When children are scared by a storm, afraid of the dark, or wake up from a bad dream, how can parents remind them of God’s protection and love? In Angels on Your Side: When You’re Feeling Scared best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski addresses children’s fears and anxieties with a simple, relatable story, reassuring them with the good news that God is always present and has sent his...
Don’t worry—I’m not going to pit friendship against counseling, or vice versa. Both provide unique benefits that can enrich our lives. But too often when someone is struggling, we are prone to say they “need counseling” and neglect seeing that they also “need friendship.” That’s why I want to reflect on how counseling without friendship leaves a void. I want to elevate how we value “simple...
“I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Proverbs 4:11, NIV The Lord is faithful. He faithfully instructs us. He faithfully leads us along. His ways are wise. His paths are straight. As you near the end of counseling, you and your counselee have interpreted where the straight path is for them. You have imagined what life is like for them on the straight path. And...
In the Twenty-First Century, flying should be easy: just board the giant jet that lifts you to the skies and soars like a falcon to your happy destination. But it’s not. At times, it requires the multitasking skills of a circus performer. Take, for example, going through security. Shoes off, laptop out, luggage lifted, children herded, conveyor belt stopped, suitcase searched, underwear out (why...
When someone is grieving, it can be hard to know what to say or do. We want to be helpful, not hurtful, but it’s easy to go wrong. The good news is that we can learn to approach those who are grieving with the same compassion that Jesus shows us when we grieve. It starts with humility and listening well and expands into practical support as the Spirit leads us. In Someone I Know Is...
