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Editor’s Letter, April 2009
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ~ John 19: 25
This can’t be happening. Rabboni, why would they arrest you? You are the most righteous man I’ve ever met. What will happen to you, to us all? Surely they will find you innocent. Prisons are terrible places; are you cold or hungry? Oh, I wish I could bring you a cloak and some food. The chief priests and Pharisees have you in their talons, but aren’t they just trying to intimidate you? You are the Messiah—won’t you miraculously escape somehow? Read more…
Welcome to Comfort Cafe, an ezine and resource center offering women facing difficult life challenges hope, help and healing.
In This Issue—Developing A Healthy Body Image
The best article on this topic that I found is “Love the Skin You’re In” at Christianity Today.
The articles on this topic below by Linda Mintle are also highly recommended.
This Month’s Guest Feature
Stephanie McIver is a self-confessed “Scatter-brained Control Freak.” Living life in the 21st century as a baby boomer/old hippy chick grandma (with issues) has given her a unique take on life. Always looking to the Lord for the daily bread that comes no matter what other circumstances present themselves, Stephanie has a desire to comfort those who have hurt as she has. The pain of divorce was an unexpected sorrow that has given her new insights into many people’s lives in ways she never thought she would encounter. She has been writing devotionals on the internet since 2000 to an email based subscriber list—it was originally a Monday morning column, but about a year and a half ago, she felt the Lord telling her to write every day. “Are you SURE, Lord? EVERY DAY?!” He has been faithful to give her new words on a daily basis since then. She also is on KORE Radio in the Eugene/Springfield area weekday mornings. She has a five minute radio spot at 7:30 and 9:15 a.m. which has attracted a new local audience. She also writes for the Springfield Times and her church newsletter. To read some of Stephanie’s columns, visit http://lists.topica.com/lists/stephsstuff/read. She is also available to speak at your event. Contact her at steph@stephaniemciver.com.
Read Stephanie’s article The Choice for Humility, about choosing our attitude as we age.
Ruth’s Blog
Comfort Cafe’s editor, Ruth Wood, brings a personal connection to the site through her blog. Her latest post is Mary Magdalene’s Passion. See Ruth’s Blog.
Photography Blog
Deb Allen is the author of Creation Speaks—short devotionals illustrated by beautiful photos she’s taken of nature. Enjoy her latest posts at www.heartscribeforhim.com/CreationSpeaks1.htm.
Coffee Shop Concert—Marie
Marie is very actively involved in some projects such as singing and touring with the first ever Serbian Gospel Choir “Merry Gospel Choir” or a Missionary CC Music Group in Serbia called “Messenger” or the Austrian Christian Youth Choir “S4J-Sing for Jesus” and recorded several CD Projects wit them.
Coffee Shop Concert page.
Column—Miles to Go
Yesterday, our pastor told of interviewing survivors of D-Day, the allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. He told how the survivors of this horrendous battle viewed their future as they descended on the beaches, already strewn with bodies. They knew that this may soon be their fate…
A Life of Meaning, by Marianne Miles
Articles
The older I become, and that is an inevitable truth that I face every day, the more I realize that the outer facade is nothing but that—a facade. The outward appearance is appearing to fade and fall and even disintegrate into a face that I don’t recognize or do I? Mom? Is that YOU?
Steph’s Stuff—The Choice for Humility, by Stephanie McIver
Why is it that so many of us hate our bodies? The mirror is our enemy and we avoid it on “fat” days. We’d like better legs, fuller busts, more hair or straighter teeth.
Stop Hating Your Imperfect Body, by Dr. Linda S. Mintle
I’m interested in fashion and want to stay in style. But lately I’ve been obsessing on different body parts. It seems no matter what I do, I don’t look like the models I see. I’ve been feeling depressed. My mom is worried because I started dieting.
Is Beauty the Beast, by Dr. Linda S. Mintle
I know that when I overeat, I gain weight but I can’t seem to stop. I hate how I look and am embarrassed to have people see me in a bathing suit. Why do I keep overeating? I don’t want to be fat but I can’t get control.
Ask Dr. Linda—Why Do I Overeat? by Dr. Linda S. Mintle
Devotionals
The economy is struggling, a new administration is preparing to take the reins of our country, wars still rage and everyone seems to have a different opinion about how to correct every problem. However, one thing is certain.
See Winning Over Worry, Part 3, by Mary Southerland
It all began long, long ago, in a land faraway, where a young Princess named Snow White lived.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, by Sharon Jaynes
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”
When I Say I Am A Christian, by Carol Wimmer
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time saying no sometimes!
Priorities—What Priorities? by Bridget Gazlay
Scientists have discovered a “cloaking material” that causes three dimensional objects to “disappear,” though to date it’s only effective on a nano scale…
The Illusionist, by Phyllis Nissila
More related resources on body image and eating disorders
Healthy Body Image—Changing Women From the Inside Out
I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It? I’m God’s Girl? Why Can’t I Feel It
www.olivebranchoutreach.com