Wisdom is the skill to interpret God’s hand in the midst of life’s struggle and mundane moments. And the ability to truly understand why things happen and what they mean can be hidden and hard to see things in perspective in the moment. Journaling can serve as a practice that helps us to recognize trends and gain a clearer sense of significance, sometimes where we least expect it.
Suffering is uncomfortable to confront — and we are prone to run from it, recover from it as quickly as we can, or risk breaking under the weight of it. In my experience, whether professional or personal, there is no level of skill, wisdom, or empathy that truly comforts the one who suffers. But this is where the beautiful truth of redemption steps in and begins to undo the work of suffering and loss.
Have you ever set a goal and then struggled to remain focused? Or felt like the goal was so far away it was unattainable and so you were less motivated? I was recently listening to an interview with psychologist Emily Balcetis who studied how our brains can use our visual system to shape our behavior. In other words, what we visualize can help change our behaviors and motivation.
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” I could tell you that I love this verse, but I would be lying. Mostly, I find this verse confusing – how in the world do I “not be anxious about anything?” And yet, believe or not, managing anxiety can begin with some relatively simple steps.
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.
THE HERE & NOW NEWSLETTER
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