One of the novelties my wife and I have observed living in Texas is how the color purple is used here to indicate “no trespassing.” Perhaps you’ve seen it? Apparently, if you have purple paint applied to trees or fencing along your property, in the proper configuration, you’ve adequately warned others that no access is […]
I was reminded the other day by someone that it is still quite rare for people to openly talk about going to counseling. Perhaps even more rare for men, and also rare for pastors. Well, I go to counseling. I have consistently gone to counseling since 2018. Why did I start going? Because I needed […]
Who sets the standards for your life? Where does your definition of “success” come from? Is it books, podcasts, fortune 500 business owners, pastors, spiritual directors, friends, family, or neighbors? There is no shortage of outside voices and messages coming at us on a daily basis that influence our motivations and desires. It’s very easy […]
A couple of months ago a pastor reached out to us at BetterDays asking some questions about psychotherapy in the life of the Church. It’s not the first time we’ve received an email like this. Many pastors regularly face the realities of mental health struggles among their congregation. Unfortunately, the world we find ourselves living […]
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1, 2 Motherhood is stormy. Motherhood can feel like you are gardening—all alone. Sometimes you feel as if you can’t escape the […]
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) The Foundation of the Word How powerful is God’s word? As we know in the first chapter of Genesis, everything we see and know was created by the spoken word of God. That’s pretty powerful. Definitely more […]
The Violence of Busyness I’m tired. Have you ever said this before? That’s a rhetorical question. Of course you have. We all have. We get tired. We have limits. Sometimes we forget, but no matter how hard we try to ignore our finite capacities, we eventually crash. I remember this moment so clearly and can […]
“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 In the middle of my front yard stands a large oak tree. Its branches twist and stretch across the entire yard. It’s weathered. It’s been trimmed and […]
When I first took over the roll of Lead Pastor at Christ Church Kingwood with seventeen people and a handful of kids, I had grand ideas of preaching these people into faithfulness. I was convinced that all they needed was inspired, engaging sermons to spur them on to greater evangelism and service and hospitality. And […]
“I appreciate you.” Those are words we all love to hear. Especially from those we find ourselves exhausting our energy, time, and resources in an effort to care for. From those we’ve invested love and service towards. Starbucks cards. Homemade baked goods. Thank You notes. Getaways to air b&bs and date nights to fancy restaurants […]