Supporting a Grieving Friend



"Supporting a Grieving Friend"

Even with fresh snow covering the ground, we were able to meet at LIFT on Wednesday, January 16. And even in the winter season, God can bring beauty.


Brenda Auker, a registered nurse and bereavement counselor, gave us some tips on how to support friends who have experienced a loss.



"Grief comes in many forms."

 We can experience grief from a loss of a person, a hope, dream, or something else valuable. Grief comes in many forms.

Grief can come in 4 stages according to Grieg Davidson. These stages can come in any order and at any time.

Grief is different for each person.

1. Shock and Numbness. This is most intense the first 2 weeks. There is short attention span, denial, and surreal feelings.

2. Searching and Yearning. This can happen from the 2nd week to the 4th month. There can be anger, guilt, weight loss or gain, difficult sleeping, and/or strange feelings.

3. Disorientation. This can occur from the 5th to the 9th month. There may be feelings like you’re going crazy, can’t concentrate, and/or have anxiety.

4. Reorganization and Resolution. This may happen from the 9th to 24th month (2 years!). There are feelings of release and renewed energy. Laugher and smiling can return.


Our Light of Hope is JESUS.

Our society does not give us 2 years to grieve. Genesis 49 and 50 talks about the death of Jacob and details a very long time or mourning.
Do not take it personally if your friend is withdrawn from activities.

Spiritual Effects. People may question their beliefs and ask, “Am I really God’s child?” They may search for meaning and/or be angry with God. Christians can often see the work of the Holy Spirit. Grief can pull people apart or knit them together. A Christian can say to a non-Christian, “This is my experience. If you want to talk about it some time, let me know.”



"What do I say to my friend in grief?"

 What do I say and do for my friend in grief?

1. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
2. “I care.”
3. “I want to be there for you.”
4. “What can I do for you?” Meal, cleaning. If no, offer again later.
5. Share how you feel, “I’m feeling pain as well.”
6. Ask to look at pictures.
7. Share memories. Shared sorrow helps lift the burden.
8. You could also give something in memory of: a living plant, etc.
It’s ok to be silent and just be there for them. Listen
Hug, touch, and shed tears with them.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
As a friend, have thick skin. It’s grief talking.



"I'm sorry for your loss."   "I care"

 Men grieve differently. They usually do not have outlets for grief like women have. Let them grieve differently than we think they should. Let them have out bursts. He should find one other man to be with. Stay connected with him. 


Thank you Judith for sharing a
beautiful display of your precious
daughter and for sharing
encouraging words.

 
We have hope is Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4: 13-17
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage each other with these words."

We Grieve with HOPE.
 

Words of hope from the Bible




Thank you Mindy for making pretty
cookies for each lady!! Thanks also
to each lady that contributed to our
brunch/snacks!



Supporting a Grieving Friend

Wednesday, January 16
9:00am -11:00am
How to Support a Grieving Friend

Brenda Auker, a registered nurse and bereavement counselor,
will give us some tips on how to support friends who have experienced a loss.
Held at Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills.

* Free Childcare available in 3 different age groups.
* If there is a 2 hour delay for school: LIFT will begin at 10:30am. If schools are canceled, LIFT will be canceled
* www.JuniataLIFT.blogspot.com and on facebook: "Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together"
* Bring: A friend or neighbor that could be encouraged with the word of God and support of other women.
* "Sharing Table": you may bring something you think another LIFT lady would appreciate.

2012 Christmas Brunch



Christmas Brunch



December 12, 2012

Christmas Brunch

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Ladies entered the room decorated with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Live greens, poinsettias, candles, and more greeted us at this special brunch. We collected items for the Food Pantry, listened to memorized scripture, prayed together, and felt encouraged and supported by each other.



Special Details by Maggie - THANKS!!
Favors of daffodil bulbs read:

This daffodil is named Suzie. It reminds me of my sister, Suzie, who is serving overseas in the military. When you plant it, please remember to pray for all the members of our military this Christmas. Pray that the Spirit of God would strengthen those who have a personal relationship with the Lord and help those that do not to understand the power, healing, and forgiveness that can only be found in Jesus, our Immanuel. – Maggie.

Enjoying the Christmas Brunch

Overnight Carmel French Toast

Brought by Bobbi Graybill

1c. brown sugar
1/2c. butter or margarine ( I used butter)
2 tbsp. light corn syurp
12 slices bread
1/4c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon, divided
6 eggs
1 1/2c. milk
1 tsp vanilla

In a sauce pan over medium heat, bring brown sugar, butter and corn syurp to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 6 slices of bread. Combine sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: sprinkle half over bread. Place the remaining bread over top. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon and sugar and set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla and reamaining cinnamon. Pour over bread and chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

Apple Dew Tart
(was served at LIFT with ice cream)
Brought by Kendra Spade

3 Granny Smith apples
2 pks of Original Crescent Rolls
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 12oz can of Mt. Dew

Preheat oven to 350. Coat 9/13 glass dish with Pam. Peel and slice apples into 16 pieces. Wrap 2-3 slices of apples in crescent rolls and place rolled slices in pan making 2 rows of 8. Place additional slices between rolled slices. Melt butter and mix in sugar and cinnamon and pour over apples. Pour Mt. Dew carefully over everything.
Bake for 45 min. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Party Punch Cooler

Brought by Judy Mummau

1 quart milk
3 cups pineapple juice
3 tsp. lemon juice
1 quart orange sherbet (used Raspberry at LIFT)
1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 cups orange juice

Soften ice cream and sherbet. Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Serve immediately. An ice ring made of equal parts of pineapple juice, orange juice, and water may be used if desired. Flavor of sherbet determines punch color. Serves 20.

If you have a recipe to share, please send it to Judy - thanks!
 ------------------------------------------------------------


Orpah beautifully recited
scripture from memory.

 Orpha Gingrich was asked to come and she beautifully recited scripture from memory about the birth of Christ. A true inspiration to us to remain in the word of God.

She said the entire Christmas story can be summed up in one verse:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Some of the scripture recited:
Matthew
Mt 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
Mt 2:3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Mt 2:4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
Mt 2:5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
Mt 2:6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’’”
Mt 2:7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
Mt 2:8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
Mt 2:9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Mt 2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Mt 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Mt 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

And from Luke
Lk 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
Lk 2:2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
Lk 2:3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
Lk 2:4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
Lk 2:5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Lk 2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
Lk 2:7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


Christmas Brunch at LIFT



Maggie played the piano as we sang a few Christmas carols.



Getting to know someone new.



We collected food for the Juniata Couty Food Pantry - thanks everyone!

 Next month:
January 16– How to Support a Grieving Friend

Brenda Auker, a registered nurse and bereavement counselor, will give us some tips on how to support friends who have experienced a loss.

Christmas Brunch

Come celebrate your 12-12-12 day with us!!

"Christmas Brunch"

December 12, 9:00am - 11:00am

Held at Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills

Bring:

-Food for our brunch

-Item for the Food Pantry.

***You NEVER need to bring anything - just come!!

facebook: "Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together"

12 Reasons to come to LIFT next Wednesday:
1. Support the Food Pantry by bringing a
non-parishable food item or cleaning supply.
2. See the Christmas decorations provided
by Maggie Shafferman of Hunters Run Nursery.
3. Hear devotions by Orpha Gingrich as she
recites scripture from memory. Very inspirational!
4. Sample the delicious brunch
5. Plenty of time to socialize!
6. Chair Massages - do I need to say more?
7. Check out what's on the Sharing Table.
8. Get to know someone new.
9. Go home with a favor provided by Maggie!!
10. Feel comfortable with your children in the free childcare.
11. Spending time in prayer.
12. Be Blessed

Sharing Homemade Gift Ideas



“Give all your anxiety and cares to Jesus.”

"But I have all, and abound: I am full... " Philippians 4:18

We were FULL of blessings at LIFT on Wednesday, November 14. Many home made gifts were displayed. Lively chatter was heard as the ladies began to arrive and catch up on their past month’s joys and struggles. We came together to bless and encourage one another.

Antoinette began our time together by leading us in the word of God. She read from Luke 10: 38-42 which says:

Lk 10:38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

Lk 10:39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
Lk 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Lk 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
 

“God wants more than just our service,
Mary went straight to Jesus’ feet.”



Lk 10:42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We were challenged with these thoughts:

- “How much do you really want to serve Jesus?”

- “God wants more than just our service, Mary went straight to Jesus’ feet.”



Thank you Kendra for making

cream cheese mint favors

for all the ladies!!

See her recipe below.



- “Give all your anxiety and cares to Jesus.”

- “Turn to Jesus whenever there is trouble.”

- Antoinette recommended the book “Women at the Cross” by Mary Ellen Beachy

- “Jesus said, ‘I Am’”



Our prayer time was uplifting as women shared from their heart the prayers, praises, and low points they are or were facing. We rejoiced with them, prayed for them, and truly lifted them into the hands of Jesus.



Jennifer suggested adding a tile or bead mosaic to a glass votive.

 

Sharing Homemade Gift Ideas

Each lady had a chance to share about a homemade gift idea and read a gift idea from papers there were distributed. The ideas on those papers are listed below.



Homemade gifts that were brought to LIFT included: a repainted wooden toy box, party mix in a tin, mosaic tiles or glass beads on a glass jar with candle inside, canning rings tided together to make a pumpkin, hard candy, “Seen It” game made with rice in a water bottle, gift boxes made out of Christmas cards, cookie mix in a jar, a clear photo holder transformed into a seasonal note pad, foot print nativity and angel, t-shirt necklaces and bracelets, sewn Christmas tree on sweater, heritage scrapbooks.


Sharing gift ideas

Homemade Gift Ideas Under $5:

Tutorials can be found here: Homemade Gifts Under $5

1 Jersey Knit Bracelet

2 Paper Clip Earrings

3 Printed Candles

4 Jewelry Holder

5 Tile Coaster

6 Hand Printed Mug

7 Paper Plate Clock

8 Mason Jar Sewing Kit

9 Sugar Cubes

10 Party Mix
11 Water Bottle Stylish Cuff Bracelets
12 Spa Scrubbie and Tropical Bath Tea Soak
13 Bread in a Bottle
14 DIY Hot Pads
15 Tea Cup Lights
16 Fabric Scrap Keychain


What a blessing to be togehter.



17 Believe Washer Necklaces

18 Lovely Wax Lumieres

19 DIY Vinyl Bowls

20 Cookie mix in a jar

21 Beautiful Bookmarks
22 Baking Kit
23 Folded
24 Wrap It Creatively!
25 DIY Handmade Journal
26 Make a Spoon Ring!
27 Picture Puzzle
28 Homemade Jam
29 Homemade Laundry Detergent
30 Duct Tape Jewelry
31 Gorgeous DIY Button Rings
32 Handwritten Recipes into Tea Towels
33 Pre-punched craft paper wrapped around a glass cylinder.

Thanks for the great ideas that were shared!!



We were able to "Call Her (and him) Blessed" through the Christmas Angel
project by supporting two children within Juniata county. Thanks ladies!!

 Recipes:
CREAM CHEESE MINTS

Small Recipe:
1 3oz. pkg cream cheese (room temp)
2/12 cups 10x sugar
1/4 to 1/2 tsp flavoring
Food coloring as desired
Makes about 46

Large Recipe:
1 8oz pkg cream cheese (room temp)
6 3/4 cups 10x sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp flavoring
Food coloring as desired
Makes about 100

In mixing bowl, add cream cheese and 10x sugar. Mix well, by hand, until soft dough forms. Roll in balls the size of a marble. Roll ball in granulated sugar. Place into rubber mold pressing from middle to edges. Unmold at once onto wax paper. Freeze.

HARD CANDY

click in enlarge

Party Mix

Mix dry ingredients together:
1 box Rice Chex Other substitutes: Shoe-string potatoes
1 box Corn Chex Ritz mini-bite crackers
1 box cheese crackers Ranch flavored Munchem’s
1 box wheat thins
1 pound bag of pretzels
1 jar of peanuts
1 bag of Cheetos
1 bag oyster crackers
Dressing:
1 ½ cup Orville Redenbacher popping oil
1 pack (8 teaspoons) dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
Mix dressing and pour over dry ingredients. Makes a large amount so make sure you have a large enough container or mix in a clean garbage bag. You can also mix half at a time. Store in airtight containers. (Fills 4 ice cream buckets or you can cut the recipe in half- that’s what I do and put one bucket in the freezer, it’s actually better after being in the freezer.)

Tiger Butter
1 pound milk chocolate
1 pound white chocolate
2-4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
Cover a large cookie sheet with sides with wax paper. Melt chocolates in separate containers and add peanut butter to either just the milk chocolate or to both, depending on your preference. Pour milk chocolate across the cookie sheet then drizzle the white chocolate over the top of it. Then use a knife to swirl the mixture (don’t swirl too much.) You want it to look like the markings on a tiger. Cool until hard then break into bite-sized chunks.

Homemade Gift Ideas - Nov. 14

Are the stores really decked for Christmas?

Hues of gold, green, and red?
This year, less spending is a must.
And I'm making meaningful gifts instead!!

We hope you can join us at LIFT....

Wednesday, Nov. 14 (new date)

9-11:00am

Homemade Gift Ideas

Gift-giving doesn't need to be expensive.

Come hear great gift ideas that are both homemade and inexpensive.

If you have gift ideas please bring them to share with us.

Gifts for the community Christmas Angel
project should be returned on at this LIFT. 

* DON'T FORGET the Christmas Angel Project. If you took a Christmas ornament gift tag, please bring your wrapped gift to this LIFT event.

* Free childcare again by our AWESOME staff!!

* Don't forget to "LIKE" us on facebook: "Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together" (46 friends and counting)

Annual Retreat

Blast from the Past:

Gene and Nancy Forrey speaking on Dealing with Depression
at our 2008 LIFT event.

This Friday!

Annual Retreat

at Lost Creek

hosted by the Lost Creek Mennonite Church Sewing Circle

Friday, October 26, 7:00pm

For women and men.
Gene and Nancy Forrey will speak on
"Communicating Our Faith through Stories."
Refreshments afterwards.

**Remember the uplifting time we had when they spoke on dealing with depression at the November 2008 LIFT? We're so excited to have them back at Lost Creek!!
**Come Be BLESSED.