Resolutions Archives - Dear Dr. C

Rediscovering Patience: A Vital Christian Virtue in an Impatient Age

Leave a Comment / Anger, Anxiety, Biblical Counseling, Patience, Resolutions

Before patience is ever practiced, it must be understood. Scripture doesn’t treat patience as a personality trait or a passive delay—it presents it as a theological necessity. Patience is grounded in the sovereignty of God, shaped by our identity as redeemed sinners, and sustained by our hope in eternity.

John Calvin once wrote that immortality is “the mother of patience.” That insight reframes everything. If our lives are anchored in eternity, then our frustrations, delays, and conflicts in this life are not ultimate. The Christian who grasps this truth begins to see patience not as weakness, but as strength—an active trust in God’s timing and purposes.

The Foundation: Why Patience Matters
Patience is both a command and a gift. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and it cannot be manufactured by sheer willpower. Augustine warned against the “false patience of the proud”—a counterfeit virtue that relies on human strength rather than divine grace. True patience flows from the Spirit’s work in the heart of the believer.

It also requires humility. We are sinners saved by grace, and we live among fellow sinners. Knowing our own frailty, we must extend grace to others, not from a place of superiority, but from shared dependence on Christ. Patience is the posture of one who knows he might be wrong—even when he’s right in principle.

The Practice: Where Patience Is Tested
Patience is most visibly tested in relationships. Scripture is unambiguous about this. Paul’s letters to the early churches are filled with exhortations to bear with one another in love:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” —Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” —Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

These are not abstract ideals. They are commands meant to shape how believers respond to conflict, disappointment, and difference. Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians is even more direct:

“Live in peace with each other… be patient with everyone.” —1 Thessalonians 5:13–14 (NIV)

Patience is not just for the easy moments—it’s for the hard ones. It’s for the times when unity feels strained and peace seems elusive.

The Challenge: Patience in Leadership and Correction
Nowhere is patience more critical than in spiritual leadership. Paul’s counsel to Timothy sets the standard:

“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed…” —2 Timothy 2:24–25 (NIV)

This is not passive tolerance. It’s active endurance. Leaders are called to correct with gentleness, trusting that God may grant repentance and lead others to truth. Even in serious theological disagreement, Paul reminds us that God may be at work in those we oppose. That truth demands patience.

The Home and the Church: Where Patience Builds Unity
Patience isn’t just for public ministry—it’s essential in the private spaces of life. In the Christian home, patience is the glue that holds relationships together. Husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings in Christ—all must learn to bear with one another in love.

In the church, patience becomes a test of authenticity. It reveals whether our faith is merely professed or truly possessed. It shapes how we handle disagreement, how we respond to failure, and how we pursue unity.

The Urgency: Cultivating Patience Today
Ironically, patience cannot be rushed—but its pursuit must not be delayed. In a culture obsessed with speed and self, the church must stand apart. We are called to reflect the character of Christ, who is “slow to anger and abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).

Let us not treat patience as a luxury or a personality quirk. It is a command. It is a gift. And it is a witness to the world of the transforming power of grace.

So let us pursue it—earnestly, humbly, and joyfully. For in patience, we reflect the heart of God and participate in His redemptive work among His people.

Hope that you have enjoyed this blog. If you can relate to the content of this article and would like to ask for help, leave a comment below or contact us at DearDr.com. We would love to hear from you. Together we can do great things, have fun with it, and end the day with greater hope and joy prepared to do even greater things for the future.

The Wisdom of Rising Early: A Biblical Perspective on Sleep and Diligence

Leave a Comment / Health, Resolutions, Sleep

“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?”
Proverbs 6:9

Sleep, while essential to human health and well-being, can become a subtle adversary when indulged excessively or prioritized above duty. In Proverbs 6:9, Solomon issues a pointed challenge to the sluggard—a timeless archetype of laziness and procrastination. His words are not merely poetic; they are a call to action, especially for the young, whose lives are brimming with potential yet vulnerable to the allure of comfort.

The Power of Rising Early
The time and manner in which one begins the day often determine the trajectory of success. History and Scripture alike affirm that great men and women rise early—not out of compulsion, but out of conviction. They greet each day as an opportunity, not a burden. The habit of rising early cultivates discipline, sharpens focus, and fosters a mindset of purpose.

Benjamin Franklin famously echoed this truth: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Though Mark Twain mocked the sentiment, the principle predates both men, rooted in the inspired wisdom of Solomon. Proverbs 8:17 and 6:9–11 affirm that diligence in the morning leads to both wisdom and prosperity.

The Danger of Loving Sleep
Solomon’s warnings extend beyond mere sleep schedules. He identifies a deeper issue: the love of sleep. This affection for comfort and delay can erode ambition and squander opportunity. Young men, often unburdened by responsibility, may indulge in late mornings. Older individuals may justify extra rest as a reward for past labor. Women, too, may find solace in the warmth of blankets, using sleep as a refuge from the demands of the day.

Yet Scripture is clear: excessive sleep leads to poverty and shame (Proverbs 10:5; 19:15; 20:13; 23:21; 24:30–34). The ant, a creature of instinctive diligence, is held up as a model of industriousness (Proverbs 6:6–8). We are called to emulate its tireless work ethic.

Practical Counsel for Rising Well
If mornings are difficult, the solution is not more sleep, but better habits. Consider the following:

Go to bed earlier. Prime-time entertainment often offers little of lasting value.
Establish a routine. A consistent schedule enhances sleep quality and morning alertness.
Avoid the snooze button. Rise immediately, shower, and begin your day with intention.
Cultivate urgency. Life is fleeting; each day is a gift not to be wasted (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Even societal norms, such as daylight saving time, often prioritize evening leisure over morning productivity. But Scripture urges us to redeem the time wisely.

The Spiritual Priority of Morning
Beyond productivity, there is a higher reason to rise early: to seek the Lord. Morning hours offer clarity, quiet, and focus—ideal conditions for prayer, meditation, and Scripture reading. David wrote, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord” (Psalm 5:3). Early devotion sets the tone for the day and aligns the heart with eternal priorities.

Job treasured God’s words more than his necessary food (Job 23:12), and the psalmist declared them sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103). To begin the day with God is to begin with wisdom, strength, and peace.

Beyond the Morning: A Life of Diligence
Rising early is not an end in itself. It is the beginning of a life marked by diligence, responsibility, and service. Scripture commands us to work with zeal (Romans 12:11), provide for our families (Ephesians 4:28), and live quietly and productively (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12). Our duties extend to marriage, children, church, finances, and community.

God does not demand sleepless toil. Psalm 127 reminds us that He gives His beloved sleep. But He also calls us to steward our time wisely, to rise with purpose, and to labor with joy.

In conclusion, Proverbs 6:9 is not merely a rebuke—it is an invitation. An invitation to rise, to work, to seek, and to live with intention. Let us heed Solomon’s wisdom and embrace each morning as a divine opportunity.

The Enduring Wisdom of Early Rising

Leave a Comment / Health, Resolutions, Sleep

Benjamin Franklin’s enduring adage, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” encapsulates a profound truth about the relationship between our daily routines and overall well-being. This timeless wisdom continues to resonate, urging us to prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional health through disciplined habits.

The Value of a Consistent Sleep Schedule
A regular sleep routine is foundational to good health. Scientific research consistently affirms that adequate sleep enhances cognitive function, bolsters the immune system, and mitigates the risk of chronic illnesses. Retiring early facilitates deeper, more restorative sleep, enabling individuals to awaken with renewed energy and focus. This simple habit lays the groundwork for a productive and fulfilling day.

Morning Hours: A Sanctuary for Growth
Rising early offers a unique window of tranquility, ideal for introspection and personal development. The early morning is often free from distractions, allowing for meaningful engagement in activities such as journaling, meditation, reading, or exercise. These moments of solitude foster clarity, intention, and a deeper connection to one’s goals and values.

Productivity and Purpose
Numerous studies have linked early rising with increased productivity and success. Early risers are frequently more proactive, organized, and goal-oriented. Beginning the day with a clear mind and structured plan enhances efficiency and focus, empowering individuals to pursue their ambitions with vigor—whether in career advancement, financial growth, or personal fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Timeless Blueprint for Well-Being
Franklin’s proverb serves as a compelling reminder of the transformative power of disciplined daily habits. By embracing the practice of going to bed and waking up early, we cultivate a lifestyle that promotes health, sharpens the mind, and paves the way for success. Let us honor this timeless wisdom and make early rising a cornerstone of our journey toward a life of abundance and purpose.

Casual Version: Why Waking Up Early Might Just Be Your Superpower
You’ve probably heard Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” It’s one of those sayings that’s been around forever—and for good reason. Turns out, there’s a lot of truth packed into that little nugget of advice.

Sleep First, Win Later
Let’s start with the obvious: sleep. Getting enough of it isn’t just about avoiding crankiness or needing five cups of coffee to function. Good sleep helps your brain work better, keeps your immune system strong, and lowers your chances of dealing with long-term health issues. Going to bed early gives your body the rest it needs, so you wake up feeling like a superhero ready to take on the day.

Mornings = Me Time
There’s something magical about the early morning hours. It’s quiet, peaceful, and perfect for doing things that feed your soul. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, reading, or just sipping coffee in silence, mornings are a great time to focus on yourself before the world starts buzzing. That little window of calm can help you feel more grounded and intentional all day long.

Get Stuff Done
Here’s the kicker: people who wake up early tend to be more productive. They’re usually better at planning, setting goals, and getting things done. Starting your day with a clear head and a solid routine can give you a serious edge—whether you’re chasing career goals, building a side hustle, or just trying to stay on top of life.

Wrapping It Up
So yeah, Franklin was onto something. Going to bed early and waking up with the sun isn’t just old-school advice—it’s a legit life upgrade. If you’re looking to boost your health, sharpen your mind, and get ahead, try making early rising part of your daily groove. You might be surprised at how much it changes the game.

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Throughout The Year

Leave a Comment / Diet, Excercise, Health, Resolutions

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? Have you kept them and followed through so far with great success, or are you struggling thinking of giving up by now because you’ve lost the motivation you had on New Year’s Day? It’s February, soon to be Valentine’s Day, how are you doing on your new diet? Have you lost the weight yet or are you hoping the weight will come off in the next week? What about that new home project you started on January 1st, did you start it with great enthusiasm, but don’t feel like continuing with it anymore? Are you feeling overwhelmed with your New Year’s resolutions by now, or maybe considering postponing them to the summer, or even giving up on them altogether? Wait! Don’t give up on yourself yet because help is on the way. Keep reading on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions throughout the whole year and feel satisfied with yourself that you have accomplished your goals and are even ready to start new ones with even greater oomph and energy. Here’s how:

Ask Yourself:

When I thought about which New Year’s resolutions I could do was I being realistic about what I really need to do?

Many people often set an idealistic list of New Year’s resolutions that may be a struggle to follow through with which can often lead them to give up altogether shortly after weeks of trying. These feelings of despair or hopelessness set in way too quickly leaving you to feel unmotivated to achieve your newly set resolutions. Have you felt, “This is too hard or I don’t want to do this anymore?” You may be going through ‘mad-resolutions syndrome,’ a term I call out to folks who have set the bar for themselves so high that it often leads to feelings of giving up, because the goals that the person set for themselves did not realistically fit their current ability to achieve them. For example, say you set a New Year’s resolution to walk more, so you start walking three miles in your first week, then in the second week, you raise the bar for yourself to six miles, so by the time you reach the third or fourth week, you’re up to walking twelve miles or more, but then you find out you’ve developed plantar fasciitis on your right foot. You go to your doctor and he tells you you’ve now injured your foot and have to stop walking to allow it to heal. You now feel bummed, “What? I can’t walk anymore now? Argh!” Though it is good to set high standards for your New Year’s resolutions, they must be realistic and well planned out to avoid setting yourself up for an interruption that may limit or prevent you from achieving your resolution success.
When I thought about starting my New Year’s resolutions should I have asked for help from someone to help me stay motivated to complete them?

Most people usually don’t think about asking for help when they set forth to accomplish their resolutions, because they believe they can handle it by themselves. Thoughts like, “I can do this by myself,” I don’t need anybody’s help,” or “This is easy-peasy for me just watch me” can set in after you’ve complied your resolutions list, and for some people these thoughts reign true where they move forward on their own alone. Others may find it more helpful and encouraging to have someone who is able to help them offer their time and guidance so that they don’t feel all alone. Have you considered asking a reliable friend, relative, or professional for their time or advice? A friend can offer support and encouragement, as well as a relative could. A professional can offer you wise advice and guidance to help you steer in the right direction and support you through the process of achieving success with the resolutions you desire and wish to complete. It is often said that with the help of others, their genuine love, care, support, encouragement, and wise counsel can help you with setting yourself up for success and keep you running the whole year through with a greater enthusiasm. When we know people care about us and take the time to help, we can do greater things together than apart. Set yourself up for success to achieve your New Year’s resolutions by asking for help.
When I thought about which New Year’s resolutions to put on my list, did I include to having fun?

“Fun? I can have fun completing my New Year’s resolutions? How is that possible? I don’t know how I can have fun putting myself through more exercise, changing my eating habits, or even changing any bad habits that I have for that matter!” Often times on New Year’s Day people set their resolutions, start them the same day with good intentions, but quickly lose attraction to them, because they feel bored or unmotivated to keep them. Feelings like, “What am I doing this for? This is torture! I’m not enjoying this anymore, and I’m not doing this anymore!” can overwhelm you to the point of wanting to quit. So what’s missing? Fun! Enjoyment! Happiness! Have you included how to have fun completing your resolutions or have you set yourself up for gloom and doom from the start? News flash! You can have fun while learning and going through the process of resolution success. You can also give yourself wiggle room for some days, a day of rest, and not set strict guidelines or expiration dates. Remember you’re human and know yourself, what does not work for you and what motivates you. If you aim for the stars and suffer all the way on your voyage you’ll probably avoid travelling to the stars ever again. Instead, aim for the earth so you’ll have a better chance of staying grounded while having fun with your resolution voyage and stopping to-smell-the-roses- on your way.

Hope that you have enjoyed this blog. If you can relate to the content of this article and would like to ask for more help on how to achieve keeping your New Year’s resolutions, leave a comment below or contact us at DearDr.com. We would love to hear from you and hear how you are doing with achieving success so far with the resolutions you’ve set so far. Together we can do great things, have fun with it, and end the day with greater hope and joy prepared to do even greater things for the future.