About the Author

Jennifer is an artist living in rural Nebraska with her US Army veteran husband. She loves to create and seeks to reflect the beauty of Christ and encourage others in meaningful, beautiful ways. You can find her and see more of her art on Studio JRU.

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things we love
& you will too!
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  1. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” was the verse I read just 10 minutes before I received a phone call that sent me into a 5 year long journey with my mother through terminal cancer. Oh how I was comforted, not just by God but by His people. People who picked up my kids and cared for them while I visited my mother who lived 3000 miles away. People who dropped off food after she passed away knowing I didn’t feel like cooking. People who organized a huge bouquet to be at her funeral even though they lived 3000 miles away from it. I will cherish these people forever in my heart. I did mourn and I was comforted.

    • It is amazing to see God’s love like that, through the love of others, just when we need it most. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing, Victoria.

  2. This spoke to me this morning. Yesterday my nephew and wife said goodbye to their 3 day old daughter, LilyAnna Joy. She was given very little hope of even making it into this world but she fought and was born at 24 weeks, and gave them such joy in her short life. They are grieving but thru that grief they are trusting God and his promises. Thank you for sharing this today.

  3. Oh yes, this is good. Because there are so many losses in our lives – health, relationships, jobs, churches, financial stability, life itself … it seems like there’s always someone or something we’re saying good-bye to.

    http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2008/03/she-encourages-grieve-well.html

    Maybe the key is to grieve well so that we can move ahead for all that God has for us to be and do in the season ahead. And this is not an easy task …

  4. His comfort…ours for the asking. In this world we have trouble…grief… Oswald chambers aug 2 teaches us bout overcoming life. “god does not give us overcoming life—He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength…”. He gives us strength for EACH moment, we only have to ask.

    Thanks Jennifer. Beautifully written… God is good… All the time.

    • When we look back, it is these times that show our strength. Strength we might not have even thought we had, but He provides. Thank you, Leslie

  5. Jennifer, this is so special to me, especially that it is coming from you.
    You have been such a source of encouragement to me and I will be forever grateful.

    We miscarried our baby last fall and we were intensely stung with pain, to the deepest core of our beings. We had no idea anything was wrong since my body continued on with the pregnancy even after the baby’s heart stopped beating. We were beyond shocked. We already had plans to move into our new home 2 days later, in a different state. God carried us through that emotional limbo stage and allowed us to get moved and settled for a few days before we inevitably had to let go. He was and still is our strength and our Rock. There is no way I could have gotten through it alone. People who had experienced similar loss were such comfort to us, and still are. The grieving process is long, and there will always be that sting inside me, but He is so good. I couldn’t imagine going through this with no hope. I’m relieved that my God is in control and He knows what’s best for me, and my sweet baby. Purpose in it all. No mistakes.

    It’s all about HIM!!!
    Love your verses you shared with us, so healing. And you know Psalm 139 is very special to me, as well. 🙂 Hugs to you, sweet friend. Praying for you and your loss of a dear family member.

    • So powerful to hear your story and to hear you say, “He is so good”. I couldn’t agree more, I can not image getting through difficult times with no hope. He is our strength. Thank you for sharing your story, Kerry. Praying for your family.

  6. The loss of a best friend is…….excruciating. Oh, I’ve had losses….but they were separation by death….. to be separated from someone, another sister in Christ because of conflict, sin, etc….this is a pain that I’ve never known and I’m over 50… …..it’s confusing and devastating….but God is good and He is showing me so much about my heart, my idols, etc. AND the hope I have because of Jesus Christ and the gospel. How would I know Jesus as my Healer if I didn’t need healing? How would I learn what it means to give the gift of forgiveness if there wasn’t someone I needed to forgive in a big way? Jesus suffered so much and paid the biggest price for my heart…. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your deep loss. Our dear pets are such a part of our family…..we’ve lost many and each one was traumatic.

    • I know this utter devastation and I’m sorry for your complex grief. I too am no stranger to pain but this has nearly broken my mind. In my situation I was probably the greater sinner and that breaks my heart too. I long with you for that comfort. I’m glad our God will make all things new. He sees and he cares.

      • Thank you. Even hard to put into words, isn’t it?………I believe reconciliation and restoration are totally possible….in God’s way and His timing. It is hard for me to say the never word….I understand it’s a broken world and things happen….just didn’t think it would happen to me. I’m sorry for your pain. I pray that your broken relationship will be healed.

        • These losses are excruciating and so difficult to put into words. Thank you both for stepping out to share your heart and your story with us. God sees and He does care. Praying for the comfort only He provides, to touch you both. You are right… His way and His timing.

  7. This is beautiful, Jennifer! Maybe this is weird, but in processing my husband’s journey with cancer, a friend told me that the feelings I was expressing to her were grief. I thought it was ridiculous to grieve while my husband was still alive, but I realized it was true. I have definitely experienced God’s comfort in this process, and He has shown me so much more of Himself as I continue to work through all of this!

    • That is not weird at all, Amy! I had those same feeling when my husband had his aneurysm. It is very difficult to go through those life changing events with our loved ones. It is hard to see someone we love hurt and in pain. I thank God every day for the comfort He gave us and still gives us. I don’t know how we would get through it day to day, if not for Him. Thank you for sharing.

  8. Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. And, for your grief. We do all experience this process… many times over a lifetime for many reasons. And, I think it is more painful for those who love deeply. You have expressed so very well my own experience with God’s comfort and faithfulness. Thank you for putting into such eloquent words His works. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

  9. I have been brought to my knees with the untimely and tragic death of a friend this past week. It was a senseless accident caused by individuals who have no regard for anyone other than themselves. She was a wonderful person living her life to the fullest, a wife to the love of her life, a mother to two beautiful children, ages 4 and 7. A teacher, mentor, athlete and all around cheer leader to all. It has shaken my faith to the core as I try and make some sense of this, try and see what possible reason her death could have.

    • There are just so many situations that we can not comprehend, that we do not understand. It is why we can not lean on our own understanding, because we don’t have it. We simply can not find the answer and understand. We can only put our faith and trust in Him. I am so sorry for this loss. My prayers are with the family, husband, children, and loved one of your friend during this most difficult time.

  10. Thank you for this post, I feel like I’ve been in a constant state of grief for many years beginning with my best friend’s sudden death (we were 47), followed by mother, father, beloved dog Romeo 2 years ago. There were other losses in between but these were/still are so painful. A close friend told me I’m so lucky to “believe” because it helps me (she is a non-believer) get through it. She is so right! I cling to Him for understanding and only He makes it possible to face another day.

    • I am so sorry you have been in this grief for so long, Linda. My heart goes out to you. It is impossible to understand, but you are blessed to know you can cling to Him to make it possible to face another day. Praying for His love and comfort to wash over you.

  11. What perfect timing of your post for me personally. Just yesterday I was informed that they were turning off all life support for my Mother. In a matter of days I will be mourning her passing. What is even harder for me is that I cannot be with her to say my final goodbyes. I’ve lived in the UK for 9 yrs now and have not been able to get back to the States at all due to my own disability.

    I have put all my trust in my Lord. I have had moments of crying but I also have such wonderful moments of peace and comfort. I was able to introduce my Mom to Jesus many years ago through a car accident that left me a paraplegic. She saw my love and faith in Him and she believed. I know that she prayed as she spoke to me about them many times over the years. I will grieve but I know where she will be, walking with Jesus, free from pain, smiling, happy and joyous.

    • I am so incredibly sorry, Dorothy. Thank you for sharing that you have put your trust in the Lord, during this most difficult time. How wonderful that you have had moments of peace and comfort. What a shining example you have been, to show your mom your love and faith in Him, bringing her to Him. Such a beautiful gift. You are in my prayers!

  12. Beautiful post Jennifer! I am so sorry for all the pain you are going through from the death of your dog. Losing a pet that is a best friend/part of the family is very hard! If it wasn’t for God so many would be left in darkness. God gives us hope, that there are better things to come and that we will meet our loved ones (and pets) again someday. That is comforting to know. ♥

  13. Jennifer, I needed this today. August 11 will be the third anniversary of my husband’s death (at age 60) and in May, I lost my precious best friend Sophie suddenly – our 10 year old black Labrador. I say our, as she was also my husband’s dog – they adored each other. As long as I had her, I felt like I had a piece of him still with me, but losing her tore that away from me, as well as losing the best dog I’d ever known. I’m amazed how hard it still is some days. I will print your words and these verses and keep them close, particularly over the next few weeks (Aug 18 is also Sophie’s birthday), as I know it’s going to be a bit rough. Thank you for the reminder that God cares when we grieve, no matter the “size” of the grief.

    • Oh, Karen, I am so sorry for your losses. It does bring a comfort to our heart to know He cares, no matter the reason or size of our grief. You will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

  14. I remember like it was yesterday, a word came forth to me that my Boaz was coming and soon. Ever since I’ve studying Boaz’s character and how he was towards Ruth and his people. When a specific word comes to me, especially one such as this one, I take it very seriously and to heart. Well, yesterday, I went on a date. This date was with a young man who I met online. The site where we met was by far not a Christian based site. However, what drew me to him was his headline. It said, “Looking for a Christian, Spirit-filled lady.” Well, immediately peace came with the decision to converse with him and eventually meet him face-to-face. Its like God said, “Its okay.” So we met. After we said our hello’s and our nice to you’s he did the following” He sat down, leaned forward towards me and stared in my eyes and said, “Your eyes are awesome.” However, the best part about the whole thing was when we got our food, he without question stretched his hand forward and I took and held for him to bless the food and our time together.
    Am I discouraged? No. Maybe a little disappointed. I just need some answers. There was and still is a peace, but I also know that just because him and I believe the same Christian beliefs and share the same faith, that doesn’t mean that we’re meant to be.

  15. This mourning has to do with mourning over sin and not over a loss of a person or object. This is mourning over loss of fellowship with the Lord. The word for “mourn” is the strongest word in the Greek for mourning. It is the word used for mourning for the dead.
    Mourning here is not self-pity. We do not use pity for self as the instrument of forgiveness. Our forgiveness comes from the One who died on the cross for our sins. That is why there is blessedness in conviction over sin.
    It is sad when people explaining Scripture with a “Greeting Card” mentality! I have been meditating on Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
    Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
    I have also been thinking about the scripture in Isaiah where God says, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Speak comfortably means speak kindly…. you are already forgiven! You are forgiven! You are forgiven! So you choose! I set before you life and death… choose life!
    Aren’t you thankful that He fulfilled the Law and now we can live in victory because of Grace! We can see sin the way God sees it: AS IF WE HAVE NEVER SINNED! Now that’s something to shout about!

  16. I lost a close friend Dec 20. We had been acquaintances since 2003 and he was different. He always guarded me from those with impure motives. The last 3 months we became very close. We spent time alone together laughing and talking. Then he was gone. I had regrets that I didn’t express myself more in the way of how I felt. And someone else told me that as time went on the regrets would vanish and what would be left would be the joy we had together. The memories and pain are better but grief lasts longer than I realized it would.

    • Grief is such a personal journey, different for everyone. Yet we can all understand because we all have experienced it in our lives. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s love and comfort to surround you, Donna.

  17. Jennifer, I have experienced grief in many, many forms and I have much to say on this subject. But not today. I simply want to extend my love, prayers, and sympathy to you. I understand this grief well and I’m sooo sorry to hear of your loss. I know well the love, companionship, and family placement of a beloved pet. Losing a pet is an incredibly excruciating thing to go through. I’m always grateful that God is involved in every single moment of our lives and that He shares both in our joys and pain. He is so awesome to give us these marvelous creatures that can bring even more meaning to our lives. May He continue to catch each tear that drops from your face.

    • Oh Sherry, thank you so much. I was so surprised over the years to realize what a huge part of our lives he was, I did not expect that kind of love for and from a pet. They are a marvelous gift from God into our families!

  18. Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. Pets have such a special spot in our hearts. They are our companions and friends. I still feel a sad spot for when my cat died 14 years ago. We had her for 18 years and she was always by my side.

    It seems like right now everywhere I turn someone I know has been diagnosed with or died from cancer. The peace that passes all understanding is my home.

    Hugs and love to sweet friend…♥

    • I am sorry you lost your companion and friend, Erin. They do hold such a special place in our heart. “The peace that passes all understand is my home”, that is so beautifully said. Thank you.

  19. Thank you so much for this timely post! We gave our 5-day old first-born son back to Jesus 3 1/2 years ago. Some days are still hard. I was reminded of 2 things in your beautiful writing today. 1) Give Him our grief daily. Whether it be my sometimes broken heart aching for my son in heaven, or for my husband gone to Afghanistan away from me and our young girls (ages 2 and 9 mos) for 14 months, or just the stress of being a temporarily single mom of a spirited, beautiful, strong-willed 2-year-old that i’m crazy about, and who drives me crazy! 😛
    2) God, who comforted me in those trying times soon after’s Matthew’s death and some days since, will use our story for His glory. He has already and continues to do so. I’ve been able to comfort others who have lost children and I hope I always will.

    During these last several difficult months with my back surgery and my husband gone since last October, I very much NEEDED to be reminded of this today. Thank you for sharing your heart through your gorgeous writing.

    • Thank you so much for sharing what this post has reminded you of, Cortney. It is wonderful that you have been able to give the comfort that you have received on to others in need of that comfort. I am sorry for your loss and for your recent difficult months. My gratitude to you and your family for the sacrifices you are making for this country. Praying He meets you where you are daily, to comfort and give you strength.

  20. Beautiful post Jennifer. In an odd way, all of our different forms of grief can bring us together as humans, as sisters, as siblings in Christ. There are so many different types of griefs in these comments, and each one is valuable and important, not only to the one who grieves, but to the One who helps us through it. Your thoughts on this are powerful, thank you for sharing!
    Hugs, Margo

    • It does bring us together. We can all relate as humans to the feeling of grief because we all experience it. Thank you, Margo.

  21. All these ladies who have lost loved ones, beloved pets, is so sad. I have lost pets that I have loved and it’s crushing. They are like little people in our family with their own unique personalities and we love them dearly. The loss of a child or family member is even more devastating. May God wrap us all in His love and comfort us.

  22. What perfect timing this post was! Our house burned down a week ago, and we are thankful that no human or pet life was lost. Still there is the part of me that is grieving for my home, my kids baby pictures, and art work, etc. I know He has everything under control and won’t give us more than we can bear. Still it is a constant process of turning it over to Him .

    • I am so sorry for your loss, Shara. I can only imagine what you are going through. I agree that these things are a constant process of turning it over to Him, daily and sometimes multiple times a day. Praying for you and your family!

  23. “I think we grieve so intensely because we love so intensely.”

    I agree completely. We grieve because we love. And grief, I think, IS love.

  24. This came to me from God today. I am grieving a divorce I never wanted, a dream and marriage that are gone, 5 children that will never be whole again, and my own sense of who I am. It has been 17 months since he walked out and my divorce was final 7 months ago, just weeks before our 17th wedding anniversary. God has been so good and so faithful and the prayers and support and blessings I have received are abundant miracles of grace. But some days there is just the grief, like a dental appointment you know you have to get through but you would rather not… My children are with their dad this whole week and I have been avoiding being in my home alone– really running from the emptiness. But today I stayed and did my chores and just wept. After so many UPS sometimes I feel I should be done with the DOWNS, but God in His timing will keep healing my heart. Your post was a perfect reminder of how close He is and how I am loved. Thank you.

    • Betsy,

      Praying for God’s complete peace & comfort to surround you & take away some of the grief!

    • Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us, Betsy. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I am grateful to hear you find ‘abundant miracles of grace’ in the midst of the hurt. I think many people would agree that even after so many ups, the downs still happen. Praying for you and your children. You are loved!!

    • Thank you so much for sharing, Beth. I know just what you mean when you said, “how a specific Scripture would be just what I would need for that day, that moment in time.” Such a gift. I am sorry for your loss, but grateful to hear you say He met you right at the point of your need. How wonderful!

  25. Jennifer,

    So sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. I am dreading the loss of my Iguana. I have come to love this big animal and really care for him as he ages, he’s 80 in human years.

    I have had other losses also–jobs, pet, mother. All hurt to some degree. Thanks to God we can all get through these trials.

    • It is a difficult place to be, dreading a loss yet to come. Praying He will get your through when the time comes. Thank you, Beth.

  26. Contact Amy Potvin on Facebook. She lost her 8-year-old daughter 2 years ago and has walked through the entire experience. You are going through the toughest of trails in life; in my prayers!

    • What a story she and her family have. How amazing that they have started a foundation and are in her words, “creating a higher purpose through a great tragedy and loss”. Thank you for sharing, Karen.

  27. only by God I have been comforted over the last 4 years. So many huge losses shaking my world to the foundation. still functioning in survival mode to care for my family so I cannot imagine what my life would be without Him. Looking forward to the day the darkness breaks and I experience unobstructed Joy again — but in the meantime He still comforts me and I’m getting there.

  28. Jennifer- Thank you for your post. Loss is so hard….and hope that arises after loss is one of the most beautiful parts of faith. We have endured six miscarriages, ranging from 9 weeks to 5 months of pregnancy. And although they are several years in the past, I can remember clearly the wrestling, the anger, the grieving….and the comfort and the hope. Those years shaped my faith like nothing else. It is as if by experiencing sorrow my soul now has more capacity for joy.

    • Just a wonderful thought to hear how even in times of pain, our faith can be shaped in ways that would not happen in any other way. Thank you for sharing that, Melanie!

  29. Thank you for this. Compared to the losses so many others have had to endure, the loss of a friendship ending seems so minor…but it has so devestated me. It’s been three months now, and it has completely broken my heart. A friend I cared for so much became angry, won’t let it go, and stopped speaking to me. I don’t even know why, though I do have a guess, and it absolutely was nothing done intentionally. Its been a long and slow process for my heart to even begin to heal. Its truly the hardest thing I have had to deal with. Which really means I have been so blessed! I have never known the pain of abuse, divorce, or illness, no one close has passed away, and my husband is my only romantic relationship, so I’ve never dealt with a breakup either. My heart has never had to endure any hurts – so this has hit me so hard!

    If I honestly step outside and look at it, I can see things about this friendship that had become unhealthy. In many ways, this friend reminds me of a grown up version of the middle school “mean girl”…. Someone who carries past hurts, who may deep inside feel inadequate or have low self esteem – and to compensate has an outward persona of extreme confidence, who seems to need to be the center of attention. Someone who in one breath confesses feeling they don’t measure up, but in the next is cutting others down. Our friendship had become rocky – with spats being picked for unknown reasons. And there were things I went along with (like lots of gossiping) even though I felt it wasn’t always right. And honestly, if others were being talked about, Im sure I was also being talked about behind my back too. So maybe it was bound for this to happen, and maybe in the end its for the better…but it still hurts so much! Because despite the rocky times, I held onto the good ones. I had met this person almost four years ago at a vulnerable point in their life, and the person I met back then, the person who I loved, was not the same person I saw as time went on. I think back then her walls were all down, and Im choosing to believe that the person I met then is the “real” person. But as time went on it seems she fell into her ways of coping with the world. In many ways, I think the past couple years I’ve been wishing that person I first met could come back.

    Even though the friendship is now over, even though it ended in the most painful of ways, and even if she hates me forever, I will never hate her back. I can’t hate the hurt person I know is inside her, I can only love that person. I don’t like who she is right now, who has cut me completely out of her life, and has treated me so hatefully and cold heartedly. That someone who told me they loved me, that they never thought they’d have a best friend like me, that told me I was a blessing (and I felt all the same about her) – could now treat me this way, is beyond comprehension. But…. I still love that person I first met – that person I know is somewhere deep inside her – and I always will.

    (sorry for the long post!)

  30. Thank you for this. Compared to the losses of others, the loss of a friendship ending seems so minor…but it has completely broken my heart. A friend became angry and stopped speaking to me. I don’t know why, but I do have a guess, and it absolutely was not anything intentional on my part. This is truly the hardest thing I have had to deal with. Which really means I have been so blessed! I have never known the pain of abuse, divorce, illness, no one close has passed away, and my husband is my only romantic relationship, so I’ve never dealt with a breakup. My heart has never had to endure any hurts – so this has hit me so hard!

    If I honestly step outside and look at it, I can see things about this friendship that had become unhealthy. In many ways, this friend reminds me of a grown up version of the middle school “mean girl”…. Someone who carries past hurts, who may deep inside feel inadequate or have low self esteem – and to compensate has an outward persona of extreme confidence, who seems to need to be the center of attention. Someone who in one breath confesses feeling they don’t measure up, but in the next is cutting others down. Our friendship had become rocky – with spats being picked for unknown reasons. And there were things I went along with (like lots of gossiping) even though I felt it wasn’t always right. And honestly, if others were being talked about, Im sure I was also being talked about behind my back too. So maybe it was bound for this to happen, and maybe in the end its for the better…but it still hurts so much! Because despite the rocky times, I held onto the good ones. I had met this person almost four years ago at a vulnerable point in their life, and the person I met back then, the person who I loved, was not the same person I saw as time went on. I think back then her walls were all down, and Im choosing to believe that the person I met then is the “real” person. But as time went on it seems she fell into her ways of coping with the world. In many ways, I think the past couple years I’ve been wishing that person I first met could come back.

    Even though the friendship is now over, even though it ended in the most painful of ways, and even if she hates me forever, I will never hate her back. I can’t hate the hurt person I know is inside her, I can only love that person. I don’t like who she is right now, who has cut me completely out of her life, and has treated me so hatefully and cold heartedly. That someone who told me they loved me, that they never thought they’d have a best friend like me, that told me I was a blessing (and I felt all the same about her) – could now treat me this way, is beyond comprehension. But…. I still love that person I first met – that person I know is somewhere deep inside her – and I always will.

    (sorry for the long post!)

    • No need to apologize for your post, Leslie. Thank you for sharing your heart. I think that God knows our heart and He does not see any pain or loss to be minor. I am sorry for the loss you are grieving of your friendship. Sometimes God puts people in our lives for only a short time and we do not understand why. But He knows. Praying for your heart to be comforted.

  31. Today’s story settled my soul as I had just come home from hospital after seeing my husband who has Oesophageal cancer, but also has Pnemonia. It came on quickly and I was not ready for this downhill slide that has happened to him.
    He has changed so much in the last 2 months and I can already seeing him slipping away from me..
    We have been married more 20 years and was meant to be. I cannot imagine being alone and I don’t want that.
    I am so unprepared for his passing and cannot accept it will be before Christmas.
    Jesus comforts my soul but it still makes it hard to handle.
    Thank you for writing this piece at such an apt time.
    Blessings,
    Meg Australia

    • Oh Meg, no words, just prayers. Even though He comforts, it is still hard to handle. We can only take it to Him daily, hourly, or moment by moment. Praying for His love and comfort to surround you and your husband. May you be overcome with peace.

  32. So sorry for your loss <3 Thanks for this Amazing post. The past two years for our family have been full of super difficult times. They include the loss of my husbands business, getting food assistance, having no health insurance, chapter 7, trying to get a home modification, struggling in our marriage, a multitude of health issues, & the loss of James. James was in my sons band & lived with us 3 days a week. He was hit by a tractor trailer as he crossed the road. I still miss home every single day. I say all this to say that God has been my only true source of comfort through these trials. He has become my very best friend. As soon as the pain hits I start praying & telling Him about it. My constant thought is that it's my choice to be Happy & that with God's help I can be. It's truly Amazing how happy looks to the world who doesn't have God to lean on. They notice something is different and ask why! Our home modification just was approved, my husband has a job & we have health insurance. Our marriage is a work in progress & is in God's hands. My heart still mourns James, but I'm so blessed that I know he is in heaven with Jesus & that I will see him one day soon. My motto has become one second at a time with God's help <3 (in)courage has been the most incredibly Awesome blessing to me the past year & a half. I start my morning out reading the new devotions & am always in awe of what God sends my way each day <3
    Simply Living By Faith,
    Stacey <3

    • Thank you, Stacey, and thank you for sharing your heart and story with us. Thank you for the reminder that with God’s help we can chose to be happy. I love your motto of one second at a time with God’s help. That is certainly how it works, sometimes it really is moment my moment. I am happy to hear how so many of your difficult issues are turning around! Praise God!

  33. Jennifer,
    Thank you for your inspiring post … the scriptures and your words bring comfort to a heart that grieves for a prodigal son.

    I can’t imagine how difficult this season of life would be without Jesus being right there. I know when I call out to Him, He hears my cries and His heart grieves with mine. What a comforting it is to KNOW HIM!!

    • I know so many people agree with those thoughts, you just can not imagine going through these times without Him by our side. His heart does grieve with ours. Praying for you and your son, Bev.

  34. This post was perfect for me. I read as often as I can (4 boys and a daycare….little crazy.) I had some downtime and began reading and the tears were flowing.
    I know my loss isn’t as bad as a death or a house burning down…(my prayers go out to all of you suffering worse,) but I too am loosing a friend. I didn’t think it would hit me as hard as it has.
    We have been friends for awhile….all long distance. Our marriages have been very very rocky…mine worse then hers….and we leaned on each other. Her family moved closer….which was great to begin with. They lived 3 blocks and we became very close. Condided our deepest secrets and thoughts to one another. The good that bad and the ugly. ALL of it. We talked all the time and got out kids together as much as possible. Then they moved to a new neighborhood…..a little more upscale you could say…..and I have dropped off the radar. There was an altercation between us….after she had moved about a situation where emotions were running high on both ends. I forgot about it and moved on with life. Apparently she hasn’t and her new friends in her neighborhood have taken my place. I am happy for her family. And for her new friends. I am just sad thinking I am a horrible one. I was a friend when times were bad in our lives….whats the saying ..misery loves company. I truely looked and felt that she was one of the better friends I have ever had in my life and now it has gone away.
    So now ontop of a horrible unhappy marriage….I have lost my confidant, my friend. I am not perfect by any means. I must have hurt her or just wasn’t that great of a friend. It is what it is….I just hope that what her and I have talked about over the years can stay between her and I. We live in a very small town….and I told her things in confidence.
    I am just starting over with my walk in faith…..and i am struggling everyday…..
    Your post was very inspiring. I guess I deal with Him really comforting me. Being there for me. I have made a lot of mistakes over the last 4 years and I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I should be forgivin. Why should he be compassionate for me? I have sinned horrible against him. I know I am starting over in my faith and have learned so much….
    I just pray daily he will b ether for me.

    • He hears you and feels your pain, just as much as any pain, Nicole. I am sorry for the hurt you are in. We are so blessed to have such a compassionate God. He is there for you and He has wonderful plans for you! Praying for you.

  35. Dear Nicole – Just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you right now. Jesus is crazy about you & will always be there for you no matter what happens in life. Just ask for His forgiveness one time & move on in your life. He is the Best Friend you will ever have <3 I just lost a very close Friendship, too. It's beyond words painful but know in my heart & soul that it's what God wanted to happen in my life.
    Simply Living By Faith,
    Stacey
    http://www.simplylivingbyfaith.blogspot.com

  36. Thank you for this. My problems are small but I still worry. Bless those who are in greater need. ~ Peggy

  37. Oh how I needed this. Last month in one weeks time I went throught the revelation that a relationship of over 2 years was ending due to infideity and then the loss or 2 beloved pets just a few days later within 3 days of each other. I found myself shattered. For the first time in my life I could not (or perhaps would not) turn to God. I was angry and chose to direct my anger at Him. Since that time, day after day, I have received words from friends and read blog posts such as this reminding me that God is still there even through and despite my anger. Almost on a daily basis it has been something that spoke directly to my broken heart and the things I was feeling. God, in His own way, has reminded my heart daily that He remains with me regardless of what I have been feeling. This weekend for the first time I went back to church and began the process of giving all of my hurt to the one who will never leave or deceive me. This posting has left me in tears. Not a bad thing. Tears in some way of joy that again He reminds me that He is there for me. That he will take the awful hurt I am feeling and heal the broken pieces of my heart. Thank you so much for your words.

    • It is wonderful to see how He has spoken to you, Stella. I love how you have seen how He is there for you. I am so sorry for your losses. Praying for His healing comfort to wash over you, day by day.

  38. I am struggling with intense guilt as I grieve the loss of my 18 year old cat Maggie. Maggie came to me at 2 years of age when my good friend asked if I would care for her since she was moving back in with her parents who would not allow her to bring the cat into their home. Maggie and I enjoyed 5 fun-filled years together as she was playful, sweet, and kept me company during my single years of early adulthood. At the age of 30, I married and soon my daughter was born. I was sad that Maggie never accepted my husband or daughter, always hiding under the bed and rejecting my daughter’s attempts to play with her. Things turned worse when I became pregnant with my son at thirty four and developed an allergy to cats. I would wake up during the middle of the night gasping for air, keep a box of tissues next to the bed at all times and even got hives. The allergic reactions were causing complications with my pregnancy, so I took Maggie to live at my mother’s home. Over the years I would make sure to visit with Maggie when visiting my parents, but she became angry and would hiss, scratch and bite me and my children. I don’t blame her as she must have felt abandoned. My visits became infrequent due to the business of life. It is now eight years later and I am ashamed to say that she passed away one week ago today of old age and I was not there for her. I feel angry at myself and angry at God for not putting it on my heart to go visit her in her time of need. Now it is too late. I wish I could do it all over. I just wish she knew how much I loved her.

  39. I am reading the lives of the saints….who thank God for their trials and crosses and grief, as it brings them closer to Him and more dependent on Him..wow..I am so not there yet!
    this is a beautiful post to think about.