Posted on

How to Handle Loss

by

Although the death of a loved one is in many ways the most difficult loss we can face during our lifetime, it is far from the only type of loss we face.

At some point in our lives, most of us will also encounter loss of a job, loss of health, loss of a relationship through divorce or other circumstances, financial loss, and the painful loss of some of our dearest hopes and dreams.

Learning to grieve losses well is crucial for our long-term emotional, spiritual and physical health.

Continue Reading »

Posted on

Four Stages of Parenting

by

In August, Dave and I helped our youngest daughter pack her possessions into a car, drive 50 miles away, and move into a college dorm room.  Launching her to college launched us into a new stage of life:  the empty nest.  So far the transition has been a successful one – for her and for us. And it has me looking back over the 27 years that Dave and I have been parents, looking back and seeing four distinct stages of parenting.

Continue Reading »

Posted on

Thriving in a Broken World

by

One of my favorite movies is Les Miserables. It is a powerful story of mercy and renewal. The trajectory of one man’s life was changed by a single act of mercy.

You might remember the scene: Jean Valjean, a former prisoner, was running from the law when a kind priest brings him into his home and feeds him. Later that night Jean Valjean goes back to the home, knocks the priest out and steals his silver. The next day Jean is caught and claims the priest gave him the silver. The authorities bring him back to the priest; but instead of having him thrown into jail, the priest states that he did give him the silver and told the authorities that Jean forgot to take the candlesticks as well.

Continue Reading »