Hope for the Hurting

Unspoken Expectations: Giving Grace Leads to Peace and Contentment
There is no doubt: unfulfilled and unspoken expectations can impact our experiences and relationships. This is especially true during the holidays where they are a major contributor to the blues. Have you ever realized you were making expectations of others or yourself? There is a way to surrender your expectations and gain grace, peace and contentment in exchange.

Too Busy to Pray
“I’m busy. Crazy busy.” That’s a pretty common confession. Do we feel like we’re so busy, we don’t have time to talk to God, to listen or to pray? Kim Avery shares what to do when you feel like you’re too busy to pray.

How to Relieve Stress This Christmas
As a neuropsychologist, I have spent decades problem-solving with patients. But, I’ve realized something about my problem-solving and doing mode. It excludes God from the process and takes Him out of the picture. As I sought Him, I learned what is now my best tip for how to relieve stress at Christmas and on a daily basis throughout the year.

3 Simple Steps to Invite Revival to Your Life
Do you ever feel like God has let you down? Or wonder if He truly loves you? Or, maybe, your faith is waning because you’re facing uncertainties and God seems silent. It may not be a lack of faith but rather you’re right on the edge of revival. God seeks one man, one woman who longs for revival, whom He can fill with fresh fire. Will it be you? Read more as Erica Wiggenhorn shares 3 simple steps to invite revival to your life.

How to Help When Christmas Isn’t Merry
Not all people feel merry and bright during the holiday season. In fact, it’s a time of great despair and loneliness for many as they struggle with depression. Read more for helpful tips for how to walk alongside someone who is depressed especially during the Christmas holidays.

The True Vine: a Metaphor from John 15
A Vinedresser of a working vineyard shares the interlinked relationship of the branches, Vine and Vinedresser from the “I Am the True Vine” metaphor in the book of John. Pam Farrel shares from her experience as a Vinedresser whose daily care of the vine caused branches to bear more fruit. She also demonstrates how you can creatively bring this passage of scripture to life through your Bible study and more fully understand Jesus’ role as the Vine and God’s role as the Vinedresser.

How Testimonies in the Bible Bolster Your Faith During Hard Times
In hard times, I like to remember how God cared for His people in the Bible. When I need encouragement and comfort, I often turn to the testimonies in the Bible to bolster my faith. Read more for my 6 favorite testimonies that I like to read when I need to stand in faith.

12 Reasons to Return to Our Roots
With the change of seasons upon us, the Lord has had me consider the importance of us going back to our roots. Our roots impact our past, present and future. Returning to our roots helps us understand where we came from, what is valuable and what path to take in the future. We can appreciate what makes us unique and the calling God has on our lives.

29 Best Christian Books to Gift and Read
I love to read a great book, and when I do, I love to share it with friends so they can be blessed too. As a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, I often get asked to share resources to help others with whatever battle they are facing. As a podcast host, I have the opportunity to read many books written by the guests I interview on the program. I think an impactful book makes a great gift, so as we lead up to the holidays, I’ve decided to share with you some of my favorite reads and best books to gift and read from the past year or two.

Dear Mom, It Isn’t a Competition
The holidays are always tinged with more than a bit of stress for most of us. Do you look at what others are doing and feel “less than” in comparison? These tips will help you overcome the need to compete so you can stress less at Christmas. Because guess what, mom? It doesn’t have to be a competition. Tama Fortner shares how we can better manage the holidays, focus on the real reason for the season and enjoy the freedom that brings.