lizgmarshall

Have you ever found a resource so helpful you couldn’t wait to tell somebody about it? I have! It’s called What’s Your Grief? The reason the site is so compelling has a lot to do Litsa and Eleanor, the creators. They understand all too well what it’s like to lose a close family member along with part of your heart. 

Thankfully for the rest of us, they’re not letting a moment of their pain be wasted. What’s Your Grief? will not only to walk alongside you, but be there to pick you up when you fall and feel like giving up. I love the way Litsa and Eleanor communicate their straight-forward wisdom. They speak not only from their three Masters degrees, but from the school of life… seasoned with just the right touch of humor.  

If you or someone you care about is grieving, you don’t want to miss WhatsYourGrief.com. The practical insight will encourage you, and probably even make you smile. Thank you, ladies for the Support System Superlatives- so real and true.  

How do you find hope again when your world has been shattered?

You’ve probably heard of Pastor Rick and his wife Kay Warren. They are the founders of Saddleback Church; and Rick is the author of “The Purpose Driven Life.” After four glorious days of Easter services last year, a typically busy week of ministry began. Then came April 5th, 2013- the day their lives were changed forever. 

After several unsuccessful attempts to contact one of their sons, Rick and Kay had a strange sense something wasn’t right. Their twenty-seven year old son, Matthew, had battled depression for most of his life. Sadly, Rick and Kay’s worst nightmare was confirmed when they discovered Matthew had taken his own life.

In the months since Matthew’s death, the Warrens have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love they have received. On July 27, 2013 Rick and Kay returned to the Saddleback stage to share their story and help others find hope after unimaginable loss. “How to Get Through What You’re Going Through” is a six part series at Saddleback. The Warrens want people to know God can be trusted; and this is not the end of the story.

What do you do when hope doesn’t turn out the way you think it will? Kay answered, “You rebuild your hope.” As their family began the long journey toward healing, Kay told the huge crowd how her faith continues to sustain her. She shared the beautiful “hope box” she has created filled with powerful promises from God’s word. On particularly difficult days, the comforting scriptures to give her peace and strength to keep going. Please join me this week praying for the Warrens and their family as the one year anniversary approaches. 

Maybe your hope has been shattered. If you’re beginning to rebuild your life after loss, what reminders would you put in your hope box? 
Here is a favorite treasure from mine ~ Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and rescues those whose spirits are crushed." 

“We will spend the rest of our lives comforting others with the comfort we have been shown.” Thank you, Rick and Kay Warren.

What can somebody do to really make a difference as you begin to heal through grief? You probably have plenty of food, volumes of cards and flowers, but what kind of gift would genuinely touch your heart? The gift of memories.

When you’ve loved and lost, memories are invaluable treasures. What if there are stories about your loved one that you may have never heard? The next time someone asks what they can do to help you, ask them to write a favorite memory, maybe include a special photo – and to send it to you via mail or email. Can you imagine going to your computer or the mailbox and finding a cherished memory or picture you’ve never seen before?

As the treasures arrive, keep them together in a scrapbook or maybe a journal. On special days, or any days – I hope your heart will smile as you reflect on the difference your loved one made in someone’s life.   Priceless.

Do you know a person who, in spite of mountainous challenges seems to find the goodness in life?

Let me introduce you to my sister, Sarah. 

Sarah has never driven a car, or owned a cell phone, or been married. Many years ago she was diagnosed with a combination of serious mental illnesses, and has spent most of her adult life living in group homes. She currently lives at East Lake Arbor- a residential facility for adults with various special needs. I’m not telling you this to make you feel sorry for her- just to paint the picture. Please don’t stop here!

From the outside, Sarah’s life sounds dark and claustrophobic. But, most of the time when I talk with her she makes me smile and usually laugh. Recently Sarah let me in on a comforting fact. She has top security clearance with the CIA. 

When I ask her what’s new at East Lake Arbor, Sarah ends many sentences with a simple phrase, “that’s a good thing.” I don’t mean monumental things like world peace. I’m talking about things like cheese on her grits at breakfast. That’s a good thing. Or feeling the warm sunshine on her face when she sits on the bench in the gated courtyard. That’s a good thing, too.  

Sarah loves care packages. Her list of favorite things rarely changes. She loves Velcro shoes and jewel toned track suits. She says they are her colors. Yesterday she told me how thankful she is that her clothes all go together. We laughed about her style being like ‘Garanimals.’

She likes reading glasses for her Daily Guidepost, but isn’t particular what strength they are. 1.0 or 3.75- it’s all good to her. For very special days she might request Mountain Dew, Vienna sausages or canned sardines in a care package. All good things. 

Sarah continues to remind me not to worry so much about what isn’t right; but to be grateful for Velcro shoes and canned sardines. 

                           Now, that’s a good thing. 

Well, maybe not the sardines.  

How do you stay tuned in to the good stuff? 

Do you ever forget to look up? I do. 

Having a tough day? Or maybe you’re just ready for Springtime?

I think it’s close to impossible to look at Gerber daisies without smiling.    

This explosion of color has an important destination tomorrow-> a dear friend fighting a courageous medical battle.  

  Today though, she would want them to make me smile, right? 

                        Why not get some 4 U?