https://tonyportell.com Updates from Tony Portell https://tonyportell.com/blog/two-fires-your-worst-failure-isn-t-the-end-of-your-story https://tonyportell.com/blog/two-fires-your-worst-failure-isn-t-the-end-of-your-story <div>Peter denied Jesus beside a charcoal fire. Jesus restored him beside another one. Here&rsquo;s why your worst failure isn&rsquo;t the end of your story.</div>]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:30:00 -0400 https://tonyportell.com/blog/sin-or-survival-why-the-battle-you-keep-losing-isn-t-the-end-of-your-story https://tonyportell.com/blog/sin-or-survival-why-the-battle-you-keep-losing-isn-t-the-end-of-your-story <div><br></div>]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://tonyportell.com/blog/thirsty-for-the-right-thing-what-addiction-is-really-looking-for https://tonyportell.com/blog/thirsty-for-the-right-thing-what-addiction-is-really-looking-for <div><br></div>]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:15:34 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/why-being-right-can-cost-you-your-family https://tonyportell.com/blog/why-being-right-can-cost-you-your-family <div><br></div>]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:30:00 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/what-if-it-works-out https://tonyportell.com/blog/what-if-it-works-out <div><br></div>]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:46:00 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/what-if-it-s-not-about-you https://tonyportell.com/blog/what-if-it-s-not-about-you <div>When conflict hits, the real battle often begins in the few seconds before a reaction takes over. This post explores why anger and fear surge so quickly, and offers two simple but powerful keys for interrupting that cycle before damage is done. Blending biblical wisdom, brain science, and practical spiritual habits, it reveals how a brief pause, a short prayer, and a shift in perspective can completely change the outcome of hard moments. It also uncovers the deeper reason defensiveness has such power—and what it looks like to become secure enough in God’s love to respond with strength instead of reaction.</div>]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/knots-how-we-try-to-untangle-the-issues-in-our-lives https://tonyportell.com/blog/knots-how-we-try-to-untangle-the-issues-in-our-lives <div><br></div>]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:04:57 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/when-you-are-hurting-and-someone-tells-you-to-just-pray-it-away https://tonyportell.com/blog/when-you-are-hurting-and-someone-tells-you-to-just-pray-it-away <div><br></div>]]> Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:46:00 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/meditation-to-empty-or-fill https://tonyportell.com/blog/meditation-to-empty-or-fill <div><br></div><div>For decades, popular self-help culture has promoted positive affirmations and Eastern meditation techniques designed to empty the mind, yet lasting peace remains elusive for many. Surprisingly, modern neuroscience reveals exactly why simply repeating &quot;I am enough&quot; or trying to clear your thoughts fails to create genuine neurological change. There is a profound difference between a meditation practice that subtracts from your life and one that fills it, and your brain was actually scientifically designed for the latter. Explore the fascinating intersection of ancient biblical wisdom and adult neuroplasticity to understand why a stressed, braced nervous system cannot embrace the spiritual truths you already know. Dive into the full article to discover how to stop white-knuckling your way through life and begin experiencing root-level, lasting transformation.</div>]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:43:57 -0500 https://tonyportell.com/blog/is-my-depression-a-sin https://tonyportell.com/blog/is-my-depression-a-sin <div><br></div>]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:29:00 -0500