Lessons on Life from a Mental Health Case Worker

With her new book, Finding the Light of Jesus , Tuttle offers a no -nonsense manual to finding God's peace in today's stressful world.

"We aren't perfect and never will be. We all have weaknesses. Does that make us any less loved by Jesus?" Tuttle writes.

Stress and loneliness affect millions of people. According to an American Psychological Association study, 54% of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their lives. Tuttle offers support and encouragement to those coping with anxiety, fear, and unhappiness.

"Many goals focus on making money and buying things. But does that make us happy? It might for a moment, yet what about our inner most happiness?"

For one example of stress relief, Tuttle relates to readers the value of journaling, a practice which helps mental focus and spiritual awareness.
"Sometimes at the day's end I write down what I did and am amazed at what I was able to accomplish with Jesus' help," she writes. "Journaling helps me focus on Jesus and prayer. When you reflect on your day, you also might be surprised to discover how you helped people in your family, at work, or community. It's very satisfying to look back on the day and see all the things you accomplished."
Tuttle also highlights the ways in which even the most seemingly-insignificant tasks might help spread the love of Christ.

"No matter what you do, you can make it a ministry. Every time you offer a smile or greet a customer or fellow employee with respect, you are showing the light of Jesus. Every time you forgive someone who made a mistake, you are ministering to others. I think we have misguided understanding of ministry."

The call for forgiveness also extends to the reader, Tuttle says, referring to the redeeming, transforming power of the Cross.

"No matter how we have messed up, Jesus is there with a new beginning. When our dreams vanish, Jesus opens a door to a dream better than we could have imagined."

Finding the Light of Jesus is already receiving advance praise as a resource for those searching for peace and contentment.

"Cindy Tuttle's professional background is stress counseling in impressive. Drawing on this background, the author presents a truly readable, no -nonsense manual of operation for capturing peace is every adult's stressful world. What sets this guideline apart in an unique age-tested device- the recognition of the presence of an unparalleled love (and available for the taking) in each one of us." - Bishop Francis A. Quinn, Bishop Emeritus of Sacramento California

"As a Christian, I consider this work to be one of the more important lay ministry resources published in recent years. It calls for honest reflection as individuals that is easily transferred to discussions in group settings. Finding the Light of Jesus is perfect for prayer groups, missionary services and youth ministries. Cindy Tuttle addresses current issues as they relate to our personal emotions, and offers an easy to follow guide for finding our path through the Light of Jesus. The book is filled with prayers, discussions, reflections and relevant guidance. You will find yourself referring back to this wonderful book time and again." - Patti Walden, Associated Content

About the Author
For more than twenty-five years, Cindy Tuttle has worked with adults suffering from severe mental illness. She has twice been named Advocate of the Year in Mental Health for Sacramento County, California. Cindy will soon appear in an HBO cable television documentary on mental health.

Cindy is an accomplished writer. Her work has been published in Eternal Inc., Keys of Living, and Whatever is Pure, Leaves, the Gem, Word A Flame, Christian Journal, Christian Devotionals, Halo Magazine, Cola Bears and Sharing. Cindy's book Finding the Light of Jesus is published by CrossLink Publishing. Cindy is currently writing for San Francisco Examiner in the Spirituality and Religion section.