Garden City Therapist authors second book

“Sensitive to Listen and Willing to Obey”

Doris Arwine, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in Garden City has published her second book, “Sensitive to Listen and Willing to Obey.”

I can’t remember when God instructed me to write this book. It has been a long process. At first I felt this was an impossible dream. So I tucked it into the back of my mind. There it stayed untouched for a long time. Eventually, in my journey, I encountered situations that made me begin to seek the Lord and rely on His provisions more earnestly. It was during this season, I began to keep notes on what God was speaking to me through everyday occurrences.

The learning, growing and recording process continued until one day I asked, “Lord, why would you want me to write a book?” I’m not a learned theologian, a pastor, lecturer, or a writer. I have no claim to fame, great achievements or talents. I’m weak, sometimes afraid and I often miss the mark. I’m just an average person, and a counselor.

God answered me, “That’s precisely why I want you to write the book.” He then reminded me of His Word, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

This book is to help all of us to realize that God does speak to His children through everyday experiences. No one is too ordinary or insignificant for His service. As, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist, Madeline Manning Mimms stated, “God is not looking for ability, but for availability.” It’s not so important to God that we be talented but that we are willing to be used by Him and obedient to His will.

God uses people daily to communicate His fragrance and message to us. Too often we don’t check to see what aroma or impressions we are leaving for others to see, hear or smell.

After visiting someone’s home or before checking out of a motel, or when moving, we double check to make sure we haven’t left anything behind. Even criminals check to make sure they haven’t left any clues at the crime scene to identify them.

A story reminded me of this. A robber thought he had committed the perfect crime. He assumed he left no clues behind. But he didn’t count on someone remembering how he smelled. The smell he left behind was what helped convict him.

Yes, we leave something everywhere we go. Stuart Holden reminded a young man moving from a boarding house of this fact when the young man said he was just double checking to make sure he wasn’t leaving anything behind. “There’s one thing you will leave behind, young man, your influence.”

It has been a great privilege to walk the journey of life with numerous wonderful, and creative, men, women and children. I am very thankful to my parents for the godly molding they instilled in my sisters and me.

I am grateful for the encouragement and influence of my husband and sons that helped me move beyond my comfort zone and accomplish new things. I am deeply appreciative for my husband James Arwine, and Lois Hubbard who edited the manuscript. I am especially thankful to my son Alan Arwine, whose computer expertise and patience was extremely valuable.

My special thanks to the Illustrator, Jim Fehlauer, for so aptly portraying my thoughts in picture. I am also thankful for many men and women who humbly shared their written works and songs with me to enhance this book and show how Our God can use different mediums to express His message to us. My extreme gratitude to Mike Adkins, Deanna Edwards, William and Gloria Gaither, David Kauffman, Chris and Diane Machen, Paul Marino, the Willow Creek Singers and Greg Ferguson for their beautiful songs that instructed my soul.

I express deep gratitude to Bob Gass, Discovery House Publishers, RBC Ministries and Oral Roberts Ministries, numerous pastors and other writers for their written work. It helped show the significance of the Word of God and produced sensitivity for me to listen more closely to the Lord’s voice.

I am grateful to WestBow Press for the opportunity afforded me to publish this book. Your, dedication and sharpening skills helped me refine this book and get the Lord’s message across in a more succinct manner.

You have all sharpened me, “Like Iron sharpens Iron.” “I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:4, NIV).

Doris has been a licensed clinical social worker and therapist for 24 years and she owns and operates a Christian counseling business which she started after returning to Garden City in 2000. Through her business, "In His Image-Christian Counseling" she serves Southwest Kansas and offers individual, marriage, family and play therapy to a culturally diverse population. She has worked with hospice, foster care and adoptions and she has presented workshops on a variety of topics.

Doris’ new book is available online from Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as Hastings in Dodge City and Garden City. The Christian Book House in Dodge City can also get the book. She has a book signing set up for August 2, 2014 at Hastings in Garden City, KS, from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. Doris is willing to share more about the book and her counseling and therapy business in-person with church groups, women’s groups and other civic groups or workshops. She will also have copies of the book available when visiting with these groups. She can be reached via email at inhisimagegcc@cox.net.