Cathy's Blog

Journeying into God's Love

finding hope for depression
Jesus Chose to Go to the Cross

How to Find Hope for Breaking Free From Depression

I slid down onto the floor. My back rested on the couch as my brain slowed to a stop. The children were safe; the house was quiet. The darkness of my thoughts crashed over me. Their depth startled me. I sat immobilized by the idea that my hope of breaking free from depression had vanished. And with that, I had arrived, unceremoniously, at a turning point. I knew that to keep going – surviving - I needed help. I had done a commendable job at covering my feelings. So, friends and family around me had no idea what I was feeling. But then the veneer started to crack. Darkness invaded me, reverberating off the walls of the silent house. The First Step In Finding Hope for Dealing with ... read more

How to Stay Calm When You Just Want to Hide

A battle rages in my mind- should I check the news and be informed? Or should I fight to keep my anxiety in check and ignore what is going on around me? Honestly, sometimes I just want to hide. But, instead, I did something that helped me, and I think will help you too . I found four answers to the question of how to stay calm when you just want to hide. A turning point for me was realizing that I could take steps to stay calm. Although voices are crying, "panic", all around me, I do not have to follow them. In fact, now I see that it is a war. So, I decided to enter the battle - for my peace. Do you want to join me? Stay Calm by Guarding Our Hearts A while ago, I learned I ... read more

Jesus Agreed to Go to the Cross

Somewhere along the line, I had picked up a totally false idea. I thought God had sent Jesus to die without giving Him a choice. You may have heard people, understandably, ask, “Why would a loving father send his son to die a violent death?” You may have wondered the same thing. But the truth is Jesus agreed to go to the cross. Why is it important to know the truth, especially during Easter? Because it opens our eyes to the full impact of the Scripture. When I realized Jesus was a willing participant in the crucifixion, it was like a fog cleared. I had buried the idea that God forced His son to die in the recesses of my mind. But I think unknowingly, my concerns played a refrain in ... read more

Child of God, or Too Good to be True?

My eyes were fixed on my calendar. It was full, but my life seemed a little empty. I wonder if you ever feel that way. The business of my life was grounded in good activities – the kind that would bring positive change. But deep down inside I think I was trying (unsuccessfully) to feel accepted, and maybe even loved. But there is an easier answer. For followers of Jesus, we are each called a child of God. Is this promise even true? Could it be too good to be true? How could God love me?  Here’s what the Bible says about being a child of God. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” 1 ... read more

How to Find Hope When Life Leaves You Reeling

The echo of slow footsteps bounced off the walls of our front hall. The news they heralded dramatically reshaped our world. I was reeling. Maybe the sound of the phone ringing feels you with a dread of more devastating news. Or perhaps you have recovered from a hard time. But now there is a new tragedy surrounding you. In the ensuing fog is it possible to find hope? There is good news is yes, hope is available. I found it, and I believe you can as well. I think that the story of the Widow at Zarephath gives us some practical advice on how to find hope. She witnessed a powerful miracle through the prophet Elijah. During a famine, her supply of oil and flour was nearly depleted. As ... read more

No Turning Back Now: How to Enjoy Your New Adventure

No turning back now! I love declaring those words as I start a new adventure. But, honestly, although I may not turn back, sometimes I look back. I wonder, what would have happened if I had done……… It’s really just second-guessing my decisions. How can I enjoy the new adventure? What's the Harm in Looking InYour New Adventure I think I start second-guessing if I should be on this new adventure when I run into a roadblock. Have you ever done that? I begin to ask myself, "Did I really hear God"? I know I am not alone in occasionally looking back. Is it really such a bad habit? I started thinking about this when I found a Bible verse on this subject this morning. And now I see ... read more

How to Feast on the Abundance Prepared For You

I felt drained today, there wasn’t a reason I could put my finger on. I headed out for a walk hoping to gain some insight into my feelings. It came, just as I was nearing my home; a squirrel and birds gorging themselves on the contents of a freshly filled feeder. It made me wonder, what would happen if I decided to feast on the abundance that God has been prepared for me – and you.   But what does that mean? What abundance has God prepared? How will I feast on it? What Has God Prepared? Jesus tells us that He provides abundant life in this verse: ” The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ... read more

How to Know You Are Seen When You Feel Invisible

Mustering up my last vestige of courage, I entered the small room. Soon, the smile I had painstakingly perfected slowly dissolved. Not one of the women made eye contact or even acknowledged my presence with a finger flutter.  Color infused my face, it was as if I wasn’t there. I wish I could tell my old self what I have learned since. You are seen even when you feel invisible - really. Maybe you have been in a similar room. Or perhaps you are unnoticed as you care for children or a family member. Sometimes I crave recognition. Not a standing ovation, but just an acknowledgment that I am present.  A nod to the fact that I have value and am seen. But that desire makes ... read more

Four Verses To Empower You to Wait Successfully

Periods of waiting are woven into our lives. Their length and intensity may vary, but we know we will experience them. I have been tempted to give up hope in some of these times. You may have as well. Here are four verses that will empower you to wait successfully. Reflecting on Who God is Enables Us to Wait Successfully One of the attributes of God is that He is good. God's actions, creation, and provision always reflect the His goodness.[i] No matter what I am waiting for, I can be assured that it will be good. This verse is taken from Psalm 136, which is a song of praise, and remembrance of all the good the LORD had done. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!His ... read more

How to Love When You Feel Surrounded by Hate

I want to treat everyone around me with respect and love. I really do. But sometimes, as hard as I try, I find myself slipping into resentment or offense. From there, it’s a quick slide away from love. I searched for the answer to how to love when you feel surrounded by hate. Here’s what I’ve found. Why is it Even Necessary to Love When You Feel Surrounded by Hate? Honestly, I feel overwhelmed by hateful words or dismissive attitudes. Showing love is not my first thought. But when I counter with harsh words or by filling my mind with resentment, I feel unsettled and disturbed. Our culture teaches the Golden Rule: “Do unto others what he would have them do unto you.” So, is that ... read more