Christmas, Grief, and HOPE

It is December 13th as I write this. Our daughter-in-law Shelly has had their Christmas tree up since the end of October. She just loves Christmas or at least loves trees in her living room. And though many of us love this time of year, many we know simply dread it. As families gather to… Continue reading Christmas, Grief, and HOPE

THE ELEVATOR, FLINT MI, THE YELLOW SWEATER, AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

I was in an elevator in Flint, Michigan in February about 30 years ago. I know, you feel sorry for me don’t you? The last place on earth one should be is in an elevator in Flint, Michigan, in February. But there I was, and when the door opened a much older lady (at least… Continue reading THE ELEVATOR, FLINT MI, THE YELLOW SWEATER, AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

A Valentine’s Love Story for the Ages: One Night, One Kiss, Three Words

The following story is the first chapter in my book Why Do You Hurt Me God? – every word is true. True love simply changes people. It sure changed me. It was 1963. The Dodgers won the World Series over the Yankees, sweeping them in four straight. My Texas Longhorns were 11-0, beating Roger Staubach… Continue reading A Valentine’s Love Story for the Ages: One Night, One Kiss, Three Words

3 things to do when life sucks and grief overwhelms

Hello my friend. Have you ever been in a place where life is sucking the energy out of you? Maybe you’re dealing with grief and loss and it feels overwhelming. It simply stinks, doesn’t it? I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. Here are a few thoughts that hopefully can increase your hope level… Continue reading 3 things to do when life sucks and grief overwhelms

3 things you must do when the love of your life leaves

Conceptual image about heartbreaking and a toxic love relationship with the love word in a white paper over burnt charcoal and ashes and the paper is burning fire

Hello my friend. Losing the love of your life can be a devastating experience. It’s one of those life events that we often don’t prepare for, yet it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. When the love of your life leaves, it’s not uncommon to feel lost, helpless, and overwhelmed. But… Continue reading 3 things you must do when the love of your life leaves

How to turn ‘give up’ to ‘get up’ after loss

Hello my friend. Have you ever been overwhelmed by grief? Have you ever felt like the pain and hurt of your past was too much to bear? Have you ever felt like quitting because the weight of your grief was too heavy? I understand how you feel because I’ve been there too. But let me… Continue reading How to turn ‘give up’ to ‘get up’ after loss

3 things you must do to find joy again after loss

Hello, my friend. Losing someone we love can be one of the most difficult things we ever face in life. Whether it is a child, spouse, or any other dear person, the pain can be overwhelming and leave us feeling hopeless and helpless. It can make us wonder if we will ever find joy and… Continue reading 3 things you must do to find joy again after loss

Hope is a sacred place

Hello, my friend Today, I want to share with you the inspiring story of 11 amazing grievers who have taught us so much at Spark of Life retreat. My name is Dave Matthews, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you the one important thing that they taught us for a healthy… Continue reading Hope is a sacred place

The Power of Story

My friend, I want to share something truly remarkable with you about the power of storytelling and its ability to help us find hope after experiencing loss. I know that in the midst of pain and grief, it can feel like we’re lost, unable to make sense of the chaos that surrounds us. It’s in… Continue reading The Power of Story

Three Ways to Ignite a Real Life After Loss

Hi, I’m Dave Matthews Mathews with Spark of Life and I want to share three keys with you today on how to reignite your life after loss. These keys can help you move forward with the pain you’re experiencing in a way that doesn’t debilitate you for the rest of your life.   1.    Re-ignite… Continue reading Three Ways to Ignite a Real Life After Loss