It is a fact of life, we are made from dirt and we will return to dirt. We were born and are destined to die at the time God has planned for us.

“All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.”  Ecclesiastes 3:20 KJV

As a Christian, it does give us great comfort in knowing that we will meet our loved ones again in heaven and that they are in a better place with no pain. This is a promise we hold onto, but when you lose a loved one it is a bitter sweet time. Part of us is not ready to see them go while the other part is thankful they are promised that better place.

As some of you may know, we just experienced the loss of the Mountain Man's grandfather Trayer. It was quite the emotional roller coaster ride as the physicians and medical staff continued to change their prognosis.  Grandpa beat the odds several times sharing God's miracles with those still questioning Jesus.  Grandpa was completely at peace, knowing after 83 years of reading God's word, that he was blessed and would be coming face to face with his creator.

Our prayer was that he would go peacefully and with no pain and God answered those prayers completely and he passed while holding his son's hand.

We truly never know when our time will come, but it is important that we know and have accepted our savour into our hearts and have asked forgiveness of our sins, so that when that time comes we are blessed with the promise of everlasting life. Because we do not know when our time will come or if it will be sudden and unexpected to which we would never get another chance to accept him, it is best to do this immediately. Trust me when I say the rewards will be so great. He will truly add so much to your life once you accept his gifts on this earth and you will receive the blessings of life everlasting.  If you ever have questions, help or are in need of prayers, feel free to email us at prayers@trayerwilderness.com.

Grieving the loss of someone or even something such as a homestead animal or favorite pet is not an easy task. Many people feel that crying is a sign of weakness, but I am hear to tell you it is a sign that you have a heart, feelings and felt love for something special in your life. Crying is a form of therapy allowing your body to release your anxieties, feelings and stress in a healthy way. Do not hold back your tears, whether you are male or female, allow them to flow and your emotions to release. To me, it is the sign of a strong male who is willing to express his feelings and his tears. This is healthy and will help you grieve.

Please keep Grandma Trayer in your prayers while she works through this process of grieving. Her alone time is going to be the hardest after spending everyday for the last 63 years doing everything with Grandpa.

If you are currently grieving a loss or know someone who is, I recommend that you check out griefshare.org and subscribe to their daily devotional email. You will not regret doing so, their emails are very helpful. They are short and will not consume a lot of your time, but their sentiments are powerful and helpful.

“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually”. 1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV

Many struggle when they are alone and have too much time to think.

Here are some simple things you can do that may make a difference and help you through this time:

• Find ways to keep yourself busy – such as taking up a new hobby, gather with friend's, local bible studies, etc.
• Listen to music that will help you to heal – Moody Radio, K-Love, etc.
• Take care of yourself, be sure to eat healthy, rest and be good to yourself.
• Exercise is a great way to keep your mind off of things, get your endorphins, de-stress and just help your body overall.
• If you ever feel hopeless, lost or having feelings of hurting yourself – contact 1-(800)-273-TALK (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Read your bible
• Surround yourself with good people
• Don't be afraid to ask for help
• If you have children that are struggling from a loss, I feel it is very important to keep the lines of communication open (when my son was little we expressed to him prior to getting any animals that there is a chance they will die at some point to help prepare him and help him to understand)

These are just a few ideas of things that may be of help to you.  I also just read the book Getting Through What You Can't Get Over by Anita Agers-Brooks which I feel will be very helpful to you as well.

I love how my fondest memories pop up in such amazing and unusual ways.   I think of my grandparent's every time I am canning or in my garden.  Concord grapes, apricots and coconut macaroons make me think of my Grandpa.  It is those fond memories that will be with you forever and that is why I always encourage people to take time with your loved ones.  Often, the simplest of things will provide the best memories – make those memories, cherish them and hold on tight to them!!

Sending love and prayers to those of you that are grieving and my hope is that you have found something within this post that will help you progress and heal…

God bless!

Tammy Trayer † ♥

#TrayerWilderness  #PositivelyEncouraging