“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Acts 1:8 NLT] Jesus had told his crowd of disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the promise of the Father, and they waited. If there were those in that crowd who weren’t quite sure about everything, they were about to get fired up!  Truly! “Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” [Acts 2:3-4 NLT] But…that crowd of disciples came down from that room, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit! Remember, there were crowds of people running to see what was going on when they heard the roaring of a mighty windstorm! “When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.” [Acts 2:6 NLT] When Peter came down with the other disciples and spoke (Acts 2:14-41), 3,000 people cried out and were baptized and added to the church that day! This was the birth of ‘The Way’, the Church! The world would never be the same! Please remember: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Acts 1:8 NLT] We are all witnesses, telling people about Jesus to the ends of the earth, RIGHT?

June Encouragement 2024 “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ " [Matt. 26:39 NLT] Conflict. What thoughts, feelings, or images does this evoke when we read it? Many conflicts are going on around me and in me right now! Can we all agree that Jesus must have experienced a lot of conflict as He walked amongst the people of his time? He was preaching the truth of the Word of God concerning the Kingdom! The desire of Jesus’ heart was to see their eyes and hearts open up to who He was and bring them back to the Father. His words in the Garden of Gethsemane still ring loud and clear as to how we should handle conflicts: “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ " His “flesh” didn’t want to suffer, just as ours does not want to suffer, but He surrendered His desires because He chose to do the will of His Father. Faced with His conflict, He did the will of His Father, as should we! Isn’t this what we want?

180 Christian Counseling & Training An NCCA Certified Academic Institution 180 Christian Counseling & Training, has been an NCCA Certified Academic Institution since 2012.  Dr. Juli  is an NCCA Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Advanced Certified.  She is also an International Representative of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. Dr. Juli Wilhite is the founder and director of 180 Christian Counseling & Training.  She received her License with NCCA in 2010 and is Advanced Certified.  She became a CAI in 2012 and is an International Representative with the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling.  She achieved her PhD in Christian Leadership from Kingdom Christian University in St. Petersburg, FL in 2021.  Juli has been in private practice since 2011, prior to that she served on staff at a large church in the metroplex as the Director of Celebrate Recovery and Counseling.  Juli and her husband Arthur of 18 years have a Christian Boarding School and Church in Uganda.  They reside in a Tiny House on Wheels (currently in Texas) with their Chorkie, Lola. I grew up in Michigan and launched my career right after graduation with American Express Group and Incentive Services, which allowed me to travel the world. Later, I transitioned into the field of Voice Mail. After 21 years in the corporate world, I felt a divine calling to ministry. I had always been the go-to person for those who were hurting or needed someone to talk to. This led me to my church's Celebrate Recovery (CR) program, which addressed a broad spectrum of issues, not just substance abuse. My first small group comprised women dealing with codependency. Initially, I questioned whether codependency was a real issue, but I soon realized its profound impact. I became a leader and eventually the director of the program. A large church in the Dallas metroplex then recruited me to direct their Celebrate Recovery program, a role I held for seven years. During this time, I decided to pursue counseling credentials and discovered my favorite counseling tool: Temperament. Temperament has been a significant asset for me, enabling me to build a thriving private practice and help others achieve their counseling goals. Over the years, I've worked with many families, often extending to multiple generations. This experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve found that Temperament is not only excellent for building a practice but also for developing a Certified Academic Institution (CAI). Many counselors struggle with attracting clients and conducting sessions. Temperament provides a clear pathway, as clients complete a questionnaire before our first session, allowing me to prepare thoroughly. Early in my practice, I worked alongside Functional Medicine Doctors and Functional Neurologists. Our patients often overlapped, and it was gratifying to see neurologists impressed when I identified a person's brain type using the Temperament Questionnaire, something they confirmed after lengthy evaluations. This solidified my belief that Temperament defines our brain types, which helps me attract whole families eager to understand their Temperaments. Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability. Each obstacle was an opportunity for growth. Whether it was moving to a new city, starting a new job, or navigating personal relationships, I approached each situation with an open mind and a positive attitude. The past few years have been particularly challenging for everyone. Running a virtual practice during 2020-2021 was eye-opening and allowed me to expand my reach globally. My husband and I realized our dream of living away from the city, selling our home, and building a Tiny House on Wheels. Now, we reside an hour outside Dallas on a lake, where life has slowed down, and my passion for helping others has deepened. During my time at the church, I developed additional tools that I now share with my students and clients. My 3-stage approach to counseling includes: Temperament: Understanding one's unique temperament or brain type, which helps clients understand their information processing.  Psalm 39:13-16 Communication: Utilizing Non-Violent Communication (NVC), a model that emphasizes empathy and precise language.  Eph. 5:19-20 Trauma Model: I developed Transformation Today/Spiritual Mapping, a tool for processing severe or situational trauma, which clients can use for life.  Jeremiah 17:9-10 My journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally, with a deep-seated drive to help others achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.  Beyond the professional realm, I have many interests that keep me invigorated. Reading, kayaking, cooking and spending time in nature is vital to my health.  There's something incredibly refreshing about immersing myself in nature.  I find it physically rewarding but it also provides me with a sense of peace and mindfulness. Reflecting on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me. Each step, whether a triumph or a setback, has taught me invaluable lessons and contributed to my growth. As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. My goal is to continue pursuing my passions, making a positive difference in the world, and living a life filled with purpose and joy. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. Here’s to the adventures yet to come and the endless opportunities for growth and discovery!

ARE YOU LIVING WITH FAITH OR LIVING IN FEAR? PHLEGMATIC IN INCLUSION-CONTROL-AFFECTION By Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Faith is a fruit of the Spirit and available to all. Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, FAITH, Meekness, Temperance Galatians 5:22-23 KJV Living with faith means that you are grounded on the solid rock-JESUS. Living in fear means that you are NOT grounded on the solid rock. Living in fear means that your house is built on the sand.  The sand contains: hatred                                       sadness                      retaliation insecurity                                 frustration                  bitterness  stress                                        unforgiveness            violence  disbelief                                   unhappiness               hypocrisy guilt                                         jealousy                      depression anxiety                                    criticism                      murder prejudice                                 drugs                           vengeance anger                                       resentment                   alcohol WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FAITH Hebrews 11:1:  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Romans 10:17:  So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God I Peter 1:7:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Timothy 6:12:   Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life… II Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. James 2:26:  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT REWARDS OF FAITH Power to become the sons of God.  See John 1:12 Power to do mighty works.  See John 14:12 Kept in perfect peace.  See Isaiah 26:3 Kept safe.  See Proverb 29:25 Having assurance of prayer answered.  See I John 5:14 Will not be confounded (confused).  See I Peter 2:6 WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FEAR There are good fears and bad.  The latter kind come from wrong believing and open the door to doubt and hinder the flow of God’s power. The Greek word “deilia” is for a cowardly fear; not being able to face a problem, but rather, running from it.   There is also the fear of people or things, based on perceptions and/or lies. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. See I John 4:18 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from ALL my fears.  See Psalm 34:4 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  See II Timothy 1:7 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  See Isaiah 41:10 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (fear of dying). See Psalm 23:4 See also Psalm 91 and Psalm 121. PLEASE REMEMBER, FEAR CAN PARALYZE YOU SO THAT YOU CANNOT OPERATE IN FAITH.  IF FEAR IS IN CONTROL, IT WILL PUSH OUT FAITH . LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE  FEARS OF A PHLEGMATIC IN INCLUSION FEAR OF BEING PRESSURED INTO BECOMING TOO INVOLVED IN  PROJECTS AT WORK. In order to keep people from pressuring them to become too involved in projects at work that may drain their energy, they may tend to use their sense of humor in a sarcastic way. FEAR OF BEING “PRESSURED” TO SOCIALIZE. They tend to be stubborn and may use their humor in a sarcastic way to keep people from pressuring them to socialize.  They relate to tasks better than people. This is because they are task oriented and people tend to drain their low energy. They have no real need to socialize.   FEAR THAT PEOPLE MAY FIND OUT THAT THEY ARE USING THEM TO DEFER A SOCIAL AND/OR WORK SITUATION They tend to fear that people will find out that they are motivating them to handle situations so that they, the Phlegmatic, does not have to become involved.  FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF BEING LAZY They tend to need to move at a slow, steady pace; therefore, people often accuse them of being lazy.  They are stubbornly resistant to change, especially when it directly affects them.  They also tend to be highly organized and want to think through in advance of their actions. FEAR OF REVEALING PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THEMSELVES They tend to fear revealing personal information about themselves as they are very self-protective;  therefore, when asked about their private life, they may tend to use their humor to change the subject. LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE FEARS OF A PHLEGMATIC IN CONTROL FEAR OF LOSING THEIR INDEPENDENCE They tend to be self-protective.  They do not want others to control them as they are highly independent and like to work at their own pace. They need to seek employment where they are not controlled so that they can work at their own pace. FEAR OF MAKING CHANGES REGARDING THEIR WORK They tend to be stubbornly resistant to changes because they believe they have done their very best, and they do not want to drain their energy fixing or changing something that they believe is “not broken.” FEAR OTHERS WILL MAKE DEMANDS ON THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS OR EVENTS They tend to fear that this will drain their energy so they will tend to not obligate themselves. FEAR OF BEING PUSHED TO MOVE AT A FASTER PACE They tend to need to move at a slower pace because of their low energy.  Being  pushed to go at a faster pace will drain them physically and emotionally. However, even though they have this fear they may, at times, take the path of least resistance to protect their low energy. They tend to prefer working at a job where they can sit and work at their own pace. They tend to like to do detailed work such as data entry, bookkeeping, cataloging, maintaining records and research work. FEAR OF CONFLICT They tend to want peace at all cost as they know conflict will drain their energy.  They will need to learn to maintain balance in their life so they do not take the path of least resistance that could adversely affect others. LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE FEARS OF A PHLEGMATIC IN  AFFECTION FEAR OF BECOMING INVOLVED IN DEEP RELATIONSHIPS They establish very few deep relationships. They tend to not want to get involved.  This is because they do not have the energy; therefore, they tend to be overly protective of their low energy in this area.  FEAR OF MAKING COMMITMENTS  They tend to be overly protective of their low energy and they fear making commitments as they do not want to expend the energy required of them to maintain these commitments; however,  If they do make commitments, they may tend to express love and affection to their deep relationships by doing tasks for them rather than hugging and touching, etc. in order to meet their need for peace. FEAR OF BEING CRITICIZED FOR BEING UNEMOTIONAL  They tend to respond to their deep relationships rather than initiate. They do this in order to keep from being criticized for being unemotional. This is because of their low energy. They will respond to their deep relationships just to keep the peace. FEAR THAT THEIR DEEP RELATIONSHIPS MISUNDERSTAND THEIR SENSE OF  HUMOR They tend to fear the loss of a deep relation due to death because they only allow a  few people into their deep affection area. They can mourn the loss of a deep relationship for years. FEAR OF EMOTIONALLY EXPRESSING THE LOSS OF A DEEP RELATIONSHIP  They tend to fear expressing the loss of a deep relationship because they are not comfortable expressing their grief emotionally with hugs and tears.  They prefer to express their grief by performing tasks for the family; however, people tend to feel that they do not care. NOTE:  “A Phlegmatic is a Phlegmatic is a Phlegmatic.” In other words, a Phlegmatic  needs to move at a slow pace because they have low energy. It does not matter whether they are Phlegmatic  in Inclusion, Control or Affection, the bottom line is: THEY NEED TO MOVE AT A SLOWER PACE.  Please remember that these are temperament tendencies.  Their walk with the Lord, their birth order and their learned behavior will tend to affect their temperament .   It is important to let them know these are tendencies and because of the effects of the above, some of the tendencies may not apply to them. You need to explain to your counselees that there are no good or bad  temperaments.  God created  all temperaments with strengths, weaknesses and needs. When you are disseminating the APS tendencies to your counselees, you need to start out by saying:  “People with your temperament tend to do….”. By doing this, you are letting them know that they are not the only ones with this temperament.

About The Book This book is an invitation into a realm of daily conditioning to strengthen the inner man so you can embark on a journey that will help you evade spiritual terrains that war against God’s people. We must activate the benefits of daily deliverance as an exercise and an execution. We have the commands to take an intentional seat in heavenly places to strategically battle well—to identify tactics, to annihilate hindrances, and to dismantle bricks that block the activation of divine purposes so we can recover and resume the path set before us. Governing all that we do, spiritual warfare is in every influence and sphere of the mountains upon the earth. Intelligent spiritual warfare allows maximization of power and authority over the deeds, actions, devices, and schisms of the enemy warring against everything promised to us from GOD in every area of life. Sometimes we feel that we are losing battles even though we know that the war is already won. The author shares the extremity and intensity of Psalm 149:6–9 and Jeremiah 29:11 as an anthem for principles of deliverance. About The Author Dr. Damita Lucas is a native of Vailsburg Newark, New Jersey. She holds a Doctor of Christian Clinical Counseling with a minor in Christian Education. Dr. Damita Lucas is the Chief Operating Officer of her own counseling ministry practice. She is licensed through the National Christian Counselors Association as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with Advanced Certification with seven board advanced certification specialties, and she is also a Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor. Dr. Lucas is honored to be a Presidential Member of both the National Christian Counselors Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has been an ordained elder in the Lord's church for over twenty years. As a certified Mental Health Advocate with several certifications, Dr. Lucas visualizes ministry everywhere through love and passion and has learned that everything is a "disguise to evangelize."

Just as we consult with the manufacturer’s manual to know how to properly use a product, so also we need to consult with God, the Creator of marriage. No two marriages are alike, but there are godly principles that will work in every marriage. You will learn how to advance your marriage to a new level, repair the damage done over the years, become more aware of your individual and spousal needs, effectively communicate and improve your problem-solving skills. God-made Marriage will provide opportunities to discover how to enrich and empower your marriage.

Jesus Calling for Moms By: Sarah Young Experience Peace in the Presence of the Savior Who Is Always with You. A cherished keepsake for your mom---or somebody who's like a mom to you! This beautiful compilation of 50 themed selections from Young's bestsellers include meditations on the power of love, strength, courage, God's guidance, and more. A new introduction from the author, journaling space, stunning imagery, and Scripture verses will inspire and encourage mothers of all ages. 160 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

May Encouragement 2024 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” [Gen. 1:3 NASB95] God spoke! There was light! God’s creative Word defined our world and how we are forever to relate to it. He then made it very clear that He separated the light from the darkness. “God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” [Gen 1:4 NASB95] God also called the light good. I don’t see Him calling the darkness good. Now, let’s jump ahead and see what Jesus has to say about light and darkness. Oh look, it’s still separated! He said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it”. [John 1:5 NLT] Just pause for a moment here. What do you imagine when you read this Scripture? When I read this, I picture myself as strong in Christ, but I also see darkness trying to overtake me! Who we are according to God’s Word is what really matters in the midst of this world’s darkness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world!” So here we are friends, in a world that not only looks and feels incredibly dark, but is dark. We can read all about it and see it on a daily basis. Ephesians 5:13-16 says: “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you. Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Walk wisely! Fully awake! LET THERE BE LIGHT! BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS!

ARE YOU LIVING WITH FAITH OR LIVING IN FEAR? By Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Faith is a fruit of the Spirit and available to all. Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, FAITH, Meekness, Temperance Galatians 5:22-23 KJV Living with faith means that you are grounded on the solid rock-JESUS. Living in fear means that you are NOT grounded on the solid rock. Living in fear means that your house is built on the sand. The sand contains: hatred                                       sadness                      retaliation insecurity                                 frustration                  bitterness stress                                        unforgiveness            violence disbelief                                   unhappiness               hypocrisy guilt                                         jealousy                      depression anxiety                                    criticism                      murder prejudice                                 drugs                           vengeance anger                                       resentment                   alcohol WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FAITH Hebrews 11:1:  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Romans 10:17:  So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God I Peter 1:7:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and   glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Timothy 6:12:   Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life… II Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. James 2:26:  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT REWARDS OF FAITH Power to become the sons of God.  See John 1:12 Power to do mighty works.  See John 14:12 Kept in perfect peace.  See Isaiah 26:3 Kept safe.  See Proverb 29:25 Having assurance of prayer answered.  See I John 5:14 Will not be confounded (confused).  See I Peter 2:6 WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FEAR There are good fears and bad.  The latter kind come from wrong believing and open the door to doubt and hinder the flow of God’ power. The Greek word “deilia” is for a cowardly fear; not being able to face a problem, but rather, running from it. There is also the fear of people or things, based on perceptions and/or lies. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. See I John 4:18 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from ALL my fears.  See Psalm 34:4 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  See II Timothy 1:7 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  See Isaiah 41:10 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (fear of dying). See Psalm 23:4 See also Psalm 91 and Psalm 121. PLEASE REMEMBER, FEAR CAN PARALYZE YOU SO THAT YOU CANNOT OPERATE IN FAITH.  IF FEAR IS IN CONTROL, IT WILL PUSH OUT FAITH. LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE  FEARS OF A MELANCHOLY IN INCLUSION Fear of Rejection. They tend to fear rejection from people and will tend to reject them first. This is because they do not relate well to people and do not understand them. Since they tend to think a great deal, this fear of rejection may only be perceived. They must remember: They are the guardians of their mind and, as guardians, they need to continually submit their fears of rejection to Jesus.  If they do this, Jesus will alleviate their fears. When you feel secure in God’s love, you will not tend to fear rejection from people. Fear of Socializing. They tend to have a fear of socializing because they do not relate well to people; they relate better to doing tasks. They tend to fear that people will make demands on them to interact and socialize —demands that will make them feel uncomfortable. If they  are required to attend social functions, they would probably feel more comfortable working in the background doing tasks such as setting up sound equipment, building scenery, painting, cooking, etc.  They usually do not like to be questioned regarding their personal life as they prefer not to share their personal thoughts and feelings. Fear of Imperfection of Self and Others. They tend to fear that they do not measure up to their own ideals of perfection; therefore, no one else could ever see them as perfect either. In their own eyes they are never perfect enough. They need to learn that only Jesus is perfect and that they need to give themselves and others the freedom to be imperfect and to know that we are all works in progress. Since they cannot see perfection within themselves, they will then tend to look at others thinking that they are perfect; however,  they soon find out that others also have imperfections.  They may even begin to think to themselves: “Nobody is perfect and nobody can be perfect.”  Therefore, to compensate for their own feelings of imperfection or inadequacy they may become highly critical of others. Fear of Death and Dying. They tend to fear death and dying.  They tend to have many questions such as: “Will I linger in pain and die a slow death?”  “Will I be able to take care of myself?”  “Who will take care of me if I can’t take care of myself?” “Will I have to leave my home and go to a health care center?” The reason they have all of these questions in their mind is that they usually do not want to leave their home or even want to live with one of their children, and they do not want to live in a nursing home. This is because their home is their “castle,” their “safe haven” away from the rest of the world, and also, they do not want to have strangers take care of them.  They will not usually talk to people about this because they do not want them to know of their fears; but they will tend to think about all of this constantly. If they continually dwell on thoughts of death, and dying they may even think about committing suicide to escape these thoughts and to escape the inevitable leaving their home.  They need to learn that He is their true “safe haven” and they can always “run to Him.” Fear of Financial Security. They tend to be concerned about their finances.  Some tend to need to pay cash for everything; some tend to need to have a certain amount of money in their pocket; some tend to need to buy land as an investment; some will tend to clip coupons; and some will tend to only buy items that are on sale.  If they have investments, they will tend to watch the stock market reports daily.  If the market goes down, they tend to become fearful and become insecure. They may also tend to feel insecure with their job.  They may think:  “What will I do if I lose my job?” “How will I support myself and my family?” Dwelling on financial insecurities may even cause them to entertain suicidal thoughts to escape the pressure. They need to learn that God will supply all their needs. LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE FEARS OF A MELANCHOLY IN CONTROL Fear of the Unknown. They tend to fear the unknown.  This is because they are afraid to make a decision until they have all the details because of their need to be responsible and reliable. Fear of Being Controlled. They fear being controlled.  This is because they do not want to tell others what to do and they do not want others to tell them what to do. If someone tries to control them they will rebel and perhaps do the exact opposite of what someone told them what to do. Fear of Appearing Incompetent and Making Mistakes. They fear that others will think that they are incompetent if they make mistakes; therefore, they will check, check and double check their work just to make sure that everything is perfect. Fear of Failure. They tend to fear that they have failed if someone criticizes their decisions.  When others critique their decisions they should probably ask if they could make some suggestions. Then the Melancholy in Control will tend to not feel as if  they have failed to make the right decisions. Fear of being called Procrastinators. They tend to fear that others will misunderstand their reasons for not making quick  decisions.  The reason it takes them longer is their need to be seen as responsible and reliable. However, because it takes longer for them to make a decision, those around them may feel that they are just procrastinating. LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE FEARS OF A MELANCHOLY IN  AFFECTION Fear Rejection. They tend to feel that they never measure up to their loved ones and tend to feel inadequate because they do not respond the way their deep relationships expect them to. Fear of Being Smothered or Suffocated by deep relationships. They tend to fear that their deep relationships will suffocate or smother them with  too many hugs, snuggling, etc. Fear of expressing their deep, tender feelings. They are emotionally guarded and do not feel comfortable expressing their love and affection with hugs and touching.  They prefer doing tasks for their deep relationships. Fear of Losing a Deep Relationship Due to Death. They tend to fear the loss of a deep relation due to death because they only allow a  few people into their deep affection area. They can mourn the loss of a deep relationship for years. Fear of Displaying Love and Affection in Public. They are emotionally guarded. They have very deep tender feelings but they are not comfortable expressing them in public as they are very private and sensitive and they do not want others to know that they have these feelings. Temperament needs of the Melancholy in Affection cannot be fully met without a deep, emotional closeness/relationship with God. NOTE:  “A Melancholy is a Melancholy is a Melancholy.” In other words, a Melancholy needs quiet alone time to regenerate. It does not matter whether they are a Melancholy in Inclusion, Control or Affection, the bottom line is:  THEY NEED QUIET ALONE TIME. Please remember that these are temperament tendencies.  Their walk with the Lord, their birth order and their learned behavior will tend to affect their temperament. It is important to let them know these are tendencies and because of the effects of the above, some of the tendencies may not apply to them. You need to explain to your counselees that there are no good or bad  temperaments.  God created  all temperaments with strengths, weaknesses and needs. When you are disseminating the APS tendencies to your counselees, you need to start out by saying:  “People with your temperament tend to do….”. By doing this, you are letting them know that they are not the only ones with this temperament.

Experience Peace in the Presence of the Savior Who Is Always with You. The #1 bestselling 365-day devotional Jesus Calling is written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to you—words of encouragement, comfort, and reassurance of His unending love. These writings are based on Jesus’ own words of hope, guidance, and peace within Scripture—penned by one who loves Him and reveres His Word. The much-loved devotions inside Jesus Calling will help you look forward to your time with the Lord. Experience a deeper relationship with Jesus as you savor the presence of the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever. This version includes the beloved original content, but with a modern cover that will appeal to a younger audience.

FEED MY SHEEP SCHOOL OF COUNSELING An NCCA Certified Academic Institution Dr. Laura Hart of Old Hickory, Tennessee, is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor–Advanced Certified and a Clinical Supervisor with the NCCA Feed My Sheep School of Counseling has been an approved NCCA Certified Academic Institution since December 11, 2009. She is also an International Representative with the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling, After participating in an Experiencing God study by Henry Blackaby, I gained a profound insight into observing where God was already actively working in my life and desirous of aligning myself with His work. Blackaby would say, “Watch to see where God is working and join Him.” From then on, I began to make a conscious effort to attempt to recognize and discover God's workings and then join Him in His works to the best that I understood. Recognizing that I couldn't chart my own course and expect God to simply follow me, I committed to following His lead. That was back in 1990. Though I've stumbled and occasionally veered off course, the Holy Spirit consistently nudges me to refocus my eyes on God and His will. The impact of this experience remains etched in my memory, as it led me to the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA), shortly after my encounter with Experiencing God. In 1992, I received my first credential – a Certified Temperament Counselor Certificate. At that time, I had no idea of what the future held; thoughts of establishing a counseling center or school had not even crossed my mind. I simply followed where I saw God leading. By 1994, I had earned the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and was NCCA Licensed as a Clinical Pastoral Counselor in 1996. While balancing the demands of raising children and managing our household, I continued to pursue my education at a leisurely pace. At the same time, I served as a volunteer counselor at my local church, at their request. It was a very large congregation, where I was offered a nice office in the evening hours. As word spread about my counseling services, demand grew, prompting me to offer sessions from my home during the day for a very small fee. I counseled at church and at home for about 5 years. I began to recognize God's prompting to establish a counseling ministry outside my home and my church. I confess I was somewhat hesitant. While I promised to follow God's lead as I witnessed His work, I found myself at a loss on how to begin something without obvious evidence of God’s initiation or intervention in some way. This required me to place my trust in Him blindly. Despite my uncertainty, I reminded myself of God's faithfulness in the past and leaned on His promises for the future. Step by step, I began to let go of the uncertainty and allowed His plan to unfold before me, embracing the journey with faith. One of my favorite bible verses is. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5, NKJV) I knew it was time to walk this out. With a multitude of tasks and decisions ahead, I found myself dealing with the reality of choosing a name for the ministry to navigating various logistical details. My mind seemed overwhelmed and lacking inspiration for a name. However, one day the name "Feed My Sheep" suddenly flashed into my mind, seemingly out of nowhere. At first, I attempted to dismiss it because it just happened too quickly. I kept thinking I needed more time to come up with a ministry name that had a testimony behind it so I could tell others how the name came to be. Despite my attempts to conjure up something with a catchier name or phrase, “Feed My Sheep” (John 21:17), kept resurfacing in my thoughts. I continued to feel a strong tug from the Lord towards this name for the ministry. So, the decision was made. I located a modest 800-square-foot rental space, signed on the dotted line, and I prayed for God's provision to cover my expenses: rent, utilities, advertising, and any unforeseen costs. My greatest concern was whether I could manage my finances adequately. In the initial month, I barely covered my expenses, but broke even. However, with each passing month, I surpassed breaking even by a small margin, eventually accumulating modest savings. Before long, I found myself in a position to attend NCCA conferences without having to rely on my husband for financial support, despite his willingness to assist. It was during one of these conferences I attended that I became convinced to begin to operate a Certified Academic Institute (CAI). Although God had already placed it on my heart that one day I would be teaching others about the counseling ministry, I had not pursued becoming a CAI previously due to information I received from another CAI member concerning regulations. However, when I shared my interest with Reverend Steve Baran, he informed me that this regulation had been eliminated. He urged me to attend a meeting scheduled for 8 p.m. that evening, where eligible individuals interested in establishing a CAI would be enrolled. I eagerly anticipated attending the meeting that evening. As a result, Feed My Sheep School of Counseling was established as an official Certified Academic Institute soon afterwards and we became committed to providing educational and training programs through the NCCA program. Our school is now dedicated to offering high-quality training for pastors and Christians who sense the call to Christian counseling by the Holy Spirit. Just as when the counseling ministry began, I had no idea what the future held for the school. It was again a time to walk by faith and trust in God. Uncertain of the specific path or outcome, I knew I immensely enjoyed teaching and had a desire to equip others for their counseling ministry journey. With each step, I relied on God's guidance and provision, knowing that He would lead me in the right direction. My passion for teaching and empowering others fueled my determination to press forward. I embraced the journey with faith, trusting that God would reveal His plans for the school in His perfect timing. I made a website and soon afterwards I enrolled a handful of students through that website. I began individual work with each of them. I found complete contentment and satisfaction with this arrangement. I persisted in my educational journey until I ultimately attained a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Psychology in 2006. I soon began to recognize the need for more counselors grounded in Christian values, because it seemed everywhere Christians were discovering that the professionally trained Christian Counselor was more consistent with their beliefs and was able to provide biblical as well as psychological solutions, especially using the tool that our training provides, the Arno Profile System (APS). The APS is an exceptional solution to the challenging problems Christians face today. I firmly believe in the APS. To date, I have personally administered over 1800 APS assessments, excluding those conducted for students. While driving home from the counseling ministry one day, a "for lease" sign caught my eye, and for some reason, it captivated my attention. Without hesitation, I veered off the road, parked, and dialed the number on the sign. The person on the line mentioned a key above the door and granted access. With a little effort, I managed to reach the key and entered a spacious 1500 sq. ft. area. Excitedly, I called my husband and urged him to join me and see what I had stumbled upon. Upon arrival, he immediately began envisioning the layout, including office spaces and rooms for the school. It was remarkable how he seamlessly shared in my vision, even without prior discussion. Neither of us had ever discussed the possibility of me vacating the current space or seeking a new location. Within a month, my husband had all the necessary work completed, transforming the space into a suitable location with a large teaching room, 3 nice counseling offices, a waiting area, and a break room. Each NCCA Certified Academic Institute possesses its unique characteristics and approaches. Whether you're considering enrollment or have already embarked on this journey, it's important to recognize the diversity among CAIs. We are all unique, and our differences are what make us special. At Feed My Sheep, our primary objective is to ensure that every student receives the necessary guidance, instruction, and mentorship they deserve. I am deeply committed to addressing each student's individual needs. It's imperative that our training equips students with a clear understanding of their strengths, legal limitations, and ethical responsibilities before they enter the counseling field. I do place emphasis on ethics and legal considerations, as I do not want to send out a counselor to the mission field unprepared. I attempt to adopt an environment where personalized attention becomes paramount in our institute. Each student is unique and providing them with tailored guidance ensures their growth and development. Through one-on-one interactions and dedicated mentorship, we strive to nurture their skills, knowledge, and confidence, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in the field of pastoral counseling. At Feed My Sheep, we recognize the importance of investing in our students' success, guiding them with integrity and care every step of the way. All purposes and visions are grounded in our trust in God's guidance. Throughout the years, the significance behind the name "Feed My Sheep" became increasingly clear. It wasn't just about healing hearts and restoring lives, but also about nurturing pastoral counselors and developing their growth as disciples. This dual mission became the cornerstone of our ministry, guiding us as we seek to fulfill God's calling in our lives and in the lives of those we serve. Regardless of whether there's one student or ten enrolled at any given time, each individual holds paramount significance at our school. A surprising revelation emerged from my interactions with students in the classroom. I developed a growing desire to invite some of them to join Feed My Sheep Counseling Ministries. This possibility had not crossed my mind when the school first opened its doors. However, as I engaged with these individuals, I discovered a group of exceptional, God-fearing pastoral counselors who share a deep love for the Lord and a passion for serving others. They embody the values of integrity and compassion that are central to our ministry's mission. As a result, our Christian counseling center has now made it a primary objective to offer a place of ministry for pastoral counselors who complete our training program, align with our ministry's values and mission, express a calling to full-time ministry, and demonstrate a servant's heart. Today, our counseling ministry hosts three such NCCA pastoral counselors who received their training through the Feed My Sheep School of Counseling. Each counselor brings their unique approach and expertise to our practice, ensuring diverse perspectives and methods are available to those we serve. While our counseling styles may vary, we are unified in our commitment to utilizing the Arno Profile System and viewing every appointment scheduled with any one of us through our website as a divine appointment planned by God. With room for additional pastoral counselors, we eagerly await the Lord's guidance in bringing these individuals to join our ministry. As you look around to discern where God is at work, understand that it's not merely a one-time decision to align yourself with God, find where He is at work and then join Him. Rather, it's a lifelong commitment to identifying His movements and consistently partnering with Him in His works. This ongoing commitment advances the kingdom of God while also bringing blessings into your own life journey.

April Encouragement 2024 As I sought the Lord for direction for this month’s writing, the word I perceived from Him was “Obedience.” I have recently received many emails from our members, who are pressing on in the midst of great trials and tribulations. They are pressing on with their studies, with their marriages, and with their children. They are not giving up on anyone or anything, especially not on the promises of God. They remain obedient, holding tight to “the call of the Lord” for their lives! I’ve also been witness to this in my own life, my family, and my friends. Jesus says to His followers, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33b NLT Jesus speaks to His Church: “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.” [Rev. 3:10-11 NLT] So, stand firm, be obedient, and hold tight!