Radiant Christian Life - Church in Westfield, Indiana

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Dee Head

Self Help Resources

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Depression
Bipolar
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Suicide

Depression

Everyone suffers from depression from time to time. It's a natural defense mechanism that allows the mind to take a rest by causing an individual to withdraw from reality for a day or two. But for some people, the withdrawal is deeper and lasts longer. It interferes with their lives and can lead them to substance abuse or suicide as a means of escape. When this happens, a person is said to have severe depression.

There are three types of depression:

Mild depression is the most common and can be brought on by both happy and sad events. A wedding is certainly happy, but also very stressful, and the stress can be depressing. Another common cause is childbirth, which may lead to post-partum blues. While usually mild, it can become severe.
Moderate depression, or a feeling of hopelessness, lasts longer and is more intense. Moderate depression is often brought on by a sad event, such as a death of a loved one or loss of a job. It usually does not interfere with daily living, but can become severe. If it persists, professional help may be warranted.
Severe depression can cause a person to lose interest in the outside world, can cause physical changes, and can lead to suicide. A person with severe depression needs to seek professional treatment.

Note: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings from mania (excessive excitement or joy) to deep depression with many of the same symptoms and causes as depression, but requiring a different course of treatment.

Who is affected?

One in five people suffers from depression at some point in their life. Depression can strike anyone, even children and babies who have been abused and neglected. Middle-aged adults, however, are more likely to become depressed than any other age group. While depression is often associated with loneliness, married people are more likely to become depressed than single people. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of depression range from feeling "down" to feeling suicidal. A slowing down or neglect in performing daily tasks, irritability, poor memory, or changes in behavior are all symptoms. A loss of sexual desire or loss of warm feelings toward family members, a lack of pleasure in anything, or a loss of self-esteem are all symptoms. Physical changes can include sleep disturbances, fatigue, unexplained headaches or backaches, digestive problems, and nausea. All of us at some time experience one or more of these symptoms. But when they become persistent and so severe that pain and other problems outweigh pleasure much of the time, then it is time to seek professional help.

Causes

There is no one cause for depression. Personality, personal relationships, physical health, and genetics are all factors. People who are highly self-critical, very demanding, or unusually passive may be prone to depression. Problems with a spouse, a child, or an employer can cause depression. Imbalances in the chemicals in the brain due to illness, infection, or medications can be a cause. Substance abuse can be a symptom of depression, but also a cause. And while depression cannot be inherited, it does seem to be more prevalent in some families.

Prevention

Depression cannot always by avoided, but because it is often related to stress and physical problems, it is possible to lessen the chances of becoming severely depressed. Here are some tips:

Take time for a favorite activity as a way to relax and relieve stress.
Get plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy body, to relieve tension, and to help get a good night's sleep.
Don't try to be Superman or Superwoman. Know your limitations and avoid stressful situations.
Cultivate friendships to have someone to talk to who can provide support.
Don't be afraid of feelings. There's nothing wrong with being mildly depressed. But if you feel it is more than mild depression, don't hesitate to seek counseling.

* Information Obtained from the University of Missouri Counseling Center

Bipolar

Roller coaster rides of emotion from frantic highs to devastating lows are the classic signs of bipolar disorder. Also known as manic depression, bipolar is one of the most treatable mental illnesses, but left untreated it can cause mental suffering, disruption of family life, poor job performance, and reckless or dangerous behavior.
Symptoms
A person with bipolar experiences mood swings from mania to depression, with a "normal" period between these cycles of up and down. The length of the cycles varies from a few days to several months and they can occur without warning.
During the manic phase, a person may feel "on top of the world" and have an abundance of energy. He/she seems to talk and think faster and espouse a number of ideas. He/she also may think he/she is invincible, leading to reckless behavior and acts that may endanger his/her life or well-being. A person in the manic phase also may have delusions of fame or believe he/she has a special relationship with a famous person. During this phase he/she also sleeps less, is easily distracted, and often is irritable. During the depressive phase, a person may feel hopeless and lose all interest in other people or usual activities. His/Her weight may fluctuate and he/she feels tired all the time. He/She may sleep more than usual or have insomnia. He/She often complains of unexplained aches or pains and has trouble concentrating. A person in the depressive phase is a suicide risk.
The symptoms of the depressive stage are the same as for clinical depression, a different mental illness that does not have the manic phase. Bipolar mimics several physical disorders and only a comprehensive physical and mental health evaluation can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Causes
The causes of bipolar are uncertain, but there are factors known to play a role.

Heredity: Bipolar runs in families and may be carried by a gene inherited from one or both parents.
Chemical changes: Persons with bipolar have chemical changes in the brain that continue to be studied for their cause and effect.
Stress: Situations that cause unusual stress, such as physical illness or money problems, may trigger a bipolar episode.

As with any mental illness, bipolar is not a sign of moral weakness or caused by something the person did or did not do. And, as with any mental illness, it cannot be willed away and will not go away if left untreated.

* Information Obtained from the University of Missouri Counseling Center

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everybody experiences anxiety from time to time, perhaps when giving a speech, facing a job interview, or driving along a slippery road. In cases such as these, anxiety is a useful emotion that helps us focus our attention and energy to avert any potential mishap or disaster. Some individuals, however, experience higher than normal anxieties and fear, persistent and overwhelming feelings that can greatly impact day-to-day living. These people suffer from anxiety, which can be terrifying and crippling.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one such type of anxiety disorder in which a person typically has vague feelings that something bad is going to happen. Excessive or unrealistic worries often are so persistent and uncontrollable that the individual cannot make them go away and has difficulty concentrating on daily tasks. Chronic and excessive worry most days for at least 6 months about events that are unlikely to occur is a key characteristic of this disorder.
Who is affected?
According to estimates by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 4 million Americans, aged from 18-54, have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) during the course of a given year. GAD affects women more often than men. While it most often strikes individuals during their childhood or adolescent years, GAD can begin in adulthood as well.
Symptoms
GAD sufferers characteristically experience 3 (or more) of the following 6 symptoms:

restlessness, feeling "keyed up" or "on edge"
becoming easily fatigued
trouble concentrating (or mind "going blank")
irritability
muscle tension, aches, or soreness
trouble falling or staying asleep, or unsatisfying sleep

Causes
While science has not yet identified the exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), some research suggests that biological factors, family background, and life experiences are important contributors to this disorder. GAD may be triggered or symptoms may increase in times of stress.

Biologically, it appears that emotional memories stored in specific parts of the brain may play a role in disorders involving very distinct fears, like phobias, while other parts may be involved in other forms of anxiety. Some researchers suggest that GAD may be caused by an imbalance of specific chemicals in the brain. Three of these chemicals are called norepinephrine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and serotonin. It is believed that changes in the levels of these chemicals play a role in anxiety disorder.
For some people, GAD may "run in the family." It may have been even reinforced through anxious role models while growing up. For example, these individuals might have had a parent who constantly viewed the world as an unstable and dangerous place. People coming from this background seem more likely to suffer from GAD.
Stress, whether from something tragic or something positive like a job promotion, can also trigger GAD. While stress may be a contributing factor, mental health professionals emphasize that stress is only a "catalyst." Stress does not cause GAD. Stress seems to contribute to GAD in people who already are experiencing chronic anxiety.

Anxiety Self-Quiz
If you suspect that you may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and haven�t yet seen a physician, click the link below. On the page that appears, you will be asked a series of simple "yes" and "no" questions. Answer each question honestly and bring it to your counselor. The answers you give will help your counselor diagnose your illness.
Take this quick self quiz.

* Information Obtained from Anxiety Info.com

Panic Disorder

Put yourself in the following situations:

You're speeding along a highway when suddenly a deer crosses in front of you. You pull the steering wheel hard trying to avoid the animal. The car swerves and spins off into the emergency lane and you skid to a stop. Somehow you've manage to avoid a potentially fatal accident for both you and the deer. You're shaking, you're heart is racing, and you've broken out into a quick and cold sweat. But you're alive! This would be the normal reaction for most people in a similar situation.
Now imagine this: You're at a restaurant having a quiet dinner when suddenly, for no apparent reason, you experience the same uneasy feelings. You begin shaking, your heart starts racing, and you break out into a cold sweat. You even feel like you might be having a heart attack. You're rushed to the hospital and the doctors can find nothing immediately wrong with you.
What has happened? - Quite possibly you may have experienced a "panic attack" and a few of the typical symptoms usually associated with Panic Disorder.

Who is affected?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (in 1999), approximately 2.4 million Americans ages 18 to 54, suffer from Panic Disorder in a given year. That's about 1.7% of the adult US population. About one third of those develop "agoraphobia" - fear of being in public places. And just like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, women are twice as likely as men to develop Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder typically strikes in young adulthood, beginning in the late teen years or early to mid twenties. About half of all people who have Panic Disorder develop it before the age of 24. Although in most cases a panic attack is spontaneous and unexpected, sometimes, but not always, a stressful event, such as a divorce or death of a parent, can also trigger an attack.
Symptoms
Few sufferers experience all of the dozen or more physical or emotional sensations that accompany a panic attack. Although panic attacks vary with the individual, doctors define an "attack" when it has at least four of the following common symptoms:

heart palpitations
sweating
trembling
shortness of breath
choking
chest pain
nausea
faintness/dizziness
feelings of "unreality"
feeling like you're "going crazy" or "losing control"
fear of dying
chills or hot flushes
numbness or tingling sensations

Causes
At one time, Panic Disorder was believed to have stemmed from "psychological problems." Researchers now believe however that Panic Disorder is a real and treatable medical illness caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. It is a disorder that can also sometimes be accompanied by depression.

Biologically, it appears that emotional memories stored in specific parts of the brain may play a role in disorders involving very distinct fears, like phobias, while other parts may be involved in other forms of anxiety.
Some researchers suggest that Panic Disorder may be caused by an imbalance of specific chemicals in the brain. Three of these chemicals are called norepinephrine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and serotonin. It is believed that changes in the levels of these chemicals play a role in anxiety disorder.
Panic Disorder appears to run in families and is more common in women than in men.
Genetic factors or changes in body chemistry, combined with stress, may also play an important role.
Certain illnesses, drugs, and certain social situations - or even substances like caffeine may also contribute to triggering attacks.

Panic Disorder Self-Quiz

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a Panic Disorder and haven't yet seen a counselor, click the link below. On the page that appears, you will be asked a series of simple "yes" and "no" questions. Answer each question honestly and bring it to your counselor. The answers you give will help your counselor diagnose your illness.
Take this quick self quiz.

* Information Obtained from Anxiety Info.com

Suicide

Why people commit suicide:

Problems that seem overwhelming may lead a person to think the only solution is to end his or her life.
Suicide also can take place indirectly when a person's reaction to a problem leads him or her to act recklessly or ignore serious illness.

Who is affected?
While suicide knows no social or cultural boundaries, members of some groups are more prone to attempt or commit suicide than others. You do not have to have a mental illness to have suicidal feelings. The following are considered high-risk groups:

The elderly - Feelings of loneliness, loss of friends or spouse, loss of income and independence, and declining health often make older persons consider suicide as an alternative.
Young adults and college students - Burdened with independence and responsibility for the first time, pressured to succeed in college or on the job, and faced with a world they seemingly cannot change, many young adults are overwhelmed and see suicide as an escape.
Business people and professionals - The pressure to succeed and disillusionment over unfulfilled dreams place business people and professionals at risk.
Minorities and the poor - Despair brought on by discrimination, poverty, unemployment, and a feeling of being trapped, are causes of suicide.
Children - Depression brought on by child abuse or neglect and an inability to communicate feelings or ask for help has led children as young as five years of age to commit suicide.

Some Causes:

Depression - Depression is the leading cause of suicide. It can be caused by a personal loss, heredity, or a chemical imbalance in the body.
Crisis - Major life changes, anger, humiliation, or frustration can lead a person to attempt suicide, sometimes before having had a chance to think it over.
Advancing in age - The changes wrought by ageing can be frightening and may lead an older person to think of suicide as an alternative.
Substance abuse - Substance abuse can weaken a person's self-control and lead to self-destructive behavior.

Warning signs
Suicide is rarely a spur-of-the-moment decision and most people give warning signs that they are contemplating taking their own lives. Some warning signs are:

Threats or previous attempts - People who threaten suicide must be taken seriously, even if they have no intention of carrying out the threat. A previous attempt may have generated the attention a person was needing - when they are needing the attention again, the person may attempt suicide again.
Depression - Anyone suffering from severe and prolonged depression is at risk of attempting suicide.
Personality or behavioral changes - Someone who has been depressed or troubled and suddenly is better or seems to have resolved their conflicts may have decided upon suicide as a solution. Insomnia, loss of weight or appetite, loss of sexual d rive, and withdrawal are also warning signs.
Preparations for death - Someone suddenly making out a will, putting their affairs in order, giving away personal possessions, or acquiring the means of committing suicide (buying a gun, stockpiling sleeping pills, etc.) is sending out a warnin g sign.

* Information Obtained from the University of Missouri Counseling Center

Addiction
I Can't Be an Addict, I'm a Christian
Released From Bondage

Codependency
Boundaries
Boundaries in Dating
Boundaries with Kids
Boundaries in Marriage
Love is a Choice
Safe People

Depression
Changes that Heal
Feeling Good
God is in the Small Stuff and it All Matters

Family
Boundaries with Kids
The Five Love Languages of Children
The Five Love Languages of Teenagers
The Power of a Praying Parent

Marriage
Boundaries
Boundaries in Marriage
His Needs Her Needs
Love and Respect
Making Love Last Forever
The Five Love Languages
The Power of a Praying Husband
The Power of a Praying Wife

Sexual Abuse
Beauty for Ashes
Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On
Released from Bondage

Spiritual Health
A Life God Rewards
Awaken the Leader Within
Battlefield of the Mind
Breaking Free
Hinds Feet on High Places
Inside Out
My Utmost for His Highest
Praying God's Word
Praying Through Life's Problems
Redeeming Love
Released from Bondage
Ruthless Trust
Secrets of the Vine
Soul Care Bible
The Bondage Breaker
The Dream Giver
The Prayer of Jabez
The Purpose Driven Life
The Sacred Romance
Tired of Trying to Measure Up
When Forgiveness Doesn't Make Sense
When God Doesn't Make Sense
When I'm on my Knees

Spiritual Health for Women
A Woman After God's Own Heart
Beauty By The Book
The Power of a Praying Woman
Woman Thou Art Loosed

Soul Care Bible: Experiencing and Sharing Hope God's Way - Tim Clinton (Editor)

The Soul Care Bible is a resource to help God's people survive, even thrive, in the challenges and difficulties of life. In it, we see how God comes alive in His word, and how He helps us and assists us in helping others. When the Word of God intersects with human need, healing takes place. The Soul Care Bible gives helpers throughout the body of Christ an opportunity to search the Scriptures, increase knowledge, develop skills, grow in hope-and help others do the same through the power of God.

A Life God Rewards - Bruce Wilkinson

"We know instinctively that we're heading for an eternity of something after death. But an eternity of what? In this soul-stirring follow-up to his runaway bestsellers The Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine, Bruce Wilkinson leads you to some astonishing and entirely biblical answers about the hereafter. He gives a fresh view of the eternal existence you're investing in right now- showing why it's worth it (at a thousand percent return on investment) to serve God with all your heart for all your life!" (The Breakthrough Series)

A Woman After God's Own Heart - Elizabeth George

"Scripture-based principles for every reader who wants to become God's woman of excellence. For any woman who wants to achieve a growing relationship with God, develop an active partnership with her husband, and make her home into a spiritual oasis." (Parable.com)

Awaken The Leader Within - Bill Perkins

"You're a leader! In fact, every time you try to get someone to do something you want done, you're exercising leadership. This book will help you discover from Jesus how to lead more effectively as you understand the character traits and practical skills of a true leader. A discussion guide in the back of the book will help you integrate the principles into your life as you allow Jesus to help you learn how to cultivate and cast a vision, make wise decisions, build a team, harness opposing forces, facilitate innovation, and put others first." (Zondervan Church Source)

Battlefield of the Mind - Joyce Meyer

"Winning the Battle in your Mind. There's a War Going On And Your Mind Is The Battlefield. If you're one of millions who suffer from worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger or condemnation, you are experiencing an attack in your mind. Overcoming negative thoughts that come against your mind brings freedom and peace. Find out how to recognize damaging thought patterns and stop them from influencing your life. In this powerful book, best-selling author and conference host, Joyce Meyer, guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry- including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way. You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind- and how you can as well. You'll also discover how to: -Find peace and stop brain-storm of mental activity. -See the truth by thinking correctly. -Use spiritual weapons effectively. -Overcome the 10 wilderness mentalities that hold you in harmful circumstances. Don't surrender to misery another day. Find out today what you can do to ensure your victory in the Battlefield of the Mind!" (Time Warner Bookmark)

Beauty by The Book- Nancy Stafford

"From celebrated Hollywood starlets to the covers of Cosmo, our society seems obsessed with beauty. Actress and Main Floor host Nancy Stafford (best known for her starring role as Michelle Thomas on Matlock) digs below our culture's fixation on outward appearance to show you that true beauty is more than skin-deep. "Every woman has beauty," says Stafford, "but not everyone sees it. I want you to see it." In Beauty by the Book she bares her heart to readers, laying out the Scriptures, promises, and truths women need to know to find their true value. Her liberating reflections will help you see yourself as God sees you-worthy, lovable, and beautiful." (Parable.com)

Beauty for Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing - Joyce Meyer

A victim of childhood abuse, Meyer outlines the truths that brought recovery to her life and offers biblical advice to help you deal with emotional pain, grab hold of God's unconditional love, and wait for his timing in healing painful memories. You'll be encouraged by her journey from tragic youth to triumphant adult.

Boundaries- Cloud& Townsend

Boundaries, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, addresses specific issues that confront today's Christians. Issues such as: (1) Living a life out of control, (2) Having people take advantage of us, (3) Having trouble saying no, (4) Being disappointed with God because of unanswered prayers, and (5) Many more vital issues" (Cloud-Townsend Resources).

Boundaries in Dating- Cloud & Townsend

"Between singleness and marriage lies the journey of dating. Want to make your road as smooth as possible? Set and maintain healthy boundaries- boundaries that will help you grow in freedom, honesty, and self-control. If many of your dating experiences have been difficult, Boundaries in Dating could revolutionize the way you handle relationships. And even if you're doing well, the insights you'll gain from this much-needed book can help you fine-tune or even completely readjust important areas of your dating life. Read by the authors of the best-selling book Boundaries, Boundaries in Dating is your road map to the kind of enjoyable, rewarding dating that can take you from weekends alone to a lifetime with the soul mate you've longed for." (Healthy Boundaries.com)

Boundaries with Kids - Cloud & Townsend

"Since the 1992 release of their Gold Medallion Award-winning book, Boundaries, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend have heard these three questions rephrased thousands of times. As parents begin to realize the tremendous impact poor boundaries have had on their own lives, their concern naturally extends to their children. How can they help their sons and daughters form healthy boundaries that lead to well-rounded characters and successful adult lives? Now there are answers. Boundaries with Kids helps parents apply the Ten Laws of Boundaries (first described in Boundaries) to the challenges of raising children. In their popular, readable style, Cloud and Townsend help moms and dads make choices and develop a parenting approach that sees beyond the moment to the adults their children will become. For parents who want their kids to escape the struggles they themselves have experienced, here's an in-depth look at how to implement the preventive medicine of character development by establishing sound boundaries starting with the parents. Boundaries with Kids helps moms and dads learn how to bring control to an out-of-control family life set limits and still be loving parents define what legitimate boundaries are in the family transfer what they are learning as parents to help their children develop healthy boundaries. Illustrating its points with numerous case studies and anecdotes, Boundaries with Kids gives parents the can-do guidance they need in order to model healthy boundaries for their kids. This book may well be the best investment parents will ever make into the lifelong welfare of their children." (Zondervan.com)

Boundaries in Marriage - Cloud & Townsend

"Only when you and your mate know and respect each other's needs, choices, and freedom can you give yourselves freely and lovingly to one another. Boundaries in Marriage gives you the tools you need. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, counselors and authors of the award-winning best-seller Boundaries, show you how to apply the principles of boundaries to your marriage. This long-awaited book helps you understand the friction points or serious hurts and betrayals in your marriage -- and move beyond them to the mutual care, respect, affirmation, and intimacy you both long for." (Zondervan.com)

Breaking Free - Beth Moore

"Do you want to know God and really believe Him? Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? Do you want to make the freedom Christ promised a reality in your daily life?
In Breaking Free, Beth Moore embarks on a study of selected passages from the Book of Isaiah, drawing several parallels between the captive Israelites and today's Christians, in order to show how to make freedom in Christ a daily reality. Moore teaches readers to remove obstacles that hinder freedom by identifying spiritual strongholds in their lives and overcoming them through the truth of God's Word - truth that will set us free" (Lifeway Stores.com).

Changes That Heal - Henry Cloud

"This book focuses on four developmental tasks--bonding to others, separating from others, integrating good and bad in our lives, and taking charge of our lives--that all of us must accomplish to heal our inner pain and to enable us to function and grow emotionally and spiritually" (Life Way Stores.com).

Feeling Good - David Burns

"Dr. Burns describes how you can combat feelings of depression so you can develop greater self-esteem."

God is in The Small Stuff and it all matters - Bruce & Stan

"Their encouraging message: God is just as concerned with the little things in our lives as He is about the big issues. Practical, encouraging chapters, such as "You Can Know God's Will," "Simplify Life and Enjoy it More," and many more, include a two- to three-page reading followed by Bruce and Stan's wise and witty "In the Small Stuff" points. Easy-to-understand New International Version and New Living Translation Scriptures accompany the text" (Campusi.com).

Hinds Feet on High Places - Hannah Hurnard

"This book is a beautiful allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Learn how Much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and returns to her valley of service, transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd." (Concerned Women for America)

His Needs Her Needs: Building and Affair-Proof Marriage - Willard Harley

"Marriage works only when each spouse takes the time to consider the other's needs and strives to meet them. In His Needs, Her Needs, Willard Harley identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses. He provides guidance for becoming irresistible to your spouse and for loving more creatively and sensitively, thereby eliminating the problems that often lead to extramarital affairs." (Amazon.com)

I Can't Be an Addict, I'm a Christian - Melinda Fish

"Christians are not immune to addictive/compulsive behavior problems, and those who commit their lives to Christ are not automatically cured of their habits. Addressing these issues forthrightly and from a biblical perspective, Melinda Fish offers a Christian approach to overcoming many kinds of addictions, including food, alcohol, money, shopping, pornography, work, sex, illegal and prescription drugs, and unhealthy relationships" (Campusi.com).

Inside Out - Larry Crabb

"If you want a more vital union with God, a richer relationship with others, and a deeper sense of wholeness, psychologist Larry Crabb helps you look inside yourself, holding out the promise of real change when you live from the inside out" (Life Way Stores.com).

Just Enough Light For the Step I'm On (Learning to Trust Again: A Young Woman's Journey to Healing from Sexual Abuse) - Stormie Omartian

"The bestselling author of 'The Power of a Praying Parent' helps readers follow God in simple faith and quiets their anxieties about what the future may bring" (Life Way Store.com).

Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Desperately Needs - Emerson Eggerichs

Discover the secret that cracks the communication code between husbands and wives and reap the benefits of marriage as God intended. Citing extensive biblical and psychological research, Eggerichs shows that harmony and happiness in relationships is not achieved by love alone, but by building on both parts of the Ephesians 5:33 equation: love and respect.

Love is a Choice: Breaking the Cycle of Addictive Relationships - Robert Hemfelt, Frank Minirth, & Paul Meie

"The dependent deals with the addiction to alcohol, or drugs, or work, or anger. Around him or her stands a circle - parents, children, husband or wife - whose lives are profoundly affected as they try to cope with the addict. They are the codependents. Codependents feel they must set things straight in order to be loved. One in four people may suffer from codependency. The destructive relationships in codependency echo down the generations. The daughter of an alcoholic will frequently marry an alcoholic - or a workaholic, or a compulsive spender (or miser). The ghosts of the past are calling the shots. Yet recovery is possible. As we begin to understand the hunger for acceptance - the 'love hunger' - that each of us carries, we can discover a love beyond the human. God's unconditional acceptance, the authors insist, can provide the resources to break the cycle of addictive relationships, relax the urge to control, and fill the vacuum inside. It can set us free to choose how we love: to find freedom for ourselves and for our children." (The Point of Reference).

Making Love Last Forever - Gary Smalley

" America's marriage counselor offers practical lessons on love for anyone willing to take responsibility for his or her own happiness. In his classic energetic and engaging style, he gives you the tools for building your own 'love crazy' marriage!" (LifeWay Stores.com)

My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers

"Cherished for generations as the world's devotional classic, this book is unsurpassed in devotional excellence, offering a powerful message of hope to those seeking daily encouragement and for those who walk in the shadows of difficulty" (Life Way Stores.com)

Praying God's Word - Beth Moore

"First war, then peace! This topical prayer guide reveals 14 strongholds, with overcoming testimonies, personal pages for journaling and Scripture presented in prayer form to brandish as weapons of war, flattening every Jericho wall" (Living the Solution.com).

Praying Through Life's Problems - Leslie Verrick

"God created women with profound capacity to feel love, hope . . . and hurt. But sometimes trials, fears, and sadness threaten to overwhelm you. Filled with transforming insight from respected Christian communicators, this resource will help you gain a fresh perspective on pain---and confidence to approach God with your struggles" (Christianbook.com).

Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers

"In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this 'soiled dove,' he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction" (Amazon.com).

Released From Bondage - Neil Anderson

"Bestselling author Dr. Neil Anderson presents life-transforming guidance for anyone seeking freedom from destructive personal or spiritual conflicts. Real-life survivors step forward to tell how they broke free from emotional, mental, and spiritual captivity, finding hope and joy in Christ. Learn how victims survived harsh realities such as childhood abuse, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, eating disorders, sexual disorders and depression. Each unforgettable and true story will help you in your own struggle" (Campusi.com).

Ruthless Trust - Brennan Manning

"We are made for the love of God, and nothing less will ever satisfy us. In his acclaimed bestseller The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning showed us the powerful truth that the divine gift of love is ever present for us regardless of the state of our lives. Now in this challenging sequel, he turns to our primary obstacle to living fully within this divine love--the lace of 'ruthless trust'" (Campusi.com).

Safe People: How to find Relationships that are Good for You and Avoid Those that aren't. - Cloud & Townsend

"This team of psychologists shows how to identify 'safe people' with whom healthy, lasting relationships can be built" (LifeWay Stores.com).

Secrets of the Vine - Bruce Wilkinson

"In this powerful follow-up to his bestseller The Prayer of Jabez, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson explores John 15 to show readers how to make maximum impact for God. Dr. Wilkinson demonstrates how Jesus is the Vine of life, discusses four levels of 'fruit bearing' (doing the good work of God), and reveals three life-changing truths that will lead readers to new joy and effectiveness in His kingdom. Secrets of the Vine opens readers' eyes to the Lord's hand in their lives and uncovers surprising insights that will point them to a new path of consequence for God's glory." (The Breakthrough Series)

The Bondage Breaker - Neil T. Anderson & Dave Park

"Learn about Satan's plans to ruin your Christian life, and discover practical and effective ways to fight back. Understand what 'spiritual conflict' means, and how you are involved. Best of all, experience the freedom God wants you to have in your life" (Religious Supplies.com).

The Dream Giver - Bruce Wilkinson

"Bruce Wilkinson shows how to identify and overcome the obstacles that keep millions from living the life they were created for. He begins with a compelling modern-day parable about Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. With the help of the Dream Giver, Ordinary begins the hardest and most rewarding journey of his life. Wilkinson gives readers practical, biblical keys to fulfilling their own dream, revealing that there's no limit to what God can accomplish when we choose to pursue the dreams He gives us for His honor." (The Breakthrough Series)

The Five Love Languages - Gary Chapman

"Ever feel like you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? This remarkable book has impacted the lives of millions searching for a way to express their love--and now it can help you too! Best-selling author Gary Chapman helps you identify and learn to speak your spouse's unique love language" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Five Love Languages of Children - Gary Chapman

"According to the authors, each child expresses and receives love through one of five different communication styles. A parent's love language may be totally different from that of his or her child, which causes hurt feelings and misunderstandings. With the help of this book, adults can discover their child's primary language and learn what they can do to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will resonate in their child's emotions and behavior" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers - Gary Chapman

"At no other time have parents, teachers, and mentors been more desperate to find proven ways to reach teens. Best-selling author Gary Chapman presents The Five Love Languages of Teenagers -- practical guidance on how to discover and express the teen's primary love language. A resource for stemming today's tide of violence, immorality, and despair" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Power of a Praying Husband - Stormie Omartian

"Building on the tremendous response to 'The Power of a Praying Wife', the bestselling author now offers this guide to help husbands pray for the most important people in their lives: their wives. Each of the 30 short, easy-to-read chapters gives practical guidance on how a husband can lovingly intercede in every area of his wife's life" (Life Way Store.com).

The Power of a Praying Parent - Stormie Omartian

"Parents often feel that much of what happens in their children's lives is beyond their control. But a child's life shouldn't be left up to chance when parents can turn to the expert parent of all time--the heavenly Father--for help. As Stormie explains, it's not being a 'perfect parent' that matters, it's being a praying parent that makes the difference" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Power of a Praying Wife - Stormie Omartian

"Today's challenges and pressures can make a fulfilling marriage seem like an impossible dream. Stormie Omartian shares how God has strengthened her own marriage since she began to pray for her husband concerning key areas of his life" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Power of a Praying Woman - Stormie Omartian

"Using her deep knowledge of Scripture and candid examples of her own struggles and epiphanies in prayer, Omartian provides reassuring guidance for women who seek a greater sense of God's presence in their lives, and helps them discover how to trust God, maintain a right heart before God, and rebuild a faltering prayer life" (LifeWay Stores.com).

The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life - Bruce Wilkinson

"Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Join Bruce Wilkinson to discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God's favor, power and protection. You'll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind - and break through to the life you were meant to live" (Bruce Wilkinson).

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I here for? - Rick Warren

"The purpose of your life is greater than your own personal fulfillment, your career, or even your happiness. To know why you exist, you must first know the One who created you and the five purposes for which you were created. Written in a captivating devotional style, The Purpose-Driven Life features 40 short, life-changing chapters that reveal God's purpose for your life. Make the rest of your life the best of your life and start right now. You were... (1) planned for God's pleasure (Worship), (2) formed for God's family (Fellowship), (3) created to become like Christ (Discipleship), (4)shaped for serving God (Ministry), and (5) made for a mission (Evangelism)" (Purpose Driven Life).

The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God - Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

"In the heart of every person lies an inconsolable longing. Men often know it as the hunger for adventure. Women tend to feel it as a thirst for intimacy. This longing is the secret of our lives. It tells us who we are, what our life was meant to be. If you have ever felt those deep yearnings, we have some really good news: this is what the Gospel truly offers. Life is more than chores and Christianity is more than duty. It is a Sacred Romance®, a great love story set in the midst of a life and death battle" (Randsome Heart Ministries).

Tired of Trying to Measure Up - Jeff VanVonderen

"Written to point the way to freedom for Christians who live under an unwritten religious code of expectations and rules that shame them and drain them of spiritual strength" (LifeWay Stores.com).

When Forgiveness Doesn't Make Sense - Robert Jeffress

"Why Do We Have Difficulty Accepting God's Unconditional Forgiveness? And Why Do We Find It So Impossible to Grant That Same Forgiveness to Others? The bottom-line issue of life is forgiveness -- that's the conclusion of Dr. Robert Jeffress after more than two decades in Christian ministry, and most of us would agree. Yet few of us have mastered the art of implementing forgiveness in our lives. Combining rich, biblical insights with practical, real-life situations, When Forgiveness Doesn't Make Sense effectively answers your questions" (Campusi.com).

When God Doesn't Make Sense - James Dobson

"When God Doesn't Make Sense is addressed lovingly to those who have been left confused and disillusioned by life's difficulties. It is intended to nurture the faith of the wounded and downhearted, and to prevent disillusionment in those who have not fallen into the clutches of despair" (LifeWay Stores.com).

When I'm on my Knees - Anita Corrine Donihue

"'When I'm On My Knees' is a compilation of prayers from a woman's point of view, prayers that emanate from the heart, prayers that deal with the fear of starting over, friendship and family, and peace. Packaged in an attractive leatherette cover, the book also includes hymns, poems, and anecdotes that focus on prayer" (LifeWay Stores.com).

Woman Thou Art Loosed - T.D. Jakes

"This book offers healing to hurting single mothers, insecure women, and battered wives--and hope to abused girls and women in crisis. Hurting women around the nation--and those who minister to them--are devouring the compassionate truths in Bishop T.D. Jakes' Woman Thou Art Loosed!" (LifeWayStores.com)

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