News about Journey to Hope

Hello there.  I am emailing you to remind you I am traveling to India on Thursday, February 7th, and returning Wednesday, February 20th, 2013.  My husband and I are flying on the same flights with Israel, and when we arrive in India, we will be spending time with our adopted family (we now have 3 beloved children over there, Israel, Sanjay and Lux) and with very dear friends, as well as teaching and counseling at the different centers for Bombay Teen Challenge. You know by now how passionate I am about the work of Bombay Teen Challenge, and so very honored to be a part of it.  I also thank you for the love that many of you showed Sanjay last summer, and Israel as he has prayed for so many of you during his time here this winter.  I would very much appreciate your prayers as we travel.  I will resume regular office counseling hours on Monday, February 25^th.

As I prepare to travel, I also wanted to say that I would like for the work we have started together to continue even while I am away.  I will have access to email, and I ask that you purposefully reach out on our appointment day and time to let me know how you are doing; how your situation is progressing, and how you are feeling about you and your situation.  Please do not limit yourself to reaching out only on your appointment day; if something comes up, please do not hesitate to email me.  You can be sure that my concern and care for you will continue, no matter where I am in this world.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers. If something comes up for you that you cannot handle on your own, please reach out for help.

We celebrated 2 years in our current location on January 31^st, and we thank you for being a part of this incredible blessing that is Journey to Hope.  This private practice is a realization of a dream, and we find ourselves amazed at what God has done.  Your life and your situation and your struggles are very important to me, and I am very thankful that your life has intersected with mine and our journey to hope together has made a difference in both of our lives.  You matter. Your life matters. Don’t forget that.

As I said, you will be in my thoughts and prayers as I travel. I will see you back on my calendar after I return from India. Remember, there is always HOPE. HOPE that your situation can change, that you can change; that others can change; that God is greater than anything you faced on this earth.

Many have asked if I will be blogging about the trip and about when new therapy groups will be starting.  Watch the website for updates about the trip, as well as dates for upcoming groups for men, women and teenagers.

Blessings.

In Christ, Susie

Happy Anniversary Journey to Hope!

Journey to Hope Counseling is celebrating its 2 year anniversary today, January 31, 2013!!!! We have been so very blessed in this work and ministry and are absolutely amazed with the number of people who have walked through our doors! Thanks to everyone who has been a part of Journey to Hope since the beginning. We appreciate all the support, prayers and faithfulness of clients and friends as we journey together through life. Blessings, Susie

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. You are in my thoughts as I get ready to bring a close to Christmas 2012.  This year has been one filled with challenges and great joy.  Side by side.  Pain and healing.  Tough times and times so wonderful they take your breath away.  Isn’t life like that?  A study in contrasts.

Yet through it all,  whether your Christmas has been peaceful or beautiful or tough, there is always hope.  Hope is what sustains us when the going gets tough; it can energize us when we are exhausted; it can motivate us to try to get it better next time.  My prayer for you this Christmas is Hope; always Hope that God will show Himself faithful to you and to your life and to the challenges you are facing.

Today, after a Christmas meal, and opening of presents, a group of us went to see Le Miserables.  This may be my fifth or sixth time to see either a live performance or a movie of this book, and it never fails to move me.  Tears flowed, and my heart responded to the idea that life is about second chances and new beginnings and hope.  At the end of the movie, redemption and peace is found, and this remarkable truth is shared,  “To love another person is to see the face of God.” 

Praying that you will love those that God has placed in your life in 2012. Thankful for you and for every moment we have shared this year.

Merry Christmas from the heart.

Susie

Note: We will be working this Saturday, December 29th from 9-6 p.m., and will reopen for 2013 on Wednesday, January 2nd. Happy New Year!

Give Thanks

 

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
 

As we approach Thanksgiving, a few words to think about from Journey to Hope.  We are very thankful for each of you and for God allowing our paths to cross for a season.  Your struggles, and your problems and your journey is very important to us. We care about you very much. 

Many of you have met Israel in my office these past two weeks.  Israel is here for 3 months visiting from India and Bombay Teen Challenge, and he is spending time at Journey to Hope during his stay here, and is praying for the counseling work that is being done, and for every person that comes through our doors.  He is a prayer warrior, but also wants to be a pastor/preacher. One of the things he is most passionate about is giving thanks, which is perfect for this season.  Here are some words from Israel about Thanksgiving.

“We need to always remember that we cannot live without saying thanks. We can give thanks because God gives us everything. Everyday when we wake up,  we need to give thanks because God gives us life.  Every morning, we need to start our day by giving thanks for the good sleep, for the good hope, for the good life, for our families and loved ones.  When God gives something to us, we have to respond. And our response needs to be thanks."

You cannot pray without thanks.  An example is when we pray at mealtime.  We give thanks because God gives us the food.  Think about the birds of the air; they do not worry about their food. God gives to them, and they wake up each morning singing thanks to God for taking care of them. Giving thanks is the most natural thing for them to do.

 Problems in life?  So many times when we have problems, we feel scared. We must always remember that God is always with us. Can you thank God for your problem?  Can you then fight with your problem knowing that God is with you? God knows your problems and your hurts; your tears are not wasted.  God sees your tears; He cares for you”

Praying for a blessed Thanksgiving for all of you.  Thankful for you, for your life, for your journey.

Blessings,

Susie

Thankful

As we prepare to start a new week, I find myself feeling in a moment of thankfulnesss. Thankful to be able to have a practice like Journey to Hope and to be able to invest my life into so many incredible and unique people.  You need to know that you matter very much; your issues matter; your life matters.  Hang on to that important truth that your life is of infinite value when times are challenging and painful.  Life is a journey, and the chapter you are in may not be your favorite, but there is more to come.  There is always hope. Always. Remember that.

Susie