Our dog Tully is a walking disaster. One time, Tully’s leg was bothering him, so the vet took an X-ray. When the doctor looked at the X-ray, he said, “Do you know Tully has rocks in his stomach?” We said, “Yes, we do. He eats rocks.” He also eats hard-shelled walnuts from our tree. He eats anything left on the edge of the counter. He eats things that the coyotes leave behind on our driveway. We...
The other day I was in a rush to get out the door. My backpack hung heavy on my shoulder, weighed down by my laptop, iPad, lunch, planner, and a stack of books I needed for the day. I was holding my water bottle, sunglasses, and keys in one hand, while attempting to put on my shoes with the other. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when I lost balance and ended up on the floor. If I weren’t...
For Christian parents, few questions carry more weight than, Does my child need counseling? The very thought stirs concern, hope, and sometimes fear. Scripture reminds us that “children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3), entrusted to our care. Part of stewarding our kids is discerning when they need extra help—help that may extend beyond what we can offer on our own. When we are faced...
How can ministry leaders avoid landmines in ministry and continue to thrive through long years of pouring themselves out for serving others? Most know that spiritual flourishing can only happen as they live wholeheartedly for Christ, but leaders can easily be sabotaged by functional idols—unconscious commitments that result in an endless cycle of sinful, self-defeating behaviors. In The...
Before beginning my counseling ministry as a biblical counselor and licensed psychologist, I served as the director of children and youth ministry at a church while completing my seminary degree (MAR). Soon afterward, I married my husband, Danny, who has been a youth and family pastor for thirty years. Over the course of our ministry, we have witnessed the rising tide of mental health struggles...
