holidays – Counseling from a Christian View

The Day After Christmas

Cynthia L. Eppley 01/03/2022 “Greeting cards have all been sent The Christmas rush is through But I still have one wish to make: A special one for you….” Merry Christmas, Darling This song was first recorded by the Carpenters in 1970. It is still popular 50 years later. And we can see why: haunting melody, heartfelt emotive vocals. And certainly, a message forContinue reading “The Day After Christmas”

The Perfect Christmas

Cynthia L. Eppley 12/19/2021 Nighttime It’s that time of year. We lay awake at night going through lists in our heads—checking it twice. This is not reviewing who is naughty or nice— it is because we don’t want to forget anything. And how do I know this to be true?Because so many share this onContinue reading “The Perfect Christmas“

Home for the Holidays

Cynthia L. Eppley 12/16/2020 “Home” During holidays, our thoughts and our hearts often turn toward home. Simon and Garfunkel “Homeward bound, I wish I was homeward bound, Home where my thought’s escaping, Home where my music’s playing Home where my love lies waiting silently for me.” Wizard ofContinue reading “Home for the Holidays”

Holiday Ho-Hum

Cynthia L. Eppley 12/02/2020 Reality Christmas seems to come earlier each year. Stores put up their trees in August! And we are inundated with ads everywhere. Smiling faces all aglow—or so it seems, doesn’t it? But there are those for whom this Christmas will be very different. How do we help those who are struggling?Continue reading “Holiday Ho-Hum”

Cornbread and Buttermilk

Cynthia L. Eppley 11/19/2020 I’ve been on a baking spree recently, baking cornbread. Now, I love cornbread as much as the next person, but this has a background.A recipe was posted online that was from a Grandmother. It was a family favorite and often requested. It beat out homemade rolls and bread.And the love ofContinue reading “Cornbread and Buttermilk”

Grief and Loss During the Holidays

Cynthia L. Eppley 11/12/2020 Hard Holidays As a Counselor, I found the Holiday times to be particularly troubling to my clients. Sure, there is the stress of decorating, cleaning, setting tables, and gifts bought and wrapped. I’d say 90% of my counseling from Nov1-Jan 15 involved “Holiday issues” including “family issues.” But I also sawContinue reading “Grief and Loss During the Holidays”