Learning to live after loss blog

  • Woman swinging on a large swing

    When does it get better, part two

    If I believe that Heaven is so much more glorious than anything this World has to offer, I will slowly start to believe it was good for God to take my loved one there with Him.

    READ MORE →

  • Sunset on the beach

    When does it get better, part one

    There have been milestones in my grief journey. I have no doubt this will continue. The first year has been the hardest, all the firsts without a part of my heart.

    READ MORE →

  • woman with her head down sitting on a rock with the sunset over the ocean

    Joy and Sorrow Can Coexist

    As time dared to march on, joy and sorrow coexisted in my heart. I cried easily and felt deeply. I was still sad, and even in miserable anguish at times. But God was showing me there was also room for joy as I leaned into the Holy Spirit.

    READ MORE →

  • Comforting a friend who is grieving.

    Courage to Live in Pain

    At the time, waiting on the Lord felt like that would be my new life. It felt crushing to go seemingly long periods without hearing from Him. I could not see it, but He was using the waiting to build endurance, which I would need as part of  courage to…

    READ MORE →

  • Sitting on the deck, bowing in prayer

    Living For Jesus Not My Children

    What was my motivation to live? I would like to be able to tell you, Jesus was my motivation to keep on- that I wanted to do God’s will and seek Him first in all things. The truth is it was our second born son, Drew.

    READ MORE →

  • The Door Christmas Ornament on the Fillinger's Christmas tree.

    Holidays Can Still Be Meaningful

    I walked into a department store this afternoon to see a plaque that proudly proclaimed, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”  While that is true for many, it’s not so true for those who are grieving.

    READ MORE →