As children, many of us have special, invisible playmates. We run and play with them; we turn to them when we are lonely. They stand by our side when times are difficult. For some, those playmates are extra special, because they are sent from the heavenly Father.

In Playmates from Heaven, author Gilda Jean Rose tells the story of her invisible childhood playmates, sent to her from the heavenly Father. Like “ordinary” invisible friends—at least invisible to others—she ran with them beside her, flying free, and played with them. But they were more. The heavenly Father sent them to stand by her and protect her. And while many childhood playmates leave us as we mature, the ones sent to Rose by God have stayed with her throughout her life.

Rose’s personal stories in Playmates from Heaven reflect the courage and comfort that come from trusting in God, whose love is extended to all who believe in Him and entrust themselves to the care of His ministering angels. They are playmates and protectors for life.

Does society recognize bullying as a serious issue that children and teenagers deal with every day? Do they understand the long-term negative eff ects bullying can have on a person’s life?

Author Laketta Lowery knows about bullying from her own experiences. She travels to schools and organizations as a motivational speaker, speaking out on the topic of bullying and self-esteem. In Her World of Darkness and Pain, she addresses the very serious issue of bullying head-on, fi rst by sharing her own story and then by relating ways to combat this very real problem. Bullying has become more prevalent in today’s schools, organizations, and with the younger generation. It is a very serious problem because it can lead to isolation, depression, and suicide while having a long-term eff ect on the victim’s life along with their social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

But there is hope. Everyone can take the bullying challenge to step up and do the right thing to either prevent or stop bullying by:

Do not be afraid to speak up if you see someone bullying because it’s the only way to stop this epidemic from spreading!

Does society recognize bullying as a serious issue that children and teenagers deal with every day? Do they understand the long-term negative eff ects bullying can have on a person’s life?

Author Laketta Lowery knows about bullying from her own experiences. She travels to schools and organizations as a motivational speaker, speaking out on the topic of bullying and self-esteem. In Her World of Darkness and Pain, she addresses the very serious issue of bullying head-on, fi rst by sharing her own story and then by relating ways to combat this very real problem. Bullying has become more prevalent in today’s schools, organizations, and with the younger generation. It is a very serious problem because it can lead to isolation, depression, and suicide while having a long-term eff ect on the victim’s life along with their social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

But there is hope. Everyone can take the bullying challenge to step up and do the right thing to either prevent or stop bullying by:

Do not be afraid to speak up if you see someone bullying because it’s the only way to stop this epidemic from spreading!

“Imagine that you are in an airport walking through an endless maze of hallways before finally reaching your gate, where you will sit for hours waiting for your plane. As you are walking, a bookshop catches your eye, and you drop in. There are hundreds of different books from which to choose. What is it that draws you to a particular book?”

—Dr. Harris R. Cohen

Introduction to “Lessons Learned”

Whatever has drawn you to this book is a strong indication that its content could be very important to you. This may be a rare opportunity to learn how you can achieve your goals: whether they are physical, mental, or spiritual. Once you understand the process of how and why you make everyday decisions, you are able to better understand and negotiate with yourself. This allows you to pursue an enlightened, more natural path toward all that you desire. Reading this book can change the course of your life—so take a chance and start right now!

“After reading this book, it was obvious to me that Dr. Harris Cohen is a true teacher and a devout student of life. This book is filled with heartfelt stories and common sense strategies that will change how you view life forever.”

—Steve Rizzo, Author of Becoming a Humor Being

“Dr. Cohen offers a fresh and practical approach to decision making. With wit and wisdom his readers are guided on a journey to a selfnegotiated life of health and happiness.”

—Professor Barbara Dean, Suffolk College

www.drharriscohen.com

“Imagine that you are in an airport walking through an endless maze of hallways before finally reaching your gate, where you will sit for hours waiting for your plane. As you are walking, a bookshop catches your eye, and you drop in. There are hundreds of different books from which to choose. What is it that draws you to a particular book?”

—Dr. Harris R. Cohen

Introduction to “Lessons Learned”

Whatever has drawn you to this book is a strong indication that its content could be very important to you. This may be a rare opportunity to learn how you can achieve your goals: whether they are physical, mental, or spiritual. Once you understand the process of how and why you make everyday decisions, you are able to better understand and negotiate with yourself. This allows you to pursue an enlightened, more natural path toward all that you desire. Reading this book can change the course of your life—so take a chance and start right now!

“After reading this book, it was obvious to me that Dr. Harris Cohen is a true teacher and a devout student of life. This book is filled with heartfelt stories and common sense strategies that will change how you view life forever.”

—Steve Rizzo, Author of Becoming a Humor Being

“Dr. Cohen offers a fresh and practical approach to decision making. With wit and wisdom his readers are guided on a journey to a selfnegotiated life of health and happiness.”

—Professor Barbara Dean, Suffolk College

www.drharriscohen.com

The Water Lies shares the true story of the Mucha family of Biloxi, Mississippi before, during, and after the hour when Hurricane Katrina tore their lives apart. Experience this family’s love and dedication as they confronted and overcame a lack of trust and the brutal consequences of poor decisions. Broken dreams, broken hearts, and facing death at different times threatened this family in untold ways, until now.

In sixty minutes, Hurricane Katrina changed countless lives forever. This is one family’s story that bares the raw emotions experienced by so many of the families of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the country and world embraced the tragic story of New Orleans, and justifiably so, the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast went about trying to rebuild their lives.

This region took the strongest part of Hurricane Katrina. Communities were literally erased. Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians lost their homes, churches, schools, employment— their very culture. While no two stories in The Water Lies are alike, they all represent the horror of losing everything and the tenacity of starting over. Choices can never be made without consequences and those consequences can be valuable learning opportunities.

The Water Lies shares the true story of the Mucha family of Biloxi, Mississippi before, during, and after the hour when Hurricane Katrina tore their lives apart. Experience this family’s love and dedication as they confronted and overcame a lack of trust and the brutal consequences of poor decisions. Broken dreams, broken hearts, and facing death at different times threatened this family in untold ways, until now.

In sixty minutes, Hurricane Katrina changed countless lives forever. This is one family’s story that bares the raw emotions experienced by so many of the families of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the country and world embraced the tragic story of New Orleans, and justifiably so, the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast went about trying to rebuild their lives.

This region took the strongest part of Hurricane Katrina. Communities were literally erased. Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians lost their homes, churches, schools, employment— their very culture. While no two stories in The Water Lies are alike, they all represent the horror of losing everything and the tenacity of starting over. Choices can never be made without consequences and those consequences can be valuable learning opportunities.

“Imagine that you are in an airport walking through an endless maze of hallways before finally reaching your gate, where you will sit for hours waiting for your plane. As you are walking, a bookshop catches your eye, and you drop in. There are hundreds of different books from which to choose. What is it that draws you to a particular book?”

—Dr. Harris R. Cohen

Introduction to “Lessons Learned”

Whatever has drawn you to this book is a strong indication that its content could be very important to you. This may be a rare opportunity to learn how you can achieve your goals: whether they are physical, mental, or spiritual. Once you understand the process of how and why you make everyday decisions, you are able to better understand and negotiate with yourself. This allows you to pursue an enlightened, more natural path toward all that you desire. Reading this book can change the course of your life—so take a chance and start right now!

“After reading this book, it was obvious to me that Dr. Harris Cohen is a true teacher and a devout student of life. This book is filled with heartfelt stories and common sense strategies that will change how you view life forever.”

—Steve Rizzo, Author of Becoming a Humor Being

“Dr. Cohen offers a fresh and practical approach to decision making. With wit and wisdom his readers are guided on a journey to a selfnegotiated life of health and happiness.”

—Professor Barbara Dean, Suffolk College

www.drharriscohen.com

The Water Lies shares the true story of the Mucha family of Biloxi, Mississippi before, during, and after the hour when Hurricane Katrina tore their lives apart. Experience this family’s love and dedication as they confronted and overcame a lack of trust and the brutal consequences of poor decisions. Broken dreams, broken hearts, and facing death at different times threatened this family in untold ways, until now.

In sixty minutes, Hurricane Katrina changed countless lives forever. This is one family’s story that bares the raw emotions experienced by so many of the families of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the country and world embraced the tragic story of New Orleans, and justifiably so, the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast went about trying to rebuild their lives.

This region took the strongest part of Hurricane Katrina. Communities were literally erased. Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians lost their homes, churches, schools, employment— their very culture. While no two stories in The Water Lies are alike, they all represent the horror of losing everything and the tenacity of starting over. Choices can never be made without consequences and those consequences can be valuable learning opportunities.

As the oldest of several siblings, Rosa Jean knew a life filled with uncertainty, unpredictable responsibilities, and abuse. Hers was a volatile, violent environment created by her troubled and sometimes unstable parents. She knows that there is no hope for escape from this hell. Deep inside, she knows that she is not loved—or even worthy of love.

But somehow, despite all the odds, she makes the choice to leave the horrors of her childhood behind. Rosa Jean finds love where she least expects it, and soon she’s a happy wife and mother. The demons of her childhood won’t be so easily exorcised, however, and a divorce, followed by a string of unhappy and unfulfilling relationships, ensues. When Brad, a cunning and charismatic man, senses that she is at a particularly low and vulnerable place, he moves in for the kill.

Shattered, Rosa Jean quickly finds herself trapped by this man who appears to enjoy tormenting and torturing his new bride. Helpless and hopeless, she struggles for her sanity and safety … continually sacrificing bits of herself to survive each passing moment.

But even this cannot kill the meager spark of hope that still flickers within, and Rosa Jean begins to plan her escape. Through patient nurturing, spiritual guidance, and unconditional love, her aunt Grace becomes the angel that Rosa Jean desperately needs. Aunt Grace convinces Rosa Jean that she is a true child of God … and that she is loved.

As the oldest of several siblings, Rosa Jean knew a life filled with uncertainty, unpredictable responsibilities, and abuse. Hers was a volatile, violent environment created by her troubled and sometimes unstable parents. She knows that there is no hope for escape from this hell. Deep inside, she knows that she is not loved—or even worthy of love.

But somehow, despite all the odds, she makes the choice to leave the horrors of her childhood behind. Rosa Jean finds love where she least expects it, and soon she’s a happy wife and mother. The demons of her childhood won’t be so easily exorcised, however, and a divorce, followed by a string of unhappy and unfulfilling relationships, ensues. When Brad, a cunning and charismatic man, senses that she is at a particularly low and vulnerable place, he moves in for the kill.

Shattered, Rosa Jean quickly finds herself trapped by this man who appears to enjoy tormenting and torturing his new bride. Helpless and hopeless, she struggles for her sanity and safety … continually sacrificing bits of herself to survive each passing moment.

But even this cannot kill the meager spark of hope that still flickers within, and Rosa Jean begins to plan her escape. Through patient nurturing, spiritual guidance, and unconditional love, her aunt Grace becomes the angel that Rosa Jean desperately needs. Aunt Grace convinces Rosa Jean that she is a true child of God … and that she is loved.

As the oldest of several siblings, Rosa Jean knew a life filled with uncertainty, unpredictable responsibilities, and abuse. Hers was a volatile, violent environment created by her troubled and sometimes unstable parents. She knows that there is no hope for escape from this hell. Deep inside, she knows that she is not loved—or even worthy of love.

But somehow, despite all the odds, she makes the choice to leave the horrors of her childhood behind. Rosa Jean finds love where she least expects it, and soon she’s a happy wife and mother. The demons of her childhood won’t be so easily exorcised, however, and a divorce, followed by a string of unhappy and unfulfilling relationships, ensues. When Brad, a cunning and charismatic man, senses that she is at a particularly low and vulnerable place, he moves in for the kill.

Shattered, Rosa Jean quickly finds herself trapped by this man who appears to enjoy tormenting and torturing his new bride. Helpless and hopeless, she struggles for her sanity and safety … continually sacrificing bits of herself to survive each passing moment.

But even this cannot kill the meager spark of hope that still flickers within, and Rosa Jean begins to plan her escape. Through patient nurturing, spiritual guidance, and unconditional love, her aunt Grace becomes the angel that Rosa Jean desperately needs. Aunt Grace convinces Rosa Jean that she is a true child of God … and that she is loved.

As children, many of us have special, invisible playmates. We run and play with them; we turn to them when we are lonely. They stand by our side when times are difficult. For some, those playmates are extra special, because they are sent from the heavenly Father.

In Playmates from Heaven, author Gilda Jean Rose tells the story of her invisible childhood playmates, sent to her from the heavenly Father. Like “ordinary” invisible friends—at least invisible to others—she ran with them beside her, flying free, and played with them. But they were more. The heavenly Father sent them to stand by her and protect her. And while many childhood playmates leave us as we mature, the ones sent to Rose by God have stayed with her throughout her life.

Rose’s personal stories in Playmates from Heaven reflect the courage and comfort that come from trusting in God, whose love is extended to all who believe in Him and entrust themselves to the care of His ministering angels. They are playmates and protectors for life.