Sound Living Counseling Center

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

You are your own best Valentine. Treat yourself with kindness today and every day 💌

02/15/2026

Slow your scroll and ground yourself in the present by searching for any of the following:

- The initial of the person you love
- Something you’d give as a gift
- A pencil and 2 paintbrushes
- Heart-shaped locks (and keys!)
- A broken or cracked heart
- All of the conversation hearts
- Something you’d wear in winter
- Flowers that are pink or red
- All 4 of the four-leaf clovers
- The words “I love you”
- Something delicious to eat
- All the lips and lipsticks
- A heart-shaped musical note
- The words “I love me”

In looking for these, you’re using one of your five senses to connect with the present moment. You can do this anywhere by looking around you for a specific color or shape — or come back here anytime and choose an another option from the list to guide yourself back to the moment!

02/15/2026

One script I have found myself tangled in goes something like this: “I could be happy if only I had …”

More resources.
Predictability and peace in my home.
More time.
Uncomplicated relationships.
Friends who were more understanding.
The ability to see a future where I’m really OK.

Instead of saying“if only I had” and filling in the blank with some person, possession, or position, we can choose to replace that statement with God’s Truth.

Here are some examples:

If only I had … people.

I no longer dwell on, If only my biological father loved me. Instead I remember God is the “Father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, ESV), and His love for me endures forever (Psalm 136).
Maybe your gap isn’t left by an absent father but by a friend who hurt or rejected you. Or maybe you long to have children, but you still don’t. Whatever it is, God is the perfect fit for your emptiness.

If only I had … possessions.

I no longer get fixated on the things I wish I had or what others have. Instead, I redirect my focus to Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (NIV).

Any possession I ever long for, no matter how good it may seem, will only be good for a limited time. In light of eternity, every possession is in the process of breaking down and becoming devalued. If I set my heart solely on acquiring things, I’ll feel more vulnerable with loss.

If only I had … position.

Instead of thinking, If only I had more opportunities or networking connections … we can pray the words of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV). What an exhale from the pressure of striving and competing. Friend, you don’t need a better position to get where you should go. You don’t have to figure out your path and run ahead. God’s Word will guide you. As you follow and honor Him step by step, you can be assured you're right where He wants you.

Sweet sister, let the solid truths from Scripture interrupt whatever “if only I had” statement you’re struggling with today.

-Lysa TerKeurst

Our deepest longings will find true fulfillment in God alone. He’s got a good plan for good things. How does this promise encourage you in what you’re longing for, praying for, or even feeling desperate for today?

11/14/2025

02/23/2025

Making a Difference

There are a lot of changes going on in the world at the same time. Sometimes, it's too many to keep up with, it can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking.

You may think I'm just one person what can I do. We can all do our part, speak up, write a letter to our senators, representatives, mayors and councilman.

We can boycott our favorite stores and write them letters too.

We can keep helping in our communities, keep making a difference.

As John Lewis would say start some good trouble. We can show up even when we're uncomfortable. We can keep going in our pain and distress. All of us can do something, make some noise.

I did this morning I sent emails to all of my representatives, senators, mayors and councilman about the impact of DOGE on our communities.

I plan to contract my favorite stores to let them know of my plan to boycott until the DEI initiatives are restored. Let's do this, together we can make a difference!

I came across this great reminder and I wanted to share it to empower you.
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When supporting clients overwhelmed by what is happening in our country right now and who are struggling with what to do about it, I find helpful these wise and important words from sociologist Jennifer Walter:

"As a sociologist, I need to tell you: Your overwhelm is the goal.

1/ The flood of 200+ executive orders in the President's first days exemplifies Naomi Klein's "shock doctrine" - using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. This isn't just politics as usual - it's a strategic exploitation of cognitive limits.

2/ Media theorist McLuhan predicted this: When humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged. The rapid-fire executive orders create a cognitive bottleneck, making it nearly impossible for citizens and media to thoroughly analyze any single policy.

3/ Agenda-setting theory explains the strategy: When multiple major policies compete for attention simultaneously, it fragments public discourse. Traditional media can't keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage.
The result? Weakened democratic oversight and reduced public engagement.

What now?

1/ Set boundaries: Pick 2-3 key issues you deeply care about and focus your attention there. You can't track everything - that's by design. Impact comes from sustained focus, not scattered awareness.

2/ Use aggregators & experts: Find trusted analysts who do the heavy lifting of synthesis. Look for those explaining patterns, not just events.

3/ Remember: Feeling overwhelmed is the point. When you recognize this, you regain some power. Take breaks. Process. This is a marathon.

4/ Practice going slow: Wait 48hrs before reacting to new policies. The urgent clouds the important. Initial reporting often misses context

5/ Build community: Share the cognitive load. Different people track different issues. Network intelligence beats individual overload.

Remember: They want you scattered. Your focus is resistance.”

09/26/2024

A Blueprint for Changing Healthcare Disparities.
Wow, this book is amazing. I believe everyone who serves with black and brown people should read this well written story. Dr. Ala Stanford shares her personal story of struggle and triumph. She shares it in a way that helps you understand the struggle. I love how she follows her heart and makes a difference in her community, the nation and the world. Read this book and share it with everyone you know who want to make a difference.