Welcome To "A Time 2 Heal Ministries" 

 a Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) Organization

Founded by Award-Winning Christian Author/Speaker Lisa Freeman

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal…" Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

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~AWARDS~

Best New Book of The Year 2007

Writer of the Year, 2000 & 2007

Honorable Mention Awkward Romance Contest May 2006

All Time Best Award Fanstory.com 2006

Finalist in Chicken Soup Contest 2005

Distinguished Achievement Award, 2005

2nd Place Photo Say More Contest 2005

Top Story in Obadiah Contest 2002

2 Top Stories in Obadiah Contest 2003

Diploma from Guideposts for Teens, 2002

Merit Certificate from Writer's Digest, 2000 & 2001

 

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"STAY PURE"

A Monthly E-Zine For Those Recovering From Addictive Behaviors

 

March 2003

"Are You In A Pinch?"

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

BE BLESSED AS YOU STAY PURE!

 

Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

by

Author & Founder

Elisabeth Freeman

copyright@2003, March

 

 

Feature Article: "Are You In A Pinch?" by Elisabeth Freeman

"Tackling Marital Problems" an article from Christian Women Today.com

"A Funny Prayer" Insight From Bill Bright

"The Power Of Prayer" Vonette Bright

The Laughing Corner: A few short jokes… Remember, laughter is the best medicine… A merry heart doeth good like a medicine! Prov. 17:22

Helpful Sites: http://www.porn-free.org; http://www.no-porn.com Now there’s a 12 step program for those who have or are concerned about HIV… HIV Anonymous… email is info@hivanonymous.com Lannie Self is back on the web with his help page for those struggling with addiction. Marriage Help: http://puremarriageministries.homestead.com/ For Christian Wives of Addicts: http://pub52.ezboard.com/bchristianwivesofaddicts

 http://www.geocities.com/lannie307/restoration_fellowship.htm

***The Bible tells us that "people perish for lack of vision". Don’t perish, get a vision of healing and learn how to BREAK FREE FROM THIS STRANGLING ADDICTION!

 

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New E-Books Available!!!

To Help All Who Are Affected By This Demon Of Pornography:

 

"Coming Out of Sexual Addiction"

~SAVE NOW~  Just $5    Get E-Copy Now!

Also available in hard copy for $9.95 plus s/h

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"She Said, He Said, God Says"

Marriage in Trouble?

Porn got a grip on you or your spouse?

Be set FREE today!

Read More...

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ATTENTION!!!***We NEED More Talented Writers… for things such as poetry, singles, overcoming struggles… if you have something you’d like to share, please email me at atime2heal@chartermi.net

 

 

FEATURE ARTICLE:

Are You In A Pinch? by Elisabeth A. Freeman

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I have a recollection of a pinching party at my expense. One St. Patrick’s Day, I completely forgot to wear green, as is the customary tradition and a must if you attend the public school system! I arrived at my usual time, with not even a thought for the day. When all of sudden, kids were pinching me from every direction. I was completely cornered—pinned up against a wall—I was in a pinch, and I couldn’t get out!

I will never forget that painful memorial. But this often reminds me that I should have been prepared, I should have known what day it was. As Christian’s, we need to know what day it is too. The Bible tells us that our adversary, the devil, roams about like a hungry lion, waiting for some precious soul to devour.

Just as on St. Patrick’s Day there is proper attire to wear to avoid getting pinched, there is also a certain wardrobe we, as Christian’s must put on every day to avoid getting in a pinch—The Armor Of God.

In Ephesians chapter 6, the Bible tells us to put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD; the helmet of salvation (make sure you’re saved and taking EVERY thought captive to the throne of God); the breastplate of righteousness (guard your heart, cleanse your heart, repent); the belt of truth (lying comes in all shapes and sizes, make sure you’re walking in truth, and the truth shall set you free); shield of faith (by taking up our shield and believing God, instead of what we see in the natural, Satan is defeated in our lives!); and finally the sword of the Spirit (this is our only weapon—the Holy Unblemished Word of God, which Jesus used to defeat the devil in the wilderness after fasting 40 days! Take up your sword and win the battle, don’t allow yourselves to get in a pinch!) One more thing to remind you, is that this scripture ends with a notation to PRAY—how can we know what our commander wants us to do if we don’t talk to him, listen to him, and follow his orders?

Are you in a pinch? Then get in touch with your HIGH COMMANDER, Put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD, and put Satan under your feet!

 

Couples Forum:

TACKLING MARITAL PROBLEMS by Christian Women Today http://www.christianwomentoday.com

Some things to know before tackling the problem:
  • Agree on a time to sit and talk with your partner about the issue. As a rough generalization, most men’s thoughts and concerns are compartmentalized. When he’s at work, he becomes preoccupied with what is before him. The same goes for when he’s at home. So if his wife interrupts him with an issue when he’s busy with something else (for example, watching TV), it could "push his buttons" to create tension. Set a time to meet with him to seriously discuss the issue in a room with no distractions. It is a more effective way to get his full attention.
  • Have a pre-determined game plan. Agree on conflict resolution guidelines before getting into a tense/difficult discussion. An example of a guideline is talking about one issue at a time (see below). This is especially important in the early years of marriage (first 10 to 15 years), when you are establishing behavior patterns in your relationship.
  • Deal with one issue at a time. Besides helping to maintain order, it is a more effective way to achieve the goal of working through the problems at hand to arrive at a resolution. So identify your concerns, making sure to deal with issue #1 before moving on to issue #2.
  • Make sure to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. This helps to keep both sides from getting on the defensive. Realize that words are important. They can be delivered in such a way as to either bring healing or destruction. If the word "you" is used frequently when speaking to your partner, he/she will automatically feel accused. This in turn can provoke unnecessary reactions that will only serve to keep you both from resolving the issues in the most simple and straightforward manner.
  • Think through problems to avoid misunderstandings. "I didn’t mean that." "I thought that’s what you said." How often have you heard these words, if not spoken them to your spouse? It is so easy to make assumptions. Be careful to actively listen to the other person and strive to clarify misunderstandings.
  • Share your perspective without getting emotional. Women, let’s be honest. More often than not, when we get frustrated, we clam up. But as difficult as it may be, share your perspective while holding your ground. Don’t get too emotional too early. Men often interpret that as manipulation.
  • Maintain a bank account: deposits and withdrawals. The best way to have a marriage is to catch each other doing things you appreciate. Affirm your partner as you see him/her doing something that pleases you. Set the tone for the relationship by affirming – making "deposits." If all we’re doing is making "withdrawals" by always complaining and pointing out blunders, it gives our spouse the incentive to give up and say, "I can never please this man/woman." Train yourself to anticipate and be sensitive to the other person’s feelings.
  • Practice successive approximations. This is another element of encouragement. It works to reinforce movement in a desired direction. For example, instead of saying "I hate how this place is so dirty!" a better approach would be to say, "I can see that you’re busy. Can I help you pick up?" Remember that there are often better ways to get to the result you’re seeking.
  • Take hands and pray together about issues. A couple that prays together, stays together. The beautiful thing about prayer is that it automatically puts you both in a position to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, and respond to Him. Instead of depending on your own strength, ask God to lead you in communicating with your spouse in a manner that is glorifying to Him. Then in faith, trust His Holy Spirit to answer your prayer. Understand that God desires to give His children the very best from His own hand. The Bible tells us that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us; plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17).

Getting rid of that bitter root

How is your marriage? Do you find it easy or difficult to communicate with your spouse? If you have feelings of resentment and anger that have been accumulating over the years, it’s vital that you take action to rid yourself of those toxic feelings. Jesus Christ has the power to forgive us for the things we have done and cleanse us from feelings of guilt. If you would like to begin a personal relationship with Him, click here for some steps you can take to do that.

Don’t give up hope! The first and most significant thing you can do to save your marriage, if you haven’t already, is to commit it to God. He knows every emotion of your heart (Psalm 139) and His Son Jesus has been tempted in the same ways that you have, but He chose to obey His Father each and every time (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, He can sympathize with us.

Pray this prayer today and let this be the start of a new journey in your marriage.

"Dear God, I need You in my marriage. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by directing my own life, and that I cannot go on any further without Your help and guidance. I thank You for forgiving my sins through Your Son Jesus’ death on the cross for me. I now invite Jesus to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to live the life You have called me to. Thank You for directing my life and filling me with Your Spirit as You promised You would if I asked in faith. Amen."

If you prayed this prayer, we encourage you to let us know. Just
e-mail us with your name and address, and we will send you some information that will help you grow.

If you would like to read more about how the Holy Spirit can give you power for living, click here.

To know more about FamilyLife marriage conferences, visit FamilyLife (USA) or FamilyLife Canada.


~ Stefanie Coutinho is the assistant editor at Christian Women Today.

INSIGHTS from Bill Bright

A Funny Prayer Experience


The Browns, Bill and Mary, received Christ during their middle 40's after they were well-established in the business and social life of a large city.

Their child-like faith and contagious witness for Christ influenced many of their peers to receive Christ also. They were eager to do everything they were supposed to do in their Christian life, such as read their
Bible, live obedient lives, pray and witness for Christ.

They were told that they should kneel together beside their bed each night to pray. No one had instructed them on what to pray for or how long to pray and they were sincerely trying to learn how to pray.

In their shyness and inexperience, they had not yet learned to pray aloud together. Bill shared with me a humorous incident that happened as they learned together.

On one occasion, Bill had prayed for some time about everyone and everything he could think of and was ready to get into bed, but Mary continued on her knees with bowed head. Finally, weary of body after a
long day in his office, he got into bed and tried to go to sleep, but could not.

Finally, convicted that Mary was more spiritual than he because she was still on her knees, he got out of bed, got back on his knees and repeated his prayers. After a while he felt sharp pains from legs
unaccustomed to kneeling for so long. So since he couldn't think of anything else to pray about, he got back into bed and was soon asleep.

The next morning at breakfast Bill cautiously inquired of Mary if there was some special problem about which she had prayed so long last night. Mary laughed, "I fell asleep," she said, "and didn't wake up until 3
o'clock this morning."

There is a lesson in this story. That is, it is not always the number of minutes you pray that makes you spiritual or that pleases God. He had rather you pray for 15 quality minutes than for one hour and be
asleep!

On the other hand, what a wonderful and peaceful way to go to sleep --while communing with God! I do that all the time after I lay down to sleep and close my eyes, entering the private prayer closet of my heart.
That is also a good time to meditate on Scripture.

 

The Power Of Prayer by Vonette Bright

Laurie knew her city needed prayer. But what could one person do?

She organized a prayer strategy to daily target her city's specific needs.

Each day, Christians prayed for their pastor and city for one minute. Then on Monday, they prayed for government...Tuesday for schools... Wednesday for businesses... Thursday for law enforcement officials...Friday for the churches...Saturday for a sister city...And on Sunday, they prayed for families.

As a result, God began to work!

Government officials began asking for prayer. An adopt-a-leader prayer outreach was started. A prayer movement began in schools. Many police officers got personal prayer partners. And crime dropped 17 percent!

Friend, God wants you to pray for those in authority. Target your city with a prayer plan this week.

You can make a difference in your city through prayer!

 

 

The Laughing Corner:

*Signs Found In The Kitchen*

So this isn't Home Sweet Home ... Adjust!

Martha Stewart doesn't live here!!

Ring bell for maid service. If no answer, do it yourself!

I clean house every other day. Today is the other day.

If you write in the dust, please don't date it!

I would cook dinner but I can't find the can opener!

My house was clean last week, too bad you missed it!

I came, I saw, I decided to order take out.

If you don't like my standards of cooking ...lower your standards.

Although you'll find our house a mess, Come in, sit down, converse.
It doesn't always look like this: Some days it's even worse.

A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this kitchen is delirious.

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand!

Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease
to be amused.

Countless number of people have eaten in this kitchen and gone on to
lead normal lives.

My next house will have no kitchen ... just vending machines.

I'd live life in the fast lane, but I am married to a speed bump.

*Dog Applicant*

A sign was hung in an office window. It read:

Help wanted.
Must type 70 words a minute.
Must be computer literate.
Must be bilingual.
An equal opportunity employer.

A dog was ambling down the street and saw the sign. He looked at it for
a moment, pulled it down with his mouth, and walked into the manager's
office, making it clear he wished to apply for the job.

The office manager laughed and said, "I can't hire a dog for this job."

The dog pointed to the line: "An equal opportunity employer."

So the manager said, "OK, take this letter and type it." The dog went
off to the word processor and returned a minute later with the finished
letter, perfectly formatted.

The manager said, "Alright, here's a problem. Write a computer program
for it and run it."

Fifteen minutes later, the dog came back with the correct answer.

The manager still wasn't convinced. "I still can't hire you for this
position. You've got to be bilingual."

The dog looked up at the manager and said, "Meow."

*Dad and Baby*

One day shortly after the birth of their new baby, the mother had to go
out to do some errands. So the proud papa stayed home to watch his
wonderful new son.

Soon after the mother left, the baby started to cry. The father did
everything he could think of to do but the baby wouldn't stop crying.

Finally, the dad got so worried he decided to take the infant to the
doctor.

After the doctor listened to the father all that he had done to get the
baby to stop crying, the doctor began to examine the baby's ears, chest
and then down to the diaper area.

When he undid the diaper, he found that the diaper was indeed full.

"Here's the problem", the Dr. said, "He needs a change."

The father was very perplexed, "But the diaper package says it is good
for up to 10 lbs.!"

*Late For Work*

For thirty years, Johnson had arrived at work at 9 A.M. on the dot. He
had never missed a day and was never late.

Consequently, when on one particular day 9 A.M. passed without
Johnson's arrival, it caused a sensation. All work ceased and the boss
himself, looking at his watch and muttering, came out into the corridor.

Finally, precisely at ten, Johnson showed up, clothes dusty and torn,
his face scratched and bruised, his glasses bent. He limped painfully
to the time clock, punched in, and aware that all eyes were upon him
said,

"I tripped and rolled down two flights of stairs in the subway. I
nearly killed myself."

His boss replied skeptically, "And to roll down two flights of stairs
took you a whole hour?"

*How Government Works*

Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a
desert. Congress said "someone may steal from it at night." So they
created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job.

Then Congress said, "How does the watchman do his job without
instruction?" So they created a planning department and hired two
people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time
studies.

Then Congress said, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the
tasks correctly?" So they created a Quality Control department and
hired two people. One to do the studies and one to write the reports.

Then Congress said, "How are these people going to get paid?" So they
created the following positions, a timekeeper, and a payroll officer,
then hired two people.

Then Congress said, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?"
So they created an administrative section and hired three people, an
Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal
Secretary.

Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year
and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost."

So they laid off the night watchman.

*Baseball Basics*

At one point during a game, the baseball coach said to one of his young
players, "Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?"

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

"Do you understand that what matters is whether we win together as a
team?"

The little boy nodded yes.

"So," the coach continued, "when a strike is called, or you're out at
first, you don't argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand
all that?"

Again the little boy nodded.

"Good," said the coach.

"Now go over there and explain it to your mother"

*House Call*

Old Dr. Carver still made house calls. One afternoon he was called to
the Tuttle house. Mrs. Tuttle was in terrible pain.

The doctor came out of the bedroom a minute after he'd gone in and asked
Mr. Tuttle, "Do you have a hammer?"

A puzzled Mr. Tuttle went to the garage, and returned with a hammer.
The doctor thanked him and went back into the bedroom.

A moment later, he came out and asked, "Do you have a chisel?"

Mr. Tuttle complied with the request.

In the next ten minutes, Dr. Carver asked for and received a pair of
pliers, a screwdriver, and a hacksaw. The last request got to Mr.
Tuttle.

He asked, "What are you doing to my wife?"

"Not a thing," replied old doc Carver. "I can't get my instrument bag
open."

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