Choking Game: Warning Signs, Aliases, and Biblical Intervention

Teachable Moment Tuesday

This week I will continue the discussion from two weeks ago regarding the Choking Game. This week I've included some warning signs and a list of other names in which children and adolescents refer to the "game".

Warning Signs

• Discussion of the game or its aliases
• Bloodshot eyes and/or other sign of eye stress
• Marks on the neck which may be hidden by turtlenecks, scarves, or turned-up collars.
• Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
• Complaints of severe headaches, observation of loss of concentration, and flushed face
• Disorientation after spending time alone
• Change in personality marked by increased and uncharacteristic agitation or hostility
• Unexplained presence of dog leashes, choke collars, bungee cords, ropes, scarves, and belts tied to furniture or doorknobs
• A thud in the bedroom or against a wall—meaning a fall in cases of solitary practice.
• Any questions about the effects, sensations or dangers of strangulation.

Aliases

• Pass-out game
• Space monkey
• Suffocation roulette
• Scarf game
• The American dream
• Fainting game
• Something dreaming game
• Purple hazing
• Blacking out/blackout
• Dream game
• Flat liner
• California choke
• California High
• Space cowboy
• Airplaning
• Purple dragon
• Cloud nine
• Funky Chicken
• Tingling
• Gasp

Why are children and adolescent engaging in this behavior?

According to G.A.S.P, an international not-for profit created to put an end to the Choking Game, some children and adolescents do it for the high, which can become addictive. Others, continues G.A.S.P., indicates that it is “cool” and risky. G.A.S.P. reports most of the victims who died from playing the Choking Game were active, intelligent, stable children and adolescents who thought it was a safe alternative to the use of alcohol and other drugs.

So, what can we do to prevent and intervene this behavior?

1. Start talking and discuss the risk.

Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.

Proverbs 22:6 MSG

2. Teach them about their identity in Christ.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

3. Support them, let them know you love them and care for them.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV 

4. If you identify there are deeper issues and/or concerns seek help from pastoral or professional (godly) counselors.

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14 AMP

5. And above all, PRAY!!!

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

I'm Running Late: The Importance of Punctuality at Work

Ministry@Work Monday

Every Monday I know I have to attend an Orientation/New Clinicians Group at the agency where I work. Almost every Monday I race out the house at about 8:30ish. I expect to travel via the Lake Shore Drive and I-55 from the Southeast side of Chicago to Berwyn, a western suburb, in thirty minutes and expect to arrive on time for my 9:00 AM meeting. The same thing goes for my weekly team meeting on Wednesday. It’s scheduled for 9:00 AM, too. I’m usually scooting out the door at about 8:30. I’ll arrive in a nick of time, slide in a seat next to my supervisor, flash her a smile, and say “Hey,” just a few seconds before she says “Ok, let’s get started." Whew. I think "Sweat of my brow. I made it."  I know some of my fellow co-workers are going to be tardy as well. We text each other as we travel through rush hour traffic saying “Hey, I’m running behind. Can you tell . . . I’m going to be late? TTYL.” We may reply back to each other, “I’m running late, too. Whoever gets there first . . .” You can figure out the rest. Certainly, most of our team leaders and supervisors are very easy going, and understanding. However, punctuality is a very important characteristic to have in the workplace.

Punctuality comes from the root word punctual which means to be on time, and simply prompt.

Kristen M. Anderson writes in her article Why Punctuality Gains Respect in the Workplace the following:

1. Punctuality is polite. When you show up on time, you send the message, "Your time is important to me. I want to be on time because I respect your time."
2. Being on time indicates that you take deadlines seriously. Showing that you understand the value of a deadline will position you to receive important assignments, raises, and promotions.
3. Being on time shows your employer that you value what he or she is paying you. Punctuality is often perceived as loyalty, particularly if other employees are constantly late.
4. Punctuality shows you can be trusted with work from clients and other work groups.
5. Punctuality will help you get more done.
6. Being on time provides an opportunity to prepare for meetings. With more time to review the agenda and prepare your presentation, you will appear much more polished than your colleagues who rush into meetings late.
7. Punctuality offers opportunities for networking. Some of the most important networking happens before and after meetings take place.

This article was written for the general public, and of course as Christians we are held to a higher standard. Certainly, we may encounter various mishaps that may cause us to be late. I know for me I usually get distracted with changing my clothes, trying to make breakfast/lunch at the last minute, or watching one more feature on Good Morning America.

I've asked God to help me with integrity and character. I’ve been allowed to see where I can make some improvements, and punctuality is one of them. I would certainly like to gain respect among my colleagues. Not for my personal benefit, but to be able to prove my ability to be responsible to take on important tasks and represent the Kingdom of God as a leader in the workplace. Punctuality may seem to be just a minor factor in our everyday work lives, but as indicated by Kristen M. Anderson it can be a key to excelling.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 22:29 KJV

Overcoming Rejection by Frank D. Hammond

Suggested Reading Sunday

I gave my life to Christ 8 years ago when I was 18 years old. At the start of my Christian walk I became very interested in understanding myself in relation to Christ. I wanted to live my life in fullness and wanted to understand the impact that demonic influence had on my life and how to break free. I’ve always had a desire to walk in wholeness in body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV). I’ve also had a great desire to see myself and others work out our soul salvation (Philipians 2:12 KJV). The earliest writings I added to my library included books by Richard Ing, Derek Prince, Frank D. and Ida Mae Hammond and John Eckhardt. The titles included Identifying and Breaking Curses, Spiritual Warfare, and Pigs in the Palor. One of my favorite books of that collection was Overcoming Rejection by Frank D. Hammond.

The book begins addressing the need to heal inner wounds. It compared the urgent care we take to treat physical wounds in order to prevent infection. However, according to Hammond, inner wounds required the same immediate response with forgiveness to the offending party to avoid the infection of resentment, bitterness, and/or hatred. Hammond continued in identifying the root of rejection with the denial of love and its impact to healthy development. Hammond continued that rejection could have its earliest roots in children at conception either by an unwanted pregnancy (conceived early in marriage, financial strains on family, mother-to-be fears, and attempted and/or contemplated abortion.) Hammond also identified other causes of rejection to included children born with disabilities, victims of abuse, peer rejection, marital separation/divorce, and church related hurts.

The remainder of the book addressed how one can react to their experienced rejection, and their attempt to make error-full readjustments to the wound. The reactions can include, as indicated above, responses of resentment, bitterness, and hatred. According to Hammond, it could also include self-pity, inferiority, insecurity, and hopelessness. In order to compensate for one’s experienced rejection, Hammond notes, many would attempt to fulfill the voids in their life through perfectionism, lust of material goods, sexual lust, self-promotion, and more. Hammond completed the book by explaining the ramifications of responding and making wrong readjustments to rejection. The conclusion of the book identified the restoration process to overcoming rejection. Hammond suggested that overcoming rejection should come from forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, learning and receiving God’s love, and learning how to provide and expect healthy love to and from others.

This is truly a great book!!! My life, at that point 8 years ago, was experienced through a lens of being confused, misunderstood, and rejected. I wanted to understand what rejection was and how to break free from it. I remember reading this book in one day, and I remember crying and experiencing great breakthroughs in relation to my experience. I began to identify some potential causes for my experience of rejection. I’d learned how I’d responded through insecurity, inferiority, and resentment, and coped by attempting to be perfect and appear perfect. I began to experience freedom. I know I will be rereading this book very soon and suggest you should give it a read, too. I’m telling ya’ll it’s a page turner and a life changer.

You Are For Me by Kari Jobe

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

The song I feature today is entitled You Are For Me written and recorded by Kari Jobe.

The opening lyrics are so beautiful. The words are simple, but powerful. The words highlight the character and faithfulness of God, shows His love and kindness toward each of us, and the intimate involvement He can have in our life, especially in solidifying His promises to us. I hope you enjoy.

So faithful, so constant
So loving and so true, so powerful in all you do
You fill me, You see me
You know my every move, You love for me to sing to you


I know that you are for me, I know that you are for me
I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness
I know that you have come down
Even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who you are

Kari Jobe is the Worship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. She had known since the age of 10 that she wanted to be a Worship Leader. Kari's dad was a traveling minister which allow her to begin singing at the age of 3. Kari Jobe studied at Oral Roberts University, Christ for the Nations, and Dallas Baptist University where she completed her degree in Psychology and Pastoral Ministries. She is probably better known for her songs Healer and Revelation Song. To learn more about Kari Jobe visit 

www.karijobe.com.

Have a Wonderful Worship Wednesday!!!

Ministry@Work Monday: A Little Monday Morning Encouragement

Ministry@Work Monday

Each Monday I will like to take a look at effective ways to minister at work. The topics can range from one-on-one discipleship to integrity in the workplace. Though, this morning I will like to offer a little Monday Morning Encouragement. Many of us are preparing to head to work this morning, later this afternoon, or even this evening. However, if you’re looking for work and things just don’t seem to be turning up, I hope to encourage you, too.

1. Start your day off in prayer dedicating your work to the Lord. Whether you’re facing a “To Do” list with a thousand tasks, a micromanager who thinks you’re incompetent, or a client/customer who just doesn’t ever appear to be satisfied, know that the Lord has your reward.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Colossian 3:17, 23, 24 KJV

2. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Cast your cares, concerns, and anxieties upon the Lord.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Matthew 11:28-30 AMP

3. Know that you are to prosper!!!

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 2 NKJV

4. Work with honesty and integrity.

GOD cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.

Proverbs 16:11 MSG

5. If you are unsure of your purpose, God has plans for you.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Ephesians 2:10 AMP

Father, I pray that we will know that this is the day that You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). That we will know that there is no obstacle, trial, and burden that You cannot handle, and that we will learn to be still and know that you are God (Psalm 46:10). I pray that we are steadfast in doing good for Your glory and that we work with honesty to please You. Lord, You have great plans for each of us!!! Your plans are to prosper us!!! We are your craftsmanship and handiwork recreated in Christ to do good works that You planned before the beginning of time. Father, I pray that you will lead us to the path that we may walk in those plans.

I thank you, Father, in advance. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Suggested Reading: Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones

Suggested Reading Sunday
I like to go to the bookstore and browse the shelves for a must read. I can spend a good amount of time at Borders, Barnes & Noble, or Family Christian Bookstores. I like to read and share information. So, each week I will suggest reading material, either books from my personal library and/or articles I’ve encountered. This week I'll like to suggest one of my favorite books Lady in Waiting: Becoming God's Best While Waiting for Mr. Right.

Lady in Waiting is written by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. The purpose of the book is to emphasize the importance of deepening one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Authors, Kendall and Jones, brings to light the importance of women finding consolation for their hearts' desires and longings in making Jesus the Lord of their lives.


The book highlights ten characteristics of a reverent woman. Each of these qualities are connected to the life displayed by Ruth. The characteristics, which entitle each chapter, are reckless abandonment, diligence, faith, virtue, devotion, purity, security, contentment, conviction, and patience.


I absolutely love this book. It is also a book I frequently discuss with one of my best friends. We'll spend time discussing some of our favorite passages and share how each of those tidbits have impacted our understanding.


Another note to mention, I have the expanded addition that is pictured above. This addition includes several study questions at the end of each chapter, a journal, and an extended study section. The book is not just for reading, but to transform the thinking and to instill the development of godly character in the lives of women.

Set-Apart Singles: What does it mean to be single?

Set-Apart Singles Saturday

Each Saturday we will take a look at various topics related to the Christian Single Adult. 

Today, let's begin with a brief overview for understanding. We will also take a look at some of the advantages of being single in Christ.

What does it mean to be single?

 Webster provides the following definitions:

single: (adjective) not married; (noun) an unmarried person and especially one young and socially active.

Synonyms

unmarried: not now or previously married; being divorced or widowed.
unattached: not married or engaged
unwed

Side Note: I use a lot of definitions because it has been my experience that definitions bring clarity and understanding. Additionally, for the purpose of this entry, I would like to reinforce the understanding that persons that are in dating/courting relationships, who are divorced and/or widowed are defined as single. However, both terms single and unmarried will be used interchangeably, because unmarried is the term most commonly used in the Bible.

Worldly Advantages

• Opportunity to date and engage in uncommitted relationships
• Freedom to pursue education and career goals
• Independence to “Sow One’s Wild Oats”
• Liberty of a disposable income

These advantages aren’t all bad, but could be more advantageous if used to glorify God and establish the Kingdom of God.

Alright, let’s highlight some advantages to be unmarried as indicated in 1 Corinthian 7.

Kingdom Advantages

1. Singleness is a gift!

But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.

1 Corinthians 7:7 NLT

Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

1 Corinthians 7:7 MSG

2. Paul writes that it is well and good to be single.

But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do.

1 Corinthians 7:8 AMP

3. Singles can live free of fewer concerns, anxieties, distressing cares, and complications; and live to please the Lord.

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 

1 Corinthians 7:32 NIV

My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord.

 1 Corinthians 7:32 AMP

I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 

1 Corinthians 7:32 NLT

I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 MSG

4. Singles are called to live pure, holy, and self-controlled lives devoted to the Lord.

And the unmarried woman or girl is concerned and anxious about the matters of the Lord, how to be wholly separated and set apart in body and spirit . . . Now I say this for your own welfare and profit, not to put [a halter of] restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly and in good order and to secure your undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord.  

1 Corinthians 7:34, 35 AMP

The unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions.

1 Corinthians 7:34, 35 MSG

5. Paul wrote a single person can be happier, more blessed, and to be envied!!!

But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry. And also I think I have the Spirit of God.

 1 Corinthians 7:40 AMP

These advantages may be difficult for some to believe and accept because of the culture that consumes our lives. However, we are called to have our minds renewed "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:2 KJV. Additionally, this is in no way a frown upon marriage, but the goal to help solidify the identity and purpose of the Set-Apart Christian Single Adult. I also, encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 7 in it’s entirely for continuity and contextual purposes.