New?

 New?

Every time I begin a grief class, we share where we are in the process of grief..

For some it is new; others, a series of loss; or any of the variations in between…loss is loss…we wonder why, we question life, we  can question God…for some it is too overwhelming to even take a class (which is fair)….too raw or some need professional counseling…all coming from different angles and different stages of grief…

We need to be honest with our emotional health…we need to be honest with ourselves and others….and seek help accordingly….

The following was written two years out from my husband’s passing…

“You are new into this"....

"You are new Into this"....

Twice In the last week, I have been told i am new into this-widowhood...whoa...I guess when you look at 43 years of marriage and 1 1/2 years of widowhood it is "new"...

...does it ever get "old"?  Oh, there is less pain in some  ways than at the first....I don't cry at the drop of a hat...but tears are still near the surface...I am not expecting him to walk through door at any moment like I was at first...I still find that I want to call him about something while he is at the office..tell him a funny story or tidbit or just talk...

I yearn for his advice on all the paperwork that is has been left behind-that he used to do......I want to hold his hand in church like we used to do .....I want a hug when I cry...I see his mannerisms in our children and grandchildren...physical characteristics that they have inherited .....so he is still here in that way...just not the whole him....anymore...

I see the legacy that he has left behind through giving, and we celebrate that....

Each day is new ....and we move forward and live life.whatever that may be....only God knows...trust....openness to each day...it's joys and sorrows...it smiles and tears ...it emotions...it's old memories and new ones...

A quote from a book I have been reading, two widows talking, one a widow for four years to a brand new widow, during World war 2  in the Netherlands ..widows made daily in the face of the war and enemies in their land...

" I don't know what I am going to do ". Said a new widow....

"You are going to do the same thing I am",.said a older widow...

What are we going to do?

Live life!

How do we do that?

I am trying to figure that out."

           Snow on the tulips, by Liz Tolsma

Again, I come the my favorite psalm...my default mode..  Refreshment and comfort....

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3     he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

And...

Psalm 119:49-50

49 Remember your word to your servant,

    for you have given me hope.

50 My comfort in my suffering is this:

    Your promise preserves my life.

Thank YOU, for your comfort, your peace, your refreshment, your holding my hand I times of sorrow and joy.....help me to live the life that you have given me...

  

 "The New Resource

Daily Devotional for January 16

From the Writings of Ray Stedman

  

From your friends at

www.RayStedman.org

Read the Scripture: John 6:16-21

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, It is I; don't be afraid. (John 6:18-20)

Those are very wonderful words for us, because our Lord is saying these same things for our benefit. This whole incident of the storm and their precarious condition in their boat is designed to teach his disciples the resources they have in their risen Lord. This is why John follows immediately by saying, they were glad to take him into the boat. Their fear was immediately relieved when they realized it was indeed Jesus who was walking on the water, and he was in control of all events, so they willingly received him into the boat. Immediately there was further demonstration of the power of Jesus, for they were instantly on the other side of the lake, to where they were going. The three or four remaining miles of the journey was suddenly accomplished, and they found themselves at the dock in Capernaum.

I am startled by the number of Christians who do not act upon this truth, but seem to succumb to the pressures and the problems of life and react just like a non-Christian would. They grumble and complain, feeling set upon and put upon. They despair and strike out and strike back; they rely upon worldly schemes to deliver them from difficulties. What is more amazing is how many times I have experienced the joy of Jesus' presence, freeing me from the circumstances, and yet how many times I go right back and react the same way that others do in times of pressure and danger. Yet, here indeed, is the sign of the New Covenant, the new creation: Jesus with us in the very circumstances we find ourselves; triumphant, in control, Lord of all those circumstances, the new hidden resource for life which is available to believers but which the world knows nothing about.

This leaves us with really only one question: Why don't we believe this? Why are we so much like Peter, who, even in the midst of experiencing the power of God to walk above his circumstances, loses his faith and begins to sink beneath the waves? You can always tell the man or woman who does learn this secret, who does welcome the Lord into the boat of difficulty, who does hear his Word, It is I; be not afraid.

When we accept that fact we will find that it reveals itself in our very countenance. People who have discovered this have a quiet peace in their eyes even when things are going wrong. They have a confidence that everything is going to finally work its way out to what God's intended purpose was. There is not a word of complaint or grumbling. They regard the circumstances as necessary to what God wants to do in their lives—which is always for their own good, for their own ultimate happiness—and they accept them. They are a joy to be around. When you go to encourage them you find they encourage you. Do you know why? It is because they have already taken Jesus into the boat. When people do that, they discover that they have already arrived at the goal toward which the rest of us are still struggling. They are already there; they have found love and joy and peace.

That is why these accounts are here in the Scriptures—to teach us the hidden resource of life, the place to run to when things get overwhelming and we find ourselves pressured. And this is not something to be reserved only for the great trials of life. It is available for any time of pressure, or any degree of it. When we accept this on that level, we are discovering the new creation, a new resource the world knows nothing about.

Lord, may I understand afresh the inner resources by which I can remain calm and confident in the midst of trouble and danger. Help me to manifest this, Lord, as a testimony to your presence.

Life Application: As our lives are rocked by worldwide turbulence, added to life's daily stresses - where do we go to find peace of heart and soul? Does the Prince of Peace have full occupancy in our lives?

Related Message: This daily devotional was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "The New Resource" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture.

Devotions for January from John

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Copyright © 2014 by Ray Stedman Ministries — This daily devotion is from the book Immeasurably More: a year of devotions from the writings of Ray Stedman; compiled by Mark Mitchell. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice and a hyperlink to www.RayStedman.org if the copy is posted on the Internet."