ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades. May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30TH, 2017
Sunrise: 6:52 am
Sunset: 8:03 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is National Grief Awareness Day which was designed to help everyone become more aware of the needs of grieving people and of the comfort they can obtain through the support of others.
In order to truly understand how to help people, including yourself, cope with grief, sometimes it is best to try and understand exactly what grief is. It is usually in response to the loss of someone or something important in your life. Many times bonds of affection or love exist that make it that much harder to cope with influx of emotions. Yet many of us forget the cognitive, social and philosophical difficulties that can come from losing someone close to us.
Many believe in the five stages of grief, and helping someone go through those stages can be more important than anything during difficult times of grief. First is the stage of denial, where they do not believe the reason for the grief has even occurred. Just being there during the time they are going through this stage is all that is needed; indeed many people go through this stage when reminded about anything to deal with the grief. Second is the stage of anger, where the one grieving lashes out at anyone and anything around it. Third is the stage of bargaining, where they are focused more on a belief or what if statements and ideals.
The difficulty with guilt can be a hallmark here, but just being there helps many cope with this. The fourth stage is depression. This is the moment when they know the grief is real, and it hits them hard. This moment can be very hard to deal with, but helping them by reminding them of the good things can help as much as being there for them. The final stage is acceptance, and this is where they are looking forward, not only back. They will likely never forget, but they will move forward, able to return to normal after a fashion.
Each of us can help those in grief in different ways. If there are too many problems, sometimes looking into a counselor, therapist or other professional may not be out of the question. But remember, no matter the situation, be there for them and offer your help if they need it.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Loss leaves us empty - but learn not to close your heart and mind in grief. Allow life to replenish you. When sorrow comes it seems impossible - but new joys wait to fill the void.
Pam Brown
I know what it is like to grieve. Saying good bye, letting go, and moving on is not easy. But death is a part of life and so we must.
I try to take each day as it comes and look on the bright side. Every day may not be a good one, but there is something good to be found in every day.
I try to keep in mind too that those we’ve lost are never truly gone, we hold them close in our hearts forever.
Grief has taught me that the wasted moments in our lives become more precious when they cannot be repeated. Grief changes our perspective on life. It is trite but true that how we deal with sorrow will make us either bitter or better.
Every difficulty in life is intended to make you better, not bitter. So, when you’re faced with adversity, don’t just GO through it, GROW through it!
The roses in today’s pictures are from the rose bush at the old house. I cannot see a rose without thinking of my mom, who passed away quite a few years now.
I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN
There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!
It's National Marshmallow Toasting Day
Summer would not be the same without a campfire and this great campfire treat. Summer is short. Summer is good. Let's enjoy it while it is still here.
Warm Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Bars
1 box sugar cookie mix
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup butter, melted
3 cups chocolate chips
4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In larch bowl, stir together cookie mix and crumbs. Stir in melted butter until soft dough forms. Press into a 13 by 9 inch pan.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes until chocolate begins to melt. Spread evenly over crust
Set oven to broil. Sprinkle marshmallows over melted chocolate. Broil 20 to 30 seconds until marshmallows are toasted. Cool 10 minutes. Cut into bars . Serve warm. Stop any remaining bars tightly covered.
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Gratitude is the heart's memory.
French Proverb
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
5209. for those I’ve loved and lost
5210. for the bright side of life, it is there when we take the time to look
5211. for sweet gooey marshmallows. Yum!
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT’s
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOD BLESS YOU !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
Those whom we have loved never really leave us. They live on forever in our hearts, and cast their radiant light onto our every shadow.
Sylvana Rossetti
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
