How to Find a Mental Health Provider — According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression has increased 25% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past several years the number of referrals I have received for depression and anxiety has skyrocketed. …

When church scandals sow seeds of doubt — Since the dawn of humanity, sin has been a problem. Since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, humans have been unable to avoid taking actions that harm one another or themselves. My career in social work has often given me a front row seat to the extreme harm that…

A story of a faith lost and found again — I am a pastor. That is an odd sentence for me to type, but it is the truth. I oversee family ministries at my church, among other responsibilities. I have done this for 5 years. For 13 years before that, I was a full time social worker. It is odd…

How do we pick up the cross and deny ourselves? — As the crucifixion approached, Jesus began spending more time with his disciples. He began teaching them more intentionally. And he began predicting his impending death. Jesus was working to prepare his disciples for what was to come. In the process, he told them that if they wanted to be his…

The importance of rest in the Christian life — Genesis 1 and 2 tells the story of God creating the world. Chapter 2 opens with God completing creation and resting. He blesses the seventh day names it holy because it was the day he rested. Rest is one of the very first standards set in Scripture. We read through…

Living with hope in the midst of life’s struggles — Struggles are a part of life. We live in a broken and sin-filled world. This inevitably leads to times in our lives that are difficult and can leave us wondering where God is in all of this. The questions arises, how do we live with hope in the midst of…

FOMO, Sleep, and Productivity — In this modern era, technology has become an integral part of our lives, offering both benefits and drawbacks. While we often celebrate its conveniences and connectivity, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the negative impacts it can have on our well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the technological negatives…

Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say no — Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say no are essential practices for maintaining our mental and emotional well-being. Boundaries empower us to prioritize self-care, protect our energy, and maintain healthy relationships. However, many struggle with assertiveness and fear the consequences of setting limits. We’re going to explore the importance of…

How to choose the right Bible translation — Since the very beginning of the Christian faith, the reading and study of the Bible has been a core activity for believers. Luke tells us that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42, ESV) Much…