• Finding Meaning in Grief

    I often talk to client’s about David Kessler’s Sixth Stage of Grief — finding meaning. While God has brought transformational healing in my life, he continues to show me meaning in my own grief. On the one year anniversary of my first husband, Michael’s death, we planted a tree in his memory. This same day, our daughter was baptized. This was incredibly meaningful for me…

  • Suicide Prevention Starts with Us

    When we think about prevention, we often think in terms of how we can help others. No one dreams of ending it all one day — none of us are immune to suicidal thoughts. Many people assume suicides happen for a certain type of people. I would disagree. As humans, we all hurt. We experience times of debilitating pain (whether physical or emotional). Life hurts….

  • Ask the Question

    My heart is heavy this morning; suicides continue to escalate across the country. Not only has our small community been touched in the past week, but another small town near and dear to my heart in Montana has experienced 5 suicides in the past 4 weeks. In order to prevent suicide loss, it is going to take all of us. This is not a job…

  • Hope Dealer

    Earlier this year, I went to a writer’s conference where I was asked to examine “what I do” to identify themes across all of my jobs. As I examined my roles as counselor, educator, and international member care coordinator I realized the common tread is hope — I am a hope dealer. I joke to my friends when people ask what I do for a…

  • The In-Between

    This morning I am pondering the day after the crucifixion. Matthew 27 tells us Pilate was afraid Jesus’ disciples might steal his body and tell the people Jesus rose from the dead. I wonder what the disciples were thinking. Were they hoping for a resurrected Jesus? Did they feel defeated and dejected? It must have been the longest 24 hours of their lives. How do…