Grief 2 Great Day - Christian Grief Support for Women, Questioning God in Grief, Life after Loss, Hope in Grief

SHOW NOTES Last episode I shared the changes coming for Grief 2 Great Day to make sure you have a single place to call home in your grief journey.  And this week, we'll touch on change. How uncomfortable it can be and how few of us enjoy change. What we don't care about in grief is that with great change comes great growth if we'll allow it to change us. The changes coming for Grief 2 Great Day include taking the Grief 2 Great Day podcast from public to private. Please listen to make sure you are able to continue listening to the podcast and have access to all the resources.   WORD of the Week   “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run to it and are safe.”  Proverbs 18:10 Song of the Week  Naomi Raine - Sing Hallelujah feat. Natalie Grant   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home           

SHOW NOTES While I walked through my life-changing grief, I didn't think I was going to make it. I was indignant and angry with God and at times, doubted He cared about me. I felt like I would never be able to breathe, laugh or live again. God used my anger to keep me connected to Him and brought true healing to my heart. He showed me – actually – He shocked me with real joy and peace and gave me a calling I never expected. That's how Grief 2 Great Day was born. I'm here to share that good news, that confident hope that life will get better, that there will be beauty from your ashes.  And one of the most helpful things is having others who understand that kind of pain, a framily, a community where you can go and feel comforted and encouraged. This week I'm sharing the changes coming for Grief 2 Great Day to make sure you have such a place to call home.  Please listen to make sure you are able to continue listening to the podcast and have access to all the resources.   WORD of the Week     Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:5-7).  Song of the Week   For My Good & I Will Be Alright, Calvin Nowell   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home           

SHOW NOTES This week we're going to talk about living after loss. That statement sounds non emotional and 'do-able'…until you are the one experiencing the loss – the life-changing loss of someone you dearly loved – someone who was an intricate part of your daily life.  We all understand anger, questions and pain associated with loss, but along with those emotions comes an overwhelming lack of desire to live life fully.  Living daily life is hard enough, but to desire a life that is beyond survival is unfathomable in the beginning of grief. This week we're going to talk about wanting to live life after a life-altering loss, as this is the first step to living a joyful and meaningful life.   WORD of the Week     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.   2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Song of the Week  Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook   Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home           

SHOW NOTES As Grief 2 Great Day begins to shift from being a public podcast to moving to a private community, I've had questions about what that means, when that will happen and how it will affect you. So today, I want to share what's happened over the past three years, share the vision of Grief 2 Great Day again and invite you to be a part of this exciting shift! If you have questions that haven't been addressed in this episode, please head to the Grief Group for Christian Women (private Facebook group) and pop them in there!  I thank God for giving me this calling and I thank you for being a part of the last three years!

SHOW NOTES Today we have a special guest, Kristina Smith who became caretaker for her father before walking through the painful grief of his death.  She journaled her grief walk and from this journal a devotional book was born. This episode is quite a bit longer than usual, but it will be worth your time to hear Kristina's love for the Lord.  To connect with Kristina Website: Home | Kristina Smith Beyo Facebook Group: Beyond the Horizon By Kristina Smith | Facebook The Voice of the Okame Tree Devotional Book: https://a.co/d/7jd5VaV   WORD of the Week    Isaiah 43:1-2  “But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your god, the Holy One of Israel. Your Savior.  Songs of the Week  Flowers by Samantha Ebert  & Firm Foundation (feat. Cody Carnes) // The Belonging Co   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home           

SHOW NOTES If you think gutting it through grief or falling in a hole during grief will make the pain stop or result in better days, you need to listen to this episode. Our expectations of the grief process are based on emotional expectations or the pressure of what our faith should do in our journey.  Grief is really not a topic people want to talk about, so there are so many things we don't know as we travel this difficult road. What about your brain?  Remember that commercial about – this is your brain and then they showed a frying pan and said, this is your brain on drugs?  Well, grief also physically affects your brain.  Today we'll talk about how it affects your brain which will give you a little relief and hopefully increase the grace you give yourself in grief.   WORD of the Week   Hear God's word and cling to it!  Luke 8:15  Song of the Week  Unspoken - God Help Me    Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “What to Do After the Loss of a Loved One” Workshop   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home           

SHOW NOTES Nights are the worst when your mind won't stop racing.  Your thoughts which were once your own seem to take you over.  It's not just thoughts at that point, it's anxiety and fear and the darkness of night amplifies those feelings. You've tried a million times to turn it off – to shut the loop down but nothing seems to work.  You might have even tried meditating on the scripture (for a couple of days) and still nothing. Today, I'll share why what you're wanting (the racing thoughts to stop and for sleep to come or getting through the day better or building a relationship with God) seems to elude you in grief.  And, more importantly, I'll talk about how to turn that ship around and point it toward progress.   WORD of the week    Be Still and Know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Song of the Week  Be Still by Hillsong Worship   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “What to Do After the Loss of a Loved One” Workshop   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home

SHOW NOTES One of the scariest things for me when I was going through grief was getting stuck.  Initially I didn't know what to do to get through in a healthy way, so I did a lot of the wrong things.  I knew that life would never be the same, but I feared that I would never have a life again. I can tell you there are helpful and healing things you can do – a lot of which I've talked about in previous episodes.  But there are also things that can help keep you stuck. Today, I'm going to share 3 things you may be doing that will keep you from healing.  Listen to see if you are doing any of them and if you are, how to change that! This episode is a replay from the top4 most downloaded in 2024.  I introduce Coffee & Kathy Weekly Devotionals on Grief 2 Great Day. Replays from last year are available on your podcast app.   WORD of the Week   But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Is 40:31. Song of the Week  Gonna Be Alright by Ryan Ellis   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES How do I get relief from this endless pain?  How do I stop being angry or asking why or trying to do the million things that seem impossible?  Grief is like that movie ‘Groundhog Day' – the same thing day after day after day. It seems like there's only changes for the worse and that kind of routine starts to wear on you after a while. It also erodes your hope for a future that is different – never mind a happy future. There are three things that will help you when you feel like all ya got is grief, that life can't get better, and that God has forgotten you.  These things will relieve some of the expectation pressure, help you in your interactions with God and serve as a reminder that tomorrow can and will be different! This episode is a replay from the top4 most downloaded in 2024.  I introduce Coffee & Kathy Weekly Devotionals on Grief 2 Great Day. Replays from last year are available on your podcast app.   WORD of the Week   And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.  John 16:22 Song of the Week    Never Ever Give Up by Matthew West   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES - Replay from 2022 A new year but the same pain is another frustrating fact of grief.  It reinforces that it'll NEVER be over.  But I'm here to tell you that while the second year isn't the end of grief (and that tidbit may help free you), there are changes to expect. If this is in fact a second year for you or if it's the second month, it's important for you to listen today to know what to expect in your second year of grief.  This is not all flowers and rainbows, but it should give you hope!    WORD of the Week   Isaiah 43:18-19  Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Song of the Week You Know My Name by Tash Cobbs Leonard - https://youtu.be/t7owFiihXgg   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me  Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

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SHOW NOTES This is a replay from Episode 62 for those hurting at Christmas!   WORD of the Week    Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you,  I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 Song of the Week   Somewhere in Your Silent Night by Casting Crowns   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW LINKS   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Y'all – big changes are coming!  Today, I'll be sharing a glimpse of what that will look like for Grief 2 Great Day in the new year.    WORD of the Week    "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11  Song of the Week  Better Together by FBC Ladies   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW LINKS   Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES I want to share the full WORD and some lyrics of the Song of the week as the show notes. This fits our grief journey so well and is more important than any words I could share on the subject.    WORD of the Week  2 Corinthians 3:6-10 3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.     Song of the Week Less like Scars by Sara Groves https://youtu.be/DXcWZif_8uA   It's been a hard year But I'm climbing out of the rubble These lessons are hard Healing changes are subtle But every day it's Less like tearing, more like building Less like captive, more like willing Less like breakdown, more like surrender Less like haunting, more like remember And I feel you here And you're picking up the pieces Forever faithful It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation But you are able   Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES The holidays are a real grief milestone – much like your loved one's birthday, day of death and anniversaries.  You know they are coming and yet there is no good way to prepare for how you will feel and how to make it through. I felt a lot of anxiety, sadness and guilt as the holidays neared.  The guilt came from knowing that as a Christian, I should be so focused and thankful for the reason we celebrate Christmas.  But all I wanted was to crawl in a hole until December 26th.  In today's episode, we'll talk about letting go of guilt and how to cope with everyone else's annoying happiness.  Sorry, not sorry – it's truth.   WORD of the Week  Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Song of the Week Spirit Lead Me by Influence Music https://youtu.be/hz34EOBKZ_A   Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

IMPORTANT LINKS   Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES This week is Thanksgiving, and it may be a day you just want over with, so giving thanks isn't so easy.  And, when you are getting lost in your feelings, it's hard to do the thing that will change all things.  I'm talking about being in God's word. Today, I want you to know that you aren't alone, you are loved.  Just sit back and listen as I read God's word and a few quotes to help you through this day and week.  God is still good, and you still have a purpose for your life.   WORD of the Week  Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Song of the Week Spirit Lead Me by Influence Music https://youtu.be/hz34EOBKZ_A   Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.” Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

Get the Holiday Grief Relief Summit Recordings   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES When I heard people talking about Thanksgiving or Christmas, the anxiety would rise, and the dread would increase.  I wish I could have escaped all the happy holiday things.  But, short of escaping (which is fine if you need to), I want to share how to include your loved one into your Thanksgiving.  I'm going to share 10 ways, but then we'll discuss the importance of how these ideas are used to build your loved one's legacy. Bring pen and paper, because I'm talking a little faster than usual and I don't want you to miss anything that might spark an idea or even a little hope.   WORD of the Week   And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7 Song of the Week Even When it Hurts – Hillsong United    https://youtu.be/hrSJwO5dJXg   The holidays will be here soon.  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording) Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home    

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: Annie's Story… Her mother died when she was 3-years old, giving birth to her baby sister. Her father died when she was 6. Before he died, he made arrangements for a childless couple to raise Annie and her little sister. As a teenager, the rheumatoid arthritis set in. And by the time she was in her twenties, she was permanently crippled by it, sent to live in a long-term care facility for the rest of her life, in part because her foster parents had also died. Gnarled hands, twisted fingers. Permanently in a wheelchair. Unable to meet her own most basic needs.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are coming!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey, felt the pain of grief and thought they wouldn't make it. Be encouraged by their stories and progress!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES We read the Bible verse that God will make all things come together for our good. Well, how in the world is what you are going through good?  How can it ever be good?  This is where I struggled in the beginning.  I read about a Christian singer who lost her husband in a diving accident. I could so relate with the pain and confusion and then she shared how she had to trust in God and was given hope.  She, like Monica while she was sick, had a hope I couldn't rely on.  I had moments of hope but not an underlying confidence in God. I thought that all the success stories – all the giants in the faith were blessed and loved by God in a way that I would never understand.  But I held on to those stories and replayed what they did when they were hurting.  After over a year of fighting it out with God – and those were some tough days – my heart softened, and I began to trust God.  I went back to those stories and started to believe that God is no respecter of persons – that if he did it for them – He would do it for me. Do you believe that yet?  Boy, when you get a hold of that kind of confidence aka trust in God and HIS plan, then you'll see progress.  Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever walk through but on the other side you'll be able to say – God will make all things come together for my good. Today I'm talking about one way to build that very needed hope!   WORD of the Week  “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Song of the Week  My Prayer for You - Alisa Turner   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are coming!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey, felt the pain of grief and thought they wouldn't make it. Be encouraged by their stories and progress!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: Thermostat or thermometer? A left-handed compliment. An unasked, negative critique of what I am wearing. A joke at my expense that hits too close to home. A lousy driver. Another interruption. An illness. A person who lets me down – again. The daily stuff of life – the stuff that comes from living in a fallen, sinful world. It happens. And I get to choose. Will I be a thermometer? Or a thermostat? A thermometer registers the current temperature. A thermostat sets the temperature and regulates it.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are coming!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey, felt the pain of grief and thought they wouldn't make it. Be encouraged by their stories and progress!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Last week we touched on the balancing act of grief – how to push and when to rest. I also shared an important truth that, once you grab a hold of, will help every day in grief and give you glimpses of a good future. Along your journey – how do you measure progress?  What do you use to compare your today to?  Emotions change so much and in grief, they are exceptionally high and low, so you can't count on them.  Today, we'll talk more about how to know with confidence that you are making progress in the grief process.  This understanding may not make your journey any quicker, but then again – maybe it will!    WORD of the Week     May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13 Song of the Week   It Is Well – Anthony Evans   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me   Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are coming!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey, felt the pain of grief and thought they wouldn't make it. Be encouraged by their stories and progress!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: God loves you. He sent Jesus to die to take the punishment for your sin because He wants to have a relationship with you. Yes, you. No caveats – and no exceptions. If you already knew that and have accepted it as fact in your life, then tell someone else. By word and by deed. If you are not sure how to reach those close to you or far away, let's talk. There are some awesome ways for you to make an eternal impact in your neighborhood and around the world.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Grief is such a balancing act between resting and pushing.  And while you are in the beginning year or so of your journey – nothing feels like it's under your control.  After all you had no control over losing your loved one – you had no control over how it happened and when it happened. Today I want to share a game-changing sign I was given that helped begin a conversation with God and a realization of what I was feeling versus what I was capable of.  This, right here, is the balancing act....it is the work of grief. Your JourneyWorks this week is powerful!  If you act upon it, you will see your attitude, your perspective, and your confidence change. You will begin to believe that you can ‘make it through this!'   WORD of the Week    I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me   Philippians 4:13 Song of the Week   Say I Won't by Mercy Me   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: Paul said it this way: “Whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10) According to God's Word, that should be the overarching theme of my to-do list – and the list of every Christ-follower. Whatever I do today – from the marvelous to the mundane – should be done for the glory of God. In other words, everything I do today should serve to point either myself or others to HIS greatness, HIS goodness, HIS character, HIS heart. It is easy to see how preparing the lesson for Sunday or writing this blog can be done for the glory of God. (It is also easy for both of those things to be about MY glory, not His.) But how can I clean the cat's box for the glory of God?? And what about all those other ordinary things that fill my days – like dishes and taking out the trash, answering e-mails and sitting in meetings, driving to and from work, running errands – how can I do those things for the glory of God?   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES When the sacred is torn from your life and you survive. Wow!  Do those words resonate with you today?  Today we'll look at Natalie Grant's song, Held as we look at the promises of God for you right now as you struggle to make sense of losing your ‘sacred person.'  There is a truth in love alert for this episode but as you walk further along your grief journey, you'll need to hear this for your healing.   WORD of the Week  Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10 (Message) Song of the Week   Held by Natalie Grant   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.    2 Corinthians 13:14 NLT Hmm…unpacking that a bit…what does it mean?   And, more importantly, what does it look like?   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Let me start by saying that if you have healthy boundaries around your life, this episode won't be as useful.  BUT, if you are like most people and dare, I say Christian women mostly and you are one ‘yes' away from complete exhaustion, then this episode is for you. The title of Funnel and Vessel is from a counselor that Jeff and I were seeing, and it hit home so much that even years later, it continued to resonate.  When he first shared this idea, I was like, ‘Yeah – that's what I'm talking about' and that acknowledgment was helpful. I didn't act though, I just let it sit in my head and frustrated myself when I continued to say yes to all the things I really didn't want to say. And that is at the heart of this issue with boundaries – saying yes when you really don't want to….  Today I'll ask you some hard questions – questions I had to ask myself so that your life is not dictated by others; but instead – you live and breathe for an audience of one!   WORD of the Week   “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:10 Song of the Week   This Journey is My Own by Sara Groves   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”    Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home    

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: “Abba, I need Your eyes today to see the people who cross my path. Your ears to hear not just their words but their hearts. And I need Your heart to love them with YOUR love. Not my faulty and feeble love. But Yours. I need Your eyes today to see past the behavior I dislike so that I can see that this is another person who is created in Your image, someone You desperately and dearly love, someone for whom Christ died. I need Your ears to hear past the rhetoric – whether it matches my internal script or not – so that I can hear the person behind the words. Even the ugly, vile, disturbing words. I need to hear the cries for You that are woven through the words they choose. And I need to speak back Your Words – Words of Truth, life, health, peace, healing, love, understanding, grace, and kindness – regardless of what they have spoken. I need Your heart for every person in my path today. The ones that look like me. And sound like me. And dress like me. And believe like me. And the ones who don't.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording) Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES …This made me think about life in grief.  My existence was myopic on my grief. It was nearsighted on my loss, pain, confusion, anger with the Lord. It was all I could see.  It was all I focused on.  In the beginning of grief, this is very normal because everything (if you knew the loss was coming or not) is traumatic and the body has to survive, process what has happened and still function. It's overwhelming and there's nothing else you can see at that point.  As you walk through the grief journey, there will be times when you have the option to think about, pray about, see other things that are not loss related and I struggled to choose to take my eyes off of my grief. Everything was filtered through my loss and that kept me nearsighted on pain, questions, frustration and anger.  Today I'll share what will help you continue to process & heal are the same things that help nearsighted people see in the distance…or see a bigger picture.    WORD of the Week   We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (Message) Song of the Week   Hallelujah Anyway by Charly Perry   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording) Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

Memorable Quote: People like to say, “God helps them who help themselves!” And what they mean by that is, “We like it when people work hard and pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” But the biblical reality is that God helps those who realize they are helpless. Lost. And in constant need of Him. And His help is not just in the form of Saving Grace. Saving Grace is truly amazing. It stepped in, along with its sister, Mercy, when I deserved nothing but the wrath of God for my sin. And Mercy put my punishment on Jesus. While Grace stood with open arms, inviting me to come into fellowship with God. That is Saving Grace. And that is awesome. But God also provides a different Grace. A living, sustaining, “I-even-care-about-smoke-detectors” Grace. A daily Grace for even the things that are, at best, mundane. A Sustaining Grace.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording) Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES If you are new to the podcast, let me share a quick overview of the summit I am talking about.  The Holiday Grief Relief Summit is a way to ‘escape' the normal holiday season. See when the holidays come, and they are coming – there's a whole ‘nother level of feeling your loss. You can't escape the happy holiday marketing that is everywhere – even in the big box stores now (what in the world, Hobby Lobby) – and the true meaning of Christmas is not only lost on our culture but it's hard to grasp in grief.  It becomes the period of time that is incredibly heavy and doubly hard. Family traditions and social times around the holidays accentuate loss, and you may feel anger, jealousy or envious of those who are clueless to the type of pain you are dealing with…which feels like everyone. So, the Holiday Grief Relief summit was created to help you escape and be around those who aren't hard to be around - where other Christian women who get it - share their journeys (and journeys-in-progress) to give you great hope to survive the holidays and to know that you can breathe, laugh and truly live again.   WORD of the Week Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.  James 5:10-11 (Message) Song of the Week   I Can Feel You by Bethel Music   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: You can…but you won't. Why won't you, God? You are able to heal my friend. But so far, You have not. Why not? You are able to change my financial circumstances. But You are choosing not to – at least, so far. What's up with that? You are able to heal the marriage. Keep the baby from miscarrying. Cure the cancer. Provide the money. Send that godly husband to the lonely, godly girl. I know You are able because You have done it before. It's recorded in the pages of Your Word. Miracles. Lots of them. And I know because You have done it in the 2,000 years since Jesus walked the earth. I have read the testimonies. Heard them with my own ears. Seen them with my own eyes. So where are you now, God? Because You can. I know You can. But You aren't. You haven't. And it feels like You won't.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are over, but the struggle is not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES (part 2) On Sunday, Zach Lloyd was here and shared his inspiring journey with God and how he became a lifestyle – anti-diet – coach.  He told us about struggling with addiction and depression and how his aunt played a role in leading him to God.  If you did not hear that episode, please go back and listen to it. Today, Zach will share his expertise on becoming healthy and it might surprise you since it's not what you are used to hearing.  What you are walking through is incredibly hard and Zach understands how life can be debilitating! What you are walking toward (navigating this unfamiliar world without your loved one and creating your new identity in it) will absolutely be made better if you'll take care of your physical body in the best way you are able. If you have any questions for Zach, join the private FB group and I'll make sure they get to Zach to be answered.  If any question is important to you, then it's important to Zach!    Listen today to see how great changes come from small steps in health and in grief.   WORD of the Week   (chosen by Zach Lloyd)  "In the beginning was the word, the word was with God, and the word was God." John 1:1    Songs of the Week (chosen by Zach Lloyd) UP! Forrest Frank & Connor Price Good to Know by Zach Williams   All things Zach Lloyd: Free Gift!  Zach's End Calorie CountingToolkit: https://bit.ly/EndCalCounting Website:  https://zachlloydcoaching.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rYOAoCGonrZpdWxSl6oUQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlloydcoaching/   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES So today, you get to hear from our first ‘guy' on the podcast.  :-)  We're gonna talk with Zach Lloyd. He is a Lifestyle – anti-diet – coach.  He emailed me after listening to an episode of Grief 2 Great Day, so he had my attention with that fact. But as we emailed and then met via Zoom, I was excited to share not only WHAT he does with you but WHO he is.  I've said many times that after going through grief, I can also tell if someone has been through something in their life because, if they allow it, God will bring growth, maturity and most importantly a higher perspective. Well, that's what I see in Zach.  You might be thinking - who cares about health right now?  I want you to because it will help you!  See, even though I knew what to do, I wish I had met someone like Zach back then. Someone to help support the small steps, to encourage with an understanding of how hard it can be to get out of bed and to keep me accountable. He's been through hard times which have shaped who he is. Listen today to see how great changes come from small steps in health and in grief.   WORD of the Week   (chosen by Zach Lloyd)  "In the beginning was the word, the word was with God, and the word was God." John 1:1    Songs of the Week (chosen by Zach Lloyd) UP! Forrest Frank & Connor Price Good to Know by Zach Williams   All things Zach Lloyd: Free Gift!  Zach's End Calorie CountingToolkit: https://bit.ly/EndCalCounting Website:  https://zachlloydcoaching.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rYOAoCGonrZpdWxSl6oUQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlloydcoaching/   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: Because a tiny baby was born to a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem, one day I can get all my questions answered. I can chat with Joseph about how he felt. I can talk to the wise men about their journeys – the exciting one to Bethlehem via Jerusalem and the covert one as they returned home another way to escape King Herod. I can meet Jesus' brothers and sisters. I can ask Mary to share her side of the story. Beginning at the stable – but continuing to the cross. I can ask her what it felt like to watch her firstborn son be slaughtered 33 years after that night in Bethlehem. And how she felt when she came upon the empty tomb three days later.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Candy Chang on creating Before I Die in New Orleans: I lived a block away from an abandoned house that had been collecting dust and graffiti for years. I wondered if I could make it a nicer space for my neighborhood and make a tribute to Joan by creating a space to restore perspective. I made a homemade stencil that said, “Before I die, I want to _____.” With help from old and new friends, I painted the side of this crumbling house with chalkboard paint and stenciled it with this prompt so that anyone walking by could pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on death and life, and share their personal aspirations in public. It was all an experiment, and I didn't know what to expect. Because it was cheap to make, I thought it would be no big deal if it didn't work out. By the next day, the wall was entirely filled and it kept growing: Before I die I want to… sing for millions, abandon all insecurities, get my wife back, eat all the carbs I want, hold her one more time, be completely myself. The gamut of humanity was on full display, and the wall became an honest mess of the longing, fear, insecurity, gratitude, humor, pain, and grace you find in every community. I saw how much I was not alone as I tried to make sense of my life, and the wall became in icebreaker for meaningful conversations on death and emotional health. Seeing some private corner of your psyche reflected in someone else's handwriting on a public wall can be incredibly reassuring on an individual level, and it's a step towards seeing ourselves in one another.   WORD of the Week    This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven. Hebrews 6:19 Song of the Week  I Have to Believe by Karen Wheaton     Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home    

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: God will still be Sovereign. Seated on His throne. In charge. At work. No matter who is elected. God will not be surprised by who is elected. Daniel, who worked diligently for the government who had overthrown his homeland and destroyed it, wrote these words about God: He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” (Daniel 2)….. Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Today is a short but practical way to feel better and who doesn't want to feel better in grief? I'm gonna talk a little more about the “RISE” part of pray, read and rise.  I've shared with you that the greatest actions you can take in grief are praying (no matter what that sounds like); reading the Bible (no matter how little you are able to) and Rising. The Rise portion is of great value to your journey – not only for the future – but for right now.  See, exercise has been shown to be as effective as Prozac for depression.  And exercise comes with only good side effects such as better (or deeper sleep)……   WORD of the Week    A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22   Song of the Week   Alabaster Box by CeCe Winans   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: ……In prayer, I want it to be that I ask and God instantly answers. In a way I understand. Clearly. In a way I like. To my satisfaction. In learning, I want it to be that I read the Bible briefly, casually, in a few spare moments and become a spiritual giant. Understanding it all clearly. Applying it all perfectly. Completely transformed in an instant. In relationships, I want it to be that I do things God's way and instantly have no conflict. I forgive or am forgiven, and everything is instantly restored. I have a tough conversation, and everyone ends up on the same page after a few moments. I choose love and they choose love, and we all live happily ever after. In spiritual growth, I want it to be that I pop in a few great quotes from other godly people – or even a great book on the Christian life – and I am suddenly transformed. Encouraged. Uplifted. Changed completely. All better now. Beep! The stew is done! Without an extended period of heat. Without it taking half of forever…..   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Cuss words – the definition is to say words that aren't polite because you're angry. That's the definition. In grief, there are words we do not want to say or hear because when we do hear them, it creates all kinds of emotions – anger, offense and did I mention anger?  On a good day in grief, the biggest of these cuss words can cause you to shut down.  Well, that was my experience, but maybe it's different for you. Let's see.  When I tell you that at some point, you're gonna have to accept what has happened, how does that hit your heart?  My reaction was pure rebellion because in my mind, the word acceptance meant ‘agreeing with' or ‘approving of' and I had no intention of doing either of those things. This is where I thought my faith was lacking – that if I had more faith (at that point, I felt I had none), so if I had any faith, then I could accept what God allowed.  But coming to a place of acceptance is the crazy ride of grief.   There's so much rolled up in that word and that's what I want to talk about today:  What is included in ‘acceptance' what, it really means, and 3 reasons grief cuss words such as acceptance will help you rebuild a life.   WORD of the Week   Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And weboast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2-4 Song of the Week   Trust in God   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: But here is what I love: I know that God loves me. I am His beloved daughter.  And He delights in showing me the path I should take – if and when I let Him. So my job is to incline the ear of my heart to Him. To take the time to read His Word so I recognize His Voice. To spend time in prayer so that I know what His presence and His peace are like. To hold up my thoughts, urgings or promptings against the background of those things to “test the spirits”. And then to wait on Him for clarity of thought, for that “peace that passes understanding” before I act.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are Over but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, this isn't the episode that was scheduled for today because I wanted to share something I thought was incredibly important and something I touched on last week. Lately several of you have shared being ‘unencouraged' by others in daily life - some of those people being Christians.  I know if I'm hearing from more than 4 or 5 people, that many others are experiencing the same thing. I find that I'm real sensitive when it comes to this subject because I've experienced both the helpful and the hurtful comments people make.    Today and the reason for this episode – in the last week I was reading some of the posts in the FB group – and they made me emotional because of the love and care that is shown.  I want to share some of the comments because you may not be a part of the group, but you may need to hear these!    WORD of the Week   Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.  Proverbs 18:21   Song of the Week   Speak Life by TobyMac   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me  Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: I am out of alignment. And it causes pain throughout the Body. When I do not align my feet properly, I feel in it my arches, knees, hips and back. And when I do not align my life with God's Word, I feel it all over. When I pick and choose what the Bible says – or rather, what I want it to say – by taking verses out of context, I am out of alignment. When I know what the Bible plainly says – like “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3) – but choose to live like I am the only one who actually matters, I am out of alignment. When I don't really read or study my Bible for myself but instead live on the words of humans without checking them against the Truth of scripture, I am out of alignment.   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES … The second month was different…no longer exhausted from caretaking but exhausted emotionally.  I was surrounded by my peeps but less so (because after all, people had to return to their lives).  I thought (quite literally I was going to die). I really did – but I kept breathing and even that was hard.  I didn't understand how I kept waking up in the morning.  What kind of purpose did my life have now?  My fights began in earnest: the fight to get out of bed, to take a shower, and to care about any of those things. My fight with God also began…why, why, why?  How could you let that happen, God?  Why would you let that happen? I understood and was drawn to Psalms more than ever in my life. Before I was all about Proverbs because that book told me how to live a godly life.  It fit my religious life.  But now Psalms and Job and all the anguish and lamenting.  I understood it but I saw my situation differently.  David lamented but praised while I lamented, blamed, accused and asked for understanding.  I told God that 43 years was enough, and I had no purpose, so I was fine if my time was up too… But God….   WORD of the Week  “I came naked from my mother's womb,” he said, “and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 Living Translation Song of the Week  The Story I'll Tell (feat. Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music   Part of the lyrics:  I'll testify of the battles you have won!   My God did not fail – it's the story I'll tell!  I'll look back over the years and see your hands on it!!   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES Well, Hey Framily! Welcome to Coffee & Kathy, this is Stef from the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast.  You are listening to our weekly devotional episode. Grief is the hardest thing you'll ever face, don't ever let anyone diminish that – but let's also not diminish the power of God's Word and the transformational healing He will do in your life. I am a living testimony of going from pitiful (heartbroken, years of tears, angry at God & the world, overwhelmed and confused) to powerful (at peace, joyful and strong in my trust, hope and faith in God).   You are not alone and your today does not have to be your forever!  Oh, I'm so glad you're here today!  What you need to do now is be still and just listen.   Memorable Quote: But one day I will see Jesus face to face. And one day I will understand. Because I will see the big picture. And I will fall at His feet and worship Him because I will see how He, indeed, worked “all things together” for my good and His glory – because I am His. A hymn writer put it this way: “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”   Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The Holidays are over, but the Struggle is Not!  Hear healing testimonies from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home  

SHOW NOTES If this is your first time listening, Monica is the reason you are listening – she was my best friend but much more like a sister, mentor, mom and encourager for almost 20 years.  She was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and in the 6 months that she lived, walked out a faith that most (including me called crazy).  I was honored to be her caretaker and lived out the most awful and awesome 6 months with her. This week I share the chapter on ‘Going After God' in the Dying to Be Healed Book.  This will describe my ugly faith journey because of Monica's crazy faith. Last week, I shared the chapter on ‘What is Faith Then?' I want to show you what I saw as I reflected on her journey that helped me on mine.    Your faith is being tested and there is no right or wrong to feel…you feel what you feel, so don't worry if you question God more than you praise him. Grief will flip life and everything you believe on its head.  What's important now is that you take action in the right direction… If you want to read more about Monica or her journey, go to the website, grief-the number2-great day.com and click on the book tab.  This is not a book on grief, it is a book about faith in the hardest of circumstances and may be helpful to you!   WORD of the Week    “God has a plan for each and every one of us if we are willing to listen and give Him control of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).” Song of the Week  Rescue by Lauren Daigle                                                                                                                       Grief 2 Great Day Website - Connect with Me Click Here to take Action Now - “The First Year of Grief. How to Survive with Hope and Heal.”   Join The Grief Group for Christian Women on Facebook Read about Monica's entire Journey, Dying to Be Healed - Book - Grief2GreatDay   The holidays are over, but the struggle is NOT!  Hear from Those Who Have Walked Your Journey!  Holiday Grief Relief Summit (replay recording)   Visit my Church –Opendoor Church | Home