The Art of the Healthy Family

 hosted by The Potter’s House Church

Dr. Melody Kipp will present “Anxiety vs. ADHD in Children”.
Make plans to join her and other key speakers as they give insightful presentations that will assist parents, educators and professionals alike. Topics will include anxiety verses ADHD in children, discipline and effective communication.

The purpose and goal of the event is to educate, empower and enrich parents and educators in developing healthy children today, with the focus on their emotional and mental health wellbeing.

This is a free event!

click for more details

Community Forum | Orlando Florida | a Life & Work Soulutions Event
The Newtown / Sandy Creek Crisis |  How do we cope? Where do we go from here?

My Thoughts on the Newtown Crisis
by Dr. Melody Kipp

The morning of December 14 started out like any other Friday. I usually am off on Fridays or I work from home so the day starts off without all the rushing around to be at the office on time. I was really looking forward to this Friday as I had planned to do some Christmas shopping in the morning and then try to finish up studying my ministerial course on the Prison Epistles. I had “planned” for a normal day.

This day was not a normal day as we all know now. I turned on the television around lunchtime and heard the horrific and unbelievable news about many little children and some teachers being shot at their elementary school. The news reporters were offering information as they knew it. People were unsure if anyone was still in danger. The live news footage of the chaos and panic at Sandy Hook fueled the speculation on what happened and why.

As I began to try to wrap my mind around the words being spoken by the news anchor that a young man gunned down 20 or more innocent little children at their school, plus teachers and the principle my thoughts went to many different places. I was in shock and disbelief – no this can’t be happening! They must have it wrong. I then went to sadness and grief. My heart ached for the children who were killed, the parents of those children, the parents of the children still alive, the teachers, the emergency responders, then the rest of us. I ended up angry at yet another unspeakable crisis in our country.

I will be honest with you. I watched the television news coverage for only a short amount of time. I couldn’t bear to hear every detail over and over again. I knew enough for the moment so I decided to turn my TV off and go back to studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Church. I was able to temporarily block the thoughts about the massacre from my mind and focus on my studies to find some relief from the weight of the trauma.

At some point, I thought about the morning of September 11, 2001 when the day started off normal too. The day changed really quickly as I watched the second hi-jacked plane fly into the second Tower and heard about the planes flying into the Pentagon and into a field in Pennsylvania.

What happened on 9/11 and 12/14 are unspeakable, but they are reality. They go along with Columbine, Virgina Tech, Aurora, Colorado and many other cities and towns that are the backdrop to evil activities. How many days do we wake up and the day starts off normal, but doesn’t end that way? The day doesn’t go as planned. A crisis happens. Life changes.

I made a conscious effort on 12/14 to shut off the TV that day and the days that followed to limit being inundated by the “latest” sensational news coming out of Newtown. I was not at Sandy Hook or in Connecticut. I did not know any of the people who were killed or their families. Some may believe that I really shouldn’t be adversely affected by the carnage – after all, it was not about me. As a licensed mental health counselor practicing for 17 years, I know that we can be traumatized by incidents such as these. I am traumatized by Sandy Hook, how about you, your family, or someone you know?

I’m sure you have heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, often referred to as PTSD. People used to think this applied only to war veterans returning from combat duty; but we now know that anyone can have PTSD from experiencing a traumatic event.

As crisis becomes the “new normal” especially with the new technology and 24 hour news cycle, we are all exposed to everything that happens almost instantly and usually repeatedly complete with gory details and images for all of us to see and hear and experience as if we were right there experiencing it ourselves.

The American Counseling Association talks about a new response to these crises call Post-trauma/Disaster Response.

• Post-trauma/disaster stress can occur when people have been exposed to a traumatic event.
• A trauma event can be human-made, such as a car accident, school shooting, street violence, family violence, etc.
• There are also natural trauma events, such as tornados, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, etc.
• Trauma events may impact people directly or indirectly.
• Indirect exposure may include seeing the disaster on television or hearing stories about others’ experiences, possibly including risk of physical harm or death.
• Regardless of how individuals experienced the trauma/disaster, it is during this time that people might experience intense fear, helplessness, and hopelessness that exceed normal coping skills.

We are gathered here, at this community forum, tonight to start a conversation about how we cope with “Crisis as Our New Normal” and “What is the Hope for the Future.” We are going to review some of the available resources for you and your family and friends and we are going to be available for questions from you.

Go to the Community Forum Resource Page

If you are reading this post before the January 17th Community Forum and would like to attend the event please see the event information below.

Where
Greeneway Church Auditorium,
3400 Hunter’s Creek Boulevard
Orlando Fl 32837

When
Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Open to the public, free of charge

About the Author Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

Stress-free Christmas:
Fact or Fiction?

We are in the midst of the Christmas season that should be filled with great joy and peace from the celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Jesus came to set us free from worries and strife, yet so many of us fall into the trap of stress, anxiety, frustration, disappointment, loneliness, and sadness with the passing of each family gathering, office party, unwanted pounds, tasteless dinner, or broken toy.

The media focus their attention on the shoppers camped out at the electronics store 1 week in advance of “Black Friday” for the hopes of purchasing the $100 flat screen TV. Thanksgiving seems to have become a day to just get through before the stores now open on Thanksgiving night with “great deals” we just can’t live without. People are revved up into a shopping frenzy by store employees applauding them for being the first customers to get the door-buster deals at midnight or 4 a.m. Some of these same shoppers end up injured as those behind them trample over them for a $10 toaster while other shoppers are arrested for cutting in the checkout line or being disruptive. And all for what?

It can be difficult to remain joyful when the culture around us is more interested in the profit margin gained from selling gifts and decorations and making sure there is separation between church and state by substituting Frosty the Snowman for the Baby Jesus in a nativity scene at a public school.

In the famous cartoon show from the 1960s, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown faced these familiar feelings of stress, anxiety, frustration, disappointment, loneliness, and sadness. After being made fun of for not selecting the “perfect Christmas tree,” Charlie yelled to Linus in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Unfortunately, the true meaning of Christmas is often forgotten and has become very stressful time for so many people mostly due to false beliefs, unrealistic expectations, unresolved issues from the past, poor planning, overspending, and overeating, etc.

What if you are not experiencing joy and peace this Christmas? What if you are like Charlie Brown and are experiencing stress, anxiety, frustration, disappointment, loneliness, and sadness instead? The good news is you can have a joyful and peaceful Christmas, and any other holiday, despite what is happening around you.

Here are some tips to help restore and maintain the joy and peace in your life. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are ALL our choice – no matter what!

Tip #1: “I discovered I always have a choice – sometimes it’s just a choice of attitude.”

Remember, you are only responsible for your own actions and reactions; you cannot control or change anyone else no matter how hard you try. You can always have a good attitude even when those around you don’t or things aren’t going as planned. Change your inner thoughts to be positive, seeing the good in others and around you.

Tip #2: “Don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good.”

Let go of the idea having the “perfect” Christmas party, gift, outfit, weight, food, or picture. It’s not going to happen. Nothing is perfect and good is all we need. Choose to be satisfied with “good.”

Tip #3: “It is what it is.”

It’s important to have realistic expectations. Be honest with yourself on what you are really able to accomplish for the party or shopping. Do the best that you can and don’t judge your accomplishments based on what someone else says or doesn’t say.

Tip #4: “Don’t take it personally.”

We all come to this time of year with our own issues from Christmas past. Remember that when someone else complains or is angry, don’t take it personally. It’s not about you; it’s really about them and you are just the target. Be Teflon, let the comments and attitudes just roll off.

Tip #5: “Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”

Most of all, remember why we even celebrate Christmas; why this holiday is different from most others. God sent His son to earth to take on all of our sins and in order to give us eternal life with God in heaven. Jesus didn’t die for us to be miserable. He died for us to live a peaceful and joy-filled life! God loves you!

Remember how Linus responded to Charlie Brown’s poignant question, “Sure, I can tell you what Christmas is all about” and went on to recite Luke 2: 8-14:

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (NKJ)

When you feel yourself getting stressed this Christmas season, remember what Christmas is really about and everything else will be put into its proper perspective.

Have a Very Merry , and Stress Free, CHRISTMAS!

About the Author Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

1 Corinthians 7 :1-2 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

Some of you say, “It is good for a man not to have sex with a woman.” But since there is so much sexual sin, each man should have his own wife. And each woman should have her own husband.

“Everybody is doing it” is a common belief about pre-marital sex in society today, but that is a partial truth. Though society deems the behavior as a social norm and the message is being bombarded and promoted to the public through advertisements in media; the reality is that NOT “everyone is doing it”. There are teenagers and adults that still choose to abstain from “having” sex until they are married.

Decades ago pre-marital sex was considered immoral in America. Though our society’s moral beliefs has seen a major shift in the past few decades in regards to this matter and the mindset is much more accepting of it, research shows “the likelihood that Americans will have sex before marriage hasn’t changed significantly since the 1950s, people are now waiting longer to get married. So they are sexually active and unmarried for longer than in the past.” (Pre-Marital Sex in America)

The changes in culture and moral belief system have encouraged public acceptance of pre-marital sex, therefore, it is more open and it seems as if there are a significantly higher number of people doing though it has not changed that much. Nonetheless, there is always a group of people that choose to abstain from having pre-marital sex for different reasons; deeply imbedded religious convictions, personal moral and value system, to prevent being infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), etc.

Whether or not to engage in sexual intercourse before marriage is a highly personal decision and choice. No one should do it because they are feeling pressured to do it. There are many factors to consider, such as, the personal impact it will have physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Have you ever felt pressured to have pre-marital sex with a partner even though you did not want to? What kind of after effect did it have on you physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

Teenagers usually have to deal with the peer pressure of society, friends, and boyfriend/girlfriend to have sex, after all, “everybody is doing it – right?” Adults may feel pressured because they need to satisfy the sexual needs of their partner in order not to lose him/her. Whatever the case, the fact is that sexual intimacy has a profound impact on individuals as a whole. This is why when someone is sexually abused it has such devastating effects on the person. Not only has their right to choose been robbed but their physical bodies and mind have been violently and abruptly intruded changing their lives permanently.

Following are some interesting statistics about pre-marital sexual activity in America:

• Although only 13% of teens have had sex by age 15, most initiate sex in their later teen years. By their 19th birthday, seven in 10 female and male teens have had intercourse.
• On average, young people have sex for the first time at about age 17 but they do not marry until their mid-20s. This means that young adults may be at increased risk for unintended pregnancy and STIs for nearly a decade or longer.
• Teens are waiting longer to have sex than they did in the recent past. In 2006–2008, some 11% of never-married females aged 15–19 and 14% of never-married males that age had had sex before age 15, compared with 19% and 21%, respectively, in 1995.
• However, after declining substantially between 1995 and 2002, the proportion of teens who had ever had sex did not change significantly from 2002 to 2006–2008.
• In 2006–2010, the most common reason that sexually inexperienced teens gave for not having had sex was that it was “against religion or morals” (38% among females and 31% among males). The second and third most common reasons for females were “don’t want to get pregnant” and “haven’t found the right person yet.”
• Among sexually experienced teens, 70% of females and 56% of males report that their first sexual experience was with a steady partner, while 16% of females and 28% of males report first having sex with someone they had just met or who was just a friend.
• Seven percent of young women aged 18–24 who had had sex before age 20 report that their first sexual experience was nonvoluntary. Those whose first partner was three or more years their senior were more likely to report this than were other women in the same age-group.
• Teens in the United States and Europe have similar levels of sexual activity. However, European teens are more likely than U.S. teens to use contraceptives generally and to use the most effective methods; they therefore have substantially lower pregnancy rates.
• Three percent of males and 8% of females aged 18–19 in 2002 reported their sexual orientation as homosexual or bisexual; the proportions reporting same-sex behaviors were similar.
• The use of contraceptives during first premarital sex has been increasing, rising from 56% among women whose first premarital sex occurred before 1985, to 76% among those who first had sex in 2000–2004, to 84% among those whose first sex occurred in 2005–2008.source for statistics

Even though pre-marital sex is considered normal in our society, it is important to understand the major impact the act itself can have on a person. On a physical level, for women it can lead to an unwanted pregnancy and for both genders STD’s can be a most unwelcome and devastating consequence. Many STD’s can be cured with prompt medical treatment but there is still no cure for HIV and Herpes.

There are people that engage in pre-marital sex with a stable partner, others, engage in sexual activity casually. Sexual intercourse has a direct effect in the brain’s chemistry which affects thought processes and emotions. Additionally, the spiritual interconnection cannot be undermined or ignored. When a person goes through an unexpected break-up or has a negative sexual experience it can lead to great emotional and spiritual distress.

What is normal to encounter if one chooses celibacy?
If a teenager or adult decides to wait until marriage it will be normal to …………..

What is not normal?
It is not normal to engage or continue having sex with a partner due to guilt or fear to loosing him/her. Have you ever felt fear of rejection or being left alone? It is a strong emotion and it can paralyze a person. No one should be in a relationship out of fear or guilt. If your partner is unwilling or “incapable” of accepting and/or respecting your decision of abstinence, then, your relationship needs to be evaluated.

Following are some helpful steps to take if you choose to abstain from pre-marital sex :

Steps to Take

• Seek God
• Pray for God to help you stay pure
• Seek and surround yourself with trusted friends and family for support and encouragement
• Seek professional counseling and resources if you have a past with maladaptive sexual behaviors
• Date individuals that agree to respect your personal decision to remain abstinent until marriage

Steps not to take

• Avoid turning away from God
• Avoid dating individuals that do not agree or respect your decision to remain abstinent until marriage
• Avoid placing yourself in situations that will trigger sexual behavior and/or maladaptive addictions
• Avoid having sex without considering the long term impact it will have on yourself and family (if applicable)

The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 oriented the church regarding this subject. He exhorted the people that were virgins and/or abstaining from pre-marital sex to focus on the matters of the Lord and on pleasing Him. To those that were in a relationship and had strong sexual feelings towards their partner, he encouraged them to get marry.

Sex was created by God to be the ultimate expression of love between a married couple; they become one – Gen. 2:24. It is meant to enhance the intimacy between a man and a woman. It is normal to have sexual urges at times, but you can choose whether or not to act upon them. God has given us the capacity and assistance through His Holy Spirit to control ourselves and abstain when needed.

It is our hope and desire that if you are dealing with the pressure of engaging in sex out of marriage you are able to make the best choice for yourself. In 1 Thessalonian 4:4 it says, “God wants each of you to use his body in the right way by keeping it holy and by respecting it.” (NLV) We pray for God’s love to pour over you and give you clarity of mind to make sound choices and decisions through this season.

About the Author Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

About the Author Nancy Jimenez, MA, LHMC, holds a Master Degree in Counseling with a Mental Health and Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis from Webster University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Nancy is certified as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist with Early Steps Children’s Medical Services and is a provider with the State of Florida for Premarital Counseling. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

(click here to read article in Spanish)

 Building on a Solid Foundation – Matthew 7: 24-25 (NLT)

“Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

The storms of Life are inevitable. They come whether we want them to or not and they are often beyond our control. Chances are that you have already experienced a few “storms” in your life like losing a job or relationship, experiencing financial problems, being angry or afraid, or being abused and abandoned. How have those “storms” impacted you? Did they wreak havoc in your life leaving a lot of wreckage behind? Or did your life improve because you were able to overcome and be resilient?

We usually don’t have control over the circumstances of the storms that happen, but we do have control over how we act and react to the storms that come at us.

“I have discovered that I always have a choice, sometimes it’s just a choice of attitude.”  ~ anonymous

That is my favorite quote that is not from the bible. I have tried to live my life with that attitude in mind: I can always choose my attitude no matter what’s happening. I can always choose how to act and react despite what is going on around me. That may sound impossible to you, but it is possible – especially because Jesus is my Lord and Savior and He gives me the strength and ability to overcome anything.

The above parable of the “Building on a Solid Foundation” tells us exactly how to get through any situation by CHOOSING to live life on God’s terms. Jesus tells us that if we choose to live life how God tells us to live, we can survive any storm that threatens our wellbeing. However, if we choose to live life by our own wisdom and rules, we run the risk of being devastated when a storm comes along.

How do you want to live your life? Do you want to be able to get through anything and come out better than before? Or do you want to take your chances and live without the guiding and loving principles of a God who loves you and only wants the best for you? It’s your choice.

The Storm of Infidelity

What happens when you find out that your spouse or significant other has cheated on you? How are you supposed to feel? What are you supposed to do?

Research says that the most stressful event in a person’s life is when their spouse dies and the second most stressful event a person can experience is divorce. I actually tend to disagree. I believe that divorce is more stressful than the death of a spouse because with a divorce there often is no closure and the hope of reuniting is always there while with death, there is no hope of reconciliation and the relationship is over.

Below are some interesting statistics on Infidelity taken from www.infidelityfacts.com.

• Percentage of marriages that end in divorce in America: 53%
• Percentage of marriages where one or both spouses admit to infidelity, either physical or emotional: 41%
• Percentage of men who admit to committing infidelity in any relationship they’ve had: 57%
• Percentage of women who admit to committing infidelity in any relationship they’ve had: 54%
• Percentage of men and women who admit to having an affair with a co-worker: 36%
• Percentage of men and women who admit to infidelity on business trips: 36%
• Percentage of men and women who admit to infidelity (emotional or physical) with a brother-in-law or sister-in-law: 17%
• Average length of an affair: 2 years
• Percentage of marriages that last after an affair has been admitted to or discovered: 31%
• Percentage of men who say they would have an affair if they knew they would never get caught: 74%
• Percentage of women who say they would have an affair if they knew they would never get caught: 68%

Infidelity often leads to divorce. When there is infidelity in a marriage, Western culture tends to pressure the wronged spouse to seek a divorce and find someone else. When there is infidelity in a “Christian” marriage, the church tends to pressure the wronged spouse to “forgive” the cheating spouse and to “work it out” since divorce is looked down upon in the Christian community. Which way is right?

The answer to that question is not easy and the decision to “divorce” or “work it out” should be made only after much prayer and consideration.

What is normal?

There are a lot of emotions a person will go through after they have discovered that their spouse has cheated. The following emotions are normal and everyone experiences them. They are not in any particular order and there is no time “limit” for feeling them. Each person is different.

• Shock and disbelief: “No, he/she wouldn’t do that!” or “I can’t believe he/she would do that to me.”
• Denial: “This can’t be happening!”
• Anger:  “I just want to hurt him/her back and let him/her feel my hurt/pain”
• Sadness and depression: “I just can’t sleep or eat and everything seems hard to do.” or, “I want to be left alone, I don’t have energy to speak to anyone.”
• Mistrust of your spouse who cheated: “How can I trust him/her again?” or,  “If she/he did it before he/she will do it again.”
• Acceptance: “This is happening and I choose to deal with the situation in the best manner possible.”
• Forgiveness: “I choose to forgive asking God to help me and seek His love and peace to bring healing to my life.”

What is not normal?

It is not normal to go on as if nothing happened and reject/deny the emotions that are felt when a spouse has been unfaithful.  We are human beings and emotions are natural reactions to our life experiences.  Believing that infidelity is normal and taking the blame for the unfaithful spouse’s action is not healthy and will not help save or better the relationship.

It is not normal to stay in a relationship out of fear.  Have you ever felt fear?  It is a strong emotion and it can paralyze a person.  No one should be in a relationship out of fear; specially, if it is due to physical or emotional harm. There is help and no one should accept feeling TRAPPED AND ALONE.

Are you or anyone you know going through the storm of infidelity?  Following are some helpful steps to take:

Steps to take if you have experienced the storm of infidelity

• Seek God’s face
• Praise God is all circumstances
• Pray for what is in darkness come to light
• Pray for God to give you strength and energy to face the storm
• Seek trusted friends and family for support and encouragement
• Seek professional help for wise counsel and resources needed

Steps not to take

• Seeking revenge
• Seeking out the “other” man/woman to violence against your spouse or the other man/woman
• Become involved in the “drama”
• Avoid becoming a loner
• Avoid taking on guilt or responsibility for spouse’s wrong choice(s)
• Avoid turning away from God
• Avoid placing children in the middle of situation – ex. using as messengers
• Avoid making important decisions fast without considering their long term impact on yourself and family

While Infidelity can be devastating to so many people, it doesn’t have to be the end. Infidelity can be overcome and the marriage can survive and even become stronger if both people commit to healing and change through Christ.

If there is divorce because of “hardness of the heart”- Mt.19:8 – of a spouse(s), God still wants to be your refuge and comfort through this distressful time.  You can and will stand firmly at the end of the tempest because “you can do all things through Christ which strengthen you!” Phil 4:13.

It is our hope and desire that if you are undergoing the overwhelming storm of infidelity you choose to seek the support and assistance you deserve. We pray for God’s love to pour over you and give you clarity of mind to make sound choices and decisions through this season.

About the Author Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

About the Author Nancy Jimenez, MA, LHMC, holds a Master Degree in Counseling with a Mental Health and Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis from Webster University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Nancy is certified as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist with Early Steps Children’s Medical Services and is a provider with the State of Florida for Premarital Counseling. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org

365 Decision Time is a family drama dealing with real life events. It tells the story of a typical middle class family living in the United States and the dramatic real-world issues they confront that threatens to break the family unity apart.

Each of the five members in the Miller family is confronting different problems and struggles. First, the parents, both with professional careers, divorce. They struggle with their own set of challenges and conflicting personalities. Kathy, the oldest daughter, is confronting the possibility of adultery in her marriage. Kevin, the middle child, is accused of murder. He struggles daily living his life surrounded by bad influences. Jennie, the youngest child, is facing the consequences of an abortion after a relationship with a guy who only used her for his sexual appetites. These are amongst the challenges that will attempt to destroy this family’s unity. Each situation leads to tough decisions that forces them to realize that life without God is a dead end road in the darkness. This 93 minute film features intense real drama and action.

The Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) announces the creation of a comprehensive online directory of human services education programs.

According to CCE Executive Vice President Shawn O’Brien, the directory offers the first online platform where students can view the full scope of their educational options in human services. In addition, it enables students to compare multiple human services programs on a single Web site. Program representatives can update their listings in real time, giving students access to the most current program information.

Stressed?
Let’s face it. We are all stressed. We are stressed at work, at home, in our relationships and yes, even at church. Sometimes it’s hard to find a balance in our personal lives and commitment, and that leads to stress. How we cope with stress effects the quality of our lives and our ability to lead a healthy and happy existence with others.

Prolonged stress negatively affects our health and suppresses immune function. Still think it’s not a big deal?
The question is… How stressed are YOU and what are you going to do about it?

Test Your Stress Rating
Rate yourself as to how you typically react to the situations listed.  There are no right or wrong answers.

Give yourself the following points: 
(4) Always  (3) Frequently (2) Sometimes (1) Never

1.  Do you try to do as much as possible in the least amount of time?
2.   Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions?
3.   Do you always have to win at games to enjoy yourself?
4.   Do you find yourself speeding up the car to beat the red light?
5.   Are you unlikely to ask for or indicate that you need help with a problem?
6.   Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of others?
7.   Are you overly critical of the way others do their work?
8.   Do you have a habit of watching your watch or clock often?
9.   Do you constantly strive to better your position and achievements?
10. Do you spread yourself “too thin” in terms of your time?
11. Do you have the habit of doing more than one thing at a time?
12. Do you frequently get angry or irritable?
13. Do you have little time for hobbies or time by yourself?
14. Do you have a tendency to talk quickly or hasten conversations?
15. Do you consider yourself hard-driving?
16. Do your friends or relatives consider you hard-driving?
17. Do you have a tendency to get involved in multiple projects?
18. Do you have a lot of deadlines in your work?
19. Do you take on too many responsibilities?
20. Do you feel vaguely guilty if you relax and do nothing or take some leisure time?

_____ What’s your score?

SCORING

20 – 29                 
Chances are you are non-productive or your life lacks stimulation.

30 – 49  
Good balance in your ability to handle and control stress.

50 – 59                 
Stress level is marginal and you are bordering on being excessively tense.

60 ++
Major candidate for heart disease and other illnesses.

Remember, this scale is not an absolute predictor of how stress will affect your life. It is an awareness tool for you to gauge your level of stress. (This test is not meant to replace a clinical assessment but to help you judge how you are doing. If you score as stressed you may need to seek help.)

So you scored a 60++
What are you going to do about it? Change begins with making healthy choices for yourself, so if you or anyone you know is having difficulty coping with stress, please share this article with them and encourage them to get assistance. 

For more information call 407.415.2493.

About the Author Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...] Life & Work Soulutions 407.415.2493 | info@lifeworksoul.org