“Too many options can flood someone, yet their inability to choose may be directly tied to their fear of making a mistake. This is exponentially increased if they have had a history of being corrected when they were making a choice—or always being told what to do and what to want. Both extremes create self-doubt and the […]
Emotions
Navigating our feelings
Holding Onto Unwavering Love Even When You Don’t Feel It
Last week, I stood in my kitchen, doing dishes while listening to a John Piper message on Romans 5. His opening prayer prompted a volcano of tears and the mountain kept gushing over the next 38 minutes. Despite all my training and rational understanding, my heart doesn’t always incline itself toward the love of God. […]
When the Future Freaks Me Out: What about ‘What if’?
Several years ago, when our children were still preschool age, a spring storm assaulted our town. The tornado alarm on our weather radio erupted with abrupt concern and we knew a twister was coming close to our subdivision. Having no basement, my husband and I deliberated. Do we drive the five minutes to my folks’ […]
- Depression
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Depression: Back By Unpopular Demand
Wouldn’t it be great if healing from depression was as easy as swiping your finger across a screen. Sad face? No worries. Now you are happy! Ironically, most people that struggle with depression have no trouble putting on a smile. They may even appear–to most people–as content and joyful. The shame or fear of judgement […]
Facing Death
Through my teen years and into college, I loved going to weddings. Not only did I revel in the romance and celebration of the day, but I also eagerly anticipated my own special day with my future spouse. What aspects did I like? What would I implement in my own ceremony? Etc. Weddings were enjoyable […]
If You Put Your Mind to It…
“Left to my own direction, my heart is a compass that guides me toward passions and pleasures. But God is the true compass, guiding me along His ultimate path for me, changing my heart and renewing my mind in the process. My heart is a broken instrument, so how can I possibly trust its direction? […]
Watch out for the Snakes!
This last week Mother Nature decided to move her radius and we are no longer within the bulls-eye of heat. I can actually go outside in the morning (past 8:00 even) and enjoy a walk. The kids and I try to get at least one mile in every morning and Saturday morning was no […]
When You Feel Frustrated with Life
I’m a recovering control freak. I’d like to keep the upper hand, but someone always has a little more umph. You know what I’m talking about? My circumstances rarely submit to my commands. Funny how life doesn’t have to listen to you. But, I’m starting to get used to it. And I’m ever-so-slowly learning that […]
- Emotions
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Finding Happiness
Naturally a pessimistic and skeptical person, I’ve struggled to maintain my hold on joy. Life often feels like a grind we just survive through till we can get to eternity and really relax. Obviously, Christ didn’t promise us a life free from pain–quite the opposite actually–but even so, He offers us satisfaction and contentment, joy […]
- Emotions
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Joy, I Miss You, But I Feel Guilty Around You Too
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, […]