How does God view you? That question shapes many of our actions and reactions in life. We often find ourselves counseling with individuals who have these kinds of thoughts stuck in their head over and over again. Thoughts about God: He is ashamed of me. He is angry with me. He is so disappointed with me. He is frustrated with … Read More
7 Insights on Staying Power
As we learn the staying power of Jesus and how he stepped into the crisis moments of our lives, we can help others. We too have the ability to endure. Please share this article by Dr. Donna Hart, which appeared first here on her blog, with the people you care about. Thanks. We often wonder how we should respond to … Read More
Love in a Crisis
A crisis is scary. It’s unpredictable and chaotic. In this article by Dr. Donna Hart, PhD, which appeared first here on her website, she lets us understand how a crisis feels, and we learn how friends and counselors can help. A crisis is a crucial and sometimes frightening time in our lives. What has felt safe in the past is now … Read More
A Daughter’s Eulogy for Dad
My dad died on Easter the year it was also April Fool’s Day. God picked the day. And it suited Dad. Ever the jokester, he’d think it funny that God chose this particular day for his homecoming. But none of this was funny at the time, of course. Grief is hard. And it’s personal and lonely and hard. Yes, I said … Read More
Called to Freedom
In some recent conversations some folks have said to me that they felt like there were some events and perspectives happening around them that were causing them to believe their freedom in Christ was being hindered. They were not sure if they were lacking confidence in their relationship with God or fearing what people thought of them. This post by … Read More
When a Christian Struggles with Doubt
When you’re a Christian and struggle with doubt, you may wonder what’s wrong with you. You may even think your doubts prove you were never a Christian in the first place or, at best, a horrible hypocrite. You might be tempted to give up, right? The truth is, struggling with doubt is lonely and overwhelming and discouraging. But your struggling can also bring you closer … Read More
Helping Churches Arrive at Healthier Place
You’re invited to our 3rd Annual Biblical Counseling Conference in greater Chicago! It’s been a rough year for many churches in Chicago this year. Scandals involving abuse of power, financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and cover-ups have all hit the news. Sadly, many are beginning to wonder if all churches are like this. “We have much work to do.” As a … Read More
Get in Condition to Pray
It is by trial and error, by frustration and dryness, that I have learned that I cannot order up a praying heart. I have had to learn how to get myself in the frame of mind and condition to pray. This article by staff counselor Donna Hart, PhD, appeared first here at her personal blog and is used by permission. It … Read More
Gun Control and Conflict Resolution: Learning to know your own heart
If you want to plunge a social gathering into chaos and hurt feelings, bring up the topic of gun control. While all sides agree that the horrific shootings we see are all too common, the preferred solutions couldn’t be further apart. Our perspective tends to reflect how and where we were raised on an issue like this. From birth to … Read More
