8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true…think on these things. Philippians 4:8 Who has walked through the valley of depression without learning a few lessons about how thoughts and emotions intertwine? Anxiety, panic attacks, and highly stressful situations can also teach us a similar lesson. It may seem like emotions are in the driver’s seat, …
Hope’s Song in Suffering Seasons
Here in northeast Ohio, fiery autumn leaves litter the ground, as if the earth exhaled a heavy sigh and released them from their seasonal labor. Soon, every deciduous tree will lift empty limbs toward the sky, awaiting the icy, cold shroud of winter. For months, the darkness of winter will fall early, and most …
Cold Wax
My husband found an adorable little gallery in a small town down the road from us. Beautiful, handmade gifts line the shelves, with stained glass suncatchers painting colors all over the room. Before we left, we bought two soy candles that boasted of air-cleaning capabilities on the sign above them. He picked his favorite scent, …
Engaging Difficult People Biblically
After teaching teenagers since August, I jokingly told my Costco checker that I am nearly strong enough to work retail at Christmastime. He laughed with an eyebrow raised that implied his uncertainty at my readiness. Since I have never worked retail and he has never taught middle school and high school students, we might both …
Equipped to Stand
And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties. He was with …
Replace Anxiety with Fear
There is no doubt that anxiety has taken over our culture. According to “The Anxious Generation,” anxiety is not relegated to America alone, but to every culture where the pocketed smartphone is the norm. Though not written from a Christian worldview, the author’s research highlights the increasing levels of depression and anxiety in the …
Reframing Past Trauma
Trauma is part of living in a sin-filled world. Trauma can take the form of events seemingly small or catastrophic. For children, small experiences never discussed could leave fearful questions in their minds that follow them into adulthood. Trauma lingers when it remains unresolved and unhealed. Symptoms of lingering trauma might take the form of …
Refining by Praise
Bright, happy faces next to schools are again populating my social media feed. The school year is kicking off and most families eagerly fit the routines back into place. This new year will bring good and bad, learning and maturity, struggles and frustrations. Daily interactions with teachers and other students will challenge your child to …
Use the Last Straw to Light the Sacrifice
Have you heard Christian comedian and singer Mark Lowry's story about how he knew when his mother had ENOUGH? If you need a laugh, you can find it here. Mark wished for a ten-second warning for when Mama had enough. It is a light-hearted look from a child’s perspective, but every mother can …
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Aligning With the Enemy or Overcoming Him?
The enemy wins when we engage others with his own tactics. Angry, hateful accusations tread on his territory. Election season must be a fruitful season for his work to be accomplished, but no special occasion is necessary. Gossip, criticism, and disrespectfulness can become daily habits in our homes and churches. Election season will just magnify …
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His Song in the Night 