Category: Self-help/Encouragement
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Finding Focus: The Struggle of Distractions in Daily Tasks
By Katie Rea — spiritual director, writer, and companion for those listening deeply to life as it is. Has anyone else experienced a day like this? I sat down at my desk and looked at my list of to‑do items. Ironically, it was a list I had forgotten I even wrote. It was my attempt…
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A Christmas Vacation Rooted in History
This year, for the first time, my husband, my parents, and I took a Christmas vacation. Usually, if we do travel, it’s to Chattanooga, Tn, to see my family. Or, they come to Nashville to see us. Mom and I made plans to do something unique this year. Christmas Eve was spent with our high…
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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 I once read a story about a ruined town, heavy with resentment, its people withdrawn and distrustful.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…
