Category: Encouragement

41. Writing for Recovery: Poetry

41. Writing for Recovery: Poetry

The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how poetry can be beneficial in exploring emotions and how to express those feelings in a healthy way.

Links to info on Emotion (Feeling) Wheels

https://feelingswheel.com/

https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/

https://psychcentral.com/health/emotion-wheel

links for information on poetry

Poetry 101 – different types of poetry: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-learn-about-poetry-different-types-of-poems-and-poetic-devices-with-examples#6bzWosRp10myuzu65GOZ9w

The Free Verse Poemhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-the-difference-between-blank-verse-and-free-verse

The Narrative Poemhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-poem-3-different-types-of-narrative-poems-with-poetry-examples

PSALM 42 (NASB) – An example of poetry (a song) expressing emotions honestly.

Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

1      As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, O God.

2      My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

When shall I come and appear before God?

3      My tears have been my food day and night,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

4      These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

5      Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence.

6      O my God, my soul is in despair within me;

Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan

And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7      Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;

All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.

8      The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;

And His song will be with me in the night,

A prayer to the God of my life.

9      I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10      As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

11      Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website:  carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

 

35. Alex Dumas – Coaching, Leadership, and the BIPOC Community

35. Alex Dumas – Coaching, Leadership, and the BIPOC Community

Today’s episode is an interview with Alex Dumas, an executive coach and keynote speaker who shares his wisdom from the coaching world. He also invites listeners to join him for a book study related to being your best. Although this is not a Christian study, it will have many applications for Christians who desire to be there best for the Lord.

Alex wants people to know that, “You were born to live life in ABUNDANCE. You are the master of your future and FREEDOM. You have complete DOMINANCE of your thoughts, emotions, and habits!”

Alex Dumas is an Executive Coach, CEO of Abundance Daily Coaching, and the Vice-President of the BIPOC Coach Collective. He is an expert in sales and marketing with a track record generating six figures in revenue and six-figure launches. Alex has a background in Psychology and a decade of leadership experience in the Nonprofit world.

Since 2018, Alex has been a trusted advisor, coaching top-performing leaders in business around the world in the areas of communication, leadership, and sales.

The most important things to know about him are that he’s a devoted husband to Sarah and a loving father to Juliana and A.J.

Connect with Alex!

 

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

34. New Heavens and New Earth

34. New Heavens and New Earth

New Heavens and a New Earth

The fourth and final episode in the All Things New series looks at three passages in Scripture — the only three passages — that use the phrase “new heavens and new earth.”

Isaiah 65:17-19

God speaks to his people through the prophet Isaiah to give them a glimmer of hope in the midst of being judged by God for disobedience. He promises to create a new heavens and a new earth, a place where he will dwell with his people, a place without mourning or tears.

Revelation 21:1-7

The apostle, John, sees a vision in which Jesus gives him a glimpse into heaven. John sees the new heavens and new earth that Isaiah wrote about, The new Jerusalem is coming down from heaven where God will be with his children. A place without weeping or pain.

2 Peter 3:8-13

Peter refers to God’s promise of a new heaven and new earth (from Isaiah’s prophecy) as something we look forward to. We are to wait patiently for Christ’s return, knowing that God does not want anyone to perish. While we wait, we are to tell others about Jesus!

The All Things New series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series includes the following episodes:

  • Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
  • Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
  • Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
  • Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

33. All Things New – New Covenant

33. All Things New – New Covenant

The New Covenant

When the people of Israel were rescued from slavery in Egypt by the Lord, He established a covenant with them that would be impossible to keep. In His perfect timing, God revealed the New Covenant to take its place. Caroline reads from Exodus, Jeremiah, and Luke in this episode comparing the first conditional covenant with the unconditional eternal covenant. Below is a 10-point comparison between the old and the new. Thanks be to Christ, our Lord!

Old Covenant (Exodus 19:1-7) New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Established at specific time (Exodus 19:1). After leaving Egypt. To be established “on that day” – no specific time announced. (Jeremiah 31:31) Jesus’s death and resurrection established it.
God’s instructions were contained in the “Book of the Covenant” – the Ten Commandments and other laws. (Exodus 20:1, 24:7) God’s instructions are written on our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33) “Instructions” implies we are to follow God’s expectations, commands, and directions, but not in a legalistic sense.
Conditional covenant: Israel agreed to obey. God promised to make them his people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. (Exodus 19:5-6) Unconditional covenant: “I will be their God, they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33) We participate in the covenant through faith and God’s grace. (Ephesians 3:6)
The people were afraid to talk to God face-to-face. They relied on Moses. (Exodus 20:18) We can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus is our mediator. (Hebrews 9:15). We can come into God’s presence because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
The place of worship and sacrifice – the earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1) Worship anywhere. Jesus entered the heavenly tabernacle. (Hebrews 9:11)
Confirmation of covenant: Blood of animals spilled and sprinkled on altar and people (Exodus 24:6-8) Confirmation of new covenant: The bread and cup, representing Jesus’ body and blood. (Luke 22:20)
Covenant required ongoing sacrifices. There were penalties for sin. (The Law; Hebrews 10:3, 11) Covenant based on a one-time, once-for-all sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:12). We are set free from the penalty for sin. (Hebrews 9:15)
Special sacrifices in the Holy of Holies – behind the curtain. (Hebrews 9:3) Only the high priest could enter once a year. No sacrifices are required accept of ourselves. The curtain was torn when Jesus died. (Matthew 27:50-52) All who believe have access to God. (Ephesians 2:18)
Symbols – The Ark of the Covenant: held the manna, staff, and the Ten Commandment tablets. Symbols of God’s covenant to Israel. (Hebrews 9:4) No earthly symbols needed. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) There is nothing wrong with symbols and sacraments, but they are not necessary to remind us of God’s covenant.
Our sin required sacrifice. Our sin has been paid for by the blood of Christ. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” (Jeremiah 31:34)

Share your thoughts and insights by posting comments or sending an email to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org.

The All Things New series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series includes the following episodes:

  • Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
  • Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
  • Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
  • Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Thank you to Alexandar Lanz for photo (Pixabay)

30. Whole Body Wellness with Kristin Wood

30. Whole Body Wellness with Kristin Wood

Body, mind, and soul

Kristin says, “I started my practice to help other women who were fed up with chronic dieting, and ready to focus on improving their health. Better health has the happy side effect of weight loss.” Better health also has the side-effect of better mental health. In this episode, Kristin shares some of her thoughts about being intentional with your thoughts and feelings as a way to improve your overall health in body, mind, and soul.

Kristin has an active YouTube channel with amazing resources for improving your whole body health. Check it out here!

Her website also contains information on her coaching services. Check it out here!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. =

Find information and mental health resources on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

 

29. Recognizing Victory

29. Recognizing Victory

Recognizing Victory

In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21,31, NASB)

How do we recognize victory?

  • Recognize every right decision as a victory!
  • Celebrate milestones on your recovery journey as victories!

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

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Instagram

LinkedIn

 

28. Experience Transformation

28. Experience Transformation

This episode is a replay of Episode 18 – The Cycle of Recovery (Part 2) – Transformation, originally published in April 2023.

Experience Transformation

In this second episode of a three-part series, Caroline continues sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on transformation.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romas 12:2a, NASB)

What is a renewed mind?

 – Retraining your thoughts

Christian Mindfulness:  https://www.themindfulchristian.com/

Catch It – Check It – Change It

 Be transformed with a new heart

Become a new creation in Christ!

Next week: Part 3 – Recognize Victory

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

 

26. Communication & Care with Patricia Plumb

26. Communication & Care with Patricia Plumb

Caroline’s guest this week is Patricia Plumb, an educator, counselor, leadership consultant, and author. She has worn many hats but her focus these days is with The Shepherd’s Touch Ministry, a ministry she founded in 2018. On today’s episode, Patricia shares a couple of stories that reveal keys to effective and caring communication. She also shares about her new book, “God’s Handwriting: A Journey of One Simple Life and a Great God: A Relational Bible Study Guide and an Autobiography.” Patricia also has another book near publication and a third in the works. You can find her on Amazon at this link.

Contact Patricia!

Email: pplumb@kc.rr.com

The Shepherd’s Touch Ministry: https://characterthatcounts.org/who-we-are-staff-character-that-counts-rod-handley.php?i=Patricia|Plumb 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.plumb.54

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-mae-plumb/

 

Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look – Podcast/YouTube Show –

Caroline S. Cooper, Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health, MS in Theology

Caroline is a writer, speaker, and podcast host. She leads a mental health support group in her church and is passionate about providing mental health education and information to her community, her friends and family, and through social media.

You can subscribe to the podcast version on many podcast players or on Caroline’s podcast website: https://mental-health-a-closer-look.blubrry.net/

Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look is also a YouTube program/podcast!  Please subscribe to Caroline’s YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

 

(c) 2023 In God’s Corner Ministry

24. Why We Need 988 with Oscar Destruge

24. Why We Need 988 with Oscar Destruge

September is suicide prevention month.

If you are in a crisis, please call or text 988, the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline. Or, visit 988lifeline.org and start a live chat.

This episode features a conversation with retired pastor and author Oscar Destruge. He courageously shares his story of loss and despair that nearly led him to take his own life. Oscar offers suggestions to encourage listeners to remember that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives, regardless of circumstances. It is important to find help in times of need.

Oscar L. Destruge Pastor Author Speaker

Emails: OscarDestruge@PastorOscarDestruge.com or Juan316@aol.com

Website: PastorOscarDestruge.com

Screenshot 2023-08-27 at 2.33.59 PM.jpeg
Available in English, Spanish and Greek, paperback and Kindle.

Podcast/YouTube Show – Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look

Caroline S. Cooper, Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health, MS in Theology

Caroline is a writer, speaker, and podcast host. She leads a mental health support group in her church. She is passionate about providing mental health education and information to her community, her friends and family, and through social media.

You can also subscribe to the podcast version on many podcast players or on Caroline’s podcast website: https://mental-health-a-closer-look.blubrry.net/

Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look is also a YouTube program/podcast!  Please subscribe to Caroline’s YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

(c) 2023 In God’s Corner Ministry

22. The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty

22. The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty

The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty

Rev. Jermine (pronounced Jer-Mane) Alberty is an author, podcast host, faith leader, national trainer with the Mental Health First Aid organization, and consultant. Throughout his 25 years in numerous industries, he has served in both faith-based and secular capacities, including non-profits, faith communities, government, mental health, and academia.

In this interview, Jermine shares information about Pathways to Promise and other organizations that promote education and awareness of mental health challenges. Jermine also shares about his involvement with Mental Health First Aid, a “skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.” You’ll want to hang on to the end of the program to hear Jermine share his 5 Steps to Taking Care of Yourself.

Jermine’s website:  jerminealberty.com/

Mental Health First Aid

Pathways to Promise

Alive & Well Communities

Find information and mental health resources on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org

Need help?

Crisis Lines

  • Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  • National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  • National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn