We all know the “correct” answer here. Isaiah 55 answers this question directly: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” So why do I live as if my plans are better than the Lord’s plans? As we looked at in … Continue reading Are my plans really better than the Lord’s plans?
We think that when we give our lives to Christ, we can now expect smoother sailing through the ups and downs of life. We look at social media and think that we’re the only family who is struggling with a difficult season. But in reality, all of us experience setbacks or detours in the life … Continue reading Why doesn’t life go as planned?
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.
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.
Work is an important part of life, but it is not the only part. Often, it is not even the central part. Boundaries with our work are hugely important in maintaining healthy life relationships, adequate physical care for our bodies, and even influence our productivity at work. We need emotional boundaries: not taking work home … Continue reading How I’ve started setting boundaries at work
This can be a short blogpost. Answer: Yes. Okay, okay, let’s go a little bit deeper. There are huge connections between our physical and mental health. Plenty of scientific studies show the connection between sleep and healthy immune functioning, reduced anxiety and depression, and overall feeling better. Beyond the science, I know that sleep impacts our … Continue reading Does sleep really impact my mental health?
I am one of those people who dislikes conflict. Not to the point of avoiding it to all extremes, but it's not fun. It makes my stomach churn. Yes, conflict can enhance creativity and problem solving, and strengthen relationships as we work through disagreement. But that requires resolution to the conflict - in fact, … Continue reading My top 5 steps in resolving conflict
Debt is a huge problem for many of us. The average American has credit card debt in excess of $6,000, and the numbers are climbing year by year (source). Student loan debt in South Carolina alone has increased by 315% in the past ten years, reaching $23 billion today (source). And the PEW Research Center … Continue reading How Debt Impacts Your Mental Health
The Christmas season should be fun, relaxing, and joyful… but sometimes stress gets in the way. It’s busy, there’s extra shopping to do, more parties to attend, travel arrangements to make – but it is still possible to enjoy the holiday season. Read on for nine tips that may help your family this Christmas. Build … Continue reading Nine Tips for your Family’s Joy-Filled, Meaningful, Low-Stress Christmas Holiday Season