Author Archives: Nicole Byrum

I want to go on the record to say that I fully acknowledge stereotypes are just that- stereotypes.  Most often, they aren’t reflective of reality.   However.   Sometimes circumstances provide evidence for the establishment of said stereotypes.  Packing a vehicle for a one night camping trip with 5 women is one of them.   Everything from theContinue reading “S’mores and Beyond: A Camping Tale”

Under normal circumstances, parenting provides a plethora of opportunities for growth- both on our children’s part as well as our own.  Under Covid 19 circumstances, those opportunities multiply by about 100.  However, often the word “opportunity” is not the word that comes to mind in the midst of frustration and aggravation.  If you have foundContinue reading “5 Emotion Coaching Strategies for Parents”

To say there’s a lot of scary stuff happening in the world today would be a massive understatement.  Especially if you’re a parent.  Be honest, how many times in the last week alone have you had the thought, “I can’t believe this is the world my child is being raised in.”  We fear for theirContinue reading “Mission Minded Parenting”

Day 6: Frequently Give Grace:  “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 This one might be a game changer in our everyday lives.  Actually, there’s no might about it.  It is a game changer.  Why? Because grace has a way of creating freedom and safety inContinue reading “Pursuing Peace Part II: Relationship Mini-Series”

Day 5: Cultivate Humility Through Service: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45 Sometimes pursuing peace in our relationships looks a lot like servanthood.  And let’s be honest, this runs pretty contrary to our nature. Continue reading “Pursuing Peace Part II: Relationship Mini-Series”

Day 4: Maintain Boundaries: “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.”  Exodus 18:17-18 Boundaries.  Whew, that’s a popular word in my therapy office. Continue reading “Pursuing Peace Part II: Relationship Mini-Series”

Day 3: Freely Forgive: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 This is a tough one for sure,  Trust me, I’m not pretending this is easy.  But so often our hurt hearts turn into bitter, resentful hearts. Continue reading “Pursuing Peace II: Relationship Mini-Series”

Day 2: Discernment in speech: “A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”  Ecclesiastes 3:7 If you’re familiar with the late great Kenny Rogers then you likely know this popular refrain: You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, knowContinue reading “Pursuing Peace Part II: Relationship Mini-Series”

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 In my previous post I talked about the idea of pursuing peace by pursuing a mind governed by the Holy Spirit.  As we seek Him through prayer, worship, and the Word, we will be filled with HisContinue reading “Pursuing Peace: Part 2 Relationship mini-series”

During this year’s summer vacation it became more apparent than ever that I had turned a corner.  And honestly, it’s one I never thought I would see.  Ever since the start of junior high cross country conditioning in August of 1994 I have been a runner.  That means for every overnight trip I have everContinue reading “Pursuing Peace: Part I”