Colin Elmhurst, MDiv, APC

Culturally, we live in an interesting time for child-rearing. Never before have we been so bashful and so aware of eggshells as when we try to discuss the topic of parenting and discipline today. "What will they think us?" This is the tip of the iceberg. Not only just for child-rearing, but we live in a generally discipline-aversive age. Discipline, huh, what is it good for? We will notice some resistance at the watercooler to the functional help or wisdom of any authorit...y or dutiful acceptance of our personal domains of responsibility - even as these concepts flow downstream from a belief in the existence, involvement, and the right of governance of a good God over the world who put all things in their place. Perhaps precisely because of this. The reigning assumption today is something like: that each individual knows best, we have no right to direct others under our care, and that discipline isn't necessary because human fruition... just happens! (At least when we get out ourselves out of the way.) "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)- and those were not good days. But what if compassionate and directive engagement is the road to flourishing? If that remains even a possibility, we better keep the conversation open for when we need to reconsider older, more tried and trued paths to passing on the torch to our little ones For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (Hebrews 12:6) #Canadian #Christian #Counselling

Are we supposed to be emotional? Is it unchristian to feel upset? Even as Christians, the character of Jesus in the gospels is so strange, so unfamiliar to us, that any wholeness to our comprehension of it remains elusive. As soon as we think we have it - we've lost it. The perfect man was not so much notable in his earthly ministry for his emotional restraint of unperturbed coolness such as the ideals of Stoicism would have us aim for for, but rather for his otherworld...ly expressions of the full range of human emotion. He experienced the whole gamut - and all of it was perfectly in line with God's desire for righteousness. He saw that it was good. God doesn't want us unmoved by pains and joys - he wants us moved by the right things and in the right way. For example, looking at compassion in Matthew 9:26 ("When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.") we find that the word the gospel writer employs here is "splagchnizomai" (). Strong's Greek dictionary describes it to mean: " to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity: have (be moved with) compassion." There's a way in which his very stomach churned with compassion at the sight of pain and misery - moving him to merciful action. #Canadian #Christian #Counselling #CommonGrace

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25) Here the writer of Hebrews here draws attention to an urgency placed upon investment in community and mutual encouragement - Don't underestimate the power of these humble and ordinary actions - they have eternal effect! Unfortunately however, w...e often let these opportunities for blessing others through community and encouragement slip by because of: perceived inconvenience, our own comfort, pride, or for fear of being seen as a flatterer. Reputation-seeking flattery is a valid thing to be wary of but it by no means allows us to refrain from encouraging the good we see in a brother or sister, for all that is good in us is from God (Ps. 16:2). In the article linked you will find that the common-grace results of psychological research manages to cleverly climb the mountain peaks of human nature only to arrive at the same summit scripture rests - reaffirming again God's timeless wisdom. #Canadian #Christian #Counselling #CommonGrace

In examining the effectiveness of remote psychotherapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression, recent clinical research indicates that remote counselling is as good or better than in-person. To top it off, it's quite a bit more convenient to check-in to your session from your office in your jammies than spending your precious time preparing and commuting. #Canadian #Christian #Counselling

Here's a great little video from UK neuroscience and psychology experts that provides a wonderful intro to the academic literature's perspective on childhood trauma and its trailing impacts. . Most notably, they indicated the promising evidence of the benefit of building recovery and resiliency through personal and conscious effort with a persistent community of corrective support. . With persistent love, grace, and kindness - the works and gifts of the Spirit of God, h...is redemption makes things new every day as we await its fullness upon the day of his return. . #Canadian #Christian #Counselling #CommonGrace See more

Booking confidential video call counselling sessions across Canada . First 1-Hour Session Free - only $80 thereafter for a limited time . Now Booking Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays ... . #Canadian #Christian #Counselling See more

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Thanks to my wife Bethany, and Chance of H&E Publishing for the Father's Day gift package yesterday including excellent new books and a mug!

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