Boko Haram continues to murder and kidnap Christians. Your prayers are needed!!

Please pray for Christians who have been murdered and kidnapped by the cruel group, the"Boko Haram." Did you know that there is a Scripture in Hebrews that says it is not a suggestion that we think and pray for those who are undergoing persecution in the body of Christ? It is a command!
Hebrews 13:3 states, "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."
The body of Christ here is all true born again believers in the world at this time. In a greater sense it is all those from the day of Pentecost until the return of Christ. We pray for the living not the dead.
Now this is a very strong statement by the writer of Hebrews! If your body is hurting, ignoring it will cause you problems later. The remembrance of persecuted Christians is not having fleeting thoughts of them. The remembrance of those who are ill treated and who are prisoners is a commanded empathy. You are to do it as though you are in the cell next to them or you are witnessing the beatings, the kidnappings and the killings that occur.
Heartfelt Counseling Ministries recommends that you become aware of the problem through the missionaries in your local church and you visit the Voice of the Martyrs web site. persecution.org


Sep. 26, 2014 | Nigeria

 











Nigeria


A young man escaped Boko
Haram militants in a July 2014 attack
 but sustained serious burns on his back
 while fleeing a home that had been set on fire
In late August, more than 100 Boko Haram insurgents stormed a church in Adamawa state, Nigeria, killing more than 70 people and kidnapping an unknown number of teenage girls. The insurgents charged into the church in the village of Madagali during Sunday morning worship, ordered women and children to get out and began firing on worshipers. The gunmen then left the church, continuing to shoot those fleeing, and set fire to several houses. They also kidnapped a number of teenage girls and stole food, livestock and a large amount of cash from the
villagers.







Pray for Shri and Asha

India
A Christian couple in northeastern India's Bihar state were hospitalized after being beaten by Hindu extremists who vowed to kill them. The extremists stormed the home of Shri Lal Khatiyan and his wife, Asha Devi, and attacked Shri, accusing him of paganism. When Asha intervened, she too was severely beaten. Later that day, about 100 Hindu extremists armed with clubs reportedly took up positions around the village and threatened to kill any Christian trying to file a police complaint. A new tactic by extremists is to wound pastors and other Christians in ways that will cause them to die.




Iran

Behnam Irani, who is serving six years in prison in Iran, was given 18 additional charges, including “spreading corruption on Earth.” This charge, along with the charge of “enmity against God” can carry the death penalty.


Iranian Christians continue to face persecution, including charges that can carry the death penalty. Five Christians -- Mohammad Taslimi; Hamidreza Borhani and his wife, Zainab Akbari; Moluk Ruhani; and Sepideh Morshedi -- were arrested on Sept. 2 and are being held without charge. Authorities seized their Bibles, computer equipment and mobile phones. Several other Christians have been arrested since August, and Iranian officials have charged several church leaders with crimes of "enmity against God" and "spreading corruption on Earth," both of which can carry the death penalty.

The Providence of God and Mental Illness

 

 
Our Seminar, Whispers in the Foyer, An Honest Look at the Christian and Mental Illness is coming up. The next one is Saturday, October 15, 2016. It will be held at Boca Glades Baptist Church in Boca Raton Florida. The cost is $60.00 per person or $90.00 for engaged or married couples. This seminar is a prerequisite to start your own CAMI support group. For more information please go to our website

If you wish to attend the seminar, we have a few ways to get you registered. You can call  561.909.9109 and let us know how many tickets you need and follow up with a check in the mail or you can register online at http://heartfeltmin.org/join-us.html and scroll down to the Donate Now button. Just fill in the total dollar amount you will be paying and how many will be coming; then click the donate button.

We have had many people attend this particular seminar and it is very well received. It is informative and helpful as well as encouraging. We will teach you about mental illness as a DISEASE. We have scriptures that prove that mental illness is in the bible and we will share our own personal story of living with these disturbances of the mind and mood.

We know how devastating and heart-breaking depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, panic disorder and other mental illnesses can be to a person, a couple and a family.
You will not be blamed for being sick. We know the Lord cares for His hurting sheep and one of the ways we help people is by teaching you about these illnesses and how to get help and support. We hope to see you on the 15 of October at Boca Glades Baptist Church in West Boca Raton! 

 
Copy Right All Rights Reserved August 2016
Here is today's blog.
The reproducing of this information for group presentation is prohibited. If you would like to buy our CAMI guides, please go to www.heartfeltmin.org You can use our CONTACT US page to communicate or you can call us using the phone number on that page. SB

This is from our CAMI Leader's Guide for CAMI Christians Afflicted with Mental Illness, copyright 2010

Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
This verse should be seen especially as it relates to the onset of mental illness i.e., schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, major depression, etc.  Members of your group should understand the two main truths of the key Scripture, viz. the devastation of a heartbreak and the wonder of a fulfilled dream or goal in life. This is a doctrine in the Bible called the providence of God.

Charles Spurgeon on Providence

“The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” 
 Proverbs 16:33

The Westminster Catechism says,The works of providence are …. God’s most holy, wise and power preserving and governing of all His creatures and all their actions. (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

“If the disposal of the lot is the Lord’s, whose is the arrangement of our whole life? If the simple casting of a lot is guided by Him, how much more the events of our entire life-especially when we are told by our blessed Savior: ‘The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father.’  It would bring a holy calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember this. It would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the better able to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. Providence applies to suffering in this way.  When Satan wanted to assault Job, he had to make application of it to God; even then God set limits on the intensity and duration of his attack,” Job 1:6-12;  2:1-6.( Public Domain).

If you are a child of God who has mental illness, it is because of an act of Providence.  It is not happen-stance. I remember when I was first diagnosed with major depression and was still suffering greatly, I began to question why I had to become mentally ill.  My father-in-law said to me, “Son, you have to play the hand that’s been dealt to you."  And so, I began to realize that though I was so very disappointed about losing the pastorate, I knew that God had ordered my steps.  I also later read what George Muller said, “Not only the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, but also the stops are His doing.”

For further study on this subject see Psalm 145:17, Nehemiah 9:6 and Ephesians 1:19-22.

   

If you wish to read reviews about our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When you Feel Like You're Losing It, please put in a google search. Broken Minds, Bloem

Trichotillomania

Mayo Clinic

Definition

Trichotillomania is a disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop.
Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots, which causes significant distress and can interfere with social or work functioning. People with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to disguise the loss of hair.
For some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally manageable. For others, the compulsive urge to pull hair is overwhelming. Some treatment options have helped many people reduce their hair pulling or stop entirely.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Signs and symptoms of trichotillomania often include:

• Repeatedly pulling your hair out, typically from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, but can be from other body areas, and sites may vary over time
• An increasing sense of tension before pulling, or when you try to resist pulling
• A sense of pleasure or relief after the hair is pulled
• Shortened hair or thinned or bald areas on the scalp or other areas of your body, including sparse or missing eyelashes or eyebrows
• Preference for specific types of hair, rituals that accompany hair pulling or patterns of hair pulling
• Biting, chewing or eating pulled-out hair
• Playing with pulled-out hair or rubbing it across your lips or face

Most people who have trichotillomania also will pick their skin, bite their nails or chew their lips. Sometimes pulling hairs from pets or dolls or from materials, such as clothes or blankets, may be a sign. Most people with trichotillomania pull hair in private and generally try to hide the disorder from others.
For people with trichotillomania, hair pulling can be:

• Focused. Some people pull their hair intentionally to relieve tension or distress — for example, pulling hair out to get relief from the overwhelming urge to pull hair. Some people may develop elaborate rituals for pulling hair, such as finding just the right hair or biting pulled hairs.
• Automatic. Some people pull their hair without even realizing they're doing it, such as when they're bored, reading or watching TV.

The same person may do both focused and automatic hair pulling, depending on the situation and mood. Certain positions or rituals may trigger hair pulling, such as resting your head on your hand or brushing your hair.
Trichotillomania is a long-term (chronic) disorder. Without treatment, symptoms can vary in severity over time. For example, the hormonal changes of menstruation can worsen symptoms in women. For some people, if not treated, symptoms can come and go for weeks, months or years at a time. Rarely, hair pulling ends within a few years of starting.

Causes
The cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania.

Risk Factors

These factors tend to increase the risk of trichotillomania:

• Family history. Genetics may play a role in the development of trichotillomania, and the disorder may occur in those who have a close relative with the disorder.
• Age. Trichotillomania usually develops just before or during the early teens — most often between the ages of 11 and 13 — and is often a lifelong problem. Infants also can be prone to hair pulling, but this is usually mild and goes away on its own without treatment.
• Negative emotions. For many people with trichotillomania, hair pulling is a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration.
• Positive reinforcement. People with trichotillomania often find that pulling out hair feels satisfying and provides a measure of relief. As a result, they continue to pull their hair to maintain these positive feelings.
• Other disorders. People who have trichotillomania may also have other disorders, such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Although far more women than men are treated for trichotillomania, this may be because women are more likely to seek medical advice. In early childhood, boys and girls appear to be equally affected.

Don't foret our seminar in Plymouth, Michigan on October 18, 2014. It is less than a month away. http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!seminar/c12qe

Persecuted Church and Samuel Rutherford

To those undergoing persecution, I would like to introduce to you Samuel Rutherford.

His last words - When the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was clear that the author of Lex Rex  could expect trouble. When the summons came in 1661, charging him with treason, and demanding his appearance on a certain day, Rutherford refused to go. From his deathbed, he answered, "I must answer my first summons; and before your day arrives, I will be where few kings and great folks come." He died on 30th March 1661. If you would like to read his famous letters from his exile in Aberdeen, Scotland, please go to  the link below.  http://www.ccel.org/ccel/rutherford/letters.html For more about his life and his writings go to https://www.google.com/#q=Samuel+rutherford News from Voice for Martyrs http://www.persecution.com/

9-11, Two more, Lindsay and her and daughter killed by drugged heroin driver.

Copy right All rights reserved, 2014

Purposeful Suffering, I have suffered greatly because of depressive episodes and the loss of a child. What has helped me the most I think, is that our Sovereign God, who chose me before the foundation of the world to be a new creature in Christ, uses trials and troubles of many different kinds to accomplish His purpose. This suffering  makes me more like the Son of God. The Suffering/Glory themes in the Bible are a study in and of themselves!

We planned for four children but never dreamed that any of them would die before we did.

My wife, Robyn, and I talked about having four children before we were married. And by the grace of God we were able to do so. We never thought that we would lose Lindsay, our only daughter in a car accident.   Lindsay and her daughter Emily Hope were killed by a man in a car who never had no driver's license and who had a history of juvenile felonies. On September 11, 2001, he had been abusing drugs with his two friends. This man according to the Michigan State Forensic Office had enough heroin and cocaine in his blood to "put down six men." He hit Lindsay's car head on, we were right behind her and we saw it. She was eight months pregnant and was going to pick up her husband from his place of employment. She had left the prayer meeting  in a separate car. Our Pastor had called this special vigil  to pray for the nation. I can't begin to tell you the horror of that accident and of hearing the Chief of Police say, "I am sorry, she has passed." But God had a purpose for our suffering. The purpose would unfold in time.

 

God is Sovereign in all that happens to His children.
He was and always is in control of everything that happens to His beloved children. He does not effect evil but He is in control of all things. This truth is wonderfully seen in Isaiah 42:7, which states, I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

 

 

Our Lord Jesus encouraged and admonished John the Baptist when the prophet was having serious doubts about whether Christ was the Messiah. John was locked up in Herod's dark dungeon. Our Lord Jesus Christ said to him (by way of messengers that had come from John), "Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them; And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me." John the Baptist's death was sudden. All his doubts were gone as he entered Heaven. He was faithful until death, a true martyr. "Don't doubt in the dark that which you knew to be true in the light."

 

  "But this is the lesson for you.   You only have to bear your burden for a certain length of time. The God who appointed you to bear it, also determined when you were to begin to bear it, and when you are to leave off bearing it. When God says you only to have ten troubles, the devil cannot make eleven of them; and you cannot reduce them to nine. Every particle of bitterness that is to go in your cup is dropped out with all the care of a qualified dispenser, and there will not be one drop more of bitterness in your cup, than the Lord knew was necessary to make the medicine just what it should be. I do delight in this truth, and I hope that you do also.”  (Spurgeon, Charles. Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia of Sermons, (1984) Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Volume 2,   p.288

Please visit our  web site. http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!home/mainPage .Read more about our book at http://books.google.com/books/about/Broken_Minds.html?id=HQAzGHf

 

 

Don't forget that we will be having a seminar in Plymouth, Michigan, U.S.A. It will take place on  Saturday,October 18, 2014 at Solid Rock Bible Church.  Registration is at 9:30 a.m., but we suggest you reserve your spot early so we can plan for you! Our friends in Ontario are welcome to come. Group rates are available.  Here is link to our web site. If you come we will also help you with starting a CAMI support group.

http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!seminar/c12qe. If you would like to contact us, please go to:  http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!contact/cito

 

A link to our book Broken Minds http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187

This is a candid and spirit affirming story of a family's personal struggle, not only with mental illness, but also in finding where they fit into the body of Christ and His ministry. Sandra Thayer,(Sandra Thayer Author's Choice Reviews 2005-12-01)

In our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It, (Kregel Publications) Robyn and I talk about the depths of suffering that are experienced by those who are depressed and those who have other types of mental illness. The spirit of a man sustains his sickness but a wounded spirit who can bear, Proverbs 14:12
When we suffer we are given a choice. Will we continue to persevere in the faith and glorify God by worshipping Him or will we become offended when things happen to us because we don't understand why we have to suffer?

 

Why I hate suicide

  Posted by Steve Bloem., her younger brother by 2 years.

This was written before Cyndi's suicide.  The irony of it is that Cyndi had bought about fifteen books to give to all her friends.  The copyright of our book is October 2005.  She committed suicide not even a year later.
Our largest chapter in Broken Minds gives reasons why you should not commit suicide.  Cyndi read it but did not listen with spiritual ears to what God was saying. This shows you the power of bipolar disorder and the deception of the enemy.
Heartfelt Counseling Ministries continues to accept donations which are tax deductible. If you donate $10.00 a book + 3.00 for shipping, Robyn and I will send you a signed copy. We urge you to pray about this. 


 All you have to do is send a check to 4371 North lake Blvd, Suite 256, Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33410.  You can also go to our donation us page and put in the amount you wish to donate.  Your credit card will give us your mailing address. 
Thanks SB        

http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#donations/c1mb0

Letter to a Mother who lost a son, by Robyn Bloem

Dear M.

I just got an email from your friend, V. and she told me that you recently lost your precious son. I am so very sorry, M . V. and I have become friends over the past 12 years as she has become a woman and mom; I initially knew her as a teenager when she and our kids were in high school together. She was friends with our daughter who was killed in 2001. V. has faithfully “been there” and loved me as I have grieved these years. I am so glad you have her in your life.

I know there are really no words that can do anything at this point, but I can tell you,

 you will make it. You may not always even WANT to, but the raw, torturous pain WILL lessen. I know the horror that comes over you when you open your eyes in the morning and realize it is not just a bad dream. I know the effort everything has become and will be for a while. Someone told me “When we bury our parents, we lose the past, when we bury our spouse, we lose the present, but when we bury a child, we lose the future.” I know this is not how it is supposed to be; we are supposed to outlive our children and all the times we protect our kids when they are little and hover over them to make sure they are all right-then they become adults and die. It isn’t fair, it isn’t right, it isn’t normal.

I have found comfort, (the only true comfort I really have) is that there is a future, an eternity where all things will be made right. You know now that a person doesn’t die of a broken heart. It feels like you should; I thought certainly the pain would kill me, but it didn’t. I survived.

Your friends will want to help and they won’t know what to do. Let them in. Let the ones who you love come alongside of you and be there with you in the midst of your sorrow and grief.  I used to think, “Why should I answer the phone?  There is nothing anyone could say to me unless they are calling to tell me it was all a mistake and Lindsay is actually sitting in the driveway, so, why should I talk to anyone?”  But I had one friend who persevered with me and kept calling and telling me she loved me and would bring me flowers with another bouquet for Lindsay's grave. So, how would I know I wanted that or needed that? I didn’t, but she did and it always helped me just being with her.     So, I guess I would say not to isolate yourself even though you feel like it.

I really don’t know if anything I have said has even made sense. You are right in the thick of it and everything seems blurry and nonsensical, I am sure. Just know you are loved by your friends and family and you will make it. You will even be stronger and better in the long run, but it will take a while. Again, I am very, very sorry.

I will be praying for you and if there is a time you would like to talk or ANYTHING, you can tell V. and I would be glad to. My husband and I have a ministry now where we help people with depression, bipolar, etc., and also with bereavement issues from loss of a child, especially.

May God help you and give you strength to go on. My deepest care and sincerest love,

Robyn Bloem

 

Post Partum Depression- Does your wife have it?

 

 If you are a wife and you feel your husband should read this blog don't hesitate in asking him to do so.  I would be glad to talk with your husband and or your caregiver about the subject of depression. You also can contact me if you please. For contact information please go to: http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!contact/cito
    Steve Bloem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bookmark & ShareFor an extensive, additional informative article on the same subject please go  (after you read this article) to: http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/postpartum-care/understanding-postpartum-depression-ga.htm?_ga=1.20525496.1053696166.1409845249

Printer-friendly version

Postpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs within the first 3 months after delivery.

 

Causes

The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown.Changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood. Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during this period:

• Changes in your body from pregnancy and delivery
• Changes in work and social relationships
• Having less time and freedom for yourself
• Lack of sleep
• Worries about your ability to be a good mother

You may have a higher chance of postpartum depression if you:

• Are under age 20
• Currently abuse alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke (these also cause serious medical health risks for the baby)
• Did not plan the pregnancy, or had mixed feelings about the pregnancy
• Had depression, bipolar disorder or an anxiety disorder before your pregnancy, or with a previous pregnancy
• Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery, including personal illness, death or illness of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, premature delivery, or illness or birth defect in the baby
• Have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
• Have a poor relationship with your significant other or are single
• Have money or housing problems
• Have little support from family, friends, or your spouse or partner

Symptoms

Feelings of anxiety, irritation, tearfulness, and restlessness are common in the week or two after pregnancy. These feelings are often called the postpartum or "baby blues." These symptoms almost always go away soon, without the need for treatment.
Postpartum depression may occur when the baby blues do not fade away or when signs of depression start 1 or more months after childbirth.
The symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms of depression that occurs at other times in life. Along with a sad or depressed mood, you may have some of the following symptoms:

• Agitation or irritability
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings worthless or guilty
• Feeling withdrawn or unconnected
• Lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities
• Loss of concentration
• Loss of energy
• Problems doing tasks at home or work
• Significant anxiety
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble sleeping

A mother with postpartum depression may also:

• Be unable to care for herself or her baby
• Be afraid to be alone with her baby
• Have negative feelings toward the baby or even think about harming the baby (Although these feelings are scary, they are almost never acted on. Still you should tell your doctor about them right away.)
• Worry intensely about the baby, or have little interest in the baby

Exams and Tests

There is no single test to diagnose postpartum depression. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms you describe to your doctor or nurse.
Women with postpartum depression should have blood tests to screen for medical causes of depression.

Treatment

A new mother who has any symptoms of postpartum depression should contact their doctor or nurse right away to get help.
Here are some other helpful tips:

• Ask your partner, family, and friends for help with the baby's needs and in the home.
• Don't hide your feelings. Talk about them with your partner, family, and friends.
• Don't make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth.
• Don't try to do too much, or to be perfect.
• Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
• Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
• Talk with other mothers or join a support group.

The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy, or both. Whether or not you are breast-feeding will play a role in what medicine your doctor recommends. You may be recommended to a mental health specialist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are types of talk therapy that often help postpartum depression.
Support groups may be helpful, but they should not replace medication or talk therapy if you have postpartum depression.
Having good social support from family, friends, and coworkers may help reduce the seriousness of postpartum depression.

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Medication and professional talk therapy can often successfully reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Possible Complications

If left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or years.
The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression. Untreated, postpartum depression may put you at risk of harming yourself or your baby.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Your baby blues don't go away after 2 weeks
• Symptoms of depression get more intense
• Symptoms of depression begin at any time after delivery, even many months later
• It is hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home
• You cannot care for yourself or your baby
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• You develop thoughts that are not based in reality, or you start hearing or seeing things that other people cannot

Do not be afraid to seek help immediately if you feel overwhelmed and are afraid that you may hurt your baby.

Prevention

Having good social support from family, friends, and coworkers may help reduce the seriousness of postpartum depression, but may not prevent it. Women who had postpartum depression after past pregnancies may be less likely to develop postpartum depression again if they start taking antidepressant medications after they deliver. Talk therapy may also be helpful in preventing it.

Alternative Names

Depression - postpartum; Postnatal depression

References

Cohen LS, Wang B, Nonacs R, et al. Treatment of mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010 Jun;33(2):273-93.

Hirst KP, Moutier CY. Postpartum major depression. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Oct 15;82(8):926-33.

Update Date: 9/19/2012

 

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.