Mercy Seat Ministry

Welcome! We are so excited you are here and would like to introduce you to Mercy Seat Ministry. MSM exists to assist people to find healing and freedom through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ, and the use of proven counselling techniques. Our counsellors are committed to prioritizing a faith-integrated, therapeutically rich experience of counselling, which includes prayer, Biblical text, and knowledge in the field of psychology in a safe and supportive environment. At MS...M, you will experience a safe space where God’s gracious presence is acknowledged and integrated into your journey toward health and freedom. Through this extension of MSM, we hope to provide useful resources and encouragement through blog posts and other helpful content created by our counsellors. You can visit our website for more information! https://www.mercyseatministry.ca

This year, we have all been thrown into isolation and have felt loneliness to some degree. And luckily for us, this is a common emotion that Jesus understands very well. It was in solitude where Jesus was tested, tempted, and stretched to build strength and character. (See Mark 1:12-13.) It was also where He made important decisions, dealt with grief, and cared for His own soul. Of course, being alone and experiencing loneliness is not easy, so it is so important to have a ...plan in place in order to reap the benefits of being in solitude. It is when we are alone that we understand in more depth that God is with us and we have the space to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. Click the link to read more of Hannah’s post, Tapping into the Gift of Solitude. www.mercyseatministry.ca/tapping-into-the-gift-of-solitude/

We are complex beings with complex emotions and often, we try to avoid or ignore them! If we change our relationship we have with our emotions and start seeing them as valuable tools, we can use them to assist us in healthy decision-making in the future. This week, Megan provides us with ways that can help us appreciate and value our emotions. Paying attention to our body’s physical response and taking time to be curious about the presented emotion are part of these steps.... Once we realize our emotions are valid and important, we begin to recognize that in order to heal, we need to first begin to feel. Through the story of Mary’s grief, we learn that Jesus desires to connect with us in our emotional space. Have you experienced a time where God has met you and revealed Himself to you through your grief, joy, anxiety, or hurt? Click the link to read: www.mercyseatministry.ca/using-emotions-as-effective-tools/

Do you ever feel like reading scripture is boring or bland? Or maybe you struggle to slow down enough to engage with the Bible in a deep and reflective way? As Christians, we believe the Word of God is 'living and active' (Heb 4:12). It is not a dead or stagnant ancient text, it has the ability to speak to our own life and experience today. This week, Andrea shares one of the tools she has found helpful for engaging with Scripture, called Lectio Divina. By practicing... this spiritual exercise, we allow Scripture to speak to us and interpret our circumstances. While practicing Lectio Divina, you will read your chosen passage four times, each with a different focus: Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest. Click the link to read Andrea’s blog Deepen Your Engagement With Scripture Today for a more in-depth explanation of Lectio Divina! www.mercyseatministry.ca/deepen-your-engagement-with-scrip/ See more

This week, in the second part of her two part series, Lisa discusses four steps we can use to move through temper tantrums in an effective way. 1 - Making space for your loved one’s frustration is the best gift you can give them. By providing them space to feel frustrated, they are learning an invaluable skill imperative for healthy functioning. 2 - Being aware of the way you experience frustration is key in helping others stay on track as well. ... 3 - Setting boundaries helps curb tantrums because they outline expectations and highlight which attempts to change the situation are appropriate and which attempts are inappropriate. 4 - Keeping perspective when frustration presents itself can allow us to remain steady when others may not be. Click the link to read Lisa’s 4 Steps to Moving Through Temper Tantrums Effectively more in-depth! www.mercyseatministry.ca/4-steps-to-move-through-temper-ta/

Are you looking forward to part 2 of Lisa’s series on temper tantrums? This week, she will be giving practical steps on how to move through tantrums in an effective way. One of the keys is to make space for frustration. It is important to show empathy and equip those who are experiencing a tantrum so they may learn how to deal with being frustrated. To eliminate thwarting experiences is to rob character development; to coach through thwarting experiences is to foster maturity. Make sure to watch for the blog post on Wednesday, so you don’t miss the other 3 steps of how to move through temper tantrums effectively!