Day Fifty-Five of 365 – When In Trouble, Reach!
Many, many years ago (yes, I’m that old…) I heard a presentation that changed my life completely! The title of the presentation was “Living in the Meantimes.” The entire presentation focused on defining Meantimes in two ways and three ways to get through them. I want to offer a thumbnail sketch of the invaluable lessons […]
Day Forty-Four of 365 – Adolescent Grief Observed
Losing a loved one or friend to death is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When adolescents lose a peer to death, the outcome can be particularly devastating. One of the hallmarks of adolescence is a relative feeling of invincibility. They tend to believe that death cannot touch them personally. When that bubble bursts, adolescents […]
Into and Out of the Darkness, Part 1
Darkness affects all of us – sometimes for the better and other times for the worse! The natural flow of nighttime darkness invites us to engage in restful, restorative sleep. The unnatural, oft times chaotic flow of darkness hatched in the spirit ensnares us in battles to salvage sanity and sometimes, life itself. None of us […]
The Slow Poison
Have you ever wondered at the source of that gnawing in your gut? How often do you find your emotions tied in knots of frustration? In what circumstances do you find your thoughts clouded with uncertainty? At what points are you aware of an almost unbearable tightness in your chest or shoulders or back? When do you […]
The Lesser Lights!
The Lesser Lights! You know what they are! Stars and the moon on a celestial level are examples. Candles, flashlights, camp fires and the like are examples on a terrestrial level. During the day we rarely pay attention to candles or flashlights! And I can’t think of a time when I have seen a star […]
What is "Awaken to Good Mourning" Anyway?
I often field the following question as I work with individuals and groups: “So Mark, what is Awaken to Good Mourning anyway?” Every time I receive that question I gladly share the details. Awaken to Good Mourning is a book read by over 40,000 people; given as gifts to the bereaved by faith organizations; shared […]
Divorce! A Point of Redemption!
Divorce is NOT the Sin! Here are a few Random Thoughts from a Bald Headed Texas Cowboy and Recovering Bapticostal Minister Turned Therapist Type . . . Many years ago when I was 15 years of age, my parents divorced – at a time when divorce still carried sets of moral, religious and social labels […]
Five Wonderful Gifts That Cost Nothing – Well Almost!
I don’t know about you but I almost refuse to go out to the mall or outlet center or super store to shop this year! The noise and crowds and chaos just about push me over the edge! Besides, most people on my list either already have what I’m considering purchasing or have already purchased […]
Children – Grief – The Holidays
The Holidays are upon us! Whether you celebrate Christmas, observe Hanukkah or engage in Kwanza festivities, the Holidays are here! Elements of celebration, remembrance, reflection and rejuvenation abound in each Holiday observance. For those who have lost loved ones to death within the past three years or so, the Holidays can be brutal! The death […]
Be A Solution Carrier!
Criticizing! Anyone can do it . . . ANYone! No special skill is required to criticize, cut down, denigrate or minimize. All one has to have in order to become adept at criticizing is a personal axe to grind, a platform and an audience! I’m not talking about constructive feedback shared in a consultative setting […]