Blog

2441 posts

When Expectations Trip Us Up

It’s a no-brainer to say that when we expect things, we hope for and anticipate something. Without boasting even a bit, I think I can safely be dubbed the “Queen of Expectations.” The expectation gremlins popped up early in my life. I remember having glorious ideas for my birthday party or a holiday, only to grow despondent when the day didn’t match up to the rosy-hued picture I had developed in my mind.

What Is Memory?

Defining memory remains elusive, perhaps due to its constant employment. Memory operates unnoticed until it begins to fail (like in dementia). The human memory requires no on and off switch or manual to operate. Webster’s Dictionary defines memory by its function, to retain and recollect. Similarly, science defines memory as a cognitive system with a focus again on functions such as encoding, storing, and retaining information over periods of time. When asking a typical person to define memory, many might think of studying for tests in school or in trying to find lost car keys. These definitions all collectively focus on the functions of memory but fall short in truly defining the essence of memory. In an attempt to further define memory, here are three categories to help: a gift, a craft, and a marvel.

Introducing “Unmet Expectations”

There’s nothing wrong with expectations in and of themselves. And it’s easy to see, when digging around in the soil of our hearts, that we have all kinds of thoughts and plans for our lives. All well and good. Expectations aren’t the problem. But when we come face to face with thwarted plans, dismantled hopes, and unanswered prayers, what then? Will we respond with gentle faith and trusting submission to God’s unfolding plans for our lives? Or will bitterness, anger, self-pity, fear, or depression emerge from the miry clay of unbelief?

Introducing “Redeeming Memory”

This book is written for Christians who suffer knowingly or unknowingly from the heavy burdens of memory. These burdens, like bitterness or shame, afflict you with seemingly endless reverberations in your thoughts. Do you ever wonder if the vicious cycle will ever end? Will the repeating loops ever be broken? Perhaps you are like me and did not recognize the influence of memory in these unrelenting miseries. This book examines memory through the prism of the gospel to find hope in the midst of misery. Through God’s redemptive plan, memory transforms from a millstone to a milestone. God removes the burdens of memory and enlivens hope in His redemption.

Review of “Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder”

Thanks to Nate Brooks at the Biblical Counseling Coalition for this review of Christine Chappell’s Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. “Christine Chappell’s Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder addresses a topic that is inescapably personal. Mental disorders are not an “out there” topic, distant from people’s lives, but an “in here” topic that is woven through a person’s own perception of reality. Whatever we may think of the term “mental disorder,” we must first start by recognizing that it speaks to a person’s experience of themselves and others and that deep suffering is taking place.” “Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder is a small little book, but it’s packed with hope. Chappell is […]

God With Us – Now In Stock!

Just in time for Christmas, God With Us: A Journey Home has arrived from the printer. Transform your children’s experience of life in this sad, wonderful world as they journey home to God by following Scripture’s epic story. With beautiful illustrations, God With Us is sure to capture your children’s imaginations with beauty and truth. Order now and choose Priority Mail or UPS shipping to get it in time for Christmas!

God With Us Front Cover

God With Us: Imagination Restored

In this video, Author Jeremy Pierre talks about how God With Us explores the question “What if you could see your life through a different set of eyes? — by telling the story of the Bible through the eyes of two angels as they watch the story unfold. The hardcover edition of God With Us is coming late fall 2021. Digital editions are available on Amazon Kindle and Google Play. Learn more and pre-order here.

God With Us Front Cover

God With Us: A Real, Not Ideal, World

In this video, author Jeremy Pierre talks about how “God With Us: A Journey Home” teaches children about the reality of living in this fallen world — about the things that are wrong inside of us (sin), the things that are wrong outside of us (suffering), and the hope and comfort from God in Jesus Christ. The hardcover edition of God With Us is coming late fall 2021. Digital editions are available on Amazon Kindle and Google Play. Learn more and pre-order here.

Christine Chappell on Jen Oshman’s ‘All Things’ podcast

Author Christine Chappell was featured on Jen Oshman’s ‘All Things’ podcast, discussing her new LifeLine Mini-book Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. Listen in to hear Christine show how the Scriptures provide truths about our personhood, purpose, and potential for making God-glorifying progress during the challenging post-diagnosis journey. Listen here. Buy the mini-book here.