There Is A River Blog

The Cyborg in the Kitchen

Martha Sandino

Published on: 01/03/2026

What if you aren’t your reactions? A kitchen conflict revealed the internal “cyborg” that generates defensive responses—and the biblical path to governing it. Scripture restores the gap between trigger and choice in recovery and everyday life.

biblical self control in emotional conflictgap between stimulus and response scripturenervous system regulation in recoverychristian perspective on free will and behaviorintegrated recovery mind body soul texashow to govern your thoughts with scripturebiblical mindfulness vs secular mindfulness

The Damage of Anxiety and the Divine Exchange That Heals It

Martha Sandino

Published on: 25/02/2026

Anxiety fuels spirals and even addiction. Discover how biblical wisdom and neuroscience offer a powerful replacement that restores peace.

Christian perspective on anxiety and nervous system regulationBiblical solution for anxiety and fearHow gratitude rewires the brain for peaceScripture and neuroscience on anxiety reliefChristian women’s sober living in San AntonioIntegrated recovery for women mind body and soulFaith-based anxiety recovery strategiesHow anxiety contributes to addictionStructured women’s sober living home in San Antonio TXhttps://thereisariver.com/https://thereisariver.com/application

When the Dishes Become the Main Thing

Martha Sandino

Published on: 14/02/2026

A sink full of dishes revealed something deeper about nervous system regulation and attentional narrowing. Drawing from Psalm 73, this reflection explores how small disruptions hijack perspective—and how entering the “sanctuary” restores scale and peace.

nervous system regulationdysregulation in daily lifewhy am i so upset?

Walking Two Miles: Regulating Yourself in Unwanted Obligations

Martha Sandino

Published on: 12/02/2026

Facing something unpleasant or something you're forced to do is enough to ruin anyone's day. But taking a different perspective and using agency can change everything —which is exactly what Jesus recommended to those forced to carry a Roman soldier's backpack in Matthew 5:41.

facing hard tasksfacing injusticeI have to go to court