God designed the marriage relationship to be the most intimate of all. Yet, sometimes we don't feel the closeness and connection we'd like to experience with our spouses. In this episode, I offer three practical strategies you can begin to implement today, which I guarantee will help you grow closer and more connected to each other. Here are the key biblical references I mention in this episode: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry ..read more

We all have our fears-we may not even be aware of some of them. They're impacting our lives more than we realize, and we tend to try to cope with them in unhelpful, unhealthy ways. In this episode, I share some healthy responses to fear, and explain how God can help us deal with it. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) If you're interested in learning more about me, or to s ..read more

Marriage is challenging for all of us, because no spouse is perfect. But, some spouses are extremely difficult- even to the point of being "toxic." In this episode, I describe characteristics of a toxic spouse, and I offer some practical strategies to implement to help you cope in a very difficult situation. Some excerpts from the Bible describing God's plan for marriage: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” (1 Cor. 13:4-5) “wives…submit to your husbands as t ..read more

Do you ever feel confused, ashamed, or frustrated about how you feel? Have you ever wondered why you feel a certain way? Are you struggling with how to deal with your emotions? Should you deny them, ignore them, or go with them? In this episode, I address the issue of what to do with our feelings, and how we can learn to manage them in a godly, biblical way. Here's what God says about our hearts: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind" (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Some instances when Jesus exhibited various em ..read more

Have you been through a tough season of suffering? Are you experiencing significant suffering right now? In this episode, I wrestle with why we suffer, and share realities about suffering that can help us get through it. Some of the Scripture I reference in this episode: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). “And we know that for those who love ..read more

Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? All of us do. In this episode, I explain how, with God's help, you can not only cope with these feelings, but even allow Him to use them for good in your life.  Some of the biblical references I use in this episode include: Psalm 31:1 (David's cry to the Lord) Matthew 27:46 (Jesus' cry to His Father) Psalm 139 (your homework!) Psalm 145:18 (God's promise to those who call on Him) I encourage you to read more about the life and ministry of Elizabeth Elliot. If you're interested in learning more about me, or to schedule a counseling appo ..read more

What makes you mad? How do you handle your angry feelings? Is it sometimes OK to get angry? What does God say about anger? In this episode, I examine reasons we get angry, I discuss "righteous" vs. "unrighteous" anger, and I share some practical strategies to help you better manage your angry feelings. Some of the Scriptural references included in this episode: “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” (Proverbs 14:29, NLT) “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:20, NLT) “But I say, if you are even angry with some ..read more

The holidays are often a difficult season for many of us. One in which we experience a variety of emotions.  We can be torn between how we want to feel, what we think we should feel, and what we actually experience. In this episode, I examine some specific reasons why our holidays can be so difficult. I also present three intentional strategies we can implement to help us better enjoy them. The biblical references mentioned in this episode include: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have over ..read more

Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy, unhealthy relationship that seems like it’s never going to get better? Do you sometimes feel no matter how hard you try, you can never change? In this episode, I examine five ways in which you might be contributing to your own problems, and I offer some practical suggestions for how, with God’s help, you can move forward. Biblical references I mention in this episode: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) “Trust in the Lord ..read more

What is the "secret" to being emotionally healthy? Why are some relationships better and more satisfying than others? How come some people are so much easier to get along with than others (and, vice-versa)? In this episode, I discuss the one essential factor I believe answers these questions. The bad news is not everyone has it; but, the good news is each of us can develop it.  Here are some of the Scripture references I include in this episode: “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.”  (Psalm 51:6) “Keep your heart wit ..read more