Dr. Howell’s Reflections
Everyday, Dr. Howell writes a reflection, inquiry prompt, and a prayer.
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Peace Part 4
August 28, 2025
Do you want more peacefulness today? You may have it, regardless of the stressors around you or the things you face. Peacefulness comes when we take time to invite it. But we are so busy, we plow right ahead and do not take the simple steps that bring us peace.
Peace Part 3
August 27, 2025
Inner or outer turmoil calls us to awaken to the serenity that’s already within us, but we cannot just automatically awaken. Today we will reflect on awakening to peacefulness.
Peace Part 2
August 26, 2025
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid," John 14:27.
Peace Part 1
August 25, 2025
Peace is a precious commodity. Our minds, bodies, and hearts long for it. Our souls hunger for peace. Common expressions like, “having peace of mind,” “rest in peace,” “making peace,” “inner peace,” “or forever keep your peace,” and “disturbing the peace” reflect the importance of peace in our culture and daily life.
Our Private Thoughts Part 7
August 24, 2025
Some of our most private thoughts are about our losses—those behind us, those unfolding now, and those we fear may come. Reflecting on them can stir a reverie of cherished memories, or it can awaken the quiet ache of grief. Often, both arrive together. For many of us, loss is a mingling of sorrow and sweetness, gratitude, and longing.
Our Private Thoughts Part 6
August 23, 2025
Many of our private thoughts revolve around regret—the would’ve, could’ve, and should’ve of our past. These moments, now frozen in time, often feel irretrievable. And yet, they still trouble us. Do your regrets ever rise to the surface and unsettle you?
Our Private Thoughts Part 5
August 22, 2025
Some of our private thoughts are pure fantasy. We imagine lives different from our own. Perhaps we see ourselves in a paradise, surrounded by people we would never encounter in reality. Maybe we fantasize about having abilities we don’t possess or achieving things we haven’t yet accomplished. We might picture ourselves as heroes—or on the other hand, doing things we’d be judged for in the real world.
Our Private Thoughts Part 4
August 21, 2025
Sometimes our private thoughts are actually lies we tell ourselves. Psychologist Albert Ellis called these lies irrational thoughts. He authored books including A Guide to Rational Living and How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything… Yes ANYTHING. Ellis says when we believe an irrational thought, we cause much undeserved suffering for ourselves and others.
Our Private Thoughts Part 3
August 20, 2025
Many of our thoughts can be compared to unclean water that causes us harm. But like unclean water going through a treatment plant, toxic thoughts can be purified. Only when raw water is purified is it safe to consume, and so goes with our thoughts.
Our Private Thoughts Part 2
August 19, 2025
Fantasies are like private movies that play in our minds, often offering some form of emotional gratification. We rarely share them because they might invite misunderstanding, judgment, or even rejection.
Our Private Thoughts Part 1
August 18, 2025
Have you ever considered how much time and energy go into your private thoughts? They are ever-present. Our inner voice narrates the movie of our lives, and we listen to the soundtrack all day long.
Heart Stories Part 7
August 17, 2025
Why Do We Have Emotions? Wouldn’t life be easier without heartache, loneliness, fear, or envy? Emotions can weigh us down. They’ve driven us to aggression, or even to self-harm. So why have a heart at all?
Heart Stories Part 6
August 16, 2025
Stories about animals are often heart stories. Their love is fierce, loyal, and unconditional. And when an animal expresses what we think of as a deeply human feeling, like love, grief, or joy, our hearts overflow with empathy for them because they have touched something in our own hearts and minds; something we are intimately familiar with, something we know in our bones— the feelings that we share with all life, even the trees—the universal longing to love and be loved.
Heart Stories Part 5
August 15, 2025
Some of the most powerful heart stories are those in which people triumph against impossible odds—stories of resilience, courage, and unshakable will. These stories touch us deeply because they remind us of our own struggles and the strength it takes to rise when life knocks us down. We find ourselves rooting for the underdog, aching for the wounded, and cheering when they find their way through the darkness. These stories grow our faith and comfort our hearts during rough times. And we all have such times.
Heart Stories Part 4
August 14, 2025
We call them Heart Stories because they do what facts alone cannot — they stir the soul. They captivate, awaken, and intrigue us with the question: What happens next? Heart stories aren’t just heard—they’re felt. They evoke emotion: excitement, longing, warmth, sadness, wonder, and hope. They are food for the heart because they are made of love. And just like the body, the heart becomes what it consumes.
Heart Stories Part 3
August 13, 2025
The Soul Child is usually buried beneath years of adaptation and striving, but it is our essence, the core of our soul. To return to this essence is not regression, but redemption—a sacred reunion with the part of us that remembers joy, innocence, and divine belonging. To return to this inner child is to return to the source of our aliveness, the place where our spirit first knew how to be.
Heart Stories Part 2
August 12, 2025
I arranged to attend a choir practice at the church of some of my African American friends. I was turning forty and for my birthday wanted to fulfill a long-held fantasy. I loved Gospel music, and to sing it with a Black choir would be heaven for me. My friends made it come true for my birthday.
Heart Stories Part 1
August 11, 2025
On the ICB pilgrimage to Greece with Phil Cousineau last year, a strange but affirming event happened to me on the Island of Ithaca. Our bus driver pulled to the side of the road along the seashore so that we pilgrims could walk into the Mediterranean. After dipping my toes in the sea, I found a seat on a sea wall and looked at the beautiful turquoise horizon.