As someone who made a major career change from the business world to seminary, I have had to ask myself what exactly is my identity and calling? For many years, although I knew deep down that my identity was rooted in being a “child of God,” I had been falsely identifying with my career, job title, salary, travel, etc. As I come towards the end of my seminary journey, I am beginning to understand finally that my true identity lies with my relationships.
In our human nature, we tend to reflect on the negative, the frustrating, the disappointing. We wonder why we feel grumpy, angry, or irritable and often look for detailed, extravagant, sometimes expensive ways to help ourselves feel better. Yet the antidote to our lack of joy can often be found in the simple practice of gratitude. This practice of gratitude is one that is accessible to all yet rarely used in day-to-day life without intentionality.
Feeling discouraged, worn down, or overwhelmed? This blog post encourages a mindful reset by exploring the powerful link between physical and emotional wellbeing. With simple, actionable tips—like moving your body, fueling it well, and getting enough rest—it offers a compassionate reminder to care for yourself holistically during challenging times.
Expressive writing is a powerful tool for emotional healing, offering a way to clarify thoughts and release unspoken feelings. This post explores how journaling can reduce distress, improve physical health, and deepen self-awareness—whether through structured prompts or free-form reflection. Even a few minutes of intentional writing each week can create meaningful shifts in your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Love is a commitment to caring for another person who is just as imperfect as you are. A commitment that requires hard work when difficulty arises. Love means forgiving when hurtful mistakes are made. It often requires a level of sacrifice to self for the good of the other person and the good of the relationship. Here are some concrete ways to put love in action amidst difficulty.
Amid the quiet rhythm of a daily walk, this reflection explores how the changing seasons mirror the inner transformations we often overlook. With gentle observations and spiritual grounding, it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the beauty—and the divine presence—woven into everyday life.
Taking small steps and accomplishing small tasks (like making your bed in the morning!) leads to a sense of pride, helping you work towards another task and another and another. In the end, you realize that small habits matter as they support larger habits. These small daily routines can lead to further positive decisions over the day and a determined sense of taking charge in your life.
Very often in counseling sessions, I hear from clients a form of the sentiment, “I know that God is all powerful, loving and good, but I doubt He is like that with me.” This is related to experiences that point to feeling forgotten by God, or overlooked by Him, or worse, being punished by Him for not being ‘X’ enough. Recently in my personal study of the Word, I was looking deeply at the book of Ruth, and the plight of Naomi struck me as echoing what my clients often express…
As we grow in our understanding of self and live within our true selves more authentically, we can more easily discern God's voice and presence. We can be freed from illusions and misconceptions and stop striving to be someone we are not or think the world around wants or needs us to be. When we do this, we come to realize that we can be standing on holy ground in the midst of our deepest struggles.
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