Blessings, dr.helena

For more information or to set up a counseling appointment go to: http://drhelenaonline.com

The strength of our willingness is often a journey and test of our faith and obedience to God. There are many examples in the Bible of people who said “yes” to God like Abraham when asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Hebrews 11:17), or the virgin Mary when she was approached by the angel Gabriel to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:38). Of course, the most perfect example is Jesus Christ who willingly said “yes” to the cross that we may have eternal life.

There are also those who said “no” like Jonah (Jonah, chapter 3) who had a bad attitude, or Samson who was weak-willed (Judges, chapter 16).

If those examples make saying “yes” a little daunting then consider the bigger picture. When we say “yes” to God, He also says “yes” to us! The Holy Spirit, who is our Helper, begins to carry our “yes,” howbeit a little unsteady, to completion.

Blessings, dr.helena

For more information or to schedule a counseling appointment, Please visit my website at: http://www.drhelenaonline.com

The same is true with emotional, relational and spiritual problems. What could be an easy change in attitude and direction, and healing through applying Scriptural truths and prayer, can become a much more complicated and time consuming process as these problems will continue to grow and negatively affect other areas of your life.

The follow is a list of ten ways to know when you should talk to a counselor:

1.) You talked to your friends and family and it has not helped.

2.) You feel overwhelmed.

3.) You feel like your life is out of control.

4.) You are depressed and/or anxious (for more that 2-3 weeks).

5.) You haven’t felt like yourself for quite awhile.

6.) You feel “stuck.”

7.) You feel distant from others (and maybe even God).

8.) You feel stressed out and/or weary.

9.) You need understanding and guidance.

10.) You just need someone to talk to who will listen.

If you are struggling to overcome anything on this list, Proverbs 11:14 encourage us that “Where there is no counsel, the people fail; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Counseling rooted in the Scriptures can be the answer to your personal problems that can give you positive changes and permanent results.

Don’t wait any longer! The beginning of a new year is a good time to start no matter how long you’ve had the problem. I can’t offer you novocaine , but I can help you to make the changes in your life that will give you relief from your worries and pain. Contact me today at drhelena@drhelenaonline.com or 561-744-2011 for a Skype or in-person appointment. I am looking forward to meeting with you.

Blessings, dr.helena

 P.S. Post a question or comment by clicking on the word “comments” below.  

The following wise suggestions are offered by Dr. Bruce Urich, Dean of Florida Christian University. My favorite is number six. This is a faith stretcher, which will improve your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and fine tune your spiritual ears.

“As part of my master’s degree at Temple University in Educational Psychology (Counseling and Guidance, Psychological Testing and Group Dynamics) I learned a very secular way to decide if a decision is the right one or not “are you willing to live with the consequences of your decision? If so, then, for you, it is a good decision.” While this is only a secular idea, it may be helpful for those who are unwilling to take the longer Christian way to make a decision!

Here is a list which shows the total contrast with how a Christian should make a decision:

1. Is it in line with the Scriptures?

2. Has it been bathed in prayer over a period of time?

3. Is it Godly?  Is it helpful?  Is it necessary?

4. Does it seem to fit in with what you have so far ascertained as God’s plan for your life, or is it a rabbit trail, leading you away from God’s plans for you?

5. Have you discussed this with valued Christian counselors and prayed with them?

6. This is not “What would Jesus do?” but rather, “What would Jesus have me do?”

7. Are we willing to face Jesus on His throne in His total purity and power, with this on your record?”

Whatever tough decisions you are facing today, I hope this list helps you find the answers. Overcome frustration by accepting the fact that God did not create you as an island able to make all your decisions by yourself.  Search the Word of God in prayer, and seek wise counsel. Then, you will succeed in doing His will and find peace.

Blessings, dr.helena

Website: www.drhelenaonline.com

email: drhelena@drhelenaonline.com

Smiling through missing and rotting teeth, Laurie said, “I’m going to keep this baby.” Relieved I began gathering information from my desk drawer to give her for government assistance and prenatal care. “. . . I have three kids, but my mother had the social services take them away. She told them I was a crack head. I’m not, you know. As soon as I get enough money to get an apartment, I’m going to get them back, and I’m going to keep this baby even if Michael doesn’t want me to.”

“Who’s Michael?” I asked guardedly. “He’s my boyfriend, but he’s not the father. You won’t tell him, will you?” Before I could say anything, she walked over to the office door and ushered Michael to a chair in front of my desk. He looked like he was her brother, about 20 years old, alarmingly thin with long stringy blonde hair and grayish skin.

With a worried frown, he introduced himself to me, “I’m Michael, her boyfriend . . .” “Michael! I’m pregnant!” Laurie abruptly interrupted in an annoying, I-told-you-so tone, “. . . and I am keeping it.”

Michael looked at me for help. “We can’t take care of a baby,” He said nervously. “Were both on disability.” Dropping his head and staring at the floor between his worn out boots, he said, “I’m legally blind so I can’t read. I can’t get a job. My father kicked me out when I was twelve for doin’ drugs, he won’t help us.”

“But Michael . . . ” she whined, pulling on his sleeve. “I want this baby. What about me?” Her need for attention far outweighed her love for him or her unborn child. She played coyly with him like a rat sniffing around a trap trying to steal the cheese before it snapping on her.

Again, Michael looked at me for an answer. He felt ambushed by his insecurities and affection for her, and I was quite sure that he suspected the baby was not his. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed too. All my well prepared answers and pamphlets couldn’t give him a reason to want her baby.

I decided to take a risk. “Michael, I’ve never said this to anyone before, but I believe the only one who can help you and Laurie is God.” I pulled out a small New Testament Bible from my purse and handed it to him. Laurie immediately tried to snatch it from his hand, but he held it out of her reach.

“Your situation may seem impossible, but God can help you. Just pray, you’ll see, he will lead you in the right direction.” For the first time Michael smiled and his sincerely illuminated through all the hopelessness in his life. “You know, a real nice old man gave me five bucks and a ride ‘bout a month ago. He said the same thing and said he would pray for me, maybe he was right.”

We prayed together and as they got up to leave, he tucked the little Bible into the back pocket of his tattered jeans. Laurie tried to grab it out of his pocket, but he refused to give in to her once again and planted a soft kiss on her forehead instead.

Love had found a way into his heart, even if it wasn’t hers for him. He had a new confidence about his future. I watched them as they walked hand-in-hand down the hallway to the exit, knowing the new life in Laurie’s womb was safe because there was hope in Michael’s pocket.

Years ago, my first experiences with counseling were at a crisis pregnancy center located in a hospital which was a non-activist, Christian organization call “Birthright.” It was very rewarding and inspired me to consider further education to become a Biblical counselor. The above is one of so many moving stories that has taken place at this wonderful center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is still open and actively serving God on behalf of the unborn today.

Blessings, dr.helena

For more information or to request an in-person, phone, or Skype web cam appointment for counseling go to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com  or call 561-744-2011.

Instability in homes due to angry and dissatisfying marriages, disorganization and irresponsibility, and/or divorce is another. As well as hurried lifestyles which lack the basics of adequate nutrition, rest, relaxation, noise-free time and exercise.

An overlooked source of anxiety? A spirit of fear. If the enemy can get you to be anxious about something, then he has fulfilled his goals to get you to doubt God. Imagine doubting God everyday about something! If you’re finding that your relationship with God has stalled or faded away, anxiety may be the reason.

In His word God says, “Do not be anxious about ANYTHING.” Really? Doesn’t that seem like God is asking something absolutely impossible? Given the high levels of anxiety we are used to feeling every day, it does. But, think about it, would God ask us to do something that is impossible?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

If you read this Scripture about anxiousness closely, you’ll notice there are remedies—prayer including asking and thanksgiving. (Of course *smack to the forehead*, God doesn’t just leave us hanging there without instructions! Note to self, must read “fine print.”)

One of the keys to being free from anxiety is “thanksgiving” (gratefulness, appreciation). Anxiety always causes negative thinking. Gratefulness is the opposite direction of that thinking process and the results are always positive (faithful) thinking. Either direction continually increases in its power to affect your heart and mind the more you practice it. Which direction would you like to go in?

So the next time you read or hear about all the details of a natural disaster like a devestating tornado or a “double dip recession,” before you start feeling insecure about what could happen to you and your family, begin to thank God instead. Thank him for your life today. Appreciate all that he has done for you starting with paying the price for your salvation and eternal life. Think about all the little things to be grateful for like lunch or air conditioning (okay, in Florida that’s not a little thing) that adds up to big things at the end of the year.

Instead of always being anxious about something, be grateful about everything and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Blessings, dr.helena

If you interested in learning more about spiritual warfare, order my book Strike the Target! A Step-By-Step Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health (428 pages, paperback, $23.99 donation) by going to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com/book

Website: http://www.drhelenaonline.com

The New Age movement has blurred the lines of Christianity as it has permeated the church. Those who have been influenced and deceived by this movement believe in a “God consciousness” that all gods are one God and/or God is within us. You may have heard the latter statement and recognize that it is much like our Christian belief that God, Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts. Do not be fooled, it is not! 

No matter how westernized, harmless or popular they seem, involvement with cultic or occult persons, groups, philosophies, rituals or practices is a worship of another god and idolatry. (Yes, it is that black and white . . . and dangerous to dabble in!)

Just to make it clear, this would include all those who do not acknowledge and believe in the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, including the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His teachings, His death and resurrection three days later, and His deity (Godhead); reconciliation through the blood of Jesus Christ and the Trinity, i.e. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one and equally God.

Even for mature believers, it has become increasingly overwhelming to keep up with the growing number of cults and deceptive practices of those and the enemy who wants to lure us away from the true God. I think few of us could have predicted the deluge of television programs, movies, food and medicinal products, toys, games and books that would corner the market on spirituality today. The other day I noticed a large aisle at a major bookstore labeled “Teen Paranormal Fiction”!

It may come as a surprise to you that there are many cults and cult-like Christian churches that believe in Jesus. They believe that He was a “good” man, a prophet or one in the same as other gods. To be a Christian, just believing in Jesus is not enough. Access to the benefits and power to be redeemed is only though faith in Jesus as the Son of God who died on the cross for your sins and resurrected from the dead.

If this definition of Jesus as your Savior and Lord is not something you believe in and you have not prayed for your sins to be forgiven, please do not wait a moment longer! Pray the following prayer with a sincere heart: 

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe in Your Son, Jesus, who was born of a virgin, died on the cross for the sins of the world and resurrected from the dead on the third day. Please forgive and cleanse me of all my sins, come into my heart, fill me with the Holy Spirit and be the Lord of my life. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life.  In Jesus name, amen.

Stay on track by maintaining your loyalty to the person of Jesus Christ. Strive to really know and “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). Keep the Scriptures close to your heart and follow the words of Jesus in your daily life. These simple Christian practices will anchor your soul to the true God.

Blessings, dr.helena

If you interested in learning more about spiritual warfare, order my book Strike the Target! A Step-By-Step Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health (428 pages, paperback, $23.99 donation) by going to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com/book

http://www.drhelenaonline.com

It is odd, but we really don’t talk about making amends much, if at all. Unless it has to do with a severe crime and the consequences of imprisonment or the death penalty, many people have no idea what it means or how to go about it in their everyday lives. The dictionary defines the word “amend” as “something done or given as compensation for a wrong.” Sounds simple? Maybe.

Making amends can be the tangible proof that a relationship can be better and it is worth salvaging. If we are sincere, it causes us to dig deep into understanding how our negative habits, behaviors and imperfections have affected someone. The goal is to rebuild trust that has been broken. To some degree, making amends causes discomfort and often requires sacrifice. On the up side, just one act of making amends can greatly improve our spiritual, emotional and physical health.

Think about it. What if you decide to make amends to God the next time you sin? Now, I am not talking about any distorted ideas of penance (for example: unusual fasts or other forms of deprivation), or self-punishment in the forms of false guilt and shame. What I’m talking about is just CHANGE!

Real life transforming amends requires all the practical and necessary steps it takes to change. That might mean getting the support of a counselor or joining a group, staying informed by reading books and articles, submitting to accountability and personal disaplines, or moving away from harmful influences and environments. Wouldn’t even one of these steps begin to transform your life and relationship with God with a renewed faith, humility and love?

Likewise, as you continue to take all the steps you need to help you change, it opens the way for a betrayed spouse to begin believing and trusting you again, or a hurt friend to be open to rebuilding the friendship. Real amends mends broken and wounded hearts with the tangible results of amazing personal growth and restored relationships.

Blessings, dr.helena

For more information or to request an in-person, email, phone or web cam appointment for counseling go to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com

Complaining does not allow for problem solving to get started or a solution to be found. It is only a negative, repetitive report of the problem fueled by discontent and anger.

Blaming erroneously claims that someone else is the root of our problem, and only they hold the power to solve it. Getting stuck in blaming others renders us helpless and powerless to do anything.

Self-pity (which I believe is the worst of these three mind-sets) is an overwhelmingly gloomy feeling.  If left unchecked, self-pity will spiral an individual into depression and distorted thinking about themselves, others and God. Self-pity is often accompanied by false guilt and, this may sound rather odd, but it is often a form of self-punishment.

An attitude change supported by trust in God and faith in his word is the only way to end complaining, blaming and self-pity. Begin the process with decisions which can lead to good problem solving by:

1) Being biblically proactive so that paralyzing fear doesn’t take over. Search out what the Bible has to say about your problem and what solutions the Word offers.

2) Get help! Be open to advice from godly counsel and encouragement by fellowshipping with others. “No man is an island,” as the old saying goes. We were not created to solve all our problems by ourselves. We are only a part of the body of Christ, and need other body parts to help us.

3) Apply the solution. It is one thing to know the solution to a problem, and quite another to actually follow through with using it. The answer lies in doing it.

4) Let your faith and endurance be s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d beyond what you may think is your limit. (Since this is a part of God’s plan for you, don’t worry you won’t break!) This is how our character improves, and we become emotionally and spiritually mature.

Don’t give up. S-t-r-e-t-c-h and believe that you’re turning point is right around the corner.

5) The best solution? Nip all complaining, blaming and self-pity in the bud!  Don’t even start down these miserable emotional roads. They are never right or a solution, and just lead to much more of the same.

Blessings, dr.helena

For more information or to request an in-person, email, phone or web cam appointment for counseling go to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com

The Law of Reciprocity: Give, and you will receive (Luke 6:38).

The Law of Use: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given (Matthew 25:29).

The Law of Perseverance: Keep asking . . . Keep on seeking . . . Keep on knocking (Matthew 7:7).

The Law of Responsibility: Much is required from those to whom much is given (Luke 12:48).

The Law of Greatness: Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant (Matthew 20:26).

The Law of Unity: May God help you live in complete harmony (Romans 15:5).

The Law of Change: No one put new wine into old wineskin (Matthew 9:17).

The Law of Miracles: Have faith in God (Mark 11:22).

The Law of Dominion: I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

The Law of Fidelity: Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones (Luke 16:10).

*Adapted from “The Secret Kingdom” by Rev. Pat Robertson

Visit my website at: http://www.drhelenaonline.com