Did you know that 17% of all women struggle with pornography addiction?
People who attend church are not exempt from this statistic. It is my belief that porn is a silent killer of families and individuals. I know some people think it is harmless entertainment - what's the big deal? I can tell you from personal experience (not my own addiction but someone who was close to me) that when it becomes an addiction, it is much more than just looking at nude pictures...for some it becomes an escape from reality, they run to fantasy like a drug; for some it becomes a familiar release of stress, but it doesn't help them build much needed relationships. We are created for authentic relationship with others, believe what you want, but I know from experience that porn addiction kills interpersonal relationships...reality just never can compete with fantasy.
For some this may seem like a random post, out of the ordinary and unneccessary. I have a purpose, let me explain. I used to work with pinkhairedgirl. She struggled for years with porn addiction and has been in recovery for the last few years. She leads a ministry at her church for female porn addicts. She is thinking about writing a book on the topic, the working title is "Dirty Girls: The New Porn Addicts." She would like as many people as possible to take the online surveys at TheNewPornAddicts.com. The site launces today.
Please help out my friend and answer a survey if you fall in to one of the following categories; a present addict, a former addict, or a family member or friend of an addict.
Because I haven't really addressed porn addiction before on this blog, I ask you, do you think porn is addicting?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
This thing has been going around facebook for a while. Since I took the time to fill it out, I thought I would also post it here...25 Random Things About Me.
1. I am Hispanic, though that is never the first guess of those I meet...generally, they think I'm from India (my adopted homeland) - which is fine by me...if only I could speak the language!
2. Kenyon and I had two weddings (Overland Park, KS and Tuni, India) and four wedding receptions (KS, India, Missouri and Santa Fe, NM).
3. Our wedding was published in the paper and broadcast on television to over a billion in India. I have copies of our picture in the paper, but don't really know what it says since the words are written in beautiful Telagu.
4. We had fireworks and human flame blowers at our reception in India; Mariachi's at the reception in Santa Fe.
5. Kenyon and I met in a bar, though neither of us drink alcohol. We knew from our first date that we wanted to get married, and a year later, to the day, we were.
6. I love to travel (that one is obvious, but worth mentioning)
7. I live in North Carolina, I use that term loosely because since I moved here I visit less than 50% of the time - I consider it just another stop on the world tour. So, it's more accurate to say my stuff resides in North Carolina and I pay rent there.
8. My brother and his wife were professional dancers until recently.
9. My mom sings, acts, and even did a stint as a stand up comic...she was also featured on America's Funniest People once (remember that show) barking like a dog and dressed as a baby. 10. My two favorite foods are peanut butter and green chili (Hatch, New Mexico variety) - but not together.
11. Santa Fe (my hometown) is still one of the most unique places I've seen and one of my favorite places to visit.
12. I haven't paid for an international plane ticket since 2004.
13. I've been in school most of my life and would go back, if time permitted, to finish my PhD, which I am saying is "postponed" for now.
14. In 2008, I visited 21 countries.
15. My best friends live in Kansas City, Virginia, China and Dubai and I see each of them at least once per year.
16. I love to read, it is rare that I don't have something I'm reading...usually I have more than one thing I'm reading any given week.
17. I love a challenge! If someone says I shouldn't do something or that something can't be done, that gets my juices going and I try to figure out how to overcome the challenge they just laid before me.
18. I could easily be an adrenaline junkie...I've jumped out of a plane twice and would do it again in a heartbeat. I've wanted to own my own motorcycle for years, but my loved ones have banned me from it.
19. I feel less stressed and sleep better when I exercise regularly, unfortunately my schedule is so chaotic routines of any sort are lost.
20. I am a penny pincher...won't pay for cable because I consider it a waste of money, rarely rent movies and check them out from the library for free instead, buy groceries at Wal-mart and keep clothes for years regardless of the fashion.
21. I have a dresser in my bedroom that I've had since I was a little girl, when my parents divorced it was left on our porch by a stranger...I keep it because it reminds me of God's provision for our needs in unexpected and tangible ways.
22. I have a book shelf and desk in my living room that were purchased with a small inheritance I received from my step-dad when his dad died...it wasn't about the money, these are remindres to me that God puts the lonely in families (Psalms 68:6)
23. I was legally adopted at 28 years old by my step-dad. My attorney had to do some research because he'd never done an adult adoption before. Then my good friend Fiona threw me an adoption party at her house with an "it's a girl" sign hanging over the garage. People gave us all kinds of amazing gifts at the party to commemorate the occasion - I wouldn't of known what to bring to an adult adoption party, but I loved their creativity.
24. I love my husband very much - even when he's being contrary (if you've spent any time with him you know what I'm talking about). I never thought I'd find a man so supportive of my calling and willing to sacrifice so much so I could pursue it...I am eternally grateful for him and his companionship.
25. I hope one day to write a book. I have been told by many for most of my life that I should write a book...maybe someday...but I find it very hard to pick a topic - how God can heal a broken person, discovering and responding to a calling to impact the world, travel adventure stories, best practices to help people overcome poverty, or something else? I figure when it's the right time, I'll know.
Do any of these surprise you? Tell me something random about you.
1. I am Hispanic, though that is never the first guess of those I meet...generally, they think I'm from India (my adopted homeland) - which is fine by me...if only I could speak the language!
2. Kenyon and I had two weddings (Overland Park, KS and Tuni, India) and four wedding receptions (KS, India, Missouri and Santa Fe, NM).
3. Our wedding was published in the paper and broadcast on television to over a billion in India. I have copies of our picture in the paper, but don't really know what it says since the words are written in beautiful Telagu.
4. We had fireworks and human flame blowers at our reception in India; Mariachi's at the reception in Santa Fe.
5. Kenyon and I met in a bar, though neither of us drink alcohol. We knew from our first date that we wanted to get married, and a year later, to the day, we were.
6. I love to travel (that one is obvious, but worth mentioning)
7. I live in North Carolina, I use that term loosely because since I moved here I visit less than 50% of the time - I consider it just another stop on the world tour. So, it's more accurate to say my stuff resides in North Carolina and I pay rent there.
8. My brother and his wife were professional dancers until recently.
9. My mom sings, acts, and even did a stint as a stand up comic...she was also featured on America's Funniest People once (remember that show) barking like a dog and dressed as a baby. 10. My two favorite foods are peanut butter and green chili (Hatch, New Mexico variety) - but not together.
11. Santa Fe (my hometown) is still one of the most unique places I've seen and one of my favorite places to visit.
12. I haven't paid for an international plane ticket since 2004.
13. I've been in school most of my life and would go back, if time permitted, to finish my PhD, which I am saying is "postponed" for now.
14. In 2008, I visited 21 countries.
15. My best friends live in Kansas City, Virginia, China and Dubai and I see each of them at least once per year.
16. I love to read, it is rare that I don't have something I'm reading...usually I have more than one thing I'm reading any given week.
17. I love a challenge! If someone says I shouldn't do something or that something can't be done, that gets my juices going and I try to figure out how to overcome the challenge they just laid before me.
18. I could easily be an adrenaline junkie...I've jumped out of a plane twice and would do it again in a heartbeat. I've wanted to own my own motorcycle for years, but my loved ones have banned me from it.
19. I feel less stressed and sleep better when I exercise regularly, unfortunately my schedule is so chaotic routines of any sort are lost.
20. I am a penny pincher...won't pay for cable because I consider it a waste of money, rarely rent movies and check them out from the library for free instead, buy groceries at Wal-mart and keep clothes for years regardless of the fashion.
21. I have a dresser in my bedroom that I've had since I was a little girl, when my parents divorced it was left on our porch by a stranger...I keep it because it reminds me of God's provision for our needs in unexpected and tangible ways.
22. I have a book shelf and desk in my living room that were purchased with a small inheritance I received from my step-dad when his dad died...it wasn't about the money, these are remindres to me that God puts the lonely in families (Psalms 68:6)
23. I was legally adopted at 28 years old by my step-dad. My attorney had to do some research because he'd never done an adult adoption before. Then my good friend Fiona threw me an adoption party at her house with an "it's a girl" sign hanging over the garage. People gave us all kinds of amazing gifts at the party to commemorate the occasion - I wouldn't of known what to bring to an adult adoption party, but I loved their creativity.
24. I love my husband very much - even when he's being contrary (if you've spent any time with him you know what I'm talking about). I never thought I'd find a man so supportive of my calling and willing to sacrifice so much so I could pursue it...I am eternally grateful for him and his companionship.
25. I hope one day to write a book. I have been told by many for most of my life that I should write a book...maybe someday...but I find it very hard to pick a topic - how God can heal a broken person, discovering and responding to a calling to impact the world, travel adventure stories, best practices to help people overcome poverty, or something else? I figure when it's the right time, I'll know.
Do any of these surprise you? Tell me something random about you.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Who are you?
I receive weekly stats on my blog and each week the stats say more than 100 people visit...yet, I don't hear from that many on a regular basis through comments or email. So, I'm wondering...who are you? I'd like to get to know you. Please post a comment below letting me know your name and where you live (yes, that includes you mom). I look forward to meeting you (virtually).
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Uniqueness
I was recently listening to this message online. Something resonated with me that I thought was worth sharing...
"What makes you unique is what makes you powerful!"
Have you embraced your uniqueness?
"What makes you unique is what makes you powerful!"
Have you embraced your uniqueness?
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Monthly send off
Each month my employer sends new staff to the field. These are individuals being sent to the far reaches of the world, the ends of the earth. I don't often get the opportunity to participate in these send off events because of my travel schedule, but when I'm in town I absolutely love them.
I love the excitement in their eyes, the anticipation that is written all over them. I love their willingness to enter the unknown for a greater purpose. It reminds me of the privilege I have of doing this work as my vocation. It reminds me of the responsibility of our tasks and whom we are serving.
This month I prayed with a man who is moving his family from Sri Lanka to Vietnam to work with our office there. I met him in Sri Lanka, spoke to him while he was visiting our offices and look forward to visiting him and his family in the field this year on an upcoming trip to Vietnam. He cried as we prayed for him. His faithfulness challenges me to go deeper.
I'll miss the send off next month because I'll be traveling, but I look forward to the next one where I can participate. It is such an honor to work for my employer, doing what I do.
Please pray for the hundreds of staff who are serving every day in difficult areas, giving up comforts, and being stationed far from family and friends. Please remember those who give sacrificially every day for others.
I love the excitement in their eyes, the anticipation that is written all over them. I love their willingness to enter the unknown for a greater purpose. It reminds me of the privilege I have of doing this work as my vocation. It reminds me of the responsibility of our tasks and whom we are serving.
This month I prayed with a man who is moving his family from Sri Lanka to Vietnam to work with our office there. I met him in Sri Lanka, spoke to him while he was visiting our offices and look forward to visiting him and his family in the field this year on an upcoming trip to Vietnam. He cried as we prayed for him. His faithfulness challenges me to go deeper.
I'll miss the send off next month because I'll be traveling, but I look forward to the next one where I can participate. It is such an honor to work for my employer, doing what I do.
Please pray for the hundreds of staff who are serving every day in difficult areas, giving up comforts, and being stationed far from family and friends. Please remember those who give sacrificially every day for others.
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