Get a signed copy of “What Kind of Love is This?”

SPRING BREAK SPECIAL!
Get a signed copy for 9.99 and receive a a free gift with your purchase.

SPRING BREAK SPECIAL!
Get a signed copy for 9.99 and receive a free gift with your purchase!

Order now and receive a signed copy of What Kind of Love is This: Finding God in the Darkness.

What Kind of Love is This? Finding God in the Darkness is a story of hope, a story of determination and redemption in the face of unspeakable abuse and despair. Survivors deserve to experience hope and contentment as they navigate the triggers, fears and doubts that fill our days.

Order your signed copy today!


ENDS 3/20/22!

Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Ep. 3- airs on Saturday March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM CST! In this episode, my guest, Cheryl R. Luke, and I will discuss: How trauma places survivors at high risk for developing addictive behaviors. Hope that is found in programs like Celebrate Recovery Personal insights from our experiences

Chatting with Charlotte-LIVE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Ep. 3- airs on Saturday March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM CST! In this episode, my guest, Cheryl R. Luke, and I will discuss: How trauma places survivors at high risk for developing addictive behaviors. Hope that is found in programs like Celebrate Recovery Personal insights from our experiences

About my guest: Cheryl Luke currently serves as the National Director of Cultural Communities for Celebrate Recovery. She has been in ministry for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience about the affect of trauma on all aspects of a survivor’s life. She is one of my dearest and nearest friends whom I’ve known for two decades. Cheryl’s passion is helping individuals discover and reach their God given potential. She is a frequent guest speaker at events across the globe at Women’s conferences, retreats and workshops. Her smile and her love for the Lord is contagious as she draws her audience in with her unique speaking style that sometimes includes an unexpected song that fits a specific audience. Cheryl engages her audience in such a way that you feel like you’re in her living room listening to a friend share their passion and experience. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear her story, her insights, and her wisdom about trauma, addiction, and recovery! #celebraterecovery #mentalhealth #addiction #recovery #PTSD #survivingchildhoodtrauma

Covid-19 Hidden Impact for Trauma Survivors/ Tips to Cope

Updated Repost: I wrote this in the middle of lockdown 2020, not realizing that we would still be managing the COVID Pandemic in January 2022. While we are no long in lockdown, the world remains on edge. Reviewing this post brought me comfort today. I hope you find strength in the thoughts I presented nearly 2 years ago. The message remains the same. I still have a choice how I respond to the triggers from the past.

Updated Repost: I wrote this in the middle of lockdown 2020, not realizing that we would still be managing the COVID Pandemic in January 2022. While we are no long in lockdown, the world remains on edge. Reviewing this post brought me comfort today. I hope you find strength in the thoughts I presented nearly 2 years ago. The message remains the same. I still have a choice how I respond to the triggers from the past.

The Covid-19 virus has upended everyone over the past few weeks. While the new normal creates havoc for nearly everyone, I’ve realized a hidden impact for trauma survivors. With each new restriction comes less control over my life, which triggers old fears and sometimes anger. At first, I dismissed these thoughts as silly considering the restrictions haven’t significantly changed my lifestyle. Yesterday I realized why anxiety and anger resurfaced. I feel the same loss of control I felt as a child when my family members abused me, but I also realized I am not a powerless little girl anymore. I am a strong, healthy woman who knows the truth about my identity.

I can choose how I respond to the triggers from the past.

Several years ago, my late husband, John, told me a story that illustrates one way to manage the emotional turmoil the current circumstances create. The town he grew up in has a city park with an old playground. The playground includes one of those old merry-go-rounds which consists of a circular platform with bars for standing. The riders push off the ground to increase the rotation speed of the merry-go-round. Sometimes one person stands beside the equipment to push it to maximum speed. Running on the platform will also increase the speed.

Keep Your Eyes on the Tree

One day, John and two friends (all of them in their 20s) decided to see how fast they could go and still stand up. So the contest began. Each attempt ended with falls, bumps, and bruises. They ran fast, but at some point looked down at their feet. When they did, they fell. After many attempts, John’s friend suggested they focus on the tree that stood next to the merry-go-round. When they kept their eyes on the tree, they did not fall. The speed increased far beyond what they thought possible. Then they looked down, and chaos ensued. Years later, while on a mission trip to Haiti and felt overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounded him. As he prayed for peace, the events at the park came to mind. He heard a whisper, “Just keep your eye on the tree.” He had the sense that the tree represented Jesus Christ, who hung on a tree for us.

As you struggle with old tapes in these uncertain times, remember to keep your eyes on the source of comfort. You are not a helpless child living in a chaotic and abusive world. You are a survivor. You are loved by the one who died for you. Keeping my eyes on Him when anxiety and fear threaten my peace, helps ground me in the present. For me that means turning off cable news, listening to music that soothes, reading scripture and stopping the thoughts that creep into my head before they take root. None of these things change what is going on in the world, but they change how I navigate them.

Changing How You Cope

As a survivor, you have learned ways to manage triggers, but some of those may not be available now. It’s hard to change our way of coping, but not impossible. Draw a picture, write a poem (even if you don’t think you can), stay connected via texting and phone calls. Find an online church service. Reach out and let someone know this is a hard time for you. Above all, be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up because this triggers emotions you haven’t felt in years or months. Change your focus. Keep your eyes on the tree. When you look down and fall, get back up and try again.

We can support each other through this season: Share your coping strategies, your struggles and get support in the comments.

Oops! Email Blooper!

I am not Cloe the Fashion Designer Apparently, the Funnel automatically sent a welcome email to my mailing list. The problem is the email was the template. So, my entire mailing list received a welcome email from
“Cloe, the fashion designer.” I was mortified and a bit annoyed that the system doesn’t explain things better.

I am not Cloe the Fashion Designer

I’ve shared my tendency to obsess about mistakes a few times on my YouTube channel. Well, today is another episode of the same adventure. Yesterday, I decided to explore a new email marketing platform which promised to provide simple access to marketing funnels, book promotions, and a variety of other seemingly cool tools. I exported my subscriber lists successfully and proceeded to “play” around on the platform.

One feature was automated funnels which is where things went south unbeknown to me. I looked the feature, checked a couple of the templates and decided the platform was too complex for me. I exited the platform, canceled the trial, and thought all was well. Wrong!

Welcome Email Goes Out

Apparently, the Funnel automatically sent a welcome email to my mailing list. The problem is the email was the template. So, my entire mailing list received a welcome email from
“Cloe, the fashion designer.” I was mortified and a bit annoyed that the system doesn’t explain things better.

Damage Control

If you received an email from me yesterday that welcomed you to Cloe’s Masterclass, I apologize for the inconvenience. Please delete it. I am no longer using the program. If you know me, you know that I am as far from being a fashion designer as I can possibly be. The only emails you will ever receive from me will be related to the topics I discuss here.

Now to Not Obsess

I tackled the issue head on this morning in hopes that I will not fall into an old pattern of obsessing about it. I’ve had a good laugh at the thought of me being a fashion designer and that helped me move on.

Again, my apologies for the random email. I hope it gave you a good laugh.

Updated 6/12/21. Get a signed copy of “What Kind of Love is This?”

Now at regular price. 19.99. You can still order a signed copy of Charlotte Thomason’s powerful story of hope, redemption, overcoming childhood sexual abuse and accepting God’s unconditional love!

UPDATE!
You can still get a signed copy at the regular price of 19.99!

Order now and receive a signed copy of What Kind of Love is This: Finding God in the Darkness. Your order will be shipped within 3 days of purchase.

What Kind of Love is This? Finding God in the Darkness is a story of hope, a story of determination and redemption in the face of unspeakable abuse and despair. Survivors deserve to experience hope and contentment as they navigate the triggers, fears and doubts that fill our days.

Everyone who ordered a signed copy of my memoir in the first round of orders received their book last week! Several individuals posted videos or pictures on Social Media showing the book and their excitement at receiving their copy! The response to these posts was amazing! So many people want the book! The official release date is still a month away, but I wanted to give others the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of my debut book!

Be one of the first to read What Kind of Love is This?

Order your signed copy today!
Quantities are limited!

Announcing Pre-Launch Special for “What Kind of Love is This?”

On Sale Now!
Pre-Order now!*
Receive a signed copy of Charlotte Thomason’s powerful story of hope, redemption, overcoming childhood sexual abuse and accepting God’s unconditional love!

As a special treat, my PRE-LAUNCH SPECIAL begins March 2021 and ends May 1, 2021.

Don’t miss out! Pre-order now at a reduced price and receive a signed copy of What Kind of Love is This: Finding God in the Darkness. Your order will arrive about a month before the official release. Click Here to pre-order (Your card will be charged at the time of purchase.)

After two years, it’s official! My memoir, What Kind of Love is This? Finding God in the Darkness, is set for release in June 2021. I can hardly believe the day is finally so close. When I began this journey two years ago, I was skeptical that a publisher would pick it up. The journey was difficult and rewarding. I learned so much as I listened to the voice of my younger self re-tell our story to my granddaughter.

As the date approaches, I must admit I’m excited and terrified at the same time. Excited that perhaps my story will help others find hope in their healing journey from childhood trauma. Terrified of the negative responses that I know will come.

What Kind of Love is This? Finding God in the Darkness is a story of hope, a story of determination and redemption in the face of unspeakable abuse and despair. Survivors deserve to experience hope and contentment as they navigate the triggers, fears and doubts that fill our days.

Another Step Toward Publication

What is #PitMad? It’s a quarterly Twitter Pitch party for unpublished authors to pitch their manuscripts to agents and Publishers on Twitter. I’m participating tomorrow.

What is #PitMad? It’s a quarterly Twitter Pitch party for unpublished authors to pitch their manuscripts to agents and Publishers on Twitter. I’m participating tomorrow. You can help me by RT or QuoteRT but please don’t Like or favorite my tweets. Likes are the method used by agents/publishers to request more info from the author. My tweets are scheduled to post at 7:15AM, 12:15 PM and 6:45PM. Who knows? This may be the break I need to get my story out there. Prayers are welcome and appreciated.

Link can be found at https://linktr.ee/bethia1953 #pitmad #amquerying #amwriting #memoir

A New Chapter

I plan to post several times each week and hope you will check out the YouTube page on the menu to keep up to date on the short videos that include casual conversations about life issues, life hacks to help you manage daily stressors and triggers, and inspirational videos that include devotionals, quotes and short book reviews.

Today I posted my first video to YouTube. Not a simple task for this senior citizen, but I did it. Social Media and building a platform is not my strong suit and adding YouTube to my arsenal terrifies me. Why? I hate how I look on video and generally feel I look and sound silly and incompetent. However, I feel pretty good about my first attempt.

I plan to post several times each week and hope you will check out the YouTube page on the menu to keep up to date on the short videos that include casual conversations about life issues, life hacks to help you manage daily stressors and triggers, and inspirational videos that include devotionals, quotes and short book reviews.

Check out my first video by clicking on YouTube on the main menu and hear my thoughts about Finding Joy in the Midst of Grief.

Covid-19 Hidden Impact for Trauma Survivors/ Tips to Cope

The Covid-19 virus has upended everyone over the past few weeks. While the new normal creates havoc for nearly everyone, I’ve realized a hidden impact for trauma survivors. With each new restriction comes less control over my life, which triggers old fears and sometimes anger.

The Covid-19 virus has upended everyone over the past few weeks. While the new normal creates havoc for nearly everyone, I’ve realized a hidden impact for trauma survivors. With each new restriction comes less control over my life, which triggers old fears and sometimes anger. At first, I dismissed these thoughts as silly considering the restrictions haven’t significantly changed my lifestyle. Yesterday I realized why anxiety and anger resurfaced. I feel the same loss of control I felt as a child when my family members abused me, but I also realized I am not a powerless little girl anymore. I am a strong, healthy woman who knows the truth about my identity.

I can choose how I respond to the triggers from the past.

Several years ago, my late husband, John, told me a story that illustrates one way to manage the emotional turmoil the current circumstances create. The town he grew up in has a city park with an old playground. The playground includes one of those old merry-go-rounds which consists of a circular platform with bars for standing. The riders push off the ground to increase the rotation speed of the merry-go-round. Sometimes one person stands beside the equipment to push it to maximum speed. Running on the platform will also increase the speed.

Keep Your Eyes on the Tree

One day, John and two friends (all of them in their 20s) decided to see how fast they could go and still stand up. So the contest began. Each attempt ended with falls, bumps, and bruises. They ran fast, but at some point looked down at their feet. When they did, they fell. After many attempts, John’s friend suggested they focus on the tree that stood next to the merry-go-round. When they kept their eyes on the tree, they did not fall. The speed increased far beyond what they thought possible. Then they looked down, and chaos ensued. Years later, while on a mission trip to Haiti and felt overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounded him. As he prayed for peace, the events at the park came to mind. He heard a whisper, “Just keep your eye on the tree.” He had the sense that the tree represented Jesus Christ, who hung on a tree for us.

As you struggle with old tapes in these uncertain times, remember to keep your eyes on the source of comfort. You are not a helpless child living in a chaotic and abusive world. You are a survivor. You are loved by the one who died for you. Keeping my eyes on Him when anxiety and fear threaten my peace, helps ground me in the present. For me that means turning off cable news, listening to music that soothes, reading scripture and stopping the thoughts that creep into my head before they take root. None of these things change what is going on in the world, but they change how I navigate them.

Changing How You Cope

As a survivor, you have learned ways to manage triggers, but some of those may not be available now. It’s hard to change our way of coping, but not impossible. Draw a picture, write a poem (even if you don’t think you can), stay connected via texting and phone calls. Find an online church service. Reach out and let someone know this is a hard time for you. Above all, be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up because this triggers emotions you haven’t felt in years or months. Change your focus. Keep your eyes on the tree. When you look down and fall, get back up and try again.

We can support each other through this season: Share your coping strategies, your struggles and get support in the comments.

 

 

 

Updates

I updated Sonnet II, Sonnet III, and Sonnet IV and am working on adding a fifth Sonnet. Also, the entire text of  “Know the Truth” and “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” are now included on my site.

I recently updated several of my posts. The new links are included in the description below.

I updated Sonnet II, Sonnet III, and Sonnet IV and am working on adding a fifth Sonnet. Also, the entire text of  “Know the Truth” and “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” are now included on my site. My granddaughter pointed out to me that the links were no longer working. Upon investigation, I discovered that Cheryl Luke updated her site, so the links to the blogs no longer worked. The nice thing about writing online is you can improve and update your thoughts and ideas as new inspiration hits. I hope you enjoy the updates.

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