Counseling Article
September 2010
by Donna Ridge

Psalm 119:147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in your Word . The dictionary gives the meaning of hope as : to wish (have faith my addition) for something with the expectation of its fulfillment . To have confidence, trust. To look forward with confident expectation.

A couple in the church gave me a small statue with a “balloon” that says HOPE. They specifically gave it to me to put on my desk in my office, so those coming in for counseling would see it and know that there is hope. There are so many examples in the Bible of the Lord giving hope to His people.

One such story is the example of Hosea’s marriage.

Counseling Article - June 2010

In today’s crazy world it may seem difficult to find healthy relationships. A lot of my counseling comes down to this basic human need. In their book “Safe People” Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend devote the whole book to safe and unsafe people and how to recognize them. Sometimes it is difficult as Christians to “judge” others and their intentions. I don’t believe that the Lord would have us analyzing everyone we meet to discern whether they are “safe” people or not.

However, over time we must make decisions about certain relationships. Some relationships are actually toxic for us. That is not to say the other person is bad, just bad for us. The following is a short list of things to look for in an unsafe relationship vs. a safe relationship.

Counseling Article - March 2010

Throughout my years as a counselor, I have noticed something that has always disturbed and has been much on my mind and heart recently. That is that people seem to run fom church and from God just when they need the body of Christ and the Lord most of all.

I have heard various reasons. Everyone knows about my sin. Guess what everyone is a sinner and who knows what that person right next to you has gone through. No matter, Jesus died on the cross in order for that sin to be forgiven. To deny that is to deny the power of the cross and the sacrifice He made on the cross. There may be those who may judge you in the church, but there will always be those who will embrace you and help you through whatever the circumstances. The pastor, in our case, Pastor John will pray for you and also the sermon on any one Sunday, may speak directly to your situation.

Counseling Article - April 2010

Everyone who loves the Lord has a desire to serve Him and become a minister for Him.  Many struggle to find their ministry in their life.

There was a time in my life that I was looking around at others and how they ministered to others.  I felt unused and incompetent. I did get involved with the nursery at the church I was attending. Someone once said to me that I may be caring for the next Billy Graham.  I still didn't get it.  Then someone else said to me that my children were my ministry.  Raising them was the most important thing during that season of life.

Counseling Article
September 2009

Mental health today has come a far from the early days, but is still not understood. When most people think of mental health they think of depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia, phobias, etc. Just as there are many physical diseases, so there are mental illnesses. Where to turn for help sometimes can be confusing. If you or a loved one, neighbor, co-worker or anyone you may know is suffering in this area or are wondering if help is needed, help is just a phone call away. New Jersey Mental Health Cares is a comprehensive mental health information and referral hotline and website. It is not just for professionals, but also the general public.

Counseling Corner

April was Prevent Child Abuse month. Physical abuse is only one type of abuse. In the next few weeks there will be some coloring books available for children, if you would like to take one for your child and would like to discuss it with your child. They talk about Safe and Unsafe touching for the little ones and for third and fourth graders information about who to go to and things they can say. They will be located with the Care Notes.

Anger – the very word evokes an emotion to some just by hearing the word itself. Some with certain temperaments will never admit that they are angry. All they will say is that their feelings are hurt, which may be true also. Some bury their anger until they it explodes one day and probably on the wrong person, or they could become very depressed.

The truth is we don't know what 2009 will bring, but we know Who does. He is ever present. He is the great I AM. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6b. He is everything.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  How many times have we heard that quote or have even spoken that quote?  The other day, some friends were talking about celebrities and their appearance.  One person thought this one woman was very beautiful, the other thought she was average.  They began to dispute the fact.  I said “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.  They stopped, looked at me and started to laugh. Not at me, but themselves for getting so passionate about someone they didn’t even know.  Also, they agreed that the statement is true.