Today is the Lord’s day–Rejoice and be glad in it!  The pool is ready for use so anyone who reads this and knows where we live, come on over (as soon as church is over that is).

My wife, while shopping yesterday with her sister, ran into a lady we knew several years ago.  This lady was a child we adored.  She had some grueling experiences during her teen years and had many struggles.  She is now doing well but told my wife she is haunted by her past.  Kathy told her about my book and how it tells of my haunting past–that I had written the book to help others find freedom from their past.  This particular lady is a Facebook friend so I’ve contacted her through Messenger to see if I can get a book to her since she lives locally.  Pray for her.  I know much of her story because she and her parents were good friends for many years.  I’d love to see her find freedom that only God can give.

One of the things I keep being reminded of when I encounter someone with a tragic past is the depth of hurt and often shame the person is holding.  So many of us think that if anyone knows our past we would have no friends and in my case, I’d have no job.  I lived in the denial of my own past for way too long.  I guess I didn’t realize I am not alone in the denial stage of the damage a past leaves with us.  I know that is why the first step in Celebrate Recovery, as well as many recovery program, is coming out of denial recognizing the truth that we are helpless to overcome on our own.  I wish there were someway to ease this issue in helping people take that first risky step.  I know that relationships with people are the best tool we have next to God’s Holy Spirit working in the life of the person needing help.  I write this and am instantly reminded that just a few days ago I was blogging about relationships and intimacy.  Healthy relationships create healthy intimacy.  I sense from God that He is wanting me to live the rest of my life helping in this area.  I want to reach out to those who hurt and deeply desire freedom from it.