Gospel Life Learning: Recent Episodes
SherryElaine
Draw Closer to God. Share His Nearness with Others. GospelLifeLearning.com with Sherry Elaine. Books: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today; He Called: 56 Daily Studies with the Words of Jesus; - at Amazon
If you grew up reading the Little House books or watching the television show like I did, you probably found yourself wishing, at least once or twice, that you could step into that simpler world.
Lately I've been watching the new Netflix adaptation, and it has inspired me to make a couple of Little House inspired blogs and podcasts – and for this one - there was one scene that really stayed with me.
But first - I want to let you know that a new cohort is starting in my Faith and Soul Care Foundations e-course on Monday, and it is free.
To sign up, simply go to sherryelaine.com and click on the link that says Free Foundations. There is also a direct link in the show notes and on the blog if you're reading this there.
If you're struggling with stress, worry, fatigue, disappointment, or burnout, or if you'd simply like support in reconnecting with God and even with yourself, this free e-course is for you. We have a new cohort beginning each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Now, back to life coaching Caroline Ingalls as she was portrayed in the new version of little house on the prairie on Netfix. If you haven’t seen it yet – there are no real spoilers here - Caroline has a flashback to before she and Charles headed west. Her sister reminds her that she could have married a wealthy man from town. Someone who could have offered security, comfort, and an easier life.
But then a thought crossed my mind.
What if Caroline had given me a call or reached out to me before leaving for Kansas?
Sign up for the Free Foundations Soul Care e-course. There is a new 3 week online learning cohort starting each Monday through the rest of this summer and it is completely free!
Sign up at https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Since this is the week of the Little House on the Prairie reboot, I think many of us first caught a glimpse of that feeling while watching Little House on the Prairie or reading the books as children.
There was something about those stories that felt calming. Whether it was the crackling fire, the lantern light, the simple meals, evenings with fiddle music, or simply the slower pace of life, even the difficult moments seemed to be wrapped in a certain steadiness and steadfastness.
I think many of us today know we're missing something. We're grieving something we can't quite name.
Not because we actually want to churn our own butter or live primitively in a cabin on the prairie, but because our souls are exhausted from the speed, the demands, and the constant messages of modern life.
We are overstimulated and overcommitted. We're always scrolling. We're always reachable. We're always processing information, and our nervous systems never fully rest.
I believe our souls were created for a rhythm that is more like the prairie than the pace we are currently living.
I'm going to explain about why you will never have to question what your purpose is ever again after you have listened to this short little 10-minute teaching right here. You know, so many times we think or we say, "I just feel like my life doesn't have any purpose right now, or it doesn't have purpose anymore, or it just feels like I've lost my purpose." We are told that God has purpose for us and we know we have intrinsic purpose - so what does that mean? Author's Recommended Book: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting TodayLink: https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting-ebook/dp/B078S23DBZ
Joy is not really an emotion or a feeling. It is something we receive and we cultivate. We have more joy when we live with intentionality, make small adjustments in our priorities and our rhythms. Let's go into 2026 together with our sights on creating and living with more purpose, intention, and joy.
Resource Mentioned: 12 Week Online Soul Care LifePoints cohort begins January 5th, and you can register HERE --> https://sherryelaine.com/lifepoints
Or you may enroll in the Free Soul Care Foundations online e-course Here --> https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
When anxiety hijacks your motivation and energy and you feel stuck, exhausted, and tired all the time. A faith-filled plan to break free from fatigue, step outside the anxiety-overwhelm cycle and find clarity while renewing and resetting your nervous system. We have a 2 day online learning cohort Dec 8 - 9th and a full January cohort starting in the new year! Registration and notification links are right below:
Links and Resources Mentioned:
Sign up for the 2 Day Live Stream Online Training - Dec 8-9, 2025 at Noon CST (Extended Replays Available) https://sherryelaine.com/2days
Join the email list to receive first notification of registration for the January and future LifePoints Learning 12 week cohorts (scroll down a bit to find the email sign up form: https://sherryelaine.com/books
Waiting without Worrying: How Do We Actually Do That?
Check out Sherry books and sign up for first notification and information on the Learning Cohort starting in January 2026 at https://sherryelaine.com/books
Worry About Nothing. Pray About Everything. Cast All Your Cares to Him... Wait, How?
In this episode, Sherry Elaine from Faith & Soul Care explores what it really means to “cast your cares on the Lord” (1 Peter 5:7) and how to actually do it in daily life.
Resources Mentioned:
Join the "Give Anxieties to God" Learning Cohort starting 10/27/2025 with Upgrade Donor Option, Live Small Group Sessions via Zoom, and Printable Day-by-Day Journal (currently $27 requested donation): https://sherryelaine.com/Thankyou
Join the "Give Anxieties to God" Learning Cohort starting 10/27/2025 - Free enrollment, self-paced track: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Book: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today: https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting/dp/197680406X
You’ll learn a simple, practical strategy to release worry and anxiety through prayer, reflection, and trust in God. Sherry also shares a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Faith & Soul Care Foundations Cohort – a free online experience for Christian women who want to grow closer to God, find peace, and renew their energy.
Topics include: Christian anxiety relief, biblical peace practices, prayer for stress and overwhelm, and how to truly surrender your worries to God.
Resources:
Faith & Soul Care Faith Based and Faith Infused Mental Health Group Coaching Cohorts: sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Email Newsletter, Updates, and Announcements List: https://sherryelaine.com/books (scroll down a bit for opt-in form)
Sherry Elaine's Books and Prayer & Reflection Journal Including the following titles:
Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today
Words of Jesus Bible Study: 10 Weeks on Christ's Teachings
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting/dp/197680406X
This parable resonates today because we feel the tension of living in a world where evil and deception are flourishing alongside goodness and truth. Sometimes it seems like the tares are overtaking the field, doesn’t it? But Jesus reminds us—this is expected, and God has a plan. At the appointed time, He Himself will do the separating. Until then, our job is to stay faithful, rooted, and growing in Him.
Resources mentioned:
Faith & Soul Care Faith Based and Faith Infused Mental Health Group Coaching Cohorts: sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Email Newsletter, Updates, and Announcements List: https://sherryelaine.com/books (scroll down a bit for opt-in form)
Sherry Elaine's Books and Prayer & Reflection Journal Including the following titles:
Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today
Words of Jesus Bible Study: 10 Weeks on Christ's Teachings
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting/dp/197680406X
Resources mentioned:
Women's Connection Soul Care Cohorts: sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Book: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today
https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting/dp/197680406X
Is it possible to go from overanxious and overwhelmed to calmer and more purposeful in a relatively short time? By implementing positive psychology and Christian formation practices?
Today, I want to talk with you about something really practical: how to go from feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and anxious to calmer and more content and purposeful in just 28 days—by truly giving it to God.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Foundations Online Cohort FREE enrollment: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Upgrade to VIP extended experience and participate alongside the cohort in small group coaching by Sherry Elaine for the month: https://sherryelaine.com/Thankyou
Over the years, I’ve seen again and again that it doesn’t have to take years, or even months, to reset your nervous system and renew your soul. With the right daily practices—rooted in both faith and evidence-based strategies—you can experience real change quickly.
That’s why I run my Faith & Soul Care Cohort, and in this episode I’m going to share the exact three-part pathway we use so you can begin this process yourself.
Last week we started a two-part series on how to ask God for help when you’re full of anxiety, stress, or overwhelm. We talked about two practices—breath prayers and writing prayers ahead of time—that can help us slow our minds and reconnect with God even in the middle of a stressful or anxiety-producing event.
Resources Mentioned:
Faith & Soul Care Foundations Cohort: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Cohort Expanded Upgrade Option: https://sherryelaine.com/Thankyou
Sherry Elaine's books HERE: Sherry Elaine Books on Amazon
The first practice is praying in silence with the Spirit. Just like it sounds, you get still, you close your eyes, and you request and let the Holy Spirit intercede on your behalf. Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you couldn't even form the words to pray? Maybe your thoughts were tangled, things felt like they were spinning out of control, or your emotions felt too heavy even to speak.
The second strategy is visualizing giving your worries to Jesus. This practice is based on 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Visualization is an excellent evidence-based method to calm the brain and remind yourself that there is safety and that help is available from God.
How do we ask God for help with our anxiety, stress, or when we have a sense of being completely overwhelmed?
Resources Mentioned:
Now Enrolling for Faith & Soul Care Foundations Cohort: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Join the Email List to be notified when new cohorts are forming (scroll down a little on this page and enter you email in the form https://sherryelaine.com/books
Prayers for Anxiety Booklet and other books by Sherry Elaine:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0073HVSD6
You know what it feels like. Your mind is racing, your body is tense, and it seems like life has handed you a pile of too much of everything all at once. You may feel on edge and even shaky, and you cannot think straight no matter what.
Now don’t worry. This is not another message about how to manage anxiety from someone who knows nothing about the experience of severe anxiety. You know what I mean—you read that article and it said, “Find a quiet spot and still your mind.” And you were like, “What are you talking about? A quiet spot and still my what? My mind is what is making all the noise in my head with my own thoughts. It doesn’t matter how quiet it is—I cannot calm and regulate!” Or they may say, “Use gratitude, you cannot be worried and thankful at the same time.” And I’m thinking, when I am really worried, I am not able to independently switch to thankful mode. My brain waves do not quite cross like that. So how do I turn on the gratitude switch when I am stressed out beyond comprehension?
So in this episode, take some notes or come back later to listen and take notes if you are in the car. We are going to get into practical strategies for how to manage even our severe bouts of anxiety by going to God and implementing spiritual practices that really do help us calm, regulate, and recenter on His promises and truth.
We’ve got Trump tariffs, global trade wars, a weak jobs report, rising unemployment, concerns about SNAP benefits and stimulus payments being delayed, and Ukraine still under attack with talks of billions more in aid. And now this week, a massive earthquake in Russia that triggered tsunami warnings and caused cliffs to fall into the sea—reminiscent of Psalm 46.
It is a lot.
And for many of us—especially those trying to live faithful, intentional lives—it raises a real question:
What and how do we even pray when the world feels like this?
Resources Mentioned:
Free 5 Week Online Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Connection Cohort for Women: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts Next Registration Opens 08/11/25
Email Notification List to receive notice of Free Teaching Videos on Faith & Soul Care - Topics Include Somatic Practices for Releasing Stress and Overwhelm; Give Your Anxiety to God, But How?; Setting Goals for More Peace, Intentionality & Joy and then Tricking Your Brain Into Being Motivated to Reach Them; Effective Prayer Methods....and MORE! (Scroll down below the book images to email sign up form: https://sherryelaine.com/books )
What is effective faith – or what is active faith—and what does that look like? I think this episode may go a little longer than typical based on my instructional notes here – however, I encourage you to stay through to the end - because the answer to this question – what does effective or active faith look like – may surprise you, especially it may surprise you by its simplicity.
Resources mentioned:
Fall Faith & Soul Care Cohort Information (Registration Opens Aug 11):
https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Books Mentioned: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today and The Words of Jesus Bible Study https://sherryelaine.com/books
Email Notification List to receive notice of Free Teaching Videos on Faith & Soul Care - Topics Include Somatic Practices for Releasing Stress and Overwhelm; Give Your Anxiety to God, But How?; Setting Goals for More Peace, Intentionality & Joy and then Tricking Your Brain Into Being Motivated to Reach Them; Effective Prayer Methods....and MORE! (Scroll down below the book images to email sign up form: https://sherryelaine.com/books )
Join My Private FB Group - Currently We are Studying Jesus's Teachings In Mark:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall/
We're going to look at one of the most powerful and relatable stories in the Gospels, from Mark chapter 5. And we’ll reflect together on what it really means to demonstrate a faith that pleases God.
How do we ask God for help? What are some effective methods of asking God for help, through prayer? In this series, we’re going to explore the way Jesus responded to people who came to Him for help, and we’ll also learn prayer methods that are simple and powerful.
Resources mentioned:
Women's Connection Cohort - Registration Open Soon for Fall 2025 -
More information: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Subscribe to email notification list: https://www.gospellifelearning.com/p/free-book.html
Sherry Elaine's books and resources at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
As the rescuers in the Texas Hill Country search for the missing, including more than 20 young girls from Camp Mystic who were washed away in the flooding in the middle of the night - it's a time when our faith shakes, we may not be able to pray or know how to pray. Everything feels like darkness. I've learned in these times we may have to make a conscious choice and decision to choose to continue to believe in God, especially on the days when we don't think we can or not sure if we do anymore. It's how the enemy is defeated from getting a grip into our minds during tragedy.
Resources Mentioned:
Information Request for FREE Faith & Soul Care Cohort Starting July 14
Submit your email here : https://www.gospellifelearning.com/p/free-book.html
July Faith & Soul Care Cohort - Enroll Now -$0 FREE! (But please read the fine print on the form for required participation components.)
https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Sherry Elaine's Books:: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0073HVSD6
About Sherry Elaine:
https://sherryelaine.com/about
Practical strategies are on this episode today to declutter our minds using an evidence based strategy that also is demonstrated by David in the Bible. A "brain trick" strategy for truly handing over our worries to Jesus and leaving them there are also.
Resources Mentioned:
Information Request for FREE Faith & Soul Care Cohort Starting July 14
Submit your email here : https://www.gospellifelearning.com/p/free-book.html
July Faith & Soul Care Cohort - Enroll Now -$0 FREE!
https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Sherry Elaine's Books:: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0073HVSD6
About Sherry Elaine:
https://sherryelaine.com/about
As a Christian, how do we handle grief? And how to we begin to heal?
Few things are more disorienting than losing someone you love — especially when it's sudden, unexpected, or traumatic. The world shifts. Time slows. Your nervous system is overwhelmed with waves of shock, sadness, confusion, or even numbness. And you wonder how to even begin functioning, let alone healing.
RESOURCES:
Register for the Faith & Soul Care Foundations Cohort Starting July 14, 2025 HERE
https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Haddasah Treu's book Drawing Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings
https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Near-Experiences-Birthplace-Blessings/dp/B0CWSD5Q87
Article by Haddasah to Read: "The Art of Emotional Connection" https://onthewaybg.com/the-art-of-emotional-connection/
List for Healing Painful Emotions (from Haddasah Treu's article above):
- Acknowledging emotional disconnect
- Identifying the lies we believe about emotions
- Replacing those lies with God’s truth
- Naming and expressing emotion in God's presence
- Allowing others to witness and hold space for our pain
About Faith & Soul Care with Sherry Elaine
https://sherryelaine.com/about
Today, I want to speak directly to the soul that’s feeling disoriented—discouraged—by everything going on in the world right now. Have you felt it too? The weight of the chaos. The anger, the division, the fear in the news cycle, the confusion about what’s true, the constant pessimism?
It feels like shifting ground beneath our feet.
RESOURCES:
Sherry's private FB group w/live teachings: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall
Subscribe for free resources, updates, and online Bible Studies:
https://www.gospellifelearning.com/p/free-book.html
Summer 2025 Cohort - CLOSED - Check back in mid-July for Fall 2025:
https://sherryelaine.com/registration
Main Site | About Sherry Elaine:
https://sherryelaine.com/about
Faith & Soul Care Author's Books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
But here's what I want to tell you today: as the world grows more chaotic, that's not our cue to panic—that’s our signal to come closer to God. This is what I regularly teach – whenever you have any problem – whether it be a personal problem that you have a little control over or one that you have no control over. Or whether it’s a problem in the world that you have no control over. The key question to choosing the right option for problem solving is this key question: Is how I am working to handle this or resolve this – is the option I’ve chosen bringing me closer to God? Or is it taking me further away. The decisions we make in response to stress and problems in our lives – when we have options – the option that is more likely to bring us closer to God – that is always the best option. That is where our soul will find peace, safety, and comfort that cannot be shaken.
Let’s start with a foundational truth from James 1:17. It says:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” — James 1:17
I want to take us deeper. Not to guilt us into praying—but to inspire us with what’s actually happening in the spiritual realm when we do.
Let’s begin with this: Do you really understand what’s happening when you pray?
RESOUCES MENTIONED:
Teaching on Youtube on Effective Prayer Methods: https://youtu.be/wexBh0Q3IE8
Join Sherry's Private Facebook Group where she gives live teachings (free replays are also available in the group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall/
Free 5 Soul Care Practices in 5 Days: https://sherryelaine.com/freecourse
Affordable Small Group "Life-Counseling" Life Coaching with Sherry Elaine, Registration Opens in July for Fall Cohort: https://sherryelaine.com/registration
Main Website: https://sherryelaine.com/
What is prayer actually doing? Why does it matter?
Well, Scripture tells us some beautiful, powerful truths.
What is the number one strategy being recommended now to help overcome low energy and fatigue, especially in midlife? Today, I want to talk about something that’s gaining even more attention in the world of wellness and health—and honestly, it’s something we as believers can fully embrace with biblical wisdom too.
Online RESOURCES:
Join Sherry's Private Facebook Group where she gives live teachings (free replays are also available in the group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall/
Free 5 Soul Care Practices in 5 Days: https://sherryelaine.com/freecourse
Affordable Small Group "Life-Counseling" Life Coaching with Sherry Elaine, Registration Opens in July for Fall Cohort: https://sherryelaine.com/registration
Main Website: https://sherryelaine.com/
Harvard Health recently updated its recommendations for women in midlife who are struggling with fatigue, low energy, burnout—and guess what their number one recommendation is now?
Relaxation exercises.
Yes—before supplements. Before exercise regimens. Before cognitive strategies or even sleep hygiene.
They’re now saying the best starting point for women who are feeling worn out and weary is to learn how to release tension from the body, breathe deeply and intentionally, and begin restoring from the inside out.
Join my Private Facebook Group for the free 5 week retreat teachings:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall/
Free e-course/ebook: https://sherryelaine.com/registration
Main Website: https://sherryelaine.com/
Affordable Small Group "Life-Counseling" Christian Life Coaching with Sherry Elaine, Register Now: https://sherryelaine.com/registration
Quotes in this episode are from Soul Keeping, by John Ortberg. Zondervan (2014).
“Your soul is what integrates your will (your intentions), your mind (your thoughts and feelings), and your body (your face, body language, and actions) into a single life.”
“The soul seeks God with its whole being. Because it is desperate to be whole, the soul is God-smitten and God-crazy and God-obsessed.”
“You are not the keeper of your brother’s soul. You are the keeper of your own soul.”
At first glance, those two things might sound pretty similar, right? But there's actually a big difference — and understanding it can really help you make the best decision for your emotional, mental, and spiritual care.
Let’s break it down.
JOIN ME in the Private Facebook Group for the Faith and Soul Care Retreat Teachings -->
Online Faith and Soul Care Facebook Retreat Group
or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall
SESSION SCHEDULE and Optional Upgrades:
Retreat Session Schedule, Free Registration and Cohort Optional Upgrades
or https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
All Books by Sherry Elaine:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
Christian counseling isn’t just therapy with a few Bible verses sprinkled in. It’s counseling that is rooted in Scripture, guided by a Christian, biblical worldview, and intentionally integrates prayer, spiritual formation practices, and the truths of God’s Word into the healing process.
In Christian counseling, we absolutely use research-based strategies — like cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques — but we pair them with soul-deep truths. And Christian counseling itself is a subset of professional counseling that has it’s own research journals sharing evidence-based practices. Two of these are the Journal of Psychology and Christianity and the Marriage and Family Journal. Both of those are peer reviewed bodies of research that focus on the integration of Christian life principles with evidenced based mental health and counseling strategies. So the difference is that – in full Christian Counseling - the work isn’t just about behavior or mindset change... it’s also about spiritual transformation.
Have you ever whispered, “God, I don’t even know what to pray anymore, or if I can even keep praying on this anymore”—because everything feels too heavy, too confusing, too much? Maybe you're staring at a situation that’s out of your hands... and out of your control. If that’s where you are today, this episode is for you. We're going to sit with one powerful verse, and I’m going to show you a simple prayer practice that can help you breathe again—even when the overwhelm seems to be too much.
JOIN ME in the Private Facebook Group for the Faith and Soul Care Retreat Teachings -->
Online Faith and Soul Care Facebook Retreat Group
or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall
SESSION SCHEDULE and Optional Upgrades:
Retreat Session Schedule, Free Registration and Cohort Optional Upgrades
or https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
All Books by Sherry Elaine:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
Let’s talk about peace and joy.
I don’t mean the kind that comes after a day at the spa or a good vacation, not even a vacation to a beautiful beach or beautiful lake destination. I mean real peace. Lasting joy. The kind that doesn’t evaporate when you go back to the loud world. Or when something really unexpected happens. Or when heartache or loss enters into our lives.
JOIN the Private Facebook Group for the Faith and Soul Care Retreat Teachings -->
Online Faith and Soul Care Facebook Retreat Group
or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ministrymall
SESSION SCHEDULE and Optional Upgrades:
Retreat Session Schedule, Free Registration and Cohort Optional Upgrades
or https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Here’s the thing I’ve been learning (and re-learning): Peace and joy are not actually just emotions. They are not fleeting feelings we try to chase down or manufacture on our own. They are fruit—fruit of the Spirit. They are gifts of which the seeds of peace and joy are given to us by the Spirit of God, and we are to grow and cultivate them.
Grow and cultivate them? Peace and joy? You mean, like strawberries or peaches? What does that mean? How do we grow our sense of joy?
Well, let’s take a look.
What If You Could Feel Really Close to God Again—or For the First Time?
Have you ever found yourself feeling spiritually dry, distant from God, or just… off? Like your prayers are going nowhere, your Bible reading plan is nothing more than checking off a box, (if you are even reading it) and your soul feels parched? If so, you are certainly not alone.
Sign up for first notification for Women's Online Connection Cohort opening:
http://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Or check the websites or my social media accounts on May 1, 2025 for sign up!
http://sherryelaine.com
http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks
https://www.instagram.com/gospellifelearning/
Recently, someone confided in me that they were feeling exactly that way—down, disconnected, unmotivated, and unsure how to get back to a vibrant spiritual life. I totally understood, because I’ve been there too. In fact, I’ve gone through several seasons like that. No, I’m not proud about it; yet it happens to most all of us.
What does Easter really mean for us for an ordinary weekday?
I think sometimes we rush through the story so quickly that we miss the profound truth of what it all means for us, personally, right now, today. We are going to review two biblical Greek words I have taught on before, actually three: tetelestai, anastasei, and anastasis.
Sign up for first notification for Women's Online Connection Cohort opening:
http://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Or check the websites or my social media accounts on May 1, 2025 for sign up!
http://sherryelaine.com
http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks
https://www.instagram.com/gospellifelearning/
Today we’re talking about something that I've been meaning to discuss for awhile—the difference between self-care and soul care.
Sign up for first notification for Women's Online Connection Cohort opening:
http://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Or check the websites or my social media accounts on May 1, 2025 for sign up!
http://sherryelaine.com
http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks
https://www.instagram.com/gospellifelearning/
Stress and anxiety and other negative emotions respond best to soul care, not self care! Especially if you are a Christian! Then we have access to the best soul care provider in the universe that can provide us the peace and calm that passes all understanding! Here is the thing though - no clinical counselor can teach you about soul care if they are working within the healthcare or clinical model, even if they are a Christian. Of course, most of them haven't learned about soul care unless they have taken special training in it - it's not taught in most clinical mental health graduate programs.
So - ok that was a long aside - but back to the question - what makes self-care and soul care different? The main question I will focus on is this: Why is soul care better for our emotional needs and stress management?
How does keeping a weekly Reflection Page in a prayer journal move us more towards a life of purpose and joy? This is part 2 of How Prayer Journaling Transforms Us; and today I want to share with you about writing down weekly reflections, specifically reflecting on areas where you are struggling and how you can take those struggles over to God.
Resources Mentioned:
Prayer Journal designed by Sherry: https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Reflection-Journal-Gospel-Learning/dp/B0DTSWNN53
Women's Connection Cohorts: https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
I am going to share some of my own use of these Weekly Pages. For the first week of February, my reflection was this:
"I am tired, stressed, and unmotivated for no good reason."
For whatever reason, early February hit, and that’s exactly how I felt—tired, stressed, and unmotivated, and I was struggling with being in that space. But then, there’s also a place in the journal to write down a biblical truth that speaks into your struggle.
So I wrote: Jesus told us that every day has its own trouble. Of course, I had a lot of stress built up. And then, in my little nerdy self, I calculated: If I’ve been alive for this many years, how many days of trouble have I had? Turns out, I’ve had over 19,000 days of trouble in my life!
So of course I’m feeling tired, stressed, and unmotivated for no good reason, because that is what living each day in this crazy world tends to bring you – unless – unless – you are living intentionally and being mindful of caring for your mind and your soul
Resources Mentioned:
Prayer Journal Designed by Sherry Elaine: https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Reflection-Journal-Gospel-Learning/dp/B0DTSWNN53
Women's Connection Cohorts Notification: https://sherryelaine.com/courses
The Importance of Writing Down Prayers
If we don’t write down our prayers, we often forget what we prayed for. And if we forget what we prayed for, we may not recognize when God answers.
For example, let’s say I prayed, Lord, please protect me from getting sick this month. Then life gets busy, and I forget I even prayed that. A month later, I look back and realize—wow, I didn’t get sick! That was an answered prayer. But without writing it down, I might have completely overlooked God’s faithfulness in that moment.
Prayer journaling helps us see patterns, too. You begin to notice:
- Some prayers are answered quickly.
- Some take time.
- Some are answered in ways you never expected.
And you also begin to see the truth of what the Bible tells us: If we pray according to His will, He hears us and answers us.
When God Says No
Of course, not every prayer gets a “yes.” In the past two months, I’ve had about three prayers where the answer was clearly no. One of them involved an important decision I had to make. And while I may not fully understand why yet, I trust that God’s no was for my good.
Looking at my journal, I can see how often God has been faithful, even in the times when the answer was different than what I hoped for. And this is why keeping track of your prayers can be so powerful—it strengthens your faith and gives you confidence in God’s timing and wisdom.
Focusing on another key word: meno, which is deeply connected to abiding in joy through Christ.
Jesus said in John 15:9-11:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."
That word remain is also translated as abide—the Greek word meno.
The Greek word meno means to stay, dwell, or continue. It is an active and ongoing process. However, it’s not about striving harder to be with Christ or trying to accomplish more for Him. Instead, it’s about resting in His love and staying connected to Him in our daily lives.
Notice that Jesus connects abiding with joy. He doesn’t say, “Try harder, do more, and you’ll eventually find joy.” Instead, He tells us that true joy is a natural outcome of abiding—of remaining—of staying close to Him.
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Prayer Journal Designed by Sherry for Gospel Life Learning: Prayer and Reflection Journal
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Resources Mentioned:
Prayer Journal Mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Reflection-Journal-Gospel-Learning/dp/B0DTSWNN53
Women's Connection Cohorts: http://www.sherryelaine.com/cohorts
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Book: Closer to God: Simple Method's Starting Today https://www.amazon.com/Closer-God-Simple-Methods-Starting-ebook/dp/B078S23DBZ
Book: Words of Jesus Bible Study: 10 Weeks on Christ's Teachings https://www.amazon.com/Words-Jesus-Bible-Study-Teachings-ebook/dp/B00HQ5NLYE
All Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherry-Elaine-Evans/author/B0073HVSD6
Let’s explore how the Greek words phroneó and ménō reveal the key to living intentionally with a heart anchored in God’s truth and joy.
The Greek Word Phroneó—Setting Your Mind with FocusColossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
That phrase, set your minds, comes from the Greek word phroneó, which means to have a mindset or to direct your thoughts intentionally. This isn't a passive practice. It’s an active, deliberate focusing of our mental and emotional energy on eternal truths rather than on the temporary distractions or upsets that occur throughout our day.
One way I implement this practice is through weekly reflection. I write down what I’m struggling with—whether it’s a difficult situation or a negative thought pattern. Then, I find a Scripture verse that directly speaks to that struggle, and I make it my verse of the week to meditate on and pray over.
In the prayer journal I recently designed, there’s a weekly page dedicated to this type of reflection.
Today, we are diving into the topic of living with intention—living with intention to find joy in life and to enjoy life day by day. This is a biblical perspective.
| Ephesians 5:15-17 | Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 Exegesis
Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions? Maybe days or even weeks just blur together—just routines and obligations—a rut but no sense of purpose or joy in your days. Today, we're going to explore what Scripture says about living intentionally. And I'm not talking about just being productive or just setting goals, but intentionally seeking and finding the joy in life that God wants for us.
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Women's Online Connection Cohorts are beginning! This will be an unprecedented and transformative small group opportunity. Go to:
http://www.sherryelaine.com/cohorts and sign up for email notifications to get the information on the Women's Connection Cohorts. Additionally, then BE SURE to check your email and your spam/junk folder to CONFIRM your opt-in to this notification list.
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This episodes answers these questions: What Is the Soul? What Is the Greek Word for Soul? How Do We Care For Our Soul Biblically? There are three main ways the Bible instructs us to care for our souls.
Websites and Resources mentioned in this episode:
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In Greek philosophy in the time of Jesus and his disciples, logos when used in this context with origins (like it is being used here – arche (origins) and logos –it was referring to a principle - whatever it was - that was the organizing principle of the universe. Think of it as the force and reasoning behind creation—that holds everything together. Logos was used in this manner going back at least to Heraclitus, 500 years BC, who used it to refer to the order and sustaining of the cosmos. Logos continued to be used in this way across the centuries and it was present in writings Philo – a Jewish philosopher – who lived at the same time of Jesus and his disciples. One of the definitions of logos in a more general sense meant the “expression of thought,” and it conveys purposeful, active, organizational thinking and reasoning, and planning.
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The word Holy seems to be used everywhere in reference to people, places, or things related to the religion and faith. The Greek word for holy is hagios. Hagios means holy. But what does holy mean? I know when I first think of something being holy, I envision a picture or vision of something glowing and radiating out golden rays of light, pure and undefiled and sinless, or if in reference to a human,someone who you would be “shocked” to find out they had committed a major sin. You know – the holy people among us! But what does it mean when, in the New Testament, in 1st Peter 1, for example – where I was reading this week. When we are taught that we, as believers and as followers of Christ – that we are to be holy? And not just that one day we are going to be perfected and holy and pure in God’s kingdom, but that we are to be holy now? And not just when times are good, but when times are really bad. The letter from Peter was written to Christians who had been scattered and exiled and were under intense persecution. Can you imagine being beaten or imprisoned or suffering at the hands of Rome and Peter – of all the disciples – the very impulsive Peter - sends you a letter saying “Remember, Be Holy!”
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Faith is critical to understanding God, following Jesus, and living the Christian life. Furthermore, faith – we are told in the Bible – is what gives us assurance of salvation. So what is faith? Moreover, what is biblical faith; what is New Testament faith? Or what did Jesus mean… or specifically, what did the disciples and Paul mean when they wrote the pistis…the Greek word that is usually translated faith?
Have we actually been taught or do we truly know what biblical faith is? And do you know what – the word pistis, or the word usually translated faith in the New Testament – is in the New Testament over 240 times. And guess what – the word pistis in all its forms is translated three different ways. Sometimes it is translated as “faith,” sometimes it is translated as “belief,” and sometimes it is translated as “trust.” In actuality, biblical faith – pistis – is both belief with trust. See, most translations of the Bible are a word for word or thought for thought translation. This means that it is the goal of the translators to choose one word in English to best represent the underlying Greek word, or in thought to thought translation – to choose to translate the underlying Greek word with the corresponding English thought, using as short a phrase as needed. What this means is that when we read our English New Testaments, in some cases, we lose some of the richness and some of the preciseness of the original language, and in other cases – we cannot be sure whether the word was intended to be translated one way or another. At that point, translation scholars, look at the overall context and the tenses and forms of the words to determine what is most likely the most appropriate translation. It is clear though – that in the New Testament, the word pistis is best translationed “belief with trust.” I will show you some examples here in the Greek grammar books. Belief with trust, Belief assuming trust.
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Have you ever noticed that when you ask God for insight, or for wisdom about a situation, that he often gives it to you fairly quickly? What are some problems or situations that you could use some of God’s insight to help resolve or manage?
In numerous situations, I’ve found that insight or an answer from God has been given pretty quickly after asking Him for it – not always – but most of the time. I learned something this week about the underlying Greek in a verse in James 1, which caused me to have some, “Yeah, that’s true!” moments.
In James 1:5, it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Then the next part sounds difficult. It says, in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
Today, I'm going to share three strategies that anyone can use to help control and regulate their anxiety from day to day. This is part of the "Emotions Series" on this blog, blogcast, and on the Gospel Life Learning YouTube channel.
We all know that Philippians 4 says, "Don't worry about anything...Pray about everything." And scripture also tells us to cast all our anxieties, cast all our fears to the Lord - because he cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7). For many people, those are two of our favorite verses. It is so comforting to know that is what God wants for us, and that is one way the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ wants to help us.
But is anyone else wondering, "How? How do I do that?" I'm going to give you three strategies, and two of the strategies you can do quickly almost anywhere. The third strategy - you could probably also do almost anywhere but it takes a little bit more structure.
“What does Jesus teach us about the pursuit of happiness?”
The Bible doesn’t really use a word that is equal to the way we typically use the word “happiness” today. Instead, the Bible relies on the Greek word “chara,” which is usually translated as “joy.” Now the word “chara” comes from the word “charis,” which is translated as “grace” in English. This word chara, as it is used in the New Testament, is not a feeling we can create within ourselves. I believe that chara may be best explained as a state of “soul-satisfaction” that is given to us by and through God’s grace.
In the final episode of the Emotions Series, Sherry briefly explains a strategy to help handle the ups and downs of everyday living. Acceptance and Commitment, often referred to as ACT, is an evidenced based strategy to strengthen us in our abilities to decipher and make choices within our values, rather than making choices in a reactive manner. David wrote a number of psalms which clearly exemplify the strategy, as did Elijah, Hannah, and Jesus.
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Paul modeled this, and research shows us this is so effective. If you are interested in the evidence behind this it comes down to a neuroscience finding
Special Episode: How Does Israel - Hamas War Fit within Biblical Prophecy in 2023? The 3 Most Important Things to Know for Tribulation.
How do we continue to seek God if we are in a season of doubt? Remember, that the Bible clearly teaches that faith is based on evidence. The Bible teaches that “Faith is the....evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not a blind trust. Faith is a decision to believe Jesus based on the evidence we have about Him, about His life, death, and resurrection.
Do you struggle with doubts about God, his promises, his willingness to listen and respond to your prayers?
Here are some situtations in which you need to seek support from a professional.
Find written transcripts at gospellifelearning.com and visit sherrypevey.com for free resources.
How Do We Capture Anger for Good Purposes?
We have been talking about Ephesians 4 which teaches that “It is okay when you get angry; but deal with your anger promptly (before the sun goes down). Otherwise, the temptation to act out sinfully in your anger may overtake you. Can anyone relate? Yes, I think so. I don't have to explain how anger tempts us to sin; I think we each know exactly what that means and what that experience is like. Anger is a great opportunity for the enemy to “get a foothold.” I really like that analogy from Ephesians because we can visualize it – the enemy has grabbed you by the ankle and wants to pull you down - desiring to hurt us, our relationships, and especially our witness as a follower of Christ. This includes our witness in our own homes if we have children or teens. It especially includes that.
Do you have an anger problem and don't know it? Grudges, bitterness, and resentment are all emotions often related to anger. What are the biblical teachings on anger?
Find the teachings and resources for this series at gospellifelearning.com under the "Emotions Series" tab.
Send an email to gospellifelearning AT gmail.com with "Personal Anger Survey" in the subject line to receive the copy of the anger checklist often used in Christian Counseling.
Each episode of this series will be linked on our Emotions page tab at GospelLifeLearning.com. Or the Gospel Life Learning podcast/blogcast through your favorite podcast provider or on YouTube.
The purpose of Gospel Life Learning is to provide resources to help others draw near to God, and share his nearness with others. That is the mission purpose of this ministry. Here is where the ministry and the topic of emotions comes together. When we are having difficulty with our emotions – and that can include both over-reacting to our emotions or denying or stuffing our emotions – either end of it – then that can create a barrier to our level of closeness with God, and difficulties with our emotions can cause us to be ineffective in being a representative of Christ and a true source of help and support or encouragement to those around us.
There are two places in the New Testament where Jesus is recorded as teaching about the narrow gate, or the narrow door to life, and then states that few people find it. In Matthew 7, in the same chapter as the Sermon on the Mount, we have a teaching from Jesus that reads in the English NIV: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
One thing that bothered me about this teaching of the narrow gate is that it does not seem consistent with what Jesus taught at other times....
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you.”
Isn't that beautiful and true? That is a reason we want to walk with God, a reason why we crave being near to him. The reason is because we know when we call on him, he will forgive us, he will be good to us and he will show us his abounding love
We Christians use a lot of "insider" terminology. One of the words we frequently use is the word redeem. We say that we are "redeemed" by Christ, or that God is our Redeemer.
Whatever does that mean? Usually in today's world, the only time we see the word redeem outside of a Bible study is on a coupon! For example, "Redeem this voucher for one free Chik fil A sandwich!"
What did Jesus mean when he said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”? (John 11:25)
It's the time of the year where we are coming into Holy Week and all Christians around the world will have their minds on the crucifixion of Christ and then his miraculous resurrection by which he showed us that death is not an ultimate end.
So let's tap our brains a bit and see what we already know or what we recall about what was happening when Jesus said this. When Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the life;” who was he speaking to, where was he, and what were the circumstances happening?
In my opinion, I think this parable should be called "The Parable of the Seeds and Soils." It is a very important teaching of Jesus. Let's picture the scene...
I couldn't come up with one inspirational word for this year for 2023; however I chose this phrase because my goal is to fully make use of the shoes of peace as referred to in Ephesians 6, in what is known as the "Armor of God" passages.
Quotes from Priscilla Shirer are from the Bible Study book she authored, titled The Armor of God, published 2015 by Lifeway Press.
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Recently, I asked God to reveal to me or to remind me what He wants me to do while waiting. These are the promises, scriptures, and examples that His Spirit quickly brought to my mind when I lifted this question up to Him. I'm sharing these now.
People are saying...it has been 2000 years. Maybe it's not going to happen. Instead, we should expect it to take so long. A passage in Matthew gives an example why.
"Why Doesn't God Wipe Out Evil Now?" It's a big question many of us have wondered. Jesus explained why, in a parable. Visit https://www.gospellifelearning.com/2022/09/why-hasnt-god-removed-evil-yet-jesus.html for the post and images of wheat vs. tares.
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He asked for all our anxieties! If we don't give them to Him after He asked for them; then we are just responsible for making our own mess in our own heads. But how do we do that?
If you study the words and actions of Jesus in the entire books of Matthew and Mark, you will learn that active faith is the faith that enables you to discern where God is working in your life and in the lives of those around you. You will also see that, over and over again, people were praised by Jesus for their faith when they did nothing more than this: they made an effort to come to Jesus for help.
When was the last time that you weathered a terrible storm in life? Or maybe even you are weathering one right now. Ask yourself – How did you react during that storm? Or during the current storm? Do you see any connections with the way you weathered a storm and where you were in your walk or in your closeness with God at that time? Do you know that there is a key question that will help you to “unlock” the best decision to make for any and all of life’s problems?
The issue with our religious traditions and routines is – we often rely on those, after they have become habits – as the only thing we are doing to represent our closeness with God. It is like understanding that a cup of coffee in the morning does not substitute for the love and growth in a close relationship.
The spiritual truths don't just attach by tacking them on.
Book Resource mentioned in this epsiode: Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today by Sherry Elaine Evans found only at Amazon.com
Those "tiny" grudges - they block relationships. We think they are no big deal, but they block growth in our relationships with our friends and our family members; and they also block growth with God and our ability to draw near to Him. Episode includes a prayer to help you release grudges and bitterness you may be knowingly or unknowingly holding in your heart.
Today’s teaching is what I call my “favorite scene” in the New Testament. I am so happy that Mark felt that what happened here was significant enough to write down and to pass it down so that it can be shared with us today…
What was one of Jesus’s first healing miracles, and what does it show us about how we may approach God today?
What is the very first thing Jesus proclaimed when he began his ministry in Galilee?Do you remember? Request free journal pages
What do you need strength for today or for this week? If you need strength from the Holy Spirit this week, what would you need the strength for? How would you pray about this?