This phrase has a hold on me this year. “All is calm, all is bright.” My heart yearns for this. You will recognize this second line of “Silent Night” describing the first Christmas. As we sing, we’re tempted to picture Mary and Joseph haloed in light in a nice clean stable, surrounded by serene animals,…
Tag: anxiety
3 Things Everyone Needs to Remember about Fear
#1 FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD Did you know that much of the fear we experience is not from God? Fear can be brought on by many circumstances but can also be demonic, intent on capturing its victim. The enemy will use fear to cripple. So, if fear has anything to do with it, it…
Anchored Printable: Matthew 6:34
Welcome to 2020! A new decade! A fresh start! I am thrilled to be entering into a new time period—one where I long to know God more, worry less, and seek first His kingdom. I wish I could say starting 2020 has been a breeze, given we are only a handful of weeks into the…
The Breath of God For Every Anxiety
Breathing is an important part of our autonomic system. But, it’s more complicated than simply opening our mouths and inhaling and exhaling every eight seconds or so. The entire respiratory system needs to be functioning properly in order to get the most benefit from those breaths, and if any one part goes haywire it can…
3 Scripture-based Tools to Help You Persevere through Anxiety
We sat at a stoplight as the children engaged in trivial debate behind me when dizziness invaded. I tried to shake it off, but the adrenaline had already been released. My pulse quickened; looking for the danger my sub-conscience had decided was imminent. Breath was hard to catch, ache diffused across my chest, and my…
Victorious Rest
Author: Kate Franken Stress and Anxiety. The world is filled with them both, and they torment me. Stomach pain, tension headaches, and sleepless nights have all followed in their wake. They have weakened my immune system, making me more susceptible to colds and viruses, pneumonia, and even shingles. I never invited them in, and I…
Driving Free
Author: Kate Franken I couldn’t breathe. Every muscle tensed. My face turned hot and clammy. I could see myself driving off the bridge. I wanted to slam the brakes and runaway. And then, in my head, I saw all the cars hitting me from behind. I wrestled against what I felt, despite its intensity, and…
June Printable: Worry Not
Dear Readers, As those who belong to Jesus, worry will not steal from us anymore! Sarah Dohman has created this beautiful printable to remind you that you are cared for by the God who knitted the universe together. May these words from Corrie Ten Boom, who was a courageous survivor of a Nazi concentration camp,…
Seeking Beauty
I stared at the glowing screen, eyes glazed over, darting from one item to the next. I compared products and added to the ever growing “wishlist.” Babies don’t need much, but we are foster parents and instead of 9 months of preparation, we have weeks to prepare. Car seats. Consumer reports. Carriers. Will it arrive…
Becoming Aware of Terror
I heard the sniffling before I saw her. She descended the last step of the stairs and revealed her flushed, tear-streaked face. “What is wrong?” I implored. She replied, to my surprise, “I am so scared of the people who bombed the towers.” My heart ached, and my compassion for her late night fear was…
Anchored Voices 