Category Archives: Grief

An Interview with Judy Dykstra-Brown, Teacher, Artist, Poet

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

This article first appeared on ARHtistic License. When I first started blogging more than six years ago, one of the first blogs I discovered was lifelessons–a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown. I took part in blogging challenges, and so did Judy. As … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Grief, Poetry, Writing | Tagged Interview, Judy Dykstra-Brown, Retablos | Leave a comment

Abortion…I was there in the beginning, Part 1 by Betty L. Arthurs

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Betty Mason Arthurs

Abortion…I was there in the beginning. Part 1 by Betty L. Arthurs Over the years, many people have distanced themselves from the abortion debate until recently they learned of Planned Parenthood’s selling of body parts from pre-born babies. Undercover … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing Life Together, Family Stories, Forgivness, Grief, hospitals | 2 Comments

“Softly and Tenderly,” Comfort for All

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Betty Mason Arthurs

“Softly and Tenderly,” Comfort for All by Betty Mason Arthurs A hymn, written during the horse and buggy days of the 1800s, soared across time and space. It swept into the hearts of the audience of the 2017 Country Music … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Church, Death and Dying, Grief, loneliness on holidays, Remembering, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, When life seems too much | Tagged CMA and Carrie Underwood, comfort in music, death, Hymn Softly and Tenderly | 4 Comments

Happy Birthday, Mother

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Carol Boley

Today is my mother’s 92nd birthday, the first one since her death four months ago. Today I am acutely reminded of my loss. I will be glad to get through this day, to have checked off one more “first” without her. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Bible, change, Christian Living, Death and Dying, Faith, Faithfulness, Family Life, Grace, Grief, Jesus, Mom | 4 Comments

Diamond Ring and Christmas by Betty Mason Arthurs

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Betty Mason Arthurs

Diamond Ring and Christmas by Betty Mason Arthurs Christmas time brings both happy and painful memories. Today, I share one of a father’s love and his gift. A father kept a memorable gift tucked away in the top drawer of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Christmas music, Doing Life Together, Faith, Family Life, Family Stories, Fathers, Gifts, Greatest love ever, Grief, Jesus, loneliness on holidays, Love, Parenting, Uncategorized, When life seems too much | Tagged car accident, Christmas love, Christmas story, Diamond ring, father's love, grandchildren, neighbors | 7 Comments

The Tides of Change

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Linda Carlblom

One of my favorite vacation places is the beach. There’s something soothing about the waves lapping the shore, the roar of the ocean, and the sun kissing my skin. The tide washes up new treasures every morning. It reminds me … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Faithfulness, Family Life, Grief, Life Transitions, ocean, Uncategorized, When life seems too much | Tagged change, Family, Lamentations 3:22-24, moving, ocean | 4 Comments

Today I am Sad…But Not Without Hope

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Carol Boley

I am very sad. I know it will not always be so, but today, I am very sad. My mother died one month ago. I miss her. She lived with us the last 20 years of her life. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Alzheimer's, Bible, Caregiving, Christian Living, Death and Dying, Faith, Family Life, Family Stories, Forgivness, Gifts, Grace, Grief, Hope, Jesus, Kindness, Legacy, Life, Life Transitions, Love, Mom, Parenting, Regrets, rest, Teaching, Trust in God's promises | Tagged children, faith, family stories, forgiveness, grief, Jesus, Life Transitions, love, memoir, thankfulness | 22 Comments

When You Long to Escape

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Carol Boley

Some days I dream about escaping. I picture myself at the Hotel del Coronado (“the Del”) on the southern California coast for three days. By myself. The dream is most vivid seconds before I open the door for the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Alzheimer's, Being still before God, Bible, Caregiving, Christian Living, Confession, Dreams, facial, Faith, Family Life, Finding solutions, Frustrations, Gifts, Grace, Grief, Health and Beauty, Honor, Hope, Jesus, Kindness, Life Transitions, Love, massage, Mom, ocean, peace, Perserverance, Prayer, Remembering, rest, spa treatments, Trust in God's promises, When life seems too much | Tagged despair, Doing Life Together, faith, family stories, grief, Jesus, Life Transitions, love, Prayer, sharing life | 12 Comments

Always Reason to Celebrate

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Carol Boley

December first–one of my favorite days of the year! The beginning of the most celebrated month. School programs, cookie exchanges, church festivities, baking, shopping, decorating…busy, busy, busy. It’s become such a big deal that whole books have been written on … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Christian Living, Christmas, Faith, Fathers, Forgivness, Grace, Greatest love ever, Grief, Holiday, Hope, loneliness on holidays, Love, Remembering, traditions, Uncategorized | Tagged baby Jesus, birth, change, Christmas, decorating, Disappointment, food, forgiveness, God, Jesus, love, loved, presents, reason to celebrate, righteousness, tradition | 3 Comments

The Healing Field of 9-1-1. . . by Betty Mason Arthurs

Posted on September 4, 2015 by tuesdayschildren100

The victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are honored each year in our city. The Healing Field tribute of nearly 3000 flags is at a park in downtown Tempe, Arizona. The flag poles are six feet tall … Continue reading →