T.C. Avey's Blog, page 7

I'm BACK...Finally

Feels like I’ve been gone for a LONG time. 
I’ve missed you all (and have been praying for you).
So much has happened in my life. God’s doing amazing things and this time away facilitated me slowing down and focusing on what God wanted to do in my family. To sum it up:
1.        I’m still doing Physical Therapy for my arm/hand. It’s taking much longer to heal than originally planned. But I trust that this too is in God’s hands. It keeps me reliant upon Him to schedule my daily activities. Therefore, I am thankful that I was not healed in a few weeks.
2.       We sold our house and are purchasing another one (so I’ll be busy the next few months with moving and remodeling). This is a huge blessing. We’ve wanted to move for over a year. When we finally found a house to buy the seller agreed to a contingency (meaning we had to sell our house first in order to buy hers). Her house had been on the market over 75 days. After praying, we put ours on the market and within 5 days we had 4 offers on our house! That was ALL God!!!
3.       BIGGEST NEWS: God is blessing us with a new baby due in March! You may know we’ve struggled with the decision to add to our family. For a few years we’ve prayed about adopting but each time we got further in the process God would close the door. We didn’t understand why as we have hearts to care for those children. But God had a different plan. Even though I have health risks, God has chosen to use this weak vessel to bring another child into the world. My husband and I trust God to bring this child safely into our family. At the same time, our hearts are still open to adopting and we believe God will bring everything together in His time. 
With all this going on I’ve decided there will be changes coming to Wisdom of a Fool:
1.        For the time, I am suspending my Quarterly Newsletters. I hope to start them back up later this year. Since most of my political/current event posts are found in those, you may begin to see more of this type of writing on my blog, but I’m uncertain. It’s all in God’s hands.
2.       I will only be posting on Mondays and will do my best to read your posts throughout the week but God has shown me that my MAIN priority is being a wife and mother. I am the ONLY wife my husband has and the ONLY mom my son has (and soon to be new baby). They get top billing of my time. They are my MAIN MINISTRY. Yes, family is a ministry . We must not neglect what is right in front of us with other really good things. We all have different seasons in our lives. But for me, having a toddler and a soon an infant means they need more Mommy time. Later I will have more time to devote to writing/blogging. This means I am not pursuing publishing my next book at the moment, nor am I pushing my other book sales. All are in God’s hands. And there is a time for everything under the sun. ‘Thank You’ to everyone who helped with my writing/publishing/marketing journey. The Precipice would not be out there if it weren’t for each of you.
3.       While I will still be helping with book launches, I will be decreasing this activity. I’m sorry. Hopefully this too, like my Newsletter, will go back to “normal”. While away, I was privileged to be on two awesome book launches. The interviews will be coming soon! I can’t wait to share about these life changing/inspiring books. God is doing awesome things in the lives of His willing servants.
Finally I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who prayed for me while I was away. I really appreciate your support and concern. 
Thanks also to those who contacted me (via twitter mentions, emails, phone calls, etc) to let me know you haven’t forgotten me. Your words of encouragement mean so much. I appreciate you all. 
God’s awesome. I pray you grow in Him. I can’t wait to get back to blogging with you. Thank you for your patience while I was away.
My prayer for each of you is that, “… you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is .” Eph 3:18 NLT
Now tell me, What's going on with you?  

Join me at Life Signatures

Today I'm  blessed to be interviewed by Lawrence Namale from Life Signatures about my journey of becoming a published author.

I'll be discussing person information about my past and failures, as well as answering challenging questions about "The Precipice".

Hope you'll join me over there even though I've been away from blogging for so long. Click here to read the in depth interview.Comment on Lawrence's blog for a chance to win a FREE copy of my  book, "The Precipice" (if you already own my book, you can have me send it to someone you know).

I officially return to the blogging/writing world in SEPTEMBER.

Psalm 73:25-26 NIV, " Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Interview with Amazon's Best Selling Author: Heather Day Gilbert #GiveAway!

I'm still out on Medical Leave. I'll be returning in SEPTEMBER. 
I was blessed to do this interview with Heather last month. I pray that if you're interested in Self Publishing that you're blessed with all her helpful tips and insights. Have a wonderful week. I'll be back to the blogging world soon!
Also, July 31st, don't miss my interview with Lawrence Namale from Life Signatures talking about my own testimony of God's goodness in helping me write.

Heather, you’re a true blessing to me as a Christian mom and writer. Your journey to being published is a testimony of God’s goodness and your determination. Thank you for taking the time to share with us about your writing career. You’ve successfully self published two books, God’s Daughter and Miranda Warning.  I don’t read much fiction, but your books, which are told in first person narrative, hold my attention. I look forward to reading more of your work. Now on to the interview:
1.        Heather, your journey to being a published author is inspiring. It’s one riddled with challenges, setbacks, and amazing blessings from God. Please share some of the highlights. 
Oh wow! There were plenty of highlights and lowlights over the course of the past 6-7 years. Highlights were landing some great agents, getting some great editorial reviews from publishing houses, and finally, the biggest highlight of all--finally having readers! Many of my readers have followed my writing journey via Facebook or my blog and they rejoice with me at each book that is finally out in the world.
Low points were definitely those six years I felt I was in prison, waiting for God to move to get my books published, praying and feeling He wasn't hearing me (I related to Jeremiah a lot), and getting numerous rejections from Christian publishers. I kept thinking about quitting and every time God would send me a clear message not to, be it through a comment from a total stranger or encouragement from those who knew me and were praying for me. Suffice it to say, even though I felt God was hidden behind a thick cloud then, I now see He had a bigger plan for me. He knew I needed to self-publish my books. I'm an independent author on all fronts and don't like being told what genre to write and what time period is marketable. He knew I needed more freedom in my writing.
2.       On this same note, will you tell us some of the most challenging moments you’ve encountered as you’ve battled to get your books into the hands of readers?
Again, I think it was knowing I had a mission with my Viking historical, a mission that would glorify God by showing true love in marriage and Christianity's light shining in a time of paganism, and yet not seeing God bless with publication for years. Also, because there is still some pushback in Christian author circles toward self-publishing, I had all kinds of unsolicited advice about how I had to pay for professional edits (from people who had never read my book and just assumed it), or I ran into reviewers who outright won't read self-published books. There are a lot of assumptions about self-publishing, but I see Christian authors breaking down those walls with quality books that could compete in traditionally published circles nearly every month.
3.       Was there ever a time you thought about giving up? If so, what kept you going?
Definitely, as I said before. God did send rain in season, as I said above, with kind words and encouragement from various people. But feeling He wasn't moving was the hardest part. I can handle taking big leaps of faith and obeying when God tells me to move. But when I'm doing what I know He wants me to be doing and HE is not moving, then I get a little crazy. Every time I seriously considered quitting the whole writing gig, it became clear I should not and I actually COULD not.I actually did a blogpost on this topic here.
4.       What’s one thing(s) you wish someone would have told you about Self Publishing.
How rewarding it is. That's why I'm committed to bringing helpful self-publishing info to writers who are considering it. Yes, it's not for everyone, and it takes so much work (if you don't outsource a lot), so it's like a full-time job. But for me, the rewards far outweighed any drawbacks. I was already spending all my time checking emails and waiting on the line for a publishing contract. Now my author life is no longer on hold.
5.       How do you maintain balance between being a wife, homeschooling your kids, maintaining your blog, writing/publishing books, and marketing them?
Oh, boy, I'm like the worst person to ask about balance! I'm still working on it. I'm going to try and make a time schedule next school year, for when I need to be online, school hours, etc. Marketing can truly take up my entire day if I'd let it. I'm hoping to take a break this August and just re-coup from getting two of my books and one of my aunt's books out this past year.
6.       What marketing advice do you have for new authors? What things should they avoid as well as what are some of the things that have really helped you sell your books? 
I have a lot of thoughts on generating pre and post-publication buzz on my blog here. It's actually a series for those who are thinking about self-publishing. But my two key tips are: a) don't rush the process for a quality product, and b) have early readers who can get reviews ready to roll when your book does (or even before on Goodreads). 
I also try to bring relevant marketing/publishing info specifically to self-publishers in my monthly column, every third Thursday on Novel Rocket. If you don't follow that website, you should! Great info for authors.
7.       Miranda Warning just came out. It captivated me. Tess, the main character, has a rich personality and background. Share with us how you develop your main characters. 
Oh, wow. They kind of develop themselves. I have a good idea of who my characters are when I start writing my books--it's the plotline I have to figure out. I think this is why I like writing in first-person. I can basically morph into that character's head and just say what they would say. Of course, sometimes those characters really jump the tracks and start doing/saying stuff I didn't even think they would! Ha.
 
8.       What books can we expect you to publish next?
I hope to complete my second and final book in my Vikings of the New World Saga, titled Forest Child, next year. After that I plan to focus on my contemporary mysteries in the Murder in the Mountains series.
 
Thank you so much for letting me visit, TC! All the best with your writing!
Author Bio:Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing stories about authentic, believable marriages. Seventeen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband have given her some perspective, as well as eleven years spent homeschooling. Heather regularly posts on Novel Rocket about self-publishing.
You can find Heather at her website, Heather Day Gilbert--Author, and at her Facebook Author Page, as well as Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Goodreads. Her Viking novel, God's Daughter , is an Amazon bestseller. You can find it on Amazon and Audible.com. Her Appalachian mystery, Miranda Warning , released June 20th. 




For a chance to win a ebook copy of her book, Miranda Warning, leave a comment below. The winner will be contacted via email. Thanks so much. Also if you could, please tweet about the Give Away! 

What Questions do you have for Heather about Self Publishing? 

Why We Need To Rest To Be Restored - GUEST POST

This is a Guest Post from Dave Arnold.This  originally was published in my June Newsletter. (If you haven't signed up for my Quarterly Newsletters you can do so here, just make sure to complete the activation in your email.)
I decided to re-share this post with you because it's such an important reminder for all us bloggers and writers. We tend to get so busy we forget the importance of rest for our selves, and how it enhances our relationships with God and our families. 
As you know, I've  been away from blogging for a few weeks due to health reasons, this time away has really blessed me spiritually. God knows we all need rest. I pray you're refreshed by reading this. I look forward to returning to the blogging world in SEPTEMBER! (Next week you'll see an interview by Amazon's Best Selling Indie Author Heather Day Gilbert, if you're thinking of self publishing I HIGHLY recommend reading this interview!) 
As a bonus, Dave has offered a FREE copy of his book, "It's Possible" if you will subscribe to his email list by clicking this link.
I'm still out on medical leave , so Dave will be replying to all comments. Enjoy reading and have a blessed week.
                       Why We Need To Rest To Be Restored

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word rest?
If you're working crazy hours at your job, or if you are a parent with small children, you're probably thinking of one thing: a bed.
Granted, to rest does involve sleeping; but the rest I want to talk about is more about restoration and recharging than sleeping.
The prefix "re" - as in restore, recharge, renew - has the idea of returning to an original condition.
For the past two months, I have resolved to "return to" those things that are most important by resting  from my work, refocusing on my relationship with God, and spending quality time with my family.
I'd like to say I've done wonderfully in my endeavor to rest, but the truth is it's been a challenge at times.
I am a person who tends to find my identity in what I do (i.e. my work). It's hard for me to slow down and "just be."
Moreover, I think it's hard for us living in the culture we live in, a culture, sadly, that is dominated by work and performance and busyness.
And because we live in a media-driven world, it's even easier to work all the time (checking our status, emails, etc.).
One of the areas I needed to detox in was my incessant checking of my email and social media sites on my phone. I've come to realize that having my smart phone attached at my hip is not healthy.
So now, instead of checking my phone the first thing in the morning after I get up, I spend time in prayer.
So why is rest important and why should we do it?
(1) To reflect. God created the world in 6 days and then rested on the 7th (Genesis 2:2).
Did He need to rest? No. But He did as an example to us. Work is good, of course, but rest is just as vital, for it allows us to reflect on what we did and say, as the Lord did, "it is good."
(2) To refocus. If you don't stop to rest from your work, it becomes all-consuming. 
It takes stepping back, evaluating, and refocusing your energies.
When we don't do this we burn out. 
(3) To be rejuvenated. Taking a break from your work or daily routine allows for margins in your life.
Think about a piece of paper without margins. It would be chaos. It's the same with our lives. 
When we don't step aside of our busy routines it leads to chaos. 
Life without margins, without a pit stop, leads to stress and health problems and all sorts of nasty things.
There's a reason God instructed us to rest - and He always knows what's best.
Question: What are some ways you rest?

Don't miss out- tomorrow (7/2/14) three awesome Christian bloggers have join together for a FREE webinare discussing Faith and your Calling. click here to learn more about what Lincoln Parks, Dave Arnold, and Paul Sohn will be discussing. Thanks and God bless.  

Congrats Brandy on willing the book, "Spreading Joy" by Marie Wikle. I know you'll be blessed by it.

Spreading Joy- GIVEAWAY

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal 5:22-23 NIV
My first thought when I think of JOY is my attitude about life. Am I a joyous person? Do people see me smiling in the face of adversity?
But there’s more to JOY than my inner emotions. 
When I first began blogging I met a person who inspires me to not only be full of joy, but to SREAD that JOY!
Marie Wikle has a wonderful site called, Spreading Joy. It’s aptly named after a woman who is full of the Spiritual fruit of God’s Joy. It flows out of her. She has taught me what the Spirit of Joy is truly about: Giving.
There are numerous ways to Spread Joy, ways some of which I’ve never thought of until I read Marie’s book. Running errands for a new mom, taking coloring books/crayons to a Children’s Ward at a local hospital, taking donuts to work, smiling at strangers, donating used computers, bringing flowers to someone I don’t know in the hospital/nursing home, sharing flyer miles, listing items on Craig’s list that I don’t need any longer for FREE, leaving notes for a loved one, forwarding an encouraging blog post to friends, providing socks for the homeless, and the list goes on and on! 
Today I present you a challenge: Pick up a copy of Marie’s new book, Spreading Joy Daily. Not only will this book provide you with 365 practical ways to  Spread Joy to those around you, but 100% of the proceeds will go to help provide Back to School supplies to those in need (click to tweet) . Spreading Joy Corp is a 501c Charity- therefore not only are you giving to a charity and getting wonderful ideas on ways to be a blessing to those around, but you’re also getting a TAX write off! (You can learn more by clicking here).
You can purchase her book on Create Space or Amazon.  Remember, 100% of the profit goes to providing school supplies for kids. 
As a thank you for reading this (and because Marie loves to give) one commenter will be randomly selected to win a copy of Spreading Joy Daily . Just leave a comment for a chance to win! It would be nice if you’d also tweet about this and share it on Facebook (but that’s not required for a chance to win). The winner will be contacted via email in the following week. 
Marie, thank you for your generous heart. You have brought much joy to my own life. I appreciate you.  You can follow Marie:Facebook page - www.facebook.com/spreadingjoycorpPinterest http://pinterest.com/mariewikle/Twitter - http://twitter.com/spreadingJOY
Update: I’m still in TIME OUT to let my body heal. But Next Tuesday, July 1st, hop over to Hip Diggswhere I’ll be talking about making HOME MADE DEODERANT! (yep, you read that correctly, homemade deodorant!)

Time Out: Injury on the Field

It is with deep regret that I'm writing this post.

Per doctors orders, I must take time away from the computer to allow my elbow (which is causing pain in my hand) to heal. I'm told 3 weeks, but I'm praying for quicker healing.

I'm so enjoying the new book our group is discussing each week, "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.

There is so much I want to share with you, but it must wait.

I look forward to returning to the blogging world. I'll miss reading your wonderful posts and hearing your thoughts on mine.

You might see a few posts of mine go up in the next few weeks but it's because they were pre-written/scheduled. I won't be doing much blogging or emails in the next few weeks, but I am available if you need prayer or have questions.

I  refer you to Endless Impact and Living Between the Lines for posts on "Forgotten God" that publish each Wed. On these blogs you'll find links to others posting on this book about the Holy Spirit.

Until I can share more, I'll leave you with this verse about the powerful Spirit alive in you if you're a Child of God:

" For God as not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. " 2 Tim 1:7 NKJV 

The Holy Spirit (that is IN you) is full of power, love, and will give you a sound mind when you WALK in that Spirit and not in your flesh.

Walking is an action, it's not passive.

I pray that you will pursue a relationship with the Spirit of God. Learn more about Him, walk with Him, listen to Him. The Body of Christ NEEDS the Spirit of the Living God to revive us.

Blessings to you all.
TC Avey

Forgotten God: Without Hunger, You Starve

“ We would expect our new life with the Holy Spirit to look radically different from our old life without Him…Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God.” Chan, Forgotten God, pg 31, 33
Does your lifestyle point others to God?
Can the world see a change in you? Something different about you compared to everyone else?
Is God ALIVE in you? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and work through you?
 If you’ve read the Bible, you know those who profess to follow Christ show a marked difference in their conduct. They are NOT perfect, but they strive to live worthy of the name, “Christian”. 
“I am embarrassed by some of my “Christian” neighbors because my unbelieving neighbors seem more joyful, welcoming, and at peace.” Chan, Forgotten God, pg 32
Sadly, I can testify of the accuracy of this sentence. My best friend, who is atheist, shows more “fruit of the Spirit” than many Christians I know. She lives a life serving others, endeavoring to make this world a better place. The basic principles of her life are ones that should govern the Body of Christ. Yet her actions don’t stem from a relationship with God. 
So how is it that she looks (and acts) more like a Christian than the ones who sit in pews each week? 
My post from Monday (How Are God’s People Deceived?) answers much of this question—lack of knowing God’s Word and not applying it to our lives. Not allowing it to dictate how we conduct each moment of our day.
I read an article this morning that correlates to this very thing, “The Crisis of Biblical Illiteracy and What We Can Do About It” . According to this article (which I agree with) America is at a tipping point. There is a decline in people knowing the Word of God and/or not viewing it as authoritative to our daily living. 
I postulate that if we knew God’s Word and allowed it to permeate every fiber of our being things would be different in our world. Case in point, the violence, instability, persecution and wars going on around the world today. Where are the Christians? Are they filling the alters petitioning God for those suffering and dying? Are they crying out to any who will listen about the violence being committed against innocent people? Where is the Christian voice…especially in America?
Just this week I read about a man killed in Kenya for professing the Christian faith (many others died as well, read more here). There are numerous stories about Iraq at the moment. Here’s one about the diminishing number of Christians in Iraq. You can read Caleb Suko’s blog about all the violence going on in Ukraine, and the testimony of brave Christians there. 
Just do a Google Search and you’d be amazed at the world around you. My book, “The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends” endeavors to shed light on the plight of Christianity. 
All these things make my heart ache. Make me hit my knees and ask God for the strength to continue to share His message. I long for more of God. I long for these scriptures to ring true in my own life and in yours: 
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3 NIV
“ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ” Romans 12:15 NIV
As Christians, we are admonished to remember those suffering as if it were us suffering. 
Have you ever experienced any form of suffering? It consumes you.
We are to be consumed with the suffering of God’s people around the world.
And not just for them, but for those committing these vile acts. God loves those people. He wants to send Christians to witness to them, to show them His love and grace.
But when God’s people don’t know His Word, when they don’t let His Word become ALIVE, the entire Body of Christ suffers. (Tweet please)
I’m excited about the new book club series on “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. We, the Body of Christ, need to learn to Walk in the Spirit. We need to know the Holy Spirit, to allow Him to move in us and through us. 
Sadly, I don’t think enough Christians know much about the Holy Spirit. It’s the book clubs endeavor to grow in our own knowledge of Him and to share it with you. Please join us during our weekly discussions.
For links to others posts on each chapter go to Endless Impact or Living Between the Lines each Wed. 
Thanks and God bless you with increasing hunger for His Word.
“ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matt 5:6 NIV

How Are God’s People Deceived?

When the serpent spoke to Eve in the garden, he didn’t start by giving her a lie. He asked her a question. That questioned highlighted her lack of knowledge about the Word of God (Genesis 3).
His strategy hasn’t changed. Satan still uses questions to deceive God’s people- he doesn’t need to lie to us, simply expose our own lack of knowledge (please tweet). 
There’s a vast amount of Christians today who don’t know God’s Word because they don’t read it.
Combine this with those who go to churches lead by people who are misusing/misinterpreting God’s Holy Word. They have no clue they’re being led astray simply because they never bother to read the Bible for themselves. 
The Bible says His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).
When we lack knowledge of God’s Word satan uses it against us (click to tweet). 
“Did God really say…?”He whispers in our ears and over the loudspeaker in some congregations. 
When we have no clue of what God really says we begin twisting the Bible to fit today’s societal norms, because that’s what we are familiar with.
Familiarity with the world enables us to accept things as “grey” that should be black or white. 
Therefore, weallow ourselves to be deceived because we lack knowledge.
Knowledge is power. Satan knows this and he capitalizes on our lack of alertness to what God’s Holy Word says.
Then we wonder why God isn’t working in our churches and lives. 
We don’t know that God can’t work because we’ve hindered Him by our own willful ignorance.
How can we ask in faith, when we don’t know who we have faith in?
How can we walk in the Spirit when we don’t know how to listen to the Spirit?
How can we call satan a liar, and stand on truth, when that truth doesn’t live in us?
How can God’s Word be a light unto our feet when our feet don’t even know what path to tread upon?
So we trade the Word of God for words of men. We build our lives upon those words. They are our foundation and pillar…and they are quick sand.
They prop us up, giving us false security. And when we least expect it, satan asks, “Did God really say…?”  Our house of cards quickly crumbles and we scramble around, trying to glue it back together.
But the only glue that can withstand satan's ability to contort God’s Word is us having that Word hidden in our hearts. We must KNOW what the Bible says like we know our names. We must be intimate with it, not just casually associated with it. 
How about you, is there an area you’re not sure about? Things you’ve accepted as truth that may not be true? Have you ever heard satan whisper, “Did God really say…”?  Maybe you’re questioning:
Divorce Pre-marital sexPaying tithe PornographyAlcohol Perfectionism and being a Workaholic Disciplining your childrenChurch attendanceMusic selectionOr any number of topics.
Not everything listed here is necessarily “sin”. But the only way to find out what God has to say about it is to READ HIS WORD.
Acquaint yourself with it and it will guide you through any shades of grey satan may cast your way. When you KNOW it, you will be prepared when satan says, “Did God really say…”

PROMO: blogging friends, Dave Arnold and Lincoln Parks are teaming up tomorrow for a FREE webinare on Faith and Calling. Sign up here! If you miss it, you can still listen to the recording.

2 Days Left- Grab a FREE Copy of My Book on Amazon!

Just wanted to let everyone know my book, The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends , is FREE today and tomorrow on Amazon (click to tweet).

Click here to pick up your copy!

Don't forget to grab one for someone you know.

Also, reviews are greatly appreciated :)

Have a blessed day.

"... re membering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 NIV

No Duh!

Some of you know my background in Criminal Justice and Nursing. Studying and working with those who have Drug Addictions played a major part in both careers. 
I guess that’s why this articlemade me want to simultaneously laugh and pull my hair out in frustration.
How could people, especially “experts”, be this short sited, naïve, and lack basic understanding of ADDICTIONS!?!
Let me start by giving you this quote by Dr. Cicero from the Washington University School of Medicine: “As we made it more difficult to use one drug, people simply migrated to another. Policymakers weren’t ready for that, and we certainly didn’t anticipate a shift to heroin.” (Emphasis mine)
The links to both articles deals with the increase of Heroin addiction. 
The reason behind Heroin becoming a drug of choice: it became harder and more expensive for people to acquire narcotic drugs (OxyContin, Percocet, Lortab, etc) to get their high. 
Not surprising to me (but obviously it was to many “experts”) people looked for a different drug to get their desired effect. Heroin took the place of prescription drugs.
You see, you can’t take one drug away and think it will cure (or even curb) addictions. People will simply replace one drug for another.
NO DUH.
Basic human nature dictates that people will search for any means to get what they want. You take one option away and they will find another to take its place.
This isn’t limited to drug addictions.
The same thing will happen with other addictions: Alcohol, Sex, Work, Exercise, Gambling, Etc. 
If policy makers, or anyone, want to make a positive change in our society, they can’t be so short sighted and uninformed. They can’t think that taking options away or making it harder to get a certain type of drug (putting pseudoephedrine drugs behind the counter of pharmacy’s) will stop people from getting high. 
The problem isn’t the “drug”; it’s what drives the desire for the drug that must be addressed. 
The root problem must be dealt with (pain, depression, anger, rejection, or any number of issues). 
This is one of the main problems with America’s policies. They don’t go to the root of issues; they simply put Band-Aids on things that need major surgery. 
You can pick almost any topic in current events today and it can be traced back to this phenomenon.
Example: Gun control.
Many experts and policy makers think that by making it harder for the average citizen to get (or carry) a gun that it will decrease crime.
WRONG.
Criminals will still have the guns.
Those with the intent to do harm will still find a way.
Whether it’s to hurt somebody else, hurt self, or commit a crime, they will find a way. 
If you take guns away, there are still knives, ropes, explosives, or any number of ways to hurt someone else, harm self, or commit a crime.
Please understand I do not want to get into a gun control debate, I’m simply using this as one more example of people severely underestimating the ROOT causes of what drives human nature. 
If we want our world to be a better place, a safer place, it’s time to stop applying Band-Aids. It’s time to address real issue. It’s time for major surgery.  
Yes, issues like narcotic addiction need to be addressed.
Yes, I think policy makers were on the right track with making it harder for addicts to obtain prescription medication.
HOWEVER, for them to be SHOCKED by some of the unintended results due to their decisions is ludicrous.
“Policymakers weren’t ready for that, and we certainly didn’t anticipate a shift to heroin.” (Dr. Cicero)
To me, this statement is the epitome of NO DUH!
If leaders are going to make decisions that affect society, they need to be ready for almost any potential outcome. While they can't control everything, somethings are so fundamental that there should be no reason for anyone to be able to tell our law makers, "NO DUH" as it relates to the outcome of their decisions.
America cannot afford for this type of NO DUH moments. What are your thoughts?
(please keep all comments respectful. I realize this post is controversial, but that's no reason to abandon manners).

Also, I'm happy to announce that my book The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends is FREE for 3 days on Amazon (starting TOMORROW). Pick up a copy for yourself or for friends/family (don't forget to leave reviews on Amazon- they really help an author out)!  Enjoy.