t deal with diagnosing or prescribing.
  • We are a community sharing our experiences and understanding.

I am

  • Husband for the last 20 years
  • And a dad
  • A war veteran, chaplain, ordained minister
  • I have a Masters in Divinity and a Bachelor in Biology with several years experiences teaching science.

There is a lot of information out there!

  • Together we will explore this information.
  • As a teacher I seek to…
  • Break down complex idea
  • Consider how things might apply to our lives

Some of the tools:

  • Scientific Journals, Books, Articles, Stories, Music and more…
  • Guests: People sharing their stories & Experts in science, theology, therapy and medicine

brain blue with lightsPost-Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head…

It affect your entire body…

We will take an integrated approach – physical (body), psychological (mind) and spiritual (soul).

A brief look at the Physical, Psychological and Spiritual…

Join the community: Your voice matters!

Next Episode: RESTORE: 7 practical steps (coming October 24, 2013)

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Upcoming Episode Topics…

Healing the Wounds of War: Hope and Restoration for PTSD podcast will launch October 24th on ITunes and RSS feeds everywhere. Upcoming topics include:
Oct. 24 – Post Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.
Oct. 31 – RESTORE: 7 Practical Steps
Nov. 7 – Recognize: I’m fine, just ask me.
Nov. 14 – Faith Free Fall: A journey through the darkness.

HTWW Upcoming Episodes