Casino: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

By William R. Lavell

William Lavell continues to raise awareness bringing to light the devastating effects of gambling on the individual and the rippling challenges it can cause to family and other crucial parts of our lives. A problem that is seldom talked about, gambling is often a hidden, secret sin; weve heard the phrase, What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Lavell has personally witnessed the pain and tragic losses that accompany this debilitating disease. When we think of land mines, we imagine hidden bombs ready to cause great devastation if stumbled upon. His belief is that because of our human instinct of curiosity, we may see a glimmering building, with all its glamour, that can blind us to the hidden pitfalls of gambling lurking behind doors. He also believes that curiosity has led to countless innocent people succumbing or falling prey to the big draw of the casinos glimmering neon lights and its lure for riches. Many have been blinded by them and have staggered into the destructive minefields of gambling.

In his book, he shares and brings to light what he has learned. Lavells book takes readers deep through the dark stages and perils of gambling, unfortunately leaving a universal trail of victims. He believes no one should be left behind in the casinos mire without hope. His book helps point us to a path of hope and healing, turning tragedy into triumph and even emerging grateful over our struggle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490833859

William R. Lavell

Williams poetic messages are filled with golden nuggets that inspire, comfort, challenge, and encourage readers toward a deeper, fully committed divine intimacy with almighty God who created them. William believes that because of a lack of knowledge and a shortage on discipleship training, along with compromising with secular influences, the church todays body of Christ is living far below her privilege. Once again, Williams hope for his new novel is that the church would be inspired and challenged to rise to her place of privilege, taste, and never let go of the abundant life. When William is not writing, he spends time with family and friends, church family, enjoys nature, goes fishing, and most importantly, spends time in the word of God. To invite William for a poetic evening of inspirational poetry, an Evangelistic deliverance seminar, book signings, or for up-and-coming date and times for ministry, contact him via email at WilliamR.Lavell.com, Facebook, or [e-mail] or [e-mail].

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Copyright © 2014 William R. Lavell.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-3384-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-3385-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014907167

WestBow Press rev. date: 6/2/2014

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Lure

Chapter 2: The Hook

Chapter 3: The Ripple Effect

Chapter 4: The Trap

Chapter 5: The Chase

Chapter 6: Greed, The Power of Discontent

Chapter 7: Media Bombardment

Chapter 8: Running Bad

Chapter 9: Spiral Downward

Chapter 10: The Way Home

Chapter 11: Help from Above

Chapter 12: Redeeming the Times

Chapter 13: Helpful Resources for Recovery

About The Author

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Acknowledgements

WHEN I ASKED GOD to send me the very best person to help me with my book, He certainly did. What’s more, I gained a wonderful sister in the Lord, Ann Dyer. Joyful thanks to her for all of her help, prayers, sense of humour, and encouragement. Ann, you are truly a blessing, and I’m eternally grateful.

I would also like to mention my former mentor, teacher and councillor, Cecil K., for helping me to form a solid foundation in Christ. I hold your wisdom close to my heart. I am eternally grateful with God’s love.

To say that writing a book is a long-term goal is absolutely true. I would like to say a special thanks to my family, who graciously sacrificed time that would have otherwise been cherished and spent together. Because of your support, I am able to get the message of the book out to the public and the church.

In addition, I would like to give special thanks to my Celebrate Recovery team and family for all of your support and encouragement. I am thankful for the great new friendships that have been forged along with my study group. These people gave God their all and helped fill in a few cracks in my foundation. Thanks.

Special thanks to the West Bow Press team.

Furthermore, I’d like to thank the casino workers who saw themselves in Kevin and made an effort with courage and compassion to help Kevin realize his dilemma.

Heartfelt thanks go to my mom, whom I honour and pray for every night. Thanks for creating in me so much hope. May you stay in God’s love forever.

Finally, my greatest desire is to thank the Lord God Almighty, whose victory on the cross has truly become a victory for me. His words, It is finished, echoed down from the cross to reach my heart centuries later. My personal definition of those precious words is, He has conquered all. His victory over all the darkness has indeed been clear in my life. I am forever grateful.

IN HIS SERVICE,

WILLIAM LAVELL

Introduction

A CASINO IS SOCIETY’S legally approved drug. Those who are lured into her