This is a question that I hear often. And it is absolutely true that the gospel brings HOPE into the struggle with anxiety! The gospel is the good news that although we are all sinners, unable to make ourselves right with our God and Creator, God came to earth as a man (Jesus) in order … Continue reading How does the gospel help me with my anxiety?
Do you ever have trouble falling asleep at night because your brain just won’t turn off? I certainly do. God has created us as creatures who need rest. Our bodies will literally shut down if we do not sleep. Our emotions and our mental health will suffer if we work 7 days a week, 15 … Continue reading Rest is a good thing
I realized this morning that I’m feeling a little stressed out. How did I come to this realization? My husband started rubbing my shoulders and they were tight as rocks. That (short) massage hurt! Uh oh. I know my body well enough to know that super tight shoulders are a warning sign of stress. Frankly, it’s … Continue reading I really hate stress.
Don't worry, I don't spend every day hunting around for colorful eggs. Nor do I eat ham, see my extended family for a long meal, show up at my church building, or wear a pastel dress every day. I don't do these things every day, because this is not really how we celebrate Easter. It … Continue reading I celebrate Easter every day
Last year, I was so caught up in the Lord’s presence, the encouragement of the gathering, and the fun of the music that I completely forgot to take any photos of the evening. As the Executive Director… whoops. (This year, I’m asking someone else to do it.) If you didn’t join us last year, you … Continue reading You’re invited to our second annual Praise & Worship Night!
Have you given something up for Lent? Chocolate, ice cream, coffee, meat – these are popular items for church members to “fast” from during the 40+ days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Oh wait, let me clarify – I did not give up sugar for Lent. No, in reality, my husband and I are trying … Continue reading I miss sugar.
Have you ever wondered if you have depression? Perhaps you’re positive of it, and have been struggling for a long time. Depression is a very common mental illness in today’s world, with great treatments available. For folks who have never experienced depression, it can be difficult to imagine the pain – physical, emotional, and mental … Continue reading A glimpse into the pain of depression, from Psalm 142
This morning, I woke up feeling… not my best. It was a slow start to the day. Then, about 20 minutes ago, my sweet and wonderful husband brought me a favorite Starbucks beverage as a pick-me-up. He used his short planning period at school to drive, buy, deliver, drive – just because he knew I’d … Continue reading All 5 love languages matter
Each spring that iHope has been opened, we’ve had several high school seniors seek our Care & Counseling services to address anxiety, fear, and stress related to their transition to college. This is totally normal! The transition from high school to college is a big life change. Just like moving to a new state, getting … Continue reading Are you ready for college?
Welcome to April! The sun is shining and it’s beautiful here in South Carolina. (If you’ve survived the pollen.) April also means that we’re through the first quarter of 2019. The start of a new year is a common time for setting new goals, or “resolutions,” and I wonder how yours are going so far … Continue reading Quarterly evaluation of New Years Resolutions