THE JACK CHURCH SHOW! Love letters to Pam

Join us on a heartfelt journey as we explore the complexities of grief recovery and rediscovering love after losing a spouse. Share your thoughts below! #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #Loss #Relationships #Empathy #LoveAgain

Do you ever feel like fear controls your life? Is your faith challenged? Join me in a discussion of overcoming fear with faith.

As I continued my journey after the loss of my wife Pam I've had a series of what I call God moments that have happened in some of the most unlikely places. No matter what your beliefs, these events I share cannot be attributed to simple fate, luck or whatever you want to call it. No, I truly believe God was there and arranged these events. I think you will agree after listening to this one which involves me attending a college basketball game in Febuary 2020 between Oregon and Oregon State. I hope you enjoy.

Join us as we reflect on our amazing journey together this past year! Discover the joys and challenges of our intercultural marriage.

Do you believe in miracles? If so, you will love this story. If not, you may become a believer after hearing this. #miracle #god #widow

I was recently alone on a cold Sunday afternoon when I was reminded about life as a widower and what it was like compared to my life now. #widow #cold #weather

Do you ever feel trapped in anxious thoughts? Having repetitive thinking can be overcome but it takes a conscious effort.

So you've lost your husband or wife. Your life partner. However, as you walk thru your grief you have probably come to realize that losing a spouse is like losing part of your soul. How do you keep going? Is there any purpose to life now? Will I re-marry? Or not? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

What is life like for me 5 years after losing my beautiful wife Pam. It's very different in ways I could not have imagined. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

After losing my wife of 30+ years I was convinced that God intended for me to remain single, alone and sad until I was finally called to heaven. For 4 years this was certainly the case and the plan was being played out. However, things then changed and I realized life is sometimes not played out as I may have imagined. For some, finding love again is beautiful. For others, it may not be in the plan. And sadly, for others you may find love but it doesn't work out. I'm not expert, but my experience is to take it slow which I talk about in my latest podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Life can be complicated. There has never been a truer statement. However, living in the past too much as well as the future too much can cause emotional confusion. So, what should you do? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I'm now going towards my 5th year of having lost the love of my live Pam. For most of this time I had decided life would and needed to be spent alone until the day I was called to heaven. However, something totally unexpected happened. I met a woman who has changed my life and I now look forward to the days ahead. This woman does not fit inside the proverbial "box". In fact our relationship in general does not fit inside the "box". However, it works and has become something I never expected. BTW, at the time of this being released, we have now been married 9 months and seeing the true blessings of God. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Being a widow or widower can totally suck at times. For me, I first met my sweet wife Pam in high school. We then dated and married after our first year in college. When I lost her far before we were even thinking about retirement it became clear if God kept me on this earth to the minimum life expectancy, I was going to be alone for many, many years. Of course some widows and widowers find love again and are often not alone for very long. For me, I often kid that I outkicked the coverage with Pam and have no hope or really any desire of meeting someone else. So, like many in my shoes I've come to accept the single life which can be very challenging at times. For this show I will share some of my thougths on survival as well as thoughts from our 94 year old grandmother Lola who lost her husband fairly young in life and has lived almost three decades single. This may not be the most uplifting message but it does have a few nuggets of gold I hope will help you in your grief journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

#widower #loss #lifeexpectations https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8GNYSV4/ref=sr_1_1?crid This is nothing new, but no matter how much we plan out our lives, there are going to be disappointments. At the same time, over the course of life we often have our expectations met and often exceeded. But...it's those times when life falls short that we can drift into a period of sadness. Loss of a loved one can be one of those triggers. At the same time, despite loss we can still have high expectations for the future. That's all part of my latest message as prepare to enter year three as a widower without my beautiful bride Pam. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Have you ever been stopped by a police officer while driving? How do you deal with a traffic stop? We were recently pulled over by a traffic officer and we were scared out of our minds. We thought we were going to jail. The good news is we did not. This is how we handled it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Finding love again may not be on your radar. But then again, a far higher power may have other plans for your life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

While listening to an episode of The Dave Ramsey Show we heard an interesting call about a young man paying for his bride with gold and a lavish wedding they could not afford. Sounds crazy, but it happens. Join us a we talk about this and our adventure of crossing the culture line thru marriage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I never imagined getting married again after losing my lovely wife Pam of over 30 years. But...God had other plans and brought this beautiful Kenyan woman named Nicole into my life. No, we did not meet online or through a catalogue, ha! ha! We actually met in church in Phoenix. What started as a friendship, developed into love and eventually we got married. We both are very happy and despite our age, race and cultural differences it manages to work. In this show we talk a little about some of those cultural differences and the fun they can provide. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I'll be the first to admit that leaving Phoenix for Alabama has been more of struggle for me than Nicole. She absolutely loves it, while It's going to take some time for me. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Moving to Alabama may be the craziest thing I've every done, but Nicole is convinced this is where we need to be. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Following the loss of my wife Pam in 2019 I spent a lot of time thinking I needed to meet someone. After all, I'd been with Pam since high school and married for over 30 years. But a funny thing happened. I learned to be single. It was not easy and there were plenty of lonely days and nights. However, I kept pushing forward and told God if I needed to be alone the rest of my days, that would be just fine. No sooner had I accepted this as my fate in life I met this beautiful woman in church during my 4th year of widowhood. Her name was Nicole and she changed my life for the better. In today's episode we share our story of how we met, started a friendship that turned to love and eventually marriage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

A little over a year ago I met a woman in church from Kenya. We quickly hit it off and became friends. We starting spending our weekends together hiking, going to ball games, visiting wineries. You name it, we simply enjoyed being with one another. As I headed into my 5th year of being widowed I swore I would never fall in love again. However, God had other plans. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I'm now going towards my 5th year of having lost the love of my live Pam. For most of this time I had decided life would and needed to be spent alone until the day I was called to heaven. However, something totally unexpected happened. I met a woman who has changed my life and I now look forward to the days ahead. This woman does not fit inside the proverbial "box". In fact our relationship in general does not fit inside the "box". However, it works and has become something I never expected. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I'm going into my 5th year of being a widow and always thought there was no possible way I would ever consider falling in love again. You see, my sweet Pam and I were best friends from high school, married in college and then had over 30 years together raising two great kids while living in multiple cities and states across the country. However, just when I least expected it I met someone special. When I say special, I mean special and she certainly does not fit the box of what most may have visualized for me. She's several years younger and from another country. We met at church about a year ago and what started as a friendship slowly developed into love. To say she has changed my life is an understatement. Here's a brief story about she has changed my life for the better with more to come in the future. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

My wife Pam and I did just about everything together. We hiked, we fished, dined, traveled...the list goes on an on. We were truly a match made in heaven. One of our other activities we enjoyed was playing golf. When I lost Pam to heaven it was hard for met to get back on the course without my playing partner. However, now I get out an play at least once or twice a week. And recently I discovered a way to have Pam involved with me despite her not being here on earth anymore. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

The widow life has many challenges. Among those challenges can be making decisions about where you want to live. Do you stay where you are? Do you move closer to your kids and family? Do you move somewhere completely different? What makes it harder is that you don't have your spouse to help with decisions anymore. In this video, I offer some suggestions that may help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

We often hear people talk about listening to God. However, we're all guilty of not being good listeners sometimes. But, on this particular day, I listened to God, and the results were amazing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

This is day number 1,451 of my grief journey. I mean it's been 1,451 days or almost 4 years since Pam was called to heaven. With each day I learn something knew about moving forward. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I continue my grief journey with an update on a recent visit back to our favorite place on earth in day number 1,443 of my grief journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Why should you listen to a widower give advice about getting married? Well, this widower had a great marriage and absolutely no regrets. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

While out on the golf course recently I ran into an older lady sitting outside her home on the course. After a short conversation I continued my round of golf just shaking my head and coming to the conclusion that God does have a sense of humor. Although sometimes it does seem a little warped. Listen and you'll find out why I say this. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

It's now been over 3 years and fast approaching 4 since I lost the love of my life. The road has been filled with potholes as I try my best to navigate this thing called grief. In this program I share some stories of loss involving my grandparents and when my grandmothers lost their spouses, (my grandfathers). I also talk about how I'm doing now and what the future is starting to look like. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Dreams come in many shapes and forms. But not all dreams are while you are sleeping. Many dreams are in our minds and we replay them time after time wondering what if? Today, I'm talking about making dreams become reality. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I don't know about you, but ever since I lost my sweet wife Pam I find it challenging to focus on things like work, tv shows, movies etc. However, when I find something that brings a bit of joy I find focus improves. An example was I found a movie recently called "Begin Again" and I'm hooked on the soundtrack. In this episode I talk briefly about finding some joy but I also share with you a portion of the music which I hope you will agree is really good. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Randy Alcorn wrote the book 50 Days of Heaven. His writings have offered peace and comfort to millions around the world at times of loss. Recently, Randy lost his sweet wife Nanci to heaven. I ran across a piece he wrote regarding how the loss impacted his life and I wanted to share it with you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Dreams come in many shapes and forms. But not all dreams are while you are sleeping. Many dreams are in our minds and we replay them time after time wondering what if? Today, I'm talking about making dreams become reality. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Widowed and weekends can provide challenges. We often feel so alone and have a hard time finding direction... especially on weekends. However, I had an unusually good weekend recently, thanks to opening my mind and heart up to possibilities. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

I recently became the subject for a short film by a University of Southern California film student who wanted to share what life being widowed looks like. I think this young man did a great job capturing how painful this walk can be. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

When it comes to grief and loss the situation is different for every individual. However, some of your friends and family members may think they know what's best for you. However, when it comes to advice, I always tell someone unless I ask, please keep your opinions to yourself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Is the economy improving in your world? According to the current administration, it is. However, in my world, the widowed world, I'm not seeing it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

When we have lost a loved one we often hang on to things that bring us joy. However, sometimes we have things around that while they may have pleasant memories attached they can also lead to feelings of sadness. In my case, some simple beach chairs hanging in our garage provided both feelings and finally I decided it was time to let them go. It was hard, but maybe you have something like those beach chairs at your home that may need to go as well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

It was Father's Day and the tempation to have a pity party was pretty strong. However, I decided not to give in to the temptation and decided to go to Church. Church without Pam has proved to be challenging but recently I've started attending a Church that actually feels pretty good. However, making friends at this stage in life is proving to be a challenge. Today though was not one of those days as I met the most lovely person who comes from halfway around the world. I hope you enjoy the story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Often times when we are going thru grief we talk about going thru seasons. For me, I often feel like my life is lost in the desert. However, even in the desert there are signs of life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Many times on our grief journey we may simply want to give up. Our mind may drift into some dark areas like suicide or simply withdrawing from friends and family. We are tempted to become isolated. However, all these thoughts don't mean your crazy. You're just normal. However, if you find yourself trapped in these thougths please contact a profesional for further help and support. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

Loneliness is not just a problem for those that have lost loved ones. Recent studies indicate the problem of Loneliness is spreading throughout society. We know now that the lockdowns and isolation during the pandemic did nobody any favors and the damage will likely be felt for many years. For me personally, my Loneliness comes from not having my Pam with me anymore. Days like today the pain feels more intense. I'm told it's just part of the grief journey. But, like many of you, I'm tired of it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

On a recent flight from Washington DC via Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix, Arizona I was seated with a younger woman and a man who was closer to my age. We all came from completely different backgrounds and had some different views on life. However, over the course of a long 4 hour flight these three complete strangers became friends and shared some very deep and personal stories. I hope you will take time to listen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

We all hear the stories about how Social Security is going broke, and for the next generation, it will likely not be there. This may all be true, but at the same time, where did all the money go? Why does Congress not have to answer for borrowing against "our" "my" money? I'll share with you how I learned the hard way about the Social Security ripoff along with some money saving tips on retirement. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

That's right, God sent me into a bar where he had arranged a very special meeting for me. This is truly a message of having purpose in helping others. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

We often hear people tell stories about hearing from God. Now I've never actually heard the voice of God but do believe God sends messengers. One such messenger appeared be fore me while hiking in a small city park in Phoenix. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support

We often hear people say they experienced an unexpeted blessing. It could be thru a financial gift, a job promotion or maybe simply tickets to a ball game. But then again I believe blessings can come in the form of unexpcted meetings with people which is the focus of this podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jack-church/support