Merry Christmas wishes

Everyone at Hope for Healing.Org would like to extend our wishes for a Merry Christmas and an extra special New Year. 

No one deserves to be hurt or abused. Survivors of sexual or domestic violence are strong, courageous and special people. We deserve a life that is free from violence or control. 

May you always know that you deserve to be in a healthy relationship. Survivors deserve to be able to love without fear and to have that love returned in a healthy manner. It is our hope that 2012 will be a New Year filled with exciting, wonderful things. May you know only the best that life can bring. 

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Tip 12 for Beating Stress at Christmas is go to a religious service or nativity play. This act takes us back to basics of why we have Christmas. Nothing puts the meaning back into the holiday season like remembering what we are celebrating.

No matter what the advertisements tell us we don't celebrate commercialism or the materialism. We celebrate the birth of a newborn baby placed in a manger. The season is about finding hope and joy in the middle of a condescending, stressful, rushing world.

If you don't attend worship services regularly you aren't alone. Don't worry about taking the kids or even going alone. Every pastor can confirm that churches are more full on Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day than at any other time of year.

Finding a worship service to attend is as easy as asking friends. Someone you are friends with will surely be able to help. The newspaper can also be a good resource. Many churches will list their worship times and the types of services in the local paper.

Getting back to the basics of Christmas is possibly the best way to remember what the real meaning of the holiday is all about.

From Hope for Healing.Org to you we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. May it be filled with the hope, joy and wonder that the season is intended to bring.

Beat Christmas stress by taking care of yourself

One of the best ways to beat Christmas stress is by taking care of yourself. This sounds like an easy answer but it's not. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult things to do.

Finding time to take care of ourselves is one factor. With the rush of work, holiday parties and kids schedules, our needs get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. As survivors, many of us have been conditioned to take care of ourselves last and put everyone else first.

The reality is that we can't help others if we don't take care of ourselves. We run the risk of being short of patience, time and energy to effectively help the ones we love.

Taking care of ourselves doesn't have to consume vast amounts of time. Lingering over a cup of tea, relaxing for a few minutes in a coffee shop or taking a walk can rejuvenate ourselves. During Christmas, it may not only beat stress but taking care of ourselves might be the best present we get this holiday season.

Avoid Christmas stress by staying hydrated

One of the ways that survivors can avoid holiday stress (or some of it) is by staying hydrated. That's the word from About.com anyway. Staying hydrated can help survivors avoid some of the holiday stress. Dehydration can make it hard to think and difficult to concentrate. This leads to added stress when it's the least needed.

Sipping on a bottle of water can stave off dehydration. The article suggests carrying a bottle of water with you to sip on during the day. Herbal teas can also help in the fight to avoid Christmas stress. In addition to avoiding stress staying hydrated can prevent lightheadedness, dry mouth, fatigue and other symptoms.

Avoiding deyhydration isn't just a way to beat stress. It's a simple thing that we survivors can do to improve our overall health. The step is easy and free. Taking care of ourselves doesn't get any better than that.

This is article 10 in a series. Visit 12 Ways to beat Christmas Stress for our first tip. Do you have a tip that you would like to share? Please leave a message for other survivors in the comment section. :)

Keep expectations realistic at Christmas

Maintaining realistic expectations at Christmas can reduce a lot of holiday stress. Let's face it. No one can go to every holiday party, prepare the house, become Santa Claus, fix a big holiday meal, work (inside or outside the home), manage the kids and coordinate everyone's hectic schedules. It's impossible. 

Perfection at Christmas doesn't mean going to the most parties or winning the house decorating contest of the year. Keeping expectations realistic at Christmas can help you focus on what matters most. It can be having a quality afternoon with the kids or sipping tea under the glow of the Christmas tree. 

Forgive yourself and others if a slip-up happens. Keeping expectations realistic at Christmas can be a huge stress reducer. Don't try to be perfect. Remember, Martha Stewart may have the perfect home but she has to have a house full of staff to help her with it. Really, who wants to deal with that kind of stress at Christmas?

Beat stress at Christmas: Volunteer

There is another way that survivors can beat stress at Christmas. Volunteer with an agency that can make a difference. Focusing on others is a big part of what the season is all about. Every survivors has a skill or skills that they can share. You would be surprised at how much even the smallest acts of kindness can help an agency. Some of the skills that our organization has needed in the past have included:

Organizing a clothing closet
What goes where is a big deal in a closet. If you have ever organized your closet or that of a family member then this is something that you can do. Thrift shops, shelters, crisis pregnancy centers often need volunteers who can help arrange a closet.

Wrap presents
Wrapping presents is a big fundraiser for a lot of charities. Your skills don't have to be perfect. Not only will it help you beat Christmas stress but its a reminder of what the holiday is all about. If wrapping isn't your thing then don't worry. Handing out fliers and telling people about the work of the nonprofit is just as important.

Help on the board
Nonprofits can only operate with the oversight of a board of directors. Check with a nonprofit near you. There may be a board position open. It's a great way to volunteer.

Social Media
These days it is critical to have a web presence. If you can blog (like this article), tweet or retweet then becoming a social media volunteer may be for you. It's an easy way to be involved and it can be a way to help beat Christmas stress.

This is tip number eight of a series. Visit the article Twelve ways to beat Christmas stress to read the first piece in the series.

Use Christmas stress as energy to reclaim the holidays

One of the ways that survivors can deal with Christmas stress is to reframe it. Preparing for the holidays gives us the opportunitity to plan for and prepare for potential challenges. One thought suggests that reframing the situation may be a successful way to deal with Christmas stress.

The article Making the Most of Stress at Christmas suggests channeling the stress into positive areas. The theory is that stress can be turned into positive energy that can turn the holidays around. Instead of being a source of dread channeling the stress can be a meaningful way to take hold of the Christmas season and enjoy it.

As with everything this approach may need to be practiced before it can become perfect. Survivors have reported doing something similar to the suggestion above every day. If it can work to help us get through the day it may work to get us through the Christmas stress too.

This article is number seven on dealing with stress at Christmas. What are your techniques? Feel free to share them with others by leaving a comment below.

Dealing with shopping stress

Dealing with shopping stress is nightmarish for everyone. As part of our series called Twelve tips to deal with Christmas stress we're going to look at a couple of tips to help us with shopping stress. These will be posted today and also tomorrow. (12/9/11)

Tip #1
Some survivors report feeling better overall when having a plan instead of just saying 'Mall, here I come'. Being in control is important.

Reduce your holiday shopping stress by planning the trip before you leave home. (Victims of domestic violence may benefit from a safety plan that is created with a local advocate.)

Plans can empower survivors and lessen the likelihood of forgotten items. In general, the plan can be written or not. Go with whatever works best for you. Reduce your shopping stress by thinking about which stores you want to visit. Think about where you want to have a snack or meal and plan a route. (Next...)

Christmas stress busters for holiday office parties

This is our fourth article in the series of Twelve tips to help survivors deal with holiday stress. It's all about Christmas office parties. These obligatory events are enjoyed by a lot of people but can be difficult for anyone who may not feel confident around others.

At some time or another we may all need Christmas stress busters for holiday office parties. We've talked about the importance of breathing and about giving ourselves a time-out. Here are a couple of other tips that may lift a little bit of the holiday stress. Each one has a link to the accompanying article for you to read.

Check back tomorrow for more from our Twelve Ways to Reduce Christmas Stress series. No tip will take 100% of the Christmas stress but these suggestions may help.

Have you ever heard 'the more you look like you fit in, the more you will fit in'? WATE News out of Knoxville, Tennessee suggests researching the office party dress code ahead of time. Looking good makes you feel good. Knowing that you are dressed right can be a confidence booster that will take some of the stress out of the party.

Another tip comes from Emily Post.

Journaling may help reduce Christmas stress

Christmas stress reduction for survivors. Tip #3 is Journaling.

According to About.com, journaling can be a way to alleviate stress. Many survivors keep journals about our experiences. Now it seems that this effort can play a role in stress reduction.

It is generally thought that detailed writing that puts our innermost feelings on paper is helpful. Some survivors find that even the act of jotting down a few quick thoughts can help. After all, during the Christmas rush it's hard to find time to bear our souls.

A few quick sentences can help us regain perspective and give us the break that we need for Christmas stress reduction. Some things are more important than wrapping paper and bows. Journaling can be a way for us to slow down and focus on what we value most.

This article is one a series. Click here to view the first article on Twelve Ways to Reduce Christmas Stress.

Reduce Christmas Stress by taking a time-out

How to reduce stress tip #2: Take a time-out

According to WebMD a time-out can be one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. Who says that a time out is just for kids? Adults sometimes need a break too. When stress starts to build it is okay to give yourself a few minutes to get away from the situation. Leaving the room, taking a walk or just standing outside can give you time to regroup.

Survivors often don't give ourselves a break. Taking a few minutes for a time out may be just what we need to  de-stress.

This article is the second in a series. View our article on the first of 12 tips to deal with Christmas stress. Visit the blog tomorrow to read the next tip on how to reduce Christmas stress.

Do you have one of your own tips that you'd like to share? Please feel free to tell us about it by leaving a message in the comments section. Your message may help another survivor get through the day.

Twelve tips to deal with Christmas stress

Few people are under more stress than survivors of sexual or domestic violence. For the next few days we are going to highlight twelve ways to deal with Christmas stress. One tip is going to be posted each day. Nothing works for everyone. The best stress reduction techniques are those that work for your lifestyle and personality.

Stress reduction tip #1 - Breathe

Go into another room, bathroom, outside or wherever you feel comfortable. Simply take a minute to take a good solid deep breath, let it out and do it again. Notice how you feel. Doing this a few times can help you reduce stress and feel more in control. 

The Stress Institute says that we tend take shallow breaths when we feel overwhelmed. They suggest that taking a moment to breathe may help strengthen the immune system and cardiopulmonary system. It can also clear our minds. All of this can potentially help survivors of sexual or domestic violence feel better and reduce stress.

Click here for the next article on reducing stress...

Christmas for a Strawberry Plains Family

We were called to help make Christmas happen for a Strawberry Plains family. It's a single mom with 4 kids. The donor specified clothes with hygiene items and set an amount. (See our Facebook Fan page here.)

The children will receive the items in the photo. There is one outfit for each plus hygiene items, a pair of gloves and a hat for each. We were also able to get the stocking items you see pictured. It's not much but for these kids it's everything. (The blanket was already on the couch and not something given to the family.)

There's no way we could do what we do if it weren't for you. Many thanks to everyone who help us help others. May you each have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

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Merry Christmas

From downtown Strawberry Plains, may you have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Church Services in Strawberry Plains

Christmas Eve is a wonderful time to attend a church service and spend quality time together as a family. Attendance teaches kids the true meaning of Christmas. It soothes our souls and rekindles our hope. Two churches will be offering services in downtown Strawberry Plains tonight. If your church isn't listed here call your pastor. If your home church is not having services try one of these.

Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church
3168 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
Phone: 865-933-7353
Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
7:00 pm. Open to families and the community.

Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church
3173 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
Phone:865-933-8583
Christmas Eve service times: 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm
Online: http://strawberryplainsumc.holston.org

Longest Night of the Year Winter Solstice 2008 Hope at Christmas

Winter solstice means that the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. Today, will be the shortest day of the year with the least daylight. Our night will be longer than any other. This day, marks the official beginning of winter.

In ages past winter solstice was a powerful day. Candles would be lighted to bring light into the darkness to "call back the sun". Celtics would burn an oak log on winter solstice. The story goes that if the fire did not go out the family would have hope for a successful year.

We don't do that anymore. Christians have a reason to hope all year, not just at winter solstice. Christmas brings us hope in the form of a manger. With the staggering obstacles that the United States is facing we need this hope even more. Right now, we are all desperate for some news that doesn't bring despair. As Christians, we have that. The good news of Christ that lives in our hearts is an ever burning candle that lights the darkest night. It is something to be shared with others with great joy and not hidden away.

It is time to spread the good news that has brought cheer to nations for ages! Whether you are facing the darkness of an economy gone bad or the bleakness of winter solstice the light of Christ never goes out. Christmas is coming. It is time to celebrate. So go, tell it on the mountain and whisper it in the darkest hours of hopelessness, Jesus Christ is born!

May you and yours have a merry Christmas.





This winter photo was taken a little over a week ago. We were on our way from Jacksboro, TN to Berea, KY to pick up our daughter from college and ran into our first real snow of the year. There was so little color on the mountain that the photo appears to be black and white.

Need Christmas Toys? Clothes? Strawberry Plains Charity May Be Able to Help

If you are having a hard time this Christmas? Hope for Healing.Org in Strawberry Plains may be able to help.

Some Christmas toys are still available from our location in downtown Strawberry Plains. Items will be freely given to those in need on Wednesday. There is no charge. You will need an appointment. This is available to current clients and residents of the 37871 zip code, in Strawberry Plains and also to those living in the Carter community. Residents of zip codes adjacent to 37871 will also be considered.

Please bring a bill, referral or other proof of residency. If you do not have a Christmas toy or if you need clothing you are welcome to come.

Email gayle@hopeforhealing.org for an appointment or call 964.6673. All items are limited to stock on hand and are available on a first come first served basis. We do not guarantee that something will be available for your child although we will do our best. To receive, you must call or email for an appointment first.

All items are given in the name of Jesus. Please have a merry Christmas.

Hope for Healing.Org is a 501c3 nonprofit charity. The organization maintains a limited food pantry, community clothing closet and distributes free household items upon a referral basis. We also work with victims of domestic and sexual violence, distribute Angel Food and restore the lives of juvenile offenders. Plus, we maintain the largest website on the internet so survivors can have 24/7 access to information and support via our list serves.

Volunteers are needed in many program areas. Do you have a couple of hours a month that you could help? Are you interested in encouraging others? If so, contact us. Training is free. The need is great. The time commitment is minimal. We'd love you have you. Stop by or call our office in Strawberry Plains today.

Knoxville Shadrack Watersports Christmas Lights Proposed client outing.

Our family had a spectacular time at the Shadrack Watersports Christmas Light Show! It's in W. Knoxville off of I-75 at the Watt Rd. exit. This is perfect outing for a group.

If enough of our clients want to go we'll try to get a van for the trip. Let me know. There is a cost of $15 per van to get in to see the lights. But, the money goes to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The cost for us all to go should be about $3-$4 each for gas and the donation at Shadrack. We can work on that. So, if you want to go don't worry about the money!

Here's a link to my review:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1305192/shadrack_watersports_knoxville_christmas.html?cat=8

And here is a link o the WBIR story about the light display at Shadrack Watersports.

Knoxville Christmas in the City Regal Celebration of Lights

My family and I went to the Regal Celebration of Lights in Downtown Knoxville. We had a lot of family fun! The kids favorite was the marshmallow roast by the Knoxville Fire Department. The city booth even gave away reindeer antlers. Mayfield Dairy was on hand to give away treats of Snow Cream Popsicles and holiday Egg Nog. The event was budget friendly since most of the activities were free.

For our clients, if you want to go as a group activity to any of the events on the website let me know. We'll look at the events and make plans. I would encourage anyone who is looking for Christmas activities to check out the city website. I was pretty impressed at what is offered. Many activities are free or at very little cost. Check it out at http://www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/default.asp

Cheap Thanksgiving Christmas Activities in Knoxville

Knoxville is fortunate to have so many great events. Many of these are free or low-cost. They are great opportunities for the clients we serve to have quality family time. For some of these you can pack a lunch.

I've compiled a few lists of events that you may find helpful for planning an outing. Click the links below for great family activities that are going on in Knoxville.

Thanksgiving Events
Free Christmas Plays and Pageants
Christmas Productions and Pageants for Kids