Content designed to encourage the reader through practical and general life tips.
Anxiety is a product of this broken, human world. There are many reasons why people struggle with worry and anxiety, but one core reason is because things are outside of our control. And we very much want them inside of our control! Do you struggle with worry, with anxiety, always wondering “what if” and “what … Continue reading Why am I so anxious all the time?
We all like to feel happy, excited, joyful, and relaxed. But what about the emotions like sadness, anger, fear, or discouragement? These are much harder. Yet God has created us as creatures with a full range of emotions. How do we express and share them well? There is a time and place for every emotion … Continue reading Sharing Your Hard Emotions
We’ve all heard that before, right? Over the past couple of years, the focus on self-care has increased in that more people are aware of it, and yet, we see so many cases of people that are stretched too thin, overcommitting and trying to fit just one more task into the daily schedule. Our society … Continue reading Self Care isn’t Selfish
“Okay, counselor, so, what if I’m in a relationship where I’m the only one giving anything? I give all the time. They need to give sometimes too!” Did you read Part 1 and find yourself thinking this way? Most of us have felt this way at least once in our lives! It is true that … Continue reading Give and Take (Part 2)
How do you handle the storms of life? We know they are inevitable, yet we often find ourselves ill-prepared and overwhelmed. Let’s take a look at how the disciples and Jesus handled a storm in Mark 4. As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they … Continue reading Success in the Storm of Mark 4
If you live in America, it’s becoming more and more likely that the answer is “yes.” Since 1985, American teenagers have jumped from 18% of college freshman feeling “overwhelmed” to 41%. Nearly one-third of teens and adults have an anxiety disorder. But do we even see it when it’s happening? Three Myths About Anxiety “It’s … Continue reading Is your teenager struggling with anxiety?
During and after tragedy, it is only natural to experience sorrow, grief, fear, and anger. We cry out to God “Why?” and seek comfort and often seek distraction. These hard emotions are important, natural, and expected – but they are uncomfortable. We can expect sorrow and grief in life, but how do we handle it? … Continue reading Handling Sorrow and Grief
Looking around us, it seems like everyone has a smartphone. You probably have one yourself; 77% of people do! Smartphones are not inherently good or bad, but the way that we use them has a large influence on our daily life. How comfortable do you feel with how you’re using your smartphone? Do you want … Continue reading How do you use your smartphone?
Our imaginations paint summertime as a period of rest… sunshine, sweet tea, and sleeping in. But when was the last time you really felt that relaxed? Even our children now tend to fill the summer with camps, activities, and day trips. Our "vacations" quickly get filled with budgets, competing desires, tight schedules, cramped cars, and … Continue reading Can you relax on vacation?
"But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up … Continue reading Prayer during suffering in Psalm 69