A few days ago, Jon Acuff posted of picture of himself in Austria, skiing these gorgeous slopes. Under the photo, he shared this: “I didn’t ski for 11 years. I grew up going in Massachusetts but then it was like I forgot something that gives me joy. Part of it was our stage of life, […]
Emotions
Navigating our feelings
Misery, Party of One, Seeking Company
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~Helen Keller Last night I watched a show that involved a man named Charlie. Charlie had been working hard for a group of lawyers who treated him like a peon. He made their coffee runs […]
Facing the Enemies of my Marriage
I’d done it again: said the words I shouldn’t have said. Critiqued when I should have encouraged. And the person I love more than anyone else felt the brunt of my barbs. Why is it that the people we care the most for often receive the ugliest, unrestrained aspects of us? Sometimes I need to […]
What Really Scares You?
Our family launched a new practice this year: we now have enough Nerf guns to have a battle. Turning nearly all the lights out and taking teams, we establish ourselves on opposite ends of the house and slowly make our way toward one another. Three shots and you are out of the game. The kids […]
Do You Hate Winter and Dread Monday?
If you hate winter and dread Mondays, you might need a little dreary-day cheer today. Maybe you are just S.A.D. and need a little more sunlight and exercise. Please, if your situation is leading to depression (apathy, hopelessness, irritability, sleep abnormalities, loss of energy and guilt), consult a doctor or counselor immediately. Honestly, sometimes I […]
Ho-Hum Holidays: Dealing with Loneliness and Grief
After my dad went on to Heaven in 2013, my siblings and I wrestled through our loss in various ways. For some of us, keeping everything else as “normal” and same as possible helped shrink the hole. But for my brother, starting a new tradition (even having our Christmas celebration in a different location–not at […]
When You Feel Forgotten
This admission embarrasses me, but in an attempt to certify my understanding, I’ll share it: as a kid I craved popularity. I didn’t just desire to be one of the “in” chicks, but I wanted to be liked by everyone. I wanted my parents to enjoy me as well as my peers. Maybe I craved […]
The Divine 9: Peace, be still, my brother
Okay, back on the Enneagram bus, taking you to another beautiful number and that person’s passions and fears. Some Christians cringe over yet another discussion on personality. After all, these profiles can lead people to rely on crutches instead of submitted themselves to the Lord’s renewing power. Remember, the Enneagram profile only helps us if […]
A Face-off with the Green-eyed Monster
“We all stumble in many ways” James tells us (James 3:2). Everyone, regardless of personality or privilege, will struggle with their flesh. The concern comes when we stumble but don’t struggle. In other words, am I giving in to my sinful inclinations–today, envy–or am I fighting against it? Do I excuse it (or even nurture […]
Feelings over Thinkings: Musings on the 4
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”~Henri Nouwen My daughter’s tickle box overturns and we chuckle over her crazy drawing: eyes bugged out and a nose that somehow looks like a little butt. Her laughter gives mine permission to overflow too. My 4-year-old tells […]