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Living Through the Loss of a Spouse, 2
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Friday, May 16, 2008
The Bible says, "Mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Practically speaking, how do you minister to a grieving person? What should you say and do? Dee Brestin talks about what's helpful - and what's not - when trying to comfort someone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Dee shares the emotional and spiritual lessons she's learned in the process of mourning her late husband, Steve.
"It divides the grief to have somebody cry with you … That ministers more than anything." - Dee Brestin
"It divides the grief to have somebody cry with you … That ministers more than anything." - Dee Brestin
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BROADCAST ARCHIVES
Dee Brestin and her husband, Steve, were married nearly 40 years before he died of cancer. Devastated by his passing, Dee describes her emotional pain as "a knife in [my] heart that most people can't see." As she testifies, though, God faithfully comforts those who endure heartache. How can you offer comfort? Dee offers advice on what to say - and what not to say - to someone suffering the loss of a loved one. You'll be moved as she shares touching moments from Steve's final days and reveals the poignant lessons she's learned through her grief.
"There are times when you feel sorrow and joy [simultaneously] … I've watched my grandchildren skip stones into the path of the sunset, and it was a joyous moment. But, oh, I wish Steve could've been there to share it with me." - Dee Brestin
"There are times when you feel sorrow and joy [simultaneously] … I've watched my grandchildren skip stones into the path of the sunset, and it was a joyous moment. But, oh, I wish Steve could've been there to share it with me." - Dee Brestin
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Art and Lysa TerKeurst felt trapped in what seemed like a failing marriage. Yet when each focused on developing a more intimate relationship with God, both encountered an unexpected surprise. They discovered that God was renewing their marriage in the process. In the conclusion of this two-part broadcast, the TerKeursts and guest host Janet Parshall offer practical advice to couples struggling with a troubled marriage. Learn how husbands and wives can improve their relationship by better understanding and meeting one another's needs.
"When I stepped out of the way and let God touch my husband, He transformed that man. And even better, God changed my heart." - Lysa TerKeurst
"When I stepped out of the way and let God touch my husband, He transformed that man. And even better, God changed my heart." - Lysa TerKeurst
Art and Lysa TerKeurst felt like their marriage was beyond repair. But when they made God the center of their relationship, that's when things began to change. The TerKeursts tell guest host Janet Parshall how their relationship was transformed when they learned to better meet each other's emotional needs. The TerKeursts also offer advice to other couples who are experiencing marital problems.
"Our marriage will never get to the place where Art can meet my every desire and fill my every deep longing, because if he ever did supply all of that for me, I would have no need for God." - Lysa TerKeurst
"Our marriage will never get to the place where Art can meet my every desire and fill my every deep longing, because if he ever did supply all of that for me, I would have no need for God." - Lysa TerKeurst
Are you worried about what lies ahead? Do you long to feel safe and secure in a world of uncertainty? Dr. Richard Swenson delivers a powerful message on God's sovereignty - and the peace we can have in knowing that He is, and always will be, in control. You'll be encouraged as you learn to trust in the One Who knows what is in store!
Feeding the children, washing their clothes, helping with schoolwork, comforting them when they're hurt - these are just a few of the many tasks a mother faces. While they are all important, today's guest says there are even higher priorities. Tune in to this candid and humorous Mother's Day program as Fern Nichols, founder and president of Moms In Touch, offers moms lots of practical advice and encouragement.
"No amount of moral instruction, firm discipline, religious instruction or church-going can make up for the lack of a praying parent." - Fern Nichols
"No amount of moral instruction, firm discipline, religious instruction or church-going can make up for the lack of a praying parent." - Fern Nichols
An unplanned pregnancy can turn life upside down. Even within the confines of a healthy, happy marriage, a surprise child can evoke shock, denial, anger and depression. On today's broadcast, Joanna Brown describes the emotional struggles she's endured since ending her first unplanned pregnancy with an abortion. Leslie Leyland Fields and Michael Schwarz join Brown in encouraging parents facing an unplanned pregnancy, recounting how the eventual blessings of a surprise child far outweigh the initial challenges. In addition, Dr. Dobson provides a special update on Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound project, which has to date saved the lives of 45,000 babies who might otherwise have been aborted.
"Each one of [my children] was not planned, and every time I found out I was pregnant, I was in complete shock ... Now I feel so guilty for even feeling those things because now I look at [my kids] and I can't imagine them not in my life." - Joanna Brown
"Each one of [my children] was not planned, and every time I found out I was pregnant, I was in complete shock ... Now I feel so guilty for even feeling those things because now I look at [my kids] and I can't imagine them not in my life." - Joanna Brown
With four kids in school, Leslie Leyland Fields assumed her child-bearing days were behind her. So when she became pregnant again, she wasn't excited; rather, she felt fear, anger and despair. Countless women have faced an unplanned pregnancy. Leslie, author of Surprise Child: Finding Hope in Unexpected Pregnancy, joins mothers Joanna Brown and Michael Schwarz in discussing the emotional and spiritual struggles that accompanied their unexpected pregnancies. They talk honestly about the challenges of having their life turned upside-down and the temptation they felt to have an abortion.
"By the time you've gone through [pregnancy] four times, you feel like, 'I just can't do this again. I don't have any more left to give. How is there room for another child in our family? How is there room in my heart?'" - Leslie Leyland Fields
"By the time you've gone through [pregnancy] four times, you feel like, 'I just can't do this again. I don't have any more left to give. How is there room for another child in our family? How is there room in my heart?'" - Leslie Leyland Fields
When April Warren gave her baby boy up for adoption nearly 20 years ago, she knew it was for the best. April and her son, Nathan, were recently reunited on the campus of Focus on the Family, and you won't want to miss today's broadcast, recorded soon after their emotional meeting. April and Nathan share their heartwarming story, describing how God used their circumstances to fulfill His purposes for both their lives. April also offers hope to young women facing a crisis pregnancy, and encourages listeners to consider adoption.
"For all those years, I would struggle because I knew I needed to write [to Nathan]. I didn't want him to ever think, '[My birth mom] doesn't care; she never wrote' ... I would start to write, and I would crumple it up and throw it away, because it was never good enough. You can't write how much you've loved someone on a piece of paper." - April Warren
"For all those years, I would struggle because I knew I needed to write [to Nathan]. I didn't want him to ever think, '[My birth mom] doesn't care; she never wrote' ... I would start to write, and I would crumple it up and throw it away, because it was never good enough. You can't write how much you've loved someone on a piece of paper." - April Warren
When it comes to kids and chores, many parents have low expectations. "My children are too young to do chores," they'll say, or "I don't want to rob them of their childhood by making them work." Others would rather avoid conflict: "They protest and resist when I do assign chores, and it's easier to just do the job myself." Can you relate? Then you won't want to miss today's classic broadcast featuring a conversation between Dr. Dobson and the late Jean Lush. Lush, an author and counselor, talks about the importance of teaching children responsibility, self-discipline and character through work. In addition, Dr. Dobson comments on recent media coverage of Focus on the Family and updates listeners on current hate crimes legislation.
"We have to make children obey. We don't expect them to feel good about what we say, but we are asking them to cooperate with what we say. Eventually ... the discipline we supply from the outside becomes internalized and becomes self-discipline." - Jean Lush
"We have to make children obey. We don't expect them to feel good about what we say, but we are asking them to cooperate with what we say. Eventually ... the discipline we supply from the outside becomes internalized and becomes self-discipline." - Jean Lush
It's been five years since the Space Shuttle Columbia and everyone aboard were lost in a tragic accident. Today, we remember those who perished with a special message from Evelyn Husband Thompson, former wife of deceased shuttle Commander Rick Husband. Evelyn describes the man she loved and lost, how the tragic events unfolded and how God has provided comfort during a time of incredible grief.
"We watched the clock go from a minute down to zero and then the most sickening thing happened. It started counting back up positive numbers and I thought, 'He's not ... he's not coming home.'" - Evelyn Husband Thompson
"We watched the clock go from a minute down to zero and then the most sickening thing happened. It started counting back up positive numbers and I thought, 'He's not ... he's not coming home.'" - Evelyn Husband Thompson
How do you react when your teenage daughter announces she's pregnant? Or when your spouse has an affair? Or when you are diagnosed with cancer? The answer sounds simple, but it is timeless and true: Follow God, and trust Him. Author and speaker Ellie Lofaro encourages listeners to cling to their faith in the face of hardship. She discusses the importance of sharing the Gospel with others, pursuing holiness and anticipating the joy believers will someday experience in heaven.
"You will not be patted on the back when you become a Christian. You will not be high-fived every time you do the right thing. You're a Christian. You follow Jesus. They killed Him. What did you think would happen to you?" - Ellie Lofaro
"You will not be patted on the back when you become a Christian. You will not be high-fived every time you do the right thing. You're a Christian. You follow Jesus. They killed Him. What did you think would happen to you?" - Ellie Lofaro
Proverbs 31 portrays a woman of noble character who, despite life's hardships, "can laugh at the days to come." How can you be full of joyful confidence, no matter what problems you face? Find out - and laugh in the process - as author and speaker Ellie Lofaro delivers a humorous message with a serious theme. She talks about being an "overcomer" - someone who can triumph over any of life's challenges with God's help.
"We know from Proverbs 31 that [the woman of noble character] "laughs at the days to come." Why does she laugh? Has she had a lobotomy? She laughs because the good guys win in the end. She laughs because the King is coming. She laughs because she lives forever." - Ellie Lofaro
"We know from Proverbs 31 that [the woman of noble character] "laughs at the days to come." Why does she laugh? Has she had a lobotomy? She laughs because the good guys win in the end. She laughs because the King is coming. She laughs because she lives forever." - Ellie Lofaro
Who is your greatest influence? Can you give me some advice? These are the questions Josh McDowell expected when he first began speaking to young people world-wide. But surprisingly, the number one question he is asked by teen audiences is "Would you give me a hug?" Sadly, many kids are so desperate for a loving father figure that they will reach out to a complete stranger for a simple hug. In an emotionally-stirring message, McDowell discusses how children's lives are profoundly shaped by a loving, or not-so-loving, relationship with their father. McDowell encourages fathers to make loving their children one of their highest priorities.
Without a father's love, any child is a high risk for serious problems throughout life. Author and speaker Josh McDowell delivers a message about the importance of the relationship between a father and his children. McDowell makes a plea for parents to pass on their spiritual values to the next generation!
Counselor and pastor George Kenworthy reveals says intimacy with God is not only important for personal growth, but it's vital for strengthening a marriage. The author of Marriage Makeover offers practical advice to couples as he addresses topics like gender differences, accountability, a husband's leadership and dealing with hardships. Listen in as Kenworthy shares an insightful lesson from his own life and how listeners can apply that lesson to their marriage.
"If [couples] are sincere as they are seeking God, there is the reward of a deeper relationship ... with Jesus." - George Kenworthy
"If [couples] are sincere as they are seeking God, there is the reward of a deeper relationship ... with Jesus." - George Kenworthy
Author George Kenworthy says virtually any troubled marriage can be restored. As a marriage counselor and a pastor, he's witnessed countless broken relationships healed through the grace of God and the application of timeless biblical principles. Kenworthy recounts some of those amazing stories as he offers sound advice from his book Marriage Makeover: Minor Touchups to Major Renovations. He reveals the three most important questions every couple in crisis must answer, and offers hope to listeners who want to save their marriage - even when their spouse doesn't.
"Of course [couples] know God hates divorce, but when you're in the midst of something that is so emotionally trying, you need a lifeline. And the lifeline that God says we're supposed to throw them is fellowship, encouragement [and] support." - George Kenworthy
"Of course [couples] know God hates divorce, but when you're in the midst of something that is so emotionally trying, you need a lifeline. And the lifeline that God says we're supposed to throw them is fellowship, encouragement [and] support." - George Kenworthy
While away on a business trip, Gary Chapman forgot to call his wife on their anniversary. How did he gain her forgiveness? By knowing how to make amends in an "apology language" she would accept. What apology language do you and your loved ones prefer? Chapman and coauthor Jennifer Thomas continue discussing their book The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships. Our guests describe in detail each of the five apology languages: expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, genuinely repenting and requesting forgiveness.
"It's human to be imperfect, and if we can learn how to apologize, then we can help [others] forgive us, and we can move on." - Gary Chapman
"It's human to be imperfect, and if we can learn how to apologize, then we can help [others] forgive us, and we can move on." - Gary Chapman
In his bestselling book The Five Love Languages, author and counselor Gary Chapman describes how each of us has a "love language" - a preferred method for expressing love and receiving it from others. Similarly, there are five ways to give and receive apologies. If you are having trouble expressing or receiving forgiveness, it may be that you haven't yet found the right "apology language." Chapman and psychologist Jennifer Thomas offer advice on overcoming barriers to forgiveness in a discussion of their book The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships.
"We can say, 'You know, if you really are sorry, I think it would be appropriate for you to do [this or that].' And so, we actually tell them what, to us, would be an effective apology."- Gary Chapman
"We can say, 'You know, if you really are sorry, I think it would be appropriate for you to do [this or that].' And so, we actually tell them what, to us, would be an effective apology."- Gary Chapman
Dr. James Dobson presents an encore presentation with the late Dave Pollock, founder of a ministry that meets the needs of "Third Culture Kids". David served in the overseas mission field and co-authored the book The Third Culture Kid Experience. David passed away on Easter Sunday, 2004. Learn about the legacy of Missionary Kids.
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