If there is one thing we can all relate to at the present moment, it is that in many ways, our lives have gotten significantly more uncomfortable in the year 2020. Insecurity and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, coupled with economic fragility, unemployment, and major shifts in education, healthcare, not to mention travel and … Read More
As the Chaplain for Timberline Knolls, I have the unique opportunity of meeting people from a variety of circumstances and accompanying them on their spiritual journey. These journeys traverse the paths of spiritual highs and lows. In the heights of spiritual connectedness residents feel empowered, joyous, hopeful and happy. In the lows of spiritual connectedness … Read More
Days seem particularly dark of late. We are living through a pandemic, severe social injustice, civil rights violations and loss of jobs and businesses. This undoubtedly is affecting many of us in different ways; physically, emotionally, financially, changes to our community and how we communicate, just to name a few. Here are some suggestions to … Read More
The old ritual will soon be upon us. As January 1st approaches, the topic of “New Year’s resolutions” fills conversations at home and in the office. After all, this is the leading story on every morning television show as products promising resolution success are rife on social media feeds and influencer accounts. New Year’s resolutions … Read More
Love. I had romantic notions about it growing up, believing that love was a tremendous, sweeping, passionate feeling that would lead to lifelong relational satisfaction and fulfillment. Years later while engaged, at times I’d ask leading questions of my future husband. “Why do you love me?” Naturally, I was looking for a flowery, poetic response. … Read More
Several days per week, I set aside time to stroll around our campus. Not only does this allow me to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, but it gives me the opportunity to interact with staff, visiting parents, and most importantly, our residents. Six weeks ago, I found myself standing alongside Anna*, a resident in … Read More
The most intriguing piece of advice I ever received as a counselor in training came from one of my favorite professors. He told me, “In the very first session always give them a little magic.” Now that’s an interesting choice of words. The more I thought about the concept, the more the idea excited me. Magic … Read More
For the past 25 years, September has been celebrated as National Recovery month. The focus of the month is to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for mental and substance use disorders. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, effective treatment is … Read More
Easter time is filled with fun memories from my childhood – sunrise service, pretty dresses worn with lace-rimmed socks and patent leather shoes, baskets lovingly prepared and waiting for us in the living room on Easter morning, big family gatherings and of course, the infamous city-wide Easter egg hunt. I really loved the egg hunt. It … Read More
C.S. Lewis, the prolific British author, philosopher and theologian identified four kinds of that special “feeling” that we celebrate February 14th – love. He says there are four loves: affection, friendship, eros (romance) and agape (unconditional love). During the month of February, card and chocolate companies glorify eros, romantic love. Many girls grow up dreaming of … Read More
