HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Irish Blessing

May you see God’s light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

 

Understanding Spirituality From A to Z by Ellen Gerst

 

Ellen Gerst, a grief and relationship coach, is offering a FREE download of the Kindle edition of her book, Understanding Spirituality From A to Z, today through Sunday (2/17-2/19). You don’t need a Kindle to read it. You can download a free reading app available at the link, too. She said many of the concepts explained helped in navigating through her own grief journey. http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Spirituality-Z-ebook/dp/B006WQECTQ

Merry Christmas!

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 
~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.
~Dale Evans

 

What is your favorite inspirational prayer for someone that has lost a loved one?

What is your favorite inspirational prayer for someone that has lost a loved one?

Please help us add to our list of inspirational prayers from all religions and beliefs.  We invite you to add your suggestions to the comment section below 

·         The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

·         God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

·         His Faithfulness Will Be Your Shield.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4|

·          ”…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5

What’s in your Tool Box?

Last week I came across Beliefnet’s gallery piece on How To Start A Self Esteem Folder which reminded me of my old Inspirational Tool Box.  Many years ago I created a box filled with quotes and affirmations, funny cartoons, inspirational emails and letters from friends, family and my mentors, a list of movies and songs that bring me joy, and a list of books that have inspired me through the tough times. 

I realized it had been awhile since I used my Tool Box, so today I dusted off the cover and took a look inside.  I found many thoughtful pieces including the lyrics to the song Love Changes Everything by Andrew Lloyd Weber; a beautiful song to remind us that love really is the answer.

What’s in your Inspirational Tool Box? 
We invite you to share what inspires you and brings you joy.

Don’t Miss Our Monthly Newsletter

Don’t miss our monthly newsletter featuring tips, articles and inspirational stories on how to assist a loved one through the journey of restoring balance in their life after a loss.

August 2010 – Featured Article:

A Hug to Remember

Grief sometimes can manifest in anger.  One of the most incredible things you can do for your loved one is to show compassion instead of defensiveness…

To read more, Click on the link below to sign up for our Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.ididnotknowwhattosay.com/mailinglist.html

Our Newsletter includes tips, articles and inspirational stories on how to assist your friends and family members through the journey of restoring balance in their life after the death of a love one.
Plus
You will receive my FREE Special Report, “Twenty-Five Supportive Things You Can Do For Someone That Has Lost a Loved One ~ Plus Ten Thoughtful Gift Ideas”

Happy 4th of July

“Yesterday, the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man. … It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Day’s Transaction.” – John Adams to Abigail Adams – July 3, 1776

 ”May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.” – Thomas Jefferson, June 24, 1826.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AMERICA!

“What is Death” by Lexie Brockway Potamkin – Survey Request

We have all lost loved ones. We have all felt the pangs of loss when we hear about huge calamities or when a beloved famous person dies.  Ever wonder what death is really like? Does it mean gently slipping gently out of your body and into heaven as if slipping into another room…could it be we leave our bodies but our hearts and souls live on… do we meet our loved ones… are we escorted by angels…do we see God… is it a beautiful peaceful journey or is it a tragedy to be feared… do we still have a regrets and/or sense of humor when we get to the “other side”?  

Please share what you know in your heart and share any experiences you have had that have helped you answer the question, ”What is death?”   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W2G6B26

New Discussions On Facebook…

Become a FAN on Facebook and Join Our Discussions:

1. Express your Gratitude for someone that was instrumental in assisting you through the grieving process.
   
2. Do you feel it is acceptable to send sympathy messages on Facebook, Twitter or by email?
   
3. What helped you most in your time of need?

Where we have been…Where we are going & How you can assist us reach our goals in 2010

I wanted to thank everyone for their support since we launched our website in March of 2009. I am so grateful for all of your suggestions and your on-going encouragement.

If you have not been on our website or Blog in awhile, I encourage you to look around and give us your feedback.

Where We Have Been

• March 2009, we launched our IDidNotKnowWhatToSay.com website.
• March 2009, we launched our Blog http://ididnotknowwhattosay.wordpress.com.
• April 2009, we launched our Twitter site www.twitter.com/ididnotknow.
• July 2009, we launched our first newsletter – Click Here for our Newsletter Archives.
• Our article What to Say… When You Don’t Know What to Say was featured in Life Preservers - In the Flow newsletter.
• We have been honored to be linked to many websites including American Widow Project, Grief to Greatness, Good Grief Center, Love Peace Yoga, My Hope Space,Remember the Luvv.com-Facebook, The Virtual Memorial Garden, and Wings of Angels.

Where We Are Going in 2010 & How You Can Assist Us

• Encourage those that have a story to share to submit their letters, stories, articles and inspirational adventures to be included in our website. If you have a story or article to share we would love to hear from you. Just email us info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com.
• Increase our readership for our newsletter, blog and website. We are looking for sites to link to, advertise on and any suggestions you may have to expand our visibility. We would also like to encourage you to share our newsletter with your friends and family.
• Expand our Inspirational Adventure section of our website to include sponsored inspirational trips for those that have lost a loved one. We are looking for ideas and connections to companies and organizations that would be interested in sponsoring an Inspirational Adventure.
• Add new resources to our website on grief support, inspiration, health & wellness and Planning for a Life Without You. If you have a resource to share, please email us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com.
• Launch our Facebook site….Our Facebook Page is now LIVE-BECOME A FAN.
• Expand our Thoughtful Gift offerings. If you have a gift idea or website that you think we should connect with, please email us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com.