Tag Archives: comfort

The Upside of Grief

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People all over the world die every day. But when it hits close to home death becomes different; personal, sadder, even poignant.

It happened to me this week. Two of my very close friends died within three days. One was a friend of fifty years and the other’s friendship entwined my life for sixty years.

I will miss these ladies and their enduring friendship very much to say the least. But I take comfort in the fact that they are now truly home. Yes, I do believe in life after death.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25,26

I also take comfort in knowing that my loss is God’s gain. And that’s the upside of grief.

Happy Sunday.

The Power of Words

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When I hear or read the words of those who speak from the heart as well as the intellect, it always gives me pause to ponder and reflect. Following are words spoken by a President, a Civil Rights Leader, and a Poet. Each put their thoughts forward for the rest of us to think about. Pastor Duncan’s Sunday sermon included reference to these people and the power of their words and I can’t help but share it.

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy, U.S. President

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” Martin Luther King Jr. Minister and Social Rights activist.

“We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another” Amanda Gordon, Poet. Amanda recited these stirring words at President Biden’s inauguration.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Jesus in Sermon on the Mount

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Today I am going to delve deeper into the power of words.

Strength for the Broken Hearted

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Two sets of parents very recently held funerals for their twelve-year-old sons just three weeks before Christmas. I can’t even begin to imagine their heartbreak. Even though it hurts just to think about the grief being endured, I take comfort in Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. May God grant them the grace to live each day in His strength.

Under these circumstances it is difficult to say Happy Sunday.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted..” – Yvonthia Meredith Leland

In the Arms of an Angel

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Music can have a healing and comforting effect when life serves up unpalatable portions of insomnia, depression, anxiety, health issues, and other problems that rob us of a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Here is one of my favorite songs that brings comfort when any of the above threaten my well-being.

What’s in a Breath?

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One of the lessons I have learned in life is how to breathe in those anxious and painful times we all experience sooner or later.

This is what I have learned:

Sit quietly in a comfortable position

Place tongue behind top teeth and breathe in slowly through the nose to the count of seven.

Place tongue behind bottom teeth and breathe out slowly through pursed lips to the count of eight.

Repeat eight times.

I usually do this two or three times in one sitting, a few times a day, and at bed time.

What’s in a breath? Life.

What’s in a breathing exercise? A more relaxed life.

Happy Saturday.

 

All It Takes

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There were times in my life when I desperately called upon the Holy Spirit to be my comfort and strength. He never failed me and He will never fail you. All it takes is to ask. Happy Sunday.

 

 

 

 

There Are No Words

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Yesterday I learned of the death of twenty-seven-year-old Jona Kay who died in a car accident on May 7th. Jona is the granddaughter of Butch and Bonnie Dean, fellow bloggers and lovely people.

In their own words “There Are No Words” to describe the pain and anguish this family is suffering.

No, there are no words, but each of us can find words of prayer for God’s peace and comfort for Bonnie and Butch and all of Jona’s family.

Thank you for helping to ease their pain.

“I’ve Got This”

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There are many people going through different difficulties at this time. Some are known to me, others are known to you, and still others inhabit different parts of this planet.

When we are in the throes of some crisis or other it is so nice to hear someone say the words that will bring us some comfort and peace.

I pray that those of you who need to hear those words will hear a friend or loved one or even that still, small voice say, “I’ve got this.”