Our Blog

Truth and Honesty

In recent days, I've been thinking a lot about the nature of truth and honesty. We might tend to think that these terms are interchangeable, but I no longer believe this is so.

by Valerie

Spiritual Insights

Pastors and Therapy: Part II

This is the second of a two-part blog series. In the last post, we examined a premise that I believe holds true for every church, no matter its size.

by Valerie

Spiritual Insights

Pastors and Therapy: Part I

I’ve been thinking about the role of pastors and therapists within the church over the past few years, and I’ve come to some new realizations about how the modern church can balance the needs of pastoral mentorship with psychological care.

by Valerie

Ministry

Was Jesus a real person?

We recently came out with our next set of outreach videos on our Tea with Valerie YouTube channel. On this channel, we talk about a variety of spiritual questions, and share Bible stories.

by Valerie

Spiritual Insights

Christian Narcissists?

“Narcissism is the opposite of love.”

This idea was put forth by a man named Erich Fromm, who was a social psychologist, psychoanalyst, and philosopher...

by Valerie

Spiritual Insights

No Sacred Cows

As I’ve remembered my mum and the spiritual legacy she left me and my sister, one of the things that immediately springs to mind is her fearless questioning of everything.

by Valerie

Ministry

What is love and how is it shown?

As we prepare for our next set of videos, I realize that I’ve been a little lax in posting about our last ones here. Several months ago, we released two more videos on our YouTube channel (Tea with Valerie). On this channel, we talk about a variety of spiritual questions, and share Bible stories.

by Valerie

Life in Japan

Funerals in Okinawa

A few months ago, a friend had some questions about how funerals and grieving are handled here in Japan. Upon reflection, I’ve realized that you also might be interested in reading about this.

by Valerie

Ministry

Mrs. Pekin and the Violin

We started going to her shop because she makes kariyushi, a type of formal wear distinct to Okinawa. Kariyushi can range from something that looks like to a Hawaiian shirt, to something much more formal.

by Valerie

Spiritual Insights

Meditation Exercise: Submission

Over the years, I’ve developed a special exercise that enables me to enter into a submissive state of mind, so that I can follow Jesus more completely. Today, I’d like to share it with you.

by Valerie

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