All posts of Christine M. Chappell

Walking Our Children Through Depression: Four Ways We Imitate God

Mental health issues can be complex in nature, and parents can run the risk of overlooking particular facets of treatment because of prejudices about underlying causes. But when we look to the Scriptures and see God serving the sorrowing with individualized, calculated affection, we see a multifaceted approach to managing mental anguish — one that acknowledges the dichotomy of man (as body and soul) and the necessity of the body of Christ.
Read More
7 years ago

Hope + Help for the Depressed Christian with Guest Zack Eswine

In the premiere episode, Christine interviews author/Pastor Zack Eswine on the topic of depression. During the conversation, Zack shares some of his personal experience with despondency, wise & unwise ways to approach loved ones who are suffering, the blessing of biblical metaphor in providing a language for our sorrows, as well as comfort and clarity from the Scriptures for those walking through the seasons of darkness.
Read More
7 years ago

5 Truths that Help Moms Overcome Anger by Grace

In this video produced by Thrive Moms, I share five biblical truths that help mothers overcome anger by grace. Post also includes helpful links to biblical resources and audios to equip mothers to examine their hearts on the subject.
Read More
7 years ago

Promises of Renewal, Hope, & Change for Overwhelmed Moms: Live Audio Recording

Join Christine Chappell as she shares a collection of stories, convictions, encouragements, and Scriptures from her book, “Clean Home, Messy Heart: Promises of Renewal, Hope, and Change for Overwhelmed Moms.” This live audio recording was taped at Cornerstone Community Church’s Mom2Mom group in Wildomar, CA on October 6th, 2016.
Read More
7 years ago

Encouragements for the Woman Who Feels Sidelined

There was a season a few years back when the Lord made it extremely clear through a series of circumstances and struggles that it was my turn to sit on the sidelines. I remember the depression that sunk me low because my grasp on activities and service was forced loose. It was as if divine […]
Read More
7 years ago

What Can I Do While I’m Waiting on God? Guest Post by Terry Powell

Puzzling. Frustrating. Get-wrenching. When we’re waiting on God to act, those words often describe our attitude toward the delay.  We may be waiting for provision of a new job; for God to woo a grown child back to faith; for Him to open the womb for a baby desperately wanted, to bless us with a […]
Read More
8 years ago

Walking Through the Dark Part III: Exposing the Lies & Mystery of Depression

In Part III of this Facebook/Instagram LIVE video series, I discuss the need to leave room for mystery in the battle against some cases of depression, the importance of caregivers who are willing to go “down in the well” with the sufferer, and some of the underlying emotions and unbelief at the heart of our most desperate seasons of sorrow.
Read More
8 years ago

Wretched Extremes: The ‘Always’ and ‘Never’ of Suicide

Extremes of wretchedness. Charles Spurgeon once said, “I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.” Suicidal ideations often begin in the crosshairs of extremes, where always and never intersect. The wretched “always be this way” and […]
Read More
8 years ago

Walking Through the Dark Part II: Real Christians Can Experience Real Depression

Have you ever been guilty of jumping to conclusions about the cause of someone's depression? Do you feel a sense that your companionship during that time requires your ability to know how to fix the other person? If you haven't experienced the darkness of depression yourself, is it possible to soften your heart to the experience of the sufferer? In this recorded Facebook Live video, I outline 3 helps for people to consider when caring for someone suffering from depression. Also included in this video are reading recommendations for those who wish to equip themselves for compassionate, biblical care.
Read More
8 years ago

Walking Through the Dark Part I: Approaching the Wounded with Compassion

Have you ever been guilty of jumping to conclusions about the cause of someone's depression? Do you feel a sense that your companionship during that time requires your ability to know how to fix the other person? If you haven't experienced the darkness of depression yourself, is it possible to soften your heart to the experience of the sufferer? In this recorded Facebook Live video, I outline 3 helps for people to consider when caring for someone suffering from depression. Also included in this video are reading recommendations for those who wish to equip themselves for compassionate, biblical care.
Read More
8 years ago

Brief Biblical Counseling Overview & Resource Audio

In this audio, I give a brief overview of biblical counseling to a group of Care Coaches at JC Cares (jccares.us) in Easley, South Carolina. The talk aims at encouraging the Care Coaches to desire to grow in their ability to administer Christ-centered, biblically founded one-another care to the economically disadvantaged in their community. Websites I […]
Read More
8 years ago
Finding Freedom from Mom-Envy | Christine M Chappell

Finding Freedom from Mom-Envy (Seeking the Still Video)

In this Facebook LIVE recording, I share a message on the topic of “mom-envy,” exploring what it is, what the Bible calls it, ways it manifests itself in our lives, and how we can work in tandem with the Word and the Spirit for lasting heart change. This video was hosted by Laura Fleetwood, author/podcast […]
Read More
8 years ago

4 Life-Changing Truths About God that Move Us from Chaos to Courage

If you find yourself in a season of chaos, let me first tell you that I understand completely. I have found myself in such a season, and it is not for the faint of heart. Yet even in these challenging times, we have an unique opportunity to put our faith into action. There is something about […]
Read More
9 years ago

Knowing When to Walk Away (Thrive Moms Feature)

This article originally appeared at Thrive Moms on March 21, 2017. Christine M. Chappell is a contributing writer for the Thrive Moms blog, the author of “Clean Home, Messy Heart: Promises of Renewal, Hope, and Change for Overwhelmed Moms”, and is currently pursuing her biblical counseling certification.   I couldn’t remember the last time I had bent down to feel velvety […]
Read More
9 years ago

Lay Your Weapon Down: Invitation to Cutters (Desiring God Feature)

I was recently privileged to share a piece of my heart at John Piper’s website DesiringGod.org. This article is meant to give readers a glimpse into the heart struggle of a Christian tempted to self-harm, as well as the intimate love and affection that Jesus has for such ones who struggle in this fashion. The battle is presented […]
Read More
9 years ago

Make This Your Battle Cry (Thrive Moms Feature)

This article originally appeared at Thrive Moms on February 23, 2017. Christine M. Chappell is a contributing writer for the Thrive Moms blog, the author of “Clean Home, Messy Heart: Promises of Renewal, Hope, and Change for Overwhelmed Moms”, and is currently pursuing her biblical counseling certification.   He split his lip wide open. I couldn’t […]
Read More
9 years ago

Reflections from Calvary’s Hill | Guest Post by Barbara Hill

Friends, I am thrilled to invite back to the blog Ms. Barbara Hill, who has previously appeared as a guest writer at FaithfulSparrow.com! In this feature, she shares her reflections from a past trip to Israel—they serve as wonderful reminders as we prepare our hearts for the upcoming Easter season. Enjoy!   I traveled to Israel 7 […]
Read More
9 years ago

Dear Dreamer: The World Needs You Now

“The soul without imagination is what an observatory would be without a telescope.” Henry Ward Beecher You can’t do it. Stop trying. It’s impossible. Could there be a deeper wound to the spirit than hearing words such as these? Whether they land in our ears from the lips of another, or are the result of darts loosed […]
Read More
9 years ago

An Invitation to American Women: May Your Marching (& Non-Marching) Lead Here Next

The pictures are remarkable. The comments are divisive. United we stand, yet on opposite sides. For all the passion and zeal, for all the motivating factors and beliefs, one thing is certain: our Country is filled with capable, energetic, enthusiastic, educated, and strong women. Many of our Country’s women are lovers and fighters. In all of […]
Read More
9 years ago

Preparing Your Heart for Reading the Bible | Free Printable

One day as I was listening to John Piper teach an episode of Look at the Book (an excellent podcast to listen to, by the way–click here for link), I heard him rebuke himself for taking a long time to introduce the segment and the Scripture he was going to expound upon. He hadn’t yet prayed […]
Read More
9 years ago
For the Man Who Loves a Broken Mind | Christine M. Chappell

For the Man Who Loves a Broken Mind

We weren’t prepared for this. Certainly “for better or worse” sounded so romantically bittersweet. I’m not sure many of those entering into a lifetime of marriage say those words and think of being worse in a way they cannot see. “In sickness and in health“—a deathbed, an epic medical failure, a withered body with a hand to […]
Read More
9 years ago

Cultivating a Teachable Heart | Guest Post by Emily Sue Allen

He really is a stand-out kid; smart, capable, clever, and helpful. He brings me more joy than I could say with his goofy 8-year-old grin, and the thoughtful ways he cares for others. He also knows how to push my buttons with incredible precision. Whenever I correct his behavior, he resists, pushes back and tries […]
Read More
9 years ago

When Failed Resolutions Come Back to Haunt You

Facebook memories can often be great sources of joy and reflection. And while it’s usually a treat to look back over the events that have happened on a particular day in your personal history, not all of the recollections come with warm feelings of happy days passed. Sometimes the memories serve to remind us of painful […]
Read More
9 years ago

For The Woman Stretched In All Directions | Guest Post by Amy Fritz

♥ Hey friends! My guest post series continues TODAY with writer/blogger Amy Fritz! I hope you enjoy! ♥   There were about a half dozen of us together that morning at our Bible study class- women’s ministry leaders, Bible study teachers, women new to their faith, and women who had been believers for decades. We […]
Read More
9 years ago
Jill E. McCormick | Guest Blog | Christine M. Chappell

Two Lies I Believe | Guest Post by Jill E. McCormick

♥ Hey friends! I’m bubbling with writing urges and I can’t wait to start sharing my own posts in just a couple weeks. In the meantime, my 2016 guest post series continues TODAY with writer/blogger Jill E. McCormick! ♥   It took getting hit by a car to realize I believed two lies about my […]
Read More
9 years ago

7 Words You Need to Pray from the Garden of Gethsemane

Today, I’m welcoming guest writer Janelle Upton to the blog to share her reflections on the garden of Gethsemane. I really enjoyed her insights and I hope you do as well!   Can I be totally honest with you? Most times I do not in, anyway, relate to Jesus. I adore Him. I look to […]
Read More
9 years ago

“Panic to Peace” Free Video Workshop Now Available!

I’m pleased to announce the launch of my new online classroom {EQUIP with Christine}, which will offer women a library of live teaching from my workshops. It has been on my heart for some time to figure out a way to take my live classes and offer them to women across the globe, and I […]
Read More
9 years ago

For the Mom Who Feels Like the Fruit Will Never Come

♥ Hey friends! I’m taking the rest of the year off from writing original posts, but amazing things are still coming for you! My 2016 guest post series continues TODAY with author/blogger Courtney Steed! ♥   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear […]
Read More
9 years ago
Christen Spratt | FaithfulSparrow.com | Christine M. Chappell

Dear Mamas: Slow Down & Savor Today | Guest Post by Christen Spratt

♥ Hey friends! I’m taking the rest of the year off from writing original posts, but amazing things are still coming for you! My 2016 guest post series continues TODAY with writer/blogger Christen Spratt! ♥ If you saw someone open a bag of M&Ms and start popping them in their mouth and swallowing them whole, […]
Read More
9 years ago
Jennie G. Scott | Guest Post | Christine M. Chappell | Faithfulsparrow.com

Encouragement for the Mom Who Regrets What She Said | Guest Post by Jennie Scott

♥ Hey friends! I’m taking the rest of the year off from writing original posts, but amazing things are still coming for you! My 2016 guest post series continues TODAY with writer/blogger Jennie Scott! ♥   When I learned my second pregnancy was with a little girl, I immediately had visions of tutus and hairbows. Parenting up to that […]
Read More
9 years ago
The Steadiness of Faith | Barbara Hill | Guest Post | Faithfulsparrow.com | Christine M. Chappell

The Steadiness of Faith | Guest Post by Barbara Hill

♥Hey friends! I’m taking the rest of the year off from writing original posts, but amazing things are still coming for you! My 2016 guest post series starts TODAY with writer/blogger Barbara Hill!♥   I was revisited today by an illustration I heard years ago about a ship and a train. My pastor was sharing about living […]
Read More
9 years ago
Hearts of Thanksgiving in Seasons of Grumbling | Christine M. Chappell | Faithfulsparrow.com

Hearts of Thanksgiving in Seasons of Grumbling

It was one of those days that took every ounce of gut-wrenching, teeth-clenching, tongue-biting endurance I could muster. You know the kind–when the kids start their day with grouchy complaints that never quite seem to taper off as the hours tick by. As the night sky fell upon bedtime, I sat on the floor and […]
Read More
10 years ago
12 Scriptures for Fighting Panic | Christine M. Chappell | FaithfulSparrow.com

12 Scriptures to Read When Fighting Panic

“Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them but they are talking to you, they bring back […]
Read More
10 years ago
Bible Study Tips | John Piper Prayer Acrostic Printable | Christine M. Chappell | FaithfulSparrow.com

Ditching Personal Agendas When it Comes to Reading the Bible

Recently, I’ve found myself reading straight through 1 Kings during my nightly quiet time. After a season of bouncing around through books of the Bible based upon my “mood-of-the-day,” it’s been nice to park myself in one spot (and stay there) to simply read for enjoyment. At first I wasn’t sure why I was being led to […]
Read More
10 years ago
When Someone Else is Living Your Dream | Christine M Chappell | Clean Home, Messy Heart

When Someone Else is Living Your Dream

It hit me the moment I saw it: a Facebook update celebrating the news of achievement and success, renown and opportunity. I confess: I’m not immune twinges of jealousy, however briefly they linger. I know I shouldn’t feel this way when others are triumphing with their talents, but this undercurrent of envy still remains. It has […]
Read More
10 years ago