Mental Health

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The Kaleidoscope 

Diverse Conditions Abound

Healing Empathy

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Written for 'Poetry has the power to heal' prompt for World Mental Health Day.

Follower of Jesus, non-conformist, preacher, poet, blogger, graduate of Highland Theological College, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend, Learning Assistant (ASN) Outdoors. Late diagnosed Autistic.

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Top Posts of the Last 7 Days

Ares or Christós?

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What if we aren't the "goodies" after all?  What if propaganda from all sides of all conflicts reveals a darker truth?  There are no heroes only villains and their victims. The broken cisterns of this world are truly overflowing.  There are no righteous, no not one!  There never have been, for all our supposed righteousness is as filthy rags. It is a sad reality that so many, even those of the faith, seem to effectively kneel before Ares.  This idolatry of violence and war is in such contrast to worshiping at the feet of the Prince of Peace.  Sometimes it feels as if the entire world is marching toward destruction and chaos.  Worst of all is that we know the mistakes made in our histories, but we seem to learn nothing from history (other than that we learn nothing).  We do it all again and again.  Sin after sin. When posterity comes to judge us will they look upon the arms trade unchecked, the governments unhindered in iniquity an...
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A Blether about Autism

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In some ways, I feel it may have helped to know I was autistic sooner.  In the same breath, the 1990s and 2000s were a time of bullying for a lot of people. I was a loner, so my torment was probably less because no one knows what to do with outsiders or how they will react. Also, we can fly under the radar. None the less I did get bullied at times. I was always different, and bullies hate that even if they can't put a finger on what made me different or why. As a lonely sort, I often adopted my sisters friends or they adopted me. I'm even married to one. My favourite one! So I at least had a few friends. Being raised on a Scottish Island and going to a wee primary school (good as they were with me), I don't think support would have been available on any level it is to kids now. I am genuinely happy that progress is being made for the young. I do wish there was more support for adults. But, delighted for the young ones. It is a brave new neurodivergent world. Kno...
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Essential

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Written in the depth of the Pandemic: "I am essential!"    The preacher roars in his hundred dollar suit.  His hundreds strong holy huddle of pew warmers burst into an applause of rapture as they prepare for the second offering.  The TV channel switches to pre-recorded "Tele-Evangelist mode".  The cheers echoe through the giant money making machine.  Like an idol his image flashes across giant screens in the auditorium.    As he speaks he suddenly remembers his brother across town.    In an old tin tabernacle the gentle shepherd speaks to his flock.  "I am not essential... Except the Lord builds the house the builders build in vain."  He says this while ministering in a soup kitchen as he serves the needy.  Later that day he plans to do food drops and work in a care home.  At evening prayers his prayer would be as he helped refugees at the docks and prisoners in the cells.  Then at night he would minister on the ...
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Life Wasn't a Series of Screens

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Remember when life wasn't a series of screens? 'I' meant 'me' as in 'I am human' not machine. Smart wasn't a phone it was our Sunday best. Is this another rant? Well then, you know the rest... Heads didn't hang low unless we were being told...and even then... We looked up at the clouds and imagined shapes. Saw the autumn leaves and snowflakes, all so majestic, no mistake. Saw the Robins in the bushes and thought of Christmas. Waited to see bluebell walks and spring unleashed. Spent time outdoors at the beach. We tried to look people in the eye as we spoke unmuffled by this digital joke. Screen time or no time hadn't tried to replace family time or even 'quiet time' and 'rest time.' Brains switched off, not to reboot but to refresh. Down time wasn't interrupted by digital guests. Breathe in the air, take a walk, be blessed. Remember when life wasn't a series of screens? Because that scene wasn't even that long ago! If y...
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Take Heart: A Catechism

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Take Heart A Catechism By David Holdsworth  FREE DOWNLOAD Authors Note: There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum. (1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer? A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name.  Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15 (2) Q. What message does scriptures gi...
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