New Pathways

Motivation Page

01 Sep 2009 00:16:25 GMT

December Motivation In the book Island of Saints by Andy Andrews, a portion of the dialogue on page one hundred and nineteen reads like this: “ We begin to forgive by choosing to forgive . . . by deciding, not by feelings. Our feelings don’t lead us to forgive. Most times, our feelings lead us the other way. That’s why a person has to decide to forgive first. Our feelings always follow along behind our decisions.” “Forgive and forget, you mean?” Buddy Boy asked I think this is where people say to the preacher, “now you’ve gone from preaching to meddling.” Jesus was sent to earth to meddle with us. Jesus was sent to introduce the concept of forgiveness. We have difficulty grasping it. The idea that forgiveness is first and foremost is a decision! Well, I never. . . But I tell you what, for all the times I have treated my husband badly (and there have been a number of times,) and he has chosen to 1. Not remember them. 2. Not speak of them. 3. Forgive me. It amazes me. This choice of his is amazing grace. If my husband is able to do this, imagine what God can do and already does!

Book Review of the Month

01 Aug 2009 23:42:22 GMT

January Book Review Island of Saints By Andy Andrews “Billy blew a thick could of smoke toward the window. “Okay...,” he said, “why does Helen act mean? Well...you know Helen has had some tough things happen in her life...” “I know.” “...and because of those tough things, Helen has gotten mad.” “Mad at what?” “Well, Buddy Boy... Helen is mad at everything right now. She is a good person, and you are right ... she is not really mean. But sometimes when a person is angry, that person can act mean. Helen has let her anger consume her. Right now it has become her. And anger is about the only way Helen expresses herself. You know, if all you have is a hammer... everything pretty much looks like a nail.” Billy paused. “And that’s why Helen acts mean.” Page one hundred and nineteen continues on to talk about the relationship between anger and forgiveness and the difficulty that lies between the two. The beginning of the book is slow, but the middle is deep and wise. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, someone trying to make sense of suffering, or a person working on what forgiveness looks like. Andrews has done an incredible job.

Up Coming Events

01 Aug 2009 23:41:38 GMT

Spiritual Direction Seminar 9 – 11 a.m. Are you searching for a deeper relationship with God? Would you like clarity and direction in your faith walk? This two hour seminar will provide spiritual direction for men and women, ages 15 and up. $20 per person, Scholarships available. Held at Regester Chapel UMC in Stafford, VA To register click here.For Men Only – How to Help People with Depression 7 – 9 p.m. Learn how you can make a difference in someone's life. Understand the differences between masculine and feminine depression. Find the way to hope and healing. ages 15 and up. $20 per person, Scholarships available. Held at Regester Chapel UMC in Stafford, VA To register click here.Saturday, January 31 Spirituality and Art: Drawing upon the Power of the Holy Spirit Mini Retreat 9 am. – 1 p.m. No artistic talent needed. Come and see Scripture in a new way. Experience the power of the Holy Spirit in a new way. $35 per person, Scholarships available. Register by January 10 and receive a $5 discount. Held at Regester Chapel UMC in Stafford, VA To register click here.

Services and Resources

01 Aug 2009 22:50:00 GMT

A "How To" E - Guide for the Person who longs to provide a presence of hope and healing with those who are suffering. This helpful E - Guide offers step by step guidance in the dos and don'ts of love and acceptance. Use this as a guide for individuals, groups, new pastors and for those who desire to provide support groups for those who suffer from cancer, AIDS, depression, and much much more. What Do I Do? What Do I Say? offers sample dialogue, role plays and concrete practical advice designed to make a world of difference in your community and our world.

About New Pathways

01 Aug 2009 22:45:03 GMT

Teresa Smith is an Ordained United Methodist minister. She longs to share with you the hope and healing she has found in Christ. In 2006, she felt God calling her in a new direction. Via New Pathways, Smith continues to follow the call of God offering the gifts she has received over the years, both spiritual and practical; you are invited to journey with her.

Your Daily Psalm Devotional - LIve the Daily Psalm

01 Aug 2009 22:40:35 GMT

Live the Daily Psalm! "Selah" is found throughout the Psalms as a refrain. Some scholars say it means to bow down and worship. Others say it means to praise. Open your arms wide. Praise God. Praise God for listening, being present, active... Praise God. Out loud. Now. Do it as a refrain throughout your day. Challenge: Take this day and set a timer - so that every hour you stand and praise God out loud bowing and then lifting arms heavenward . Psalm 55:18 The LORD will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me. Live the Daily Psalm! Peace. Have you longed for peace? What are you battling? Guilt. Outrage. Dishonesty. Your own sins. Enemies. The list could be long. Sketch a picture of what you are battling. Then draw the Lord bringing peace to you. Challenge: Write a letter to extend peace to someone you've been estranged from, or to someone who is battling.

Register for Events and/or Order E-Books & E-Gukdes

01 Aug 2009 22:30:25 GMT

E- Books - $9.99 Each!

PREACH: The Psalms of Lament
(includes Study Guide: In depth exegesis of three Psalms of lament)
Slaying the Monster Step by Step: My Journey from Suffering to Hope!

E-Guides - $3.75

Psalms of Lament Study
Guide: In depth exegesis of three Psalms of lament
What Do I Do? What Do I Say?

Mini Retreats Registration Fee $39.00/Retreat
Early Bird Registration Fee $29.00/Retreat

Registration Form For New Pathways Mini Retreats

01 Sep 2009 00:01:14 GMT

Standard Registration Fee per Retreat $39
Early Bird Registration per Retreat $29
Email Us: hope@newpathways.us
Call Us: 571-236-9753
Mail to: P.O.B. 728, Stafford, VA. 22555

Self Care Seminar

01 Aug 2009 22:20:13 GMT

We get caught.
Caught up in the crisis of the day. Caught behind the relentless return of the workweek. Caught out on the range as the Lone Ranger.
Before you know it, we are in the Spin Cycle: feeling poorly: mentally, spiritually, and bodily.

This seminar is designed to help the participant reflect on his or her life and choose new ways, with God's help and guidance, to create balance and hope, find energy and renewal!

A Reality Check: Depression Seminar

01 Aug 2009 22:15:54 GMT

This Seminar is designed to give the participant the latest information regarding the differences between feminine and masculine depression, as well as prevention measures and treatment possibilities.

CHECK IN AND READ MORE....

Some Workshop Possibilities

01 Aug 2009 22:10:52 GMT

An Incomplete List of Program Possibilities
Incomplete Because the Need You May Have, Has Not Yet Reached My Ears!

Cut It Out!
You're A Theologian!
Bull's Eye!
Go Raw!

Discover More Possibilities Here! CHECK IN AND READ MORE

For Times Such as These

01 Aug 2009 22:05:45 GMT

Calling All Leaders, Pastors, and Christians! Recognizing the Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, and Depression - Bringing Hope and Healing! Participants will learn signs, and symptoms, important Biblical truths, and more, to aid in recognizing what is happening in a person's life, ways to approach the person, spiritual care, and proven methods of bringing hope.

It Won't Always be This Way

01 Aug 2009 22:00:26 GMT

"It Won't Always Be This Way"
This seminar is designed for those who are trying to make sense of depression. People who suffer from depression, their family members, and friends will grow in their understanding of depression, its effects, and the journey toward healing, via Teresa's Story and the opportunity to engage in a time of peace and support.

Contact New Pathways

01 Aug 2009 21:50:03 GMT

Contact Instructions
Fee Guidelines
Order Resources
Please call and inquire, even if affordability is questionable. My mission is to share hope with those in darkness first and foremost; I believe God will make a way.

New Pathways Home Page - Teresa S. Smith, Director

01 Aug 2009 22:43:40 GMT

Welcome to New Pathways...Your Spiritual Guide from Suffering to Hope!

Reach for Hope via Motivational Speaking, Teaching, Storytelling, Retreats, Workshops & Resources.
Understand Brokenness. Address Suffering. See God. Create Meaning. Define Healing. Find Faith.
Every Person Deserves to be Healthy & Whole, Connected in Mind & Body, Spirit & Soul to Jesus Christ.
Receive Personal Inspiration via E books.

My name is Teresa Smith and I am the director of New Pathways. Please let us know how we can assist your group!