Are we supposed to pursue the integration of suffering into our lives, even if it doesn’t come naturally to us? If so, why? And what is the payoff if we do?

This spring I found myself gardening with my two older girls (5 yrs old and 3 yrs old). At first they were very excited, but they soon lost interest. It is hard work to plant, water, and wait, and it all takes time. But eventually they learned to see the beauty in the waiting, in the growth, in the change. 

Many of us have forgotten what healthy rest means and looks like. Sometimes we confuse rest with being passive, complacent, unproductive, or lazy. Nowadays, we might mistake rest for doom-scrolling on social media or binge-watching episodes after a long day of work. But in reality, true rest is based on relationship, intention, and commitment. 

Anger is unavoidable. As humans created in the image of God, we are very sensitive to injustice. So are our children. And when we perceive that something isn’t right or is unjust, feelings of anger swell up inside us almost instantly. As parents, it is our job to help our children navigate their anger in a Christlike way. 

We narrate our life’s story according to the meaning we make of our experiences. The meaning we make, however, can be drastically different depending on whether we narrate using a biblical perspective—one revealing Jesus as the saving grace of all humanity—or not. Without Jesus’ perspective interpreting the details, we can get stuck in a narrative that is insecure, defeated, and lacking in grace for ourselves and others. 

I often ask clients to sit in their pain. I want them to feel the pain deeply, to know it and own it. Sound like bad advice? People want to be out of their pain; to be less connected to it or healed as soon as possible. What is the point of moving toward pain? The story of Ezekiel has something to say to us all.

What does it look like to truly pray without ceasing, especially when life is busy and going a million miles an hour? What does it look like to walk with the Lord when the hurries of life can feel unceasing as well? 

What is the goodness associated with giving?

There is a sharp difference between managing conflicts at the surface level and resolving underlying attitudes.

There’s a common misconception among Christians that struggling with depression or anxiety is some kind of failure in faith. But that’s not the case.

Christians sometimes ask, why would I need to go to counseling if God can just fix my problem? Pete Ruffini, LPC offers his perspective on the matter.

Having faith in God and needing help from an expert on this side of eternity aren’t incompatible.

Have you ever typed an entire email or text and second-guessed yourself out of fear that your words might be misinterpreted? For most, this is a daily task.

Terrence Malick’s film A Hidden Life asks viewers to engage questions about suffering and faith—particularly when you are suffering alone.

Instead of a New Year's resolution, how about a New Year's evaluation? Before we can make real change in our lives, we need to evaluate ourselves to gain insight into who we are and the kind of change we need.

Christmas brings great joy—and sometimes great stress. Here are three ways to help you enjoy the Christ-celebrated season.

In Christ we are accepted, loved, and delighted in. But this is not the end of the matter. Paul puts forth that our standing with God is the foundation for the way we walk with Him.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service. How can you take on the servant’s posture for those around you?

What would your life look like if you truly believed there is no condemnation?

Pride, judgment, control, and fear are the tones of our day. But, if we receive the depth of humility the Gospel offers and demonstrates, we can experience freedom from all of it.