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amberginterauthor

Teacher-turned-author 📚|
Jesus has my ❤️| @bennyj35 💍💒| Granola Fanatic 🌱|
Christian Mental Health Advocate ✨
@authorconservatory Nonfiction

I think we can all agree our furry friends are the

I think we can all agree our furry friends are the best, right? They show us unconditional love, relentless compassion, and character, aren’t afraid to let their personality shine, and are one of the most resilient creatures I’ve ever met. But you know what else many of them are?

Anxious. And that doesn’t make them any less deserving of love, joy, and happiness. So why it should it make us?

As humans, we’re quick to judge ourselves and others. Especially when it comes to mental health as a Christian. Maybe the compassion and forgiveness we show our pets is the same empathy and grace we need to give ourselves.

Not because we’re perfect, have it all together, or don’t need help, but because Jesus isn’t ashamed of our human weaknesses and neither should we be. Just as we love our furry friends despite their quirks and anxiety, Christ Jesus loves us amid ours. He sees our struggles and knows. And that’s abundantly more than okay. Even with our anxieties.

Feeling Blue? 3 Steps for a More Peaceful Season❄️✨

The chill outside my window sunk deeper than the bone. Despite the crackling fire and pile of blankets, I was shivering. The ache I felt was one many feel as the seasons shift and change. Suddenly, we’re surrounded by more darkness than light. And yet, there is hope.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I sense something else is stirring in your heart. Maybe it’s overwhelm. Perhaps it complacency. Even more, is it feelings of dread, anxiety, or sadness? You’re not alone. I’ve felt it too.

If winter is threatening to steal your joy this time of year, here are 3 practical steps I use to find peace in this season.

1. Slow Down. I know what you’re thinking. “I can’t slow down. I’m too busy.” But friends, one of the best ways to calm our anxious and weary souls is by stopping, taking a pause, and bringing our attention to this moment. During the holiday, lots of things are on our minds. But taking just 3-5 minutes to deep breathe and pray does wonders. Try using a 4-4-8 pattern. Inhale 4 seconds through your nose, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and then exhale for 8 seconds through your mouth.

2. Be Present. Similar to slowing down, being present is just as hard. This world constantly fights for our attention. Instead of busying through this season, make room for sacred spaces and moments. Get up five minutes early and look outside your window. Eat a meal without your phone. Take a prayer walk during one of your work breaks. These 5-10 minutes can help you focus on your surroundings, breathe deeply, and talk to God about what’s on your heart. It’s also a simple way to ground yourself amidst the chaos.

3. Be Mindful. This holiday, ask yourself: “Will this matter in five minutes, five hours, or five years?” When you find yourself stressing over tasks, refocus on what truly matters—like spending quality time with loved ones. Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about being fully present. Set a timer for a few minutes each day to just be. Notice your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It’s amazing what peace can come from simply pausing.

Do You Struggle to Rest💖 I've heard it said th

Do You Struggle to Rest💖

I've heard it said that if you don’t make time for your wellness, you'll be forced to make time for your illness (Joyce Sunada). Can you relate?

I’ve been running on empty for six years. My body is screaming for me to stop, but I keep going. Deep down, I fear that if I pause, I won’t be able to start again. But how do cars run without gas? How do minds function in a constant state of overthinking? Spoiler Alert: they don’t.

Society's Definition of Rest: We’ve been told that rest is weakness and busyness is the ultimate goal. 🙄 If I take a day off, will people think I’m lazy? These beliefs are harmful and can lead to burnout and shame.

A Biblical Definition of Rest: Jesus shows us a different way. 🌼 Hebrews 4 tells us that God's promise of rest still stands. It’s not just for those who "have it all together." He offers rest as a gift for everyone.

Here’s the kicker: We must trust and believe that rest is possible—even when it feels countercultural. 💪 We must choose to step into solitude even when the noise around us seems to grow louder. It's not going to be easy. Just like the Israelites who struggled with accepting God’s provision, we often resist taking a break.

But Rest Requires Trust and Action: To receive this promise of rest, we need faith beyond what our eyes can see. We also need to hit pause and make space to listen and breathe. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that if we’re weary, we should come to Him for rest. And He's not afraid or ashamed of the weight we carry.

The discomfort and mental health struggles may still be there. Culture is going to push back against your decision to rest. But by leaning into God’s truth, and taking practical action steps, we can find grace and mercy when we need it most.

Let’s challenge those racing thoughts and embrace the peace that comes from trusting Him. What's one way you can start embracing God's rest today? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#StruggleWithRest #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #FaithOverFear #YouAreNotAlone #GodsPromise #HealingJourney #BurnoutRecovery #TrustTheProcess #GraceAndMercy #ChristianAuthor #Writer #WritersofInstagram

Have you ever found it hard to worship God when li

Have you ever found it hard to worship God when life is hard? Have you ever felt like a fraud because you didn’t feel “in the moment”? Have you ever wondered how some people praise God in pain and still seem authentic? Me too.

My friend @katielynnegutierrez and I (@aginter1996) will be discussing questions like these TOMORROW (Monday, 12/9/24 at 7pm EST), and we’d love to have you.

What Will You Learn?

❤️How to authentically worship God no matter where your emotions are at.
❤️How to silence the inner critic that tells you you’re a fake worshipper.
❤️How to delight in God’s presence even when it’s hard.
❤️Practical ways to start worshipping God daily.
❤️And more!

Sign up at the link below: https://gle.ayr.mybluehost.me/landing-page-how-to-worship-when-life-is-hard/

What beauty will you find in these ordinary days?

What beauty will you find in these ordinary days? Despite the weight of crippling anxiety and depression that just won’t cease?

Is it the sunlight creeping through the window? The way it hits the glass.

Is it the smile on their face? The one you wish you had on yours.

Is it the mundane moments we overlook? Not the highlights, but the ones we miss, looking for mountains when the beauty is in the small, overlooked, hurried past, insignificant—commonplace.

I get it. Darkness clouds your vision. Your ability to see beyond the light. Anxiety swirls thick and you wonder if life will always be this way.

But the beauty is still there, friend. And if it takes medication, therapy, coping skills, and grounding techniques to get you to that place, then so be it.

What a God we serve to find beauty in the mundane. In medication. In therapy. In sunlight peeking through the trees. In doggy kisses and silly faces. In the ordinary. Not the spectacle. In the every day.

The Stories We Tell ✨ 10 years ago, someone ask

The Stories We Tell ✨

10 years ago, someone asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I was 18 and had no clue.

10 years later, I’m still just as clueless. I think I’m inching closer to “my calling,” but I’m wrestling to know what that means.

I start and end my day with a prayer: “God, please help me. Show me what matters, and help me let go of what doesn’t.” Most days, I talk too much—too busy to hear Him speak. I’m trying to get better at listening, sitting in stillness, finding hope in mundane moments.

I’m learning to be a wife. An author. That it’s okay to get help for mental health struggles. To swallow the pill if I need to swallow more for the anxiety and depression that doesn’t fade. 💙

I’m unsure if the Amber from 10 years ago would be proud or ashamed. But I do know that somewhere inside this weak and battered soul, I’m still me.

I might look or think differently. I know I worry twice as much. I’ve lost friends, gained some. Changed careers and started over more than I can count. I’ve seen victories, and mountains in the presence of grief and sorrow. I’ve been through more than most people know. 🏔️

But I know God still has a purpose for me and will see it through to completion. No one and nothing can stop Him. Not even me.

What if all the pain I’ve endured serves a purpose?What if these tears I’ve cried are planting seeds to grow? 🌱 What if the girl I’ve become isn’t who I want to be, but part of who I’ll eventually be?

The memories I’ve skipped over, everyday moments I thought didn’t matter—they’ll soon become the story I’m writing. Beginning. Middle. End.

We don’t always love our stories, but if you take one piece out, the pacing is off. I’m learning to embrace it all. 💛

I hope you’ll continue your journey, knowing the good and bad, the ugly and beautiful, make up who you are. Even if there are parts you don’t like, we’re all still becoming who God called us to be. 🌻

Life is a journey; we might as well enjoy it. It’s made of snapshots—moments that turn into memories, and memories become the stories we’ll someday tell. 📚

Every moment matters in your story. Even the parts you try to hide mean the most to people like me. 💛

Hey friends! 💖 There are so many new faces her

Hey friends! 💖

There are so many new faces here, so I wanted to reintroduce myself! 🥰

I’m Amber Ginter Johnson—teacher-turned-author, freelance writer, and someone with an unwavering love for Jesus. 💫 I’m not a doctor or therapist, but I’m a follower of Christ who’s here to walk with you through the tough stuff. Why? Because I know what it’s like to feel unseen and get the “just pray more” answers when you’re struggling. 🙃

My relationship with Jesus is at the core of everything I do. He’s my healer, my strength, and the one who gives me hope, even on the hardest days. 🙏🏼💖

Here’s a little about me:

I love Jesus with all my heart and everything I do flows from that love. ✝️

I’m obsessed with dogs, dancing, writing, reading, and hiking 🏞️🥾

Granola is my go-to snack 🙌🏼
Wanderlust is real—I’m always dreaming of my next adventure ✈️

And my husband Ben is my best friend and the biggest blessing in my life 💫

I’m about to graduate from the Author Conservatory 👩‍🎓 and am working on getting my first book published 📚.

I adore @confetticakeproject @josieepettit and @twloha because they’re reaching people in need.💛🥹😌

A song that always speaks to my heart is Take a Moment by United Pursuit (@unitedpursuit ). It reminds me that even on my darkest days or when my anxiety feels overwhelming, I’m still a child of God, and He’s still my Father. It’s a reminder to hold on to who He is and who I am, no matter what’s going on. 🙌🏼

My mission? To help you heal—mind, body, and soul—through the power of Jesus and practical, biblical strategies. ✨

💖 You are seen. You are loved. You are chosen. Even if you’re hanging on to the worn thread of His garment with your very last breath. Keep clinging to those promises. God is faithful, and He’s with you to the end.💕

#MentalHealthAwareness #FaithOverFear #YouAreLoved #JesusHeals #HealingInChrist #FaithAndHealing #StayStrong #AuthorLife #WanderlustVibes

POV: When you realize self-care is anything but se

POV: When you realize self-care is anything but selfish….even as a Christian.😎

💛For years, I was told placing others above yourself was the way to go, but even Jesus needed to step away to recharge (Luke 5:16).

🙅‍♀️He turned down crowds to spend time with His Father because without that, He couldn’t give what He didn’t have.

☔️It’s a rainy Wednesday in November, and I’m longing for memories like the one in this video where I explored the beautiful mountains in Colorado’s national parks. 🏞️

🚗Though the journey was hard and windy, the beauty reminded me that good things are often hard—just like self-care. And they take time. But they are anything but selfish.

😌I’m learning to embrace the quiet, knowing that the time I take to rest will fill me up to serve others better.

🗓️Busy will always be there, but you have the power to say no. Taking time for yourself isn’t weak, prideful, or foolish. It’s holy. It’s necessary. 🕊️

#SelfCareIsHoly #RestInHim #Recharge #JesusTime #YouAreNotSelfish #authorsofinstagram #writer

Special thanks to @confetticakeproject and @josieepettit for this inspiration. ❤️Check them out for more self-care tips from a biblical and practical perspective!

Are You Coughing Up Idols? 🤒💔 “Achoo!” I

Are You Coughing Up Idols? 🤒💔
“Achoo!” It’s that time of year again—sneezes are everywhere! 🙄💨 As I rushed to grab my zinc and wash my hands, I thought: how often do we take our spiritual health as seriously as our physical? 🤔💭

Here’s my takeaway:
* I’m a total germaphobe. Hand sanitizer? Always! 🧴
* But what if we applied that same caution to our hearts? 💖

In Ezekiel 14, God speaks to Israel about their heart issues. They look fine on the outside, but inside? Crumbling. 😢 It’s a spiritual “common cold.”

We all have our mountains:
* Idolatry? Check. ✅
* Lust? Check. ✅
* Pride? Check. ✅
* Jealousy? Check. ✅

These are conditions of the heart that need healing! Just like we don’t want to catch the flu, we shouldn’t want to catch spiritual sickness either. 🤧

How to stay spiritually healthy:
* Cultivate Community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Share your struggles with those you trust. 💬🤝
* Practice Vulnerability: Embrace your flaws and be real with yourself and others. Authenticity fosters healing. 🌱✨
* Engage in Service: Pour into others through acts of kindness or advocacy. It shifts your focus outward. 🤗❤️
* Find Creative Outlets: Write, dance, or express yourself in ways that connect you with God and bring you joy. 🎨💃
* Reflect and Journal: Take time to process your thoughts and feelings. Document your journey to spiritual wellness. Tell God how you really feel. 📓✍️

Don’t forget: Physical health and spiritual health go hand in hand. Let’s spray some spiritual Lysol and clear out the idols! 🧼💨

This cold season, care for your heart just as much as your body. “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21, NLT) 💖

Stay healthy, friends!

#SpiritualHealth #HeartCheck #FaithAndWellness #Healing #Idolatry #Ezekiel #ChristianMentalHealth #instagood #Jesus #Faith #Hope #Writer #Author #Christian #writersofinstagram #writer #writerscommunity #writing #writers

💔 Awards That *Don’t* Exist 💔 Have you ev

💔 Awards That *Don’t* Exist 💔

Have you ever caught yourself chasing awards that don’t even exist? 🤯 I’m talking about things like:

🏆 Most Perfect
🏆 Never Said ‘No’
🏆 Rested the Least
🏆 Didn’t Need Help
🏆 Worked the Longest
🏆 Didn’t Make Any Mistakes
🏆 Lived Up to Everyone’s Expectations

Yikes, right?! I’ve been guilty of striving for these, too. They feel like accomplishments, but they’re pressures that can break you.

🙅‍♀️ Let’s break them down, talk about why they’re unrealistic—and how we can shift toward healthier, more peaceful living. 🕊️

✨ 1. "Most Perfect"
You know that feeling when you’re obsessed with being flawless? 👀 Trust me, chasing perfection doesn’t get you an award—it leaves you exhausted. We’re human, not robots, and that’s okay. Let go of perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, to mess up, and to fail—this is how we grow. 🌱

✨ 2. "Never Said ‘No’"
I used to be the queen of saying yes to everything. 🙋‍♀️ Overcommitting until I was completely burned out. One ‘no’ might be the best gift you can give yourself. Saying ‘no’ doesn’t make you lazy—it makes room for what matters. 🚪

✨ 3. "Rested the Least"
Running on empty? Trust me, that’s NOT a compliment. 😩 It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle culture, but let's be real: rest is essential. If you don’t make time to recharge, your body will eventually force you to. 🛑 Don’t wait until you’re crashing—take 5-minute breaks, get some sleep, and take care of YOU. 💆‍♀️

✨ 4. "Didn’t Need Help"
This one hits hard. 💔 For so long, I thought needing help made me weak. But we weren’t made to do life alone. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. It’s okay to lean on others—it’s a superpower, not a weakness. 🙌

✨ 5. "Worked the Longest"
Been there, done that. 🤦‍♀️ Trying to prove my worth through overworking… but guess what? You’re not your job. You’re so much more than that. Work hard, but make time for fun, rest, and life outside of your to-do list.

Which "award" have you been chasing?

Remember: You don’t have to earn your worth. You are worthy. 🙌💕

#NoMoreAwards #LetGoOfPerfection #YouAreEnough #MentalHealthMatters #ChristianWriter #author

My dad texted me this photo this week. He said, “It makes my eyes wet. I miss him so much.” I agreed; it made me tear up, too. But instead of sitting with the emotions that swelled within me, I busied myself with another task, quickly forgetting the moment.

There’d always be another time to process and feel, right? Another time to sit in this discomfort rather than let it suffocate me. Maybe, but maybe not.

When I came across the photo again this weekend, it prodded a tender place in my heart. My half-brother Ryan and I had a complicated relationship. I spent much of my life scared of him—what he might do or was capable of. Substance abuse sucks the life out of those we love and doesn’t discriminate. Once it takes their lives, we’re left to sort the pieces and carry the weight of their absence. It’s left me grieving not only for Ryan, but my other half-brother, who’s battling addiction to this day. I worry for him and people like him every day.

If you’re grieving a lost loved one—or avoiding grieving because it’s easier to fill the space than feel the void—please know you’re not alone. Mourning comes in waves; it ebbs and flows as a part of life. For those of us who lost someone we wanted a better life for, our hearts will always ache.

Might I make one suggestion as you process this pain? Take the time to work through what you’re feeling. Don’t push it down. Don’t swat it away. Don’t think it’s wrong to feel what you’re feeling inside.

A few day’s after Ryan’s death, my dear friend Beth sent me a second photo. As the founder of COMO, she understood the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing. I’d gone on a mission trip with them in 2017 and seen the profound work they were doing for people like my half brothers. She’d read the raw reflections I wrote about Ryan on the day he died and encouraged me with these words:

“I just read the story about your brother. I don’t think Jesus ever abandons people when they need him the most. This picture to me says where Jesus is in addiction.”

And guess what? On that day, and many others, “my eyes were wet.” And that’s okay.

Taking time to acknowledge your feelings and process them isn’t time wasted.

How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder 💖

How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder 💖

🌱 If I could turn back the clock to when I was fourteen, I’m honestly not sure I would. I was knee-deep in an exercise addiction and a rocky relationship with food—my go-to coping mechanisms for the chaos around me. Trauma can bring out the worst in us, even when we’re trying our best.

Lately, I’ve had countless conversations with people struggling with eating disorders, and it's a misconception that this only affects girls. Did you know around 30 million people in the U.S. are dealing with this? 🙁

Eating disorders can take many forms:
1. Anorexia
2. Bulimia
3. Binge Eating Disorder
4. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders

I’m no expert, but as someone who’s been in the trenches, I know how vital support is. Recovery is a journey, often taken one day at a time. So how can we help those we love who are struggling?

1️⃣ Lend an Ear: Sometimes, just listening is the best support you can give. People need to feel heard without judgment. 💖
2️⃣ Extend Care: It’s tough to confront loved ones, especially if they’re in denial. But showing you care—without criticism—builds trust. It's important to help them seek professional help if needed.
3️⃣ Get Informed: Knowledge is power! Learn about eating disorders to provide better support. Check out resources like NAMI and NEDA. 📚
4️⃣ Avoid Assumptions: Remember, eating disorders aren’t just about body image or appearance. They can affect anyone, regardless of gender or background.

As a Christian, I used to feel ashamed of my struggles. But guess what? Jesus died for all of it—my shame, my fears, and my battles. We need to show love and understanding, not just to those who seem perfect.

Mental health is real and affects everyone, even the best Christians. Let’s step up and be there for those in need. Start with a listening ear and a caring heart, just like Jesus would. ❤️

How will you support a friend today?

#MentalHealthMatters #EatingDisorders #RecoveryJourney #SupportEachOther #YouAreNotAlone #ChristianCommunity #ListenToUnderstand #BreakTheStigma #HealthAtEverySize #BodyPositivity #Mindfulness #RealTalk #Author

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Faith in God is not life-giving if you ignore your mental and emotional health. Healthy faith attends to what you're feeling because it expresses the needs of your heart and soul.
Kristi Gaultiere (SoulShepherding)

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December 23, 2024
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December 17, 2024
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