ARE YOU ARMED THIS SUMMER? 

by Christina Browning, LCSW

   It's finally summer!! I love the warm weather and being able to go out and hike and swim! It's a wonderful time of year, although sometimes it brings out my insecurities. As I contemplate putting on that bathing suit or those shorts, I start to evaluate all the imperfections. Am I in shape enough to wear that? Then I start to berate myself that I should have been more diligent in working out over the winter. I start wishing I was more toned. I search for a new plan to fix my imperfections. From this moment on, I am going to eat right and work out in order to get fit and look great! Life would be great if I were stronger and more perfect, right?

   Well, it's a nice thought if we were in heaven and had perfect bodies. However, we are not in heaven yet, which means we will never be perfect while on earth! How do we live with our imperfections while striving to be better? I don't know about you, but I get tired of the tug-of-war in my head. "Be responsible, go the extra mile." "Rest in His spirit." "Do good works." "Stand firm." Which is it? Am I to fight or stand still? The answer: both. There is a season to work hard and fight. There is a season to rest. However, God has really been pressing in my heart that you cannot fight without His protection, nor can you rest if you're not protected. So what is my job? How do I know what to do? Ephesians 6:12-13 ¹² "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

   Did you know, often times, when soldiers put on armor, they could not do it by themselves? They needed an armor bearer. I believe the Holy Spirit is our armor bearer. If we reach out in relationship to Him, he will help us into our armor. He will direct which path to go down. Our job is to stand there, all decked out in our protected armor, rest in His safety, and follow Him when He calls us to battle. Are you getting distracted with your insecurities, or are you safe in who God created you to be? Do you have your armor on today?

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Christina Browning is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has diverse work experience in hospitals and hospice.  She is a counselor at Focus on the Family (FOTF) and maintains her private practice in Colorado Springs, CO.  For more information about FOTF, call 800 A FAMILY or visit www.focusonthefamily.com.

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"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. . ."

James 2:12

NEW NATIONAL STUDY GIVES PARENTS AN URGENT TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION 

   A government study has found that more than half a million teens have had an eating disorder, most commonly in the form of binge eating and bulimia, and most of the time these go untreated. How can we change this downward trend before it gets more out of control? Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, says it's critical for parents to talk to their kids about eating disorders as early as possible, and be open to the possibility their kids (or they) may have an unhealthy relationship with food.

   "Parents don't want to believe their child might have a fatal disease, especially when in a lot of cases the teen is still doing well in school and even excelling in sports. And when they suspect a problem, parents a lot of times think it's 'just a phase' and are in denial, but it needs to be addressed," said Dr. Dennis. "In addition to the critical need for parents to talk to their kids, is the need for all 'first responders' in a teen's life to be aware of this growing problem. Pediatricians, primary care doctors, school nurses, teachers and coaches need to be educated as well, and not afraid to talk to teens about these issues; because early detection and treatment is critical to ensure a full and healthy life for these teens."

   According to industry statistics, over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.

   "More programs need to be developed to go into schools to not only speak to the students, but also to the school nurses, teachers and coaches. And parents need to get involved and be educated on the seriousness of these diseases," said Dr. Dennis. She also encourages parents to listen to their gut and look for changes in behavior, including kids not eating with the family, frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after meals, changes in diet, and consumption of a large, unhealthy amount of food in one sitting. 

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) at Meier Clinics:  in Richardson, TX.
• After-school Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens (Breakaway) at Meier Clinics in Wheaton, IL.
• Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program for Adults offered at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville, IL.  Meier Clinics staff provide a Christian track.
• 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 toll free call at 888-7 CLINIC (888-725-4642).