During one of my morning devotional times last week, I read something that surprised me. In Colossians, the Apostle Paul wrote:
"Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, TLB)
Peace is…our responsibility?…
Read MoreImagine it’s your 100th birthday. You’ve just spent all day celebrating with a big party, and now you’re resting quietly in your bedroom. Friends and family linger, taking care of after-party clean up.
Against the backdrop of household sounds—the clatter of silverware on china, the tinkle your great-grandchildren’s laughter, the chatter of guests—you reflect on the last century. Suddenly, you’re drawn from your reverie by the sound of your name. As you strain to listen in, you realize your friends are talking about you...
Read MoreA couple months ago, I attended a showing of the Banff Mountain Film Festival.
The show was a series of short films featuring extreme outdoor adventures. Viewers were dazzled by feats of strength and daring, including a trio who kite skied 1,000 kilometers across the Greenland ice cap, a mountain biker who ripped down trails and rocketed over rocky mountain ridges, and an Alaskan woman who climbed Denali (formerly called Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America)...
Read MoreRecently, in response to some of my thoughts on how I grew to be more confident, a friend commented on her desire to overcome some of her personal insecurities. “I have such a long way to go!” she lamented.
Our exchange got me thinking about how we actually develop confidence, and I noticed a paradox...
Read MoreAs a kid, I had a pretty simplistic view of Easter.
When I was really little, it meant spring time, chocolate cream eggs, and a new dress for church (I remember one dress in particular with a strand of plastic pearls sewn to the collar—it made me feel so pretty and grown up). As I got older, Easter came to mean “Jesus died and rose again so we can go to Heaven.”...
Read MoreWhat is a calling?
It’s a term we hear tossed around frequently, but what does it mean, really?
The dictionary defines calling as “a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence.”
Leadership expert Michael Hyatt asserts that it is comprised of four factors: It comes from outside yourself, it’s unique to you, it’s something you want to do, and it’s optional...
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“What are you passionate about?”
The question was posed by a trusted mentor. We were midway through a pizza dinner, and I can still envision her sitting across from me, her face bright and expectant.
I imagine my face looked disconcerted. I was about 21 years old, and I was at a loss for words...
Read MoreIt's not always easy being ourselves. Every day, we’re peppered with messages about how we “should be.” Tossed upon a sea of opinions, we sometimes question ourselves or even feel badly about our core characteristics that define who we are on a deep level.
But when we muster our courage and decide to live from our authentic selves, there are some amazing benefits...
Read MoreHave you ever tried—and failed—to change your natural preferences to fit what someone else thought you should be?
When I started my counseling internship years ago, I was preoccupied with learning to dress professionally.
I watched hours of What Not to Wear, and like a marathoner guzzling Gatorade, I gulped down Clinton and Stacy’s advice on how to be fashionable and polished. I learned that bright colors and patterns were compelling; neutrals were boring. Well, I didn't want to be boring...
Read MoreMy favorite Valentines haven’t been cards with cuddly kittens on the front or boxes of chocolate (though I do enjoy those too!).
It might sound funny, but my favorite Valentines have been sunrises.
I received my first one—at least, the first one I actually realized was addressed to me—a few years ago...
Read MoreWhen I started working primarily from home several years ago, I had grand plans for all I was going to accomplish. And I did get a lot done—on any given day I could be found cleaning my office, doing loads of laundry, preparing healthy meals, answering emails...
There was just one problem.
Something very important to me wasn’t getting done...
Read MoreHave you ever wondered, Why can’t life just run smoothly?
A couple weeks ago, I sat in front of my computer having a pity party and stewing over this question.
The article I was working on just wasn’t coming together. On top of that, I was having computer problems...
Read MoreIn my last post, I shared about how science gives us a glimpse into what happens in our brains when we speak or think positive or negative words.
I am fascinated by the brain, and I love how science helps us understand how we function, giving us guideposts for living a more vibrant life.
But the power of words is no modern discovery...
Read MoreWe’re two weeks into the New Year, and you’ve set your goals, crafted a plan, and maybe even enlisted the help of a coach or signed up for a goal achievement course. These are all great steps, but you’re at risk of falling short of your goals if you don’t have a handle on one simple thing: your words...
Read MoreThere's something magical about opening a new planner.
I love the fresh, blank, creamy pages full of clean lines and empty boxes just waiting for me to fill in with appointments, projects, concerts, coffee dates...
Read MoreEach year, it seems I feel the magnitude of Christmas on a deeper level, and yet I am acutely aware that my understanding is but a drop in the bucket of eternity. The enormity of God’s gift and Christ’s sacrifice are truly beyond comprehension...
Read MoreDo you ever feel like what God is asking you to do just doesn’t make sense? You feel a nudge in your spirit or a prompting in your heart to do or say something, but you can see no earthly reason why?...
Read MoreAs women desiring vibrant lives, we’re drawn to good things—family gatherings, community events, volunteering for worthy causes…But sometimes, without realizing it, our commitments can get out of hand, potentially rendering us less effective, productive and joyful than we want to be...
Read MoreHave you ever had something you really wanted to do, but you were scared of doing? Maybe performing in a musical recital, applying for your dream job, or introducing yourself to someone new?
I remember how nervous I was to meet with my first client at my first full time counseling job...
Read MoreThanksgiving is over, and today Americans embark on the frenzy of shopping, wrapping, planning, and partying that comes with the Christmas season.
I sometimes think we view Thanksgiving as an appetizer that tickles our taste buds and prepares us...
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Hi! I'm Carina, and I'm here to help you connect with God and discover and share your unique gifts.
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