Ask the Doctor

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Kelly, Bellefontaine, OH

    I would like to thank you for your book. I picked up an autographed copy . . . as soon as I knew it had been published. It is always on my desk and read often. It is truly a gift to this world and I pray it is a success for you and ends up in all the hands that need it. I am blessed to know you and you have blessed many with the sharing of yourself and your book! My thanks to you also for maintaining your website. Although I am not in official contact with you anymore, your website and newsletters make me feel connected to a greater realm of being and that is satisfying and uplifting.

    When I am in meditation, it feels like I am there for such a short time, but upon returning to myself, I find that much time has passed. I feel emptiness upon returning and long to go back and stay. Now, having said that, I know I cannot spend this earthly life in constant meditation as I do have a family, home and responsibilities that are of importance. I try to keep my soul in link with the Christ consciousness and move about the day in a state of being with God. But, I feel such a separation and almost a grief when I am not in a prayerful or meditative state. The emotions I experience are not constant, nor do they prevent me from functioning throughout daily life. They are just there in my heart. When I am in prayer or meditation, I feel like that is where I should be and I want to stay. Can you suggest a way that the transition can be made easier or is this just a blending of worlds that needs to happen for me (or all of us) and the emotions are simply emotions that I must bare?

Dr. Stevens:

     Hello Kelly. Thank you so much for your kind words concerning my book and website.

    When one is in deep, true meditation, they are in the presence of God. There is, in this most holy place, no time and no earthly emotions. Perfect peace and bliss are God's gifts to those courageous enough to seek His presence. In this ideal state of being, the ego is set aside so Self cannot get in the way of God's will. A profound union occurs between the Creator and the created and a remembrance is set in motion - a longing to return to our original state we shared with Him in the beginning, a wholeness or completeness. Is it any wonder, then, that there is such sadness in returning to the imperfect state of material cognition?

    To bridge this gap, Kelly, I would encourage you to dwell upon the direction and message you gained while meditating, attempting to manifest it into one of the Fruits of the Spirit - gentleness, kindness, patience, justice, mercy, faith, hope and love. Listen for the still, small voice throughout the day to direct you, as it is an extension of God's certainty. Channel blessings to others, for meditation allows God to extend Himself through you. And, lastly, please know deep inside, that meditation is a preview for what is yet to come between man and God. Therefore, be at peace - for God is truly in His holy temple.

    It was good to hear from you again. We will keep you in our prayers.

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Jocelyn, St. Louis, MO

    I was wondering about your thoughts concerning whether there is such a thing as fate, a person's life is mapped out and predetermined the day they're born and it can't be changed, that's it. Or is there truly free will and destiny can be changed?

Dr. Stevens:

    Both are true. The greatest gift that God has given to mankind is freedom. This is why Christ's Atonement, the forgiveness of man's sins, has such spiritual significance. It sets both the forgiver and the forgiven free - free to begin anew; free to elevate expression to a holy level; free to be like God. Fate, or destiny, is true only in the sense that great good or God's will (freedom for His children) will prevail in the end and man will no longer trap himself. 

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Letitia, Jacksonville, FLA

    I would like to know which version of the Bible you would recommend and why.

Dr. Stevens:

    Any book that directs you to turn within yourself and hear the still, small voice (God's voice) is of great value - "the kingdom of Heaven is within you". However, my personal favorite, when it comes to Bibles, is the King James Version. While some may find it archaic and difficult to grasp quickly, I believe that by taking the time to read it slowly and thoughtfully, this version speaks most directly to the soul. Its poetic tone and formal style lend an air of beauty and authority with which this holy book deserves to be read. It has not watered down the Bible's timeless and divine truths as some other versions have done.

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Paul, Cleveland,OH:

    Dr. Stevens, I don't know if you remember me, but I was a client of yours seven or eight years ago. At the time, I was trying to recover from a divorce and you helped me to overcome the shock. The loneliness was unbearable for a long time, but with your help I finally got the courage to put away the "poor me" and begin to live again. Since then, I have moved on and met the ideal woman, my soul-mate, and I could not be happier. I used deep meditation and the Law of Attraction that you had taught me and it worked! Our initial meeting was miraculous. I'll tell you about it sometime. Anyway, my wife was astounded when I told her that I already knew about the "Secret" long before it aired on Oprah. I want you to meet her, she is really excited. Thanks Doc.

Dr Stevens:

    I do, indeed, remember you, Paul. The Law of Attraction, or like begets like, is getting a lot of media attention these days. However, it is not a new philosophy, and is probably the cornerstone of every religion. Man, above all of God's creations, is constantly striving to understand himself. Consequently, he relentlessly searches for that which is like himself, in order to define or explain himself. He often overlooks the Universal Laws that reveal the will of God and, in doing so, he begins to mistakenly believe that he is exempt from the consequences of what he has built. However, these Laws were set in place from the moment of creation and that which God has made is an extension of Himself and can be no less than He is. This is also true for man. What you sow, you shall reap. The Law of Attraction is nothing more than the harvest of what you have built within yourself - what you have dwelt upon, what you have craved and what you have acted upon. Blessed is he who can blend his desires with the will of God. It was good to hear from you again.

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Melanie, Emmaus, PA:

    Dr. Stevens I just got your book, In The Presence of God, and I am thrilled. Each verse reminds me of some of the turning points in my life and what you taught me each step of the way. I will always be grateful. My question is about meditation. My 11 year old son Andrew wants to learn to meditate from the steps in your book. Is it safe for kids to do this?

Dr. Stevens:

    When meditation is properly and lovingly performed with the intention of hearing God, it is very much safe. I regularly teach one-on-one and small group sessions to children of all ages, adjusting the depth and intensity according to the childs' receptivity. First, follow the steps to Christ-centered prayer as a preparation for relaxation and communing with God - then proceed to meditation. The steps in my book are child-safe. If your son accomplishes relaxation, or even falls asleep, this is viewed as positive and should be rewarded. Don't push, don't insist, let it be willingly done when he feels motivated to do so. The truth is safely placed in Andrew, as well as any adult and God will bring it to his remembrance when he becomes a seeker. Not to worry, God is mindful of those that seek His presence.

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Joy, New York, NY:

   My ten-year-old daughter has been very sad this week, seeing all the media attention on TV concerning the anniversary of 9/11. She has been drawing pictures of planes flying into buildings with fire and havoc. Should I allow her to work herself through this? I have tried to refocus her thinking with little success. I'm starting to worry.

Dr. Stevens:

    I would be very interested in seeing her drawings. If you like,you may FAX them to my office. Call for details. In the meantime, I would attempt to balance the tragic impressions left by the vivid media coverage with honest explanations of how and why such things occur. This is an excellent opportunity to instill or reemphasize your family's personal values. I would encourage you to have a sit-down discussion and face the tough questions with age-appropriate answers. Let you daughter guide how deep the dialogue goes. Always accentuate the positive, such as : the unity of Americans and other nations to stand together at this time in history; someday all nations will be filled with the message of Jesus Christ; and so on. Ask for drawings of these positive visions and her mood should lift. Most of all, know your child's limits and when to turn off the TV. What you permit to enter your child's mind, when she is in your care, sends her the message it is safe, or acceptable, as you are the ultimate authority figure in her world.

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Maria, Sarasota, Florida:

    Hi Dr. Stevens. I am intrigued by the idea that what we believe in may result in health or disease. I must admit I struggle with this idea, as I have a heart condition, diabetes, arthritis and fibromyalgia. There are days when I hate my life and my body. How could I have done this to myself?

Dr. Stevens:

    At any given moment, we are the sum total of what we believe and how we have interpreted our life experiences. We are not talking about mere passing thoughts here. Rather, those ideas or concepts we have repeated to ourselves, over and over again, in self-talk, until we have convinced ourselves of their importance or truth. We become what we dwell upon. What we hold of value in the mind resonates throughout the body. There seems to be an accompanying thought pattern for every disease or condition.  

    You seem to be in a self-condemning mode, Maria. Whether or not your condemning thoughts are the result of your conditions or the cause of your conditions is no longer of prime importance.  You must assume responsibility that you are at least adding to the problem with thoughts of defeat and hate. Hatred, even short-term and fleeting, will not assist in the healing process, as God (the ultimate belief) is love.

    I invite you to schedule a phone session appointment that we might refocus your thinking and set a good hopeful plan in motion. We will keep you in our prayers.

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Debbie, Indianapolis, Indiana :

    I feel very overwhelmed by life. I tire easily and I can't seem to keep up with all of my duties. I'm spread so thin lately what with the kids, my new job, and my inlaws who have been staying with us for a month. My Dr. wanted me to try an antidepressant, but I don't want meds. He suggested I try counseling.

Dr. Stevens:

    The solution to every life problem lies within you. The stance or posture you assume, the attitude in which you approach it, often helps to determine the outcome. Many problems are problems simply because we tell ourselves they are. The unedited version of your Email stated many other daily stressors and leads me to believe that you are simply trying too hard in all areas. Not all things rate the same level of attention. If we give every thought and situation equal importance or value, we would be worn out by noon. Be more discriminate - focus on the one or two primary issues of the day and gently dismiss the rest. You may find some benefit from Brief Solution Focused Therapy. Most of all Debbie, have faith that all things work to good for those that love the Lord. Allow Him to carry some of the load.

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 Paula, Cincinnati, Ohio :

     I am often confused as to whether I am doing God's will or my own. How can I tell what is God's will for me, or what is the right thing to do in a situation. My husband says the answer is in the Word, but I can't always find it there. Help.

Dr. Stevens:

    First, know that God made you to choose. Apply what you know to do today and the next step will be given to you. Ask yourself if a certain thing seems right to do and then take it into prayer and ask God. If your answer matches His,  proceed ahead." My spirit beareth witness with your spirit", saith the Lord. Understand that God's will is the same for everyone - that we KNOW Him. To study the Word will tell us OF Him - to listen to the still small voice within will allow us to KNOW Him personally. He will guide you when you are able to recognize His voice.

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