Come on by the Church, the Deacon, Deacon Dan… has the doors open and the Pastor has a POWERFUL message.
Godly living requires that we have strong, biblical based convictions. When we are firmly anchored in God’s Word, we’re ready to face whatever challenges come our way.
For Today’s Message:
Hey Passengers, Merry Monday! As you go through this week, appreciate someone, love someone because not only is life like a box of chocolates but, it’s also like a roll of toilet paper.
Well passengers once again the good Doctor, Dr.Diedra Hayman, Ph.D. is back with us here on the LiFeTrain.
Dr. Hayman’s goal is to provide a relevant and user-friendly venue for discovering ways to move forward with your life. on her website, www.applesofgold.info we hope you will find stories and information to help you not only feel better, but, more importantly, “think†better, and live better. In addition to lots of interesting information gleaned from many sources, you will also find access to free online consultations and advice from a licensed clinical psychologist.
This week I continue to ask the Doc for advice on battling the holiday blues:
Chuckie: Why do you think that domestic violence realizes such an increase during the Holidays? Is this in any way related to depression?
Dr. Dee: domestic violence is not always related to depression. It can be, but its actually seen as a separate issue. Many things can trigger men, and sometimes women, to resort to violence, but often around the holidays, control over how money is spent or how family and friends access the couple can trigger an episode of violence.
Chuckie: Any suggestions for mitigating this circumstance?
Dr. Dee: Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to make use of shelters and other agencies designed to help them escape, and perpetrators also can take advantage of mental health services aimed at that population. Some shelters take women along with their children, and some can even make arrangements for a victim’s pets. Pets are often used as a means of threatening a victim into staying. Its often difficult to get both victims and perpetrators to seek help, but it is available.
Chuckie: What criteria should one use when seeking a therapist?
Dr.Dee: therapists generally have a theory or two that they tend to favor. Find out what it is, and whether that fits with your own style. If you want unconditional support and your therapist is a behaviorist, you may not get what you’re looking for! Also ask about licensing and credentials. Anyone can call themselves a therapist. But you need to know the state has said they meet a minimum educational standard. Find out through the state licensing board for their profession whether they have any complaints against them, or whether their license has been suspended. These actions help protect you as a consumer, but few people will actually do this. Interview the therapist as you would a babysitter. If you aren’t comfortable, if the chemistry isnt’t right, move on.
Chuckie: What should one expect to achieve in Her/His first session
Dr. Dee: the first session is usually a chance to get some history of your situation or symptoms, and to establish some rapport. Depending on the setting, it may be filled with paperwork, including setting goals and determining how you’ll know when treatment is finished. Some first sessions may be focused on allowing you to “tell your story”, which is what a lot of people want to jump right into from the word “go”. Sometimes the therapist will slow you down so you dont tell too much too fast. People don’t realize that can leave them feeling very vulnerable sometimes. It should be a comfortable appointment where the limits of confidentiality are discussed, as well as having a framework for the therapy, defined.
Chuckie: well what are the limits of confidentiality? I thought i could tell a therapist anything and they’d have to keep it confidential.
Dr. Dee: in general that is true. However, there are certain circumstances that require the therapist to break that confidentiality: if you tell me you’re going to kill yourself, i have to not only tell, but do whatever i can to keep you safe. That may mean getting responsible family involved, it may mean hospitalization for a few days. If you tell me you’re going to kill someone else, i have to not only tell the intended victim, but the police and my boss. If you tell me you are abusing a child physically or sexually, or yiu are under age or an elderly person, i have to call that in to child or adult protective services. If the court orders me, i have to break confidence. And of course third party payors like insurance companies and medicaid have a right to access records. If the court sent you for services or you are a minor and your parent sent you, they have a right to access your records.
Chuckie: As promised, we limit our “Ask the Doc” session to just a few questions each week. So in closing any additional words of wisdom for battling the Holiday Blues?
Dr. Dee: sure! Its usually very helpful to direct your energy toward helping someone less fortunate. Anything that shifts the focus away from yourself to others, has a tendency to lift the spirits. Also, exercise in the fresh air, even the cold air, is a mood elevator.
Chuckie: Well, our time has come to an end. Thanks Doc for joining us here on the LiFeTrain. Love ya gurl!
Dr.Dee: Love you too! See ya next week. Oh, and hey passengers, all Aboard, The LiFeTrain…LOL!
Hey passengers, let’s talk about stress …
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, Raised a glass of water and asked; ‘How heavy is this glass of water?’
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’
He continued, ‘And that’s the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, As the burden becomes increasingly heavy, We won’t be able to carry on. ‘ ‘As with the glass of water, You have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.’ ‘So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
So passengers, Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, Let them down for a moment if you can.’ So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don’t pick it up again until after you’ve rested a while.
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, And some days you’re the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, Just in case you have to eat them.
* Always wear stuff that will make you look good If you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be “recalled” by their maker.
* If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If y ou lend someone $20 and never see that person again, It was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, Because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
* When everything’s coming your way, You’re in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons…Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colours, bu t they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome 4th of July, thank a soldier and know that someone has thought about you today…
All Aboard, The LiFeTrain!
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1: 9)
Good day passengers and welcome aboard the train. It’s Thursday so time for a little therapy. This week we sit with Doctor Bill Bailey PhD., and discuss a little known but rapidly spreading infection, Candida. I wanted to touch on this for two main reasons because candida infections are at epidemic levels today. The first is a diet that is high in sugar and refined, processed foods. Candida thrives on sugar and foods such as simple carbohydrates, and unfortunately these are staples in the Standard American Diet (SAD). When candida gets a steady supply of such “fuel,” it grows and multiplies rapidly.
Secondly, the overuse of antibiotics is also a major factor in candida infections. These types of drugs show no discrepancy when it comes to the kinds of bacteria they attack. So, they often kill off helpful bacteria, allowing harmful species such as candida to proliferate.
Chuckie: So, Doctor Bill, what’s up with Candida?
Dr. Bill: Candida is a form of yeast, and these “infections” are sometimes called “yeast infections.” There has been a rise in yeast infections, mainly due to two things: one, the huge amount of sugar consumed by the population these days, and two, the use (some would say, over-use) of antibiotics. Antibiotics are literally “anti” (against), “bio” life, in other words they kill things! Now, most of the time, properly used, antibiotics kill bacterial infections, and that is good.
However, there are good bacteria in your gut called “probiotics.” (Pro=”for,” Bio=”life”) In other words, these good bacteria promote a healthy life, and healthy digestion… their presence also keeps the amount of yeast infections down. The problem with antibiotics is that they kill off the good bacteria in your gut as well as the bad! Then, you are “ripe” for a yeast infection… especially if you eat a lot of sugar… the perfect growth medium for the yeast!
Chuckie: Ouch! So, what can we do?
Dr. Bill: Well, take it up with your health-care professional, but you can fight yeast naturally with a combination of diet (cut out sugar!) And, anti-candida herbal treatments like Pau D’Arco. Probably the easiest way to take Pau D’Arco is in tea. Teabags are available from many online pharmacies and supplement stores. Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. It is available in capsules, and is very beneficial in fighting off a Candida infection. Also beneficial, is probiotic capsules that will then replace the probiotics that have been “killed off” in your gut! If at all possible, try and find probiotic capsules that are “enteric-coated” so that they will make it through the digestive tract, and to the intestines, where they are really needed!
Chuckie: Are there symptoms of yeast infection?
Dr. Bill: Some of the symptoms include: abdominal gas and bloating, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, cravings for alcohol, anxiety, cravings for sweets, inability to think clearly or concentrate, hyperactivity, mood swings, diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, itching, chronic pain and many more! I know it sounds like a “catch-all,” but that it why it so often goes undiagnosed! It is particularly responsible for stopping the progress of someone losing weight! That is one reason Dr. Atkins had a whole chapter of his book on low carb dieting that covers just this one issue!
Chuckie: Well, thank for the info, Doc! Passengers, we just barely touched the surface on this one but, I really encourage you to look into this one. For more info: (CLICK)
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, ‘Things aren’t always what they seem.’
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
‘Things aren’t always what they seem,’ the older angel replied.
‘When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall…
Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it.’
‘Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.
Things aren’t always what they seem.’
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later…
Some people come into our lives and quickly go…
Some people become friends and stay awhile leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts…and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!
I think this is special…live and savor every moment… This is not a dress rehearsal!
All Aboard, The LiFeTrain!!!
Passengers I have a good friend who uses an online dating site. Last year she was fooled into sending money to someone in Ghana. I’m afraid she is falling victim to another scammer. She is wrapped up in the fantasy created by this person. I and other friends have tried to convince her she is being misled again. She won’t hear it. She is a wonderful friend who deserves to find love. I cannot stand to watch her waste her money this way.
She is not my only friend that has been scammed for the sake of love. So, I’ve had enough. Time to pull the LiFeTrain whistle and sound the alarm. This week’s tip is about love and online scammers. By the way, ANYTIME you see the word Ghana…trust me, DELETE!
Part I:
There is no shortage of scammers online. Among their targets are the lonely. 
So it’s no surprise that they visit dating sites. In fact, crooks who pose as a love interest have a name. They’re called sweetheart scammers.
People who are looking for love are vulnerable. You’ve probably heard of the Nigerian 419 scam. (“Send us this fee, that fee and another fee. We make you rich!) There, they’re playing on greed, another runaway emotion. It’s the same kind of thing.
Sweetheart scammers are often part of large organizations. Groups work in shifts. I’m on the list and so is my friend on the list contact list. They keep coming at her and they keep coming at me. I can’t tell you how many times I have been approached by some glamor chick that swears she is just drop dead in love with strong black man of the america. Oh I am Chreestian woman who onle seeks same of strong black man of the americas.
I want to give you some ammo concerning these scammers in hopes that should the need arise you or someone you pass this on to will recognize some of the warning signs, especially if you are on an online dater’s site.
First off, the scammer almost always initiates contact. They’re in forums and chatrooms, and especially YAHOO.
Most sweetheart scammers are overseas”usually in Africa or Eastern Europe. This may sound xenophobic. After all, there’s no end of crooks and gold diggers in America. But, if the person is overseas, that’s a big red flag.
The scammer may claim to be an American working or living overseas. Or, maybe he/she is planning on moving to the United States. This is a common ploy. It opens the door for particular types of money requests. It also leads the victim to believe romance is possible.
Look for holes in the person’s story. Few people can lie consistently. These inconsistencies can expose the person as a scammer.
Scammers will ask their victims many questions. This helps them find weaknesses. It also helps them appear ideal in their victims’ eyes.
At the same time, scammers tend to avoid answering questions. They won’t know the answers to questions any American would know. (Who is Brett Favre? Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb? What is Amtrak?) Such questions will probably be ignored. Scammers may disappear for a long time if asked a question about an earlier conversation. (They’re consulting with the crook who actually had the conversation.)
Watch out for people who seem too perfect. Is this person very rich or very good looking? Are there other things that seem too good to be true? Yeah? You’re probably dealing with a scammer.
Scammers targeting women usually say they are wealthy. Those targeting 
men use pictures of models. In fact, scammers usually lift photos from other sites. I have no doubt my friend’s “love interest†sent a fake photo of himself. I used TinEye. to disprove It. TinEye will show you where the photo has appeared online and sure enough it was a picture of a professional model.
You also need to watch for relationships that move too fast. If the person proclaims love after a few messages, it’s probably a scam. At the same time, scammers can be very patient. The scammer may wait a year to ask for money. At that point, the victim is smitten. Saying no could be impossible.
I have a ton more information to share but I realize that you will probably only take in a little at a time. Therefore, check back next Tuesday for part II. Please get the word out about the Sweetheart Scamming! More next week.
Thanks for all the calls and cards! Have a great week!
50 Cent
ABOVE GROUND!!!
So Bring it on!!!
Let The GoodTimes Begin!
Hey passengers periodically I like to give you some time to KETCHUP! Did you know that at the bottom of each page there is a small word which reads: next>> ? Clicking it takes you back days and days and even years to review some ramblings and musing on the train from your conductor…uh..that would be me. Also, try the LiFeTrain daily news for fun (or the heck of it) see right column, LiFeTrain Daily News or just CLICK.   Check it out in today’s edition of the LiFeTrain Daily.
Anyway, before you go off to start your week, BUT! One moe thing, If you missed some of Therapy Thursdays, this would be a great time to check them out by doing the following. In the right most column on this page you will find a box with the word search beside it. click in the box and type the word “Therapy”. All the previous articles will be made available to you.
Hey Passengers….make it a GREAT week!
All Aboard! The LiFeTrain!
Good morning Passengers (or good day depending on when you hopped aboard the train today). Just a quick note to kick the week off right and something to keep in mind this week. Here on the Lifetrain we should have an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness. Paddy grains have to be de-husked in order to become edible as rice. Cotton has to be converted as yarn to become wearable cloth. Gold nuggets have to be heated in the crucible to remove the impurities. So, this week let’s work on purifying our impulses, emotions and desires and cultivate good thoughts, words and deeds so that we can progress spiritually. Deal?
All aboard, The LiFeTrain!
