Blog
Teen Dating Violence Awareness
Teen dating violence is far more common than we realize, and our ideas of what healthy relationships do or don't look like often start at young ages. I've written this article with the heart of sharing what teen dating violence can look like, how to spot the warning signs, and get help. If you...
Where Are You, Christmas?
Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away? Where is the laughter you used to bring me? Why can't I hear music play? My world is changing, I'm rearranging, Does that mean Christmas changes too? Where are you Christmas? Do you remember the one you used to know? I'm...
You Look At Me: A Lesson from The Hobbit
Growing up, I read J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, until the spine had cracked and the pages were falling out. In 2012, Peter Jackson released a three-part movie based on the novel. Of all the scenes in those movies, however, one stood out above the rest: where the...
Creating Mental Fortitude
This summer, I started doing a daily yoga practice. The physical and mental health benefits have surprised me. I’ve pushed myself to do things I never thought possible before. The other morning while I was on my mat, Gia in “cat pose” next to me, my instructor said something that...
We Are Authors of Our Life Story – Until Life Takes the Pen
Have you noticed how often we hear quotes and see posts about how we are the authors of our own life story? That we have the power to take and transform our lives, molding them into precisely what we want them to be? Do you believe that we are authors of our own life story? To a certain degree,...
Walking With Frodo: Trauma and PTSD in The Lord of the Rings
“There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?” - Frodo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings Who is your favorite character...
When You’re In A Season of Waiting
This past weekend, we celebrated Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus. I took some time on Sunday morning to sit on the sofa, have a cup of coffee with Jesus, and reflect on why we celebrate. The story has many facets: suffering, death, grief, and unspeakable joy at His resurrection. There is hope...
Should I Stay in My Abusive Marriage for the Kids?
God's plan for marriage and family never included domestic abuse. If you are in a domestic violence situation, and you are wondering if you should stay in your marriage or partnership for the kids, this article may give you some insights. Read the article by Lainey here.
Show Yourself Love by Giving Yourself Grace
“I’m so tired of feeling this way!” I shouted, waving my hands in the air. “I’m sick of the tears and the grief. I’m sick of my trauma spinning me out of control. Why can’t I heal? I'm better than this! Why can't I figure out a way to move on? This is stupid! I'm over it!” My counselor looked at...