The memories of past trials and trauma can live in our hearts and minds like a second person inside waiting to reach out at any time to corrode the day. The common memory of the present day restores us to normal and offers a detached framework from the memory of trauma and trials. To live in the present is to block … Read More
Good Grief: You can have life after loss
As much as we try to avoid it, in this world we have grief. It is a necessary process by which we mend and heal. If we avoid the pain of grief it will fester causing us to become stuck. The truth teaches us that we are going to grieve losses. To not face the pain is to be out of touch with … Read More
Brave or Safe?
This article is written by BCC counselor, Dr. Donna Hart. In this article, Donna shares what she has learned to challenge all of us to live bravely when God is calling you to make an impact. Is God calling you to be brave or safe in the way you live?
Get in Trouble
Spiritual maturity comes through … suffering. And suffering from failure. So we welcome life-changing trouble. This article by BCC counselor Donna Hart, PhD, appeared first here on her blog. It has always seemed a bit counterintuitive that God would bring us to maturity through the challenges of suffering. There is a simple equation in James 1:2-4 for producing a mature faith. … 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
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
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
Never Recover
When you have faced a grievous wrong, it can feel like your enemies have pushed you face-down on the ground, pushing your face into the mud. This is a picture of things that are still having effects in the present: searing pain, unhealed wounds, feeling wronged by people in powerful places. How do we heal from sufferings that remain fresh over … Read More
Power of the Positive
Mental energy is derived from positive thinking. Negative thoughts can help to direct our attention to important needs that are not being met. It could be a need for food, rest, or an imminent threat of danger that is presenting itself to us. Amanda’s thinking needed serious help. Amanda had a very negative way of looking at the world. It robbed … Read More
