It's not enough to be good. You need RESILIENCE for your relationships to thrive!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and considering giving up, taking your own life, PLEASE DON'T. Recognize that you are not alone. Reach out. Get support.

Jesus says he will NEVER leave you.

You can call or text 988 to talk to someone. (Or 911 if you forget that number.)

Take one step at a time. Don't feel you need to solve all your problems right away. Slow down. Breathe.

Find ways to connect with others. Even giving to others who are need to strengthen your sense of connection and purpose.

Your brain might be lying to you, telling you that things wont get better. They can and will.

Remind yourself of the blessing in your life. The Apostle Paul reminds you, "I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies" (Philippians 4:8-9).

Get5 outside in nature. Move your body. Exercise is proven to help mood.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. They will only deepen depression. 

CONNECT with God and others. You can move beyond the hopelessness to joy.

You have been given this exquisite gift of life. It is precious and fleeting. You are given a choice as to how to live it. You can waste it or find joy by discovering you purpose and meaning. 

The great news? You may not have to change what you do for you your life to take on meaning and purpose. But may need only change your perspective...

There is a secret (although it shouldn't be) to living longer, more joyfully, and with healthier relationships: Gratitude and Appreciation!

This is a skill that can be developed. It doesn't happen automatically. It is scriptural and psychological. 

Enjoy!

This episode explores how your focus - which is controlled by you - can either allow you to accomplish the miraculous, or cause you to sink.

Your focus will shape your emotions, your relationships, and what you choose to do with your life.

You pursue the things you think will make you happy. But it doesn't last. 

Chasing happiness doesn't work. But joy is different. You don't have to get what you want to experience joy - and it can last!

Why does Christ say "pick up your cross and follow me?" It wont necessarily make you happy, but it leads to joy!

You were meant for a lifetime of continuous growth. But to grow, you. must learn resilience.

Resilience is the capacity to get back up when life knocks you down. It means learning new skills and cultivating new talents. 

Scripture is full of examples of God's people doing this. Science refers to it as a "growth mindset." 

Once you learn resilience, you'll feel empowered to take on new challenges, and live the adventurous life God calls you to!

You MUST forgive. God's command. But why do you hesitate to do so even when it's in your best interest to do so?

What does it mean to forgive and how and why is it necessary as the precursor to reconciliation?

And finally, what does conversation need to "look" like so that reconciliation is possible?

These are the big questions asked and answered in the episode.