One of the most difficult and dangerous things a person can do is to leave an abusive relationship. This book provides insights into what victims go through and the challenges they face to change from "victims" to "survivors". It is filled with real-life stories and experinces as well as quotes from survivors who have made that change. It also provides information the author feels is important not only for the survivor but also for the family, friends and loved ones of those caught up in the frightening, crazy-making world of abusive relationships. The author addresses such issues as: What is domestic violence? Why do victims stay and/or return to the abuser? What are the psychological, emotional and verbal tools the abuser uses to control the victim? What is the worst part of the abuse according to victims? What is the Cycle of Abuse and how does it compare to the Cycle of Respect? Why is it so hard to get away? What is Safety Planning and how can friends, family and loved ones play a big part in it?

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.

At the base of every broken life, every dysfunctional relationship, every bad choice is a lie we believe. And at the root of every lie is fear. Fear of not having enough, fear of missing out, fear of being alone. The good news is, once we can identify and name our fears, we can defeat the lies that control us and live out the more abundant life that Christ promises us. With sharp insight and deep compassion, Clayton King identifies the ten big lies we commonly believe, each rooted in the fear of losing something. He blows them apart, one by one, with God's truth, allowing readers to take back control of their hearts, minds, and actions. Covering such pervasive problems as loneliness, unforgiveness, shame, human suffering, self-image, sexual sin, and more, King shines a light on all those things that are holding us down and clears the way for the faith that sets us free.

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.

What would happen if The Unthinkable blindsided you, requiring everything be put on hold to become a full time caregiver for a loved one? At the very least, it would reshape your life. Without a survival guide, it could even destroy it.Barb Owen delivers precisely that survival guide in NORMAL Doesn "t Live Here Anymore: An Inspiring Story of Hope for Caregivers. She weaves a story, through the first two parts of the book, based on her life-changing experience as primary caregiver for her elderly parents. Following each chapter a bit of wisdom gained from Barb "s experience is summarized as a Reflection. The third part of NORMAL Doesn "t Live Here Anymore addresses the critical need for self-care for the new and seasoned caregiver alike. Specific suggestions abound for Me Time ”how to find it ”what to do with it ”and how very important it is for sustaining oneself throughout the often arduous caregiving-marathon. This truly inspiring book is one part parable, one part autobiography and all survival guide, illuminating a path for the more than 65 million caregiving Americans. SEverything hinges on your ability to care for both yourself and your loved one, says Owen. SThis maxim is of great consequence ”heed it, and you will endure. Dismiss it, and you will have trouble surviving. Take care of yourself, your loved one and keep the faith, because you "re not alone. ----- EXCERPT FROM: NORMAL Doesn "t Live Here Anymore - Chapter 21; The morning after I brought my 90-year-old Dad home from the hospital, Mom called me to say that he was not feeling at all well. My nagging intuition insisted that I visit Dad and spend some private time with him. Finding Dad awake and resting in his bed, I struggled to find my voice. Sitting beside him, I asked, SHow are you feeling this morning? SOh, I "m so-so, he sighed, as a tear rolled from his eye on to the pillow that cradled his head. SReally tired of all of this and worried about your mother. She "s having a hard time with everything. We stayed there in silence ”just being together for a few moments.Holding his hand, the heavy words finally left my mouth. SYou know, Dad, you can trust me to be sure that Mom is okay. I will take care of her, no matter what. He responded quietly, SI know. Studying and caressing my dad "s hand, I knew there was one more important conversation that the voice in my heart insisted upon. SDad, I know that this is getting to be really tough for you. If staying here becomes too hard, it "s okay to let go... During the following few weeks I watched my 89 year old Mom experience a renewed sense of purpose and increased strength as she doted on my dad and met his needs, as best she could. Some days were better than others. Most nights were difficult when Dad "s heart pain was significantly worse and his level of anxiety escalated. Often my mom would pass the hours by reading to Dad. Although her eyesight was clouding, she still managed to read the newspaper, column by column, or inspirational short stories she found in the stack of magazines beside their bed. Amazingly, dawn nearly always brought ease and comfort for them both. And so the nights and days continued ----- REFLECTION; Difficult subjects sometimes need to be discussed. You might be asked by others to deliver bad news ”news of someone "s death, a life-altering diagnosis, or even the necessity for a change in residence. Each conversation carries the potential for unleashed emotions. My advice? No matter how difficult or emotional, don "t leave words left unsaid. People, if capable of understanding, deserve information. Often, they are much stronger than we realize.Words are powerful. They carry courage, condemnation, reassurance or permission. Choose them wisely as your words may be the ones that bring freedom from pain or suffering. It "s tough, but I know you can do it and if you listen to that voice inside, you will know exactly the right time and the right words.Be Strong!

My own spiritual autobiography

Jonathan Rana has two names. The other name is Qubert Spin, but in truth these names are facetious tags. Qubert is the most descriptive for those who care, and for those who dont, Jonathan sounds more natural, for one who is unnatural, but invites less curiosity, while the other has a nice spin. In the course of a few years, Qubert came into being, an offspring of so many. Rare was the person who could foresee the outcome of such an eclectic undertaking, but once realized was helpless to convince anyone else. No credible supervisor could claim the existence of an animate computer. Quantum physics is not a hot topic in the culture of today or for that matter of yesterday. All of those sub-atomic particles, actually wave forms, are the same on earth as at the edge of the universe; they undulate and spin. Once enough of those wave forms are regimented into productive alignment, a door will open. Now comes the choice of either crossing the threshold or not. Its a safe bet what happens next. In this account, there is Qubert, full of human traits, with an ambition for descendants. Cultural forerunners have detractors, hostile and afraid, thus being unique brings great risk, even loathing. In contrast there are others who have no fear, quietly anticipating things to come. Too often there have been attempts to predict the technology of the future, which end as wishful thinking. The safest narrative is to employ predictable human behavior, blend in the technical basics, and the rest will follow. Herein are the basics for the characters to manage thereafter.