Stretching Faith

Mark Hampton Website

HELLO ALL!!

It’s good to be here! It’s good to be clean! It’s good to be present and available! It’s even better that God is STRETCHING MY FAITH! Some times we go through things and while going through them, we feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and even depressed. Wondering if there’s an end or light at the end of the tunnel. Have you ever felt like you were being Stretched so thin that you would snap/break? At times I feel like things pile up and/or how much fuller can my plate become? However, there are those times when I can sit still and reflect and thank God that He is STRETCHING MY FAITH/INCREASING MY FAITH. Just when there’s no time left or running out of ways to plug a hole, God steps in a delivers just in time! Demonstrating to me that HE has total control and HE is FAITHFUL. I am grateful for those difficult times today and understand that God is STRETCHING MY FAITH in ultimately INCREASE MY FAITH! God bless  you all and reach out to us if you need assistance. Mark

TRUSTING

Mark Hampton Website

TRUSTING is sometimes difficult don’t you think? Although, we may Trust to a degree, do you ever fully Trust?  Do you ever doubt? Do you ever wonder should I double check this or that? There are times when certain situations arise, personal/business when you are presented with some information/circumstance and deep inside question the authenticity of the info, and/or possible outcome? Have you ever been in a financial situation when you’ve extended yourself and wonder how you are going to make ends meet the following month? I believe there are certain things out of our control which are necessary. In-order to proceed forward I have to Trust in God (Faith) in His provision and His knowing what I need and when I need it. What I want, may not align with what I need. I have to Trust that however that manifests itself, the outcome is exactly what I needed and what God intended for me. Although this is easily written, it is very hard at times to internalize and accept when you/I am in the middle of it. Trust is a delicate thing…it can easily be broken down by others and circumstances, however, if I continue to Trust in God and lean into Faith, then I can accept the outcome as His Will for me. Have a blesse day everyone, and if you need help please call us @ 253-735-0665. Mark

Mark Hampton Website

CHECKING IN!! DECOMPRESS***

Hello All, I hope everyone is safe and well. We have been very busy setting up new component’s and platforms within our Housing Program. We have added true wrap around services, hired a Psychiatrist, started a home for men and women who have acute needs and opened our PHP Home (Partial Hospitalization). With all these new platforms it sure keeps a guy busy! Thankful for God and my support in my life to help keep me balanced. There are times when things get a little stressful and I need to pause and take time to DECOMPRESS. DECOMPRESSING is and has become very important to me since the beginning of my journey down the path of change. I have learned that I too, need to take time to DECOMPRESS which aids in my ability to recharge and keep going with a good attitude.  I am truly  grateful for the wonderful things I have learned since the beginning from those of you who have taken the time to share life skills/coping skills with me.  I am truly grateful and thankful for those men and women who have taken time to walk along side me on my journey. God Bless you ALL, Mark  

Mark Hampton Website

HISTORY 

Hello Everyone!! Hope you are all doing well and being blessed. Have you ever struggled with “History”?  Family “History”? World “History”? Self “History”? How about “History” of others’? Me…yes at times, I have struggled with the word and meaning of “History”.  Especially when it came to my own path on the “History” plain. I believe today, without the struggle, peaks, valleys, slips, falls, injuries sustained while on the path, I would not be where I am today.  Today…I love my story and even more importantly my “History”.  Doesn’t mean I am perfect, but I am grateful for the “History” in my story and what that “History” means to me.  We should not be ashamed of our “History” because it has shaped who we are today and who we are becoming. We can do great things to help others with our own “History”. Embrace your “History”! God bless you all. Mark

 

CONVERSATIONS

Mark Hampton Website

Hello All, I hope everyone is doing well or on their way to wellness.  I have had several interesting “Conversations” over the last 10 days.  It is amazing what you can learn about someone through simple “Conversation”.  Sometimes we can learn about other’s who are experiencing pain, loss, grief and/or who may have a special need which we can assist with.  Sometimes, people just need to have someone to listen too them.  All that is required, is a little time and a friendly ear.  One of the interesting pieces which seem to come out of these type of “Conversations” are that my problems seem to be a lot smaller than I originally thought.  In addition to problem sizes, there are times when listening to someone else simply cheers me up!  Or I say, “I needed to hear that today”! Does that ever happen to you? They have words or a story which is uplifting. You know, those stories/experiences which give you goose bumps. Conversation(s) are sooo important for our well being and the well being of others.  Do you give your time and ear to listen to those who need it or ask for it?  Has someone tried to talk to you but you were busy?  Or you said “I will talk to you later”? Be person who can provide that landing spot for someone who just needs to talk.  You never know when you can make a difference in someone else’s life.  God bless you all! If you need assistance please give us a call!  Thank you, Mark

LOSS

Mark Hampton Website

Hello All, 

Question…have any of you ever lost someone special in your life?  Has it happened more than once? How did you walk through that season(s)?  Did you have support, or did you try to do it on your own? I’ll tell you, I’ve sure experienced a lot of Loss over the last couple of years.  It is never easy and it does not seem to get easier. I was just speaking with a friend today and realized we are witnessing a lot more loss due to our ages.  It kind of sucks! There seems to be no answers or explanations at times why it happens…it just does. 

What I do know, is that Loss effects us all.  Loss at times can have a ripple effect in our lives and the lives of others. I have also discovered I need support and the best way for me to get what I need is by asking for help or reaching out to some of my support circle. I am aware if I try to process all on my own that I usually have some residue left over.  I try to keep God at the center, lean on Him for help & strength, it’s all I know. God always seems to help.  Take care out there and God bless you all!  If you need any help please reach out 253-735-0665. Mark

Mark Hampton Website

CHECKING IN

Hello All, I hope everyone is headed down the right path.  If not get back on it! Dust yourself off and begin again.  It is OK! Just because we fall off our path does not mean we are bad people, it does not mean we’re not going to be successful, it simply means we made the wrong choice at the time. There is no shame in starting over.  Millions upon Millions do it all the time. Whether, some start their careers over, relationships, locations, schooling and so many more things are pathways of new beginnings.  Some times we have to fall several times and get back up to be successful.  If we never fail then how do we ever appreciate when we succeed!? Failing is part of life and part of learning.  God is always there to grab you by the hand, the same way He has done for me.  God bless you all!! Now get up and walk forward! If you need any help please do not hesitate to reach out 253-735-0665. 

TAKING ADVICE/SUGESTIONS

Mark Hampton Website

HELLO ALL!!

I hope everyone is doing well or at least moving in the right direction. I can remember a variety of people giving me advice.  I still remember to this day, working outside in my grandfathers front yard on Xmas break from college.  We were discussing a situation which I was dealing with at the time in my young life, which did not turn out so well.  I distinctly remember my grandfather saying, ” if you would just listen to me, I could save you from some of those experiences”!! In ALL my (young) wisdom and worldly knowledge my response was “sometimes grandpa you have learn from your experience’s”.  Grandpa replied in ALL his wisdom ” that’s just it, if you would just listen I could save you from some of those BAD EXPERIANCES”!!

Wow was He right!! The wise old OWL(AL)!! I look back every now & then and see how many times I refused to listen or follow GOOD ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS.  Most of the times, when I tried things my way, it usually ended up poorly for me. I have so many people who care about me today who I can turn to for ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS.  Today I value that feedback, even when it goes against my thinking or my way of doing things.  Have you ever had times when you ignored someone’s GOOD ADVICE? Have you ever refused to listen and do things your way? What was the outcome?  Did it work out well? Or do look back and say, “I should have listened”? Just know it’s never too late to heed ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS and CHANGE BOTH DIRECTION AND OUTCOMES!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL.  Mark

 

UPLIFTING OTHERS

Mark Hampton Website

HELLO ALL, 

Wanted to touch on UPLIFITING OTHERS! Now, I think we may at some times take those for granite who not only support us, but uplift and pray for us as well.  There are numerous people in my life who continue to support me and uplift me.  I am wondering do those people, agencies know who appreciative we are towards them?  Have we told those who matter lately we appreciate them? You know how it feels, to have someone tell you they appreciate you and are grateful for you…it feels darn good!! There are a lot of folks, family, friends, and agencies that I owe a lot too especially gratitude!  I am so appreciative for all the support I have been given over the years and throughout my life.  Take the time just to say Uplift those who impact our lives, past, present and future! God Bless you all, Mark

TAKING TIME

Mark Hampton Website

Hello All, 

I have recently experienced a situation where I wanted SO bad to respond (React) in a different way, however, I paused and took time to decompress and waited.  I have looked back when I just rushed into my response/reaction with all the emotional energy I was feeling and it just didn’t work out the way I was hoping it would?  Have you ever been in that situation where you reacted right away at an heighten emotional state? Did you have to go back and apologize?  Did you get into trouble over it?  Did you loose a relationship or bruise a relationship over the reaction?  Regarding my experience, I was truly almost there, however, I took almost a week to circle back.  During that time, I spoke with others, prayed, reflected and talked it through with those I both respect and confide in. I think this is the best path and strategy for me, when I “Take Time” to work things through and not react right away.  The outcomes seem to go a lot better.  Don’t get me wrong, my old nature wants to take over when those moments pop up (thankfully not often). May God bless you path and please feel free to contact us if you need assistance.  Mark