It might be small but I promise you will find mighty things on this page to encourage you and educate you on your journey!
Books
- What do you tell yourself on a regular basis that runs counter to how you were created? Dr. Chris Thurman talks about this in great detail in his book, The Lies We Believe.
- Are you stuck in a prayer rut? Try this book to get a jumpstart, Jesus Listens, by Sarah Young.
- Dr. Terry Wardle is a leader in the area of healing care, in fact that is the name of his ministries, here is a resource that you might find a connection to, Identity Matter: Discovering Who You Are in Christ.
- Grief can cause us to become off center. It can come in more forms than death. What is it at the core of us that helps us to hold on during deep despair? C.S. Lewis masterfully shares where hope can be found in, A Grief Observed.
- Do you spend a chunk of your time making everyone else happy? This book breaks down into logical pieces how to break through this self-bondage. When Pleasing Others is Hurting You.
Articles and Other Good Stuff
- Community creates strength when we engage in healthy living with others. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/4-reasons-why-we-need-women-s-retreats.html
- We grow in our faith as individuals together with God as our guide. Sometimes we need to lay things aside in order for that to have the best chance. https://decisionmagazine.com/heading-in-the-right-direction/
- Some days the only thing we really need is to focus on the finish line and the One who gets us there. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/devotional-fix-your-eyes-on-jesus/
- The basics of how to grow your faith, basic but incredibly powerful. Be sure to watch the video on love. https://www.billygraham.ca/stories/9-ways-to-grow-in-your-faith/
- Explaining the why of some situations is not always easy. This article gives insight for our questions. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/ten-words-that-changed-everything-about-my-suffering
- Sometimes it can feel like we really don’t know what we’re doing when we prayer. This article educates and gives practical suggestions. https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/prayer/how-to-pray.html
- Where does our energy come from to keep going during difficult times? This message shares a story of a church’s history, keep listening I promise it is well worth it. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/how-do-you-keep-on-going
- As with all things here, I do not fully know the resource available or know the individual groups personally. This resource has far too many prayers to count. Maybe today you need this guide. https://connectusfund.org/prayers
Videos
- Have you ever considered the way you view happiness? Take a look at this short video, do you fall into this category? If so, is it time to get serious about your happiness?
- We go to the doctor to discuss physical growth, we seek counselors for mental and emotional growth, yet we do not often put time into spiritual growth. It comes in stages, and it begins with our faith relationship with God.
- Wow! Simply wow! If you are a leader of any spiritual group regardless of size you need to watch this video. Trauma is unavoidable – but caring for those with trauma is like a diamond in the rough. If you are a trauma survivor watch and learn what you might be unaware of in your own life.
- I have heard some good discussions on the root of Christian faith but this is by far the clearest, easiest example. This video ties our individual spirit into the proper understanding as it connects with God’s.
- Gifts are intended to allow us bless others but drive us as individuals, what are yours? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF7Mc7x3Zhc
- Sometimes we just need to reflect. This video on love is restorative. https://youtu.be/e4jV1fxcHuE
- Life beats us up – some days more than others. At times it can feel as if there is no option. The story that is told in this short video is real, it is raw, and it will encourage you.
All of the available resources are because I believe that they represent healthy, faith centered living. I do not claim to know all about the organizations that these individuals represent, nor do I endorse all the beliefs of these groups.
Monica Swank 