Q. I’m preparing an obituary in advance for my elderly father and want to include a photograph. How much extra does a photo cost, and what are the guidelines? Also, what do you think about using a photo from 40 years ago when he was healthy and dashing?

The cost and requirements for an…

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Six traps when it comes to Depression

1)Social Withdrawal - (Proverbs 18:1)

2) Rumination

3) Alcohol Abuse (Proverbs 20:1)

4)No Exercise (lack of)

5) Sugar Highs

6) Negative Thinking (Philippians 4:6,7)

How Can I Live With My Grief?

“I FELT a lot of pressure on me to hold in my feelings,” explains Mike in recalling his father’s death. To Mike, suppressing his grief was the manly thing to do. Yet he later realized that he was wrong. So when Mike’s friend lost his grandfather, Mike knew what to do. He says: “A couple of years ago, I would have patted him on the shoulder and said, ‘Be a man.’ Now I touched his arm…

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When I met my boyfriend last December, his father was already fighting lymphoma.  Both his parents live with him and his family (siblings, nieces, nephews) is very close. There were times we did not see each other much due to him caring for his father. We did maintain communication through email, texts and phone calls.  His father died in early November and for a few weeks, we talked and even saw each other.

Three weeks after his father's death, we were texting and he wrote to…

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(Isaiah 41:10) Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’

(Isaiah 41:13) For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’

May you all draw comfort and strength from God during this time of sorrow.

With each passing year missing you does not become easier just more bearable. As I watch your children grow I know how proud you'd be of them Brett. Each of them reminding me more of you each day. Ethan and his quirks, his personal style and his soft heart. Aidan with his gift of laughter, his way of lighting up a room, his comedic ways so much like you.And Bitsy your child of the heart. Brett she is a little person of her own you'd laugh at her qualms, her personality so bold her love of…

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Well this is my 3rd Christmas now without my brother. have to say that its no way easier than the 1st. it is so clear that he is missing. I miss him do much. Life goes on, but the loss is real like yesterday. This time of year sucks. For all of you out there feeling the way I do I send light your way.

It's hard for me. Going out with friends shopping and watching them buy gifts for there wife's. Wish I could for mine. Christmas was such a fun holiday for my wife and I. We would start early in morning and then when done go home with take out. Lite a fire in fireplace and relax. Do that over and over again until we were done. She was so easy to get for just a Michael C bag. Even when she would tell me which one she wanted she would still act surprised when she opened it. Loved her for that.… Continue

Q. A friend of mine, a widow like myself, volunteers at a soup kitchen every year at holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m thinking of joining her, but I’ve never volunteered before. What do you think?

A Chinese proverb advises, “If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.” I’ve found that to be true and I know many other widows who have added meaning to their lives through volunteer work at…

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I remember a day, a long time ago, I fell in love with someone you know.

Her name was Virginia, she captured my heart, we married, and vowed

that we’d never part.

We raised our children and gave them all love, and taught them to

adore our God up above.

I remember the day we got the bad news, something that none of

us could ever refuse.

I know, now, that she knew all along…but acted as though…

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Came across this article and found some helpful gems...

1) Rely on positive friends 2)Take Care of Yourself 3)Postpone Major Decisions 4)Be Patient with yourself 5) Beware of using medications or alcohol to cope with grief 6) Make allowances for others 7)Get back to your regular routine 8) Don't be afraid to let go of acute grief 9) Don't be unduly anxious (Matthew 6:25-34)

Divine Wisdom indeed...

Death is an inevitable part of life and it’s something we will all experience. Even if we understand that death is unavoidable or we anticipate the death of a loved one, it is still a shocking and painfully difficult experience. No one is truly prepared to mourn the death of a loved one.

The bereaved need our support…

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I will be the first to admit that I love the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I’m a multitasker, I like to entertain, and my birthday is in December. Last week I was in England at…

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My world died on 19 November 2014.  The love of my life, man of my dreams, my everything.  It hurts and hurts and i cannot see a way forward at all.  I want to live in the "in love" that we have and do not want this ever to pass. I want to continue being in love and fear that this will change, I never want it to.  For the remainder of my life I want to live in love with my husband. Suddenly life seems too long… I want to see him again soon.

The period of mourning is sad enough but when holiday season hits, it can be harder to cope. Holidays are laced with memories; it’s not just the actual day that is difficult but, it’s the days and weeks leading up to the holiday that are filled with reminders in the foods, smells, music, store displays and activities. You really can’t…

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