Explanatory note:

Some of you may have received a bizarre note, allegedly from me. My computer was hacked on Wednesday by someone from Nigeria and I believe that many of you in my address book may have received a notice. One of at least two notes were sent, and I just want to confirm that I didn’t lose my phone in a goldfish bowl, nor do I have any relatives with pancreatic cancer.

Sayings to Consider

“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

Booker T. Washington

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

Paul Lewis Boese

''What sweetness is left in life if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun.''

CICERO

''Real magic in relationships means an absence of judgement of others.''

WAYNE DYER

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

Joan Didion

''The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues.''

RENÉ DESCARTES

A Happy Ending without an End

As many of you know, Nanci Alcorn went to be with the Lord about four weeks ago. Here’s a heartwarming blog from her husband, Randy Alcorn, about how his faith is sustaining him even amid his loss. Click here to read full article.

Honest Faith Can Cry out to God

Some of you may have Christian clients going through difficult times who wonder why God is allowing tragedies to occur. Here is another blog from Randy Alcorn that may be helpful to them. Click here to read full article.

“I’m Smart, So I Should Be Able to Overpower ADHD. Right?”

People with ADHD who are intellectually gifted are often able to use their intelligence to help them deal with their ADHD. This article is a good discussion of how the strengths of those with ADHD can often be helpful, and also the challenges they may still face. Worthwhile reading for all counselors. Click here to read full article.

‘Happening all over the nation’: FL mom sues after daughter transitioned at school without consent

Last week I shared an article about “transition rooms”—secret rooms at school where children who are transitioning without parents’ knowledge can store clothes of the gender they are transitioning to that they can wear during the school day. We might think this is not happening in Florida but according to this lawsuit it is. Apparently schools are providing many services in addition to transition rooms to children and teens without parental knowledge or involvement. Click here to read full article.

Why the World Hungers for Forgiveness

Sometimes the world catches up to something God told us about centuries ago. An example was a recent edition of Vox, a secular magazine, talking about the need for forgiveness in our society. Click here to read full article.

When Mother’s Day Feels Like a Minefield

You won’t be able to read this article in its completeness unless you are a subscriber to Christianity Today, but I think you will be able to read enough of the introduction to understand the point this author is trying to make. Click here to read full article.

What Do More [Non-believing] People Wish the Church Knew?

Since most of you work with a variety of clients, some of whom are not believers, it’s helpful to know what nonbelievers think of the way believers talk and think. Here’s some research from members of that group that can be helpful to know. Click here to read full article.

Can You Stop the Cycle of Generational Trauma?

We are all aware that genetic traits can be passed down from generation to generation, but what about socio-emotional trauma? This article talks about that and may be worthwhile considering, even if you are skeptical. Click here to read full article.

The Secret to Quality Time with Your Child? Let Them Lead the Way

Many parents find that their child or teen doesn’t want to spend time with them. Here is a list of things to possibly try with your child or teen. Click here to read full article.

10 tips for discussing infertility with compassion

Although you may not have difficulty discussing infertility with couples, some of your clients may ask you for help. Here are some tips on things to say and not to say. Click here to read full article.

Christian singer discovered on TikTok makes history, reaches No. 1 on multiple charts

In case you are not a frequenter of TikTok, as I am not, you may be unaware of this song. I encourage you to take four minutes to listen to it. I think you will be blessed. Click here to read full article.

Can You Treat Bipolar Disorder Without Medication?

This article from the Amen Clinic talks about many psychological factors that can be treated using psychological methods. The article, like some others from the Amen Clinic, has a lot of advertising for the Clinic, and I think the title is a little deceptive, since it seems to infer that you can treat bipolar disorder without use of medication. I think the article has some good points about how psychological treatment can reduce the intensity and frequency of bipolar episodes, but most experts in the field (including one sentence at the beginning of the article) affirm that medication is an important part of any comprehensive treatment plan for those with bipolar disorder. Click here to read full article.

Some Interventions Improve Cognition in Older Adults More Than Others

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (objective cognitive impairment that does not interfere with daily functioning) improved more with treatment that involved two or more domains than ones that only involved one domain. If interested, see the article for more information. Click here to read full article.

This 126 IQ Math Genius Was Discovered to Have ‘No Brain’

I promise you that if you read this article you’ll learn some surprising new things. Click here to read full article.

Some Interesting Trivia that are interesting but have Little to do with Counseling

The nation’s largest collection of publicly available comic books is at the Library of Congress.

Man Who Married Hologram of a 16-Year-Old Runs Into Big Problem

38-year-old Akihiko Kondo married a fictitious hologram of a 16-year-old but has run into a problem. The company that made the software for his hologram wife has stopped supporting the software for her, so he can no longer talk to her. Click here to read full article.

The most successful pirate in history was a woman.

“With 1,800 ships and 70,000 men under her command, Zheng Yi Sao — better known as Madame Cheng — is in many regards the most successful pirate in history. A former prostitute who married into the business, she took over her husband’s Red Flags Fleet after his death in 1807. After surviving multiple assassination attempts by the Chinese government, she struck a deal that allowed her to retire peacefully in 1810.”

From Interestingfacts.com, May 2, 2022

To those of you who are mothers or hope one day to be, you have one of the most important tasks in the whole world!

Henry Virkler