Being a Person of Hope in a World of Anxiety
It’s one thing to deal with normal life stress. Add in natural disasters, worldwide disease, interruption of school and work, loss of income … and the effects of multiple stressors aren’t far behind. Anxiety can be summed up as too much too fast. But there’s no fast and simple way to recover. So be patient […]
A Blessing for Wholeness
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 RSV Each of us is created by God to be whole, healthy, […]
Coping with Loses as we Age
We grow up reading fairy tales where the story always ends, “and they lived happily ever after.” But as you grow up, reality is often harsh. In junior high school, kids tease everybody, including you. In high school, you don’t make the basketball team, even though you assumed a few years earlier that you would […]
Are You Purpling?: The Battle of Wills
Now you’re probably wondering, “What in the world is purpling? Is that even a word?” My spell check says it is not, but read on and I’ll explain what I mean by “purpling.” You see God has two wills – His perfect will and His permissive will. We’re in one or the other at all […]
When Your Married Son or Daughter Seems Emotionally Distant
Learning to relate to your adult son or daughter in healthy ways takes wisdom. And for many parents, switching gears from connecting as parent-child to adult-adult isn’t easy. You know you need to let them go, but you don’t want to lose a close relationship. That’s not a bad thing; God designed moms and dads […]
How to Deal Wisely With Manipulative People
Note: This piece gives a broad overview of emotional manipulation. But manipulation in marriage can be more complex and must be addressed with sensitivity and care. If you’re married and wonder about the differences between an unhealthy exchange and abuse, we encourage you to read our article Signs of Emotional Abuse. We’ve all known manipulative people, […]
How to Deal Wisely With Manipulative People
Note: This piece gives a broad overview of emotional manipulation. But manipulation in marriage can be more complex and must be addressed with sensitivity and care. If you’re married and wonder about the differences between an unhealthy exchange and abuse, we encourage you to read our article Signs of Emotional Abuse. We’ve all known manipulative people, […]
Anger: Harmful or Helpful?
When was the last time you were grateful for being angry? Were you ever thankful to have gotten angry? I often hear that anger is not good. Anger is destructive. Anger is selfish. Anger is harmful. Anger is blinding. But what if anger can be good and helpful? What if we could be honest when […]
Aftershock Devotional Series #9:
Set Yourself Up for Success
Successis sometimes defined as “reaching a particular goal, achieving a desired end, and relishing victory over defeat.” However, success is often found in the process rather than a single destination. And just think how far you’ve come as you’ve confronted your spouse’s sexual sin. Most importantly, you have given God room to work. You have […]
Aftershock Devotional Series #9:
Set Yourself Up for Success
Successis sometimes defined as “reaching a particular goal, achieving a desired end, and relishing victory over defeat.” However, success is often found in the process rather than a single destination. And just think how far you’ve come as you’ve confronted your spouse’s sexual sin. Most importantly, you have given God room to work. You have […]
