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Finding Purpose

Kathy Stommel

Finding Purpose
Kathy Stommel
  • Living in Your True Identity as a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture

    Living in Your True Identity as a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture

    October 7, 2025 Igniting Purpose, Spritituality, Therapy

    Reclaiming Your Identity in Christ “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”— 1 Peter 2:9 In today’s world, losing sight of who we really are is easy. Culture tries to define identity everywhere we turn by performance, popularity, success, or how…

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  • Are Couple’s Intensives Worth the Price?

    Are Couple’s Intensives Worth the Price?

    September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 Igniting Purpose, Spritituality, Therapy

    Join us in December 2025 for a 3-Day Couples Intensive with Two Licensed Therapists Why an Intensive? Couples’ intensives aren’t cheap, but they may deliver faster, longer-lasting results than months (or years) of weekly therapy. Traditional sessions give you 50–60 minutes, which often barely covers last night’s argument….

    Read More Are Couple’s Intensives Worth the Price?Continue

  • Self-Regulation and Decision Making

    Self-Regulation and Decision Making

    July 3, 2025 Art, Igniting Purpose, Music, Spritituality, Therapy

    Research suggests that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions per day. Many of these decisions are small and unconscious, like whether to get up right away when the alarm goes off or stay in bed for another ten minutes. More conscious decisions, such as what to eat,…

    Read More Self-Regulation and Decision MakingContinue

  • Multicultural support group in active discussion in a gym setting indoors.

    What is the Cost of NOT Doing an Intensive

    June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 Igniting Purpose, Spritituality, Therapy

    When people consider the cost of saving their relationship, they often overlook what not taking action is truly costing them. A quick search will tell you that even an uncontested divorce starts at $5,000 to $10,000, under ideal conditions. But let’s be honest: most divorces aren’t uncontested. If you’re…

    Read More What is the Cost of NOT Doing an IntensiveContinue

  • How to Find Healing in Relationships

    How to Find Healing in Relationships

    June 9, 2025 Igniting Purpose, Spritituality, Therapy

    How to Find Healing in Relationships: Why We’re Drawn to Unhealthy Patterns The pull toward unhealthy relationships often has roots in our earliest experiences. Psychologists refer to this as developmental trauma, the emotional wounds we sustain during childhood when our caregivers are unavailable or inconsistent. Dr. Philip Flores…

    Read More How to Find Healing in RelationshipsContinue

  • Marriage, Partnership, and the Disappointment No One Talks About

    May 21, 2025 Igniting Purpose, Spritituality, Therapy

    How deeply do we all long to be loved? In my work as a therapist, I’ve seen that beneath the arguments, the miscommunications, the distance, most people simply want to feel cherished, seen, and safe in love. Relationships are where our deepest desires and our most unhealed wounds…

    Read More Marriage, Partnership, and the Disappointment No One Talks AboutContinue

  • What is an Intensive at Igniting Purpose?

    What is an Intensive at Igniting Purpose?

    May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 Art, Igniting Purpose, Music, Spritituality, Therapy

    What Is an Intensive? As an experienced therapist, I’ve found that 3-day therapy intensives are one of the most powerful and efficient ways for individuals, couples, and even groups to experience real, lasting change. Unlike weekly therapy, which can be limited by time and disrupted by life’s busyness,…

    Read More What is an Intensive at Igniting Purpose?Continue

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✧ Experiential Therapeutic Community Intensives
✧ Now taking Registrations for 2025 & 2026

Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Struggling in Relationshi Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Struggling in Relationships?
Find real answers at Igniting Purpose. Our 3.5-day Christ-centered healing intensives in the peaceful hills of Tennessee combine licensed Christian counseling, trauma recovery, equine therapy, adventure therapy, and creative healing to help you experience breakthrough and renewed purpose.
If you are near Nashville or Franklin and need tim If you are near Nashville or Franklin and need time away to reset, Igniting Purpose offers a calm healing retreat in the Tennessee countryside. As a spiritual retreat center, we combine licensed counseling with a Christ-centered approach so you can work on what is really going on, not just the surface stuff. Our Christian counseling retreat options include focused days and multi-day intensives for individuals, couples, and small groups. Couples can also explore a Christian marriage intensive that supports healthier communication, trust, and connection. We also offer equine therapy as part of the process, which can help you notice patterns and emotions in a different way. If you are coming from Asheville or the surrounding area, we can help you plan a retreat that fits your goals and pace. Visit our website to book a discovery call and take the next step.
Step away from the constant noise of the news cycl Step away from the constant noise of the news cycle, social media, and the unrest happening around the world. At Igniting Purpose, we provide a space for healing and peace where you can learn how to find calm even in the middle of life’s storms.

Here, you’ll discover practical tools to help you navigate relationships, overcome fear, and build an inner sense of peace that goes beyond understanding. You don’t have to keep struggling alone.

Hope, healing, and support are available. Take the first step toward peace today. ✨
Step away from the constant noise of the news cycl Step away from the constant noise of the news cycle, social media, and the unrest happening around the world. At Igniting Purpose, we provide a space for healing and peace where you can learn how to find calm even in the middle of life’s storms.

Here, you’ll discover practical tools to help you navigate relationships, overcome fear, and build an inner sense of peace that goes beyond understanding. You don’t have to keep struggling alone.

Hope, healing, and support are available. Take the first step toward peace today. ✨
If you live near Nashville or Franklin and need a If you live near Nashville or Franklin and need a quiet place to reset, Igniting Purpose offers a healing retreat in the peaceful hills of Tennessee. As a spiritual retreat center, we combine faith and professional care to support real change in your life and relationships. Our Christian counseling retreat options include guided group intensives, personal sessions, and couples work in a calm setting that helps you slow down and focus. For deeper support, we also offer Christian intensive therapy and equine therapy to help you process what talk therapy alone may not reach. Guests also travel in from Asheville for a few days away that feels safe, grounded, and purpose-filled. Visit our website to learn about upcoming intensives and take the next step.
🎷✨ Blues & Jazz Night with MERJ at Wandering Brook 🎷✨ Blues & Jazz Night with MERJ at Wandering Brooke ✨🎷
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4th at 6:30 PM and join us for another unforgettable evening of live music at Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue!

We’re thrilled to welcome back MERJ, featuring two incredible saxophone players, and this month we’re excited to introduce special guest Isaiah Guidry for an even more soulful experience. 🎶

🍴 Light bites available
🍷 BYOB – bring your favorite beverage and settle in for the evening
🎟️ Admission is free – donations will be graciously accepted and deeply appreciated to support our musicians and help us continue these monthly community nights.

These gatherings are all about bringing people together through music, connection, and the beauty of our venue. Come relax, mingle, and let the smooth sounds of blues and jazz carry you into the weekend.

📍 Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue
🗓 Saturday, April 4th
⏰ 6:30 PM

Invite a friend and join us for a night of rhythm, community, and good vibes. 💙

#WanderingBrookeNights #MERJ #LiveMusic #JazzAndBlues #CommunityGathering BYOB SupportLocalMusic
Time with gentle animals and open space can help y Time with gentle animals and open space can help you slow down and hear what is really going on inside. At Igniting Purpose, our healing retreat near Nashville offers a calm place to step away from daily stress and focus on real change. If you are coming from Franklin or driving in from Asheville, you can join us for equine therapy as part of a Christ-centered approach to growth and healing. We also offer a Christian counseling retreat and Christian intensive therapy for individuals, couples, and groups who want focused support in a safe setting. If you need a spiritual retreat center that blends professional care with faith, reach out through our website to schedule a discovery call and learn what program fits you best.
At Igniting Purpose, we offer equine therapy as pa At Igniting Purpose, we offer equine therapy as part of a Christ-centered path to healing and growth. If you are coming from Nashville, Franklin, or Asheville and want a quiet place to reset, our healing retreat in the hills near Nashville can help you slow down and get clear. Our spiritual retreat center combines licensed counseling with hands-on experiences that can reach places talk alone does not. You can join a Christian counseling retreat or explore Christian intensive therapy in an individual, couples, or group format, all in a safe and respectful setting. If you are carrying stress, trauma, or relationship strain, we focus on Christian mental health with practical steps you can take home. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a time to talk with our team.
If you are near Nashville, Franklin, or Asheville If you are near Nashville, Franklin, or Asheville and need space to slow down and heal, Igniting Purpose is a healing retreat set in the quiet Tennessee countryside. Our equine therapy sessions help you notice patterns, build trust, and work through what feels stuck in a calm setting. We are a spiritual retreat center with Christ-centered care, led by licensed counselors who take your story seriously. If you need deeper support than weekly sessions, ask about our Christian intensive therapy options, including group and individual intensives. Couples can also explore a Christian marriage intensive to rebuild connection and improve communication. Visit our website to schedule a discovery call and see which retreat option fits you best.
At Igniting Purpose, we offer a healing retreat se At Igniting Purpose, we offer a healing retreat setting where you can slow down, breathe, and do meaningful work in a calm, comfortable space. Our spiritual retreat center near Nashville is built for people who want faith-based care along with professional support. Many guests travel from Nashville, Franklin, and Asheville for a Christian counseling retreat that goes deeper than weekly sessions. If you are ready for focused change, our Christian intensive therapy options are designed to help you face hard patterns, process pain, and build healthier ways forward. We also offer equine therapy as part of select intensives, which can help you notice emotions and responses you may not catch in talk therapy alone. Visit our website to schedule a discovery call and see which retreat option fits you best.
If you are near Nashville, Franklin, or Asheville If you are near Nashville, Franklin, or Asheville and need time away to reset, Igniting Purpose offers a healing retreat in the quiet hills of Tennessee. Our spiritual retreat center is built for people who want real support, not just a quick break. We offer a Christian counseling retreat with guided sessions that help you work through anxiety, trauma, grief, and burnout in a safe, Christ-centered setting. For deeper work, we provide Christian intensive therapy options for individuals and couples, with space to slow down and make lasting change. We also offer equine therapy as part of select intensives, which can help you notice patterns and emotions in a different way. If you want to learn more and see if an intensive is a good fit, reach out through our website to schedule a discovery call.
🎉 FREE Music Night — Help Us Ring in the New Year 🎉 FREE Music Night — Help Us Ring in the New Year with Joe Turley! 🎶
January 17, 2026 | Wanderingbrooke Venue|free food
We’re kicking off the new year with an unforgettable night of live music, community, and pure musical joy — featuring the incredible Joe Turley!
“My passion is playing and writing music, anytime anywhere, especially live and with great musicians. There’s nothing like the energy, joy and connection music can bring. It’s a God gift ... slipped through the cracks of heaven.”
— Joe Turley
Joe is a dynamic singer-songwriter and entertainer — a true multi-instrumentalist who plays keyboards, sax, harmonica, and guitar. He has released two award-winning albums (with a third now available) and has shared the stage and toured with legends including:
🌟 Dolly Parton • Leon Russell • Edgar Winter • Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings • Dr. Hook • The Shirelles • Bobby Bare • Radney Foster and more.
You may have seen Joe perform at iconic venues like:
🎤 Austin City Limits • The Blue Note • B.B. King’s • Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
As bandleader of Ivory Joe & the Midnight Howlers for over 20 years, Joe brings soul, fun, and unmatched musical energy. Today, he continues writing, recording — and yes — even foot-drumming.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Night:
• FREE live music from a world-class artist
• A warm, welcoming space to connect and build community
• A chance to support musicians and the arts
• A joyful way to step into the new year together
Bring friends, bring good vibes — and get ready for a night that reminds us why live music matters.
🎶 We can’t wait to see you there — let’s start 2026 on a high note!
— Wanderingbrooke Venue #FreeMusicNight
#LiveMusic
#JoeTurley
#WanderingbrookeVenue
#community getoutsndhavefun
🎉 FREE Music Night — Help Us Ring in the New Year 🎉 FREE Music Night — Help Us Ring in the New Year with Joe Turley! 🎶
January 17, 2026 | Wanderingbrooke Venue
We’re kicking off the new year with an unforgettable night of live music, community, and pure musical joy — featuring the incredible Joe Turley!
“My passion is playing and writing music, anytime anywhere, especially live and with great musicians. There’s nothing like the energy, joy and connection music can bring. It’s a God gift ... slipped through the cracks of heaven.”
— Joe Turley
Joe is a dynamic singer-songwriter and entertainer — a true multi-instrumentalist who plays keyboards, sax, harmonica, and guitar. He has released two award-winning albums (with a third now available) and has shared the stage and toured with legends including:
🌟 Dolly Parton • Leon Russell • Edgar Winter • Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings • Dr. Hook • The Shirelles • Bobby Bare • Radney Foster and more.
You may have seen Joe perform at iconic venues like:
🎤 Austin City Limits • The Blue Note • B.B. King’s • Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
As bandleader of Ivory Joe & the Midnight Howlers for over 20 years, Joe brings soul, fun, and unmatched musical energy. Today, he continues writing, recording — and yes — even foot-drumming.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Night:
• FREE live music from a world-class artist
• A warm, welcoming space to connect and build community
• A chance to support musicians and the arts
• A joyful way to step into the new year together
Bring friends, bring good vibes — and get ready for a night that reminds us why live music matters.
🎶 We can’t wait to see you there — let’s start 2026 on a high note!
— Wanderingbrooke Venue
🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz with MERJ at Wandering 🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz with MERJ at Wandering Brooke! 🌿🎷
We’re so excited to share that since opening our doors last November, we’ve been dreaming of ways to bring our community together — and now it’s happening! 💫
Join us for the first in our new monthly music series at Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue, where we’ll feature a fresh style of music each month. We’re kicking things off with a night of smooth blues and jazz from the incredible MERJ 🎶 with special guest Isaiah Guidry 🎷🎶
🍴 Complimentary hors d’oeuvres
🍷 BYOB – bring your favorite drink
🎶 Talented and gifted players setting the tone for a soulful evening!
Come relax, connect, and experience the charm of our nature-inspired venue as music fills the air. 🌾
And yes — it’s completely FREE!
📅 Saturday, November 15, 6:30
📍 Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue
185 Dry Fork Road, Brush Creek, TN
Let’s make this the start of something beautiful — where music, community, and nature come together. 💙🎵
#WanderingBrookeNights #MERJ #LiveMusic #CommunityVibes #JazzAndBlues #BYOB #FreeEvent #WanderingBrookeVenue #BluesNight #LocalMusic
🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz at Wandering Brooke! 🌿🎷 🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz at Wandering Brooke! 🌿🎷
Step into the soothing sounds of live jazz and blues surrounded by the natural charm of Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue — where music meets the gentle beauty of our woodland setting. 🌾
🎶 Experience awesome musicians filling the air with smooth, soulful melodies.
🍴 Savor complimentary hors d’oeuvres while you relax and mingle.
🍷 BYOB – Bring your favorite beverage and create your perfect evening vibe!
And the best part? It’s FREE! 🎉
This is the first of our monthly music nights, where we’ll feature a new style each time — from bluegrass and country to R&B and beyond — bringing our community together through the shared love of sound, stories, and connection.
📅 Saturday, November 15th, 2025, 6:30pm
📍 Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue
185 Dry Fork Road, Brush Creek, TN 38547
Let’s gather, sip, and sway as we celebrate the art of music in nature’s embrace. 💙🎵
#WanderingBrookeNights #LiveMusic #CommunityVibes #JazzAndBlues #BYOB #FreeEvent #WanderingBrookeVenue
🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz at Wandering Brooke! 🌿🎷 🎷🌿 A Night of Blues & Jazz at Wandering Brooke! 🌿🎷
Step into the soothing sounds of live jazz and blues surrounded by the natural charm of Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue — where music meets the gentle beauty of our woodland setting. 🌾
🎶 Experience great players filling the air with smooth, soulful melodies.
🍴 Savor complimentary hors d’oeuvres while you relax and mingle.
🍷 BYOB – Bring your favorite beverage and create your perfect evening vibe!
And the best part? It’s FREE! 🎉
This is the first of our monthly music nights, where we’ll feature a new style each time — from bluegrass and country to R&B and beyond — bringing our community together through the shared love of sound, stories, and connection.
📅 Saturday, Nov 15th at 6:30pm
📍 Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue
Let’s gather, sip, and sway as we celebrate the art of music in nature’s embrace. 💙🎵
#WanderingBrookeNights #LiveMusic #CommunityVibes #JazzAndBlues #BYOB #FreeEvent #WanderingBrookeVenue
🎷 ✨ A Night of Jazz, Blues & Community in a Beauti 🎷 ✨ A Night of Jazz, Blues & Community in a Beautiful Venue with Nature as Our Backdrop✨ 🎷
Join us for our first-ever Monthly Music Night at Wandering Brooke Wedding Venue, a magical evening where soulful Jazz & Blues fill the air, featuring a live band with not one, but TWO incredible saxophone players! 🎶
Relax in the beauty of nature, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and bring along your favorite drink to sip as you unwind, connect, and make memories with friends old and new. 🍇🥂
🌿 Where: Brush Creek, TN
📅 When: Saturday, November 15th, 6:30pm
🎵 Vibe: Smooth Jazz, Soulful Blues, Warm Community
This is more than a concert — it’s a celebration of music, connection, and calm.
✨ Space is limited — don’t miss this unforgettable night! ✨
#LiveMusic #JazzAndBlues #CommunityNight #FarmVenueEvents #UnwindUnderTheStars #SupportLocalMusic #NatureVibes #goodtimestogether
💞 Couple’s Intensive Workshop | December 3–6, 2025 💞 Couple’s Intensive Workshop | December 3–6, 2025
We’re offering a Couple’s Intensive Workshop this December 3–6, 2025 — at just one-third the cost of most 3-day intensives!
💰 $3,000 per couple for 3 days with two experienced Christian experiential therapists.
This workshop is for couples who want to take a deeper dive into understanding themselves and explore the barriers that keep them from staying connected — to themselves, to God, and to each other.
So often, we don’t realize how our coping strategies — the ways we protect ourselves — can actually create distance in close relationships. When we become aware of these patterns, we can make new choices that bring healing and connection.
This experience isn’t about collecting tools or techniques — it’s about discovering how you show up and becoming your authentic self in your relationship.
🌿 Space is limited to 5 couples so each person receives the individual attention they deserve.
If this speaks to you, message us today to reserve your spot — spaces will go fast! 💫
#CouplesIntensive #ChristianCounseling #MarriageHealing #RelationshipGrowth #FaithAndHealing #AuthenticConnection #ChristianTherapy #MarriageJourney #HealingTogether #MarriageIntensive #CouplesRetreat #EmotionalHealing #ChristianMarriage #InnerWork #GrowTogether #FaithBasedHealing #CouplesWorkshop #HeartWork #ChristianCouples #DeepConnection
🌿 How to Forgive When It Feels Impossible Forgiven 🌿 How to Forgive When It Feels Impossible
Forgiveness isn’t a one-time act, it’s a journey of prayer, healing, and surrender. 💫
Start small.
Ask God to open the door to forgiveness, even if just a crack.
Pray for the other person, invite God to heal your heart, and ask Him to reveal what’s truly behind your pain.
Then, keep showing up letting His love do what only He can.
Each prayer softens your heart a little more.
Each moment of surrender brings peace closer.
And before you know it… forgiveness becomes freedom. 🤍
✨ “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
#ForgivenessJourney #FaithOverFeelings #HeartHealing #ChristianEncouragement #LetGoAndLetGod #PrayerChangesThings #JesusHeals #FaithInAction #GodsLoveHeals #SpiritualGrowth #WalkInLove #GraceInAction #HealingThroughFaith #ChristianInspiration
✨ Who Am I in a World That Keeps Changing? 🌿 Have ✨ Who Am I in a World That Keeps Changing?
🌿 
Have you ever felt unsure of who you are anymore?
You love God, but the world feels louder than your faith.
One day you’re confident in truth, the next, you’re questioning everything you were taught.
You’re not alone. Many Christians today are navigating what it means to live faithfully in a culture that constantly redefines truth, identity, and morality.
Here’s the good news:
💜 Your identity isn’t something you have to build, it’s something you’ve already been given.
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” — 1 Peter 2:9
When we come back to intimacy with God through prayer, stillness, and the Word, clarity returns. Healing happens. Peace replaces confusion.
If you’ve ever felt wounded by religion or unsure where you fit in this world, this article is for you. 🌸
➡️ Read the full post: “Living in Your True Identity as a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture” (link in bio) kathystommelartist.com
#IdentityInChrist #ChristianHealing #FaithJourney #PostChristianCulture #ChristianTherapist #HealingInChrist #BiblicalTruth #ignitingpurpose
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