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The Journey of Grief
MAKING THE CONNECTION SERIES Grief is a Process : The Journey of Grief Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. We can also grieve the loss of a relationship, a dream, our health, a familiar season, or even the person we once believed ourselves to be. In this teaching, The Journey of Grief, we will identify the different ways grief can enter our lives and discover why naming our loss is an important step toward healing. If you have been carrying a loss that others ma
drpdbates
Aug 281 min read


The Power and Benefits of Biblical Counseling
When life feels overwhelming, and the path ahead seems unclear, many of us long for guidance that not only soothes the heart but also nurtures the soul. I have found that turning to faith-based support can be a gentle yet powerful way to navigate these moments. Christ-Based counseling offers spiritual wisdom and practical help, guiding toward healing and hope. It is a journey of rediscovery, where God’s word becomes a lamp lighting our way through the darkest valleys. Underst
drpdbates
Jul 214 min read
Embracing the Pruning Process: A Journey to Spiritual Growth
"Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." — John 15:2 Understanding Pruning in Our Lives Let's take a moment to explore the practical aspects of pruning. A gardener doesn't prune a plant or tree because it is dying. Instead, he prunes because that plant has the potential to flourish. Pruning involves the intentional removal of branches, stems, or growth that compete for the plant's energy. The goal is not to harm the plant or tree; i
drpdbates
Jun 293 min read


'Some Times'
Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” When someone wrongs us or hurts someone we love, our first instinct is often to seek revenge; that feeling comes on quickly. Anger bubbles up, and our minds start to replay the moment repeatedly. So, what should we do with our anger? How should we address the wrongdoing? What can we do with our hurt? Romans 12:19 gently but
drpdbates
Jun 132 min read


Therapy for 'Right' Thinking
Phone call after phone call—with topics like death, depression, anxiety, fear, broken relationships, health crises, financial despair, and family drama, and I could go on and on. As a counselor, I have come to understand that rightly diving into the Word of God is truly therapy for ‘right’ thinking. ‘Right’ thinking transforms our actions, reactions, deeds, and words. This process entails not only reading the Word of God but also understanding and applying it in a manner that
drpdbates
Jun 132 min read


Thank God for His Compassion...
And Not Pity Ladies, I cannot fully express the joy and excitement that fill my soul every time we gather. Intentional Women of God, a small group of women who meet bi-weekly, has become more than a meeting… it has become a movement of the heart. ‘intentional’ builds relationships. It cultivates friendships. It supports and empowers women by raising awareness of life issues while providing a safe space to be heard. A place where questions can be asked without judgment and whe
drpdbates
Jun 132 min read


Falling in Love...With Jesus
A Reflection on the Greatest Love We Will Ever Know ________________________________________ A Moment That Stirred My Heart This blog was inspired by one of my clients who said something so simple yet so powerful that it moved me to tears: “I want to fall in love with Jesus.” After years in counseling (and we’ll keep the exact number between the Lord and me), I’ve heard many things. But this… this was different. There was something pure and sacred about that desire. To fall i
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read


I Know I'm Not the Only One...
To see the hatred, the pain, the betrayal, the violence, the delusion, yes, even within the so-called church, among those claiming the name of Christ… It’s heartbreaking and also revealing. It is becoming clear that some people are not ready for peace, nor do they truly desire it. They are committed to chaos. In the Bible, Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” That phrase, “as much as it depends on you”, is
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read


Distractions
In today’s society, especially over the last five to ten years, we have been bombarded with distractions from every direction. Technology, social media, entertainment, personal struggles, responsibilities, world events, relationships, and the constant demands of everyday life compete daily for our attention. Many people feel mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, spiritually disconnected, and overwhelmed without fully understanding why. From a biblical perspective, a distra
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read


Finding Hope Through Christ-Based Counseling
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, many individuals find themselves searching for hope and healing. Christ-based counseling offers a unique approach that integrates faith, including six constituents and strategic prayer, that provides a pathway to emotional and spiritual well-being. This blog post explores the principles of Christ-based counseling, its benefits, and how it can help individuals find hope in their lives. Understanding Christ-Based Counseling Chr
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read


You Are Seen...
El ROI - Sees You Young Women, El Roi Sees You… This blog is geared toward women, especially young women. As true disciples of Jesus Christ, many young women live in a tension that many people do not see. Outwardly, she may look “normal,” working, married or single, paying bills, managing relationships, and trying to build a future while inwardly fighting to remain faithful in a world constantly trying to pull her away from Christ. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ has neve
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read


Healing Family Relationships with Faith-Focused Guidance
Family relationships can be complex and challenging. Misunderstandings, conflicts, and differing values can create rifts that seem insurmountable. However, many individuals find that faith can serve as a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation. In this post, we will explore how faith-focused guidance can help mend family relationships, offering practical steps and insights to foster understanding and connection. Understanding the Role of Faith in Family Dynamics Faith of
drpdbates
Jun 133 min read
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