Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psalm 119:67 BLESSINGS OF BEREAVEMENT by J. R. Miller, 1896 At first we would be disposed to say that no blessings can come out of bereavements. But the grace of God has such wondrous power, that even from the saddest desolating of … Continue reading Blessings of Bereavement
Alaska Photos by Hans
Trusting God in the Dark Tunnel
"But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand…" Psalm 31:14, 15 http://www.tenboom.org
You’re Going to Make It
"Live on promises, not on explanations. Even if God explained why your child died, the answer wouldn't end the heartbreak or quench the questions. Instead of explanations, God gives promises, which keep you moving ahead, giving hope and new strength. "You'll get through your grief. It won't end today or next month. But there is … Continue reading You’re Going to Make It
Far Better: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (3/3)
by Susannah Spurgeon, On the death of her husband, C. H. Spurgeon, (Excerpts) Part Three - Parting Company I can see two pilgrims treading this highway of life together, hand in hand—heart linked to heart. True, they have had rivers to ford, and mountains to cross, and fierce enemies to fight, and many dangers to … Continue reading Far Better: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (3/3)
The Lord’s Song: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (2/3)
by Susannah Spurgeon, on the death of her husband, C. H. Spurgeon, (Excerpts) Part Two: Mercy Outruns Misery How shall I sing the Lord's song in a strange land? For I am brought into a strange, weary land of loneliness and sorrow. I am a captive to grief, and the light of my life has been … Continue reading The Lord’s Song: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (2/3)
God Glorified in Sorrow: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (1/3)
by Susannah Spurgeon, on the death of her husband, C. H. Spurgeon, (Excerpts) Part One - Introduction: A sweet symphony of praise I wrote this ten years ago, on my return from Mentone, that beautiful village on the sea-coast; when with one hand the Lord had smitten me well-near to death, while with the other hand He … Continue reading God Glorified in Sorrow: From ‘A Song of Sighs’ by Susannah Spurgeon (1/3)
Greater
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3 Our future joy is greater than our present pain. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17 God's peace is greater than … Continue reading Greater
Surviving Child Loss: Now What?
Initially, the pain of child loss is so severe, that it is easy to wonder if it is survivable. Many women say they know, if it happened to them, they could not survive it. But, I want to tell them: Yes, you can. If I can, you can. We have no choice in the matter. … Continue reading Surviving Child Loss: Now What?
Writing Footprints: Small Piece of Faith
"God has assured me of two things. He has been there, and he has kept me from completely rejecting life in him. I thought he had deserted us, but I was wrong. He has been there the whole time." -Samuel's mom, from 'Small Piece of Faith" Head on over to Writing Footprints for the unfolding story of … Continue reading Writing Footprints: Small Piece of Faith
Healing After Child Loss
I still get those moments where I just can't comprehend that Hans is gone from us. But the difference now is the intensity. Those first weeks and months, and into the second year, it would just immobilize me - the pain saturated me through and through - I didn't know such pain existed. Back then, … Continue reading Healing After Child Loss
Not Sure: What if My Departed Child is Lost?
"What if all this stuff about Heaven and Hell is true? What if I have no reason to believe my child knew anything about Jesus. What if I failed to tell my child the most important thing in all the world? What if my child is now eternally lost? How can I ever live … Continue reading Not Sure: What if My Departed Child is Lost?
The Sting of Death
As one who is allergic to bee venom, I have a real appreciation for this word “sting.” The sting of a hornet (yellow-jacket) has the potential to kill me and the only safe bee, for me, is a dead one, or one whose stinger has been removed. So when this corruptible shall have put … Continue reading The Sting of Death
Joy and Sorrow United
Joined in God – Streams in the Desert 8/19 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing 2 Cor. 6:10 Sorrow was beautiful, but her beauty was the beauty of the moonlight shining through the leafy branches of the trees in the wood, and making little pools of silver here and there on the soft green moss below. … Continue reading Joy and Sorrow United
Though We Mourn, We Must Not Murmur!
by John Angell James (1785—1859), on the death of his wife, from: "Sorrow for the Death of Friends" ...Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21 When a holy and beloved … Continue reading Though We Mourn, We Must Not Murmur!
Rejoice in the Lord
On Mother's Day Evening 2013, Jonathan Campbell Hamilton, son of Ron and Shelly Hamilton, was taken to Heaven at the age of thirty-four after a long struggle with mental illness. I have heard Mr. Hamilton sing Rejoice in the Lord countless times over many years but never knew until recently about the loss of his … Continue reading Rejoice in the Lord
