Living with Bipolar and Maintaining Stability- How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Losing Our Balance Gayle Darhower

12/22/04

Welcome!
GUEST_GAYLE> hello Carolann
[HOST_Carolann] Hi everyone, sorry I'm late - got a last minute phone call
[HOST_Carolann] nice to see you all
lindacat67> hi
[HOST_Carolann] I think we will get started now. Welcome everyone again! Our guest for today is Gayle Darhower and she will be presenting Maintaining Stability - How To Enjoy the Holidays Without Losing Our Balance.
[HOST_Carolann] Gayle was diagnosed with Bipolar in 1983 and will be gearing her presentation to those who suffer the same illness.
[HOST_Carolann] She has first hand experience on how horrible it can be to live with this condition but she has come through it to understand God's deep and incredible love.
[HOST_Carolann] It's great to have you here Gayle, so I turn it over to you!
GUEST_GAYLE> Thanks so much Carolann. Let's begin.
GUEST_GAYLE> It might be a good idea for those of you who have not looked at the handout information to do that now. It will give you a glimpse of who I am, what I believe and what we will talk about today. If you do not want to take the time now to read the handout information, I am certainly open to any and all questions after I complete the presentation and open up for discussion.
[HOST_Carolann] sounds good
GUEST_GAYLE> First I would like to briefly introduce a few basic facts about myself.
GUEST_GAYLE> I have lived with bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember. I was not "officially" diagnosed until age 31, (more than 20 years ago) but I know that as far back as age 15, I struggled with the symptoms of bipolar. I knew something was wrong but had no understanding of affective disorders and did not realize that many of my family members struggled with depression and mental illness.
GUEST_GAYLE> I have been hospitalized twice for severe depression and suicide attempts. It was not until my last hospital stay (in 1992) that I began the journey of recommitting myself to God and learning that there is so much more to me than bipolar disorder and addiction. It is only by the grace of God that I am alive and well today to speak to all of you. He never gave up on me. He has blessed my life in spite of bipolar and has called me to a life of serving Him in the mental health arena by encouraging others.
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GUEST_GAYLE> My website is one of the few Christian sites about bipolar. I have been richly blessed by hundreds who have contacted me via the website. God has taken me from a posture of shame and silence to speaking out and encouraging others to seek a relationship Him. He has the answers to everything we experience this side of heaven and wants us to do more than just exist; He wants abundant life for each of us. It is ours to claim.
GUEST_GAYLE> The book I have authored is more about God than my experiences. We all know the horror stories of mental illness but God wanted me to speak openly for Him, about Him and His love for us. That is what the book is about, God and where He is when we struggle.
GUEST_GAYLE> Now, with all that said, I would like to begin the presentation by suggesting a few areas of discussion that I feel are important to those of us who struggle with affective disorders. Please do not feel these topics are inclusive. We can talk about anything that is on your hearts and minds. You can help me by holding your questions and comments until I have shared the areas that are on my heart.
GUEST_GAYLE> I have learned over the years, mostly through the trail and error process, that my diet, sleep habits, stress and relationship expectations, can have a significant impact on my mental health. My system also reacts to seasonal changes. I am prone to a degree of depression each year as summer turns into fall. It is something that happens regardless of how careful I am with my known triggers.
GUEST_GAYLE> I have learned to wait, trust in Jesus and know that it will pass. I also know that I can make the depression worse if I panic or resist the change. Panic used to be my common reaction to this yearly event until I learned to trust God
GUEST_GAYLE> Our central nervous systems can be very delicate and there are times when we are forced to tolerate the chemical changes that the effective disorder brings. But there is also much we can do to minimize or even eliminate how often we experience erratic fluctuations. These areas are some of what we can share today.
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GUEST_GAYLE> Diet has played an important part in my stability. If I eat too much sugar and high fat foods, my moods are affected. In just a few days I become irritable and edgy with a definite feeling of loosing stability. I will notice that I have a difficult time falling asleep and then staying asleep.
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GUEST_GAYLE> The holidays could present a time for me to get sidetracked and suffer for weeks with erratic moods just because of my decision to eat too much of the foods that I know affect my system. It has taken a long time for me to realize patterns of eating and how they play out in my daily life. Sacrificing my mental stability is too great a price to pay for food.
GUEST_GAYLE> I had to ask myself if sugar, sweets, were more important to me than my stability. It didn't happen overnight but eventually taking care of my mental health became primary to me. I can eat sugar; I can enjoy the wonderful baked goods at Christmas, but in moderation. God's Word calls us to moderation in all things and I'm sure it is because He knows our nature is to overdo everything.
GUEST_GAYLE> Sleep is another source of potential problems for me. I require a certain amount of rest or my brain starts to misfire. My thoughts become fragmented or racy or I get that "far away from everything" feeling. I have learned that it isn't so much a regimented number of hours each night, I just need to get what my body needs and my body tells me that by how my brain works. Too many days in a row without the proper amount of sleep can begin the process of sending me into a depression.
GUEST_GAYLE> If I would allow myself to get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, going to social gatherings and over extending myself, in just a short time, I would be a mess. I know my limits and I do not feel 'less than' because of them. I have worked hard to understand how my body and brain respond to bipolar disorder and my choices and I find that I really am not that limited.
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Patricia> Hello
GUEST_GAYLE> It is a matter of taking care of me, being good to myself. A positive attitude about who I am and what I am living with has enabled me to live in the now. I stopped long ago feeling that my life is just one big struggle. God has a plan for me and nothing derails God's plan, not even bipolar and all that it brings to me. It took me many years to learn how to live one day a time, sometimes one moment at a time. It is a difficult concept but it is what God calls us to and it really is all we have.
GUEST_GAYLE> Stress is probably one of the most important areas for me as an individual living with bipolar. Stress and relationships go hand in hand for me. The holidays can bring us into a position of expectation. We all want to think that interactions with others, family members and friends have to be wonderful, after all, it's Christmas. Don't we all want the picturesque relationships we see on book covers, in the movies and on TV? For many of us, that is not how our Christmas will unfold. Many of us have relationships that are strained and need repair. Christmas will not necessarily make everything go away.
GUEST_GAYLE> God can and does perform miracles and He is definitely in the business of repairing relationships but I have found that it is not healthy for me to embrace the mindset that all will be wonderful just because it's Christmas. Bipolar, for me, dictates that I work with facts and realities and not allow my feelings to undermine the stability I have worked so long and hard for. So, I come into the Christmas holiday with the spirit of Jesus, love for my family members but knowing that they may not be able to respond in the same way.
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GUEST_GAYLE> There is one more topic that I feel led to offer here today. Many of us live each day with the thought of how much we struggle, how limited we have become and all that we must endure. I do not have the physical limitations that many of you do but I live each day with a mental disorder that I will never be free of, short of a miraculous healing from our Lord.
GUEST_GAYLE> Because my form of bipolar tends to lean towards depression I have had to learn that I can not trust my feelings. I have been driven into God's Word to claim His truths about me rather than give into the feelings of unworthiness or uselessness or that God has abandoned me. In Hebrew 13:5 God promises to never leave or forsake us. It does not add unless you're bipolar or struggle with pain every day. His promise is truth and that is what I claim for myself, not feelings that could make me feel limited.
GUEST_GAYLE> God can and will use me in spite of my disorder. I am limited only by my own thoughts. It has taken me years to realize that God will use each of us, meet each of us, right where we are. I truly have separated myself from thoughts of what could be, if I wasn't ill. I am only concerned with what God wants for me.
GUEST_GAYLE> So with all that said, I believe that we can all enjoy our holidays no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what our limitations are. It really is ok to be limited in what we can do physically. Our conditions do not define who we are. I am so much more than bipolar. I have bipolar; I am not defined by that diagnosis any more than you are defined by your physical limitations.
GUEST_GAYLE> We can all be the creations that God intended this Christmas season. If you are unable to function, let others do it for you and be blessed for their help. I would encourage you this Christmas season to remember that you are a child of God, totally accepted and totally loved. You continue to have a purpose in spite of your circumstances. Allow God to show you the path He has for you.
GUEST_GAYLE> Now I would like to open up to what is on your heart. How can God encourage you today through this session?
[HOST_Carolann] How we handle our thoughts is so important then to how we can help ourselves manage depression?
BroseIs4031> How do you find out you're bipolar?
lindacat67> Your handout is really excellent. I suffer with fibromyalgia. I really liked where you said God wants us to know there is hope, there is restoration and there is peace.
[HOST_Carolann] perhaps that would be a good question to start with first - how do you know you have bipolar
GUEST_GAYLE> Carolann, I find that I have to bring my thoughts to Jesus each day,usually each moment and compare them to what He wants for me.
BroseIs4031> I've been dealing with a lot of restlessness with my moods lately. I've been wondering if I'm dealing with depression.
GUEST_GAYLE> I was diagnosed with bipolar because of the symptoms I was displaying.
BroseIs4031> my moods are all over the place
GUEST_GAYLE> There is no blood test to help with a diagnosis.
lisa705> so was my mom she was having symptoms and did get violent with me and my dad
poohbear43> Just recently in the news it has been reported that the doctors can now do a brain scan to detect bipolar disorder
GUEST_GAYLE> Brosels4031, we cannot always trust what we are feeling. That's why staying before God's throne has become essential for me.
GUEST_GAYLE> The brain scan is something that they are exploring. It is not a tool right now.
Patricia> How is Bipolar diagnosed?
BroseIs4031> I know it just concerns me my moods have never been this unstable I don't know if it's the med or what
poohbear43> I knew I had bipolar because of my racing thoughts, restlessness, depression, panic attacks and anxiety ever since I was in grade school.
poohbear43> The doctors diagnosed me at 21 when I had a manic episode
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, many people go to the doctors complaining of depression. It is important to be very clear with your doctor about all your moods, not just what you are displaying at the time.
lisa705> Bipolar was diagnosed for my mom from her doctor looking at the symptoms she displayed
BroseIs4031> I had panic attacks many years ago
GUEST_GAYLE> Unfortunately bipolar seems to be the disorder of the year.
Patricia> Would it be necessary to visit a mental health professional to have an accurate diagnosis?
GUEST_GAYLE> There are many affective disorders besides bipolar. Yes, Patricia, only a professional can diagnose and prescribed the required meds for this disorder. There is no cure, medication becomes a necessary part of our lives.
lisa705> my mom came after me and was going to choke me and then injured my dads knee and we all had to go to the hospital
lisa705> this happened back in May of 2003
GUEST_GAYLE> Lisa, although some bipolars can become violent, it has been my experience in working with other bipolars that there is another underlying disorder in addition to the bipolar.
BroseIs4031> ouch sorry to hear that Lisa (hugs)
Alice> Lisa - has your Mom had professional help?
lisa705> she will not leave her house now so she is not getting help
poohbear43> I took lithium for several years but got very sick from the side effects - - I now take depakote which is a mood stabilizer and it helps me the most --- my moods have never been more stable than they are now with the depakote.
lisa705> I live on my own but my dad deals with this everyday
Alice> Has she actually be diagnosed as bi-polar?
lisa705> yes more than one
GUEST_GAYLE> It makes me uncomfortable when I see on TV every time a mental patient commits an act of violence they say it is because they are bipolar. I interact with hundreds of bipolars that are not physically violent.
lisa705> time back in 1979 and 2003 she was hospitalized
Patricia> How does one face the stigma of mental disorders? I have found folks to be very biased against anyone dealing with mental disorders of any kind?
poohbear43> my friend with bipolar has turned on me also, but I know that it was the illness and not her speaking.
BroseIs4031> I take prozac for the fatigue but I'm starting to think they might be affecting my emotionally
[HOST_Carolann] that's a good question Patricia
poohbear43> Thank you Gayle for making that point --- unfortunately the news media blow things out of proportion.
GUEST_GAYLE> I believe it is important for one to know who they are in the Lord and accept the disorder and not allow anyone to make their identity bipolar. We are much more than bipolar.
BroseIs4031> My ex was a manic depressive, schizophrenic it was not easy for him or me to live with. Yes people do have trouble dealing with that.
GUEST_GAYLE> I do not allow myself to defined by others, only Jesus
poohbear43> Praise God for that Gayle.
[HOST_Carolann] amen Gayle
lisa705> some people also think that is a joke to have bipolar and do not take it seriously. I know it is REAL!!!
BroseIs4031> amen he was a man dealing with that needed to reword that :o)
poohbear43> Rev. David Wilkersonsaid that too -- don't let anyone label you.
BroseIs4031> I know it was really hard for him.
GUEST_GAYLE> It took me years to come to that position. When God called me to write a book about bipolar it was a step of faith for me to expose myself to others who would read the book and know.
Patricia> Ever since I've dealt with depression on a major basis, many people have turned away from me. Even some relatives have made statements starting with..."With your history,..." Of course, this turns out to be quite a "downer" for me. Perhaps, I have been allowing others to label me as they choose.
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, remember who we are in Christ. We are totally accepted, totally forgiven and totally loved.
lisa705> we have had people turn away from us too when they find that my mom has this and just say it will be okay
BroseIs4031> I like the verse 2 Cor. 5:17 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things pass all things new
Alice> I think sometimes we have to learn to look to Jesus to help us overlook those who label us - because people WILL LABEL US - no matter what!
lisa705> my mom has stopped doing things with our family and her grandkids miss her alot
BroseIs4031> people I hate to say some people in the body of Christ don't even know how to respond to emotional or physical illness
Patricia> WOW! "Totally accepted, totally forgiven, and totally loved" is almost more than I can believe. No one total accepts me in this world...not even family.
[HOST_Carolann] you're right Alice - we can't make people do or say the right thing
GUEST_GAYLE> I surround myself with folks that try to follow Jesus and love in spite of my disorder.Yes, Alice they will but God will provide us the grace to overlook their ignorance.
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, God does.
[HOST_Carolann] Amen
lisa705> that is true we have counsellors at our church that think it is a joke about the disorder
BroseIs4031> My brother lost his kidneys when he was young someone actually told my parents it must have been something they did. Their reason for them going through that.
poohbear43> most of my family treats me like an imbecile because of my mental problems - my mom calls me "mental", a "sideshow" and a drop-in...it really hurts and I can no longer be around her.
[HOST_Carolann] Lisa that is very very sad to hear
GUEST_GAYLE> The scriptures talk about the tongue being the most difficult part of ourselves to control. We have all experienced that and we are not above doing the same damage if we are not careful.
BroseIs4031> sorry to hear that poohbear
poohbear43> my mom has been picking on me and laughing and poking fun at me since I was seven because of my "emotional problems."
lindacat67> Always keep in mind: HURT PEOPLE; HURT PEOPLE
lisa705> our church youth pastor thankfully understands and he has read all the information on my mom and is helping me deal with the guilt that I have because of this situation
GUEST_GAYLE> Denise, you know that my family does the same with me. I have learned to not expect anything different
BroseIs4031> that's very true I've been just as guilty at times with what I think and don't say
GUEST_GAYLE> True Brosels
lisa705> my mom blames me for her problems maybe it is because I have polio and so I do not know
GUEST_GAYLE> We all fall short of what God calls us to but praise God for His mercy and grace to forgive.
BroseIs4031> AMEN
poohbear43> That is so hard to do.
Patricia> Most of my birth family tells me how worthless I am. Therefore, I find it quite difficult to believe that I could have some value, any value. How does one go forward feeling totally worthless?
GUEST_GAYLE> Lisa, I had to learn the hard way that just because our mothers gave birth to us does not mean they have the capability to love us in the way we need.
BroseIs4031> God has been really teaching me lately about grace. No matter what I do I'm covered by His righteousness. That so blows my mind!
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, I come from a very disfunctional family.
GUEST_GAYLE> And I have learned that they will never accept me.
BroseIs4031> GRACE I've been so blessed that I'm finally learning this.
GUEST_GAYLE> They are not capable of loving
[HOST_Carolann] that's wonderful Brosels
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GUEST_GAYLE> Feeling totally worthless is something that our flesh does to us, that is exactly why I stay in God's word, He tells me who I am.
lisa7056> ok I am back l Lisa705
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, seek God's path, His love, it is all we need. Then go on to find those who also love the Lord and will accept you in His love.
[HOST_Carolann] What do you do Gayle when you start thinking thoughts of how worthless you are, what do you read, etc?
Alice> You can always be sure that negative thoughts and words from others are not coming from God - so it is best to stay away from these types of people, as much as it may hurt....and surround yourself with those who know and love and SHARE God and His word to help you.
Patricia> How does one learn to believe that what God says about one
GUEST_GAYLE> Carolann, I was brought up in a family that told me everyday how worthless I was and how much they disliked me. It took me years of counseling and God to get over that.
[HOST_Carolann] well said Alice
poohbear43> Psalm 139 is the best one for me
GUEST_GAYLE> I have learned that the scriptures are facts, promises to claim.
[HOST_Carolann] it's not a simple thing of sitting down for 5 minutes to read the Bible for example
poohbear43> Gayle I'm so thankful that you can help us here today
GUEST_GAYLE> They do not change, God's love never changes and His promises are ours. Fact
[HOST_Carolann] I mean it takes lots of continuous reading and thinking about what God's Word says
GUEST_GAYLE> Carolann, your right, it is working on an intimate relationship with God.
lisa7056> How do you help the person with bipolar who thinks they are fine and do not see what they are doing to others who love them?
poohbear43> The Father's Love Letter online is also very good - http://www.fathersloveletter.com l
GUEST_GAYLE> Don't we spend time with those we care about? Why should it be different with God?
[HOST_Carolann] very true
GUEST_GAYLE> He created us, He knows us and He knows what we need.
Patricia> When one is bipolar, are suicial thoughts a part of daily life? I have to ask because I simply do not know. Hopefully, no one will be offended by the question.
Alice> Yes, Carol Anne - it's takes being in the Word enough that we actually find we had "hidden His word in our hearts" and that way it is always there (and it come to our minds) just when we need it most.
[HOST_Carolann] no offense at all Patricia, that's why we are here to ask questions
Patricia> That should have been suicidal thoughts...sorry for the mistake in spelling
GUEST_GAYLE> Suicide seems to be a part of dealing with bipolar but when I came to truly trust God, suicide was no longer an option.
GUEST_GAYLE> The statistics on that are about %20 successfully committ suicide due to bipolar.
[HOST_Carolann] wow that's high!
poohbear43> Patricia I have also been suicidal, but God gave me strength and the will to survive by his Grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
BroseIs4031> There is a verse I like that says to associate with people who serve the Lord with a sincere heart
GUEST_GAYLE> I believe it may be higher just because so many try to manage their lives with street drugs and those overdoses may not be attributed to bipolar is they were never diagnosed.
[HOST_Carolann] true - there may be other factors
GUEST_GAYLE> Amen Poohbear!
BroseIs4031> I'm starting to understand that there are some people even in the body of christ that I need to stay away from because they don't encourage me towards jesus but away from him
Patricia> I find that I usually hide my true feelings around almost everyone. I don't know why I am braver today in revealing some of these thoughts.
[HOST_Carolann] sadly Brosels that can be the case - all Christians are on varying stages of growth or maturity
GUEST_GAYLE> Many go undiagnosed because of their circumstances. They attempt to manage it themseleves.
BevinFL> Yes I agree and therapy and taking ones meds as directed by the doctor no matter whether they feel they need to or not
Patricia> Everyday, I have to battle the urge to do away with me. I would like to live without that urge.
lisa7056> Alot of what I did was turned to watching TV to escape the pain of dealing with this situation with my mom
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, it is safe today. You are among friends and the presence of Jesus is with us
[HOST_Carolann] amen
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poohbear43> journalling helps me to express my true feelings
lisa7056> I am now in Bible studies with some good friends at church who are are in contact with me daily
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, please talk openly to someone about your feelings. Do you live alone or do you have someone?
[HOST_Carolann] that's great Lisa
BevinFL> Patricia do you see a therapist may I ask?
Patricia> I would also like to be more honest about my thoughts with others at my church. It seems that they try to care for one another but get busy and forget that others are hurting, too.
lindacat67> I think our churches should be a place where we find love and acceptance and if it's not then move on. I just did that. I left one church and found a small church where I felt loved immediately and they've accepted me just as I am. (Just like Jesus does!)
Patricia> Yes, BevinFL, I see a therapist once in a great while.
GUEST_GAYLE> Sharing our feelings enables us to hear what we are saying and then realizing that it may not be healthy.
Patricia> She is gone right now on a Christmas holiday.
GUEST_GAYLE> I agree, find a church that knows Jesus.
poohbear43> Amen Linda
lisa7056> my church pastor is great and said that he prays for our family daily and he just had me in his office to talk last Thursday about this
Alice> Yes, Brosels - the statement you wrote about even believers can make you feel bad about yourself - read Psalm 1 to find out the kinds of people we should associate with.
BevinFL> you should maybe seek seeing one on a regular basis I know that they can help one a great deal
GUEST_GAYLE> Churches are filled with people and we all fall short of our calling to accept others.
BroseIs4031> I believe busyness is a seriuos problem in the church
poohbear43> many in the Churches do not understand mental illness unless it affects their family directly
lisa7056> I know that we have a big church and there is always so much going on
GUEST_GAYLE> True but we must trust that God will lead us to the right church.
BroseIs4031> I'm guilty at times of being busy in thw rong thjing
BroseIs4031> wrong things
GUEST_GAYLE> I had to leave one where I was constantly being scrutinized because I have bipolar.
poohbear43> There are some anti-stigma campaigns that are just now reaching the Churches
BevinFL> well a pastor if he is told that one wants to take or is thinking of taking ones life they will have to report that to the authorities
Patricia> Sometimes, the folks with mentally ill family members hurt other people with mental illness more than anyone else. It's like they are making you pay for their family member's problems.
BroseIs4031> I didn't start learning grace unitl God instructed me to change denominations. I don't know if it was the denomination or just the church.
lisa7056> our pastors love my mom but do not always know what to do to help us?
poohbear43> a lot of people in Church are afraid to talk about it, but it seems to be getting better in the last few years
GUEST_GAYLE> Prayer is my tool.
BroseIs4031> true poohbear
lisa7056> I have been able to use my experience to help others around me and they even ask me at church for advice at times
GUEST_GAYLE> I find that many seek me out to talk about things they would not share to anyone else. It's safe with me.
GUEST_GAYLE> They know we understand pain.
[HOST_Carolann] you have a very valuable ministry Gayle
GUEST_GAYLE> I am so blessed by you all today.
poohbear43> I am so thankful I met you Gayle
[HOST_Carolann] this has been excellent!
lisa7056> thank you for being here and what is your website and your book?
lindacat67> yes it has.
Alice> HopeKeepers Groups in a church are one of the best ministries i think Lisa Copen has begun. Our has helped me tremendously.
Patricia> Gayle, I do not live alone. My husband is around some of the time.
GUEST_GAYLE> Poohbear you know the feelings are the same.
lindacat67> Thank you Gayle.
GUEST_GAYLE> My website is www.seekhisfacehewillprovide.com
poohbear43> thanks, that means a lot to me.
GUEST_GAYLE> My book is Seek His Face He Will Provide.
Alice> Thanks Gayle and everyone. Have a God-filled Christmas. Love you all!
Patricia> Can I obtain your book from your Website?
poohbear43> Patricia does your husband understand your depression?
[HOST_Carolann] same to you Alice God bless
GUEST_GAYLE> Patricia, please feel comfortable contacting me if you want. My email address is on my site.
Patricia> No!
Patricia> Thanks, Gayle!
BroseIs4031> thank you Gayle
lisa7056> thank you so much Gayle
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poohbear43> sorry to hear that... I find having one close friend who understands depression really helps.
GUEST_GAYLE> My husband has been with me for 20 years and loves me dearly. He is a gift from God. But he does not allow me abuse him with my mouth.
[HOST_Carolann] Thank you SO much Gayle - been alot of great insights and good comments from everyone
[HOST_Carolann] he is a gem Gayle
[HOST_Carolann] as you say a gift of God's grace
Patricia> My hubby and I just past our 27th anniversary mark. I must say that he has stuck it out with me for the long haul...or for the kids.
GUEST_GAYLE> I hope I didn't offend you Patricia. I am here for you if you so desire.
lisa7056> my parents are past there 40th anniversary now so that is good
poohbear43> I know I have to change, because I grew up in a verbally abusive family and it's difficult to not be that way. I have a lot of changing to do .
Patricia> I am not offended, Gayle. As you can probably tell, I need the help...desparately.
GUEST_GAYLE> In God's time Poohbear
lisa7056> poohbear43 I do understand I am learning to change too
GUEST_GAYLE> We are a work in progress.
lisa7056> I am 35 years old and single
BroseIs4031> how did you get your book out?
[HOST_Carolann] that is for sure - we need to be patient with ourslves but determined to go forward
poohbear43> Thank God for that Gayle
GUEST_GAYLE> amen
BroseIs4031> one day at a time is whaT i get reminded
GUEST_GAYLE> one day at a time
[HOST_Carolann] exactly Brosels - that is all God wants us to deal with anywaays
poohbear43> Your book is so good... I'm reading it for the second time now and taking notes this time.
lisa7056> thats the best way to handle life ond day at a time
BroseIs4031> yep He reminds me often
GUEST_GAYLE> Thanks, it's all about God.
Patricia> "A work in progress"is a nice thought. Several years back, there was a song called "Kids Under Construction."
lisa7056> we need to keep our focus vertical!
BroseIs4031> Gayle how did you get your book out there?
poohbear43> LOL that's cute Patricia
[HOST_Carolann] that's what we are Patricia, God's kids and we are under RE construction
GUEST_GAYLE> Publish America gives first time authors a chance.
BroseIs4031> cool I'll have to check that out.
GUEST_GAYLE> They accepted my manuscript and put it in print.
GUEST_GAYLE> That was in 2001.
[HOST_Carolann] I'm sure Gayle many people have been blessed by it and helped
BroseIs4031> I have one book that is writtwn needs published and now God is having me write about CFS and God
BroseIs4031> the two invisibles
[HOST_Carolann] very interesting theme Brosels
GUEST_GAYLE> Thank you all so much for being here and chatting. I hope you all have the best Christmas ever this year and know that God loves you all so much.
poohbear43> Gayle I like the part in your book where you say: "We can succeed and be victorious in Christ, one day at a time, one scripture at a time."
BroseIs4031> That has become my calling as like John tell others what you have seen and expereinced and show them Me amongst it all
BroseIs4031> thank you gayle
poohbear43> memorizing the Bible helps me the most too
[HOST_Carolann] may you also have a very blessed and wonderful Christmas Gayle
Patricia> Thanks for sharing and for exhibiting care thoughts
poohbear43> is it time to quit already?
Patricia> That should have been caring thoughts.
GUEST_GAYLE> Your all quite welcome.
[HOST_Carolann] we are past out time so Gayle if you need to go, that is fine. Anyone who wants to stay and keep chatting can feel free to do that
lisa7056> thanks again Gayle
poohbear43> Thanks for everything Gayle -- Merry Christmas everyone.
[HOST_Carolann] thank you again for this - it's been very good
BroseIs4031> thank you
GUEST_GAYLE> I do need to go but please, anyone that would like to continue with correspondence can contact me via email from my website.
[HOST_Carolann] that is very kind of you Gayle, thanks
GUEST_GAYLE> I check my emails everyday and try to answer quickly.
GUEST_GAYLE> Have a blessed day.
[HOST_Carolann] bye Gayle