THANK you, Bastogne Bulldog....

[Theodora]

I really appreciated all you shared about your faith experience as it related to what you went through during your service in Iraq---and thank YOU for that as well. We're all SO very "spoiled" in the U.S. it seems and we take so much for granted, that we don't always see where/how the service of our military helps to make this possible. DIFFICULT times--especially as the national debate heats up (again!) as to how best to proceed in the "quagmire" --- Mostly I'm trying to stay out of that (and obviously this isn't the place to discuss that!)--- but it IS important to have some sort of sense of what my son is going through in order to have a better idea of how to approach supporting him personally.

Thanks again....

Theodora

[Theodora]

...which might be of interest to you as well was just posted on NACR at

For Sheep (& others) -- re God's "caring"; co-dependency etc.
http://www.christianrecovery.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3055

and

RBC "Discovery Series" =Selections from "Christian Living" & "Counseling" series
http://www.christianrecovery.com/vb/showthread.php?p=20439#post20439

My preface to the latter post:

I just posted some suggestions for "Sheep" in response to her post re whether "God cares" at
http://www.christianrecovery.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3055

These suggestions are, as I told her, offered NOT as "possible 'answers' for (her) so much as an indication for (her) that (she) is NOT alone in (her) pain and dilemmas. " Though I went to each listed title from the index in order to provide the specific URL link, I did not stop to look at these booklets....so read at your own risk and discretion. As I recall from having looked at some of these QUITE some time ago, I found that I was generally agreeing with the psychological and theological approaches found there, though NOT ALWAYS!!! In any case, these are offered as 1) some good on-line reflective material (and possible resource for something to have at home, if you want to order these) and 2) as a STARTING point for your own thoughts, if you want to go this direction.

See below for some other booklets which seemed interesting to me this a.m. For the general index for all of the Radio Bible Class Discovery Series booklets, see Radio Bible Class "Discovery Series"
Index: http://www.rbc.org/ds/

The descriptions below are from the index pages.

As always, "TAKE WHAT WORKS AND LEAVE THE REST!!!"

Grace and peace to you all this day.

Theodora

In particular, I thought you might like to look at this booklet----IF interested and at your own "risk and discretion!"

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When Disappointment Deceives INR-CB041
http://www.rbc.org/ds/cb041/

No one is immune to disappointment—not even God! It’s an inescapable fact of life. The key is what we do with our disappointment. This booklet takes an in-depth look at what is really going on in our hearts when disappointment wounds us deeply. It also helps us to see beyond the destructive and debilitating lies of Satan, and to embrace the truth that leads to healing and freedom.

--

When Tragedy Strikes: Finding Security In A Vulnerable World INR-CB042
http://www.rbc.org/ds/cb042/

Our world is marked by violence, disaster, and catastrophe—wars, terrorist bombings, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, plane crashes. When tragedy strikes, we are faced with our own vulnerability and mortality. In the wake of devastation, many of us donÕt know what to do or where to turn. How do we handle the shock, the pain, the fear, and the anger? This booklet helps provide the confidence to go on when tragedy strikes.

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How Can I Live With My Loss? INR-CB921
http://www.rbc.org/ds/cb921/

The process of dealing with grief and loss is one that eventually affects all of us. The more significant the relationship is, the more dramatically we feel the emptiness of loss when that loved one is no longer with us. How do we respond and work through the normal process of loss and sadness, while grieving in a way that is different from the grieving process of people who have no hope? This booklet offers help.

--

When Anger Burns INR-CB942
http://www.rbc.org/ds/cb942/

A day rarely goes by that we don’t feel some form of anger. That’s why it’s important to talk about our anger—what it is, what it does for us, where it comes from, and how we can learn to handle it in constructive instead of destructive ways. This booklet helps us to expose the roots of our anger so that its explosive potential can be defused.

--

Joseph: Overcoming Life’s Challenges INR-Q0715
http://www.rbc.org/ds/q0715/

Joseph’s life was filled with injustice. Yet each time that he was confronted with an unfair life experience, Joseph responded with faith, hope, and confidence in the God who is always in control. In this study, we walk with Joseph through his life’s disappointments and learn with him about the goodness and faithfulness of God.

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Why Is Life So Unfair? INR-Q0719
http://www.rbc.org/ds/q0719/

In reflective moments, we may find ourselves embittered by the inequality and injustice that shows up on every page of human experience. How can we have confidence in God when life seems to favor those who have no regard for Him? What can we say to people who are suffering—or even to ourselves? This study of Psalm 73 follows the struggles of a man who, when looking unfairness in the eye, almost walked away from his faith. But he found answers that restored his confidence in God—answers that can help us as well.

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"FWIW/FYI"---!!!!!! Obviously, I have NO idea how you might be approaching your situation at the moment, but I offer what comes to hand...and you came to mind as I was browsing these titles for another forum member.

Grace and peace to you and yours this day....and again, my thanks for your taking the time to respond to my concerns about my Marine and how to support him.

Theodora

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[Bastogne Bulldog]

This is very kind of you, thanks so much for the gracious words and the encouragement!