Category: Self-help/Encouragement
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Devil Wears Prada 2: How a One-Minute Trailer Became My Therapist
I felt nostalgic, curious, and of a bit of “what are they doing with this sequel?” energy. By Katie Rea — spiritual director, writer, and companion for those listening deeply to life as it is. Mixed Emotions About the Sequel I caught a short preview of The Devil Wears Prada 2 yesterday, and I felt…
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Mercy at the Dentist: A Tale of Cracks, Courage, and Cold Thingies
“Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light.” — Groucho Marx (or at least attributed to him) After a week of tooth pain and denial, I finally bit the bullet (yes, pun is intended, thank you) and made the dreaded call to my dentist. This is not a decision I take lightly. I…
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Through Fire and Water
A reflection on Psalm 66. “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise…” ~Psalm 66: 1-2, NRSV This week, I felt a quiet tug. I sensed an invitation to return to reading the Bible. I’d been praying with apps like Hallow and Centering…
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The Face of God in Every Place
The sage replied, “You must remember that when you look upon each other, you are seeing the face of God.” I once read a story about a ruined town, heavy with resentment, its people withdrawn and distrustful. Hatred and conflicts among people prevailed. Cooperation had vanished, and the town was crumbling. One resident, desperate for…
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Lost in the Woods: A Journey of Self-Discovery
The Forbidden Woods As a kid, my mom cautioned me not to wander into the woods alone. Unfortunately, I wasn’t always known to be the most obedient child. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided a fun romp in the woods was just what I needed. We lived at the foothills of White…
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Finding Awe in Ordinary Moments
“Pay attention to what you pay attention to.” ~Amy Krouse Rosenthal My pursuit of new skills started as a healthy habit. Now? It’s a full-blown addiction to workshops. I crave the learning, the new ideas, and the chance to grow. A recent workshop also sparked a memory of an unexpected moment of awe. I rediscovered a…
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Cultivating Patience: A Path to Spiritual Growth | Thought, Word & Deed
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 In today’s fast-paced world, exemplifying patience has become a rare but valuable trait. Patience allows us to navigate challenges with grace and resilience, fostering understanding and growth. Patience is…
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Snakes and Anxiety: Navigating the Stigma of Being Afraid
And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So, he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Exodus 4:3 (NKJV) I don’t blame Moses here in Exodus 4:3. I would have done exactly the same thing. I’m terrified of snakes. The Bible often gives serpents a bad…
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The Ripple Effect: How Receiving Support Leads to Paying It Forward
In a world of kindness and compassion, every act of support creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same. Receiving support can lead to paying it forward, which spreads positivity and goodwill throughout our communities. In my years in the healthcare field, I have noticed a great number of people who refused to…
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The Importance of Self-Reflection in Assessing Your Love for the Lord
When I was 18, I joined the contemporary ensemble at the early service of our church in Chattanooga. I stood on stage with others in front of hundreds of people and sang about God. It was a privilege and the highlight of my week. I was overwhelmed with the talent of this group. There were…
