Arla Caraboolad MFT

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations
OK
About Arla Caraboolad MFT
Arla Caraboolad's new series, Love's Playbook, is the Bible told as a story from a female, family-systems, cosmic-war, good-God perspective. Why? The Bible was written by men, who use few words, were mostly warriors, and who focus on facts with little or no emotion or explanation. She believes God's story could engage us and make us want to keep reading! After 30 years as a family therapist she understands that everyone sees through filters, even allowing for inspiration. Translation is not an exact science!
Beginning with episode one, God decides to go ahead with our creation even though it has been long delayed by a cosmic war between good and evil, and it ends with our creation. Then follow two books on the stories of Genesis, then Job, a simplified version of the oldest and most celebrated literary work. Next is Exodus, a new look at Moses' own story; book 6, Cosmic Crisis, goes through Deuteronomy and says God's laws keep us! If you have wanted to read the Bible but got bogged down, couldn't understand, or it scared you, (like it did her) this series is for you! It's full of research along with imagination to reveal the truth of an all-good God in a fun and easy-to-read story version. Give it a try. You can always check out the facts, most of them are in the notes. Enjoy falling in love with a new picture of God. Book 7, My Laws Will Keep You, is one of her favorite because of the story of Ruth, a wonderful presentation of the good news about God. To date book 10--Solomon through Elisha--is out!
Her first job after college was teaching high school English and math at the women's prison in California (1972). There, the question she heard most, "If there is a loving God, why did He allow what happened to me as a child?" begin 40 years of research about why we suffer, had culminated in her first book, The Worst Evil--Losing Yourself (2011).
Arla's adventure, after marriage, motherhood, and divorce, continued with going back to graduate school and becoming a Family Systems Therapist in 1987. Her goal is to make huge, difficult topics simple, and to help people find their true selves and an authentic relationship with God, who by the way, is all good.
Born in Minnesota, Arla married there in 1978, and had her daughter. This was after being transplanted in Southern California in 1972, from Lincoln, Nebraska, where she grew up and graduated from college.
While in Minnesota she owned a natural foods restaurant from 1976-79. Health had become another passion, leading to publishing a children's book Tommy Tortoise, and recently both an ebook and workbook version of Love Losing. A vegan cookbook that changes your focus from your looks to your health--reasonably. (That's how she lost 30 lbs. and never thought about weight again. She exercised on a mini trampoline for 25 years! And says, anyone can get on a trampoline for 5 min. a day.)
She moved back to California with her daughter in 1982 after a divorce. She says that is when she really learned to trust God, living as a single parent on $200 a month. She went back to school at Loma Linda University and earned a Masters degree in Family Life Education.
She remarried Richard and became a step-mom to two more children. More education. She was licensed as an MFT in California in 1992. And now celebrates nine grandchildren!
She keeps up with a blog that posts here and her website--the life of Jesus in a year--called Know God in a Year, God-in-Box--Your Inbox from Godhelps.net and invites you to check it out.
Beginning with episode one, God decides to go ahead with our creation even though it has been long delayed by a cosmic war between good and evil, and it ends with our creation. Then follow two books on the stories of Genesis, then Job, a simplified version of the oldest and most celebrated literary work. Next is Exodus, a new look at Moses' own story; book 6, Cosmic Crisis, goes through Deuteronomy and says God's laws keep us! If you have wanted to read the Bible but got bogged down, couldn't understand, or it scared you, (like it did her) this series is for you! It's full of research along with imagination to reveal the truth of an all-good God in a fun and easy-to-read story version. Give it a try. You can always check out the facts, most of them are in the notes. Enjoy falling in love with a new picture of God. Book 7, My Laws Will Keep You, is one of her favorite because of the story of Ruth, a wonderful presentation of the good news about God. To date book 10--Solomon through Elisha--is out!
Her first job after college was teaching high school English and math at the women's prison in California (1972). There, the question she heard most, "If there is a loving God, why did He allow what happened to me as a child?" begin 40 years of research about why we suffer, had culminated in her first book, The Worst Evil--Losing Yourself (2011).
Arla's adventure, after marriage, motherhood, and divorce, continued with going back to graduate school and becoming a Family Systems Therapist in 1987. Her goal is to make huge, difficult topics simple, and to help people find their true selves and an authentic relationship with God, who by the way, is all good.
Born in Minnesota, Arla married there in 1978, and had her daughter. This was after being transplanted in Southern California in 1972, from Lincoln, Nebraska, where she grew up and graduated from college.
While in Minnesota she owned a natural foods restaurant from 1976-79. Health had become another passion, leading to publishing a children's book Tommy Tortoise, and recently both an ebook and workbook version of Love Losing. A vegan cookbook that changes your focus from your looks to your health--reasonably. (That's how she lost 30 lbs. and never thought about weight again. She exercised on a mini trampoline for 25 years! And says, anyone can get on a trampoline for 5 min. a day.)
She moved back to California with her daughter in 1982 after a divorce. She says that is when she really learned to trust God, living as a single parent on $200 a month. She went back to school at Loma Linda University and earned a Masters degree in Family Life Education.
She remarried Richard and became a step-mom to two more children. More education. She was licensed as an MFT in California in 1992. And now celebrates nine grandchildren!
She keeps up with a blog that posts here and her website--the life of Jesus in a year--called Know God in a Year, God-in-Box--Your Inbox from Godhelps.net and invites you to check it out.
Customers Also Bought Items By
Are you an author?
Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography.
Author Updates
-
-
Blog postThe Pharisees aren’t giving up. They believe Jesus is unbalanced, emphasizing the last six commandments, and disregarding the first four. They keep urging a noted lawyer to question Jesus. Cautiously, he finally agrees to go with them. They arrive just in time to hear the discussion Jesus is having with the Sadducees. The lawyer is impressed with what he hears and spontaneously says, “Well said, Master,” recognizing Jesus mastery of the law. Surprised with his knowledge of scripture, he now wanYesterday Read more
-
Blog postWhile the Pharisees are legalistic and concerned with controlling all things external and behavioral, the Sadducees are intellectuals and all about science. Forerunners of the first Deists and materialists, they believe God isn’t involved or interested in humanity. Having no use for miracles, they don’t believe in resurrection either, thinking God would need to reconstitute flesh and blood–an impossibility. Sadducees are wealthy and have the influence money brings. The High Priest is usually ch2 days ago Read more
-
Blog postWhen King Solomon’s temple was being built, the stones were prepared for building at the quarry. No tools were to be heard on site. The stones were brought and fit seamlessly together in their places. One unusually large stone was brought to the site that didn’t seem to fit anywhere. It became annoying to the builders. It seemed always in the way, and they stumbled over it. It laid in the baking sun, the contracting frost, and the beating rain. Then when the builders were looking for the stone5 days ago Read more
-
Blog postJesus has the Pharisees’ attention, and knowing his death is a few days away, he speaks boldly, trying with everything in him to open the eyes and hearts of the leaders of his nation. This is for them. A few Pharisees were baptized by John, but for the most part, the leaders rejected that he had come from God.* (However, the tax collectors and prostitutes responded and received John’s baptism.) “Listen to another parable,” says Jesus, “A vineyard owner sends servants to collect his share of th6 days ago Read more
-
Blog postTuesday morning, after spending the night on Olivet again, Jesus and the disciples walk to the temple passing through the orchard and see the withered fig tree. Amazed, they comment, and Jesus gets to explain his “strange act.” Giving up on the Jews, accepting their rejection, is extremely hard for him whose nature is to bless and heal.* In refusing to give, they have become incapable of giving–or truly receiving. Pretentious self-focus is destroying them–creating closed systems.** The1 week ago Read more
-
Blog postA crowd all but runs from the temple, meeting others who are looking for Jesus. Hearing the exiter’s accounts, some turn back afraid, but others press on to see the one they’ve come to as their last hope. Many had stayed in the temple also, hearts thrilling at the power of his majesty, so seldom shown like this. Jesus heals the sick and dying, and takes the children on his lap receiving their grateful kisses. Everyone, especially the children, shouts praises to God which come alive, bouncing o1 week ago Read more
-
Blog postFrom the fig orchard, Jesus and disciples arrive at the temple Monday morning, and find worse mayhem than when he cleaned out the greed mongers three years earlier–a veritable cattle yard. It’s Passover week and the city is filled with travelers. Sellers are bickering over the high prices of animals for sacrifice, combined with priests arguing over exchange rates for temple coins. Animal cries add a din of sound and confusion. These dignitaries of the temple were so controlled by greed they wer1 week ago Read more
-
Blog postJesus acts out a parable. Maybe it just happens. More likely Ruach set it up–its message is that important. The fig tree along their way on Monday morning is falsely advertising fruit because figs come on before the leaves. A tree full of leaves means ripe figs. Jesus, hungry and needing food, sees none, and says to the tree, “May no one eat fruit from you again.” God hates pretense. It was a barren tree–an accurate symbol of the nation God chose to be blessed with his message of saving lov1 week ago Read more
-
Blog postAs Jesus’ procession enters Jerusalem, the priests and rulers react. They’re afraid the people will make Jesus king, so they stir up the Roman soldiers telling them it’s insurrection.
However, when the soldiers go to Jesus, he quiets the crowd, and calmly tells the soldiers that his kingdom isn’t one like theirs, and that soon he will return to his Father, and it will be too late for the Jews to accept their Messiah. He speaks with such power, sadness, and dignity that the Roman offic1 week ago Read more -
Blog post(continued) As the joyful procession from Bethany reaches the crest of Mount Olivet, about to descend into Jerusalem, Jesus stops. Breathtaking is the temple in the golden afternoon sun, white marble glistening like snow, gold-topped pillars glittering–a sight inspiring pride in the people, elevating their spirits more, and yet Jesus is bent over on the colt, sobbing! Those closest wonder, Whatever can be wrong? We are ready to crown him king and he is weeping as if brokenhearted! Sorrow ov2 weeks ago Read more
-
Blog postI asked permission to share this experience with a friend who really reminded me of my brother when I met him. So much so that in the beginning I wasn’t sure I liked him.We became friends with him and his wife in the last year, and he had an edge to him. My charming older brother had that towards me. And it left me with huge scars its taken years of work to undo. (It took me 20 years to figure out where my attitudes came from.) But of course there was an affinity too, because he felt like fam10 months ago Read more
-
Blog postI finally wrote again two months ago but didn’t get it posted. It needed editing, and I never got to it! Tonight I woke up three hours after going to sleep and felt God drawing me out to come be with Them! Yes! I did have the sense that both Ruach and Jesus were here! It was so sweet! I shouldn’t say was, They still are, but now my attention is on this. After talking for almost three hours, They took me to Isaiah 58 which I had been wanting to read again, it’s one of my favorites. And I’ve be10 months ago Read more
-
Blog postThe following is a post from God-in-a-Box–Your inbox. It is short devotionals on Jesus life, covering his birth to death in a year.
Jesus loves children, finding their pure openness and unaffected love refreshing. Little hearts are tender and impressionable, open to Spirit and strong to remember his stories–the kind of people he wants in his kingdom.
If parents give them every opportunity to learn of God’s love while they are young and their characters still adaptable, they wo1 year ago Read more -
Blog postI love it when things come together from five different places and make a whole clear picture. It happened this week.
I was writing about David, and marveling again that someone who seemed to know God so well could just lose it and go off the rails, steal someone’s wife and kill her husband!
Suddenly words from my journaling on John 15 this week came to mind, “I no longer call you servants, I’m calling you friends…” coupled with my own experience of God’s friendship plus1 year ago Read more -
Blog postI love my Saturday morning Bible study. The questions go deep. You can ask anything, challenge anything. We will go back to the beginning if we need to. Nobody has to feel bad saying “I don’t get that,” or “Can you say that another way?” Or “This is the first time I’ve understood that!”
This morning my close friend and co-leader said, “I just don’t understand how we have a dual nature. Is there some other way you can describe it?”
I immediately went to Romans 7 so everyone wou1 year ago Read more -
Blog postEustress is good stress. The kind that makes you feel alive and alert–excited about life. I’ve been experiencing both kinds of stress lately, but recently have been reveling in the good kind. Aging is not fun, one of my friends recently said, “Aging is not for the faint-hearted,” and I agree, but I wouldn’t trade the time I’ve been having for anything.
I think when you say to God, “Make me know You,” like French renegade– turned devoted priest, Charles de Focauld said, life gets reall2 years ago Read more -
Blog postProbably not a lot of step-fathers get honored for being great fathers, but some do and my son-in-law deserves it. I’m so glad he has taken on the task of fathering his three step-sons seriously.
And they respond.
Some of his notable acts have been taking the middle one to the hospital when he broke his arm clean off, and staying with him there all night long to make sure he was ok.
Another is selling his own ATV to put the money into the pickup truck and fix it up for2 years ago Read more -
Blog postI thought I might skip the confirmation of last week’s blog. It makes me feel so vulnerable, but I know vulnerability is a precious quality, and one I need. So at the risk of sounding crazy I’m sharing my journey–the experiment in making God real. Mother’s Day was a fabulous day.
I spent the day with Ruach (my name for the Holy Spirit if you are new to me). It may have been the best Mother’s Day ever–certainly the most different MD I’ve ever had. My husband and I were in an unresolved2 years ago Read more -
Blog postWhen your kids are far away or not in close relationship with you, Mother’s Day can be a hard day. Maybe even a day of regret and sadness. Today is one of those for me on all counts and I choose to be happy because I can. We can do that! We can choose happiness! It’s a gift God has given us–the choice to be happy and grateful when there seems to be no reason to be happy, or even evidence not to be happy!
This morning, this Mother’s Day choice is heightened for me becaus2 years ago Read more -
Blog postWhen your kids are far away or not in close relationship with you, Mother's Day can be a hard day. Maybe even a day of regret and sadness. But today is one of those for me on all counts, and I choose to be happy because I can do that! We can choose happiness! It's a gift God has given us--the choice to be happy and grateful when there seems to be no reason to be happy, or even if you have evidence not to be happy!
This morning, this Mother's Day choice is heightened for me because m2 years ago Read more -
Blog postI often say to people, “No one will ever love you like Jesus.” (And Abba and Ruach.) And I mean it, but my experience of it waxes and wanes like all love relationships. There is always an ebb and flow. That’s how I know love is more than feelings. It is a commitment. But it does have wonderful feelings at times, and this week I got to experience the true sweetness of God’s love.
One of the sweetest things about God is that They know when you really need some encouragement.
I w2 years ago Read more -
Blog postYou and your partner formed a relationship likely for many reasons. One of the strongest might have been the desire for a deeper and ongoing connection with another human… a connection that allows you to be spontaneous, real, supported, sexy, and adventurous.At the time, you hoped you had created a connection that would lead to a richer life.But it’s possible that you and your partner might have lost your way after the initial euphoria of being together. Many factors are involved in getting lost6 years ago Read more
-
Blog postis written on a tiny piece of wood on my dresser. I gave it to Mom a few years before she died.
It seems appropriate to continue my joy-writing on my mother's birthday. She was a person of joy even though she had a difficult life and didn't get what she really wanted. In some ways I think she got more.
She so wanted an education. They couldn't afford it. She needed to work to help the family. It was still the Depression.
She wanted to become an artist and a writer6 years ago Read more -
Blog postI'm sure you've noticed who sets you off. It seems to happen again and again. And somehow there's always one or two up close.
Have you ever wondered why they get to you?
If you're like me, you've analyzed it with respect to what they do, how they misunderstand, how they "have to be right", etc.
But have you ever wondered if it's because you two are alike? (It's not a common thought, or a welcome one.)
There's a saying from way back, &7 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt doesn't happen often, but it did again yesterday. I intervene, help heal someone's false beliefs, and the entities behind them push harder, the feelings growing huge, as if they're there and refuse to leave.
I recognized them and used the authority I have in Jesus, but it was unnerving because the client struggling was a child under 12. Fortunately, the parent didn't think I was crazy. It made me angry that sweetness and innocence should be taken over by evil. Yet I know we live7 years ago Read more -
Blog post(This was written and scheduled the end of February to publish March 7--it still shows that on the side--but the schedule function didn't work, so that's why it sounds Lentish and Eastery.)
My computer hard drive crashed on Monday. So badly that it can't be rebooted. I have to buy a new one. I had already decided that I would give up negativity for my version of Lent, which seemed impossible, given my personality, so I was practicing when it crashed.
I was already sad a7 years ago Read more -
Blog postA request to God and one of my goals for the past three or more years is to be more tuned in to God's voice...more able to hear him and be confident that it is Him.
This scares some people, and I get that. My personality is fear-based and I have worked hard to heal it--asking God to show me what anchors it, in all its myriad forms. I am much less fearful today, but it is true that not every thought we have comes from God. So awareness is good.
However, I really believe God want7 years ago Read more -
Blog postI try to write here once a month. And today I came here to post, and noticed that February's post was still up! But didn't I post last month? I was sure I did...and then I remembered. I'd written about my hard drive crashing and scheduled it to post later that day. Guess it never did.
Oh well, April fools! Post it next month--tomorrow's is already written, and it's about God speaking to us.7 years ago Read more -
Blog post"Why do I need God?" she asked me. "I know people who don't have God and are happy."
I have a love/hate relationship with this question. On one hand I love giving the answers, and clearing people's misconceptions and misinformation about God. On the other hand, it's a huge responsibility, and while I love it, I feel the weight of responsibility. It is that important.
So I said, "Well if you are thinking about reality--you need God because He is.7 years ago Read more -
Blog postChristmas magnifies differences. Different regions and cultures, and even extended family have different traditions, different ways of celebrating, different foods that are special to them-- all within the same religion!Today we watched Rick Steve’s “Christmas in Europe”—featuring beautiful and lovely differences—all celebrating the same event. The spirit of the subject kindles acceptance, but food widens the chasm.I was surprised one Thanksgiving with my husband’s extended family. I always thin7 years ago Read more
-
Blog postChanging your perspective may be easier than you think.
It actually only takes saying thank you to another person, yourself, or God.
Here's how it works: When you decide to be thankful, instead of worried, it stops the drip of CRH (I call it Critical Ruminating Hormone because it makes you worry.) That stops the adrenals from secreting ACTH which is your depression hormone. (I call this one Actually Creating Threat Hormone because it makes everything look black. It make7 years ago Read more -
Blog postI hate messy!
So why am I a therapist?
That's different. I'm good at professionally helping people find themselves and fix their issues.
But I don't like it when my kids are messy, or my friends are messy. They don't come to me asking for help. They don't show me their vulnerability. They want me to think they have it all together. Shoot, they don't even know they have issues! Don't even know they live in hell.
And yet I'm called to love them.7 years ago Read more -
Blog post(You remember I said her intimacy with God makes me jealous? Now you'll see why...)
InvitingYou Whisper it quiet. These words that feel liquid with the weight of Your love."you are my home"
I wonder if maybe I misunderstood. I ask what it means. And You dismantle me with Your words.
"I feel wanted, welcome, comfortable. I feel loved, desired in you. You invite Me into your moments, your feelings. You choose Me."
And th7 years ago Read more -
Blog postI don't want to change this blog this month. The one posted is too good, too complete, so well said and so true. It sums up the essence of being you--finding your authentic s,elf.
It's my daughter's words to her little boys. I just read it again, and thought how does she do it? It just pours out of her like that.
Perhaps she is so full of it because of the pain she has just gone through--is still going through. She has chosen to embrace it and it has developed her. The8 years ago Read more -
Blog postGuest post--My daughter's message to her three boys. For part one go to http://arlasoveralls.wordpress.comWed, May 29, 2013 [lovelycrumbs] three things -- part 2 You. You grew deep within me. A seed of Grace planted right into my Life.
The very existence of you is simply ridiculous Grace.
He creates only Good. You are Good.
You were born into a battle. We all are. This story is not about us. It's about Him.
And there is an ene8 years ago Read more -
Blog postIf you're a mother, you know how hard it is to watch your children suffer--to support them without directives, platitudes or judgment. But the worst is to watch and not bail them out--knowing that they need their suffering--it's how they learn and grow.
As a therapist, I am used to watching people suffer. Thank God, I know how important it is, how people need their pain, how they don't need platitudes or bailing out.
Thank God, also, that I have been over this road, hav8 years ago Read more -
Blog postthere is no moment of weakness that isn't wrapped in His strength http://lovelycrumbs.com I'm standing in a line. Seemingly unending faces stretched out ahead of me.
Clinging to folders that contain my life. My details.
The ground seems to tremble beneath my feet as though, in my weakness, it may swallow me up.
I'm fighting the tears. Biting my lip. Willing them not to boil right over and spill down my cheeks.
From the moment my feet touch8 years ago Read more -
Blog postCould you tell when you read the last post that my daughter was initiating divorce? She doesn't believe in divorce, is a product of divorce herself, wasn't going to ever get divorced, but here she is. Now she believes that she was physically dying in a marriage that didn't honor either one of them.
Should she have stayed for the kids? Some people think so. She believes they are already exhibiting less stress.
Having just spent two weeks there, I see they are doing well.8 years ago Read more -
Blog postwhen your Path becomes so narrow you have to let go My heart is ragged. The weight of walking through a sea of fear suffocating.Struggle. So deep in some moments, I wonder if I might simply explode. Become a mist, blown away by the winds of change.Mind so fragmented I fight to pin it down. To hold on to the Clarity as the moments whirl.This fight for worth. For my heart. It has Led me straight over the edge, falling far past safety. My comfort.And yet I am Real. It is in that moment tha8 years ago Read more
-
Blog postOften the pain of becoming is like fire. As when a "sleeping" hand or foot begins to wake up. The blood supply has been cut off, and the rush that is life-giving hurts.
So it is when you begin to look at yourself and really face your situation. Face it and take responsibility for it. A mentor of mine used to say, "There is no pain like the pain of seeing yourself."
I have found that to be true, as has my daughter (whose posts appear every other month8 years ago Read more -
Blog postGuest Post -- Whole
I am weary.
Raw.
Forgotten.
All this living. This giving. Pouring out. Has left me weary.
There are lines of darkness curved gently across my face.
The evidence of little bodies grown, made, written across my belly. I am a canvas of motherhood.
A portrait with colors faded. The strokes of beauty cracked and dry.
There is quiet here. Not only this night, but most. The silence8 years ago Read more -
Blog postHow does someone become invisible?
In family therapy we often see that the middle child is invisible. They often feel unseen, not valued.
Interesting that my daughter, who was the only child of my first marriage, became the middle child of my second marriage. Could that have caused this feeling in her?
Yes, but there was more.
When she was in her twenties, she described the feeling of leaving her father behind at age two, when she and I moved to Calif8 years ago Read more -
Blog postRefining The dark of night is creeping across the sky and I feel the disappearing.
The anguish of the unseen. Heart wrenching and cracked. Writhing to be free of the desire for love. Free of desire.
I cannot stand carrying the weight of it. The crushing force of longing. The gravity of need.
Heart spilling out. Wounds bared open. The pieces of me thrown about the room. Muscle aching from the violence of lamenting. The agony of a soul crying out in complai9 years ago Read more -
Blog postIn a flash of insight I saw the irony of this thing we are all trying to heal. We all have it to a greater or lesser degree, this need to belong, to be loved.
We run around looking for someone to love us, "Are you my missing piece?" (Silverstein) "Will you love me?" " Can I merge into you?"
Even those of us who pretend not to be, the Narcissists--a growing contingent--are desperate for love.
Duh! We were made that way!
By9 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe ache burning in the darkness. The fire of my soul searing its way to the surface.
All this heaviness. This pain.
I'd like to pour it out. Open my hands and let it fall with boiling blame.
But I know it belongs here in my own hands.
This pain. Deep agonizing pain that comes from years of carrying this whole life. Years of holding it all together.
Years of driving myself into the ground pleading their happiness. With my own hands9 years ago Read more
There's a problem loading this menu right now.
Get free delivery with Amazon Prime
Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books.
Books By Arla Caraboolad MFT
Love's Playbook 9: The Cosmic Difference
Dec 23, 2019
$4.99
The "man after God's own heart" isn't perfect, but he has learned how to love, and he can admit when he's wrong. It makes a cosmic difference in life and leadership. Saul, Israel's first king has an experience of God, but he grows to trust himself and approval ratings more than God. David knows God and trusts that cosmic Love and Goodness more than himself. It makes
David the main character in this book and the greatest king of Israel. He wasn't perfect--in fact he was very human, and made some huge mistakes, but he knew God as few others have.
Being a king taxes even the purest commitment to God. The things men desire--wealth, power, ease--are the biggest test of character. And of course Satan asks for that test. The difference trusting God makes is vividly seen in the stories of Saul and David. One continually justified himself; the other immediately saw himself and admitted his faults. And that teachability allowed God to bless David with honor and success. But the blessings along with peace almost took him out. He became complacent, perhaps jaded.
Walk a while with the first two kings of Israel complete with emotion and backstory filled in, yet true to the history and to the heart of a God who is all good. See for yourself the cosmic difference God makes.
David the main character in this book and the greatest king of Israel. He wasn't perfect--in fact he was very human, and made some huge mistakes, but he knew God as few others have.
Being a king taxes even the purest commitment to God. The things men desire--wealth, power, ease--are the biggest test of character. And of course Satan asks for that test. The difference trusting God makes is vividly seen in the stories of Saul and David. One continually justified himself; the other immediately saw himself and admitted his faults. And that teachability allowed God to bless David with honor and success. But the blessings along with peace almost took him out. He became complacent, perhaps jaded.
Walk a while with the first two kings of Israel complete with emotion and backstory filled in, yet true to the history and to the heart of a God who is all good. See for yourself the cosmic difference God makes.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Sex is Better with Men Over 50
Jan 6, 2013
$6.99
Sexuality problems are clearly the big issue for aging men. Cialis commercials have become my favorites. They have done well to make them feel-good come-ons. But even without it, aging men have a lot of hope, as Marriage Therapist Arla Caraboolad points out in Sex is Better with Men Over 50.
This quickly-read, humorous, book of 100 quips on how men improve with age is meant to help men face their declining hormones with new understanding rather than with fear. It's fun and light sexual instruction about sexuality. From a female viewpoint, you are finally coming around to what we wanted all along!
This quickly-read, humorous, book of 100 quips on how men improve with age is meant to help men face their declining hormones with new understanding rather than with fear. It's fun and light sexual instruction about sexuality. From a female viewpoint, you are finally coming around to what we wanted all along!
$3.99
All of us know what it is like to feel not good enough. It is painful. But imagine when God feels not good enough. Even though You are all good, all-powerful, all-loving; You are also misunderstood and You aren't wanted. Your ways and guidance and even your gift of an easy, peaceful, quiet life isn't wanted. At least not until they are oppressed by their enemies. Then they want You. There was a time in sacred history when God stepped back. It was time, again, to give humans the freedom that was so painful to watch. The freedom to do what they wanted. If you've tried to read the Bible you may have stopped before Judges, but if you got into it, you may have stopped then. The God of the Old Testament can be hard to understand from Moses through Samuel, and certainly in the prophets, but Judges is one of the worst. I've moved one of the most gruesome stories to the front where it occurred chronologically, so you get it over with, and have an understanding for why this time of the Judges was so rough. God does raise up deliverers for them (called Judges), some of them great stories, such as Gideon and Samson. The story of Samuel is also included here as its own book. This eighth episode ends on an up note because Samuel was faithful to God. But they rejected his leadership also. They wanted a king. So Samuel felt not good enough, too. And God says to him, "It's not you. It's Me they are rejecting as their king, wanting a human king. It won't work out well for them, and you must warn them, but they will demand it. So go ahead; set them up with a king." This is not a dull book, but a challenging one. Here it is viewed from the cosmic perspective of the war between good and evil, attempting to keep God's true desires for them and Elohim's character in full view. This book helps to understand Their playbook. And how the dark side is constantly trying to lure Israel away from their covenant, while making God look bad. In this series, God is almost the only one who looks good! I hope you enjoy the read and agree.
Other Formats:
Paperback
$2.99
Does it make sense to believe in a loving God? Even in the face of nature’s calamities and human atrocities?
If God is all good and all powerful, why would He
allow these? Does any of this pain and suffering have meaning? How?
Sacred writings speak of a war between good and
evil--giving insights into why it started. Love’s Playbook is a spiritual fantasy built on the
outline given--the bare bones fleshed out and given breath.
Read and fall in love with a God so good and so powerful that evil is allowed to exist and thrive. Get the big-picture perspective. Read and understand why we suffer, and draw your own conclusions. This is the first book in a new series.
If God is all good and all powerful, why would He
allow these? Does any of this pain and suffering have meaning? How?
Sacred writings speak of a war between good and
evil--giving insights into why it started. Love’s Playbook is a spiritual fantasy built on the
outline given--the bare bones fleshed out and given breath.
Read and fall in love with a God so good and so powerful that evil is allowed to exist and thrive. Get the big-picture perspective. Read and understand why we suffer, and draw your own conclusions. This is the first book in a new series.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook 6: Cosmic Chess
Jan 9, 2019
$3.99
The Bible can give an inadequate, demanding, or scary picture of God. It did for this author. But she began to think that perhaps it was the perspective of the Biblical authors. It was written by men who use few words, focus on facts, and like the idea of a mighty conquering warrior God. Notwithstanding Inspiration, people see through their filters and often produce a biased or partial picture. The same is true for translators. The stories of the Bible had real people who lived in relationship with God—were part of God’s family, when they would be, and God treated them like children in all the various developmental stages. These people had emotions, and issues and backstories just like ours, allowing for cultural differences. They struggled with good and evil too.
In this episode (Exodus 24--Deuteronomy) one can see that God’s laws and rules all come from parental love! Israel had just come out of slavery and functioned on a reward and punishment level of development--their mindset needed high structure and high nurture which Adonai gave them. He carefully spelled out all of His expectations for them. The problem was they didn't all want to obey. Just like children, they always pushed the boundaries and complained at any lack. They were very susceptible to the suggestions of the dark side, believing and acting out most of them, and making it very difficult for God to do what He wanted to do for them.
It isn’t always easy to understand God’s voice or actions unless you understand this huge backstory of a universal war, and all the little ones interconnecting with it. God's minor voice is His preferred will. His major voice is His allowed will.
Arla hopes to get people reading scripture again, enjoying it, understanding it, and falling in love with God. She would love for people to see that God's law is really just love--the character of all three Abba, Adonai and Ruach--and will keep us safe and happy until this war between good and evil is over. "His laws will keep us!" as it says in the Greek interlinear translation of John 14:15.
In this episode (Exodus 24--Deuteronomy) one can see that God’s laws and rules all come from parental love! Israel had just come out of slavery and functioned on a reward and punishment level of development--their mindset needed high structure and high nurture which Adonai gave them. He carefully spelled out all of His expectations for them. The problem was they didn't all want to obey. Just like children, they always pushed the boundaries and complained at any lack. They were very susceptible to the suggestions of the dark side, believing and acting out most of them, and making it very difficult for God to do what He wanted to do for them.
It isn’t always easy to understand God’s voice or actions unless you understand this huge backstory of a universal war, and all the little ones interconnecting with it. God's minor voice is His preferred will. His major voice is His allowed will.
Arla hopes to get people reading scripture again, enjoying it, understanding it, and falling in love with God. She would love for people to see that God's law is really just love--the character of all three Abba, Adonai and Ruach--and will keep us safe and happy until this war between good and evil is over. "His laws will keep us!" as it says in the Greek interlinear translation of John 14:15.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook: episode 7: My Laws Will Keep You
Oct 13, 2018
$2.99
Heard of Joshua—a strong Biblical leader? He usually evokes an image of a courageous warrior? And he was in war or leading the army. But Adonai (aka Yahweh or Jehovah) comes to talk to him, because he is in crisis. How do we know? God tells him three times to be strong and courageous in one short conversation. So obviously he needs it.
Joshua doesn’t say anything. He is grieving Moses, and is feeling completely inadequate to take Moses’ place, and lead this huge throng of people. He’s thinking I can’t do this! I’m not Moses!
And so Adonai says, “It’s time to let Moses go. I’m their real leader and I will be with you just like I was with him. Follow My ways, and don’t veer right or left. My ways will insure success.” Joshua feels overwhelmed because he doesn’t know the law well enough. So God tells him, “Don’t be afraid, just be mindful and meditate on them. My laws will keep you.” (Jesus also says that in the Greek of John 14:15!)
Then Joshua takes on his leadership, to the point that he makes big mistakes because he forgets to ask Adonai for direction!
Can you relate? We seem to easily slide into one ditch or the other. By the end of the book, Joshua “gets it”—God’s laws are just relationship! But he worries that those under him don’t know that. And he is right. Even so Joshua was a great leader and a friend of God because he was teachable, another word for humble.
Here are the Biblical accounts of Joshua and Ruth with the gaps filled in to make an easy-to-read engaging story true to God’s heart, which is all good even if the people aren’t. Ruth is a beautiful love-story with the same message, this time to outsiders! It makes a point of noting the other two foreign women in the lineage of Messiah. Tamar’s story is in episode 3, and Rahab’s is here in Joshua’s story, and decidedly linked to Ruth’s. Enjoy!
Joshua doesn’t say anything. He is grieving Moses, and is feeling completely inadequate to take Moses’ place, and lead this huge throng of people. He’s thinking I can’t do this! I’m not Moses!
And so Adonai says, “It’s time to let Moses go. I’m their real leader and I will be with you just like I was with him. Follow My ways, and don’t veer right or left. My ways will insure success.” Joshua feels overwhelmed because he doesn’t know the law well enough. So God tells him, “Don’t be afraid, just be mindful and meditate on them. My laws will keep you.” (Jesus also says that in the Greek of John 14:15!)
Then Joshua takes on his leadership, to the point that he makes big mistakes because he forgets to ask Adonai for direction!
Can you relate? We seem to easily slide into one ditch or the other. By the end of the book, Joshua “gets it”—God’s laws are just relationship! But he worries that those under him don’t know that. And he is right. Even so Joshua was a great leader and a friend of God because he was teachable, another word for humble.
Here are the Biblical accounts of Joshua and Ruth with the gaps filled in to make an easy-to-read engaging story true to God’s heart, which is all good even if the people aren’t. Ruth is a beautiful love-story with the same message, this time to outsiders! It makes a point of noting the other two foreign women in the lineage of Messiah. Tamar’s story is in episode 3, and Rahab’s is here in Joshua’s story, and decidedly linked to Ruth’s. Enjoy!
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook: The Advantage of Weakness
May 8, 2018
$3.99
Here is an amazing love story—one that under-girds the Jewish and Christian religions. It is the story of a man named Moses: who he became in relationship with God, and what God did for him and Israel as He brought them out of Egypt. It is the story of the Exodus—how God removed Abraham’s children from slavery in Egypt, told from a cosmic perspective, by a female family systems’ therapist.
Many say this story is just myth because there is no archaeological evidence. However, there is an amazing amount of precise and weighty evidence if you look at the right time--the time given for the exodus in 1 Kings 6:1. Archaeologists are looking 200 years too late. One word, “Ramses”, has thrown off the whole research world because Ramses renamed Tanis to his name when he became Pharaoh, so a late copyist of the sacred writings updated the name of Tanis to Ramses, for geographic understanding. Most probably he never dreamed he would throw the world off. But there was a mastermind behind it—an enemy who didn’t want Exodus to have historical validation. Why? It would validate God’s presence and actions in history, our world. There are cosmic beings and people who don’t want that, so the war of good and evil continues.
Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney was obsessed with knowing the truth, and has uncovered massive archaeological and historical evidence of the exodus. You can take his ten-year journey with him in about two hours in his film Patterns of Evidence Exodus. It is eye-opening, disturbing, confirming, confronting and comforting all at the same time!
Whether you watch Mahoney’s film first, or read the book first, it doesn’t matter, you will be blessed and enlightened by a God who is powerful, loving, relational, and most of all present! And so the cosmic Chess continues that started in Love’s Playbook, episode one.
Many say this story is just myth because there is no archaeological evidence. However, there is an amazing amount of precise and weighty evidence if you look at the right time--the time given for the exodus in 1 Kings 6:1. Archaeologists are looking 200 years too late. One word, “Ramses”, has thrown off the whole research world because Ramses renamed Tanis to his name when he became Pharaoh, so a late copyist of the sacred writings updated the name of Tanis to Ramses, for geographic understanding. Most probably he never dreamed he would throw the world off. But there was a mastermind behind it—an enemy who didn’t want Exodus to have historical validation. Why? It would validate God’s presence and actions in history, our world. There are cosmic beings and people who don’t want that, so the war of good and evil continues.
Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney was obsessed with knowing the truth, and has uncovered massive archaeological and historical evidence of the exodus. You can take his ten-year journey with him in about two hours in his film Patterns of Evidence Exodus. It is eye-opening, disturbing, confirming, confronting and comforting all at the same time!
Whether you watch Mahoney’s film first, or read the book first, it doesn’t matter, you will be blessed and enlightened by a God who is powerful, loving, relational, and most of all present! And so the cosmic Chess continues that started in Love’s Playbook, episode one.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook: The Perception of Faillure
Feb 1, 2016
$5.99
Pulling back the curtain on the back story of scripture made a huge difference in understanding life for this author. Have you tried to read the Bible and couldn't get past Genesis or maybe Exodus? Arla Caraboolad is a family-systems therapist who had struggled with the picture of God shown in certain passages of scripture until she began to see them from a larger perspective--a universal war between good and evil, where the key players are breathed into real beings. Once she begin to understand that our lives are set in a war where we are the battlefield, that most of the Biblical writers only hinted at, everything began to look different. Her training as a mental health, family-systems therapist was very helpful. With that backdrop she has brought the Bible stories to life for adults, the characters fleshed out as someone you can relate to. In this particular episode, you will meet Jacob who as the book opens is running for his life from his brother who has threatened him. He lives under a cloud of failure, because of not being strong enough to stand up to his mother. His shame causes others to take advantage of him, but God comes through again and again. He is so favored by God, but so harassed by God's enemies, and his compliant, easy-going nature often make him an easy target. But even though he expects the worst and his suffering is keen, God's faithfulness shines through all of it as the definite winner of this man's battle.
Other Formats:
Paperback
$4.99
Is God really good?
Most people who believe in Him would say yes. But still they worry, and are afraid. When bad things happen, they ask "Why God?" It usually means, "Why did you let this happen?" It's a valid question. If God is all powerful and all good, why does He let bad things happen?
This question has stumped devotees of His since time began, and yet they insist that God is good. Is there a reason? Is it reasonable to believe in a good God? One that scripture describes as all good, with "no darkness in Him at all"?
If you have ever wondered why we suffer, and how suffering makes sense in the face of a loving God, this is your book--your series of books. It turns the Bible into a story for adults, a love story, but also a story of war and loss, of incredible risks and freedom. God took the risks because He believes so much in love; and only in freedom is love real. My friend calls it the back story. This series fills in the back story of the Bible, being as true to research and the Spirit of the Bible as possible.
If you've ever tried to read the Bible.and failed, this is written for you, and for anyone who would like to understand many things that don't make sense in that book. There are many things that don't seem right. Hopefully the characters will come to life and you can walk a while with them, and understand the back story.Be prepared for some surprises. This is the Bible like you've never read it!
Most people who believe in Him would say yes. But still they worry, and are afraid. When bad things happen, they ask "Why God?" It usually means, "Why did you let this happen?" It's a valid question. If God is all powerful and all good, why does He let bad things happen?
This question has stumped devotees of His since time began, and yet they insist that God is good. Is there a reason? Is it reasonable to believe in a good God? One that scripture describes as all good, with "no darkness in Him at all"?
If you have ever wondered why we suffer, and how suffering makes sense in the face of a loving God, this is your book--your series of books. It turns the Bible into a story for adults, a love story, but also a story of war and loss, of incredible risks and freedom. God took the risks because He believes so much in love; and only in freedom is love real. My friend calls it the back story. This series fills in the back story of the Bible, being as true to research and the Spirit of the Bible as possible.
If you've ever tried to read the Bible.and failed, this is written for you, and for anyone who would like to understand many things that don't make sense in that book. There are many things that don't seem right. Hopefully the characters will come to life and you can walk a while with them, and understand the back story.Be prepared for some surprises. This is the Bible like you've never read it!
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook episode 10: A Few Great Men
Dec 17, 2020
$2.99
King Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived, because God asks him what he wants from Them, and he responds, "Wisdom, to govern this great people of Yours." Adonai is so pleased with his request for wisdom that He promises They will make him wiser than any man before him or after him. And God adds to him wealth and honor as well! No king was ever blessed like he was. The story unfolds and we see Solomon's first decade as king is incredible. The second is too, and his fame spreads throughout the world. Kings court him and come to see for themselves! Notably one queen as well, the Queen of Sheba. She is so impressed with even the way he eats and treats his servants that she converts to be a worshipper of His God! It's a great story. That is what was supposed to happen with Israel--how God wanted to be known--how They wanted to attract humans to Their wisdom. They want us to know that Their ways are the happiest, safest way to get through this life. I always think of Solomon's first years as God's "Camelot"--lasting one brief shining moment of approximately 20 years. So what happened? Solomon begins to trust in his wisdom instead of his friendship with God. He starts by ignoring a few little guidelines of God's for Their kings, and little by little greed and power get to him. He also becomes an addict and almost loses his kingdom. But Adonai keeps his promise to his father David to be a father to Solomon, and when he hits bottom to correct him instead of leaving him to his choices. He tries to fix the damage, especially for the youth in his kingdom, by writing Ecclesiastes and circulating it, but he can't undo all he put in motion. Solomon is the third king of Israel, and after him the kingdom splits in two: Israel and Judah.God gifts Solomon's servant with most of his kingdom, saving only three tribes for his son. But fear causes him to turn from God and make a worse mess of things. Then comes the time of Ahab and Jezebel and they greatly compound the damage to Israel's half of the kingdom. But God send Elijah to stand up against their evil influence. His is a great story of an imperfect man who God translates to heaven without death! And then Elisha takes over for God. He has on record more miracles than any other prophet. He asked for more of God and got it! Another great man!Elisha's influence spreads into Judah, where Jehoshaphat finally comes along. He is another of the great kings, faithful to God to the end, but his son is another horrible king influenced by his wife. Joash becomes king at seven, saved by a faithful priest. He redeems the kingdom but then ruins it too by the influence of friends. There is only a few great men. The purpose of this Bible is to show God’s goodness—either They are not all-good as it says, OR we haven’t known how to interpret what we read accurately. Many people think the God of the Old Testament is a different being than the God of the New Testament—Jesus. But they are the same person according to 1 Corinthians 10:4. And since I believe God is all-good, then we must find that goodness in every story, not skipping the hard ones where They* don’t look or sound good. Enjoy.God is plural in Genesis 1:1 where They are called Elohim. So in this series They are three characters.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Love's Playbook episode 4: Beyond Suffering
Jul 17, 2016
$3.99
Wouldn't we all like to get beyond suffering! Ancient literature has a story about a man who did. It's quite a story complete with love, pain, drama, suffering, and resolve. God even shows up! Yep! Job (the main character--pronounced with a long o) asks God to vindicate him and He does! Imagine that! In person! God comes to vindicate His friend, but it takes time. In the meantime his friends all tell him he's crazy it won't happen; that his suffering comes from God for something he's done. Job maintains he has done nothing to merit this suffering, and they mock him. Job doesn't know why it's happening, but you as the reader will. Job doesn't know if God will come, but now you as the reader do. This is probably the oldest story ever told and preserved. Yes, written even before Genesis!
The book of Job in the Bible is considered one of the greatest works of literature and antiquity. Controversy surrounds its date and authorship, but after researching it, I am convinced that Moses wrote it and probably before Genesis. This is the story Moses heard from Job's kids or Jethro, simplified and condensed from his very structured poetry, written in prose because I wanted it to be readily understandable, so the reader isn't bogged down in difficult antiquated imagery and wording. Most of it is a lively debate between Job and four friends about why we suffer and what God is like--two of the oldest, most debated questions of all time.
AND it answers many more questions, such as: Does God want a relationship with us? What is the most important thing in life? Is God in charge? How do we know? Where does suffering come from? Does suffering have purpose and meaning? Is there a reason for it? And will God reward us for our suffering? Watch and listen as God bets on Job's friendship, integrity and loyalty against Satan, the accuser and tester of humans. Be amazed at God's appearance and how He handles the whole thing with power and grace.
$0.99
Let yourself change the way you think about weight loss.
It’s true, the easiest way to lose weight is to stop thinking about food. But if food has become what you look forward to, your comfort, or your reward, that is difficult.
Sometimes education is helpful, especially if you have never learned how to be healthy, or how to eat healthy. But education can only take you so far without motivation. And willpower is so easy to override.
Eating is emotional.
That’s why Love Losing is here—to stir up your “want to” to give a common-sense, holistic definition to “healthy,” to discover, face, and heal the things that keep you stuck, and finally to help with your plan, menus, and recipes.
Being healthy is NOT just about food. And losing is not about starving.
Health starts with the way you think and feel about yourself.
Are you hard on yourself? Indulgent? Or just mindless? Being healthy is too much work?
Make it an adventure, tweak your focus, and learn what your body wants and needs. Then see how it gives back in energy, vitality and weight loss without you focusing on it.
Choose your way to a new healthy you!
It’s true, the easiest way to lose weight is to stop thinking about food. But if food has become what you look forward to, your comfort, or your reward, that is difficult.
Sometimes education is helpful, especially if you have never learned how to be healthy, or how to eat healthy. But education can only take you so far without motivation. And willpower is so easy to override.
Eating is emotional.
That’s why Love Losing is here—to stir up your “want to” to give a common-sense, holistic definition to “healthy,” to discover, face, and heal the things that keep you stuck, and finally to help with your plan, menus, and recipes.
Being healthy is NOT just about food. And losing is not about starving.
Health starts with the way you think and feel about yourself.
Are you hard on yourself? Indulgent? Or just mindless? Being healthy is too much work?
Make it an adventure, tweak your focus, and learn what your body wants and needs. Then see how it gives back in energy, vitality and weight loss without you focusing on it.
Choose your way to a new healthy you!
Other Formats:
Paperback
- ←Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- Next Page→
More Information
Anything else? Provide feedback about this page