• For many stay-at-home moms, the end of May brings a mix of relief and anticipation as summer break looms. The prospect of no more early mornings, school runs, homework, and strict bedtimes can be a welcome change. Yet, summer break has its own challenges. Mothers can face burnout, especially when they are the only parents at home with their children during the day. Suddenly, it can feel like the work never stops. If you have a child with a [...]

  • As you look at your various relationships – with friends, colleagues, romantic partners, neighbors, or family members – do you see any patterns that exist there? As you make your way through life, one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to understand how you connect with other people. How you connect with and relate to other people has a profound impact on the health of your relationships, and that, in turn, affects your ability to [...]

  • People are highly adaptable creatures, but in other ways, we can become tied to our habits and find it hard to do anything different. There was a time, not that long ago, when getting to meet other people and exchange ideas was something you did largely in person. The world has changed quite rapidly, and now a person’s online presence can be more impactful than what they do in real life, away from their keyboards and social media handles. [...]

  • When you’re going through a rough patch, having the right sort of company and support makes a world of difference. There’s a passage in Ecclesiastes that reads as follows: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But [...]

  • Most people have a crisis of faith at some time in their lives. For some, the crisis happens when they are betrayed by a spiritual mentor or when a prayer goes unanswered. Others may be challenged when a new friend or social circle starts questioning their faith or when they are confronted with scientific theories that seem to contradict the Bible. Whatever the reason for your conflicting emotions and doubts regarding your faith, the fact that you’re reading this [...]

  • High-functioning depression can be tough to diagnose due to it being easily hidden behind a smile. People with depression tend to succumb to its symptoms. Still, those with what is known as high-functioning depression continue with their daily activities and responsibilities while hiding their sadness and pain. It becomes second nature for them to push through. However, not acknowledging your mental state and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to physical ailments due to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters that manage sleep, [...]

  • Our children are one of the most precious gifts that God gives. In fact, they are distinctly referred to as the Lord’s heritage (Psalm 127:3). One of the initial charges God gave to the first humans included being fruitful, multiplying, and replenishing the earth. Although that is not limited to the gift of family, children hold an honored place with God. Jesus esteemed children, noting their eagerness to trust, tendency toward joy, and hearts to please their parents, as a [...]

  • Depression is often complex and confusing. It can be challenging to identify, and not everyone knows how to cope with it, whether it is in themselves, a loved one, or an employee. People dealing with depression often do not realize that they are depressed or else cannot easily articulate their experiences to others, which can leave a lot of space for misunderstanding. It is common to have unrealistic expectations of people with depression, but it is possible to correct [...]

  • Overwhelming stress can make you physically, mentally, and emotionally ill. Stress is the body’s natural response to danger. What we perceive as dangerous differs from what our ancestors experienced thousands of years ago. However, our brains still react by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help us through perceived danger. Chronic stress causes inflammation, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep issues, digestive problems, appetite changes, and weight gain or loss. Learning coping mechanisms for [...]

  • One of life’s unfortunate certainties is that we all face loss at some point in our lives. Death, the “last enemy” as Scripture calls it (1 Corinthians 15:26, NIV), affects us all, and our lives are marked in one way or another by the loss of loved ones. These losses are clear and defined, which can help with a sense of closure. There are other forms of loss, however, that aren’t as clear, which raises challenges to the grieving process, [...]

  • Does your teen have dramatic mood swings that cycle between periods of extreme highs and periods of extreme lows? Are they causing noticeable changes in the way they normally think or act? It could be a sign of bipolar disorder. Bipolar in Teens Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy level, and behavior. It is characterized by manic episodes during which your teen seems happier than usual, is extremely [...]

  • I invite you to pause and reflect for a moment. Have you ever stopped to ask how experiences in your past have shaped your view of relationships? Maybe you find it hard to trust other people, and your belief is that people simply aren’t trustworthy. Abandonment issues in relationships are not always hard to spot. Some people find it hard to open up because they’re afraid of being disappointed or, worse, getting hurt. These and other postures in relationships [...]