The local church is one of my loves on this earth because I think it reflects God's brilliant creativity and love for his people all mixed together in a moving and active place called the church. It's such a gift to be a part of a healthy church. This week I did quite a bit of writing about how the church has struggled to understand people within her walls that struggle with ... Read More »
Mental Health and The Church – Part 2 of 3
Stephen Grcevich, MD is a Christian child and adolescent psychiatrist who describes what he calls a huge disconnect in the two worlds he lives in each week: work and church. What's the disconnect? He puts it this way, "The families I meet through my work are far less likely than other families in our community to be actively involved in a local church. This reality is a tragic ... Read More »
Mental Health and The Church – Part 1 of 3
The church across North America has struggled to minister effectively with children, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions and their families. One reason for the lack of ministry is the absence of a widely accepted model for mental health outreach and inclusion. In Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, ... Read More »
Mental Illness and Christians
The term "Mental health" is a buzz word right now that's getting thrown around and used in direct relation to school shootings and other horrific violent crimes. A blog post of one's opinion can't say what needs to be said regarding mental health but I have thoughts on mental health that I want to share. Just like my eyes are being opened to racism in new ways my eyes are also ... Read More »
Should I make my teenager go to church?
Should I make my teenager go to church? This is a question I've been asked before and while I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer it I'll try my best knowing I could be wrong and could change my views on this as I grow in wisdom and in parenting. Let me paint the scenario based on conversations I've had with people. You’re trying your best to raise your children in a way ... Read More »
Finding our Rhythms as a Family
As in most families I'm seeing ours where we’ve established some unplanned but definitely a pattern of rhythms, or traditions you might say. Our family is not necessarily “musical” like you might think a pastor’s family would be. That’s pretty much my fault all the way around because Randy, the hubs, has a great voice and can follow music well. Me on the other hand? Not so ... Read More »
Should I say “Black”, “African American” or “Person of Color”?
I'm going to admit that I get uncomfortable talking about racism. I fear sounding racist in talking about it and fear even more the possibility of being racist without even realizing it. So I'm still fumbling my way around understanding racism and what part I might can play in helping it go away. There's no place for racism in a Christian's life so I keep reading and asking ... Read More »
Peace in the Process
My blogging friend Kristin Hill Taylor has had my attention for the last few years. I love her writing style and her heart most of all. Down to earth. Real. Busy Mama. Jesus-follower. And not afraid to talk about the messy parts of life. I love how she takes us down whatever road she's walking at that time. This is why I read Kristin Hill Taylor's blog. But there's another ... Read More »