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
Biblical Hope in Emotional Distress: Lessons from the Book of Habakkuk (Part 1)
Written by BCC Counselor Sheri Ho Have you ever felt despair? Have you watched hope fade and found yourself losing heart? Or perhaps you are walking alongside someone struggling with depression, disappointment, or confusion? The Book of Book of Habakkuk offers great encouragement and wisdom for times of despair and confusion. When Habakkuk was written, Judah was morally corrupt, violent, … Read More
Love in a Crisis
A crisis is scary. It’s unpredictable and chaotic. In this article by Dr. Donna Hart, Ph.D., which appeared first here on her website, she lets us understand how a crisis feels, and shares 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 unsafe; … Read More
Transforming Traditions
You can begin new traditions of blessed rest in 2019. Staff counselor Donna Hart, whose article appeared first here, invites you to the three traditions of keeping a Sabbath box, offering a blessing, and a taking a Sabbath walk. There are traditions or spiritual disciplines for our time with the Lord that can be restfully transformative. Before we begin our … Read More
When You’re Lost in Exhaustion
Are you lost in exhaustion too? This insighful article by staff counselor Donna Hart, PhD, considers the reasons we’re exhausted and provides practical solutions. It appeared first on her blog and is used with her permission. One of the most common reasons for being exhausted is always being plugged in, available, and scheduled. We are striving too hard, competing too … Read More
You’re Part of a Worthwhile Legacy
A Legacy is a tradition that is handed down from one generation to another. It can be good or evil, valuable or worthless, spiritual or carnal. A Legacy is the impact that we want to leave with others. In our 30th year, we are both looking back at the Legacy that faithful men and women in the first thirty years of … Read More
