At this time of year, I always look back over the previous year, with the intention of looking forward to the new year ahead, and planning for the areas of achievement I have in mind. What worked? What didn't work? And where do I want to focus my efforts and my energies? There are times [...]
It’s December, and it may be a difficult time for some of us who have lost loved ones, are lonely or get disheartened over the festive season. One person told me that every Christmas day she becomes depressed, as since childhood, Christmas has never lived up to her expectations. What is Christmas, really? I have [...]
Christmas is a joyous season for most of us. It's a season of joy; a time to enjoy family and friends; a time to be happy. But what if it’s also a season to grieve? What if you're in a season of grief this Christmas? Grief comes to all of us. Grief is an intense [...]
Gratitude is a buzzword in all sorts of circles. It is spoken of in corporate circles, and on talk shows. You are encouraged to journal about gratitude and the things you are thankful for. Gratitude has become a watchword for positive organizational behaviour or positive thinking or as a significant support for depression. A few years [...]
I don’t know about you, but change is not my favourite thing. I think we all have some resistance to change, especially if it is unforeseen change. I think it’s a vulnerability thing. We see ourselves as vulnerable when there is change in and around our lives and we feel it puts us at risk [...]
I have been on a cancer journey with my husband for 8 years In fact, in the space of 10 days, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my wonderful father died, and my daughter lost a long awaited IVF pregnancy. It was a traumatic time. To his credit, my husband is a very determined man. [...]
Is anger a sin? As Christians, are we supposed to try not to be angry? What do we do with anger issues? Anger is a very real human emotion we all experience. God put within us the ability to feel all kinds of emotions, negative and positive ones. Anger serves a very real purpose in [...]
Martyr syndrome is a common issue among women. I have seen it among church people for many years. Martyr syndrome or victim complex can be classified as a person who uses self-sacrifice and suffering to control their environment. They are masking the real issues of the heart, unwilling to deal with themselves and grow in spiritual formation, [...]
It was Jerry Bridges, who passed away recently, whose book taught me: preach the gospel to yourself every day. You may be like I was as a young Christian I was continually questioning whether I measured up to God’s standards for holiness, and whether I would make it into heaven. I did not realize that my [...]
What do I need when I'm grieving? To know that there is life on the other side of grief To know that people will care no matter how I respond To know that God is going through the pain with me, that he knows and cares about how I am doing To know that God [...]
