Crisis or unexpected changes wreak seismic upheaval in our minds, hearts, and souls. All we had planned suddenly crumbles through our fingers and turns to ash. Any illusions of control we once had have vanished. Instead of grinning at a bright path ahead, we shiver in the dark. These are…
Sometimes the bottom seems to drop out from beneath you. Financial crisis, loss, illness, or any manner of devastation can occur when we least expect it possible. Sinkholes will cave around our feet in life, even for those of us who try to plan well. A stomach virus served me…
"Why?" I thrust my hands upward and wailed to the ceiling. "Why does it have to be so HARD?" The alleged two-step cabinet refinishing project had taken five steps and as many days. Bruised, blistered, and sore, I teetered on the edge of the countertop in an effort to replace the…
As children, we fidgeted through the advent season. Those ribbon-locked packages peeked from under our Christmas trees as if teasing us. Some of us, not to be named, might have failed this test of patience and suffered the consequences. Christmas tests our patience in more serious ways as we mature. The…
By Susan Neal Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS The holidays are a joyous but stressful time of year. Many of us strive to accomplish everything on our “To Do List” and “Shopping List.” As overachievers, we end up rattled and worn out. However, you can successfully navigate the season to…
Go, Courageously! by LaTan Roland Murphy While writing Courageous Women of The Bible, I realized more than ever before my own need for daily courage. Courage doesn’t drop into your lap one day announcing: I’m here, all is well! Instead, courage comes as we choose to live courageously—standing strong, pressing into…
Have you ever struggled with transitions and stress? If shifts in life wrack you off balance, you're not alone. Moving from known to unfamiliar challenges us all. Discomfort in times of transition is a normal part of the human experience. We're wired to enjoy our security and feel apprehensive when circumstances…
Got stress? Worry and pressure rage around us at epidemic levels. The American Psychological Association reports, "More than one-third of adults (34 percent) report that their stress increased over the past year. Only 16 percent report decreased stress in the past year. Worse yet, the American Heart Association and Center for…
Did you know pregnancy actually alters a woman’s brain, changing the size and structure of areas involved in emotional attachment to their young? A recent Nature Neuroscience study found that motherly nurturing skills – like perceiving the feelings and perspectives of others – are enhanced in pregnancy and continue for at least two…
The previous post introduced our new series on reading for well-being. Today we'll explore various facets of reading for spiritual growth. Since our holistic health stems from the soul, we stand to gain comprehensive benefits from reading this vital genre. Spirituality covers a broad range of topics. Wandering through bookstore aisles…