Put An End to Abuse & Suffering

Lately I've been so attacked. I'm just getting my life together after the loss of my precious son, Brian, my father, and my sister, Sue, who lost her battle with cancer just before Christmas.

It's hard losing those that we love.

My son passed away from heart complications, my father due to COPD, and my sister due to cancer. Although it was hard to let them spread their wings toward heaven. It was equally hard to watch them suffer day after day.

Sadly, suffering is part of life.

But there is a type of suffering that we can do something about, and even prevent. Abuse. A five letter word that is so misunderstood. Abuse, bullying, violence, are all forms of power and control. Some think it's love. And this is how someone acts when they love you.

Love is not Abuse. Love is not bullying. Love is not violence.

The Bible gives a really clear picture of what love is in I Corinthians 13:4-8

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
⁸ Love never fails. 

If each of us walked in this true definition of love, there would be no abuse, bullying or violence. Can you imagine if we all "loved" others the way God wants us to? WOW! I can!

That gets me excited! I hope it gets you pumped up too. Because together we can put an end to abuse and suffering, by loving the abuse, bullying and violence out of this world!

Happy New Year!

My husband and I were blessed to be able to get away for New Year's Eve. We celebrated at a hotel in Lansing.

It was very awkward for us, as this was our first time doing this, so we didn't know anything or anyone. Thanks to our clock not working right in our room, we were later than everyone else for hors d'oeuvres so when we arrived at the event, the line for the food was long, but all the tables in the room, that sat anywhere from 6-12 had been taken.

Memories from school flooded back, of being the new kid, and that awkward moment of trying to find a seat in the crowded lunchroom with everyone staring at you. Wondering which table you should go to and be accepted.

After nervously scanning the room, I quickly glanced at the first table inside the door to our left. There were two couples on one end of the round table and it looked as though there were at least three empty seats. "Would it be okay if we set with you or are those seats taken?" I asked.

Everyone welcomed us to sit fine. But you know that kind of awkward silence that fills the air? Yep, you guessed it, we were right in the middle of it. They kept talking in their little group, and left us out. I thought, "This is going to be a long night."

I had really prayed that we'd have fun, because John and I hardly ever get out alone together. So I was really glad, when we were able to break the ice with some small talk, which ended up leading to a night of hysterical laughter and new friendships.

When the couples moved to a bigger table with more of their friends, they invited us to join them. And one of the couples even tried to take pictures of John and I while we were dancing with our messed up camera (all pics they took were blurry!).

Yep, that's my back and John's hands!

This evening could have been a disaster or the blessing it was.

Every day we have the choice to accept and include others and also to be accepted and included. It's hard sometimes after being rejected so long (like I have been) to take that first awkward step, but it is that initial step that will set us free and get us walking in a new direction.

I've battled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder all of my adult life. But this year, I'm forcing myself to step into the awkward.

It's out with the OLD and in the NEW! I hope you will do the same :)

God bless you all and Happy New Year!

Home for the Holidays

It was great to get away on vacation in November over the Thanksgiving holiday. The trip to Florida was beautiful. No rain or snow all the way down or back driving. No bad weather. Only one day of cold while there, all the rest of our 8 days was filled with mostly blue skies and sunshine.

We took a break from everything! I didn't work out once, but I walked the beach, played shuffleboard and putt putt golf, swam, and even shot some pool. Mostly we just kicked back and enjoyed ourselves. We even got to see dolphins swim by from our balcony, and the sunrises and sunsets over the ocean were breathtaking.

No matter how enjoyable and awesome our vacation was though, it was so nice to get back home.

Home is where my heart is. I love our little town of Owosso, Michigan and all the people in it. Corunna is pretty decent too! Love all the Christmas lights and decorations, and love the support and closeness we have in this tight knit community.

But I love my house too. I live next door to where I grew up and spent all my Christmas's. Traditions that we've instilled in our kids have been memories that will carry on to the next generation.

This year our Abuse Bites Team were invited to participate in the Tree of Lights Parade in Corunna, Michigan. Our theme was Santa's Paws for a Cause to Stop Abuse & Bullying. We won BEST MARCHING/WALKING UNIT, received a trophy, and a $50 check!

The parade's theme was Mardi Gra Christmas. My sister, Sue had just passed away and her favorite color was purple--mine pink--so I bought the balloons in her memory and let them go in the middle of the parade.

We also took the dogs in Christmas Costumes to our local Nursing Home, Pleasant View Medical Care Facility, to visit my mom and others for a time of healing pet therapy.

On Christmas Eve we celebrated Christmas with our family . After a delicious dinner prepared by my loving husband, we all gathered together for several hilarious games to the theme of "Surviving Christmas". After each game, the WINNER got to choose and open one wrapped gift. Some were legitimate gifts (gift cards and such) while many others were hysterical pranks.

I never laughed so hard in all my life.

The first game we filled 5 baby bottles with Mt. Dew to determine who was the biggest sucker. For four of them, you could say, "Christmas Sucked" but for the lucky winner, Sam, she got to grab a present.

Sam Wins!!! She's the Biggest Sucker!

They entered arm wrestling contests, balloon blowing contests, a clothes relay, and a couple of games where you couldn't smile--everyone was ROTFL. I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Typically I'm crying because of the great loss I've suffered with my son, father, and now sister passing away. It felt good to have a fun time, celebrate, and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine that's for sure. And gifts given this time of year help to make it a merrier Christmas.

BUT the best Christmas gift of all is simply this, being with all those that love you and celebrating the birth of the precious Christ Child.

From our Home to Yours... Have a wonderful New Year!

Giving Thanks

Today I would like to give thanks...

First, I'd like to thank our COURAGEOUS U.S. SOLDIERS/HEROES who put their lives on the line every day for our freedom. Not to mention the fact that many are separated from their families during the holidays and the rest of the year. My prayers are with you and your families!

Second I'd like to thank the other soldiers/heroes. Those who have fought the heated battle of abuse, bullying and violence! These victims, advocates, survivors are true warriors, even more so the thousands of others who've had to be the TRUE HEROES and pave the way for others with their very lives! Today we thank and honor each of you and your families! Together we can END THE WAR on abuse, bullying, violence and BULLYCIDE! Kudos to all of you!

Thirdly, I'd like to thank my AMAZING FAMILY and FRIENDS! These are the HEROES that hold my arms and heart up every single day, with their love, support, encouragement, kind words, affection, and prayers.

Fourthly, I'd like to thank those HEROES who have SUPPORTED US in one way or another. Your donations, prayers, and words of encouragement have been what's kept us going! Thank you all! We truly cannot do this without you. You are the wind beneath our wings! THANK YOU BIG JOHN STEAK & ONION for being our PROUD SPONSOR and giving us a sizable donation to offer 6 Free Workshops in Schools all over Michigan!

Over the past year, because of the freedom, love, and support we've had, we've been able to GIVE BACK to others and take this message of freedom into the public schools and communities across the U.S., where we've literally been able to change hearts and save lives! Thank you! You are what is making a difference and the world a better, safer place! 

God bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lisa Freeman, CEO AbuseBites.com

www.abusebites.com

*Michigan Bullying Expert

*Abuse Advocate & Survivor

*Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer

*Award-Winning Author & Speaker

Autism Workshop in Freeland Michigan

Yesterday was amazing! I love being with Autistic kids and families and I was already excited about being invited to the Great Lakes Bay Autism Fundraiser and Walk. BUT it was way better than I had anticipated. The group of adults and kids were so diverse and fun!

Ashley Blake (below) is a board member for the Autism Center. We met last year on our Walk & Talk Across Michigan event to raise awareness on abuse, bullying and violence. She had taken my card, and just last week gave me a call to ask if I'd like to come to their event and maybe do a presentation. She's an awesome person, it was so good to connect with her again!

Ashley (back left) smiling during the doggy presentation, while the kids have their eyes glued to me and the dogs. 

I shared my love for AUTISM, and Brian's story about how awesome he was. Born with Aspergers and a rare heart defect, doctors said he'd only live to be a year old! God miraculously healed him surgery after surgery and he lived to be 22! Sadly, that most of his years he was bullied for being different. Yet, he loved everyone, even forgave his bullies and wanted to help them. 

 It was a very heart touching moment and I got all choked up. But everyone was very patient and one boy asked what he died from. Another boy said "A shining Star!" Yes, Brian is definitely my shining star--my hero!

Before the workshop began, these college students paused for some pet therapy with the dogs! We were very short on volunteers for the day, so we chose to leave "Lover" home and only bring two dogs. And they were "pur-fect"!

It was great to see Snickers doing so well throughout the program. He was really loving the attention from the young woman (below) whose studying to be a social worker. She was wonderful with both dogs! Usually Baby Ruth shy's away, but not from her!

Snickers plopped down on the floor and chilled as the children gathered around him. He was born to be the "Bully Buster"! He's a true pet therapy dog!

Snickers yawns (below)! All the excitement has wore this 13 year old abuse rescue out! Not to worry, he loves attention and can sleep anywhere!

Still, the show must go on... Snickers napped through most of the speaking and interaction with the children.

BUT as soon as it was time for TRICKS n TREATS Snickers perked right up! And the kids and adults alike totally loved the show.

So many of the kids came up afterwards and thanked me and said, "That was a really fun program!" I think I had as much, if not more fun than they did! I like acting goofy and sharing a message that will touch the hearts of everyone listening, both young and old.

When the show ended, Snickers went right back into sleep mode. All in all, it was a fantastic day! 

Thanks so much Ashley for inviting us! Looking forward to coming again next year :)

NOTE: If you'd like more information about Lisa Freeman, Michigan Anti-Bullying Expert and Certified Pet Therapist and the diverse workshops she offers for all ages, please visit her website @ www.abusebites.com.