majathoenesDec 13, 2021A Journey to Peace and Joy A closed heart never heals. An open heart is a surrendered heart that finally says, “God, I need you.” Once we understand our need for...
majathoenesNov 22, 2021Thankfulness Is the Language God DesiresHave you ever prayed, “Oh, God, what is your will for my life?” I thought it had to be a lofty goal, a project, a ministry. And then I...
majathoenesNov 15, 2021Give It Away!After a tragic loss in our lives, it seems impossible to give anything away. After all, we‘ve just lost a loved one unexpectedly. There...
Elaine KennellyNov 8, 2021Trust Is Another Word for FaithHow do you define faith? For me faith is resting in the Presence of God, even when circumstances are overwhelming. Faith is knowing and...
Elaine KennellyNov 1, 2021Forgiveness: Your Hardest Task, Your Greatest Reward!You got here, in this suicide struggle, because of someone else’s action. You did not sin; someone else did, and worse yet, someone you...
majathoenesOct 26, 2021Where Is God After a Suicide Loss?My relationship with God came crashing down after we lost our oldest son to suicide. My faith in God collapsed, as though it was built on...
majathoenesOct 18, 2021Suicide: 2nd Leading Cause of Death for 10-34 Year OldsYes, it’s true. According to the CDC, suicide ranks second in the number of deaths for 10-34 year olds. Last year, again from CDC...
Elaine KennellyOct 11, 2021A Myth: “I’ll Just Stuff All Those Negative Feelings Inside!”About a year after our son’s suicide, I made a terrible mistake. I stopped crying. I wouldn’t talk about Matthew. I put away all his...
Elaine KennellyOct 4, 2021Do YOU Want Peace? Here’s How!I love simple answers. Easy to understand. Step One…Step Two. The only trouble is…it may not be easy…and it may take time. Step One:...
Elaine KennellySep 27, 2021Here’s Great News for the Journey!A grief journey is always difficult when you lose someone closest to you: a spouse, a child, a parent. There is rarely good news to share...
Elaine KennellySep 20, 2021How Does God Speak to Us?God speaks to us in his Word. Take a good look at this picture. I have Maja Thoenes to thank for creating this wonderful depiction of God...
Elaine KennellySep 13, 2021A Closed Heart Never HealsThis is not my life’s greatest moment. No, it isn’t something I’m especially proud of, but it is an honest statement after the suicide...
Elaine KennellySep 6, 2021And Exactly What Is the Fullness of God?Have you heard that phrase, ”the fullness of God?” I bet you have. It sounds good, doesn’t it? In fact, I think it sounds lyrical, like...
Elaine KennellyAug 30, 2021Do You Know What Solace Is?It‘s an odd word, one we seldom use these days. We might use words like consolation, cheer, support, but years ago, I heard that one...
Elaine KennellyAug 23, 2021Trying to Understand God?We all do this—try to figure out God, try to understand the why in our lives. A tragedy strikes our family, and we can’t comprehend what...
Elaine KennellyAug 16, 2021JOY After a Suicide Loss?Is is possible to have real joy after losing a loved one to suicide? Yes, I think it is. I am a mother and a wife, but I call myself a...
Elaine KennellyAug 8, 2021Can Suffering and Cheerfulness Go Hand In Hand?The words in this graphic were written by James, and put in the New Testament book by the same name. Mary was the mother of James and...
Elaine KennellyAug 2, 2021Need Patience…Right Now?Rhetorical question, right? Everyone needs patience! But, the real question is “How do we become patient?” This may seem difficult for...
Elaine KennellyJul 26, 2021Prayer Is a DialogueMany years ago, I read this about Mother Teresa. A reporter had asked her, “Mother Teresa, your prayers must be very special. What...
Elaine KennellyJul 19, 2021Are You Captured by Guilt?I was. You see, after the suicide death of a loved one, especially a child or a spouse, you feel that you contributed to their decision...
Elaine KennellyJul 12, 2021Prayers from the Psalms — Part OneSometimes we feel helpless—just don’t know what to say to God. Here’s great news: the words don’t really matter. It’s our hearts and...
Elaine KennellyJun 28, 2021Can We Really Thank God for EVERYTHING?For me, the book of Psalms are like a soothing lotion on my sunburn, or a cup of cool water flowing down my parched throat. I just want...
majathoenesJun 23, 2021Life Is All About Attitude!Attitude is what is found in your mind! You can’t buy it or borrow it. Neither can you blame someone else for your lousy one! But if you...
Elaine KennellyJun 14, 2021Thinking Gratitude or Grief? After our son’s suicide, there was a dangerous side to my grief. It was my thought process. I kept repeating lies over and over and over...