tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38038066393564661992024-02-06T22:12:09.458-08:00From Marie with LoveThe adventurous spiritual life and words of author and counselor, Marie Chapian Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-85222421325721425392013-08-10T21:55:00.003-07:002013-08-10T21:55:59.022-07:00<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"> DEPRESSION HURTS</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">In
this post I am addressing you creative people. The following is an article by Kathleen
Pasley about the writer and depression, but this is also apropos for all
creative souls. I will do a little series on depression in this blog because it’s
something with which I am quite familiar, and something I deal with all the
time as a therapist. Kathleen’s article below is a good start.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Love
and beauty, Marie <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">“Depression
is more likely to occur in people who have a larger measure of life’s gifts,
who tend to be more sensitive, more driven, more intelligent, more empathetic.
And these very attributes are part of the vulnerability. They feel life more
acutely.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">- Dr. Frederick Goodwin, Former Director of
the National Institutes of Health<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">"As Scott
Peck says in the opening line of his book, The Road Less Traveled, “Life is
difficult.” And it seems, much of the time, it is even more so for writers. It
is well documented that creative people tend to be more susceptible to mental
illness. In fact, authors are in one of the top ten professions in which people
are most likely to experience depression. So it’s not just the high profile
writers like Virginia Woolf, William Styron, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Ernest
Hemingway, and Emily Dickinson who have suffered with bouts of depression, but
also many of us who are engaged in creative pursuits without enjoying fame or
fortune. Four of the writers from the above list of six actually committed
suicide.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">In his book,
“Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness,” William Styron describes his personal
descent into the despair and turmoil of a depression that included fantasies of
killing himself and, ultimately, hospitalization. Sylvia Plath put her head in
an oven, Anne Sexton used carbon monoxide poisoning, Hemingway a gun, and
Virginia Woolf drowned herself in a river. Despite the sometimes fatal outcome
of depressive illness, many of us still harbor a romanticized image of the
depressed writer, scribbling in his garret, creating works of profundity and
great meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Because of
the solitary nature of writing and the lack of available feedback, many writers
are plagued with negative thoughts about the quality of their work. “Am I
really good enough to be published?”, “How can I call myself a writer when I’m
feeling so blocked?”, “Can I really make a living at this?” are some of the old
tapes that can easily play in a writer’s head. The very nature of the work of a
writer tends towards isolation, economic insecurity, self-doubt and lack of
exercise – the “perfect storm” for experiencing depression – either mild and
situational or clinical, serious and worthy of a doctor’s intervention. When
you spend long hours sitting on your own, digging deeply into yourself to
create a work of art, self-examination and self-doubt can easily lead down the
path to clinical depression and anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">On the other
hand, it seems that creative expansion, spiritual depth and increased emotional
sensitivity often entail a journey through fear and pain on the way to genuine
growth. Therein lies the dilemma – can depression ever be a good thing? While a
writer’s gifts often include heightened intellect and creativity, we must be
careful not to glamorize the illness of depression or assume that every
creative or dynamic person is going to go through the agonies of serious mood
swings. There is nothing productive about being miserable and hopeless, and
speaking from experience, most of us in a depressed state of mind do not have
the motivation or the energy to get out of bed, much less write a great novel
or poem. So what can you do if you find yourself slipping into a mild or even
severe depression? Here are some suggestions that can help:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Sit down
at your computer and write, even though you don’t feel inspired. There is
nothing like constructive activity to distract and elevate your mood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Read an
upbeat book or watch a funny movie to feel relief from dwelling on yourself and
your woes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Write out
a list of positive affirmations (positive statements about yourself or your
situation written in the present sense as if they are already happening).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Write down
ten simple things in your life that you are grateful for. – it is difficult to
hold onto fear and anxiety when we are in a thankful state.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Reach a
hand out to somebody else in need – witnessing someone else’s difficulties or
pain and doing something to support them can release you from dwelling
obsessively on yourself and your own problems.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">• Get a
massage, take a walk in Nature, listen to your favorite music – do anything
that inspires you and makes you feel spiritually connected to something bigger
than yourself or your mood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Don’t be
misled to believe depressives have some mystical insight into creativity or that
depression (or bi-polar illness) enhances the creative process. On the
contrary, for most of us, depression leads to writer’s block, diminished
courage, less motivation, less imagination and less resilience to everyday
life. Finally, if you experience inordinately long and serious bouts of the
“blues”, don’t pick up your pen…pick up the phone and get the professional
medical help that will put you on the road to recovery."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Please feel
free to share your own experience as a writer with depression and how you have
constructively dealt with it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><a href="http://chrysaliseditorial.com/blog/2013/02/the-writer-and-depression/k-pasley-photo/" style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #886353; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Kathleen Pasley is currently at work on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>A
Hurt in Your Soul – Depression and How to Heal It: A Practical & Spiritual
Guide</em>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-39064138743459298752013-07-27T11:34:00.000-07:002013-07-27T11:34:15.696-07:00Thirsty Summer ...<br />
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<b>Here's a poem by Mary Oliver I think fits the moment ...</b><br />
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<b><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Thirst </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Another morning and I wake with thirst</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">for the goodness I do not have. I walk</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">out to the pond and all the way God has</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord,</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I was never a quick scholar but sulked</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and hunched over my books past the</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">hour and the bell; grant me, in your</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">mercy, a little more time. Love for the</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">earth and love for you are having such a</span></em><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">long conversation in my heart. Who</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">knows what will finally happen or</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">where I will be sent, yet already I have</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">given a great many things away, expect-</span></em><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ing to be told to pack nothing, except the</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">prayers which, with this thirst, I am</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">slowly learning.</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Such subtle and loving language to greet the day. I find myself loving summer so much and loving the God of all seasons, I feel like I'm taking a small journey into something deeply beautiful and new this year. Maybe it's the new book I'm writing, maybe it's the air, but everything feels so new and fresh -- like love. Yes, that's what it is -- it's love. His love. Can you feel it?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZQ_OGG569Qpem-wMSLhhmV9zVgALV7LK2ACy2mzLm-03ynP_Hz9j7yNFmbM_P-2P1oWVLjHxtx8buhFsk_z9dsxmfnyemO82BJw6KmFmHqg8IeCoqF1QiLj97BZE1C-3hf0VCEjn5w6Z/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZQ_OGG569Qpem-wMSLhhmV9zVgALV7LK2ACy2mzLm-03ynP_Hz9j7yNFmbM_P-2P1oWVLjHxtx8buhFsk_z9dsxmfnyemO82BJw6KmFmHqg8IeCoqF1QiLj97BZE1C-3hf0VCEjn5w6Z/s320/flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-89206203042593335592013-03-13T23:55:00.000-07:002013-03-13T23:55:11.094-07:00<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 18.0pt;">STAYING HAPPY
IN AN UNHAPPY WORLD<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b> ALL DAY SEMINAR <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black";"><b> WITH<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b> MARIE CHAPIAN<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Worship by Damon Stuart<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>April 13 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM</b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Registration
entitles you to a Body Works “Know Your Body” Spirit-Soul-Body Workshop with
Marie on Monday, April 15<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b>This
first incredible all-day experience with Marie Chapian and Damon Stuart will
change your life. Marie’s revelatory teaching and ministry brings new
understanding and into the body, soul and spirit of the believer. Damon Stuart’s music brings healing
and beauty to thrill your heart. Marie Chapian is known as a pioneer in the
arena of the Holy Spirit’s revelatory ministry, and you will want to take this
advantage of this opportunity to experience an entire day engulfed in anointing
teaching and ministry. Marie has thirty years of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bible</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and seminary training and teaching, and holds a doctorate in psychology, Master’s degree in writing an AA in studio art and a lifetime of professional dance and fitness training with her specialty in neuro-linguistic body-brain research. Her books appear on the New York
Times Best Seller List, and she speaks to audiences around the world in both
intimate and large conference settings. </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"> </span>Damon Stuart has ministered throughout the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> and
internationally with his anointed music. As a worship leader, his desire is to
bring people into the deeper realms of God's glory through worship. As Damon
leads worship and ministers, an<span class="apple-conver"> </span>atmosphere for
healing, prophetic anointing and the manifested presence of God takes place.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Don’t miss this
powerful and anointed day with the Lord Jesus on April 13 or the Body-Works “Know Your Body”
Spirit-Soul-Body Workshop April 15th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>STAYING HAPPY IN
AN UNHAPPY WORLD SEMINAR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Saturday April
13 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Grace</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lutheran</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">950 South York Road</st1:address></st1:street><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bensenville</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">IL</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">60106</st1:postalcode></st1:place> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Registration fee
includes all materials and <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> a fabulous pot luck luncheon <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> "BODY-WORKS KNOW YOUR BODY" Spirit-Soul-Body Workshop<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Monday, April 15<sup>th</sup>
9 AM -1 PM</b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.25in;"><b>O'Hare Comfort Inn, 2175 Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018</b></span></div>
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<b>This
one-of-a-kind fitness, weight loss, healing and understanding your body
workshop is <u>free </u>with STAYING HAPPY IN AN
UNHAPPY WORLD seminar registration. ($20.00 Body-Works alone)</b></div>
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<b>REGISTER EARLY TO
MAKE SURE YOU <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">HAVE A PLACE</st1:address></st1:street>.
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>BE SURE TO BRING
FRIENDS! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> <u>REGISTRATION Clip here)</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> STAYING
HAPPY IN AN UNHAPPY WORLD <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> April 13,
2013 ALL DAY SEMINAR 9:30 am – 3:30 pm<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> $35.00
for both days. $20.00 Body-Works Workshop only<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Fill in and mail with your check(s) to:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Judy Bozman, Seminar Coordinator<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">2038 David
Drive</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Des Plaines</span></st1:city><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, <st1:state w:st="on">IL</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">60018</st1:postalcode></span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> email: <a href="mailto:judybozman@sbcglobal.net"><span class="WPHyperlink"><span style="color: black;">judybozman@sbcglobal.net</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Name(s) <o:p></o:p></b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Check here if you will also be attending the Body-Works <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Know Your Body Workshop”
YES___</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 89%;"><b>Address(es____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 89%;"><b>Email(s)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;">Those attending the Staying Happy in an
Unhappy World seminar are entitled to attend: Marie’s Body-Works </span><span style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;">“Know Your Body” Workshop FREE</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;"><b>Monday, April 15<sup>th</sup> 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;"><b>at the Comfort Inn O’Hare, 2175 E Touhy
Av, Des Plaines, IL 60018<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;"><b>Dress for comfortable movement and bring
your Bible, pen and paper, a workout mat or blanket & wear sneakers or
stockings or be barefoot. Your body is going to be blessed.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 89%;">For more information, email: <a href="mailto:judybozman@sbcglobal.net"><span class="WPHyperlink">judybozman@sbcglobal.net</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 89%;"><b> LET THE MIRACLES BEGIN! </b></span></div>
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<b>Don’t
miss these powerful and anointed days with the Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-58103299369652308752013-02-11T14:18:00.004-08:002013-02-11T14:18:58.367-08:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Our Bodies Store Emotions</span></b></div>
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<b>Here’s something
interesting to think about. I’ve taught about the body-soul-spirit connection
for some time, and today I had an experience that brought the importance of
this need for awareness to me once again. Let me start by asking you to imagine
you accidently hit your head on the door frame of your car and you experience a
stabbing, searing pain. What you do about it is as important as the blow
itself because if you snarl, frown, cry,
curse or get mad your <i>body</i> stores not
only the blow on the head but your <i>reaction.</i> Naturally, your <i>soul </i>is affected too, (your intellect, emotions, will) but at the
time of sudden pain all your reasoning power shuts down. When you feel sudden physical pain your
response is strictly emotional. (Just note what your fists and toes do at the
dentist when the Novocain needle hits your sensitive gum.)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Our bodies store not
only the memory of the prick of the Novocain needle or the blow on the head,
but they store our accompanying emotions. The body remembers and the soul remembers.
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><i>The body stores trauma, both physical and emotional. <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>You probably guessed
that I’m the one who hit my head on the door frame of my car today. I sat in
the front seat doubled over waiting for the pain to subside with thoughts
twirling. “Why did this happen?” “Why wasn’t I more careful?” “Will I have a
lump?” “Oh Jesus, take the pain away.” And because of my teeth-gritting
emotional state I didn’t think to say a sweet, comforting blessing to my
head. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Later I reminded
myself that my body requires resolution just as my mind does. I put my hands on
my head and said a blessing over it in the name of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sihDdeu5rOZGcgyJpc4Y0l4DmUeLYKlu1PGj7X7ubvL35YErqMPzRPA-SUgjEqzOXLi1QBto-yv4I-p_IiI5YGARB0CeFZxTKYwa_HobLK6VMG72wm4Gd7UpLml_Rmy5XOdxAiEYGPhF/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sihDdeu5rOZGcgyJpc4Y0l4DmUeLYKlu1PGj7X7ubvL35YErqMPzRPA-SUgjEqzOXLi1QBto-yv4I-p_IiI5YGARB0CeFZxTKYwa_HobLK6VMG72wm4Gd7UpLml_Rmy5XOdxAiEYGPhF/s200/IMG_0607.JPG" width="150" /></a><b>What I want stored in
my body is not the trauma of life with its accidents, trials, abuse, sorrows
and blows, but the blessing of God. I’m
going to talk more about the total person in this new weekly blog. Next time
let’s look <i>more </i>at how our
emotions get stored not only in our
inner emotional bank, but our bodies.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Meanwhile, I hope
you’ll read my two new books published in 2012, THE OTHER SIDE OF SUFFERING
(John Ramsey’s incredible story) and THE EMANCIPATION OF ROBERT SADLER (you’ll
never forget this story—how I loved this man.)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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And I love you too –</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Marie<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-82628400771048891002013-01-28T07:37:00.001-08:002013-01-28T07:52:36.320-08:00 Do you love the rain?"Work but don't forget to live," someone said. Well, isn't that the silliest statement -- Jesus came to give us life and more abundantly. I love that. In work and in play we have life abundant. I work therefore I live, haha. <br />
I'm working on a new book series -- fiction. I haven't concentrated on fiction since my novel, "I Love You Like a Tomato" was published. Nothing like writing to the sound of rain on the roof, rain dripping down windows -- I'm writing to the sound of rain. Do you love the rain? I don't mean the torrential sort, the damaging storms, I mean the rain like what's outside my window now, steady, cool, silvery -- You can almost hear the call of Heathcliff across the moor --or the merry songs of Brigadoon-- Rain and poetry seem to go together.<br />
Thoreau liked the rain because it beat down the mosquitos. -Not too poetic.<br />
Charlie Chaplin said he liked the rain because it hid his tears. Crying in the rain actually isn't such a bad thing. It washes our face at the same time. Much poetry is born in tears. Why not be creative with our tears?<br />
Rain makes me happy. Makes me grateful to be alive.<br />
If you go on a happy family vacation and it rains all week at the beach, what you remember in time is not the rain but the rainbow.<br />
Thought for the day: Without rain there's be no rainbow.<br />
<br />
Love & hugs & John 10:10<br />
<br />
<br />Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-38610389890986955342012-07-16T20:21:00.000-07:002012-07-16T20:21:19.195-07:00AFTER THE PARTYThe artist's reception for my exhibition of paintings was a wonderful experience. I felt so<br />
-- well, so-- maybe "loved" is the word. I was amazed at the number of people who showed up and so encouraged by it all. (A couple of paintings actually sold!)<br />
We rented a truck and brought in my big panel screens for the reception and thenbrought them back the next day because they could get damaged during the month since the show is in a country club with lots of activity. The large oil painting here of horses charging is about life charging at us -- it's surreal in a way, yet not. I wanted to paint my purple horse which I wrote about in my book, "Angels in Our Lives," and this is how it turned out.<br />
It's an amaing world we live in with all its colors and movement, brightness, and surprises-- I'm grateful every day. Like falling in love for the first time over and over again.Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-60063567739106500162012-07-11T14:10:00.000-07:002012-07-11T14:10:54.909-07:00A Solo ExhibitionGetting ready for my solo art exhibition's reception this coming Saturday. I wish I didn't always wait<br />
to the last minute to do things because I'm just now getting invitations out, canyoubelieveit. (I wish my<br />
mom were here. She'd show up for sure. haha) Anyhow, it's an exhibition of about ten or 12 paintings with some of my panels and screens and the reception will be lovely. You're invited, of course. Here are the details: When: Saturday, July 14<br />
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM<br />
Where: El Camino Country Club<br />
3202 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056<br />
<br />
I'm a writer and so painting for me is a deep passion that extends into a place of wordlessness, which I find intoxicating and wondrous. I've never actively tried to sell my art but I've shown paintings in galleries and restaurants and even on TV, and of course, I've illustrated many books -- but I make my living as a writer<br />
and so painting has been somewhat of a private love affair. Something I turn to on a daily basis that expresses another side of the writer person. I think back on the happy days in art school when we'd have shows in abandoned houses and barns and do poetry readings on bookstore patios -- Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-26959640504742637032012-05-16T15:38:00.000-07:002012-05-16T15:38:24.606-07:00All Things New<strong>I'm reading a story about a man who was in a terrible car accident and as he crawled out of the wreckage he was suddenly filled with unexpected joy and gratitude at being alive, and the feeling changed him forever. He emptied himself of his selfish negative habits that had made his life lack-luster and dull, and miserable. He dumped toxic relationships that supported his misery-- and he entered into a relationship with God with so much enthusiasm that things around him changed. Everything in his life changed! I think of Jesus' words, "I make all things new" (Revelation 21:5). </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>This man's story touches me. I don't know about you, but All Things New is the attitude with which I want to live, too. It's how I want to live tomorrow, next week, next year, the works. New and beautiful. Pulsing with life and energy, with enthusiasm and wonder. An interviewer once ended a long book interview with me with, "So Marie, what would you say is your secret to a truly happy life?" I could have given several responses about faith, about trusting God, about willingness to suffer (a whole other subject) -- but I blurted out, "I live in a constant state of wonder." </strong><br />
<strong>He went silent.</strong><br />
<strong> "I've learned," I said as honestly as possible, " to embrace the art of amazement in a world filled with the wonder of God in all things," </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>And it's true. I hope we don't need a tragedy to jerk us awake to the joy of life when everything around us can fill us with wonder. (This morning I had a little party with my washing machine, dancing to its galumping sounds--) I love 2Corinthians 5:17. Here it is in the Living Translation: <em>"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun!"</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>So that's you and me, every day, every day. All Things New in everything around us because we see with new eyes, hear with new ears, think with new minds, and love with new hearts. And we KEEP them new.</strong><br />
<strong>Check out my website for "A Word for This Season." <a href="http://www.mariechapian.com/">http://www.mariechapian.com/</a> </strong><br />
<strong>Love and amazed, Marie</strong><br />Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-6875864413989632012-04-22T19:49:00.001-07:002012-04-22T19:49:35.978-07:00Come and dine the Master's calling ...Greetings from Chicagoland!
It's been an amazing five days so far and I'm praising God for the joyous move of the Holy Spirit
and the wonder of His presence in our meetings. Tomorrow I'll be on WMBI from 10:30-11:00 on "This Is The Day."
And I have three more meetings & our Part Two All Day Seminar on Tuesday. Its just flat-out fabulous
to be here ministering every day. God is calling His children much, much closer to Himself -- I'm seeing miracles.Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-64466789326336344072012-03-15T00:03:00.000-07:002012-03-15T00:03:38.319-07:00God is so Faithful!<strong><span style="color: yellow;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: yellow;">It's been a busy time in Marie's writing studio! I hope to finish my new novel by the end of 2012. But my big news today is the John Ramsey book is just out called THE OTHER SIDE OF SUFFERING. I spent a year working on that book with him and I'm so happy to hear the responses. John was on "Good Morning America" yesterday and "The View" this morning. Tomorrow he'll be on "Inside Edition" and then "Nightline" on ABC – March 14; "Anderson Cooper" March 16, "Inside Edition" airing March 16 and "CBA This Morning on March 17. He'll be on Huckabee, Fox News Channel – March 17 & March 18; "Good Morning America Weekend," ABC – March 18; "Starting Point," CNN (formerly American Morning) – March 19, and "Celebration," on Daystar – March 19, and Table Talk with Joni, "Daystar" – March 19. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">And you might want to pick up a copy of PEOPLE Magazine, March 14th when it's issued for a feature story on this amazing man. It's truly an inspiring story and I hope you'll get a copy of the book. When you do, let me hear from you.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">I received an email today from a woman I prayed for who told me she & her husband thought they were $30,000 in debt to the IRS and it turned out to be $140,000. She said God intervened and completely wiped out the entire debt. She wrote to thank me for praying. May I just shout a big old, "Praise the Lord"??</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">Keep an eye on my website </span></strong><a href="http://www.mariechapian.com/"><strong><span style="color: yellow;">www.mariechapian.com</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: yellow;"> because I'm coming to Chicagoland in April, and my itinerary includes two all-day seminars in DesPlaines and I want to see YOU there!</span></strong></div>
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</div>Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-19146632040529960382012-01-20T20:58:00.000-08:002012-01-20T20:58:39.361-08:00it's 2012! Wow, and one of my New Year's resolutions is going to be to keep up with my blog. The only other resolution I made was to give up sweets. (This is no biggie for me; I do it all the time.) However, last night at a college faculty meeting I ate a cookie. I just up and ate it, just like that. I didn't even think about it. It was one of those oatmeal raisin cookies we tell ourselves are healthy. haha. I've given up sweets for a year at a time and so it's kinda fun actually. I get to be creative with fruits. (Ixnay on the oatmeal raisin cookies, Marie.)<br />
Fruit; yes, praise God for fruit. Which brings to mind the fruit of the Spirit. I love it that faith is not only a fruit of the Spirit, but a gift of the Spirit as well. We're covered. God surrounds us with faith opportunities. We can never exhaust the subject of faith. It's new every morning, like His faithfulness. I feel like meditating on that point right now. <br />
Well, I'm excited about 2012, are you? I join the other prophets' words expressing great things for God's children this year. Great things happen by our agreeing with His will. <br />
My book, THE EMANCIPATION OF ROBERT SADLER has been re-released this month. Oh, please do check it out. This man, Robert Sadler, sold as a slave when he was a boy of five -- and one of the greatest human beings I've ever known. His story is amazing. You can get it on Amazon or buy it from me -- just go to my website, <a href="http://www.mariechapian.com/">www.mariechapian.com</a> -- It's also in Christian bookstores everywhere, published by Bethany House.<br />
And the book I wrote with John Ramsey comes out next month. Talk about a modern day Job. He's the sweetest, kindest man who ever walked the earth -- and the father of the little beauty queen, JonBenet Ramsey who was murdered in their family basement the day after Christmas in 1996. The name of the book is THE OTHER SIDE OF SUFFERING. It's a must-read book. <br />
If Robert Sadler and John Ramsey can overcome, we can too.<br />
Praise God, it's going to be a great year of overcoming and prevailing and fulfilling the will of God. Agreed?<br />
Love, Marie<br />Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-35569836359349379972011-12-14T15:13:00.000-08:002011-12-14T15:13:31.676-08:00Overwhelming Abundant Good Peaceful Contented Sweet - I could come up with a pageful of adjectives to express my prayers for this sacred season. Each year I feel a more intense pull to the holiness of this set-apart time -- that is, if we can permit it to be a "set-apart" time. What I mean is, a time to pull away, not into the swirl of busyness and stress. Oh thanks, Marie, how do we do that at Christmas? I think, for me, it's by concentrating on my inner life, by looking within. I may have more demands and pressures put on me than ever, but my mind is fixed on the words, "Peace I give you, not as the world gives..." and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..." (that includes being happy).<br />
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Christmas and Chanukah and all holidays ask a little more of us than everyday life. And they can be difficult to navigate through. If it's not stress, it's depression. That's why it's important to focus within. <br />
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We need to see ourselves as beautiful and cherished by God Almighty. We need to rest in that knowledge even while buzzing about doing our stuff. Money is always an issue, no matter how much we have or don't have. I go through some pretty lean sacred seasons and I handle the situation exactly as I handle all issues of my sacred life-- by proclaiming His Word into my spirit. I choose to "seek first the Kingdom of God," which means I live by faith, not by sight; which means I put on the "full armour," which means I take life to the full, Abundant, Good, Peaceful and Sweet. I suffer NO lack because I'm filled with His Spirit, all things working together for good, always prospering, always bearing fabulous fruit, always strengthened and chosen to prove Him and His glory. <br />
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Just like you!<br />
Have a sweet Jesus Christmas and Chanukah -- know how loved you are!<br />Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-18849542631761138302011-11-25T14:38:00.001-08:002011-11-25T14:38:28.529-08:00What is Black Friday? Today, black Friday, people are rushing to hit the big sales. You’ve seen the photos, watched the News, and maybe you’re out there right now pulling in the bargains. People ask me where the name came from. Well, Black Friday is a good name because it means a day for businesses to try to get into the “black” and out of the “red.” So when you’re bringing home that $200 42” TV from Best Buy you’re helping them get out of the red at the same time you’re getting an amazing deal.<br />
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Me, I’m not into Black Friday. Not because I don’t want to help boost the economy or empty my own pockets, but because I honestly and truly don’t like shopping even on a day without crowds and bargains. It’s one of my weirdities. When my kids were growing up I’d take them to Macy’s or some other store with big expanses with racks of clothes and buy their clothes for the whole season. Clerks loved to see me coming. Heaps and heaps of clothes, whole outfits, shoes, accessories – all at once. The kids loved it, and I was thrilled to get it over with.<br />
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In her last years I bought my mom’s wardrobes and instead of giving her a sweater at Christmas or a new coat or whatever, I’d take her to Dayton’s (Minneapolis) and just buy for the whole year. Clerks loved to see us coming. My mother loved it. I loved it, and then we’d have lunch.<br />
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My daughter is the World’s Greatest Shopper (can we be related?) That girl can sniff out a bargain a mile away. Today, Black Friday, she’s not at Best Buy or Macy’s, she’s thrumming out the 50% off thrift stores. She’ll come home with designer dresses for 25 ¢ each. When we were in New York for my other daughter’s art opening, she bought so much stuff I didn’t think she’d get on the airplane with it all. Me, I think I bought one book at the MOCA museum store. <br />
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Books, yes, I’ll buy books. I’m a writer after all, I buy books. I don’t check out the best sellers from the library, I buy them. I buy non-best sellers; I buy books. I tell my writer-students, “Writers read. Writers buy books.” But when it comes time to get an outfit to speak in or a new pair of boots, I’ll do anything to put off shopping. “Heavens, I can’t go shopping. I’ve got to paint the garage.” Any excuse will do. <br />
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So imagine my anxieties at Christmas. I’ll never forget the time I did all my Christmas shopping at once at CostCo. I mean it, all of it, at once. I hauled this enormous dolly heaped with toys and food and clothes and electronics – I mean, heaped with stuff – I could hardly roll the thing to the check-out. The guy behind me in line was so shocked I could hear him muttering to himself, and I know he was thanking his lucky stars I wasn’t his wife. Finally, he said to me, “Girl, you are 86’d! You cannot buy another thing. Have you got that? You cannot buy another thing.”<br />
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(The term “86” means you’re done. You’re out of here.)<br />
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I laughed so hard. He had no idea that I covered every Christmas need in ONE trip, including the extension cord for the lights. <br />
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Enough about me. What are YOU doing today?Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-30111222461720425742011-11-05T21:35:00.001-07:002011-12-14T00:59:47.102-08:00Hello WinterDid you stand at the edge of something green or flowering and wave bye-bye to summer? And then in the fallen leaves looking up through bare branches at a pale sky, did you wave bye-bye to autumn? Now here we are, with arms open wide welcoming winter. Oh, I know we don’t look forward to 20 below zero weather, ice storms and blizzards, but there’s certain majesty in all seasons, don’t you think? A certain integrity of the seasons themselves. I grew up in Minnesota where the winters were bitter, mean and furious. From the third through the sixth grade we lived in North Dakota and I still have dreams about those winters in Grand Forks. We walked to school atop mountainous icy snow banks – it was joyous! We built caves, igloos, and forts in the snow. We had to make our own hills if we wanted to go sliding – but we skated until our noses and toes almost fell off. I froze my hands and feet more than once in those winters. I live in California now and I can’t say I miss the harsh winters of my childhood, but I do miss the child who loved them. <br />
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Now when I’m traveling in severe winter weather I think of flights canceled, bad roads, traffic, shoveling, skidding on ice, car trouble … I’d like to find that girl with four sweaters under her snowsuit, two pairs of mittens on her hands, and with her little brother, plunk down in the perfect snow and stick out my tongue for the snowflakes to land. I’d like to squeal with laughter with my brother again as the snowflakes pool on our faces and tangle in our eyelashes— I’d like to love the world like that little girl who dreamed only in the present and worried about nothing.<br />
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<em>Delight yourself in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).</em> Praise God. Hello winter!Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-81553053926157795272011-10-07T13:16:00.000-07:002011-10-07T13:16:12.438-07:00Day of AtonementHeavens, I can't believe it's been three months since I've blogged. I've been working around the clock and burning the midnight oil writing new books and though it's been an amazing time in the Lord, I've lost my sense of time. Forgive me! It's Yom Kippur, the most beautiful High Holiday -- To rejoice and celebrate with our Messiah Yeshuah is beyond glorious, isn't it? This is such a vital moment in human history and if we are the Benjamin Generation, we're truly in a good place.<br />
I had a dream two nights ago I want to tell you about. My Father was showing me His fields and I just loved those fields, so beautiful and golden and rich. He was talking to me about strategy to make them even more beautiful, and it was the happiest, most loving dream! When I awoke and thought it, I realized the fields my Father showed me were all ripe for harvest! The wheat whsipering in the wind, all beautiful and perfect for harvesting. (Joel 3:13; Matthew 9:37)<br />
The word I'm hearing for us is Be Brave. We are in an appointed time to prosper, grow, be healed, restored and to go forth fearlessly shining as His reflection in this world as never before. He's calling us to His ripe fields -- The fields are <em>His,</em> so we're in the right place, <em>His </em>fields just ready for harvest. "Not by might and not by power, but by My <em>Spirit,</em> says the Lord of Hosts ..." (Zechariah 4:6) He's giving us fresh strategies, direction and Holy Spirit anointing for this hour. Our job? Be Brave.<br />
Loved, Rejoicing, and His,<br />
MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-19508552551538819012011-06-30T23:26:00.000-07:002011-06-30T23:26:08.659-07:00I have this dream to live in the woods as a monastic -- at least for a few months. Me, God, and the woods. As soon as I finish the book I'm writing now, I think I'll head for the woods.<br />
I live a contempletive life pretty much now anyhow, studying Benedict's Rule and living a life of prayer, contending for others, nations, etc. etc.. <br />
The book I'm writing now is with Miles McPherson, who's picture is posted on the sidebar of this blog-- Former NFL football player, he's an amazing man of God, full of zeal and a dynamic preacher. He pastors the mega church here in San Diego called Rock Church. I'm pretty much sealed into this book because of our deadline. It's about IM AGE. (Do you love it?) My work days never end until the wee hours of the morning, and that's fine because the Benedictines rise at 3 a.m. for prayer and I can join them right here from my writing sudio. (does that count for discipline? eh eh)<br />
The writing life is not very glamorous, but I consider the life truly blessed. Just me, God and the computer (and in this case, just me, God, the computer and Miles McPherson -- haha) <br />
"Monastic spirituality calls us to see everything and everyone - including ourselves - as holy. The tools of the kitchen and the office are to be regarded as sacred vessels. The places in our heart where we wrestle are to be embraced with kindness. The person who irritates us or makes us feel fearful is a window into how God is at work in our lives. Being a monk in the world means that there are no more divisions between sacred and secular."<br />
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Big Jesus hug,<br />
MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-75504278573235318942011-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:002011-05-07T17:03:49.409-07:00MY DAD'S ITALIAN, MY MOTHER'S JEWISH, AND I'M IN THERAPYWell, not really.<br />
The therapy part, that is. Although every time I finish writing a book I'm in a duel state of exhaustion and exhileration. Good thing Dr. Jesus has open hours day and night. I just finished writing the book, THE OTHER SIDE OF SUFFERING, which is the John Ramsey story. (At least I hope it's finished.) You may recall the name John Ramsey. He's the father of the little girl, JonBene't Ramsey who was murdered on Christmas Day, 1996.<br />
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John is a wonderful Christian and the book is his story of how he has dealt with the huge, huge losses in his life. I spent a year on the book, what with the miles and miles of research I did in order to write it. It was a painful journey following his life-- but praise God, I see even more clearly now how the Lord holds onto His beloved ones. It will be published in 2012 by Hachette Publishers. <br />
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We had a fabulous time of ministry in Chicago. Were you there? The meetings were wonderful. I especially love my all-day seminars wherever I am, in any town. A whole day to teach and pray and see God move is absolute heaven. We see miracles of every kind. We are now putting together the recordings to make them available on my website.<br />
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I now begin writing a book called I.M.A.G.E. IS EVRYTHING with the amazing Miles McPherson who pastors the mega ROCK CHURCH of over 10,000 young people in San Diego. I'm telling you, fifteen minutes in the presence of this man and you feel like you've been ignited by matches from your belly button to your eyebrows. I've never met anyone with more energy. He's all fire, and the great thing is, his fire is all Jesus. <br />
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Pray for me & know I'm praying for you.<br />
His grateful servant, MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-10452033976638406592011-04-13T18:48:00.001-07:002011-04-13T20:08:53.102-07:00HANDLING HARDSHIP WITH A PEACEFUL HEART Here are some words that had a big influence on my spiritual walk: <br />
JOY NEEDS PAIN TO GIVE IT BIRTH. I think of something D.L. Moody once said, too-- "How can one tell if a stick is straight?" He answered himself with, " Lay it beside a crooked one." For me happiness is so much more rich when it comes to me after a period of hardship or trial. I decided years ago to find joy in the trials. The crooked stick beside the straight one is not the one to follow. I don't want to waste pain no matter what form it comes. I began sharing in my conferences and meetings how not to waste our pain. (You can order the CD at my website <a href="http://www.mariechapian.com/">http://www.mariechapian.com/</a> ) <br />
Just to grit our teeth and hang on in times of deep suffering is exhausting, and it leads to frustration and despair. I don't know about you, but I don't like despair. (Know anyone who does? haha) When I'm depressed I know it's because I'm not hearing God in the situation; I'm not somehow cognizant of His role in my life-- mainly, I'm not fully in possesssion of the fact that my life is His. Nothing is safer or smarter than self-abandonment in this God-walk of ours. We live our "selfness" in Him, and sometimes that our "self" can get a bit obscured with our unruly thought habits.<br />
I think we're hard on ourselves. I think we demand too much of ourselves. I think we get all bamboozled with trying to achieve and produce and accomplish-- and we depress ourselves when we can't seem to do all we think we should be doing. That might sound simplistic, but I know that when I have a thousand things I absolutely have to do I sometimes just lock up and can't do anything. I tell my writers in my writing classes that the state called "writer's block" is usually when the task is just too big you lock up and can't write a thing. I have methods I teach to overcome this state, of course.<br />
But what about suffering? What about the state of our souls when we're suffering? Many of us just lock up and can't do a thing outside of the suffering itself. <br />
God speaks to us in the moment. He lives in the present moment, right now, right here. We have to see Him as He is in this moment. And He is always Love. We have to understand that our suffering settles us in the divine furnace of His love, which is far greater than anything.<br />
We (I) need to commit every particle of our being in all things, down to the smallest deatails of our lives, eagerly and with perfect trust to our unfailing and most perfect, loving Creator. The most perfect act of our love for the Lord is to suffer with grace -- and with faith. These two sublime elements produce a form of peace that baffles reason. It attracts the favor of the angels and the Lord Himself, and healing and deliverance are ours.<br />
He loves it when we discard our complaints and our begging-- and His Holy Spirit rejoices with us as we rejoice in Him. <br />
I just want to encourage you today to rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. Thank Him for everything in your life because it's all for the purpose of making you strong and wise and like Jesus Himself. We're made in His image. I want to be thankful at all times, don't you? Like Paul? "I have learned in whatsoever state I'm in therewith to be content."<br />
See you in Chicago April 15-19. I'll be at the Skokie Aglow on April 15 if you can make it. I think the seminars may be full. Contact <a href="mailto:judybozman@sbcglobal.net">judybozman@sbcglobal.net</a>Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-73172080578847787392011-03-21T23:40:00.000-07:002011-03-21T23:40:12.456-07:00THE BEAUTY OF FRIENDSI'm someone who treasures old friendships. If you and I knew each other in grade school, I promise I'll be the most faithful friend ever. If we were pals twenty years ago and lost touch and we re-connect, I'm a pal forever. <br />
Which reminds me of a funny story. I met a guy a while back who was born in the same hospital at the same time as I was. His mother and mine were in labor together. He insisted since we knew each other from the womb we were destined for each other. (There's a new line for you! Ha!)<br />
I hold friendships very close to my heart, and it's probably because I'm a public person and people tend to come and go in my life. My dear friend Becky, for example, who was my best friend when we were raising our children will always be precious to my heart, and we're close to this day. My dear friend Judy, who was my friend when I was in Bible college in Chicago, remains one of my closest friends, as well as so many others, like Doris, who has remained close through all the years, and Lorraine who I love like a sister ever since we met at Moody Bible Institute-- <br />
And just yesterday I reuinited with a beloved friend from my days in New York City as an aspiring actress. Peggy was, and is, a jazz singer and we were best friends while we were working our way to the "top." When I got married I decided to leave show business, and I lost touch with Peggy. What a fantastic blessing from God to bring us together again. She loves the Lord and I feel so honored to have such a long-lasting and endearing friendship. <br />
I love new friendships too, of course-- and must warn you, if you're a new friend-- you better get used to me because I take friendship seriously. If I call you "friend" you'll be forever important to me.<br />
And by the way, the guy who said we knew each other from the womb? He married one of my best friends from high school.Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-37724508819074218582011-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T01:00:14.658-08:00A SWEET JESUS DAYI always tell my kids on the way to school or wherever, "Have a sweet Jesus day," and then at the end of the day I ask them, "Did you have a sweet Jesus day?" In the morning, "Did you have a sweet Jesus sleep?"<br />
Do you know, they have never, ever answered No. It's always Yes. Never No.<br />
I've come to the conclusion it is just impossible to have a bad Jesus day. I mean, when you've been blessed and prayed over and loved into the Kingdom, how can the day be "bad?" Well, that's not to say we have no trials or troubles, but a sweet Jesus day takes the sting out of trouble, takes the ouch out of sorrow or pain.<br />
I've just finished writing a book about the most extreme suffering I've ever heard of in an American family, and yet I can see the sweet Jesus day occuring in their lives through it all. (I'll tell you more about this book in later blogs) I'm also preparing "The Emancipation of Robert Sadler" for re-publication, and working on that book with its horrors of slavery is utterly wipe-outsville, and my tears are rusting out my keyboard-- yet again, through it all, there's a Sweet Jesus Day. Victory, joy and the power of overcoming and prevailing in Christ Jesus.<br />
So have a sweet Jesus day, dear one-- and when you sleep tonight have a sweet Jesus sleep.<br />
You're very much loved.<br />
Love, MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-35808566398220038882011-02-04T21:04:00.000-08:002011-02-04T21:04:06.508-08:00DO YOU LOVE TO READ?I read a survey taken recently to see which cities in the USA were the most well-read. Guess what the two top cities were. -- New York City and Minneapolis, Minnesota. This just confirms my personal theory that when the weather is bad we tend to become more cerebral. Blizzards and snow storms inspire us to read, to study, to learn something. At least that's my thought. (I wonder if the bookstores and libraries are packed with readers now that these winter storms are hurtling about the nation.) Me, a transplanted Minnesotan/New Yorker, to live in Southern California where it doesn't snow, I find it amazing at the huge number of readers I encounter. With the beach calling and the surf boards glistening, there are still vast numbers of readers curled up in well-lighted corners with a book. Granted, we're surrounded by colleges and universities and book clubs on every corner, but isn't it something that in a part of the country known mainly for its year-round tans and Mexican food that people are <em>reading?</em><br />
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I like to read after dinner and before bed. The only problem with that is if I'm really engaged in a book, I'll read into the wee hours and my schedule will become skewed. The other night I was re-reading THE EMANCIPATION OF ROBERT SADLER, and when I looked up, it was 5:30 in the morning! (And it's not just because I wrote the book either! Ha) BTW, The book is coming out again next January, and I couldn't be happier. This story has to be heard again.<br />
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As a writer, I read all the time, of course. I read for the sheer love of words. One book that kept me up late is THROUGH IT ALL HE WAS THERE by Sharon Libby, who writes about her life in a wheelchair as a post-polio victim. She's a friend and a beautiful person, and I highly recommend her book. You can order it directly from Sharon at <a href="http://www.sharonlibby.com/">http://www.sharonlibby.com/</a> <br />
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I hope we meet in a book! I love hearing from you.<br />
Love, MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-8147602163391898082011-01-18T21:39:00.001-08:002011-01-18T22:11:00.736-08:00MAKING CHANGES FOR THE NEW YEAR!Wow. I just had arthoscopic knee surgery for a torn medial miniscus. If you ever have to have surgery, this is the one to have. I was on crutches one day and walking the next, taking stairs the next and out with the dogs in four days -- not without limitations, of course, nor some pain, and I did a lot of work in my Sofa Office. haha -- but I'm pretty much back to normal and it hasn't been quite two weeks yet. (No marathons this month.)<br />
My only marathons are book deadlines. I can't wait to tell you about the book I just finished, but since it takes a whole year before it comes out, I might as well wait. Now I'm clearing my desk to begin the next deadline.Some people might not think it's all that thrilling to spend endless hours day and night alone in a room writing, but to me it's the most exciting life. I've taught college fiction, poetry and screen writing for a number of years, and now I've taken off to concentrate soley on the books God has given me to write.<br />
I sometimes miss the students, but then I also miss my former patients from when I was doing counseling full-time, too. <br />
Oh life is full of changes, isn't it?<br />
Which brings me to the subject of change. The number eleven, as in 2011, means transition, and that means change. We are going to be making changes in our lives, in our choices, in our mindsets, and even in direction throughout the coming year.<br />
We can be in charge of those changes by being aware, first of all, of what needs change in our lives. Once we set our minds to make changes that honor God and His Kingdom, He will send angels and His Holy Spirit to make sure we succeed. Also, we're going to see changes that God initiates, and they will be for our good and for His good. The past is over and gone; we are on to new things in God.<br />
"My purpose will be established,<br />
And I will accomplish My good pleasure..."<br />
(Isaiah 46:10b)<br />
A hundred million blessings,<br />
MarieMarie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-44236599165517058462010-12-06T18:20:00.000-08:002010-12-06T18:20:42.994-08:00Christmas/Chanukah BeautyI'm celebrating the artistry of God; how magical is His creation. Today as I was walking a hiking trail I found a long patch of wild lavender and the aroma swept me away. I wanted to lie down in it (the bees may not have apreciated that. haha) Lavender not only has the sweet purple blooms, but the delicious calming aroma. Just breathing in the lavender was like taking a journey into a place of sweet peace. Then as I walked further I found wild fennel and wild rosemary. I plucked a couple sprigs of rosemary and leaves of fennel and hiked carrying them under my nose breathing in their pungent freshness like someone intoxicated. Even the scrub and the cactii seemed to glow in the shards of light between the barren branches of trees surrounding the trail. I like hiking hills because I like the workout, but the real thrill is the splay of sun on my face, the perfumes of the wild, the sound of birds, wind and silence-- and the solitude with God. The trail is my sanctuary. <br />
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But then I could say wherever I am is my sanctuary-- the writing studio, the easel, the car, the gym, wherever, because where we are, God is, right? Right. How blessed we are to be able to tap into His wonders and experience His creation.<br />
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Of course, we're all stunned it's already the Christmas season, and you should see the decorations and lights on the homes around here. Lighted reindeer with bobbing heads, giant blow-up snow men, forests of lighted plastic Christmas trees, santas on roofs, lights dripping from every eave and window ledge; singing mailboxes, oh it's a wonder. Me, I usually get into the spirit with a wreath on the door, pointsettas on the steps, but it always seems the Christmas season happens when I'm in the middle of a writing deadline or else in the throes of school finals, and it takes me a while to get into the mode. I love Jesus 365 days a year, and celebrate the glory and beauty of His birth 365 days a year, but Christmas involves a ton more responsibilities and work, doesn't it? I look forward to the day when December shows up on the calendar and I don't have a thing to do all month except prepare for, and enjoy Christmas (in another lifetime, right?).<br />
Have you ever found yourself still shopping on Christmas Eve? And then, don't forget Chanukah, December 1-9. We light the first candles on Day One. This is such a wonderful holy time, so much less stressful, and so beautiful. We sing, we play the dreidel, we give gelt to the children (so they learn how give) and we dance-- and we EAT. Oi vay, we eat very oily food, and also dairy food. <br />
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I'd love to hear how you handle this season; I mean the stress of it. Do you recognize Chanukah? Ae you ready for Santa? How is Jesus (Yeshua) treating you? I'm sending you sweet peace and love--Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-209240945878171162010-10-23T00:07:00.000-07:002010-10-23T00:07:55.694-07:00Alone with God The Lord is doing a new thing and He wants His children in on it. I am in a set-apart place, away from the mainstream, separate from the loudness of the world and its busy-ness. It's a place of quiet and work. I'm writing my new book, alone with God and my work-- but I'm not without trials. Constant interruptions, problems surround me left and right, yet I feel in the midst of all storms I can create my own private sancutary and retreat. We don't always need the bucolic bliss of solitude beside a mountain stream, or a month at the seashore-- we can create our own retreat in the midst of the storm, like the cleft of the rock. I think I'd like to name my writing studio "Cleft of the Rock." I've been calling it my Upper Room, but it's more than that. My Upper Room has congealed to the size of a pocket cleft, yet by the Spirit of God, embraces the entire world. <br />
I can do nothing without Him. The truth is, I don't want to do anything without Him. How foolsih would that be? I'm accustomed to separating myself from the world and locking myself away with the Lord Jesus alone-- this is nothing new-- yet, somehow this time set apart from the world around me, it feels fresh and new, like it's the first time I ever fasted and prayed. I miss the woods and the hills and the sunrises and sunsets, but up here in my attic studio, I am with Him, alone with Him, and that's better than anything.Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803806639356466199.post-13911271398317242562010-10-12T22:54:00.000-07:002010-10-12T22:54:29.919-07:00I've been travelling this past weekend-- and I've seen enough of airplanes and airports to last me at least two weeks (when I travel again)-- I have been working off-and-on at a collection of travel stories and one of them deals with the way people eat when away from home. Have you ever noticed the truck loads of junk food in airports and the hoards of people gobbling it up? I wonder if we don't just lose our minds when we're between two points. It's somewhat the same when when we're on vacation. (not that I'm EVER on vacation! I'm not sure what that means--) But I've noticed when I'm in a town speaking or when tourists come to our town, anything goes in the food department. "Pass the junk, I'm temporarily insane," seems to be the credo. I can usually tell the locals because they're the ones eating salads and no dessert. The tourists are packing away the deep fried fish and mud pie. <br />
I had long airport delays and lay-overs this trip, and when I realized I had to eat something I found myself in that vacant-head mode and ordered food I simply NEVER eat. (I'm a sort of a quasi-health food guru-- you know, the carrot-carrying party-poop with celery in her ears and everything organic and whole grain?--) So there I am in the Travers City airport with three hours to kill and I'm eating cherry pie. (The last time I ate cherry pie was probably when I was four.) I had to run to find a mirror to see if I was the same person. I had a sudden craving for french fries and I noticed everyone around me was wolfing in unhealthy, greasy, sugary, gluey food too-- faces empty, eyes stuck to screens of past football games on the many TV monitors. I tell you, travel is not just about getting from here to there, it's about maintaining a sense of self and purpose. I said no to the french fries, bought a bottle of water (a 10cent bottle of water is $3.49 in airports-- don't get bitter) and found a seat in the boarding area to work on my book.<br />
The book I'm currently working on is a true story-- heart-wrenching and shocking. I'll tell you all about it as soon as I'm nearing its completion. Please pray for me-- send up a "Help her, Jesus" as I plug away on it.<br />
Here's sending you love and health and good choices--Marie Chapianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618441787707419920noreply@blogger.com1