Nov 11
Our Lord was sorrowful and troubled. His heart was awash with emotions and feelings. His mind was confused with different desires. The greatest of conflicts was going on within his mind–would it be God’s will or the Son’s will? A day full of activity had finally come to a close. As the clock approaches midnight, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/presence-and-prayer/
Nov 15
The holidays are approaching. For the dominant culture it is welcomed and anticipated as the “most wonderful time of the year.” Yet, for many it is a time they have been dreading. The calendar is marked off not with anticipation, but with anxiety and fear. They wonder how they will get through the holidays. They …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/letting-others-wear-their-mourning-garments/
Aug 28
It was the saddest day yet on our farm. As parents we had talked about how difficult that day would be, but imagined it would be a long ways off. Brooke’s horse, Chief–her strong gelding horse who was the love of this 12 year old’s heart–had injured his leg. We thought it was a simple …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/what-a-horse-taught-my-daughter/
Dec 17
The holiday season is described as the “most joyous time of the year.” We fill our minds with sweet childhood memories of Christmas’ past. We easily reflect on what used to be at Christmas, but is no more. While everyone is expected to be smiling during the holidays, many are struggling with deep despair. Henry …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-hope-of-christmas/
Nov 18
The holidays are approaching. For the dominant culture it is welcomed and anticipated as the “most wonderful time of the year.” Yet, for many it is a time they have been dreading. The calendar is marked off not with anticipation, but with anxiety and fear. They wonder how they will get through the holidays. If …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/let-others-wear-their-mourning-garments-this-holiday-season/
Dec 17
Which song more reflects your view of the holiday season? “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” or “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas” Temporary depression, loneliness, or high stress cause many to wish they could just skip the month of December. This is often called, “Holiday Blues.” It is not a clinical term, but refers to the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/handling-the-holiday-blues/
Aug 13
What do you do when you hear some close friends have had a child in a car accident? What do you do when you hear your brother-in-law is leaving your sister? What do you do when your neighbor, a sweet elderly lady, has a son commit suicide? What do you say when you are trying …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/3-hs-of-ministering-to-others-in-a-crisis-or-loss/
Dec 20
[*Disclaimer – I am not a professional counselor, I am a minister and father sharing my thoughts.] Death has been at every turn this December, via our ministry, the national news, and within our family. Parents of young children often ask me how they should handle death as it concerns their children. For example, when they …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/parenting-through-grief/
