Spirituality often falls to the bottom of the priority list when it comes to goal setting. With all the urgent issues bleeding at the surface, it's tempting to lump soul care in with personal luxuries. Lapses in diet pop buttons at the mirror. Relationships might literally scream for attention. Professional…
The first Christmas arrived during a bleak season for God's people. Israel shivered in the shadows of oppression and poverty. Iron-fisted pagans enforced their rule through barbaric crucifixions. Even their fellow countrymen succombed to corruption and betrayal. Prophecies had ceased four hundred years prior, so the growing cries of Israel seemed…
Food, family, and festivities rush us through Thanks-mas into next year's calendar. We fuss and bustle, scurrying from one restless day to another in an attempt to "do" the holidays properly. Or survive them, at least. Expectations and expenses squeeze us until our temples throb from the pressure. The harder we…
Perhaps you know someone who springs from bed with sunshiney brilliance each morning. Filled with natural energy, these people beam with jubilant conversation at the sound of their alarm. Often inclined to sing, they'll bounce into the day like Tigger. I've roomed with these types at conferences, but am not one…
As we conclude our series on compassion fatigue, today's post discusses how to respond when we notice potential burnout in others. As with any condition, listening with love must take the driver's role for effective, healthy support. Listen at least twice as much as you speak. Even more is better. As…
We pour out compassion for lives razed by wildfire. Our hearts crumble for earthquake survivors. Hurricanes whip at our upraised voices from all directions, yet we manage to cry out for those hit by them, too. When violent crimes and local tragedies claim further victims, our weary eyes pour themselves bankrupt…
Fear is a normal part of the human experience. All emotions occur naturally, whether positive or negative, and anxious feelings are no exception. Our feelings can alert us to opportunities to change ourselves or our circumstances, so we can benefit from paying attention to them. If we don't allow them to…
Emotional health concerns maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself as well as with others. HOW am I doing? DTR with yourself. Be aware of your emotional state. Positive AND Negative. WHEN and WHERE do I start feeling this way? Evaluate triggers (+ and -). WHY do I feel this way? Identify underlying…