In researching an article about the correlation between mess and stress, I thought about the emotional clutter I needed to pack up. Little knick knacks of hurt and resentment I keep around like souvenirs from a vacation. When I feel sad or neglected, I can go to that shelf in my mind and say, see, this was the time I thought no one cared. It’s time to pack up the clutter! This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/11/17/pack-up-the-clutter-illumination-series/

The news is full of reports on the toxic effects of Instagram. Why are our minds always ready to judge, compare, and envy someone else? Is the root cause advertising, technology, or social media? Nope. Way back at the beginning, a guy named Cain murdered his brother in a jealous rage. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/11/10/subdue-the-green-eyed-monster-illumination-series/

Back in the day, diet and exercise weren’t such a big deal because people had manual labor jobs, mostly walked everywhere, and ate whole foods. Then came the industrial revolution and technology. Now we mostly sit around working, and our diets comprise more processed and fast foods. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/11/3/exercise-for-brain-health-illumination-series/

Magicians may use redirection, but thought redirection it is a powerful tool in the treatment of mental disorders, anxiety, OCD, and the battle of diseases like cancer. This episode is available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/10/27/thought-redirection-illumination-series/

I sit down to enjoy quiet time to read. After a while, I notice re-reading sentences, a warning sign: slow-moving wisps of brain fog have entered my mind. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/10/20/clear-the-brain-fog-illumination-series/

This multi-part series will illuminate your thoughts on self-care. We are not talking about being selfish, which is all mixed up in negative  feelings and diminishes others. We are talking about Jesus-modeled,  positive, and restorative self-care. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/10/13/illuminationa-series-on-self-care/

Do you often find yourself feeling dissatisfied, unfulfilled, or depressed? Maybe you are trying too hard to be someone else, either someone you are trying to emulate because you think they have it more together than you, or someone you are trying to please by being who they want you to be. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/10/06/be-true-to-you/

This month, we have focused on the promises of God to encourage ourselves. Now what do you suppose we do with all this confident energy? Do we deluge social media with a tidal wave of selfies or do we go out and change the world? Wait, changing the world sounds big! Not always. Sometimes it can comprise a million little things. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/09/29/a-million-little-things/

Where do you live mentally? Are you cheerful most of the time, or do you feel like your emotions are wandering aimlessly? Redirect your thoughts to where you want to be. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/09/22/you-are-here/

Finally, find your peace in the precious promises of God. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2021/09/15/find-your-peace/