Then I thought – pay attention. This is what stillness is like. NO humming of electronics or motors. NO vibrations. NO distractions or entertainment or overload of incoming information. I was being still in mind and body. It only took a tiny bit more focus to also be still in spirit,

I’ve noticed a sigh can have many meanings. It can be a moan. Or a complaint. Or an expression of resignation to the realities of your life. Or a breath. Or a question. Or a prayer. It can be a silent, wordless prayer.

There is nothing about it that’s not purposeful. Nothing wasted. All your sorrows have meaning.

The wise men knew something but not everything about this new baby. They invested time and energy into seeking Him. They found Him and worshipped Him. They went home thankfully celebrating Him.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!How does it feel when people give you that greeting? I imagine it feels like salt in a fresh wound.

I was just chatting with a bereaved dad whose son died over 10 years ago. He’s hurting today because of Connecticut. If you are feeling renewed sorrow because you know what these newly bereaved parents are feeling, know that I am praying for you.

Immanuel ... … means God with us. That’s how God described to Mary who her son was – even before he was conceived.

On no other day do we count so much on things or events to make us happy.Most of us grievers would just as soon be sick through the whole shebang!

If it is biblically mandated, do it. Something in this category is certainly going to be beneficial and healing, just the sort of activity you need to be involved in. This includes some time to worship. I know that the usual Christmas services could be overwhelming – with crowds and joyful music. Try to find a local “blue Christmas” service, planned for people just like you - hurting people. Plan to go to the smallest, probably the earliest, service at your church. Avoid the crowds but go and worship this God who came near. That’s what we are celebrating.

A grieving person is exhausted by grief, has a hard time concentrating and making decisions, and can’t think as agilely as they used to... All those skills are necessary for Christmas shopping. So what’s a parent to do?

My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is for a quiet (still) heart, eyes of faith to see His presence in your life and great courage to...

Wherever I go, He is there. I can’t get away. I can’t hide. He sees from far away. He sees in the dark. I can’t leave His presence, because He is everywhere! He is being “with me” whether I like it or not. God is here. He won’t leave me and I can’t get away from Him.

When you are protecting yourself, or someone who is relying on you through this valley of shadow, a mask can be useful and helpful. But you will only make progress through this valley when you unmask yourself in the presence of God

As Jesus knew the cross was looming ahead of Him, He begged His Father for release from this obligation. But He also submitted Himself to the will of His Father, because of love

I was with a few bereaved parents over the weekend. Some years ago, one couple lost a pair of twins during the pregnancy. The mom and dad described their twins this way: “unknown, unseen, but nevertheless loved.” Loved.

This rejoicing in reunion is based right in the very core of who God made us to be. He made us for relationship! With him and with each other. ANY BREAK IN A RELATIONSHIP IS PAINFUL.

Lazarus did die, but the operative word in Jesus little statement is “end.” Death is not the end of Lazarus’ story!

It occurred to me that most of you probably have asked a question very much like that: Lord, You could have prevented her death! I believe that, your word teaches me that. So why didn’t You prevent it???

You may also be taking your vital signs. What were you and your loved one doing then? Thinking that way probably highlights that she or he is no longer here! Maybe your child had not been born yet.

A dear friend died last weekend. He is one of our bereaved dads. He was one of our BASIS staff for several years until a few years ago...Ray has gained that new dwelling place, where he has no more pain or sorrow and where the Lord touches his face to wipe all tears away, finally.