March 7, 2021 – Mormon Apologia

In Conversation: Matthew 19:24 – Wealth and Christian Values

Does wealth go against Christian values and principles? Understanding Matthew 19:24 in proper context

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Weekly Mindful Journaling Challenge #6: On Being Happy

One of the key observations that link mindfulness, meditation, and happiness is this: The ability to regulate and manage our emotions. It is one of the mainstay recommendations and truths I share with my patients when sitting in counsel with them. We either are learning how our emotions work so that we are adequate in managing them. Or, we are giving ourselves permissibly over to our emotions so that they manage us and our lives.

8 Key Strategies for Effective Mindful Writing: Strategic Research

One of the desired outcomes of strategic content writing and publishing is the ability to think critically. Not only to think critically, but to be able to think mindfully, critically, and creatively. The ability to bring relevant content that is impacting, influential, and engaging begins when we are capable of generating content that provides solutions o specific issues. At the same time, determining which solution is the more practical one for our readers.

Weekly Mindful Journaling Challenge #5: Listen to Your Body Talk

When we are sick, unhealthy, and feeling less than adequate – we suffer depression, anxiety, and even spiritual deprivation (meaning, lack of meaning and purpose – feeling unfulfilled). Any casual research will show that there is a definitive link between unhealthy eating habits, sleep, and depression and anxiety.

8 Key Strategies for Effective Mindful Writing: Efficient and Effective Time Management

Time management is fluid and flexible and is not a cookie-cutter strategy. The challenge is to find the one system that is going to work for you in the long run.

Self-Compassion and Kindness Begins with Patience

For me, I had to learn to be patient toward myself because I realized there was much healing needed to take place. Healing because I had not realized that much of the reason for being impulsive, compulsive, seeking approval of others was due to my self-invisibility and survival mode that had brought much dissatisfaction within my own life. My self-esteem was quite low.

Authentic Worship in Spirit and Truth

With my natural eyes, I often see my struggles as huge obstacles and my chances of overcoming them as slim. I am easily overwhelmed. I know my limitations, and God’s omnipotence seems distant. When I acclaim Him, as the psalm says, I shed those earthbound illusions. My worship brings me into the light of His presence and reminds me of who He really is. It radically alters my perspective. Where I once thought my struggles were real and my God might be illusory, I realize that my Heavenly Father is real and my struggles are illusory.

The Great Love of the Lord

Think about your emotional tendencies. Don’t most of our behavioral problems and psychological flaws come from an insecurity deep within? Yet if we, the redeemed, were thoroughly convinced of God’s love – the unflinching goodness which He has shown us since the dawn of creation – then we would lose the basis of nearly every one of our insecurities. Those who have immersed themselves in the immeasurable love of God are wise indeed – and extremely secure. They have no need to envy: no desire for revenge; no reason to fear; no time for pettiness; and no cause for self-promotion.

God’s Sovereign Glory

How is it that my words do not give Him the glory due His name? how is it that I do not verbally credit Him with every blessing? Perhaps I don’t want to sound overly pious. Perhaps I’ve noticed how obnoxious our society perceives people who constantly speak of God. I’ve allowed present cultural influence intimidate me into never mentioning His name. In many of my circumstances my Heavenly Father remains unglorified.

My Heart and a Song

In my own spiritual journey – I have found that deliverance comes twice. First, a worshipful heart has risen above oppressive circumstances, even when those circumstances remain. It is an inward liberation that I find deep joy regardless of what’s happening on the outside. Secondly, a resolved, singing heart finds deliverance in a God who responds. He frequently invades circumstances and scatters our enemies, sometimes dramatically. The wait may be long and the victory is sure. God does not remain silent in His love when I do not remain silent in my worship.

Set Your Feet on a Level and Firm Path

When this verse commands me to make level paths and to take firm ways, it is not telling me to follow conventional wisdom. This is not a suggestion to play it safe. It is an order to follow my Heavenly Father, to heed His wisdom and trust His guidance, no matter how foolish it looks to a skeptical and watching world. It is a call t base our lives in the ultimate reality of Scripture rather than the finite understanding of human logic. I must understand that the level and firm paths are the ones that are level and firm in God’s sight – not mine or anyone else’s.