We often like to think of our life in little silos. What I do in area X should have no impact on area Y! Well, this is simply not how God made us. God created us as intricate, complex creatures - and every part of life has an impact on every other part of life. … Continue reading Physical health impacts our mental health
Do you ever feel guilty for taking a break from responsibilities? Many of us do. Yet we wind up overcommitted and exhausted. We get our “break” then due to illness, burnout, or perhaps from such a decline in performance that the responsibility is given to someone else for awhile. God did not create us to … Continue reading The value in a taking a break
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?
Apologies for the quasi-rhyme. But this is a real question that we often take for granted. Whether it’s a middle-school soccer team, a work group that is required to act like a team, or right here at iHope with our “counseling team” – what does this even mean? Here at iHope, we often refer to ourselves as a … Continue reading What does it mean to be part of a team?
How often do you genuinely and repentantly confess your sins? Confession is a huge part of the Christian life, and it is critically important to a healthy life. It impacts our emotions, our mental health, our relationships, our pride, our accurate understanding of ourselves, and our spiritual life with Christ. But confession is hard. I … Continue reading The Need for Confession in our Lives
I’m a big believer that everyone could benefit from counseling at some point in their lives. Probably, at multiple points in their lives! Why do I believe this? Because I know how hard life is - and I know that at some point, we all experience hardship. We live in a broken world. Sin hurts us, … Continue reading Did you know most people feel good about counseling?
In Ephesians 5, Paul provides a list of things to avoid in our relationships if we want healthy relationships. He calls on us to show holy character: do not be immoral, impure, or greedy people. He calls on us to show that character with our words: avoiding obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking, instead sharing … Continue reading Ending an unhealthy relationship
If you’re like most parents, you may have a vague idea of what your child is doing on that smartphone you gave them for Christmas. But let’s face it. Today’s middle and high schoolers are “digital natives,” and they will always know more about their phones than their parents. That doesn’t mean you have to … Continue reading Do you know what your child is doing on their phone?
I am confident that you want to celebrate next New Years - January 2020 - with memories of happiness, peace, comfort, and an overall fun 2019. Of course you do. We all do! I certainly want to enjoy a wonderful 2019. But how do we ensure that happens? How do we set goals, create rhythms, … Continue reading Are you ready for a spectacular 2019?
Your family probably has some great Thanksgiving traditions. Turkey. Pie. Football. Many families go around the table to share something that they are thankful for. But why? Does it really matter if we “give thanks”? In a word… YES. Social science research that clearly shows how gratitude positively impacts our own happiness, energy level, relationships, … Continue reading Does it really matter if I give thanks?