Inclement Weather Update (Click post for more info)

Blog

A collection of posts and writings.

Secure Love

When couples get stuck in negative patterns of relating, they begin to feel the loss of love and connection that might have initially drawn them together. It is common to begin noticing and focusing on the ways your partner lets you down. However, underneath the arguments about kids, finances, or intimacy is often the overall

Read More »
a large body of water with waves coming in

Hope In the Midst of Suffering

“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness” (Gabor Mate) [“Trauma” in this quote, refers to Post Traumatic Stress] Often, people engage in counseling because they are suffering. But what is suffering? Dr. KurtThompson, in The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope,

Read More »

Emotional Resilience

Emotional Resilience is one’s ability to respond to stressful or unexpected situations and crises, which are events that are absolutely guaranteed to all of us who are living and breathing! In John 16:33b, Jesus reminds His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He doesn’t say, “you might

Read More »
silhouette of kneeling man

A Soothing Aroma To The Lord

“And the priest shall offer all of it, and offer it up in smoke on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD.” – Lev. 1:9 I recently started a study of Leviticus in my personal Bible-study time. It wasn’t exactly by choice; I have

Read More »
sea under white clouds at golden hour

Calming the Mind

Have you ever been surprised by your own emotional reaction? Maybe you lost your temper with a loved one over a seemingly insignificant offense. Or maybe you found yourself panic stricken when you thought you had your worries under control. Perhaps you were hit with a wave of sadness that seemed to come from nowhere.

Read More »

Hearing and Following God

By Peter Carey In June 2023, a group of ten people from Burke Community Church traveled to remote South Africa to minister to vulnerable children. In this series of posts, we are sharing the perspectives they gained in that experience. In today’s post, Peter Carey gives us view into his short-term missions experience as he

Read More »

Do we FEAR our Feelings?

Our bodies hold our feelings and emotions. Feeling joyful? You might feel a warmth in your chest and face that prompts you to smile from ear to ear.  Feeling sad? You might feel an emptiness in your chest.  Feeling anxious? You may feel your heart racing or palms become sweaty.   Feeling ashamed? Your chest may ache and feel tightness

Read More »

Experiencing the Fullness of God in The Deficits of Life

In June 2023, a group of ten people from Burke Community Church traveled to remote South Africa to minister to vulnerable children. In this series of posts, we are sharing the perspectives they gained in that experience. I begin with my own. You do not know what you are asking – Mark 10:38 The morning

Read More »
white and red no smoking sign

Ready for Change?

People arrive in counseling for many different reasons but typically all seek the same thing: relief. Relief from painful emotions, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, or any other number of factors. But did you know that the speed of the counseling process moves more quickly or slowly depending on your stage of change? The formal concept

Read More »
a close up of a wave coming in from the ocean

Renewing The Mind

ROMANS 12:2 “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Thoughts are powerful According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts estimate that individuals process between 60,000-80,000

Read More »
white yellow and green round plastic toy

Promoting Positive Emotional Health in Our Children

Are you wanting to promote positive emotional health in your children, but are not sure where to begin? A great starting place is to read the books by Daniel Siegel, No-Drama Discipline and The Whole Brain Child. Also, check out the women’s ministry YouTube page to watch the videos I recorded with the Women’s Ministry

Read More »
landscape photography of person's hand in front of sun

Having Revolutionary Hope

When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks.  But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and

Read More »