INFORMATION ABOUT GRIEF AND EXPERIENCING LOSS

I wanted to make sure I placed something for you to read on this subject.  Like you I have also experienced grief and loss that has impacted my life.  I think you'll find this blog very interesting and something that will enable you to heal from the past.

H. Norman Wright

(Isaiah 53: 3, 4)

Experiencing Loss

Whether it’s loss of a job, friends, home, status, a loved one,
or a pet, all people experience loss in one way or another,
to one degree or another. Loss can make us bitter or better. Unfortunately, no one likes to talk about it very much. People seem to have an unspoken agreement with others not to talk about their losses. At times, they are not even aware of some of their losses, for the effect of the loss is very minor. Other losses, however, are felt very deeply and affect them for a lifetime. How people respond to their losses and how they allow those losses to affect them can make a difference for the rest of their lives.

        Whenever loss occurs, it is important to see it in the correct perspective so they can understand the full impact of what has happened. They must identify how the current loss impacts their present lives, as well as its effect on their thoughts about the future. Loss is not the enemy, but avoiding or ignoring a loss is. Trying to avoid a loss by hiding the feelings will only cause problems in other areas—emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Dealing with loss in a healthy manner can be a major avenue to growth and life-transforming change. With each loss comes the potential for growth, insight, and understanding. Since these results are not immediate, people often fail to see these future blessings. But they must move forward. And the way to move on is to grieve.   

Experiencing Grief

Grief is defined as “intense emotional suffering caused by loss, disaster, misfortune, etc.; deep sadness.” The word is derived from a Latin verb meaning “to burden.” Mourn is defined as “to feel and express sorrow.” Mourning is the expression of grief.        Grieving is like entering the valley of shadows. Grief is not fun. It is painful. It is work. It is a lingering process, often taking one to three years for significant losses. It is necessary, however, in order to deal with all kinds of loss in a healthy manner. A multitude of emotions are involved in the grief process. Many of these emotions seem to conflict with one another. With loss can come bitterness, emptiness, numbness, apathy, love, guilt, sadness, fear, disorientation, self-pity, and helplessness. When people grieve, they experience their loss psychologically through feelings, thoughts, and attitudes, socially as they interact with others, and physically as it affects their health.         Grief encompasses a number of changes. It appears differently at various times, and it comes and goes in people’s lives. It is a normal, predictable, expected, and healthy reaction to a loss. Grief is each individual’s personal experience and manner of dealing with any kind of loss—no matter how minor or severe it may appear to others.        Grief is not just an event; it is a process. Grief has several stages, although they are not necessarily experienced in exact order, nor does one stage have to be completed before a person moves on to the next stage. The first stage is denial or shock. Intellectually, the bereaved may comprehend what has happened, but their emotions may not experience the pain yet; they may feel numb. The second stage is when they can release their emotions, often in the form of anger toward others. They may even get angry with God. Grieving people become preoccupied with memories of what has been lost and they may withdraw for a time. The third stage involves wrestling with feelings of guilt and anger. They beat themselves up emotionally as they blame themselves for not somehow preventing the loss. They feel disorganized and don’t know how to move on with life. Often some level of depression may set in as they become more apathetic toward life in light of the loss. The fourth stage is acceptance of the loss. Reorganizing their lives, filling new roles, and reconnecting with those around them are all healthy and important facets of the healing process. A key part of this process is the ability to learn how to feel and express the pain more truly without denial and avoidance.         It helps for grieving people to have true friends who will stay with them and support them emotionally. It is important for these friends to allow the grieving person to experience all of the different intense emotions of the grieving process. Such friendships will ultimately help the person who has experienced the loss to reorganize and reconnect with the world.

Biblical Principles

The Bible has much to say about both loss and grief. People who experience loss, as well as those who come alongside them, can gain wisdom to help them through the grieving process.         Psalm 23 tells of God comforting those who walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.” During the darkest hours of mourning, God never abandons His people. Isaiah 53 describes the suffering of our Savior. He experienced loss and grief so that He could understand our humanity and die in our place. He was despised and rejected, “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:3, 5).        Although loss and grief are common, no amount of technology or experience can make the grieving process any easier. The hard news is that the only road to true healing is through the grief process. The good news is that God travels that road with us.

Further Meditation:

Other passages to study about the issue of grief/loss include: 

ã   Ruth 1:5–22

ã   Ecclesiastes 3:4

ã   Isaiah 61:1–3

ã   Jeremiah 31:12, 13

ã   John 14:1; 16:16–22

ã   2 Corinthians 1:3–7

ã   1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14

  To learn more see: The Soul Care Bible: Experiencing and Sharing Hope God’s Way

This article is Copyright © 2001 by the American Association of Christian Counselors

Depression

Greetings.  I trust you are doing well.  I just got back from Washington DC and it's wonderful to be back in our office.

I often receive questions about depression on Xtreme Talk Live so I wanted to share this article with you today.  Please share this with those who are facing depression.

By Michael R. Lyles

(Psalm 130)

At times, everybody feels sad, down, and blue. Solomon wrote of “a time to weep” and “a time to mourn” (Eccl. 3:4). The writer of Hebrews assured believers they would have times of need in their lives (Heb. 4:16).

         Depression, however, is a deeper level of emotional turmoil and can affect many people in many ways. According to research, nearly one person in five will experience significant and persistent levels of depression. Significant and persistent depression causes people to miss more work than diabetes and heart disease, as well as being a major risk factor after heart attacks and strokes. Depression affects individuals, families, coworkers, and others who are in regular contact with the depressed person. Clearly, depression is a serious concern for many people.

Causes of Depression

Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, fear, loneliness, guilt, and anger. David wrote of his depression caused by unconfessed sin, leading to a groaning in his soul and a loss of strength (Ps. 38). God used depression as a signal to get Nehemiah’s attention to do His work (Neh. 1; 2). Job experienced financial, personal, and relational losses that led him to curse the day he was born (Job 1—3). Elijah was so depressed after a great victory that he wanted to die (1 Kin. 19:4). Many other Bible characters shared the lonely path of depression.        Although environmental issues such as work, stress, family, and other relationships can add to depression, actually a number of medical factors are involved, including thyroid abnormalities, female hormone fluctuations, and diabetes. Nutritional shortages leading to B-12 or iron deficiencies can cause sadness. Patients with a recent history of stroke or heart
attack are at high risk for depression. Common prescription drugs such as anti­hypertensives or oral contraceptives, and recreational drugs such as alcohol and cocaine, can cause significant levels of depression. Abnormalities in the brain’s management of hormones such as serotonin and norepinephrine can also bring on overwhelming feelings of doom and gloom. Understanding the physical components that can cause depression can help to put this disorder in context and give an idea of how widespread it is.

Symptoms of Depression

Psalm 102 provides a virtual checklist of symptoms that King David experienced during a particularly stressful period in his life. “Let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble” (102:1, 2). He wrote of feeling stricken physically and described losing meaning and purpose in his life: “My days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass” (102:3, 4). He lost his appetite: “I forget to eat my bread” (102:4). He felt isolated and rejected: “I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert” (102:6). He couldn’t sleep: “I lie awake” (102:7). He had frequent crying spells: “I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping” (102:9).        Serious depression can present itself in a number of ways. When the above symptoms are experienced in a dramatic, disabling fashion for weeks or months at a time, it is called “major depression.” When these symptoms are low-grade and chronic, it is called “dysthymic disorder.” Depression can also alternate in a pattern of mood swings—with a person feeling irritable and then euphoric, having insomnia, or being agitated. This is called “bipolar disorder” or “manic depressive illness.”

Responding to Depression

Elijah demonstrated both healthy and unhealthy responses to depression (1 Kin. 19). After the great victory on Mount Carmel, his life was threatened and he became afraid. He focused on the situation instead of on God. During a sequence of events, he sank deeper and deeper into a depressed state. His fear became so intense that he eventually ran away, isolated himself, and prayed that he would die (1 Kin. 19:4).         A summary of his behavior can be described as the HALT syndrome—a very vulnerable place for a person to be. At his most depressed state he was:Hungry—He stopped eating.Angry—He was mad at God for not caring about him.Lonely—He left his servant and traveled alone.Tired—He collapsed into sleep.Any time a person experiences an intense combination of these characteristics, he or she is becoming vulnerable to developing some form of depression.

Recovering Hope

God counteracted the HALT syndrome in Elijah’s life at every level. He responded by providing food for Elijah. An angel touched Elijah, reminding him that he was not alone. Two times God encouraged Elijah to regain his strength by eating, drinking, and resting. God brought him out of the HALT syndrome, which enabled Elijah to listen and obey (1 Kin. 19:5–18).         The story of Elijah reminds us of the importance of having a real and personal relationship with God. When we are depressed, we may often feel like running away from our problems like Elijah. We must avoid isolating ourselves, as tempting as that might be. We may need to be accountable to a friend, pastor, family member, or Christian therapist who can help us through the difficult times. Depressed people must be careful to stay clear of addictive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, or socially avoidant behaviors, for these will only deepen a depressed state.         Though he felt hopeless, Elijah accepted God’s help. He recognized God’s voice and was strengthened and encouraged. He was then able to return to his life with a new ability to cope and a new hope for the future.

Further Meditation:

Other passages to study about the issue of depression include: ã   Psalms 27; 34; 40:1–3; 42; 43; 88; 143; 147:3ã   Isaiah 41:10; 43:2ã   Romans 8:18–39ã   2 Corinthians 1:8–11  To learn more see: The Soul Care Bible: Experiencing and Sharing Hope God’s Way

This article is Copyright © 2001 by the American Association of Christian Counselors

Forgiveness

I often receive questions during my weekly talk show Xtreme Talk Live about how to forgive someone.  We have this artical posted on our web site at freeourfamily.com under the Help Topics but I wanted to take a minute and share it with everyone.  Everett Worthington Jr has some great insights that might really help you through the forgiveness process.  I hope this artical is a blessing to you.

God bless,

 

Bill Scott

INFORMATION ABOUT FORGIVENESS

Everett L. Worthington, Jr.

(2 Corinthians 2:5–11)

The concept of forgiveness is as slippery as a greased watermelon in a swimming pool. The harder you squeeze it, the more slippery it becomes. People use the term “forgiveness” loosely and mean different things.

First, what is unforgiveness? Unfor­giveness is a set of delayed emotions that consists of resentment, bitterness, hatred, hostility, anger, and fear. These emotions arise in a person because of a transgression that has wounded them psychologically or physically. Unforgiveness consumes the heart like a cancer. The wounded person responds with hot emotions of anger, and fear of being wounded again. The emotions of anger and fear are not unforgiveness. But when these emotions are continually replayed mentally, the resulting delayed emotions are unforgiveness.

So what is forgiveness? People think of forgiveness as what we do to get rid of unforgiveness. But forgiveness is more than relinquishing judgment to God or simply accepting the hurt and letting it pass. True forgiveness occurs when those cold emotions of unforgiveness are changed to warm, loving, compassionate, caring, altruistic emotions resulting from a heartfelt transformation. Forgiveness is both an act and a process. It could be compared to canceling a debt. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. It takes two to reconcile; it takes only one to forgive.

God’s forgiveness of humans and our forgiveness of one another are different, although related. Both involve an altruistic, emotional response by the forgiver toward another who needs forgiveness. But there’s a difference in the one doing the forgiving. Whereas God has an infinite perspective on us, we do not have that same perspective on others. God knows our hearts and motives, so He can legitimately demand our repentance prior to forgiving. Humans, however, cannot demand repentance before granting forgiveness.

The Example in Matthew 18

Matthew 18 gives clear teaching about forgiveness. Jesus described divine forgiveness and love in the parable of the lost sheep. He encouraged reconciliation and said that forgiveness should be unlimited. He then told the parable of the unforgiving servant, tying together God’s forgiveness of us with our forgiveness of others (Matt. 18:21–35).

Forgiveness is often thought of as a Christian duty. Forgiveness can rarely be achieved when practiced as a duty, however. The positive, loving emotions of forgiveness that replace the delayed emotions of unforgiveness rarely flow from willful duty. Instead, they flow from a heart that is transformed by having experienced God’s love and forgiveness (Eph. 4:31, 32).

How to Forgive

There are many ways to forgive a person who has harmed us, any one of which can be effective. In soul care, we should attempt to help people experience empathy for the person who harmed them, humility about their own sinfulness, and gratitude over having themselves been forgiven by God and by others.

Helping people experience forgiving emotions is not easy and requires time. I use a five-step acrostic to help people experience forgiveness, which I call the Pyramid Model to REACH forgiveness:

R = Recall the hurt. To heal, you must not deny that you have been hurt or offended. However, you should not recall the hurt in whiny victimization or as finger-pointing blame. Instead, you should recall the hurt calmly and try to remember objectively what happened.

E = Empathize with the person who hurt you. Empathy means attempting to understand what the transgressor might have been going through. It helps to attempt to feel with the person who caused the hurt.

A = Give an Altruistic gift of forgiveness. Try to recall a time when you harmed someone who later forgave you. Remember specifically what happened and how you received the offer of forgiveness. Then you can more easily envision yourself giving that gift back to another.

C = Commit publicly to forgive. You can truly forgive in your heart, but you might doubt that forgiveness if you recall the incident and re-experience some of the hot emotions. By speaking aloud or writing down your forgiveness, by telling a trusted friend, or, in some cases, by writing a follow-up letter to the person who harmed you, you can solidify the act of forgiveness.

H = Hold on to forgiveness. When you doubt whether the forgiveness was real, you can hold onto the forgiveness by remembering that there is a difference between remembering the event and experiencing the cold emotions.

For help in experiencing and granting forgiveness, we might need to talk with the person who hurt us about the transgression and forgiveness. We must make a reproach, or request for an explanation. A reproach must not be made harshly, however, but gently.

The transgressor responds with an account. Accounts can be denials, excuses, or confessions. A confession should be followed by a sincere apology, statement of an intent not to transgress in the same way again, an offer of restitution, and a request for forgiveness.

We must decide whether we can experience the emotions that lead to the changed heart of forgiveness. Forgiving cannot be summoned at will; therefore, often when we are asked to forgive, it will take time to experience the new emotions.

Talking about forgiveness is often a major step on the way to reconciliation between two parties who have had a trust broken. Parties must decide whether they can reconcile and if so, how to work this process. For reconciliation to be complete, however, both parties need to reverse the damage that was done in the relationship, decide to give each other mercy at an occasional failure, and take active steps to build love in their relationship by valuing each other.

Further Meditation:

Other passages to study about the issue of forgiveness include:

Jeremiah 31:34; 33:8, Micah 7:18, 19, Matthew 6:12, Mark 11:25, 26 Luke 6:37; 17:3; 23:34, John 8:1–11 Romans 12:19,  1 John 1:9.  To learn more see: The Soul Care Bible: Experiencing and Sharing Hope God’s Way

This article is Copyright © 2001 by the American Association of Christian Counselors

Greetings from North Carolina

It's hot.  Did I mention that it is very hot.  Did I mention it's really very hot here in North Carolina.  Today we were hitting close to 100 degrees and I think 500 percent humidity.

If you get a chance please pray about my new book, "The Day Satan Called."  We have two really BIG publishers that want the book.  We have hit a legal challenge and I am not sure what to think about it.  We need to get pass this as quick as possible.  Pray for God's guidance and wisdom so we make it to the other side.  This book needs to be read by many.  I believe it will be a life changing book for many.

Thank you so much for the prayers this week.  Where ever you are, try to stay cool.

Bill Scott

Back in the office

It's great to be back at the Xtreme Youth Alliance office.  The first half of the years was like trains, planes and automobiles.  The weather is warm, Nashville is green and it's time to cook up some steaks on the grill.


I love being home, it's my favorite place in the whole wide world.  Next week there might be a chance for a quick vacation, that would rock my world.

I hope your summer is going well.  Stay warm and enjoy the sun.

Bill Scott

Greetings from New York City, NY

Greetings from the Big Apple.  The skyline of New York City is beautiful as always.  Keep in mind I am a country boy and would never, never want to live in a big city but it's nice to view from a distance.

The traffic from JFK to the hotel yesterday was amazing.  I am always blown away when I travel to Los Angeles and New York.  I am not sure how people live in this kind of traffic daily.  Many people drive one to two hours each way to work on a daily basis.  I praise God my commute to the Xtreme office is only ten minutes with no traffic.

I am working on the finishing touches to my book, "The Day Satan Called."  I am really excited to see how this project is turning out.  My agent will be contacting publishers to see who will actually sign on to publish the book.  Pray for us as we make all the final adjustments to the book.  My prayer is it will be a powerful story.

Thanks for coming back to stay in touch.

Sleepless in Denver...Really!

Yep, it happened again within a week and this time it's worse.  Last Friday I got stuck in Dallas for 24 hours but praise God was able to find a hotel to crash in.  This morning I write to you from the Denver airport where I'll be spending the night.  Uhmmm where to sleep when the airport is all yours LOL.

It's going to be a long night.  Be the time I am done traveling it will have taken 24 hours to get to Boise ID.  I could have made a bake potato at home, what the heck!

God bless,

Bill Scott








 

Sleepless in Dallas

Ok, it's a funny title but it got your attention.  I am not actually sleepless but I am stuck in Dallas which is really a downer.  I was on my way home from Riverside CA today and landed in Dallas for a quick layover so I thought...NOT SO MUCH.  Due to storms my flight has been canceled and I will not be able to return to Nashville until tomorrow morning.  I hate arriving 24 hours late.  I had such a wonderful evening planned with my wife and son.

After trying all that I could I have ended up at the airport hotel.  I am going to make the best of it and get some work done today.  I sure miss my wife and family.

Have a wonderful weekend.  I know I will once I return home tomorrow.

Bill Scott

New Update From Bill Scott

I have been so busy it's been tough to blog but I am back on the wagon.  My laptop finally died so I went about a month with only my iPhone.  I was able to buy a new laptop and I am proud to say it's my first mac.  I have made the switch and I am really happy with my choice.

A lot is changing at Xtreme.  Our theme Free Our Family is catching on as we reach out to the entire family.  We want to be a resource for the whole family.  Our new web address is FreeOurFamily.com, it's easy to remember isn't it?

I have been traveling very hard this new year.  I am really busy and feel like I am living in airports.  I am blessed to be able to go and help out many different ministries.  Kingdom building is always a privilege to be involved in.

I have to share a quick story with you.  Yesterday my wife and I flew in to Lynchburg VA and then quickly drove over to Roanoke VA to meet with our good friend Keith Farmer from Straight Street.  The three of us walked over to the county jail where we planned on meeting with Britney.  After going through the process we were allowed in to see Britney.  This young lady was a drug addict by 12 years old.  Both mom and dad are sick with aids.  Her brother committed suicide a couple of years ago.  She is a cutter and her arms are scared up and down from top to bottom.  It really broke my heart to see such pain that this young lady has faced in her 22 years in life.  She still has another two years to serve before being released.  This young lady was caught with drugs and guns.  She told me that the best thing that could have happened was to have been caught.

Pray for Britney if you happen to think about her.  She has not been off drugs this long since she was 12.  She needs our prayers and support.

Thank you so much for supporting us both in prayer and financially.  If you can make a donation this week please do so at freeourfamily.com and click on donations.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Siloam Springs, AR

I have finally found WARM.  It's a nice sunny 75 outside here in Siloam Springs AR.  I've enjoyed the outside when given the opportunity today.

We've made some changes in the last couple of weeks to Xtreme.  We'll be pushing a new web address although at this point it's the same web site but it will be freeourfamily.com.  We are now reaching out to the entire family and believe by doing so we'll have a chance to impact students even more.  I am pretty excited about this.  So on Sunday nights we'll be taking calls from adults as well as students.  Basically we are now open to anyone who needs help.  I just believe God wanted us to help the hurting and to lift the age restriction.   It's a big change but one that will impact a lot of people praise God.

I will continue to travel this week so keep me in your prayers.  I leave Siloam Springs on Friday and go directly to Sacramento CA and then home a week from Friday so it's a long trip but one that will hopefully help the Kingdom of God.

I'll keep you updated more often.  Many blessings.

Bill Scott

Cedar Rapids, IA

Its great to be in Cedar Rapids IA today and tomorrow.  I am at thespirit.org helping with their fundraiser.  What a great bunch of people and awesome music.  It's like listening to Sound of Light 24/7.  Take a minute and tune in if you have the chance.  You'll enjoy the broadcast.

Just a few minutes ago the morning show hosts said they would dye their hair green if we raised $2,000 in 17 minutes...it happened!  We are having a hair dying party later this afternoon, should be fun.

Wednesday I head out for Denver so pray for safe travel.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Ok, we are pretty much done with the snow here in Nashville.  I hear it's going to be sunny and 70 in Nashville on Monday.  It's still snowing so lets believe by faith the warm weather is coming.  Funny thing is I leave Sunday for Cedar Rapids IA and it will not be sunny and 70 next week.  So I leave in time so I can continue the joy of cold and snow LOL.

This is my busy time schedule wise so pray for me if you think about it.  This is the time of year where I live on airplanes and in airports, which can be challenging at times.  Here is an over view of my schedule, again your prayers would be a real blessing to my family and me as I travel.

• March 7-10:  Cedar Rapids, IA
• March 11-15:  Winter Park, CO
• March 16-19:  Walla Walla, WA
• March 23-26:  Johnson City, TN
• March 29-April 2: Siloam Springs, AR
• April 1-8: Sacramento, CA
• April 13-16: South Bend, IN
• April 18-24: Sacramento, CA
• April 25-28: Lynchburg, VA
• April 29-30: Northern VA

Wow, I won't even get into May yet.  Thanks for the prayers and keep listening to Xtreme Talk Live and Sound of Light.  Don't forget our new parent and adult program on Sunday nights online at blogtalkradio.com/xtrlive at 10pm Eastern Time.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Free Music Week!

It's a wonderful day in Nashville.  The staff and I are working hard to encourage those who are looking for a light in the darkness.

Let me encourage you to talk to my staff if you are having it hard today.  Studenthopeline.com is open every evening and you can talk to a caring adult.

Pray for us as we reach out to students and young adults around the world.  For more encouragment listen to Xtreme Talk Live here on your app and you can listen to our lastest program on demand.

Here's a quick update for you.  For those who would like to help us financially you can do so and receive FREE music this week.

• $100 or more one-time gift:  You'll receive Tobymac's new CD "Tonight."
• $300 or more one-time gift.  You'll receive a five CD library.  Skillet, Remedy Drive, Group1crew, Pillar and Red.  Here's a special deal.  Give by Saturday and I'll throw in Tobymac's new CD as well making it a six CD library.

You can give at our web site by going to http://www.xtrlive.com/ and clicking on DONATION.  We'll know by the gift amount what you are to receive.  This offer is only good through this Saturday, February 28th.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support.  You help us stay on the air, keep sending Bible studies and of course Student Hopeline continues seven days a week.

God bless,

Bill Scott

LISTEN LIVE FEB 21 11pm Eastern Time for XTREME TALK LIVE

Listen to Xtreme Talk Live on Blog Talk Radio

This link will only work at 11pm Eastern, 10pm Central, 9pm Mountain and 8pm Pacific on Sunday, Feb 21st.  Please feel free to call the show.  This program is open for any adult who needs to talk.  Our call in number is (646) 716-4837 and that number only works starting at 11pm Eastern Time on Sunday Feb 21st.

Fundraiser on Saturday

This Saturday night is our Sound of Light fundraiser.  We hold two of these each year.  My prayer is that you'll pray for us and the success we need this weekend.

We have many bills that are associated with our crisis hotline and radio program in order to keep them going.

Would you pray that God would begin to work on the hearts of those who can give on Saturday night.  We have a huge need of $100,000 but an urgent need of at least $20,000 for Saturday night just to keep thing up and going.

If you would like to give online you can do that at our web site xtrlive.com and just click on DONATION from the menu.  It's safe and secure when you give by credit card.

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support this week and weekend.  Together we can reach a hurting generation.

God Bless,

Bill Scott

Strength to Do Anything!

Phil 4:13

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

I don't know about you but it really seems like I need to focus on this verse these days. Life can be a zoo at times uh? I am sure you can appreciate that statement. Just in our house we have eight people, four dogs and one cat that has adopted us for whatever reason. Things can be crazy and that doesn't factor in every day life.

There are times I just need to slow down and remember this verse. God has promised to give me strength during the tough times. I get myself in trouble when I forget to trust God and rely on the strength that He is willing to give me.

I don't know what you are facing today, perhaps you are overwhelmed. I would encourage you to meditate on this verse and really believe it. God can help you so you can survive anything that comes your way.

I have a phrase that I always say, "THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" Don't give up ok? Together both you and I will make it through whatever it is we are all facing.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Donations Needed

We need your help this weekend if possible. Things are very tight at Xtreme Youth Alliance and I really need your help. We need to raise $4,000 by Monday morning in order to keep our crisis hotline going and our radio programs on the air.

Would you consider helping us with a donation? I'll be asking listeners to get involved this weekend as well. So, I actually need to things. 1.) I need you to pray for Xtreme. 2.) I need you to pray about giving a gift of some size. This is for real friends, we need $4,000 by Monday morning in order to keep things moving forward.

I sure appreciate your help. I know you have a heard to reach students that are hurting. You can CLICK HERE and make a secure donation today. I really need your help in order to see a miracle take place by Monday morning.

Bill Scott

Yesterday was an awesome fundraiser for Haiti. Over one million raised in just one day praise God! I am on my way to DC for a couple of days. Thank you for your support of Xtreme Youth Alliance.

Bill Scott

KKGO Country in Los Angeles

Today I am on the air at Go Country 105 FM in Los Angeles. It's the most listened to Country station in Amercia. You can listen at gocountry105.com.

Today Country radio is raising money for those in Haiti through Compassion International. Pray we are able to raise a lot of money. The major fundraiser for Christian radio is on Monday with over 1000 outlets holding the fundraiser so we are hoping for a HUGE day.

Join me in prayer for Haiti and the relief efforts going on now.

Bill Scott

Time for Travel

I am working hard today trying to finish up office work and phone calls to radio stations in regards to the national Haiti fundraiser coming up this Monday for Compassion International. Tomorrow morning I catch a flight and I am off to Los Angeles CA for a full day of fundraising for Haiti at a Country station. From what I am told this is one of the biggest Country music stations anywhere should it should be a good day. Wouldn't it be awesome to raise $500,000 in just 12 hours on Thursday?

Sunday I am off to to KLTY in Dallas for the Haiti National fundraiser. A bunch of us are going to key stations throughout America to help host this effort. It would be awesome to see millions raised on Monday. I am flying back home on Tuesday to have breakfast with my wife and then off after breakfast to Washington DC and home on Friday morning.

Thank you for your prayers as we serve our brother and sisters in Haiti.

Bill Scott

Xtreme Talk Live / Haiti Fundraiser

Tonight on Xtreme Talk Live we are doing the program as usual and also will be taking donations for Haiti.

Please pray about being invovled in tonights fundraiser. We have partnered with Cross International to bring relief to those in Haiti.

Pray with me that tonight will be an awesom night both ministry and fundraising. We begin at 8pm Eastern Time. If you want to listen you can go to www.spiritfm.com and click on LISTEN NOW.

Thank you for your prayers. Also be watching for an XTR LIVE updated app any day now for your IPhone.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Relief Continues in Haiti

It's been a really busy week. I have been on the phone most of the week working on a huge Haiti fundraiser called, "Help Haiti with Compassion" scheduled for February 1st.

The response has been good so far. Many radio stations are getting involved in this event. The money of course will go to Haiti for the relief effort that Compassion has going on as we speak.

It's exciting to see Christian radio come together to support the folks in Haiti. Many organizations are doing a wonderful job. If we do our part the nation of Haiti will be impacted in a huge way.

Next week I have the chance to go to Los Angeles to a big Country radio station where they will be asking their listeners for help as well.

We are called to serve the poor and what an opportunity we have with Haiti.

God Bless,

Bill Scott

Hope

Times can be tough for all of us. All you have to do is watch the news to see the problems many go through. The latest that is on every one's mind is what has happened in Haiti. To see the death toll continue to go up and those who are alive trying to find food and water is just heart breaking.

Perhaps today you find yourself in a tough spot. Yes, people in Haiti have it very bad right now but that doesn't mean you still cannot feel pain from the challenges in your own life right now.

Let me remind you that God is crazy about you and cares about the pain you are facing today. Here is one of my favorite verses.

Psalm 56:8
You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. (MSG)

Why would God keep track of the pain you are facing? Because he cares deeply. He not only cares but he promises to walk with us during the times of darkness in our life.

Psalm 55:22
Pile your troubles on GOD's shoulders-- he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. (MSG)

There is hope today do don't give up. Continue to pray for the people of Haiti and don't stop praying for your need as well.

Tonight if you need to talk you can do so at studenthopeline.com. My staff are standing by every evening waiting to talk with you one on one.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Haiti

Haiti needs our help and ALL of us can do something. You know the Bible has more than 3,000 verses on just the poor. Those in Haiti are the poorest of the poor and now they are facing the worse tragedy in 100 years. So what are we going to do about it?



My wife and I are already involved both personally and now we are working on a national fundraising campaign with a couple of organizations we trust fully. I wanted to take a minute and give you two great links were you can give today.



Cross International and Compassion International. Both of these organizations can be trusted with your funds.


Paul encourages the early church by holding up the Macedonians as an example of a Christian community that, despite its own extreme poverty, was a living example of Christ-like living. They had almost nothing, but were extraordinarily generous with what little they did have.

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (NLT)

We need to look at this as an opportunity to share God's love. As Audio Adrenaline once sang, we are his hands and feet. EVERYONE needs to do something.

God bless,

Bill Scott

Saturday fun

I am at my sons ball game. My wife is taking stats. What fun we are having!

I woke up this morning in FT Lauderdale finding myself praying for friends in Hatii. We all need to continue praying.

This afternoon I am flying home to Nashville. It's been a great week but I miss my family.

Let me leave you with an awesome verse.

Ps 51:17, Heart shattered live ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Have a great day!

I just landed in Florida from an awesome trip in Guatemala. It's always great to serve the poor.

I will finally get home tomorrow. I am watching the news on Hatii. I am praying for that country. I have a friend with me. His wife and kids are there. Let's keep praying.

Bill Scott

iPhone app is ready

Thei iPhone app is in the app store under xtrlive. Go and download it today. Please share with your friends. I just downloaded it from Guatemala.

Thanks,
Bill

Today I find myself sitting in the airport in Nashville. I am flying to FT Ladurdale FL. Tomorrow I leave for Guatamela so I can see how we can serve the poor better. I am praying for a productive trip.

Thank you for your prayers. I return on Friday afternoon. I must say I am looking forward to trading in the 20 degree weather for sunny and 80 degrees.

Bill Scott.

What a great night. I had a chance to pray with a young girl who just had an abortion.

It's time for Xtreme Talk Live coast to coast. We begin at 8pm Eastern Time. You can listen at www.spiritfm.com or www.q90fm.com. I would appreciate your prayers as I speak to those who are hurting tonight.

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It's been a while since we have seen the sun but don't be fooled it's still really cold.

It's a great night. I am hosting The Sound of Light. Tune in!

The Day Satan Called

The new book is being edited as we speak. I'll keep you updated on how things continue to move forward. Janet is finishing the editing as we speak.

Bill

The roads are snowy and full of ice on the way home. I don't worry about me, it's the other folks.

Our new IPhone app is submitted. We will have our app in the iTunes store in less then two weeks. It called XTR Live and of course it's free for all. Please spread the word.

We will have an app ready for the Droid in eight weeks and for the BlackBerry this summer.

Please leave your comments for me to read.

God bless,

Bill Scott.

This is a special test.

Cold Day In Nashville

It's a cold day here in the Music City. We don't normally receive a lot of snow but today we look like a winter wonderland. Actually I don't mind the cold and snow.

Here is just a quick word of encouragement for you today.

Nahum 1:7
GOD is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help (MSG)

All of us have troubled season, I hope you find comfort in this verse today.

God bless,

Bill Scott

I Phone App

I am working on designing our new Iphone app.