Quintessential Faith Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC “Quintessential” describes an example or important part of something. Merriam-Webster said “philosophers and scientists of the ancient world and the Middle Ages believed that the world we inhabit was entirely made up of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Aristotle added a fifth element, the ether [or] material…

My Hope Box Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC A Hope Box is a place to symbolically leave your specific concerns with God, providing limitless opportunities to release every aspect of Christmas to the One Whose birthday we’re celebrating. Your Hope Box can be a box wrapped in colorful Christmas paper, a plain, unwrapped box—or even a…

Being Thankful Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC G.K. Chesterton said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” The psalmist also chose gratitude: We give thanks and praise to You, O God, we give thanks, for your [wonderful works declare that Your] name is near,…

How to Avoid Toxic Thoughts Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Children are taught to avoid toxins—whether in plants or household chemicals. We’ve learned to steer clear of poison ivy and venomous snakes and avoid plunging our hands into boiling water or our forks into electric outlets. But we miss the deadliest toxins of all each time…

When It’s Your Turn to Ask for Forgiveness Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up…

How Forgiveness Helps Us Enjoy Life Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC All of us experience situations, people, or events that fuel emotional pain. Forgiveness helps us release that pain to move forward into new opportunities. Traumatic memories—from hurts and rejection to relationship wounds—are stored in the brain’s amygdalae and can be repeatedly reactivated by any of…

Restoration or Renovation? Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC   I’ve had this desk since I was in second grade. Initially, I tried to hide my disappointment when my parents  presented me with this wooden desk instead of the cardboard child’s desk I’d requested. Unlike my friend’s disposable desk, my oak counterpart has survived decades, first providing…

Covid of the Soul Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC It finally happened. During the first week of May, my husband and I began a two-week Covid omicron odyssey, our bodies sidelined by a peripatetic virus. It’s astonishing how rapidly an invisible particle can rob one’s ability to stand, walk, taste, or smell. We’re gratefully recovering, thanks…

How to Plan a Successful Pity Party Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Choose a date and time. Prepare your invitations (I have a friend who has extras if you need them). Focus on yourself. Hire a violinist to play sad songs. Review how many things have gone wrong in your life. Say things to yourself like,…

Hearing God’s Voice When Feelings Are Big Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Sometimes our feelings silence our faith. Feelings can be so big that they’re all we hear: friends fail you. A loved one is gone. You can’t find what you need (a job, a home, a friend). While it’s important to notice our feelings and…