Who has ever lived without this question arising from one’s consciousness from time to time? This little story titled, “Twins in the womb” by an anonymous author that prompts further thought.

One day a mother conceived twins.

One child was a girl; the other a boy.

Months passed, and they developed

As they grew they sang for joy:

“Isn’t it great to be alive!”

Together they explored their mother’s womb.

When they found their mother’s life cord,

They shouted for joy:

“How great is our mother’s love,

That she shares her life with us!”

Soon the twins began to change drastically.

Noticing the changes, the boy asked,

“What does this mean?”

“It means our life in the womb

Is coming to an end,” said the girl

“But I don’t want to leave the womb,”

I want to stay here forever.”

“We have no choice” said the girl

“But maybe there is life after birth.”

“How can there be?” asked the boy.

“We will shed our mother’s cord,

And how is life possible without it?

Besides, there’s evidence in the womb

that others were here before us,

and none of them ever came back

to tell us that there is life after birth.

No. this is the end.”

And, so the boy fell into despair, saying,

“If life in the womb ends in death,

What’s its purpose? What’s its meaning?

Maybe we don’t even have a mother.

Maybe we made her up just to feel good.”

“But we must have a mother,” said the girl.

“How else did we get here?

How else do we stay alive?”

And so the last days in the womb

Were filled with deep questioning and fear.

Finally, the moment of birth arrived.

When the twins opened their eyes,

They cried for joy!

What they saw exceeded their wildest dreams.

Within the womb, it was all about hanging in there, receiving all that was provided. The ambience was one of exclusive trust. There was nothing to do but trust! After birth the pace escalates exceedingly! Our minds developed and we grew in full stature, becoming complete little persons—even before seeing the light of day.

Coming into the world through the birthing process we take on various capacities of responsibility. The thing we can do rather easily (for the most part) is to procreate. And, how wonderful this gift is! It is astounding and wondrous to perpetuate life on earth! Having our own children brings great joy . . . along with plenty of continuous challenges.

Mostly, all of us look for ways to be resourceful, earning our way in life. But, like the twins in the womb, we don’t really know what’s up ahead. But God does. Just as life after birth exceeded the dreams of the twins, so life after death will super-exceed any dreams we have ever had!

”That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him,” (1 Corinthians 2:9, New Living Translation).

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Visit my homepage, which offers multiple “helps” for people who hurt: www.healinglifespain.com

There were evening services after full days of play, and on each of those nights I heard about Jesus’ love and what He did for us. I had no idea that going forward and accepting the invitation to acknowledge Jesus was usually done once—and that sufficed. But, no, I chose to go forward, kneeling at the altar to pray every single night of the week-long camp. It really took.

God was never mentioned at home during those early years of my life. That did change as my parents started taking us to church. They became believers themselves soon after my sister and I came back from camp.

Back at home, my mind was so full of memories that I could barely sleep. I would often pray until I could slip into dreamland. I pondered, too, what had been said at camp about needing to ask God to forgive us for times of hurting others or for being disobedient to our parents. I remembered things I did to get even with my older sister. I knew exactly what would set her off. Even wiggling my foot just so, would send her into gyrations of drama. I decided that “might” be “a sin,” so . . . no more entertaining myself by sending my sister into hissy fits. Good-bye to that “being OK.”

Summer ended and it was time to go back to school. Mostly my school years produced good memories like the time a classmate was crying at recess. I asked, “Why are you crying?”

She told of a sad situation happening at home. So I cried, too. Then asked her, “Abbey, have you heard about Jesus?”

“Who’s that?” she asked.

To the best of my memory, I explained to her what I learned that summer, especially in girl’s camp and how my sins had been forgiven. I told her about the Bible verse in Revelations 3:20, that shows Jesus standing at the heart’s door, knocking . . . waiting for us to open the door to His great love. I explained how helpful it is to pray, especially when things scare us.

Abbey said, “I want Jesus in my heart!”

So we prayed together. Surely it was a very simple moment with two children kneeling at the back of the school house, but I often wonder what became of her life as she grew up. Did anyone support her new faith and help her grow spiritually? But the family moved away so I couldn’t follow up with friendship.

I write about this, while pondering how words can change a situation—or even change a person’s life.

Our son Tim also had a friend with whom he shared his faith. (I will call him “Andy,” here.) They were both 11 when the two of them became fast friends. Andy shared some heartaches that weighed on his mind. Tim told Andy what he had learned at home and in Sunday school about having Jesus in his life, and how comforting it was to pray to the Lord about “the scary stuff.”

Shortly after that conversation, Andy told Tim, “God and I have it together.”  

The boy shared similar words with his parents. However, his father became upset. He sharply and sternly repressed such talk. When Tim told us this, we prayed for peace to take place between the two of them.

Sadly, the little boy was tragically killed the next day. It was an unusual accident that shocked our entire community. Our whole family was stunned, painfully struck upon hearing this news, but especially Tim.

However, recently as an adult he revisited this memory and said, “I remember how hard it was to lose my friend in such a terrible accident . . . but thinking back I don’t believe I had to grieve for long. Your words made the difference.”

“What words?” I asked.

“I remember clearly. You said, ‘I believe Andy made a quick jump into the arms of God.’”

That was a “wow” for me. As a parent, I probably left that conversation thinking I had not said enough, or had not been of much help.

But, no, although it seemed “inadequate” to me, Tim, now an adult and a father himself, has not forgotten those words.

As Natsuki Takaya, the Japanese manga artist once put it, “Even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you.”

Many things spoke of the Power and Presence of God. The hardness of marble altars, stone floors and wooden pews spoke of strength. Then I looked at the people. They were soft. Vessels of earthen clay, yet filled with spirit.

Many shy away from being called “soft.” But the softness I saw was holy. That which makes us vulnerable, malleable and capable of love.

Back home this truth was clearly seen when I visited the home of friends who had just lost their 24-year-old son in death. Neighbors, family and friends from their parish came, some with arms loaded with food. Many offered prayers from caring hearts. And as they left each carried away a piece of the pain. So much pain to be borne there in that home. Yet the grieving family knew through the people that they would not be bearing this alone. The softness of human love was leaving its impact, as love in action extends strength.

At times like this we often feel inept. Words may seem inadequate. But what we do have to give is enough. That is empathy, wrapped in flesh. When we are weak, then we are strong. The Apostle Paul exhibited that throughout the letters he left for believers who would follow “the way,” which Christ revealed to him.

When we see a fellow human hurting, something incredible occurs. There is an urging within to stop—set aside what we are doing—and go. “Be there.” It is love in action, coming from the treasure of one’s heart. Tears convey release, as solace is received.  Such “holy water” grants clear vision that this love, as it flows from others, is a healing force.

We all endure grievous trials during this life? 1 Peter 1:7, portrays how it is through these hardships that our faith comes forth “much more precious than gold that is tested by fire.” So, there is a refinement process and if we yield ourselves to it, enrichment results. And, God is praised.

While alongside my friends, I saw no anger or resentment. No bitterness spouted, although these dear people had lost another son a mere 13 months before. God is their ally, not their foe. And because of this, peace reigns in their home. Philippians 4:7, refers to this as “a peace of God which passes all understanding that guards our hearts through Christ Jesus.”

So here we are as humans, ideally all “soft covers”—no “hardbacks.” Fragile, destined for much wear and tear. Yet durable beyond comprehension. Filled with strength, having quite enough to share.

People. Earth’s richest resource. Vessels deemed worthy by God to carry His love. A love experienced most vividly when seen flowing from one to another. Oh, holy ones of God, we belong to each other.

Thank God for our hearts of flesh, capable of expanding, stretching, growing—even at the risk of breaking. Yet it is in the breaking that we are formed afresh. As Christ’s body, broken in the Eucharist and given away for the nourishment of many, we live on loving life and one another. The “breakings” do come, challenging our souls and in the end, what is remembered is that faith does hold strong when we depend on the power of the Spirit. This is what makes us more than flesh . . . And able to live forever.

When our son, Ted, was six years old, he was intrigued with the Bible story of Peter walking on water. With childlike faith he headed for the irrigation ditch to give it a try. But born in the space-age Ted knew something about backup systems. He wore his galoshes.

When Ted became a man he told me of his little trip to the ditch and how hard it was on his faith. I’m glad to see him as a grown man, along with his brothers, faithfully “walking on waters” in a spiritual sense. I wonder how Peter must have felt. Under the best of circumstances—in the physical presence of Jesus—his faith moved right out from underneath him.

The trials we face day-by-day are not the same choppy waters that Peter tried to master, but the test is the same. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the circumstance. It was doubt and fear that flooded out his faith. The question is, how to keep our eyes on the master when the storms are raging? How do we have faith when the “waves” are high and mighty?

First, what is faith? It is having “confidence in what we hope for and assurance of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1).

This means faith is holding fast to something even before we see it happening—mentally picturing our answer and saying “thank you” although it is not yet a fact. Faith is all wrapped up in what’s holy, and although challenging, it is wholly obtainable.

So, where do we get faith? (Romans 10:17), tells us it comes from “hearing what is preached from the word of God.”

Through faith we move within a storm to a place of peace, on top of the “waters” waiting the storm out.

Unfortunately, we don’t always do that. We get stressed up, toss and turn in the night and sometimes get an ulcer. Then, just as the Master reached out and saved Peter before he sank into the dark waters, our Lord rescues us. But not before we uttered Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me.” Our Lord knows we are weak—and he loves us within our struggles.

The Psalmist knew what it was like to be nearly overwhelmed by the waters of affliction as he wrote: “all your waves and billows are gone over me.” Yet, said, “He brought me up also out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock and established my steps,” (Psalms 40:2).

Could it be that we have one foot on the rock and the other on shifting sands? Is this why some of us are experiencing “the pits?”

Faith brings new vision. Vision without the limitations of physical sight allows us to see beyond the storm of the moment. The apostle Paul intended this when he admonished us to “walk in the spirit.”

Strangely enough, it is often the little things that ripple the waters of life. Thoughtless words and actions trip us up. So often it is our pride that hurts the most. But it is false pride that says we “cannot make mistakes.”

Clarence J. Enzler wrote in My Other Self, “Should your imperfections momentarily gain the upper hand, you do well to be displeased at your fault . . . . When you allow yourself to be dejected over your involuntary faults, it is because you think you are better than you really are. And once you allow your imperfections to upset you, you are likely to find yourself in a sharp tongue, irritable mood in all that you do.”

I believe God has faith, too. Faith in us. Instead of seeing us as we are now, He sees us as we will be when His work is finished in us. We must have faith in ourselves, too, knowing that he is working with his best tools at the safest speed to bring us into what He would like us to be. God does not get frustrated with us. Instead, he is there to help us when we want to bail out on ourselves.

It will take a lifetime to overcome each and every innate weakness. Yet each time we succeed in resisting the temptation to go our own way we are stronger for the next go-around and each time we keep our eyes on the Master in the middle of the storm, faith grows.

There seems to be a powerful inner aversion to loving and appreciating ourselves, at least for many of us.

We wrap ourselves up in “Almighty Work” with goals for owning lovely homes, impressive cars, garments of every shape and color. This is all well and good, as long as the work itself and what we are able to produce through it, are not perceived to be the measure of our worth.

True celebration of what could offer heartfelt, memorable moments is robbed of its glory, as most often work wins out. Who has not felt an edge of guilt while sitting with a treasured book? After all, the yard needs work and floors beg cleaning.

Yet, life can become monotonous if we  don’t recognize the definite need for making sure there is time to enjoy and savor the fruits of our labors—alongside clocking in at work, plus cleaning pots and pans and doing the laundry, while training energized children!

Always, there will be the inevitable surprises of life. Having a balanced life makes us better prepared for these when they come.

Loving ourselves means taking time out to simply enjoy the gift of human “beingness.” Like taking an hour to read a novel—or even 15 minutes to simply think about good memories . . . playing with the children, or the dog . . . take a walk or run through the park. . . have a meaningful conversation . . . or write a loving letter to a close friend. These are a few poignant ways for reviving the spirit. It just takes loving oneself enough to grant these little leisures.

Then, what of the Sabbath day of rest we are called to set aside for restful wholeness? Have you ever noticed how many promises are extended for those who obey this Biblical commandment? It seems to be a direct criterion for good health and happiness, yet so often is ignored. We wonder why our hearts skip beats, flutter amiss or give up early. Could it be that we are failing to give ourselves essential time for restoration?

Charles E. Cowman, author of the devotional titled Streams in the Desert, wrote, “There is no music in the rest, but there is the making of music in the rest.” What would it be like if instruments in the orchestra sounded with every beat? No doubt discomfort or anxiety would see us walking out before the performance ends.

Could it be prideful attitudes, thinking we are indestructible and indispensable, or lack of trust in the “Conductor” that keeps us from following undisputable directives? Or, a rebellious attitude . . . “I’ll play it my way.”

God loved us so much He gave commands to keep us from running amok. It is actually good self-love when we keep them. However, life without respect for God’s directives brings brokenness, deficits, regrets and guilt! We all are in the same drum kettle. We want to make beautiful music with our lives. Doing so means we must practice good self-care by taking time to listen for what is taking place in our souls.

Being one’s own best friend means we won’t believe the worst about ourselves just because it is easiest. Instead we will weed out those harsh, chastising, guilt-ridden messages that can be prevalent—the negative self-talk—and speak up for our own solid goodness. After all, we are children of God. And, “God don’t make junk,” as one fine author states it.

When we truly begin to get a sense of our own goodness, instead of becoming self-centered (as is easily feared) that love moves outward, evidenced by a strengthened capacity for more earnestly caring about others and even the whole world.

I will never forget a day while driving down McCulloch Avenue, when a thought made a quantum leap into my consciousness. In a momentary awakening, the usual “me first” attitude is replaced by an indescribable sense of oneness. For several moments it seems we all are moving to the beat of One Heart.

I was flooded with the deepest sense of caring never experienced before–an intense desire for all of us to arrive on time, whatever the place or the cause, filled my thoughts. Since then, a truth is becoming apparent: The more I love myself, the more capacity there is to love others. Was Jesus trying to tell us this when He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself?”

What if we do the ultimate, by becoming more in tune with “the Director,” intent on following what He called “the first command, “you shall love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,” Mark 12:20. A love and appreciation of self (and others) could flow, even on McCulloch! Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Gary and I experienced a surprising happenstance while on vacation years back. We still can stop to savor it. We were hiking in Ecola Park, at Cannon Beach, Oregon, when we passed an older man on the trail. He asked Gary, “Do you have the time, Sir?” Both of us looked at our watches as Gary gave him the time.

That proved to be the beginning of an astounding encounter. As it happened, this man turned out to be anything but ordinary. He was elderly, appearing to be a little unkempt but fit enough to take to the trail.  It was his spirit that took us by surprise.

Conversation sparked and some of his words still come to mind even as years have passed. Without mentioning God, this man told us much about Him, inadvertently answering questions I had sorely pondered.

Tears surfaced when the “old man of the trail” spoke of how joy is to be at the bottom of all we do—that “fun” is at the base of the word “function”—and how we can go as far as we want to go, see as much as we want to see and experience as much as we want to experience while riding through life on the crest of joy.

As if talking was not enough, the man asked, “May I sing?” We were happy to let him. He began singing in a different language. Then he sang in English to the same melody, now stretching out his hands as if to include nature. It was a phenomenal experience right there at the edge of the Pacific Ocean!

I began to wonder if he were a real person or perhaps an angel; were we being “entertained unawares,” as Scripture speaks of happening with humans at times?

So, I questioned him, “What is your field or profession?”

“Psychopharmacology,” he answered. “The study of the effect drugs have on the human mind.”

He had been a teacher at a medical school in Portland. No doubt now retired. But ever so alive!

We remained spell-bound for half an hour, during which neither Gary nor I spoke more than two or three sentences. It was as if we had nothing to say of importance in the light of what was pouring out of this man’s copious heart.

As we parted, we spontaneously hugged the “stranger.” Throughout the day Gary and I returned to his words, knowing that God had touched us powerfully through them. It was fun to muse inwardly of how this guy could possibly have been an angel sent to us on the trail. Yet, surely it is even more spectacular that God could use one human being to touch and bless the lives of two others, who are absolute strangers—so soundly in such a short span of time. That was the “miracle.”

The second little miracle was that we gave him “the time of day.” And, that he had stopped us and asked for it! 

We pondered a lot that day. We could see how all of us on earth can be a blessing to others. It takes being willing to “stick our necks out,” rather than to live encased in ourselves and our “immediates.”  

It does take time to perchance enrich another, even if briefly. And, it takes daring to see God in all those we meet, realizing these moments as “Divine Appointments.” How different would life be, if only we could ride the waves of life experiencing more serendipitous moments!

Solomon’s words says it best in Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine,”

Think of life as “riding the waves,” experiencing the “fun” in the midst of our “functions.” Laughter is a major pleasure that we can enjoy daily right at home, relieving much of our pent up tensions. Watch for it, as opportunities abound.

Here’s one that happened while working on a column for Today’s Herald-News in January: I intended to write, “Have you noticed how good it feels to sing, whistle, hum and enjoy music?” However, I inadvertently left the “g” off the word “sing.” When Gary, my excellent first-line editor, caught this faux pas we laughed—big time!  I quickly added the “g,” so the word could read “sing” instead of “sin.” That was close.

We are funny little creatures, as humans. Laughing at ourselves helps us stay sane! It is like medicine to our soul . . . helping us surf through life with excitement!

I would like to suggest a gift that we could give to ourselves with no cash lay out. No monthly payments hazarding 2021. Living in the now could be one of the greatest gifts ever received. It is something we alone can give to ourselves. And, doing so will benefit everyone around us. (Even God and the neighbors.)

Notice how ”the now” is where children live. Given the passing of time, most of us adults have forgotten how to do that. Life finds us letting that go. As adults, we are habitually inclined to press toward tomorrow, next week, or what we can make happen years from now. Yet, the habit of favoring elusive tomorrows with fervor and anticipation robs our todays.

When we are not projecting our thoughts into the future, we regress into the past. But what of “this moment”—as living is best done in the now.

Some hold a rather fatalistic view of the future, as Matthew Prior wrote in Human Life, “What trifling coil do we poor mortals keep; Wake, eat and drink, evacuate, and sleep.” Yet, life is so much more.  A 16^th century monk said it best: “Not where I live do I breath, but where I love.”

The Bible says we carry a precious treasure within these “earthen vessels.” This takes pondering to perceive the truth of it.

Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God being within us, righteousness (right doing), peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, as Romans 14:17 explains.

It seems the glory of God is most fully seen in us humans when we are daily submitting ourselves to the essence of that spiritual kingdom. This exemplifies enjoying the now. 

Of course, living in the now, does not always mean our experiences will be joyous. There are other emotions to be lived—and when we are honoring and identifying them, hard as they may be, at times, we are truly alive as we work through them.

Notice what happens when we are stopped in the present, prevented from rushing into the future? This can bring discomfort to our busy days. We can get “antsy” while waiting in line at the supermarket or waiting in the doctor’s office. What’s it like when brought to a halt in heavy traffic? Could this be a time to hum a tune, sing a song, or visit a favorite memory lived out with a loved one?

Why is it that we so often seem unable to receive these moments as gift? These times can be used for seeing more fully what is around us, even to notice people in more depth, here and there. Sending a blessing their way. Why not send them some love? We have a lot to give, right?

Rather than to rush past this truth in our hurry to grab the next moment, let’s stop to ponder the length and depths of what we are doing with our lives. This can show us our true heart’s desire. And, within the process of this exploration, we are living into the present moment.

 In a way, we are all “one”–all breathing the same air, most likely each of us are waiting to be set free of “the wait.” Do we really want to plunge into future moments, skipping the now? How about savoring each day that nourishes the soul.

We had three sons, Ted, Tim and Todd. When one of them would bicker with another, I would make him stop and think. At times, when one failed to share a goodie treat, I’d say, “Look closely at your brother. He has a tongue and a taster, too!” This worked, serving to make the little “perp” think beyond himself and remember that sharing is loving.

Surely, each of us shares a certain poverty. Not one of us can be certain of a tomorrow, a next year, or even the “next moment.”  We have this moment—tis all.

Do we love ourselves enough to live into this gift of “the now?”

Often, a story will be told triggering one of your own. Perhaps a shared memory, here, will do that for you today:

Many years back (my tumultuous years between 18-35 now over) while still living in Boise, I took a walk across the Ann Morrison Park very early in the morning. No one was about except for a human bundle under a bush, someone not yet ready to embrace the light. Birds were on the move accompanied by the sound of their own song. Holy ground it seemed. Shoes removed, I relished the morning dew, which grass blades wore as crowns. It was a lazy walk, filled with contemplation. That is, until it was rudely interrupted.

Inadvertently, I had wandered into the cross pattern of a forceful sprinkling system. The reward for my sudden mad dash was a blast of cold water. Full-bodied. With clothes dripping the thrill of youth had returned.

During those morning moments the gift of life and limber limb, wrapped in sunlight and earthen splendor brought this “mid-life” person of serious soul into an hour of carefree living.

The young child who once rode her bicycle with random recklessness had reappeared. And time stood still. Laughter. Alone with the Creator among His works, yet with a sense of the whole world being with me.

Sweet summer weather had enfolded me into its grip, granting new strength to “shoulder my pack,” and again face realities, which in previous months had seemed to stretch this heart beyond its boundaries. This was one tiny reprieve, yet more healing than a doctor’s potion. And it was free.

I think of that now, in Lake Havasu’s January, sunny and warm. A walk in the park finds our Winter Fellows talking about deep snow “back home.”

Christmas memories behind us and packages—well, some wondrous and some returned. But, just enough Christmas cheer to get us going, headed into another year.

But, wait. Let’s think about some of the gifts which are free, with us year after year. With or without funds the season can be seen with some glory by taking time to reflect on what might be called universal toys:

A nap in a sunny window, smells of earth’s offerings blended in a skillet. Memories lifted from life’s treasure chest . . . nudges and lick-kisses from faithful pets . . . sunset with orchestra music behind it . . . with our lake afire with color.

Sounds with which to keep one’s self company, such as singing, humming, whistling; the wonder of a warm bath with music … even with candlelight?  A good novel devoured under warm covers; backrubs … smiles … a hug; the voice of a friend; quiet time, alone with God. Perhaps during our winters, icicles forming drip by drip in front of a favorite window; branches waving their “hello” with highly balanced snow. 

This list is just a beginning. The human mind is powerfully creative. Without cost it is possible to give a gift of yourself simply by sharing at just the right moment, a lively experience, one listeners can enter into vicariously. Momentarily you loan them your legs, your voice, your heart. Could one ever set a price on the gift of human communication?  The joy of making another laugh?  The touch of a hand on a lonely back?  The pleasure of watching a child stay upright while learning to walk?

Today, blue skies and abundant sun, I sit at my computer wishing I were outside. Yet, must stay put to cogitate, here. Then the phone rings. It’s the voice from a friend, “Come on over, I am in the mood for reminiscing.”

Now, this is true gift!  I waste no time saying, “I’ll be right there!” Here is a gift that is eternal!

Could we ponder ways that could lift another’s day, bringing joy to them . . . recalling special times together . . . creating moments with others that will last for memories later?

May God be with you as you make this an unforgettable January!  Yikes! It’s February—already! And my Christmas tree is still up! Time to shake a leg and get a move on!

As Ecclesiastes 3: 1-9, assures us, “Everything has its time.”

It is not unusual for children to act out, at times. Most often, children grow out of many difficult patterns as parents teach them: 1) what behaviors are acceptable, and 2) what behaviors are not acceptable.
However, it is important for parents to know mental illness can begin early in a child’s life, in their teens, during their 20’s, or even later.

It is equally important for parents and all people who are raising
children to know this important factor:

The earlier mental illness is diagnosed and treated the easier life will be for the child and for those who are raising the child.

It is important to be aware of early signs of mental illness. Following are a few of the most prominent signs: (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
 Excessive fears and worries
 Extreme hyperactivity
 Extreme irritability
 Rages lasting more than an hour
 Talking to TV or computer screens
 Sudden decrease in school performance
 Loss of interest in friends or favorite activities
 Loss of appetite, or sudden changes in weight
 Excessive worry about weight gain
 Sudden changes in sleep habits

Signs of mental illness differ within age groups and within different types of mental illness. Often a child has more than one mental illness. Only a psychiatrist, or a mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner is able to address such mental health challenges in a child. These experts can determine whether or not treatment is needed. Contact such ex-pert, if you become concerned about behaviors your child exhibits.
Prepared by Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, M.A.
www.healing-with-Joy.com