Hello all moms of girls 12 years old and younger, Here are the dates that the Secret Keeper Girl Conferences will be held in Alabama for 2011 and 2012. You can learn more about this conference by going to secretkeepergirl.com
Nov 17, 2011
06:00 PM to 08:15 PM
Emmanuel Baptist Church Life Center
Athens, AL
Contact Person: Patrick Neill (256-230-9748)
Feb 07, 2012
06:30 PM to 08:45 PM
Iron City Baptist Church
Anniston, AL
Contact Person: Amy Weimer (256-591-7153)
Sep 28, 2012
06:00 PM to 08:15 PM
Willowbrook Baptist Church
Huntsville, AL
Contact Person: Whitney Reeves (256-883-0907)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thinking about Abortion?
Ladies If you are considering abortion and are seeking advice through planned parenthood, please read the article below first.
If you are from Huntsville Alabama area and would like to seek Free counsel,please consider visiting Choose life of North Alabama.
They can be contacted at:
220 Rands Ave.
Huntsville, AL 35801
(Phone)256-534-1996
(Email) info@chooselifehuntsville.org
Abby Johnson: Planned Parenthood Kept Me in the Dark on My Abortion | LifeNews.com
If you are from Huntsville Alabama area and would like to seek Free counsel,please consider visiting Choose life of North Alabama.
They can be contacted at:
220 Rands Ave.
Huntsville, AL 35801
(Phone)256-534-1996
(Email) info@chooselifehuntsville.org
Abby Johnson: Planned Parenthood Kept Me in the Dark on My Abortion | LifeNews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Staying Pure in a World that Screams, Give Yourself Away!
PURITY what is it? It is defined as a noun that means the following:
The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.: the purity of drinking water.
If we look around us we see all types of negative imagery and ideas that have the potential to contaminate us(images of women and men completely naked in movies or pornography,violence,abusive or friendly sexual relationships that suggest abuse or casual sex is the way to happiness etc.)These images and ideas affect behavior and pollute our minds and bodies. They have seductive and deceptive qualities that lure us and causes us to internalize mistaken beliefs about real intimacy. They cause us to believe falsely that fantasy can be reality, but more often than not reality has it's consequences. Take a look at these statistics:
1. Each year one-quarter of the estimated 12 million new cases of STDs, other than HIV, in the U.S. occur among teenagers.
2. There are an estimated 1 million new cases of genital herpes each year. That's about 1 out of every 4 people.
3. More than 1 million American teenagers become pregnant each year – one of the highest rates of any western industrialized country.
4. Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome (TMS) is a disorder, often developed by men who engage to frequently in masturbation practices (ex. looking at porn etc.). It results in the inability to orgasm during regular healthy sexual activity.
*The information above was provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
The purpose of listing these facts above is not to scare you, but to help you think before acting. Even if you do not develop an STD or other sexual dysfunction problems, the emotional damage that can occur from living a fantasy is just as painful. Please guard your hearts ladies, for out of it is a Spring of life, be real with yourself and your partner. If you are interested in reading more about Purity, here are some book recommendations:
1. Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity
by Sarah Mally
2. Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendell and Debby Jones
3. Authentic Beauty: The Shaping... Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman
by Leslie Ludy
4. And the Bride Wore White: Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity
by Dannah Gresh, Gresh
The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.: the purity of drinking water.
If we look around us we see all types of negative imagery and ideas that have the potential to contaminate us(images of women and men completely naked in movies or pornography,violence,abusive or friendly sexual relationships that suggest abuse or casual sex is the way to happiness etc.)These images and ideas affect behavior and pollute our minds and bodies. They have seductive and deceptive qualities that lure us and causes us to internalize mistaken beliefs about real intimacy. They cause us to believe falsely that fantasy can be reality, but more often than not reality has it's consequences. Take a look at these statistics:
1. Each year one-quarter of the estimated 12 million new cases of STDs, other than HIV, in the U.S. occur among teenagers.
2. There are an estimated 1 million new cases of genital herpes each year. That's about 1 out of every 4 people.
3. More than 1 million American teenagers become pregnant each year – one of the highest rates of any western industrialized country.
4. Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome (TMS) is a disorder, often developed by men who engage to frequently in masturbation practices (ex. looking at porn etc.). It results in the inability to orgasm during regular healthy sexual activity.
*The information above was provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
The purpose of listing these facts above is not to scare you, but to help you think before acting. Even if you do not develop an STD or other sexual dysfunction problems, the emotional damage that can occur from living a fantasy is just as painful. Please guard your hearts ladies, for out of it is a Spring of life, be real with yourself and your partner. If you are interested in reading more about Purity, here are some book recommendations:
1. Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity
by Sarah Mally
2. Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendell and Debby Jones
3. Authentic Beauty: The Shaping... Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman
by Leslie Ludy
4. And the Bride Wore White: Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity
by Dannah Gresh, Gresh
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Self Image Notes
Hello again ladies,
Since school is starting and many of you may be teachers, coaches, principals etc. I thought I would share some data regarding eating disorders in young girls and give you some questions to ask them, if you suspect a problem in one or more of your students.
Did you know that:
42% of 1st through 3rd grade girls want to be thinner
81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat
50% of 4th grade girls are on a diet
Believe it our not, most of the girls I see with eating disorders, present with Lots of anxiety! Many of them are not bone thin, they actually appear healthy, but they are not. By asking the following questions or noting the following behaviors of suspected students, you can have a better idea if they need help:
1. Do you find yourself eating to cope with stress?
2. Do you count calories?
3. How do you feel when your belly is full?
4. Do you ever feel guilty after eating something or do you have a favorite comfort food?
If they answer yes to these questions they may need to be evaluated by the school counselor or other professional counselor. It is really a matter of self-esteem and attitudes about food, more than it is just about food alone. If you ask these questions and find that the child feels good about herself because she has sharp intellect and lots of friends vs. feeling good because her pants fit or look a certain way on her, then this gives you a good glimpse into her mental status.
I wish you all well in your pursuit of academic excellence, in mentoring, teaching, coaching etc.
You can find this research in Shallcross,L.(Februray 2010). A National Obsession. Counseling Today, p. 28- 38.
Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC
Since school is starting and many of you may be teachers, coaches, principals etc. I thought I would share some data regarding eating disorders in young girls and give you some questions to ask them, if you suspect a problem in one or more of your students.
Did you know that:
42% of 1st through 3rd grade girls want to be thinner
81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat
50% of 4th grade girls are on a diet
Believe it our not, most of the girls I see with eating disorders, present with Lots of anxiety! Many of them are not bone thin, they actually appear healthy, but they are not. By asking the following questions or noting the following behaviors of suspected students, you can have a better idea if they need help:
1. Do you find yourself eating to cope with stress?
2. Do you count calories?
3. How do you feel when your belly is full?
4. Do you ever feel guilty after eating something or do you have a favorite comfort food?
If they answer yes to these questions they may need to be evaluated by the school counselor or other professional counselor. It is really a matter of self-esteem and attitudes about food, more than it is just about food alone. If you ask these questions and find that the child feels good about herself because she has sharp intellect and lots of friends vs. feeling good because her pants fit or look a certain way on her, then this gives you a good glimpse into her mental status.
I wish you all well in your pursuit of academic excellence, in mentoring, teaching, coaching etc.
You can find this research in Shallcross,L.(Februray 2010). A National Obsession. Counseling Today, p. 28- 38.
Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
40 years and Counting
I read an article recently about marriage veterans. In this particular study, a marriage veteran was defined as anyone who had been married 40 years or more. These couples were interviewed and completed multiple surveys regarding their relationship.The 30 couples that were interviewed said that the following things kept them together over the years.
1. FAITH- Helped them persevere through child rearing, financial struggles, and adjustments in marriage.
2. Happiness with gender role orientation- They understood who was responsible for what or who did what tasks in the marriage and were in agreement about their individual roles as well as their roles as a couple.
3. Humor- they laughed often
4. Praying together
5. Committment to give and take
6. Hard work and a determined mind set- many of the couples expressed that they were determined to keep their promises to one another and because of this,many expressed they "knew they'd get through challenging times."
7. Talked fondly of how they met- they can always recall the good stuff in their marriage.
This was not a religion-based study, you can find this study in Volume 54, July 2011 edition of Counseling Today if you would like to read more. The author of this study is Jill D. Duba.
May you all have long lasting relationships,
Jessica D. Cleveland M.S., LPC, NCC
1. FAITH- Helped them persevere through child rearing, financial struggles, and adjustments in marriage.
2. Happiness with gender role orientation- They understood who was responsible for what or who did what tasks in the marriage and were in agreement about their individual roles as well as their roles as a couple.
3. Humor- they laughed often
4. Praying together
5. Committment to give and take
6. Hard work and a determined mind set- many of the couples expressed that they were determined to keep their promises to one another and because of this,many expressed they "knew they'd get through challenging times."
7. Talked fondly of how they met- they can always recall the good stuff in their marriage.
This was not a religion-based study, you can find this study in Volume 54, July 2011 edition of Counseling Today if you would like to read more. The author of this study is Jill D. Duba.
May you all have long lasting relationships,
Jessica D. Cleveland M.S., LPC, NCC
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Landmine or Goldmine? Choosing the right date
A landmine is often defined as a weight triggered explosive device, which is intended to damage a target. It's target can be human or inanimate. It does damage by causing a blast or fragrant impact.
A Goldmine on the other hand, can be defined as a place where gold is extracted and one may become rich when panning for it.
You may be wondering, what does this have to do with choosing the right date? Well, we all know that dating can be risky business (the landmine),but sometimes we have to give it a chance (Goldmine). Let's face it, on the first date, you never really know what your getting into completely. You may be going out with what could be classified as the "Landmine," or the guy whose only intention is excite you with the impact, but ultimately leave you damaged, or you may be chancing the "Goldmine," the guy that will bring wonderful happiness and many riches to your future (not just monetary ones).
So how do you know if your dating a "Landmine" or "Goldmine." Here are some tips:
Landmine - human being who may drop the bomb, one who rarely or never does the following.
Spends time with you face to face
Respects your boundaries (sexual or otherwise)
Ask questions about you, your goals or visions for the future
Shows interest in you and your interests
Pays attention to you in private or in public (has limited eye contact)
Can compromise (this can be noted when planning a wedding etc.)
The Gold Mine, of course is the opposite of the Land Mine. These are only a few red flags. Be careful, there's a real world out there ladies.
Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC
A Goldmine on the other hand, can be defined as a place where gold is extracted and one may become rich when panning for it.
You may be wondering, what does this have to do with choosing the right date? Well, we all know that dating can be risky business (the landmine),but sometimes we have to give it a chance (Goldmine). Let's face it, on the first date, you never really know what your getting into completely. You may be going out with what could be classified as the "Landmine," or the guy whose only intention is excite you with the impact, but ultimately leave you damaged, or you may be chancing the "Goldmine," the guy that will bring wonderful happiness and many riches to your future (not just monetary ones).
So how do you know if your dating a "Landmine" or "Goldmine." Here are some tips:
Landmine - human being who may drop the bomb, one who rarely or never does the following.
Spends time with you face to face
Respects your boundaries (sexual or otherwise)
Ask questions about you, your goals or visions for the future
Shows interest in you and your interests
Pays attention to you in private or in public (has limited eye contact)
Can compromise (this can be noted when planning a wedding etc.)
The Gold Mine, of course is the opposite of the Land Mine. These are only a few red flags. Be careful, there's a real world out there ladies.
Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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