Written by BCC Staff Counselor Sarah Ellis God created us in His image—an image designed for community—but what happens when you are fearful of engaging with others? Have you ever experienced that pit in your stomach or tightness in your chest when invited to a group outing? It is the very thing you want, but you wonder how you will … Read More
THE REFLECTIVE PAUSE: Becoming Christ-like in the Moment Before You React
Written by Staff Counselor Dr. Luke Trifilio Most of us know the moment well. The comment lands wrong. The email tone stings. The child pushes the button — again. The driver cuts you off. The spouse says the thing. And before you have time to think, something has already moved inside you: a flash of anger, a hardening of the … Read More
4 Ways to HELP A Struggling Teen
Written by BCC Counselor Theron St John “My teenager attempted to take his life.” I still remember hearing those words from a parent whose teenager I had previously counseled. This young person had been through family challenges and regularly experienced anxiety and depression. It had been a while since I had last seen him for counseling, so the news astounded … Read More
Biblical Hope in Emotional Distress: Lessons from the Book of Habakkuk (Part 2)
Written by Sheri Ho BCC Staff Counselor In Part 1, we saw how Habakkuk wrestled with God in deep emotional distress. In Part 2, we will learn how remembering God during pain and trial can renew our faith and hearts, enabling us to regain strength and deeper joy. Lesson 3: Remember God’s Works and Promises Pain tempts us to narrow … 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
When Thanksgiving Lacks Contentment
Contentment on Thanksgiving? Sometimes it abounds, sometimes it’s elusive. Today’s encouragement comes from guest writer Lynn Mosher, who uplifts the soul at her website. As I listened to a preacher on television one Sunday morning, he shared something that impressed me. So I knew I had to share with you. A Letter to Dear Abby Years ago, Jason Lehman’s grandmother … Read More
Pursuing Wisdom in an Age of Foolishness
Pursuing wisdom in an age of foolishness! It feels like we are living in crazy times and we don’t know what to do about it. However, fallen creation has always lived in crazy times; it is the human condition. Without wisdom, we have always floundered as humans. Always, without exception! Since creation, wisdom continues to call out to us and we have … Read More
Contentment: A Book Review
Contentment: Even for Christians, contentment may seem an impossible day-by-day reality. It’s so easy to slip into discontent, right? My own quest for contentment prompted my purchase of Megan Hill’s Contentment: Seeing God’s Goodness right when P&R released it. Her 31 days of devotional readings and life application has helped me keep my focus on Jesus as our ultimate hope. Get a … Read More
How Can You Experience Lasting Change?
Can you experience lasting change … at last? Maybe the change that comes to mind is your own, or maybe you are wondering about someone you care deeply about. For lasting change to happen, Jesus consistently reminded us that our hearts need to change first. Solomon stated this principle powerfully in Proverbs 4:23 stating, “Above all else, guard your heart … Read More
