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Doors . . . .
When our family returned to the States after living in England for three years, our four-year-old son Luke talked about missing his “green door”. He was referring to the flint and brick home we rented...
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She Was Brave . . . .
Bravery: a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger without showing fear. Synonyms: courage, courageousness WordNet Dictionary Over a lifetime I have learned that it takes courage and...
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Rule #1 . . . .
It began as a joke . . . “Rule #1”. Three simple words born out of necessity–since our camper is equipped with comfortable sleep space and a kitchen of sorts but no bathroom. Simply saying,“Rule #1”...
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On Valleys and Avoiding The Pit . . . .
“How was your week?” It’s a question I often ask a Client as we begin a Session. Responses vary of course, but one Client recently got me thinking when she said: “It’s been ups and downs, peaks and...
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A Fresh Perspective On Problems . . . .
When I began counseling, I saw myself as a sort of professional problem-solver. In my naivety, I did not appreciate how broadly biblical counseling could impact the lives of others (as well as my...
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Soul Work: Rx for the Weary Heart . . . .
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 We find ourselves weary and discouraged as what was once “unthinkable” has become common place. Even...
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True Thanksgiving . . . .
When Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving Day in 1863, he was not thinking about feasting or relationships between Pilgrims and Indians. At the time Lincoln made his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation,...
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Dark and Stormy Nights: Hope For You and Me . . . .
A medium-sized, square black plate rests on the corner of my desk in the Counseling Room. Most of the year the plate holds a smallish arrangement of flowers that I change with the seasons. Along with...
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A Passion to Build Upon . . . .
In my last post I asked this question, “What’s Your Passion?” It is a question that has been on my heart since entering 2017. Figuring out what I am passionate about (and the motivation behind that...
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BOLD TRUST . . . .
How do you respond when the unexpected becomes a reality . . . when people disappoint you and what means most is taken away? Me? By nature, I shy away from conflict. I tend to be a runner, especially...
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Godly-Discipline: Stubborn, Steadfast, Grace-Centered Love . . . .
This is the sixth post in a series featuring ways God used my family and the Scriptures to draw me closer to Himself. I share them to urge you, to trust in God no matter what your circumstance may be....
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Principle #2: The Battle is Real . . . .
Much of our decision-making is based on how we perceive God. That is why we focus a large percentage of time in the Counseling Room on God’s character. Steadfast belief in the good and faithful...
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Principle #3: When You Find Yourself Talking To Yourself . . . .
It was one of those rare jewels that you tuck away, not so much because of its beauty, but because you recognize its potential. Principle #3: Whenever you find yourself talking to yourself, you’re...
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Principle #4: The Bible Is Not A Cookbook . . . .
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to help others–myself included–is to use the Bible as if it were a cookbook. You know . . . having a handy list of Bible verses to fix problems such...
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Principle #5: Pity vs Compassion–It’s About The Heart
I’m not sure why I decided to call them, Principles, except that calling them such helped make what had been abstract in my mind for so long, more concrete. Over time, what had begun as life lessons in...
View ArticleLetters . . . .
When is the last time you received an honest-to-goodness letter in the mail? No, I’m not talking about a message printed on cardstock with a ready-made greeting you simply write your name on or a...
View ArticleSandpaper People . . . .
It had been months since Stella* and I had connected, so it was great to meet her for lunch last week. Of course there was a good bit of laughter shared between us, but we also talked about some hard...
View ArticleWhen Sin Replaced Love . . . .
When you think about relationships and the memories that go with them, what comes to your mind? Being a “glass-half-full” kind of gal (and slightly corny), when I think about relationships and the...
View ArticleWith Every Problem . . . .
The first time I read the opening declaration of James*, I was a new Christian: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds . . . .” I was terrified! Even...
View ArticleMore Than Words: On Being Christ In An Angry World . . . .
Living in a world where anger comes increasingly easy and words are used as weapons rather than a means of blessing, can be frightening. It is tempting to get angry and play the child’s game of, “tit...
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