Toward the end of 2012, I began asking God to make 2013 a year of jubilee in my life. January 2013 would mark seven years since Michael’s death. In the Old Testament, the seventh year was associated with jubilee because debts were forgiven and people were given a fresh start. I prayed that this year would be a new beginning in my life. As the…
Our kitten has free reign in our home with one exception, our bedroom. He’s got it made…he can come inside from the cold, has multiple places to rest and to explore, and he has our attention. You’d think he’d be one happy cat, but no. He is insistent on going into the one room in the house where he is not allowed. He gets a…
Too often we long for those good ole’ days or we pine for the future, and we totally miss the present. A couple of people who are very near and dear to my heart are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Watching their memory decline has reminded me how precious time is and of the importance of today. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am committed…
Several years ago, I listened from my hotel room as the call to prayer sounded over the loudspeakers. Muslims all over the city were getting out of their beds before the sun had risen to get on their knees and pray. I remember the conviction I felt as I watched their dedication and commitment to pray. Beloved, I believe God is calling us to seek…
This is going to sound utterly selfish, but the number one thing you can do to help someone you care about who has bipolar disorder is to make sure that you are healthy yourself. Loving someone with bipolar often comes with extreme highs and lows, and their roller coaster of emotions often carry you along for the ride whether you want to go or not….
While depression is often the worst part of bipolar disorder for the sufferer, the mania is often the most damaging to his relationships. One twitter follower described the mania she experiences as feeling unhinged with overwhelming thoughts and ideas. The racing thoughts often lead to grandiose and unrealistic beliefs. The National Institute of Mental Health describes mania as · A long period of…