C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it. Unexpressed grief leads to emotional isolation, anger, anxiety, and physical ailments. Healing involves seeking God, confiding in trusted friends, and allowing oneself to mourn, ultimately leading to restoration and hope in God’s presence.
Author Archives: Ryan Stratton
Transformative Lenten Service Opportunities for Everyone
Lent promotes reflection, repentance, and serving others, mirroring Jesus’ teachings. Suggested outreach activities include community prayer walks, food drives, kindness challenges, service calendars, and care packages. Engaging in these acts brings God’s love to the forefront, fostering personal growth and communal support during this sacred season. Embrace missional outreach this Lent.
Understanding Ash Wednesday: A Spiritual Reflection
Ash Wednesday initiates Lent, a sacred period for Christians to prepare for Easter through repentance and reflection. The day symbolizes mortality with ashes marking believers’ foreheads, reminding them of their dependence on God. Lent encourages fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, inviting spiritual renewal and deeper intimacy with Christ, culminating in the hope of resurrection.
Understanding the Essence of Lent: A Christian Reflection
Lent is a sacred 40-day season in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter, centered on self-denial, reflection, and repentance. It calls believers to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, create space for God’s grace, and unite with the broader Church community. Ultimately, Lent prepares hearts for the joy and gratitude of Easter.
Reflecting Christ at Home: Keys to Faithful Living
Living out faith starts at home, impacting how family members perceive Christ through our daily actions and attitudes. Authenticity is revealed in our words, patience, priorities, and responses to challenges. By modeling love, grace, and consistent spiritual practices, we ensure our family experiences Christ’s presence, fostering a nurturing environment for their faith.
Unlock Deeper Intimacy with God via The Sacred Enneagram
Christopher L. Heuertz’s The Sacred Enneagram offers a spiritual journey into self-awareness and intimacy with God, transcending mere personality analysis. It emphasizes uncovering core motivations and fears through contemplative practices linked to each Enneagram type. This book encourages self-surrender for transformation, guiding readers toward spiritual depth and wholeness.
Overcoming Isolation: The Power of Faith Communities
Community is essential in the journey of faith, as individual devotion alone can lead to vulnerability and stagnation. Scripture emphasizes the importance of fellowship, accountability, perspective, and serving together. Isolation can result in discouragement and complacency, while community strengthens our faith, fostering unity and resilience in life’s challenges.
How Do You Love Difficult People Like Jesus Did?
People can be challenging, prompting thoughts of revenge. However, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them, emphasizing humility and gratitude for the grace we’ve received. Understanding others’ struggles encourages compassion, allowing us to reflect God’s love and be a light, rooted in grace amidst difficulties.
Book Review: “Pure Desire” by Ted Roberts
Ted Roberts’ “Pure Desire” addresses sexual addiction, exploring its root causes and offering healing through a spiritual lens. With practical tools and biblical wisdom, it provides hope for individuals and couples, emphasizing the possibility of redemption. This book also serves as a vital resource for loved ones and counselors aiding recovery journeys.
Are You Trusting God or Trying to Control Everything?
Life is a balance between trusting God and seeking control, which can create anxiety and stress. Surrendering our plans to God allows us to embrace His perfect timing and peace. Trusting Him, even in uncertainty, leads to spiritual growth and freedom, reminding us that His plans exceed our expectations.
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