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| Newsletter | Inspiration, Insight & Information
February 2011
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| Everything is in Order | |
By JoAnne Crough, M.A., L.P.C.
I find the debates surrounding intelligent design vs. random chance or the Big Bang theory fascinating. Indeed, it is my understanding that some say the more science progresses in particular areas, the more specific patterns are found that point to an emerging order and link amongst all life, which could ultimately lead to Science actually discovering the created order that Christians accept by faith.
That's why I was struck by the comment a hospice counselor made to me recently. She said even though most people readily acknowledge God's presence in the birth process, she has been privileged to witness God's presence in the dying process. Of course, hospice is dedicated to end of life care, so the connection with the early stages of life in that context sparked my attention, got me thinking and compelled me to take a closer look at how God is present with us through life's beginning as well as its end.
The Book of Genesis tells us that God created the world and life in a particular order, with humans created last and in His likeness and image. Upon conception there is a definite sequence to what takes place in order for life to grow and develop. As technology has advanced, we have become better able to see into the mother's womb and understand more fully this particular order to life. But the words of Scripture say it best from Psalm 139: 13-18, "You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be. How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them! Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity." (The New American Bible).
Clearly, Scripture assures us that God is with us as we are being formed. This is something humanity has recognized and been comforted by throughout the ages. Death, on the other hand, brings loss to us. Comfort in this process would seem an alien concept.
Though each person's death is unique, it is helpful to understand that there are some common signs exhibited by people who are in the final stages of life. One is a feeling of detachment from the physical world and a loss of interest in things formerly found pleasurable. There is a tendency to sleep more. There is less desire to talk. Frequently the dying person will experience visions or hallucinations of people who have died before them. They may appear to be carrying on conversations with people who are not physically present. Appetite will typically diminish markedly or entirely. There can be confusion, restlessness and agitation along with changes in breathing, bowel and bladder functions as well as changes in skin temperature and color. These all occur as a result of the body's functions shutting down with blood flowing to the vital organs rather than the extremities. This is how the body begins to let go of life and prepares for death. There is an order to it - an order which produces increasing and unavoidable detachment from this world.
Many of us who struggle with anxiety and depression essentially wrestle with acceptance of death, whether it is our own death or that of a loved one. Though the dying process is not something we tend to focus on unless its presence is imminent, it does not have to be feared if we truly believe that Our Lord is with us in it. After all, we are told unabashedly by Jesus that He will never leave us or forsake us.
It helps me to know that our God is a God of order, not chaos. It is in created Order that we can see His perfect Hand. In essence, we glimpse Him when we are aware that there is order. With the eyes of faith we can see His presence and care for us in the design and order of the process which prepares us for entry into the next life. Not only can it conquer fear when we are aware of His order, peace, acceptance and grace at the time of death, but our hearts can be comforted when our eyes are opened to His enduring and visible presence with us even unto death.__________ _ _ _ __________
JoAnne Crough is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of the Meier Clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to marriage counseling, JoAnne works with adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and women's issues. She also has experience leading groups and working with individuals in an inpatient psychiatric setting. |
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Rescue, Light & Life
By Bev Henry, L.C.S.W.
"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
Last October the whole world watched and wept tears of joy as thirty-three miners in Chile were freed from their underground tomb. They were trapped for 69 days, not knowing if they would ever see daylight again or if they would end their days in that dark hole. Through an amazing engineering feat, people coming together from all over the world, and the grace of God, this rescue was made possible. The miners wore protective sunglasses as they emerged from their rescue capsule into the bright sunlight after being in darkness for so long. There was singing, clapping and cheering, and many heartfelt hugs as they were greeted by loved ones, fellow miners, and even the president of their country and his wife. The whole world breathed a sigh of relief when they and their rescuers were all above ground and safe.
As spectacular as this event was, it pales in comparison to God's rescue of His children from Satan's domain of darkness to the wondrous light of God's love. We know from Scripture that there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents-a celebration by the heavenly beings. Scripture says "If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." The miners were freed from their underground cave and given the chance to resume their lives with their loved ones. Even with that wonderful reprieve, we know they face on-going problems of poverty, loss of jobs, and conflicted relationships. As believers, we have on-going problems in our lives as well. But we also have the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He who "called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9) walks with us and shines His light on our path. He gives us true freedom from the darkness of this world by His light shining in us and through us. Rejoice, we have been set free!
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Bev Henry is a retired school social worker and therapist. she currently works part-time in the counseling department at Focus on the Family.
For more information about FOTF, call 800-A FAMILY or visit www.focusonthefamily.com. |
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Happy Valentine's Day!
 During February, we often remember those we love with cards, flowers, candy or other gifts on Valentine's Day. There are many, however, who don't receive anything or feel loved on Valentine's Day or any day of the year. Please let them know they are important and loved with a donation to Meier Clinics Foundation to help them receive Christian counseling care.
Thank you for your gift of love this month. You have made a difference!
Phone: 800-848-8872
E-mail: www.meierclinics.org
Mail: MCF, 2100 Manchester Rd., Ste. 1510, Wheaton, IL 60187-4561
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Meier Clinics Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax-deductible within IRS regulations. |
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Timberline Knolls Teams with Wildflowers Program
Giving Help with Healing through Prayer
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has partnered with Christian producer Julie Woodley to present "In the Wildflowers" program, a 10-part DVD series aimed at educating and helping victims of childhood trauma as they heal in a safe and supportive environment. Woodley, a member of the national outreach team at Timberline Knolls, serves as the ministry outreach representative and works to touch as many people's lives as possible with the powerful and healing message offered through "In the Wildflowers" DVD series. "In the Wildflowers" is set to spread its message throughout college campuses beginning in Minnesota. The Wildflowers program is the brainchild of Woodley, who developed the idea when she was stricken with cancer. "I had it in my heart to take my own healing journey," Woodley said. Woodley began developing "In the Wildflowers" by journaling about her healing processes and reading almost 60 books dealing with the power of faith, prayer and healing. Woodly was inspired by the Song of Solomon 2:12 which reads, "Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." With these words, Woodley said God began to heal her. Once physically healthy, she traveled all over the United States to meet the authors who had inspired her to help others along their healing journey. Woodley met, interviewed and filmed upwards of 40 professionals, all specializing in various areas of Christian therapy and healing. __________ _ _ _ __________ Timberline Knolls is a residential treatment center for females, ages 12 and older, nestled in a wooded area in a southwestern suburb of Chicago. Meier Clinics provides Christian counseling services for those residents who request it. For more information about this wonderful facility and program, call 877-257-9611 or visit www.timberlineknolls.com. 
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SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
- Day Program for Adults is available at the following Meier Clinics: Wheaton, IL; Richardson, TX; Fairfax, VA; Bothell, WA.
- Sexual Addiction Intensive Outpatient for Adults (Pathway to Freedom) is available at the following Meier Clinics: Wheaton, IL and Richardson, TX.
- After-school Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens (Breakaway) at Meier Clinics in Wheaton, IL.
- Chemical Dependency Program for Adults offered at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville, IL. Meier Clinics staff provide a Christian track.
- Faith-Based Hosptal Program for Adults led by Meier Clinics staff at Cedar Hills Hospital in Portland, OR.
- Residential Care for Women and Teens at Timberline Knolls in Lemont, IL, with a Christian track led by Meier Clinics staff.
For additional information about these programs, visit our website at www.meierclinics.org or give us a call (toll free) at 888-7 CLINICS (888-725-4642). |
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"Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2
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Thank you for taking time out of your day to read our newsletter. We hope it has been  encouraging and helpful. If you would like more information about Meier Clinics and how we might be of service to you, please call us at 888-7CLINIC to be directed to the Meier Clinics nearest you or visit us at www.meierclinics.org.
Sincerely,
Sandy Newport, Editor
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