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
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
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
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
Are You a Half-Way Christian? Or “All In”?
There are plenty of us who are half-way Christians, says biblical counselor Donna Hart, PhD. Wonderfully, she describes 4 steps toward “all in.” Her article appeared first here and is used with her permission. We will give up possessions, power, position, and friends and still not be able to submit ourselves in total obedience to God. But it is difficult … Read More
Handling Conflict Well in a Friendship
FRIENDSHIP: Sometimes a friendship goes along just fine but then. . .WHAM. . .a conflict hits. So what then? WHEN A FRIENDSHIP TURNS SOUTH, what’s the best way to respond? Two thoughts may come to mind immediately. 1. Drop your friend. 2. Stick it out and repair the friendship. Which one seems best? What choice have you made in the … Read More
Uprooted? God Roots You in Christ!
Ever feel uprooted? When we step out of relationship with God, we experience uprooted disruption in our inner being. Dr. Donna Hart, PhD, shares thoughts on uprooting. Her article appeared first here. It is used by permission. Thunderstorms and fierce windstorms can cause tremendous damage to trees and property. A recent storm in our area snapped the tops off some … Read More
