Author Archive

Aug

It is not my intent to write – in detail – the nature of my husband’s struggles or the specific difficulties we have faced in our marriage. It is not my place to air out my personal grievances here – and this is not a place that will become a battleground or weapon of destruction.

Rather, my intent and my focus when writing about addiction, will be about MY journey and what many wives and spouses go through when addiction overtakes life.

I am by no means a victor over my battle with food. I struggle to eat food simply for fuel, and find more often than not, I’m stuffing my face with something and realize I’m Not Even Hungry…

That is not a free pass to rely on food for comfort or emotional satisfaction. I have to be conscious in all I do and in every step I take, and when I am not, I so easily fall into living a fake life.

THAT is the nature of addiction.

It is a facade, a mirage, a promise that will never be fulfilled.

And my struggles with my own addiction are often as painful as facing the difficulties that arise from my husband’s addiction.

This will not be a gossip column. This will not be a place to air out my complaints. I will refrain – as much as humanly possible – from belittling or deconstructing my husband here.

But I will talk about the pain. And I will talk about the struggle to breathe. And I will talk about the burden of struggling with my own addiction, as well as the addictions of my closest companion in life.

It won’t overtake this blog.

But it is something I will write about in the future.

Category: Addiction, Family, Marriage One Comment

Aug

Living with Addiction. Living with an Addict.

queenmommy

I’ve written about my Food Addiction before, and you can find my posts about it in my Queen Size Mommy section.

But I also live with an addict.

An addict whose choices have affected every aspect of our home and family.

While I walk a fine line of choosing NOT to air out dirty laundry and be as honest as I can, it’s necessary to talk about how addiction has affected my life and my marriage. I do not write this to be disparaging – but honestly because I know if I live with this, I am NOT the only one. And so often being the wife of an addict is very isolating and draining.

I do not write this to engage sympathy, because I have my own issues and I have my own dysfunctional behaviors that contribute to the problems in my life and in my marriage.

However, the problems that arise from being married to an addict are often confusing and difficult to navigate.

On one hand, I’m supposed to be a submissive wife. Scripture clearly indicates this truth. Repeatedly.

On the other hand, how can I enable the behaviors that help him live so easily in his addiction? Submission often contributes to these behaviors… And yet there are no excuses in Scripture.

It’s a very fine line and it’s been one I have been dancing on for years.

It requires great wisdom and Scripture says if we want wisdom to ask of God. I have been asking and begging for change. I have been asking God to change me and even railing against the fact that after great personal struggle and transformation, there were no changes in my husband.

And his addiction continues.

One thing I do know is that nothing comes into my life – of my own doing and consequence, or of anyone else’s – that does not pass through God’s Hand. And ultimately, His Will prevails.

Another thing I know is that God always seeks redemption. Always. He is relentless in His pursuit of a personal, intimate relationship with every single human being, and because I know that, I have to trust that God wants that just as much for my husband as he does for me. Or you.

I have studied addiction. I have studied God’s Word. And I have a God who is greater than Impossible.

While my husband pursues recovery – finally – and while I pursue my own walk with God – for that IS the only “cure” – it is a hard road to travel. I don’t feel like blogging. I don’t feel like eating. I don’t feel like showering or lifting my head off the pillow sometimes. I don’t feel like being a mom at times.

But God knows what I need, and my prayer is that He will direct my steps every day. And bring redemption to my family.

Category: Addiction, Marriage 5 Comments

Aug

Reasoning with the Unreasonable

queenmommy

Oh, how some people hate the word Christian. Let’s be honest.

Christians are “narrow-minded”, “bigots”, “zealots”, “crazy”, and on and on it goes. Anyone who disagrees with anyone else’s way of thinking – based on PERSONAL RELIGIOUS BELIEFS – is off their rocker, right? Anyone who dares “criticize” or “disagree” with anyone else’s personal choices, preferences, or lifestyle is just plain MEAN.

sigh.

There is no reasoning with the unreasonable. Period.

And human nature defines “reason” in a very personal way. What seems reasonable to me – say wearing sandals even when there’s a dusting of snow on the ground – may seem completely unreasonable to you. So is it reasonable or not?

Because we are so comfortable living within our own personal ideas and thinking, somebody somewhere had to come up with a general set of rules to live by. I mean really, there are people who believe it’s not only their privilege, but their right, to have sexual relations with children.

Who’s to say their wrong if that’s how they feel?

From the beginning of human history, there have been “codes” and “rules” to live by because of this very human way of thinking AND feeling. Anyone hear of the Code of Hammurabi? One of the first set of laws written and recorded by human hands, the code of Hammurabi was a remarkable set of laws for living in Babylonia. There was a NEED for legal system because frankly, if we all did everything we wanted when we wanted, well, I don’t want to think about it.

The funny thing is, when you interject GOD – a Supreme Being, a Higher Power, an Unseen Hand – into the mix all of a sudden everybody is coming out of the woodwork screaming FOUL.

It’s okay for man to determine laws for humanity. But a Creator Being – who supposedly LOVES each and every person ever born – establishing a set of rules to live by – well, RELIGION isn’t going to dictate my choices.

So human reasoning, which we all know is flawed at its best, establishing laws about human behavior is acceptable. Yes, let’s let the imperfect establish rules of justice.

But God-given principles and laws are laid at the feet of “bigots” and the like. Cuz we all know a perfect standard is just too hard to live up to.

Interesting, don’t you think?

Category: Faith, Life One Comment

Aug

Houston, We have a Food Dye Allergy

queenmommy

This is still pretty new to me, but I’m pretty positive that Georgie is allergic to Red Dye #40.

Anything that is red or pink probably has Red 40, but not exclusively. Red 40 is one of the most common dye additives to many common foods such as chips, crackers, beverages, cheese, chocolate cake mix, even meats and vegetables!

Although we have yet to confirm this with her doctor, and allergy testing for food dyes is very difficult, her behavior after consuming red fruit punch is astonishing. I had started noticing it in the past few months, and without thinking, filled a cup with 1/2 water and 1/2 red punch. First thing she did when she sat down at the table to eat was guzzle about 1/4 of what was in the cup. Within just a couple of minutes – she was OFF. THE. HOOK.

She couldn’t sit still, she was spinning & dancing, she was yelling and jumping, and she acted as if she couldn’t even hear us. She didn’t eat a bite, even though she hadn’t eaten for hours. While it could be attributed somewhat to sugar, it is the same kind of behavior that occurs while drinking ANYTHING red – sugar free or not.

So I’m going to do an experiment – at the risk of our sanity – by offering her some sugar free Grape drink mix. Yep, it contains Red 40.

Anybody out there have any experience with food dye allergies / intolerances? I’ve just started researching and found a few websites that offer some explanations of other children who experience the same kind of disconnect in behavior after consuming food containing a dye they are allergic to!

Red Dye Free

Kake

Red40

Oh, and by the way, according to THIS article, Red 40 has been approved for use by the FDA, but when sprayed on weeds is effective as a PESTICIDE.

HELLO!!!

So, at our next well visit – we’re going to be discussing this in as much detail as we can, and I’ll be reading labels a LOT in the near future.

Any advice or recommendations you can offer is surely welcome!!!

Category: Food, Kids 2 Comments

Aug

Interview with a FORMER Christian Witch

queenmommy

Oh people. If you don’t get any other book to read, you should get Kristine McGuire’s Escaping the Cauldron: What You Should Know about the Occult – Ghosts and the Paranormal.

There are folks who just don’t believe that there is a spiritual aspect to life – that there are angels and demons – and that many of the “paranormal” events that happen are just flukes or imaginations.

Kristine McGuire has a unique perspective of faith in Jesus Christ – as well as about the things that happen around us – especially because she has experienced both sides in an active way.

Here’s more about this really unique book:

What is the book about?
The book is part testimony of how I went from committed, albeit legalistic, Christian for twenty-nine years to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years before God restored my faith and life. It details my personal struggle with trying to be “the perfect Christian” while being drawn to the Occult from childhood. The book is also a Biblical study that examines the current pop-cultural interest in the occult (in particular ghosts, hauntings, and mediums) and how this interest is affecting Christians as well as their beliefs about the supernatural.

Why call it Escaping the Cauldron?
This is actually the first book in a series, What Christians Need to Know about the Occult. It is a series of collections written from my former experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. This book is primarily about ghost hunting, mediumship, and the paranormal but I chose “Escaping the Cauldron” as the main title because witchcraft was truly my entry into the arena of occult interest and exploration including such things as divination, psychic ability, spirit guides, mediumship, ghost hunting, etc.

What do you think is the most important chapter of the book?

I think there are many important chapters but “Spiritual Warfare” and “How Should Christians Respond?”are the two which take everything discussed in the previous chapters bringing it all together, helping the reader understand their authority in Jesus Christ and leading the way to a ready defense for any kind of paranormal or supernatural event they may experience in their life as a Christian.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
I hope to inform and equip Christians with information about the occult. Additionally I pray the church will begin to acknowledge the presence of the spiritual world around us and listen to people who come forward with stories or claims of paranormal experiences without dismissing them immediately. When the church refuses to listen or offer any Biblical assistance, many people are forced to seek help elsewhere. This generally means seeking out ghost hunters, mediums, and psychics. I also hope to encourage Christians who may be questioning their faith to seek a deeper relationship with God, especially if they are stuck in a form of legalism. Our answers truly can be found in Jesus Christ.

Where is the book currently available to purchase?
The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon. The book is also available in paperback and e-book editions at my blog site: Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com and Lulu Publishing.

How are you available to the Christian community?
I write a daily blog, Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com, on a variety of topics including faith, marriage, prayer, spiritual gifts, and the occult. I also work with my husband through Big Fish Ministries at www.BigFishMinistries.com, ministering through speaking with him at church and para-church events about marriage, facilitating seven day or special event prayer rooms, helping the homeless, etc. I am also available to speak at any youth, women’s, or church events on a variety of Christian topics.

Find Kristine McGuire on Social Media Sites:

Follow on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/kristinemac

Follow on Twitter at: www.facebook.com/kristinemac

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the author in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services

Category: Books & Movies 2 Comments

Aug

All Quiet on the Bloggy Front

queenmommy

Yep – right now – I’m just sapped.

It’s okay. I’m not complaining. It’s just a time for me to be quiet. (Never thought I’d ever say that!)

Blogging is being reprioritized – and right now, there are other more pressing and needful things in my life that I have to focus on.

I’m not done – just stepping back. I’ve been dancing on the line for some time with it – and although writing is such a natural extension of ME, it’s being reformulated along with several other things in my life.

We’re all good. Girls are growing like WEEDS I tell ya! Reading some books – so I’ll have some reviews up here soon. But I’m still enjoying less time tied to the computer for now – and know when school starts and “routine” settles in again, I can think about writing and blogging and being here more actively…

Category: blogging One Comment

Aug

Afternoon Tea Time

queenmommy

We aren’t particularly set in our ways when it comes to tea time, but I really enjoy having a tea time with the girls when they wake up from their naps. Normally, they ask for a snack, and because Roy won’t be home for several hours, it’s the perfect time to offer something tasty and sit down with our little teacups and enjoy some company.

When its hot outside, we’ll have iced tea – and I’ve been on a MUFFIN kick lately – although I sure do enjoy a good scone when I have some yummy strawberry jam on hand… Mmmmmm.

August Teaporia specials are a PERFECT way to offer YOUR kids a special teatime. Rather than offering them a soft drink, you can offer them a fruity cup of iced Bubble Gum Tea (this is not just great for kids – it has a lovely light, fruity flavor) or Cherrybana Tea – both of which are caffeine free, and you can decide how to sweeten them yourself!

Whether you serve it with crackers & cheese, homemade scones & jam, or a peanut butter sandwich, it’s a great way to surprise someone you love and share a sweet Cuppa together!

Category: Tea and Coffee Leave a Comment

Author Archive

Let’s Connect!

Updates on Caden

Teaporia News

Great Reads

Goodies

Disclosure Policy

Featured Sites!

QM Cafe Connections

Networks

For the QM