Counseling isn’t so much about helping someone move from Point A to Point B as it is helping them see the story that got them to Point A and the slow and deep journey it takes to get to Point B.

I’m looking for a good, reflective Advent devotional. Any recommendations?

Sometimes a change in perspective can broaden the scope of your situation. Staring at this tree in silence speaks to my soul.

A morning walk with Jesus and an evening walk with your spouse provides both a healthy rhythm and place for connection in the two most important relationships in your life. It’s simple, but deeply impactful.

Some days we feel like we are unraveling, but He is gently sustaining, healing and drawing us deeper into his presence. Come, let us return to the LORD, For he has torn us and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds. Hosea 6:1

When we feel alone, unstable, and anxious, God’s covenant-keeping love runs to us, holds us up and cheers our soul. He will not forsake his people. “When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.” Psalm 94:18

Take some time this fall season to slow down and see, hear, touch and breathe in God’s creation. It will help your body and soul to feel grounded and at rest.

Sometimes it takes just one person to help you share your shame story and offer a better story than the one you’re believing about yourself—namely the story of a Savior who bore your shame and now welcomes you in as his honored and beloved friend.

My Good Shepherd Jesus, You are strong for me today so I can be weak. You are smart for me today, so I don’t have to perform. You are safe for me today so I can rest. Breathe in: The Lord is my Shepherd Breathe out: I have all that I need

One couple’s experience from a marriage intensive: “Our time with Doug provided the necessary space for growth, healing, and rest. He humbly brought us to Jesus and cared for our hearts in a skillful and gentle manner. Highly recommend, Doug!”

While nostalgia whispers it was all better back then, God says watch and keep your eyes open.

Sometimes the hardest truth for us to accept is that we are accepted. Even when we’ve had a bad day, his embrace will never become a stiff arm. “to the praise of the glory of his grace, he has made us accepted in the beloved.” -Eph. 1:6

Went to a funeral today and was reminded of why Ecclesiastes tells us the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. Watching family and friends cry as they share the things that really mattered in life reminds us of why we’re here and what we long for.

Few things are better than a cool, fall morning walk with Jesus and the reminders of his faithfulness through various seasons of life.

We reenact what didn’t get resolved in our family of origin. Pastors often become the target for the congregation’s wounds and unresolved pain—scapegoats for their pent up grief and resentment. The reverse is also true. We must understand our broken stories.

You have a sure and steadfast anchor attached all the way up in heaven to your great high priest who lives to intercede for you. Therefore, your soul is safe and your hope is solid. He will not let you go. Tuck this away in your mind and imagination.

Thankful for this brother and his sincere heart for the gospel and people. I’m honored to serve with him @gospelcareco He’s the real deal. There is congruence in what he says and how he lives.

I’m convinced we need regular check-ins with friends to keep a pulse on each other’s hearts and apply the balm of the gospel to those tender places of weakness, wretchedness, woundedness, and warfare. Doing so can be one of the greatest means of endurance.

Make space for reflection before moving onto the next thing.

Worry will not lead you to the security you so desperately want, but it can be a signal for your heart to trust in the tender care of your Father and his secure love.