Total page views: 67,769
Published Content: 268
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On AC since: 03.06.08
Bio:
Joy is a wife, mother, grandmother, blogger and writer who enjoys the challenge of writing on a variety of topics.

Originally from Indiana, she now lives in Tennessee and enjoys retirement with her husband of nearly 40 years.
Education/Experience:
High School and Life 101
Motto:
The Joy of the Lord is my strength
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After living my life with amblyopia, there is now hope for a cure.
Tips for making your home more appealing to buyers.
Abducted and raped at the age of 13, Alicia is now a strong survivor who speaks out for those missing and abused children who are not able to speak for themselves.
We all need heroes, but what happens when our heroes become tarnished?
Healing the wounds of incest and childhood sexual abuse is truly a life-long process, and I am certain that the same push-pull will remain for a season.
Josh Osborne has survived a heart transplant, abuse at the hands of his parents and three years of dialysis.
"Sunshine" is a legislative campaign designed to advance child protection in this country, yet this piece of legislation is missing from the books in all 50 states.
The Surviving Parents Coalition is an organization you might not yet be familiar with, but I'm sure you would recognize the names of many of its members.
The days of thinking of perverts as dirty old men in trench coats hiding behind the bushes is gone.
After being rescued from his abusive parents in 2004, Josh Osborne is thriving, even while enduring daily dialysis treatments as he waits for a kidney transplant.
The numbers of innocent children being sexually abused is staggering.
The correlation of those who view child pornography and the physical acts of child molestation is illustrated by a victim who describes her feelings of this horror that will not end.
My confidence is this country is slowly improving as I see the funding for Internet Crimes Against Children being disbursed.
Each year the Toy Industry Association hosts its annual toy show, displaying many of the new items for the upcoming Christmas shopping season. This year, many of the toys have gone high-tech and will appeal to adults as well as children.
The importance of funding provided by JAG and ICAC is revealed in this story of an online predator who was recently arrested in South Chicago Heights.
Anyone with a pet knows how important it is to find an effective flea and tick preventative without those nasty chemical side-effects that can cause harm to your pet.
If you drink green tea as an alternative to coffee and black tea in order to be healthy, you might want to reconsider your beverage of choice.
The Bible teaches us that we are to "honor and our mother and our father", but how do we accomplish that when our parents are abusive?
A poem about viewing the home where I used to live.
"The trauma of child abuse can last a lifetime, leading to a higher risk of anxiety, depression and suicide further down the line."
One of the major attractions each year in Bell Buckle, Tennessee is The Annual RC and Moon Pie Festival, which will be held this year on June 20th.
It is nice to know that some of the money from the current stimulus package will be spent wisely.
Scientists are testing a new pill designed to "erase" bad memories. Is this a good idea or would it take away from our identity and our history?
My family has fair skin with our familial roots in Europe, which makes us much more prone to damage from the rays of the sun and more likely to have skin cancer.
Healing and recovery remains a life-long process.
Jean Nate` has a very fresh, clean scent that isn't overpowering.
Why can't we apply the same common sense that American citizens use on their own budgets to the budget of our nation?
President Barack Obama recently appointed Tony West to the head of the Department of Justice, Criminal Division.
GM and Chrysler must meet its February 17th Deadline
Love, like fine wine, gets sweeter over time.
Winchester, TN police department working with the FBI and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) aids in capture of pedophiles involved in an international pornography ring.
Chattanooga has a promising future with the opening of its new Volkswagen assembly plant, paint shop, body shop and training center.
You need not wade through profanity before you reach the "good stuff", as is often the case with this genre. Grits keeps it clean.
Hard as Hoof is a great product for treating fragile nails that split and break easily.
Making just a few easy changes changes in a room can transform it from gloomy and dull into a wintertime oasis.
The use of C-KAD OS Ophthalmic Solution for the treatment of cataracts is coming closer to a reality, as it undergoes Phase II clinical trials by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A young child in Wheeling, West Virginia testifies in court against her mother and her mother's boyfriend for sexually abusing her beginning at age 3.
My personal experience with the Atkins Diet and the Genotype Diet.
Sufferers of gouty arthritis will soon have a new treatment choice that could be more effective and better tolerated.
Knoxville (TN) Police Department has declared war on Internet predators.
Would you be willing to pay just $3 in order to protect this nation's children from pornography, sexual abuse and molestation?
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common disease conditions in this country and is known to have a direct impact on other conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and kidney problems.
Being covetous is usually a sin according to the Bible, but that same Bible also instructs us to covet earnestly. Is this a contradiction in God's word?
Young children cry out for help using simple words and sometimes using no words at all. Will you hear the plea for help?
Baby, our Siamese cat had the joys of the season stolen by the use of Hartz Flea and Tick Treatment.
The economy has hit the HCA very hard, forcing the closing of Portland Medical Center and job losses from Nashville's IT Department
It truly is a small world. Enjoy the Christmas customs from lands around the world.
This product delivers professional-looking results at a minimal cost.
Meet "Bean" a worthy candidate for the First Dog.
The Stevia Plant has been treated more like an illegal drug than a natural sweetener. That is about to change.
Sometimes we know certain things will trigger our abusive memories and sometimes they seem to come out of nowhere and blind-side us.
Observing an American tradition that dates back to Colonial times and beyond.
God gave the best that Heaven had to offer so you and I can go free.
An overview of some of the more common issues facing veterans returning home from war.
Pros and Cons of owning a Clumber Spaniel
Watch as seven groups of dogs are judged to determine Best in Breed and Best of Show at this year's National Dog Show
Nashville, Tennessee is a wonderful place to celebrate your Christmas holiday.
This is just one incident where my husband's life was spared due to people who prayed while he was in Viet Nam.
My husband bowed his head in Vietnam and said a prayer of thanks over his meal that day, just as he always does every day.
Leaving Viet Nam - A Nation learns from the experiences of the Viet Nam Veterans
Letters back home chronicle the events in my husband's life while in Viet Nam.
The brave men who fought to free Cu Chi are forever bound together as a band of brothers.
When a United States Veteran of the Vietnam War feels ashamed to say that he served his country in Vietnam, there is something terribly wrong. As a nation, we owe these men and women the honor they deserve.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. I interviewed a friend who has lived with RA for more than four years. I have included some of her personal experience in this article.
Nearly starved to death by his father and step-mother, Josh Osborne is facing another life-or-death crisis.
Hometown pride runs deep. Living in Tennessee and maintaining pride in the Indianapolis Colts makes me a "true blue" fan.
Women with higher bone density are twice as likely to develop invasive breast cancer.
Every state-supervised sex offender has received a letter from The Board of Probation and Parole.
October is Native American Indian Month in Tennessee, and the event is celebrated annually at Long Hunter State Park. You will find everything from Indian tacos, jewelry, crafts, paintings, pottery, storytelling and Indian games.
I suffered for years from what is commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder.
A descriptive poem about the beauty of a November morning.
Breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating both forms of age-related macular degeneration.
I remember the days of having coal delivered to our home and being shoveled into our coal bin which was in the basement of our house.
My search for a good quality, low carbohydrate baking mix led me to Bob's Red Mill Low-Carb Baking Mix.
Since October, 2007 to the present, two Sumner County, Tennessee teachers have been charged with statutory rape of students.
The red carpet is out in Nashville, Tennessee for the second presidential debate of 2008.
When Josh Osborne, age 15, was rescued, he weighed only 49 pounds. Today, he spends his time fighting for tougher laws for children who are abused and neglected.
Ostrich oil is high in essential fatty acids and higher in omega 3, 6 and 9 than emu oil.
I felt numb and dead inside. I knew something was very wrong, but I could not put my finger on the problem.
More than half a million Americans contacted their state senators, pleading with them to make the passage of Senate Bill 1738 a priority.
When your home is not paid off prior to retirement, there are a few things you can do to reduce the monthly mortgage payment.
Halloween can be a confusing time for Christian parents. Many ask the question, "Should I allow my children to trick-or-treat?"
Ragweed is the most common allergen in late summer and fall.
New beginnings are truly possible for every victim of childhood sexual abuse.
Toxic shame is when shame becomes our identity. Who we are is flawed and worthless. There is hope and healing for this toxic shame.
Children all across America are being sexually violated, video taped and having their abuse spread across the country via the internet. If this is as appalling to you as it is to me, won't you please help?
Tips for incorporating exercise routines into daily activities after retirement.
This article serves as a reminder to mothers: Don't require a child to keep the family secret. Protect ALL of your children from sexual abuse.
Going home for holidays can be difficult for sexual abuse and incest survivors.
A recipe for Cheesecake that is delicious and diabetic-friendly.
Turkey has long been the staple of the Thanksgiving dinner table, but these days, turkey is showing up on more and more tables, including the breakfast table.
Thanksgiving Day has undergone a lot of changes, sometimes due to the hustle and bustle of life and sometimes due to dietary restrictions.
They say you can never have too many friends and in the female mind that equates to "You can never have too many shoes."
To fear the Lord, to respect Him and to be in awe of Him are the inner garments of beauty that will never go out fashion.
I do solemnly swear that I will not ever be caught dead wearing a bikini.
Every stage and phase of life brings with it changes in our wardrobes.
The working woman needs a lot of versatility in her wardrobe. Here are some ideas for a basic wardrobe that transitions from office to a night out.
If you are searching for something just a little different on television, then "The Closer" just might be for you as well.
A review of September's Restaurant
The industry that sizes clothing assumes that everyone becomes quite large as they age, and that simply is not true.
I suppose the girls in this society would not gain the approval of Stacy London and Clinton Kelly on the TV show "What Not To Wear". Yet, there is something very beautiful and yes, fashionable about these women.
I would like to compare the two disorders, Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder. Since I am not a professional, this is by no means a comprehensive comparison, but it will help to shed light and more understanding about these two mental disorders.
So many survivors of sexual abuse need information on Dissociative Identity Disorder. This article provides survivors with many resources to aid in their recovery process.
There is so much more that needs to be done to better protect this nations' children. I would like to feature one group who takes this responsibility seriously.
We cannot work ourselves out of the things that slow our steps, hinder our progress and hold us in bondage to the abuse.
Ground cover plants are a nice addition to any flower bed or landscaping design. Here are some tips for choosing and planting your ground cover.
My personal review of this company's mineral make-up.
Growing older and taking various medications can interfere with the time we can spend in the sun. This can limit the time we have to maintain our yards. Here are some practical tips we use in order to more easily maintain our property.
No one knows your home better than you. Tips for hosting your own Open House especially for "For Sale By Owners".
Abused children always have trouble feeling safe in their world. BACA is an organization that helps remedy that situation.
An essay helps prepare my granddaughter for her first day back to school.
The Baby Boomer Generation hit the school systems in the early 1950s and this is the rest of the story!
Simply by adding a few trellises, arbors or even a gazebo, you can add much beauty to your home by planting some vines to enhance this architectural addition to your outdoor landscape.
Our Siamese Cat was prepared to show me that she is the boss of her toenails and not me!
A child rape victim was victimized a second time by the court system in Sumner County, Tennessee.
If you are a seasoned homeschooling parent or if you are just taking on this challenge for the first time, you will need to find some really good resources to help you with this endeavor.
Being able to identify plants that are toxic could save your life or the life of a child or your pet.
Between the loss of crops in the midwest due to floods, and the high cost of fuel to transport food across the country, school systems will be struggling to provide affordable, nutritious meals for their students this year.
What new teacher has not stepped into this new arena with shaky legs, sweaty palms and a dry mouth?
With all the publicity and focus on today's hottest styles, starlets and movies, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get students to adhere to an appropriate manner of dressing for school.
A growing problem in school districts all across the country is the high price of diesel fuel to keep those school buses running.
Buying those new back-to-school clothes can be trying and expensive. You might consider a few tips for eliminating the stress, anxiety and yes, the high cost of purchasing that school wardrobe.
We so often think only of students when it comes to back-to-school, but teachers also need to find some creative ways to prepare for the new school year.
What happens to elephants who are simply too old to continue in their former role as either a zoo animal or a performer in the circus? What happens when an elephant has health issues? Where do these elephants go for help?
If you are tired of staying in hotels while on vacation, check out these luxurious beach homes in Southern California.
A family vacation spot located in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee.
A brief history and overview of Nashville, Tennessee's Centennial Park and the Parthenon.
It seems that those famous made-from-scratch biscuits put The Loveless Cafe in the cross hairs of Bobby Flay.
"The Dude Ranch" is a great place to plan a family vacation.
Steamboat Bill's is well known by all the locals in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
If you are searching for a vacation spot without all the huge crowds, The Cumberland Plateau is for you!
Cooking for a diabetic can be challenging. Here are two foods that can make life easier for the cook and healthier for everyone!
Where to buy breads, cereals and pastas especially for diabetics, people who suffer from celiac disease or who have specific food allergies
Keep your youngsters entertained for hours with this exciting new Nerf ball from Hasbro!
Adam Walsh and Amber Hagerman - Lives lost as we gained two alert systems to better help this nation's children.
A beautiful place to stay while visiting the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Making the choice to step outside victim thinking into a life of freedom and joy.
Next time you are in Panama City or Panama City Beach, be sure to make reservations for one of these exciting dinner cruises. The food, the ambience and the entertainment are all just fantastic!
"Chappy" and Starr Chapman, former owners of a Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant, move to Nashville, Tennessee and begin life again.
Everything you always wanted to know about crochet, but were afraid to ask!
Antique shops are plentiful in the Big Apple.
A story about our holiday weekend in Angola, Indiana
Information about the new state-of-the-art Schermerhorn Symphony Center located in Nashville, TN
This is one survivor of sexual abuse who found her voice and uses it in a big way!
Do you suffer from contact dermatitis every time you wear jewelry? If so, Simply Whispers just might be the place for you to shop!
An overview of the recovery process for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest.
A sneak peek at the "must haves" for Christmas, 2008
After having a conversation recently with several survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I was reminded, once again, about how much physical pain there is in this recovery process.
While it is true that legal wheels turn slowly, it is also true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So, let us make our wishes known and keep this squeaky wheel rolling along through both Houses.
It pays to consult with a professional when we are having skin problems. There are a number of products available, both by prescription and over-the-counter that can make a huge difference!
Vasovist is a new drug for use in diagnosing vascular diseases and disorders.
Injury and infection to the left knee bursa sidelines Colts Quarterback, Peyton Manning.
Farmers' Markets are a great way to get fresh produce from the field to the consumer and help the local economy in the process.
Does his love for donuts cross the line? Have I become second fiddle?
Are you planning to visit Boston on business or on vacation? Or are you planning to move to the Boston area? If so, here are a few Protestant Churches for you to consider.
Everyone should have a "Preparedness" space in their home for emergency equipment, such as flashlights and batteries, first-aid kits, and of course, a good supply of food and water.
This disorder may sound a lot like allergies and sinus problems, but it is not. It is a disorder of the heart.
My Thoughts and Comments to a Comment Left on My Blog
Can you imagine with me, for just a moment, what it would look like if all the survivors of such abuses found their voices and began to write and speak and tell their stories?
On more than one occasion, people have asked me how I managed to stay married for nearly 40 years in light of my abusive past.
A poetic arrangement of verses found in Revelation 22
French Country Design is growing in popularity. Here are some simple guidelines for this warm, rustic style.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Shattered Dreams require restoration.
"Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness, but it does not always make a man better." Oswald Chambers
Infertility issues become an opportunity for God to prove Himself faithful.
Being owned by a cat can be trying, but it is also a lot of fun!
Everyone has a best friend, but sometimes we get separated by the pathways of life.
Recognizing that you have a disorder, seeking proper medical treatment, and learning how to live with it are important factors in being able to function well in life while maintaining good mental health.
Dissociation and especially Dissociative Identity Disorder are very popular topics these days. As more and more survivors of abuses begin to recover, they are faced with the reality that they dissociated during their abuse.
"Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin (or other tissue) after injury." (Wikepedia)
We have many opportunities to choose how we will spend each moment.
Facing the realities of abuse, betrayal and loss causes us to pass through the valley of weeping.
You can take the tour and spend the day on the grounds with a picnic lunch or there are several restaurants nearby. It is a very unique "staycation" spot for the entire family!
A poem describing the twists and turns of life.
You can build a beautifully peaceful place right in your own backyard for your favorite birds and wildlife.
There are some Christians who are truly depressed, but try to hide it or deny its existence. By so doing, they are only compounding the weight of the problem.
Dogs and cats I have known and loved
Dissociative Identity Disorder is a coping mechanism, not a disease.
I try to practice complete abandon as I write about my own life.
What does it mean to recover from the deep wounds of sexual abuse?
The Bible never sugar coats the people who lived at that time. Their stories are laid out for us to read. We are reminded that these were real people, just like you and me.
It is to provide a place where we come with our shattered dreams, in hopes that somehow the pieces will fit together again...a place where even the strongest of us can break down without feeling weak or embarrassed.
We all have people in our lives who are difficult.
Coolibar offers a line of women's clothing with built in UV sun protection.
A poem about changing seasons
Pornography and child exploitation is one of the fastest growing crimes in this country. It is important to counteract that problem and use the Internet as a healing tool.
Changes brought to our lives by rescuing an abandoned Siamese cat.
"Do you believe in God?" "Does God exist?" No matter how the question is phrased, it shows a deep desire to know the truth.
God specializes in Restoration.
Rahab had to decide whether she would be true to her own people or whether she would trust in the God of Israel.
Murky memories of stories untold Seeking truth as memories unfold.
When trouble troubles our soul, we always can find refuge under His wings.
The after affects of suffering trauma
We all need a personal encounter with Jesus
Time keeps on ticking as years pass us by
How a Bible Story translates into the sexual abuse recovery process
Healing and Restoration
Breaking the silence of sexual abuse and incest. Your life is a story waiting to be told.
10,000 of the friendliest people you will find anywhere!
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