I know what you’re thinking. Where would a jar be helpful beyond the kitchen? Sure, a jar can be used to store flour or jam. But let’s think bigger. Can we use a simple jar to improve our lives? To grow us, comfort us, encourage us, and shape us? Yes! Okay, in all fairness you … Continue reading The Power of a Jar
"If I speak in the tongues of men or angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, … Continue reading Cultivating a life of love: A reflection on 1 Corinthians 13
I hate regret. That certainly isn't unusual - regret is a horrible feeling. When we start to feel guilty or regret something, we often try to avoid these feelings. We use tools like distraction or self-justification. But unless we actually deal with what is going on, these are difficult feelings to escape. They linger. They … Continue reading Dealing with guilt and regret
I'm guessing that you've heard of a counselor. Have you heard of a "life coach"? This is a newer side of the mental health profession, and it is one that iHope is excited to be expanding into during 2021. There are certainly overlaps between counseling and coaching, but there are some important differences. What's similar? … Continue reading How are coaching and counseling different?
I love Christmas. Sure, part of it is the spiritual truth of the holiday - Emmanuel, God with us! It is incredible. But I would be deceiving myself if I pretended that I didn’t equally, or perhaps even mostly, love and enjoy the experience of the Christmas season. It is all filled with good things … Continue reading Christmas is not about the idol of family
I love my children. I have no doubt that you love yours as well. It is simply human nature to love these little people, and to want the very best things in life for them. But most of us already know that loving our child and wanting the best for them is not the end … Continue reading How can I be a good parent?
When God created the world, the first thing that He declared not good comes in Genesis 2:18. He made the heavens and the earth, the animals and birds, and after he made Adam he said: “It is not good for man to be alone.” And so He made Eve. Had Adam and Eve rejected the … Continue reading Four Tips to Maintain a Strong Marriage
Want to know one of my biggest pet peeves? When someone talks about suicide, but those who hear it think “eh, they’re just seeking attention.” Want to know something that really bothers me? When someone self harms or attempts suicide, and those who find out think, “eh, they’re just seeking attention.” It shocks and horrifies … Continue reading Recognizing suicide risk
Perhaps it’s a friend. Perhaps it’s someone at your school, your church, your workplace. Perhaps it’s a family member. Many people deal with suicidal thoughts, and if we are worried about someone, we need to try to help. And you can help. No training needed. No special counseling degree required. You can help someone who … Continue reading How to help someone who is thinking about suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Month. On the iHope blog, we’ll be tackling three important issues related to suicide. We’ll start from the reverse, looking today at the question of how we deal with the aftermath of suicide. What if I have lost a loved one to suicide? If this is true for you, know that … Continue reading Dealing with the aftermath of suicide