Mental Health
Posted on September 30, 2024
by Rev. Jonathan Conner
Since 2010, when smartphones became ubiquitous and social media usage began to explode, we have seen double and triple digit percentage increases in loneliness, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among young people. Imagine if we discovered that something in our water was causing similar increases in cancer. Would you remain indifferent?
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on September 23, 2024
by Angela Kollbaum, LIMHP, CPC, DCE
As church workers, we are called to serve a church or school and their members. But when the task lists seem to go on forever, how are we supposed to manage all the responsibilities AND have a family AND have a social life?
Marriage & Relationships
Posted on September 15, 2024
by Lindy Hinckley, tLMFT
Feeling a chill in your marriage? Feeling like your spouse has become more like a roommate? A cooling marriage is without spark or love, when you and your partner are turning away from each other, and moments of connectedness or intimacy are rare. If this sounds familiar, read on to find three tips for reconnecting!
Adoption
Posted on September 10, 2024
Despite struggles with addiction and incarceration, Emma’s birthmother chose life for her baby and she picked an adoptive family that could see past her faults and was willing to have an open adoption.
Parenting
Posted on September 6, 2024
by Amber Dopler, LISW
Back-to-school season can leave parents feeling exhausted, burned out, in a whirlwind of constant transition, and perpetually behind. We need to remember that parents are also children, sons and daughters of the God the Father who is at work in all things.
Lutheran Family Service News
Posted on August 25, 2024
by Cassie Beltz, LMHC
Meet Cassie Beltz, LMHC a master’s-level prepared and experienced mental health counselor. She serves clients in-person in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Cassie can also serve clients located anywhere in the state of Iowa through telehealth/distance counseling.
Giving
Posted on August 22, 2024
by Andy Wyss
Lately, there has been a push in more schools to spend more time on life skills, such as time management, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Saving money for retirement and learning to pay your taxes are undoubtedly beneficial skills to learn. But what about generosity, giving, and tithing?
Marriage & Relationships
Posted on August 20, 2024
by Ruth Barz, tLMHC
If we are honest, most goodbyes involve some type of grief. We may be seeing that person tomorrow or weeks from now, but there is some sadness that the goodness of our present time together is over. Goodbyes for any reason can be hard to know how to handle, but with the right tools goodbyes can be both happy and healthy.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on August 15, 2024
by Toni Larson, LISW
The start of the new school year is a great time for church workers to regroup for the coming seasons of the church, especially in the area of self-care. Take the time to organize and assess the supplies you need for your wellness backpack. It will be well worth the effort.
Adoption
Posted on August 4, 2024
Emmett’s birthmother started working with Lutheran Family Service shortly after she learned she was pregnant. Her placement plan didn’t play out the way she planned, thanks to an emergency c-section, a helicopter ride for Emmett to a larger hospital, and a 29-day stay in the NICU. Today there are no issues and Emmett is growing and thriving.
