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Getting Good at Life Newsletter!
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January 2010
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Greetings!
I hope this new year and new decade opens new doors of opportunity for you!
You've probably already renewed your commitments and established your focus. I pray this issue will inspire and encourage you to stay on course. This year, make it your intention to live purposefully, love passionately, and believe earnestly. Let's Get Good at Life!
Warmest Regards, Dr. Carolyn P.S. I always love hearing from you! Send me a note by responding to this email or visiting me at my online home! |
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 Why Does God Allow Suffering?
As I watched the heart-wrenching news reports on the devastation in Haiti, I lamented, prayed and asked the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Generations have attempted to answer this query---but in all of man's wisdom and advancements, no one has come up with a sufficient answer.
God is
sovereign and His reasons for allowing trauma and affliction are far
beyond our understanding. Job, a righteous man who experienced indescribable pain and loss, concluded that suffering is a mystery. So, can anything good become of it?
The Apostle Paul helps answer this question, because though he witnessed God's power, he also welcomed His suffering. Paul believed godly suffering provided access to a special kind of fellowship with God. It is in the context of this fellowship--the fellowship of His suffering--that God
reveals aspects of Himself that might otherwise remain unknown.
The Scripture suggests that the glory God unveils to the suffering sojourner, is so wonderful that it can not be compared to present hardships. (Romans 8:18) Thus, our suffering is not in vain. It reveals God in ways that change us and produce an immeasurable and eternal glory.
Like Job, you may not initially understand why God allows you to suffer, but you have to resolve to trust Him! Though Job was blameless, upright, and undeserving of the difficulties he faced, he found that a pain-free life only allows a superficial experience of God. But after he suffered, he proclaimed, "I heard about You before, but NOW I have seen You with my own eyes." (Job 42:5)
After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will restore, support, and strengthen you, and place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5:10)
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 Resolutions Check-in!You are deep into resolution season, but how is your resolve holding up? Are you still committed or do you find yourself waning in enthusiasm? If the latter sounds more like how you feel right now, you're not alone. According to the Journal of Psychology, of the 40 to 45% of Americans who still make New Year's resolutions, only 46% last past one month.
But take heart! Here are some things you can do to stay on track:
- Switch from goal-based to theme-based resolutions. For example, instead of vowing to "lose weight", why not choose a personal theme of health and wellness this year and take specific steps in that direction. Write your goals and review them regularly. People who actually write their objectives are 10 times more likely to succeed.
- Less is more. Don't try to tackle too many resolutions at once. One or two is just fine.
- Pace yourself. Studies show that on average, it takes about 21 days to change a bad habit or to adopt a good one. Staying consistent over a course of time is much more effective than making huge changes all at once.
- Feed the beast! A well-nourished mind and spirit functions much better than one that's starved by stress. Tune in to Getting Good at Life and get the information and inspiration you need to keep going!
You can do it! Send me an email and share your testimony!
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 Forgiveness
To forgive is easier said than done...especially if it involves an unspeakable betrayal by the son who arranged for the murder of you and your family. But that's exactly what Kent Whitaker did the night he was shot at close range. He is the lone survivor of a horrible Sugar Land, Texas mass murder, and he tells all about it in his New York Times bestseller, "Murder by Family". Kent joins Dr. Carolyn to talk about it in his own words! Kent's story has been featured on 20/20, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and 48 Hours Mystery. Listen to Getting Good at Life! to find out how Kent managed to forgive his own son, the perpetrator of this tragic crime. You don't want to miss this true story about the power of a Father's Love.
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Have you noticed successful people surround themselves with people and things that reinforce their passion? For example, successful investors often attend financial seminars and workshops, and subscribe to The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Those who excel in sports invest a considerable amount of time in physical training and practice. People who want to grow spiritually attend church regularly. In short, they immerse themselves in environments that cultivate their goals.
Your environment has considerable influence on the outcome of your objectives. Therefore, it's necessary to make sure that your surroundings and associations are congruent with the cultivation of your dreams. If you feel more drain than drive, it might be because you're not plugging into the people, places, and things that will support, energize and keep you focused.
If you're serious about making progress, become an active member of an organization that relates to your goals. Network with others in your field. Read to stay updated on the new trends related to your interests. Volunteer some of your time to support organizations that work with a population of people you'd like to serve.
Fuel your dreams and they'll take you places beyond your wildest imagination!
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| Upcoming Programs on "Getting Good at Life" |
February 3, 2010 - Help Your Child Stop Procrastinating
Guest: Rita Emmett, Author and Speaker
February 10, 2010 - Turn Your Life Around with Dr. Tim Clinton
Guest: Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Author, & Talk Show Host
March 24, 2010 - How Did I Get So Busy?
Guest: Valerie Burton, Author, Speaker, & Coach
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Message 
Need Coaching or Therapy?
Charis Psychological Associates
713-777-8633
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| Upcoming Events |
Date: January 7, 2010
Event: WPG Luncheon
Location: 811 Rusk St., Houston, Texas
Venue: The Houston Club Grill Room
Host: Women Professionals in Government
Date: January 30, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. CST
Event: InspirRadio Show
Location: Houston, TX
Venue: BlogTalk Radio
Host: Roberta Fauntroy
Date: February 22-23, 2010
Event: Recovery Conference 2010
Location: Riverside, California
Venue: The Grove Community Church
Host: Leadership Network & The National Association for Christian Recovery
Register: http://recoveryconference2010.com/
Date: February 27, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. CST
Event: InspirRadio Show
Location: Houston, TX
Venue: BlogTalk Radio
Host: Roberta Fauntroy
Date: March 26, 2010
Event: HPA Luncheon
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: The Briar Club
Host: Houston Psychological Association
Register: http://www.hpaonline.org/
Date: March 27, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. CST
Event: InspirRadio Show
Location: Houston, TX
Venue: BlogTalk Radio
Host: Roberta Fauntroy
Looking for a speaker for your next event? Click here to contact Dr. Carolyn. |
Thank You!
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Thank you for being a part of the Getting Good at Life Community. We value you and welcome your input. Respond to this email to leave comments, questions, or feedback!
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Contact Me!
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Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller
Charis Psychological Associates
8303 Southwest Freeway, Suite 640
Houston, Texas 77074
713-777-8633
1-866-514-2372
Email
Website
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