Help Prevent and Be Aware of Suicide in California

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Suicide in California I read was around 3,300 annually based from 1997-2007. That is devastating. And also self harm and suicide attempts are on the rise all over as we hear of things about bullying and cyber bullying. Even though there was a drop in the amount of suicides in Southern California (Orange County) we as people need to care about what is happening around us.

The California government issued health insurance (Medical or CalOptima) removed adult mental health services from its coverage. This is not a good move, as mental health is also critical for the well being of families and also for parents and people in general to work and improve their circumstance financially.

As far as I think the entire world's population has at least one diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Sorry if that is harsh sounding, but think about it. Who is normal? Stress itself can cause illness.

Here is a site with general information for those needing help or those interested in helping prevent suicides.
American Association of Suicidology: "Suicide Prevention is Everyone's business"

Suicide rates in the US are mostly in the state of California:

1999-2009 San Diego, San Bernadino, and Riverside have the highest suicide rates. Forth highest suicide rates being in Orange County and fifth Imperial County.

California Suicide Prevention Network for Southern California Counties

This just posted recently in 2012:
San Diego's high suicide rates and also how to get help.
http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/8862

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Everybody feels down sometimes... 

Christian perspective and helpful suggestions :)

Something I remember in low moments is myself as a baby, a child, who I really am, who God created I am. I try to think about positive moments especially in childhood... photographs help... like a photograph of me showing my easter basket with plastic eggs and I remember the joy of finding those treats as if I just peered underneath that bush again in the backyard. Happy places in memory and fight through the bad places in memory far or recent... fight -imagine fighting the bad incident away not causing harm, but resolving the pain. Remember that Jesus is with you as he said,  "I am with you always..." Remember that Jesus was with you in good and bad times and try to understand that God doesn't control others' wrong actions... but is there to help and help also with memories. Remember you are not what others decide you are, only who you really are... a child a creation made in God's holy wonderful good image... how amazing we are made to resemble God himself.

Other thoughts to try to have in low moments...
Think about or look and watch nature and peace and little animals and birds or butterflies. 
Remind yourself to Just breathe if that is all you can do to get through the moment and it is okay or even at times good to cry and release.
Do not drive if you can help it when you are feeling too low. Instead walk around the block, it helps a lot!

Here's natural health tips for depression... I have read (you can verify with a nutritionist or search online...) bananas are the only food containing serotonin. Excercise is good because you are not just sitting dormant in thought but can walk or run, feel the breeze or even the rain. Walk safe and carefully around cars no matter how low you feel... It is just a moment that WILL PASS!

Be careful about choosing to take medications as the outcome is not always the best solution, though medication should not be ruled out, be monitored closely and carefully by your doctor. Eat well, or if you are too depressed stay hydrated, juices, protein drinks, chocolate milk.. you get the idea.

Avoid drugs and alcohol... does not help, makes life more difficult and for many exasperates depression and other mental health problems.

Read biblical scripture, feel worth by looking at yourself like God smiles down at you.

Go to God... a secret place with him and you will be under his protection.

Seek counsel and reach out to trusted friends and family... sometimes even just talking about the day helps you out of your low mood.

I would pray for anyone if needed. Just comment a request anonymously is fine. I care whoever you are and have battled many low moments in my life. God bless.

Like my friend said about struggles in general... Keep on Keeping on. And in a down moment it is okay to vent out hurts, sadness, frustrations and anger try not to hurt others in the process but vent out the aggression in a healthy way...

A friend and I recently shared this conversation...
"It's like I am swimming fully clothed... always drowning... trying to get in the boat from the water."
I joked like I was trying to get into the Titanic and I can't... and she declared and it's sinking.

This was healthy venting of anger and frustration... of course I have vented badly many times too.. Lord forgive me and sorryies need to be said... but it happens, just try not to. God loves you, fight a good fight. Life is tough. Life is beautiful. Life is a gift. Life CAN last eternity. But you cannot! cannot! cannot give up. Keep alive and let bad moments pass.


Emergency: 
Read Psalm 91:1 (911)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

While searching online this scripture appeared and I don't know how it did, but I, years ago thought of it as my favorite... Hebrews 1-13... here's some scripture for reading.
Hebrews 13
 Let brotherly love continue.
² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
⁹ Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
 ¹² Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
¹⁴ For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
¹⁵ By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Recommended scripture:

Listen to scripture and rest in His peaceful presence. Psalm 91
(http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Ps.91.1)


Listen: James 1
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Jas.1.2
 

Biblical Prespective: World News Mars: "Curiosity" Image from Mars August 6, 2012

Can Mars sustain life? What has God created out there in the universe?
Curiosity has photographed Mars and is on a mission to find out if life can be on Mars. Is it the fear of the earth's passing away that leads mankind to seek out alternative life sources? It is great to see what God has made. The close view of the planet Mars or the moon and stars is really miraculous even that God has given us the capability to learn to such a degree that we can send machines and even mankind into space.

NASA News article: Landed on Mars August 5, 2012
The mission of the rover: If Mars can sustain life or if life has been on Mars. Obama laid out a vision in 2030's to send humans to Mars.
See the image of Mars from August 6, 2012 here.


NASA News article: Mars Rover Sends Higher Resolution Image

Biblical Scripture Reflection:

How marvelous the earth really is, it makes you realize the gift the earth is even in it's turmoil. Yet by prophecy we are told a new earth will be and heaven with it. How much more marvelous will that be!? The heaven now and earth now will pass away...
Listen:
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/Rev.21

Reflect:
Revelation 21 King James
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
² And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
³ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
⁵ And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
⁶ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
⁸ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Luke 19:10 New King James
"for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

We do not want to pass away like the earth and heaven, but have eternal life, that's why Jesus came to earth and soon a new earth and heaven is our gift if we believe in Jesus, love, seek forgiveness in Jesus Christ and also forgive others -as our Father will also forgive us-. Love God first, love by kindness to others even if someone does wrong (forgive by giving the situation about each person to God's for his help. No personal vengence). Remember, no one can go to the Father except through Jesus. For he is the light and the way. Jesus came to help those that they will believe and be saved from all sin, he took the sin on the cross so we can go to the Father through him and be made righteous again by the forgiveness of all our sin. Nothing is more important on this earth then this. Jesus, Love, Forgive, be Forgiven. Simple? Not always. Pray. God bless and while it is fun to see images of Mars and stars, remember the love God has even in the little birds in the sky and animals, sea and clouds, the warmth of the sun and all the gifts and look forward through Jesus a new earth with heaven and a new body that sickness cannot touch and all sadness gone. Amazing Grace. :)

FORGIVEN and FORGIVING Christian Bible Study bible scriptures

 Sunday morning Christian bible study on forgiveness.

After Jesus rose from the dead and appeared before the disciples and other followers of Jesus he showed the wounds in his hands and feet, and he ate.

 

I am with you always 

Then he said, "When I was with you before, don't you remember my telling you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true?" Then he opened their minds to understand at last these many Scriptures! And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day; and that this message of salvation should be taken form Jerusalem to all the nations: 

There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.

You have seen these prophecies come true. And now I will send the Holy Spirit upon you, just as my Father promised. Don't begin telling others yet--stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."

 Then Jesus led them out along the road to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed theme, and then began rising into the sky, and went on to heaven. 

Luke 24:44-49

And the disciples went everywhere preaching, and the Lord was with them and confirmed what they said by the miracles that followed their messages. 

Mark 16:20

Jesus was risen, and he is with us always, the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven to those that believe in Him just as He said.

FORGIVEN and FORGIVING 

Psalm 32:1-6
What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.
There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was. But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess them to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven. Judgment will not touch him if he does.

Sin could be great or minor to our standards, yet it is sin just the same. Not seeking God's solution of seeking His forgiveness and accepting Jesus death on the cross for our sins, only harms us. We need to address the sins, seek his forgiveness, and also forgive others (give it to God to handle the situations with others in our lives, let go of anger... that is what forgiveness is about... it does not mean you condone a wrong thing or situation). 

Sin or unforgiveness towards self and others affects us in many ways. Emotional pain, depression, guilt, shame, fear, and many times also illness can occur. If you have confessed your sins, are their any hidden within you that may need to be addressed? Pray and ask God, He will shed light on it. Then confess and seek His forgiveness. It is also important to forgive others for whatever it may be. You are not accepting wrong by forgiving only choosing love to cover hate or anger. Love your neighbor; even enemies as Jesus taught (this does not mean you have to be friends with this forgiven person or people you feel you don't want to) just choose to be kind, forgive, let the Lord know you forgive in Christ Jesus ______ for _____ and give the situation or hurt to God to handle. Even strangers we need to forgive at times, like a rude driver that "cut you off" on the road or even yelled at you etc. Forgive. Love by not behaving the same back and know God knows the situation. Just do what is right.

Then ask God to heal your pain, free you from fears, seek his forgiveness for what you have done, and receive it! Let him give you a new life. Allow God to take your shame for what you have done. Allow God to heal you and take away any self afflicted shame for what has been done to you -you need not be ashamed-!

Ask God to take away any illness from you in Jesus name and for any emotional pain take from you too. He can renew your mind and heal you. 

Not always are we healed from physical illnesses, but seek him for this deliverance too.

Suggested prayer for forgiveness:

[First accept Jesus that he died for your sins and you believe Him to be your Lord and savior.]

• If there be any sin in my life that I do not know, please reveal it to me. Jesus name amen.

(Ask His forgiveness when you know any sin.)

• Father in heaven, I ask your forgiveness for__________. Please forgive me in Jesus name. Please heal and take from me any hurt and pain this has caused  me or others and I give this situation to you Lord. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested pray for forgiving:

• Father in heaven, I forgive__________ for__________. Please heal and take from me any hurt and pain this has caused  me and I give this situation to you Lord. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.

Ask and put your trust in God that He has and will take sin from you, ask and He will heal you from the pain it has caused also.

Psalm 34:4-9
For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord--and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.
Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs.

A Children's Book is also Bible Study? Philippians 4

I'm sorry I missed Sunday's blog updates! I was busy making my mom a "Thanksgiving" Meal for her birthday party yesterday. My favorite meal! It was the best turkey I ever made.

(For you chefs out there...My trick= a whole stick of butter melted and poured over the whole thing and inside the cavity too, and a good amount of fresh ground salt, and sprinkle with pepper. Also, I didn't over cook it this time 325 F and upped it a little to a golden color at 350 F then back to 325 F about 3 hours and let it sit about 20 minutes. Came out perfect.)

She didn't expect all that and so that was fun.

So, here is my "Sunday Morning" Bible Study... Monday:

I wanted to read a story to you. This is a good story to read your kids.

(My suggestion though, if you have a single parent household etc. I would not read as it is read for your child how the character in the book is thankful for specific family members... replace the word with mom, or dad, aunt etc. if needed. This will help your child connect to the story better. Or if you choose not to, explain after the story how God intended family to be, but what makes your family unique and special too.)

This was one of my favorite stories I read as a kid. Published in 1984. It cheered me up and taught me to see the bright side, I read it recently and am thankful for it. I recommend it as an alysa good stuff favorite book!
This book is respectively written here and all rights remain with the author, I have no rights to this book. I have modified the ending to shorten the story, but did not add to it. See links below if you would like to purchase this cute little paperback book- it's a sweet story with adorable illustrations.

Bartleby's One Bad Day After Another

by Jill Wolf

"Bartleby the Church Mouse know that Monday was going to be a bad day.
He knew because a very noisy bird sang at his window and woke him up too early.
Bartleby wanted to throw his shoe at that bird. But he didn't.
Bartleby wanted to go back to sleep. But he couldn't.
So Bartleby yawned and got out of bed.

On Tuesday the noisy bird did not sing. But Bartleby knew it was going to be a bad day.
He knew because his breakfast wasn't ready.
When Dad was making pancakes, he flipped Bartleby's pancake high into the air.
Dad flipped that pancake so high, it hit the kitchen ceiling. And it stuck.
So Bartleby had to wait for a new batch of pancakes. And he was almost late for school.

Bartleby had his favorite cereal for breakfast on Wednesday. But Bartleby fell off. He fell off even though he had training wheels.
Bartleby hurt his hand. And he tore his jeans on the knee that didn't have a patch yet. So he knew Mom would be mad.
And his arithmetic book got so dirty, the teacher was mad, too.

On Thursday Bartleby did not ride his bike. But it turned out to be a bad day.
After school Bartleby bought a grape fruitsicle. But he bumped into his friend Sara and dropped his fruitsicle on the sidewalk.
It broke into pieces.
So he had to share Sara's fruitsicle. And strawberry was his worst favorite flavor.

At last it was Friday. But it was still a bad day for Bartleby. His big sister had a party for all her friends and they wouldn't let Bartleby play with them. They wouldn't even let him in the room.
Then Mom made him go to bed early. But Bartleby couldn't sleep because his sister and her friends were having a pillow fight.
He could hear them giggling and talking. They were having fun.
But Bartleby wasn't.

(modified ending...)

Saturday,

His mother smiled. "Bad things will happen sometimes, Bartleby. Yet God has blessed you with so many good things."
Bartleby thought about what his mother had said while he was playing outside.
He had so many friends.
They always had fun together.
And it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the grass was green and it tickled Bartleby's feet.
Bartleby felt like running and jumping.
He was glad that God had given him so much to enjoy.

On Sunday Bartleby sat alone on the hill. He thought about his bad days. But he also thought about all the good things that God had given him.
Bartleby remembered that when he fell off his bike, he wasn't hurt badly. When he broke his fruitsicle, Sara shared with him. When his pancake stuck on the ceiling, it was really funny. And that noisy bird did have a pretty song.
"God, it's a beautiful day," said Bartleby. "And it's going to be a good week, too!"

...the end"

Buy the book if it is available:
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Bartlebys-Another-Church-Collector-Stickers/dp/0899542867


Bible scripture reference:

Philippians 4:8-9 KJV


8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Click hear to Listen to Philippians 4

It's a real effort to remember that in all difficult times of our lives (and we all have them) also remember to see God's glory- even in the tiniest way like a sprouting seed, a blooming flower, a caterpillar, clouds moving in the sky, a blue sky, a chocolate chip cookie or a friend that brought you a chocolate chip cookie, or... better yet be the friend to give cookies! Know that God knows more then we, trust him in that, and smile for the good things. 

Enjoy your week. Please leave comments!


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