Losing Jon was a heart-wrenching experience, and I was overwhelmed when I thought about life without him. I was trying to grapple with his death, plan a funeral and burial, and was suddenly plunged into single parenting. I was also now the sole provider for my family, and there were so many unanswered questions:
- How was I going to make ends meet?
- Would I have to get a job and put my kids in school?
- Would I lose my dream of homeschooling my kids?
- What kind of work would I be able to find that would provide enough income?
As 2024 is just beginning, I have been thinking and praying about a word I want to focus on for the year. I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions, as I often lose momentum after a few weeks, but I do like to have something I focus on for the year.
For 2023, my focus was to be INTENTIONAL. I wanted to be intentional in my relationships, my home businesses, my time with the Lord and my health. Some things went well, and others were more challenging.
A few years prior, my focus was CONTENTMENT. Let me tell you, so many things came at me that year that challenged my contentment. But it made me lean harder on Jesus as my only source for contentment.
Read more...The first Christmas after the loss of a spouse can be an overwhelming and bittersweet experience, especially when you are left with small children to care for. It is during this time of year, cherished for its joy and togetherness, that the absence of your beloved spouse is deeply felt. As someone who has walked this journey, I want to extend my heartfelt compassion and share some insights on how to navigate the emotions and find hope during this challenging time.
Read more...Life can be overwhelming at times, especially around the holidays. There are expectations that we put on ourselves or others put on us, and it can be a lot.
Right after my husband passed away, I had to pull back from many things, as I didn’t have the capacity to handle very much. Life was overwhelming and exhausting, and we were in survival mode.
As time passed and the Lord has brought healing to my heart, I have added activities and events back in. But sometimes, I overestimate what I am able to do and truly enjoy. When I start feeling the stress build, and it begins affecting my heart and health, I know it’s time to step back.
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In Part One, I shared the shock that I went through when my husband passed. In Part Two, I shared how I was helped through the devastating shock. In this post, I want to give you some ways to navigate through the fog and difficulty of suddenly losing your spouse.
Shock can display itself in many ways. If you have lost a loved one unexpectedly and are grappling with the shock, here are some strategies that may help you cope.
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