Why is listening well an important part of loving people well? What makes it an essential skill for biblical counselors? And what Christlike characteristics do we mimic when we listen well to the people we care for? Joe Hussung addresses these questions and more in this new episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!| Christine M. Chappell
Hope can feel hard to come by during the holidays, especially when you’re wracked with pain or weighed down with grief. Yes, it might be “the most wonderful time of the year” for some. But for others, it’s a season when wonderful times seem both far behind and far beyond them. Perhaps you fall into this latter category. If so, the incarnation may not seem like a relevant consolation. But consider this comforting truth as you weep and lament: Jesus wasn’t born to fail but to prove hi...| Christine M. Chappell
This past year, I issued endorsements for eleven new books specific to biblical counseling and Christian living. Not only did I personally benefit from reading these resources, but I believe they each make a valuable contribution to the respective topic they each address. I'm thankful to have had the privilege of previewing these manuscripts and am glad to commend the finished products to you.| Christine M. Chappell
A wise man once said, “The simplicity of my Bible helps me with the complexities of life.” With increasing complexity in today’s world, we often look everywhere but to the Bible for guidance, yet these ancient words offer eternal wisdom that transcend generations. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "the word of God is living and active” and Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”| Christine M. Chappell
It's that time of year! Black Friday sales are abounding in the Christian publishing world, and a few of them are applicable to resources of mine. Here you will find coupon codes from New Growth Press and Shepherd Press for use at their respective online stores. Now is a great time to stock up on these titles if you use them in your counseling or discipleship ministry. The Buy 1, Get 1 offer from New Growth Press expires on Black Friday (11/29 at 5pm ET), and the Shepherd Press discount expir...| Christine M. Chappell
While the reasons for these seasonal struggles will vary from family to family, the need to depend on God’s sustaining grace remains the same. Thankfully, he doesn’t begrudge your neediness but welcomes it wholeheartedly! God knows that holidays can be hard days—that you can only endure them if he daily bears you up. Here are three specific ways that God ministers his grace to you during your unmerry holiday.| Christine M. Chappell
Are you a mother who feels sad or stressed as the holidays approach? Join Christine Chappell, Darby Strickland, Eliza Huie, and Lauren Whitman for a tender conversation about managing emotions and expectations, and staying spiritually nourished during the holiday season.| Christine M. Chappell
What makes unanswered prayer a "strange double sorrow" for believers? Why is it important to "fight for sight" in seasons where God seems unresponsive to our prayers? And how does Paul's testimony in 2 Corinthians 12 help us to process the fact that God is still good even when "he gives pain to those he loves"? Author, pastor, and biblical counselor Ste Casey addresses these questions and more as we discuss his book, I Prayed and Nothing Changed: What God is Up to in the Silence.| Christine M. Chappell
In this episode, we explore the challenges of postpartum motherhood, and the need for grace and understanding in the face of struggles. We also emphasize the significance of acknowledging both physical and spiritual aspects of mental health, the impact of societal expectations, and the necessity of lamenting and grieving.| Christine M. Chappell
Cuando te sientas invadida por el dolor de la maternidad, es bueno recordar que Dios te ve y te rodea. Hay recordatorios muy necesarios sobre esta realidad en el Salmo 139. Mientras el escritor se maravilla ante la omnisciencia y omnipresencia de Dios, podemos ver por lo menos tres aplicaciones relevantes a la experiencia de la depresión posparto.| Christine M. Chappell
How has the concept of personal identity evolved over the years? What are five different yet common areas where kids tend to struggle with their identity? And what positive role can parents or caregivers play in the formation of a child’s identity? Jonathan Holmes addresses these questions and more as we discuss his new book, Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids to Build Their Identity in Christ.| Christine M. Chappell
When you feel overtaken by sorrow in motherhood, it’s good to remember that you are seen and surrounded by God. There are much-needed reminders about this reality in Psalm 139. As the writer marvels at God’s omniscience and omnipresence, at least three relevant applications to the experience of postpartum depression unfold.| Christine M. Chappell
Nostalgic postpartum advice is certainly permissible, though it’s not always beneficial or edifying (1 Cor. 10:23). But when we take care to know a mother’s world before speaking to it, we can help her feel seen and understood. We can better encourage and build her up in Christ—whether she’s enjoying the season or not (1 Thess. 5:11).| Christine M. Chappell
Recently, I had the opportunity to join Jonathan Holmes for his Grounded in Grace Virtual Parenting Summit. The GIG Virtual Summit featured 26 interviews with parents, pastors, counselors, and professors—all sharing some of the joys and struggles of parenting their kids. Each interview featured honest questions as well as practical counsel about how to help our kids and teens build their identity in Christ. I was grateful for the chance to share a bit of my own parenting challenges (and asp...| Christine M. Chappell
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Paul Tautges about his book, Remade: Embracing Your Complete Identity in Christ.| Christine M. Chappell