Heart to Hearts by Connecting Hearts Network

Our family has been a victim of mental health crisis more than once. Personally I have had two major depressive states and suffered from anxiety attacks. Both of mine were deemed situational depression but they were life altering. This episode is told from the viewpoint of a caregiver for those with mental health issues. My mother was born on October 10th which was declared World Mental Health Awareness Day over 50 years ago and a worldwide organization formed to address concerns and awareness of mental health issues. My mother had meningitis as an infant and recovered but was told she would have lifelong nerve problems. Learning the history of our family it has been noted that a chemical imbalance runs in the family which has cause several to suffer different conditions. 
This episode also addresses mental health from a spiritual viewpoint which includes denouncing new age practices which deceive people into believing they are receiving help when in truth they are not. Jesus is the great physician and it is only by him that you can be healed. We acknowledge the need for medical consultation and state that medication may be needed from a clinical stand. We believe God has indeed provided physicians and counselors for our good, just make sure you are seeing those that are truly good and not those whose practices are not Biblically sound. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month  and that is a purpose Holly Reese and Margie Conway have dedicated their time too. This episode is focuses helping others find support and their way out of domestic violence situations. How can you help someone in a domestic violemce situation? Here are some tips. 
If someone you know is in an abusive relationship, here’s how to help:
Do:
Approach the person at a time and place that is safe and confidential.
Start by expressing concern, such as, I am worried about your safety, I am concerned someone is hurting you.
Take the time to listen and believe what they say.
Communicate that you care about their safety, that they do not deserve to be hurt, and that the abuse is not their fault.
Tell them they are not crazy. A person who has been abused often feels upset, depressed, confused, and scared. Let them know that these are normal feelings.
Tell them good things about themselves. Let them know you think they are smart, strong, and brave. Their abuser may be tearing down their self-esteem.
Respect their choices.
Encourage them to build a wide support system. Help find a support group or encourage them to talk with friends and family.
Be patient. Self-empowerment may take longer than you want. Go at their pace, not yours.
Consider calling CFPA to learn more about the kinds of help available, to ask questions specific to the situation, and to learn how you can be an effective and supportive ally.
Do Not:
Do not accuse, diagnose, or judge their choices; do not draw conclusions about what they may be experiencing or feeling; and do not judge or criticize their abuser.
Do not pressure them to leave the abusive relationship. There are many reasons they may choose stay. It is possible their abuser has threatened to hurt them or their children if they try to leave. The abuser may control all of their finances and may have isolated the victim from friends and family, leaving them with very few resources of their own. The abuser may have promised to change, and the victim may still love them. It is never as simple as encouraging a victim to “just leave” but by all means, communicate to them that help does exist, and that people in their community care about them and their children and want them to be safe.
Do not feel the need to be an expert. Do not try to provide counseling or advice, but do connect them to trained people who can help.
 
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Text "START" to 88788
Visit our page for Privacy Policy. Msg&DataRatesMayApply. Text STOP to opt out.
staff are available 24/7 to take a call.

Connecting Hearts Network is hosted by Linda Kirkpatrick this week. Linda talks with Quen Roscoe from Quendora's Box. Quen is a woman with many creative talents that she uses to glorify God. Believe us, taste one of her cakes and you will say 'Hallelujah'. Quen talks with us about her journey to this point in life and how she is using her talents. 

For this episode of the Connecting Hearts Network we have a guest host who is no stranger to our audience. Warrior Defender Holly Reese speaks with Serena Brooks- bowman who is a children's advocate and safety instructor. The two  share their remarks on the movie 'Sound of Freedom" which deals with child trafficking. Listen in for information and tips to keep our children safe. 

Join me as I talk with Lori Jones about  her work with children at Christian Families Today and their new workshop for children about their Christian identity. Lori shares her testimony as a mom of three young girls and as a childrens counselor at Christian Families Today. 
You can find out more about Christian Families today and how to sign your children up for this wonderful workshop. Check out the adult workshops and enroll yourself in one.  Check out their Living In Jesus podcast! You will be glad that you did! 
https://cftministry.org/
 

Our first guest host is Tana Lee! Thank you for stepping in at the last minute! 
Tana Lee spent time with Jennifer Glover Yeager from Sea Glass Therapy and The Frayed Edges Foundation. Sea Glass Therapy is a local emotional and mental wellness center offering counseling and various modalities of expressive therapy such as yoga, massage, art and self care. Recognizing the need for more affordable access to therapy services Jennifer has been instrumental in founding the Frayed Edges Foundation. Frayed Edges raises funds and awareness for the need of mental and emotional therapy. The Foundation subsidizes service fees for those who need it making therapy accessible to more people. Join in as Jennifer guides Tana through the emotional wellness intake scale Sea Glass Therapy uses to measure your stress levels.

This week we talk with Lisa Gardener from Torn Pages. Torn Pages is a ministry founded by Lisa's husband , Jay. The beads in each product are made from torn pages and varnished to make them durable. The bracelets and other products are made by villagers employed in Uganda and some prisoners. This provides needed income for those families. But it makes a wonderful product you can use to share the goodness of God and how He redeems all those torn pages in our lives to make a beautiful story. Jay and Linda spread the Torn Pages story on social media, through their website and through special speaking engagements. Check in today to get your own bracelet and to learn how to share a message of Hope, Peace and Strength. 

This episode features Paulette Rigo, Divorce Coach and Mediator. She is the author of 'The Better Divorce Blueprint" and creator of the Better Divorce Academy. Margie and Paulette discuss how divorce affects the family and workplace for all involved. Paulette is the director for Divorce Right which trains HR teams to help employees through their situation which creates a better workplace for all.  

Louis and Kendra Adan are the owners of the homestead Lazy Ass Acres. They are working to become self sufficient in many areas which has led them to extensive gardening and animal care. They tell us what lead to these decisions, share their own research and some methods so that you can put into practice all or some of what you may hear in this episode. 

Join us as we talk with Tiffanie Teel, Founder of the WE/Me Community. The focus of the group is community over competition. Tiffanie leads others to work together as women entrepreneurs valuing one another's strengths and talents over competing with one another, As a faith based community WE/Me offers small groups, workshops, retreats and an online group. Reach out today for more information at 
https://www.tiffanieteel.com/we-over-me