The power of grace. I'm a fan of TV evangelical preacher, Joyce Meyer. Despite our religious differences, we share a strong faith in and love for Jesus Christ. Her candid, unvarnished portrayal of her emotional and spiritual struggles have aided me in transcending my own unhealthy mindsets, anxiety, and fear. Joyce claims that sharing her "secrets" while bearing testimony of Christ's healing grace is empowering. Oh so true! Her willingness to share her experiences has empowered me. I feel ... VIEW POST
From Dis-grace to His Grace
From Dis-ease to At-Ease
Addicted to rules? As a high-schooler and young adult, I took pride in my scrupulous, "legalistic obedience" to LDS doctrine. I was really good at "obeying".... and beating myself up. To some degree, my attitude served a purpose: I stayed out of teenage trouble. However, my conscience operated on overdrive fueling my guilt, anxiety, and need for approval. Without realizing it, I worshiped my religious "rules" and other's opinions of me more than I worshiped God. And I don't think I'm alone ... VIEW POST
Because Death Is Birth, I’ve Learned To Die
Are you in a right fight? I've learned to die. Even better, I'm learning to die "well." For me, my deaths equate to re-births. Dying and birthing is hard work, but each loss brings its own gain. (Like they say, "No pain, no gain.") Our mortal birth actually began with our pre-mortal "death." Our calendared time sequences and seasons symbolize our emotional and spiritual deaths and rebirths. ... VIEW POST
I’m Not Okay, You’re Not Okay, and That’s Okay
Imperfection means opportunities for spiritual growth. I'm a recovering "approval addict." For years, my subconscious life's mission was to gain and maintain the approval of my fellow Latter-day Saints. Surely, their acceptance of me was indicative of God's acceptance. (Have you felt this way too....just a little?) My brief bout with depression served as my wake-up call. Thus, for the sake of my emotional health, I turned to God (and Zoloft). His response to me: "I love you." And I didn't ... VIEW POST
Got Keys?
Living a life in chains? Imagine existing in a prison cell that measures only 4 ft. in height and 4 ft. in width. You cannot fully stand up, nor can you lie down; you can only exist in a perpetual squat. You hear no sound, you see no light, you breathe no circulated air. Such was the terrible fate of medieval England’s most notorious political prisoners in the Tower of London. Aptly named “The Little Ease” (because of the body’s limited ease), this dismal dungeon was made out ... VIEW POST
Wanna Walk On Water? Get Out of The Boat!
Raging tempests? Walk on them! I'm afraid. Always. Even if there's nothing to fear, I'll find my way to it! My shaky self-confidence is the well-spring of much of my anxiety---making me particularly susceptible to stings of criticism and rejection. (Ironically, divine intervention led me to my career as a college instructor.) Mostly, I fear various forms of truth---especially facing and confronting negative truths about myself. But, here's my greatest accomplishment: I'm learning to do ... VIEW POST