Like our physical health, we often take mental health for granted until it’s not good. Did you know in the United States, almost half of adults will experience mental illness during their lifetime? Maybe you, yourself, have experienced depression, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, eating disorders, etc. If so, you’re not alone. Like physical illnesses, mental health doesn’t always affect people …
I See You, My beloved; I Love You. And I Am With You Always.
This morning I got a call from a family member that I’d been dreading. Her cancer had spread, it wasn’t contained, and the tumor was bigger than expected. All I could reply was, “I’m sorry and I’m praying for you.” I sat and listened as she told me the next steps. There’s no guarantee she’s eligible for the next line …
Testing
“Don’t be afraid, just believe,” said Jesus to Jairus. His unspoken words were equally as loud––ignore everyone else, listen to me, don’t be afraid, just believe! Oh, if it was only that simple! God rained down bread from heaven and gave instructions on its collection. God also planned to use this to test to see whether his people would do …
When We Don’t Understand
This passage marks the first month of the first year for the Israelites. It’s marked with a celebration––a meal. But it also marks the night God passed through Egypt and struck down every firstborn, in both humans and animals. This is a hard passage to read. So many people and animals killed as a result of Pharaoh’s actions. I have …
Why am I anxious?
Yesterday morning I woke suddenly. My heart thumped rapidly and before I even sat up, I felt overwhelmed. After throwing back the duvet, I walked downstairs and started through my usual routine. As I did, the feelings of irritability, dread, and worry intensified. And I had no idea why. I’ve experienced anxiety enough in the past to know that it’s …
The Word Is Trust
I imagine King David sitting at a table, parchment covering his desk, a small oil lamp flickering its dim yellow light over the blank pages, and crying out his prayer; In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:1-2 How many times have I leaned back …
The Broken Fence
This year we replaced the fence in our backyard. It was installed when the house was built forty years ago. It’s had a long life and did a good job. But over the past few years, some of the panels came loose and gaps emerged. We could see into our neighbor’s yard and onto the nearby street. When I …
Really? Joy … Even in this Situation?
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Over the past few years, I’ve heard this verse so many times. I’ve shared it with people, and people have shared …
Facing The Mountain
There are times in our lives when we know we have to make a change, whether we want to or not. Just the thought of it raises our anxiety levels and our thoughts loop through all the possible scenarios we might face. It’s not unusual for us to focus on all the possible negative outcomes, because that is what …