OCTOBER 2024 newsletter
Morning!
This fall is filled with contrasts:
Illinois full of beauty & drought vs. Eastern States’ destruction & flooding.
High field crop yields vs. low price per bushel.
Japanese Beetles gone vs. Asian Lady Beetles coming inside.
A few examples of obvious environmental contrasts, but, widows often have many contrasts, too:
Getting stronger vs. regretting needing help.
Making confident decisions vs. fear of what to do.
Remembering spousal love vs. angry at him for leaving you.
Getting out with friends vs. envying their happiness and marriage.
Looking back on a good marriage vs. hating it’s been taken away.
I’m sure each of you could list more. The deal is you can hang on to those things or choose not join the parade of bitter widows that haven’t moved through the grief process. There’s not a time line, it isn’t fast and it can’t be avoided. The trick is to go through it and not get stuck.
You may at times find something triggers a negative “widow” emotion to come back, that’s pretty normal. For widows to be healthy, you can’t hold on to negativity and sadness all the time. You can’t make negative and unhappy your new normal. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about your former life and doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remember your husband and married life. Good memories can feed us.
I don’t have all the answers but I can say how I “let it go”: I pray it gone. I ask God to put His hand between me and the thoughts that are no longer helpful. When it’s no longer helpful to think grief thoughts, He’ll turn my thoughts to other things. Every time! If you’ve never used prayer to take you out of negative old grief thoughts then give it a try. Widows are close to God’s heart, he will listen and answer your prayers.
Illinois full of beauty & drought vs. Eastern States’ destruction & flooding.
High field crop yields vs. low price per bushel.
Japanese Beetles gone vs. Asian Lady Beetles coming inside.
A few examples of obvious environmental contrasts, but, widows often have many contrasts, too:
Getting stronger vs. regretting needing help.
Making confident decisions vs. fear of what to do.
Remembering spousal love vs. angry at him for leaving you.
Getting out with friends vs. envying their happiness and marriage.
Looking back on a good marriage vs. hating it’s been taken away.
I’m sure each of you could list more. The deal is you can hang on to those things or choose not join the parade of bitter widows that haven’t moved through the grief process. There’s not a time line, it isn’t fast and it can’t be avoided. The trick is to go through it and not get stuck.
You may at times find something triggers a negative “widow” emotion to come back, that’s pretty normal. For widows to be healthy, you can’t hold on to negativity and sadness all the time. You can’t make negative and unhappy your new normal. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about your former life and doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remember your husband and married life. Good memories can feed us.
I don’t have all the answers but I can say how I “let it go”: I pray it gone. I ask God to put His hand between me and the thoughts that are no longer helpful. When it’s no longer helpful to think grief thoughts, He’ll turn my thoughts to other things. Every time! If you’ve never used prayer to take you out of negative old grief thoughts then give it a try. Widows are close to God’s heart, he will listen and answer your prayers.
RECAP!
We were all first time decoupage decorators last month. Taking small jars, fall leaves, a bit of twine, a votive candle and new autumn decor happened. What fun and a good way to sit and visit about our lives and widow concerns. Busy hands and all that jazz.
Hebrews 10:25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
THINK ABOUT!
Some widows live alone and cooking for one isn’t always fun or easy. I’ve made myself a challenge to come up with ways to have good recipes, flavorful healthy food and not waste.
Fruit often spoils if there’s only one person eating. I’ve found freezing fruit helps stop spoilage AND makes great sweet snacks. Grapes become sweet, crunchy and cool. Melon is so full of liquid it becomes bite size popsicles. A few pieces of frozen fruit and my need to crunch/chew and longing for sweets is satisfied. Easy:
Cut up melon or peaches into bite sized pieces, pull grapes or blueberries from the stems and layer one deep on a rimmed cookie sheet. Freeze. When frozen, put in zip lock freezer bags and return to the freezer. (Some may need gently broken apart.) I’ve not tried other fruits but I’m sure there are many options. Apples and pears would need to be soaked first in citrus juice to keep from darkening.
A half cup really does quench the need for a good healthy snack. Have a recipe or process for one? Share with the group!
Fruit often spoils if there’s only one person eating. I’ve found freezing fruit helps stop spoilage AND makes great sweet snacks. Grapes become sweet, crunchy and cool. Melon is so full of liquid it becomes bite size popsicles. A few pieces of frozen fruit and my need to crunch/chew and longing for sweets is satisfied. Easy:
Cut up melon or peaches into bite sized pieces, pull grapes or blueberries from the stems and layer one deep on a rimmed cookie sheet. Freeze. When frozen, put in zip lock freezer bags and return to the freezer. (Some may need gently broken apart.) I’ve not tried other fruits but I’m sure there are many options. Apples and pears would need to be soaked first in citrus juice to keep from darkening.
A half cup really does quench the need for a good healthy snack. Have a recipe or process for one? Share with the group!
REMINDER!
Next Group Meeting is October 8th, 2024
Tuesday at 1:00pm at Hill Church
It may sound too early and it’s not. We’ll be making our own Christmas cards. Individualized and from the heart. The reason to start in October is it can take some time to get them done before sending. And as always, it’s a good time to visit with other women with like circumstances.
Tuesday at 1:00pm at Hill Church
It may sound too early and it’s not. We’ll be making our own Christmas cards. Individualized and from the heart. The reason to start in October is it can take some time to get them done before sending. And as always, it’s a good time to visit with other women with like circumstances.
News & Prayers!
Marcus Throneburg will be visiting with us at one of our meetings. Marcus was the pastor at Hill Church and is currently an Elder (In additional to his non-church job.) He and his wife Bobi host a small group and are the parents of three children. Marcus has the gentle soul of a born caregiver. Currently, the Elders are meeting every Tuesday afternoon but that soon should slow down. It will be a Blessing to have Marcus talk with our widows.
Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my misery, that Your word has revived me.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my misery, that Your word has revived me.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
(-; WIDOW HUMOR :-)
SEPTEMBER 2024 newsletter
Morning!
Have you ever considered the beautiful fall leaf as it flutters to the ground? Many of us love this perfect weather time of the year and the beauty it brings.
Once the leaf lays for awhile on the ground, it becomes not just beauty but a beneficial nutrient in the soil. Those nutrients are used by the tree to feed the new growth come spring. It helps keep it healthy all year.
Nature provides life lessons on using our stores of widow wisdom and experiences to make us stronger next season.
Once the leaf lays for awhile on the ground, it becomes not just beauty but a beneficial nutrient in the soil. Those nutrients are used by the tree to feed the new growth come spring. It helps keep it healthy all year.
Nature provides life lessons on using our stores of widow wisdom and experiences to make us stronger next season.
RECAP!
Although small in numbers, we had a nice visit at our August get together. As we tend to do, we enjoyed many topics and also talked about what we wanted to do at our future meetings. As always, I welcome your ideas and suggestions for topics. Some desires for more informational programs presented by experts in their field. Some fun craft/art projects. Some times where we just visit and enjoy each other’s company. Some outside social events.
Think About!
FALL PREPARATION
- Furnace Check Up (new filter)
- Car Maintenance (check tires, oil, window washer fluids, filters)
- Plowing snow (you? family? hire?) (snowblower maintenance)
- Storm windows and doors (in place, fit, need installed)
- Put away summer outdoor furniture (need help?)
- RV/campers (winterize, move, maintenance)
- Lawnmower (clean, winterize, maintenance)
- CO and smoke detectors (check batteries/change if weak)
- Fill gas containers if you use for snowplows or snowblowers
- Have a supply of things to do when you don’t want to go out (games, puzzles, hobbies, reading, exercise, movies, favorite TV series)
- Yard clean up (you? family? hire?)
- Wash windows to have a clear view of the winter wonderland
REMINDER!
September 10, 2024 - Tuesday
1:00 pm at Hill Church
107 N. Main St., Kewanee IL
We’ll be making autumn tea lights. A fun little project but pretty darn cute. Bring a small jar if you have a favorite or I’ll bring a few (see picture.) Size: juice glass or about 2 or 3 inches tall/wide.
1:00 pm at Hill Church
107 N. Main St., Kewanee IL
We’ll be making autumn tea lights. A fun little project but pretty darn cute. Bring a small jar if you have a favorite or I’ll bring a few (see picture.) Size: juice glass or about 2 or 3 inches tall/wide.
news and prayers!
Our friend from the Braving Widowhood group lost her niece to a tragic auto accident. Please keep Pam Bates and her family in your prayers. And especially Cassie’s 18 year old son; for his grief and future.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
August 2024 newsletter
Morning!
I feel the season of Autumn nudging its way into the picture! A few trees are already sporting orange leaves, most of my flowers have finished their bloom season and are heading towards buttoning up for the coming winter. Wildlife are busy storing food, some preparing for a trip south or padding a hidden winter hide away.
How are you doing with season changes? Like the predictable summer to fall, a widow’s seasons change, too. All of us have passed from the first year of widowhood (some in the second and others up to twenty) and are now maneuvering something different. Many of us found year two especially hard. For me, I had passed out of the mind numbing first year into a lot of hard realities. I was awake the second year and things hurt differently or hit me by surprise or upended what I thought I had been put to rest.
If you’re having a difficult second year (or any year), talking with other widows is a good way to get it out of your heart and mind and let wings of compassion take them to a healing place while those who understand surround you.
How are you doing with season changes? Like the predictable summer to fall, a widow’s seasons change, too. All of us have passed from the first year of widowhood (some in the second and others up to twenty) and are now maneuvering something different. Many of us found year two especially hard. For me, I had passed out of the mind numbing first year into a lot of hard realities. I was awake the second year and things hurt differently or hit me by surprise or upended what I thought I had been put to rest.
If you’re having a difficult second year (or any year), talking with other widows is a good way to get it out of your heart and mind and let wings of compassion take them to a healing place while those who understand surround you.
RECAP!
Who Me? Worry?
In July, we made our own “Worry Boxes”. For a month, every time we spent time worrying about something, we wrote it down and put it in our box. At the end of July, we took our worries out and considered if any of them were actually worth the time and emotional effort.
A wonderful solution to spending emotional time worrying, is hand those worries to God. Then let them go. The letting go part is the hardest. Picture writing on that slip of paper, handing it up to God, but, at the last minute or at times during the day you grab it out of His hand to do a little more worrying. Praying to God for solutions, for peace from worry and for the ability to let Him handle our problems can help you not take them out of God’s hands.
I hope the “Worry Boxes” helped you realize how much time we waste worrying about things that never happen, or it solves itself or that God uses in other ways. Let God be your Worry Box. **
** Thanks to Pat Gregory for the idea and Pastor Lance Hampton for the tie to God’s goodness.
In July, we made our own “Worry Boxes”. For a month, every time we spent time worrying about something, we wrote it down and put it in our box. At the end of July, we took our worries out and considered if any of them were actually worth the time and emotional effort.
A wonderful solution to spending emotional time worrying, is hand those worries to God. Then let them go. The letting go part is the hardest. Picture writing on that slip of paper, handing it up to God, but, at the last minute or at times during the day you grab it out of His hand to do a little more worrying. Praying to God for solutions, for peace from worry and for the ability to let Him handle our problems can help you not take them out of God’s hands.
I hope the “Worry Boxes” helped you realize how much time we waste worrying about things that never happen, or it solves itself or that God uses in other ways. Let God be your Worry Box. **
** Thanks to Pat Gregory for the idea and Pastor Lance Hampton for the tie to God’s goodness.
Think About it!
Need a new activity going into winter? The Galva Senior (over 50) Citizens Center, 106 Front Street, offers free crocheting lessons every Tuesday from 9 - 11:30. New or old hand, come and enjoy the friendship along with others. June Hagerty instructs - an expert at many handiwork projects including quilting and all around nice woman.
Our two Kewanee widows, Josie and Susan, experienced storm damage from the July tornadoes. Continue to pray for their recovery and ability to get things cleaned up and repaired.
Our two Kewanee widows, Josie and Susan, experienced storm damage from the July tornadoes. Continue to pray for their recovery and ability to get things cleaned up and repaired.
REMINDER!
In August, we’ll be sharing how our summer went. What did you accomplish? Highs? Lows? Vacations? Solutions? Stumbling Blocks? Healing? Needs? Fun? News!
And we’ll also talk about what we’d like to do this coming fall and winter. Bring your ideas. Some of you may recall, I’m also active in the Braving Widowhood group. They do a lot of things, both large and small. Potlucks, trips, sabbaticals, lunch & coffee, plays, different members hosting at times and it’s all about support, sharing, caring, love and having fun. Think about if you’d like us to expand into adding more social events.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
And we’ll also talk about what we’d like to do this coming fall and winter. Bring your ideas. Some of you may recall, I’m also active in the Braving Widowhood group. They do a lot of things, both large and small. Potlucks, trips, sabbaticals, lunch & coffee, plays, different members hosting at times and it’s all about support, sharing, caring, love and having fun. Think about if you’d like us to expand into adding more social events.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
JuLY 2024 newsletter
Morning!
Was your 4th of July celebration fun, a chore or a yawn? I have a granddaughter’s birthday that day so it’s a double celebration in our family.
A few years ago, I realized I no longer got excited enough to go to the fireworks. It had been a whole big “thing” with our family - lots of traditional to always do this or that. It’s alright to rework some of your traditions now that you're a widow. It isn’t disloyal to stop doing some things that are no longer fun. Your husband isn’t standing just out of site with his pad and pencil recording whether you’re living up to expectations. There is no guilt needed or deserved for changing up things when it fits the needs for you as a single.
Those traditions you still love, keep them going. Those that need to be put to rest, either simply stop or hand them off to someone else.
So, my celebration is birthday fun, might catch the parade (I do love parades and Galva does a parade just right) and skip the rest. Except, my neighbors didn’t let me skip the fireworks. They had spent quite a lot giving all of us a great show, watched from the comfort of my front porch swing with a cup of coffee. A new tradition? Maybe . . .
A few years ago, I realized I no longer got excited enough to go to the fireworks. It had been a whole big “thing” with our family - lots of traditional to always do this or that. It’s alright to rework some of your traditions now that you're a widow. It isn’t disloyal to stop doing some things that are no longer fun. Your husband isn’t standing just out of site with his pad and pencil recording whether you’re living up to expectations. There is no guilt needed or deserved for changing up things when it fits the needs for you as a single.
Those traditions you still love, keep them going. Those that need to be put to rest, either simply stop or hand them off to someone else.
So, my celebration is birthday fun, might catch the parade (I do love parades and Galva does a parade just right) and skip the rest. Except, my neighbors didn’t let me skip the fireworks. They had spent quite a lot giving all of us a great show, watched from the comfort of my front porch swing with a cup of coffee. A new tradition? Maybe . . .
RECAP!
We had Kewanee Chief of Police, Stephen Kijanowski, and Deputy Chief, Michael Minx, talk to us about Personal Safety Tips for Widows and Avoiding Scams. A great handout and some sound advice. I have their handout should anyone want a copy (including the additional notes.)
One of the main things they emphasized was to be aware of your surroundings whether at home or out. Listen to your instincts or that voice in your head that says something isn’t right. And when you get that feeling, act on it.
They also stressed that if EVER in doubt about something, call 911. It’s why they’re there and they’d rather be called and find nothing than have a widow not call and things go bad.
They also explained “mutual aid” between police departments: If your governing police department personnel are too far away to respond quickly to a 911 call (we live in a big county), dispatch will ask the closest personnel to respond. I had this happen once when we had trespassers. Instead of a county deputy, the Galva Police responded. It’s all about getting someone to your situation quickly.
A lot of good information, reassurances and things to consider.
One of the main things they emphasized was to be aware of your surroundings whether at home or out. Listen to your instincts or that voice in your head that says something isn’t right. And when you get that feeling, act on it.
They also stressed that if EVER in doubt about something, call 911. It’s why they’re there and they’d rather be called and find nothing than have a widow not call and things go bad.
They also explained “mutual aid” between police departments: If your governing police department personnel are too far away to respond quickly to a 911 call (we live in a big county), dispatch will ask the closest personnel to respond. I had this happen once when we had trespassers. Instead of a county deputy, the Galva Police responded. It’s all about getting someone to your situation quickly.
A lot of good information, reassurances and things to consider.
Having lunch at P.L. Johnsons in Bishop Hill on June 23, International Widows Day, was a nice time, good food and having old and new friends.
Think About it!
A few extra tips:
1. Consider sharing your location through an app on your phone with someone you trust. My daughter and I use “Life 360” which is free. Should I ever have problems and can’t communicate, she will know where I am. Which brings us to: When you leave home, take your phone.
2. Which bring us to another: Let someone know when you’re leaving town
3. Make sure all your kids (or other responsible person) has your license plate number. There are police cameras on most major roads, all interstate highways, major roads leading into/out of cities and others. Should you become missing, it is much faster for the police to put in the plate ID rather than search through files that might not be accurate.
4. And don’t be that person who refuses to use helpful devices, share information with family or consider your own safety. There’s a fine line between independent and obstinate.
5. If your children (or if you don’t have children) aren’t willing, able, or trustworthy to use as your contact, then find a friend, another widow or church family. “I have no one anymore” is not a valid excuse for not being safety conscious.
1. Consider sharing your location through an app on your phone with someone you trust. My daughter and I use “Life 360” which is free. Should I ever have problems and can’t communicate, she will know where I am. Which brings us to: When you leave home, take your phone.
2. Which bring us to another: Let someone know when you’re leaving town
3. Make sure all your kids (or other responsible person) has your license plate number. There are police cameras on most major roads, all interstate highways, major roads leading into/out of cities and others. Should you become missing, it is much faster for the police to put in the plate ID rather than search through files that might not be accurate.
4. And don’t be that person who refuses to use helpful devices, share information with family or consider your own safety. There’s a fine line between independent and obstinate.
5. If your children (or if you don’t have children) aren’t willing, able, or trustworthy to use as your contact, then find a friend, another widow or church family. “I have no one anymore” is not a valid excuse for not being safety conscious.
REMINDER!
July 9, 2024 - Tuesday
1:00 pm at Hill Church
107 N. Main St., Kewanee IL
While visiting, we will be making “Worry Boxes”
1:00 pm at Hill Church
107 N. Main St., Kewanee IL
While visiting, we will be making “Worry Boxes”
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
June 2024 newsletter
Morning!
We’ve dodged the storm bullets this spring! (Should all of us knock on wood?) I don’t think I remember a spring where we’ve had such ideal weather in this area. I hope you’re enjoying this gift of spring; a reminder that it’s God’s plan to have renewal and new beginnings after the severity of cold and winter.
RECAP!
Hill Church Pastor and counselor, Dr. David Pendergrass, visited us at our May get together. We talked about widows’ anger. He offered for our consideration that anger is most often about sadness that hasn’t been acknowledged.
When you’re angry about something in his dying or in your widowhood, think about why you’re really getting angry about something at this point in your widowhood. Sometimes anger can be justified in the moment. But, if you find widow anger recurring after months/years over the same things, did you not let yourself be sad and now it boils up in anger at something else. And a side note, if you realize you can’t resolve being angry, think about getting professional help. It’s not about weakness, it’s about becoming strong.
When you’re angry about something in his dying or in your widowhood, think about why you’re really getting angry about something at this point in your widowhood. Sometimes anger can be justified in the moment. But, if you find widow anger recurring after months/years over the same things, did you not let yourself be sad and now it boils up in anger at something else. And a side note, if you realize you can’t resolve being angry, think about getting professional help. It’s not about weakness, it’s about becoming strong.
Think About it!
I read a widow article recently that asked the strong questions: By dying, did your loved one insist you spend the rest of your days being angry at him for dying? Angry at anyone who made his dying harder? Anger at yourself for not doing something revolving around his death? Did he really want you to live your life miserable, angry, hurt, lonely or depressed? Did he want you to live your life unhappy? If not, think about why you are hanging onto those emotions surrounding his death. Are you afraid to give up anger because then you’d have to admit how sad you are that he’s left you? Sadness is alright, it’s normal at times, and it has to happen to help you heal. Notice I didn’t say it has to happen to forget. Forgetting isn’t the same as healing.
REMINDER!
Next meeting is June 11th - 1:00pm @ Hill Church
We have a member of the Kewanee Police Department coming to this meeting. The topic will be “Security: Personal and Home”. I’m pretty excited for this opportunity because loss of security (or the feeling of not being secure) after becoming a widow has been a topic of discussion through our meetings. Feel free to ask other guests even if they aren’t interested in becoming a part of our group.
FOR THE FUTURE!
International Widows Day: On Sunday, June 23, 2024, let’s plan to go to lunch, meeting at P.L. Johnson’s, 110 W Bjorklund St., Bishop Hill around 12 - 12:30. For those that have a bit of a drive after church, we’ll wait until everyone is there to order. Celebrate who we’ve become, our friendships and support! Invite another widow if you’d like - a great way for them to see the benefits of conquering widowhood.
I’ll need reservations by our June 11.
For menu: see their Facebook page. For an overview: www.pljohnsonsrestaurant.com They do have dairy free and gluten free choices. And homemade desserts - yum!
Hebrews 10:25 “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
I’ll need reservations by our June 11.
For menu: see their Facebook page. For an overview: www.pljohnsonsrestaurant.com They do have dairy free and gluten free choices. And homemade desserts - yum!
Hebrews 10:25 “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER
Morning!
A month ago I was writing the Newsletter in the middle of a blizzard. Today, April showers have certainly brought May flowers. Especially this time of the year, I often pause to be thankful for being born in the Midwest, living in the serenity of the beautiful countryside and the wonder of new growth in nature and neighboring new baby livestock.
After a heavy rain today, everything has been washed clean and the colors are vibrant. As widows, we sometimes need to be “washed clean” and again become vibrant. As an emerging plant isn’t the same one that became dormant last year, we can become a new us. A new us that thinks of how life was “before” and begins to consciously build a new season.
I encourage you to join us to encourage each other, make new friends and understand you may feel alone in this walk of widowhood but you’re actually in a very large group of women who are striving to pave a new vibrant path.
After a heavy rain today, everything has been washed clean and the colors are vibrant. As widows, we sometimes need to be “washed clean” and again become vibrant. As an emerging plant isn’t the same one that became dormant last year, we can become a new us. A new us that thinks of how life was “before” and begins to consciously build a new season.
I encourage you to join us to encourage each other, make new friends and understand you may feel alone in this walk of widowhood but you’re actually in a very large group of women who are striving to pave a new vibrant path.
RECAP!
Have you got the new Hill Church app that allows you to get all our news, including this newsletter. It has the ability to send you a reminder of the meetings. You can customize it to get all Hill Church information or only pertaining to our widowhood group. If you have questions or need help, contact Lance at 217-371-3801 - he rocks explaining.
Last month we ROCKED it! A first time for most and a lot of great ideas and painting. There were plans to do more when they got home. Fun hobbies are a great way to get out of your head and into something new. We visited (which is always good with other widows) and we laughed. A Lot.
Last month we ROCKED it! A first time for most and a lot of great ideas and painting. There were plans to do more when they got home. Fun hobbies are a great way to get out of your head and into something new. We visited (which is always good with other widows) and we laughed. A Lot.
REMINDER!
Next meeting is May 14th - 1:00pm @ Hill Church
Dr. David Pendergrass, Hill Church pastor and counselor, has committed to visit again this month. The last time he visited, we had some newly widowed and some of the emotions were raw. Nine months later, it will be interesting to understand how far you’ve come and talk about what your needs are now. I thought the general topic would be “Bringing peace into widowhood”.
SHARING!
Here are some resources you may enjoy:
* www.bravetwin.com Developed by Pam Bates, her May Newsletter is full of new activities.
* Founder of the Modern Widows Club, Carolyn Moor has a new on-line series of instructional events that you may like. She lists Club events for June 2024 on her Facebook site: Carolyn Moor Mwc
Links: www.healthywidowhealthywoman.org
www.modernwidowsclub.org
www.carolynmoor.com
* www.bravetwin.com Developed by Pam Bates, her May Newsletter is full of new activities.
* Founder of the Modern Widows Club, Carolyn Moor has a new on-line series of instructional events that you may like. She lists Club events for June 2024 on her Facebook site: Carolyn Moor Mwc
Links: www.healthywidowhealthywoman.org
www.modernwidowsclub.org
www.carolynmoor.com
FOR THE FUTURE!
On Sunday, June 23, 2024, let’s plan to go to lunch, meeting at P.L. Johnson’s, 110 W Bjorklund St., Bishop Hill around 12 - 12:30. For those that have a bit of a drive after church, we’ll wait to order. Celebrate who we’ve become, our friendships and support! Invite another widow if you’d like - a great way for them to see the benefits of conquering widowhood.
I’ll need reservations by our June 11.
For menu: see their Facebook page. For an overview: www.pljohnsonsrestaurant.com They do have dairy free and gluten free choices. And homemade desserts - yum!
Romans 1:12 That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
I’ll need reservations by our June 11.
For menu: see their Facebook page. For an overview: www.pljohnsonsrestaurant.com They do have dairy free and gluten free choices. And homemade desserts - yum!
Romans 1:12 That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER
Morning!
Good grief on this snowy blizzard of a morning! It’s pretty but like the little daffodils, I’m finding it an intrusion upon my positive spring outlook! One thing widows eventually learn to master is deliberately deciding to think positive. That positivity may take a hit at certain times, but we each develop a means to grab onto deciding to make today better. And if you can’t make today any better, then try again tomorrow. Learn the tricks - a cup of tea, a good book, your favorite TV show, visiting a friend, going someplace new or writing in your journal. Does it make grief go away? Not always - although doing these little things can help get through those sad times.
RECAP!
The above picture is from our February Valentine’s party. What a fun time.
We had a bunch of busy folks in March, so we spent some time visiting and talking about where we are and how we’re doing. It’s always a treasure to have other widow(s) to care and understand.
Pastor Lance Hampton did a “hands on” help to get the new Hill Church app on our phones. I will be transitioning all CW electronic communications to this app, including the Newsletter. Also, notification of the routine monthly get togethers and other communications. All you have to do is download the new Hill Church app!
The app allows you to decide how much and what information you wish to receive - from everything going on at Hill Church or just the Conquering Widowhood info. These choices will fit nicely with us as we have as many non-Hill members in our group as members. Google Hill Church if you have an I-phone or Hill Church-Kewanee if you have other.
I’ll give Lance all our e-mail addresses and he will enter into the new system. You will need to get the app on your phone. If you have questions or need help, contact Lance at 217-371-3801 - he rocks explaining.
We had a bunch of busy folks in March, so we spent some time visiting and talking about where we are and how we’re doing. It’s always a treasure to have other widow(s) to care and understand.
Pastor Lance Hampton did a “hands on” help to get the new Hill Church app on our phones. I will be transitioning all CW electronic communications to this app, including the Newsletter. Also, notification of the routine monthly get togethers and other communications. All you have to do is download the new Hill Church app!
The app allows you to decide how much and what information you wish to receive - from everything going on at Hill Church or just the Conquering Widowhood info. These choices will fit nicely with us as we have as many non-Hill members in our group as members. Google Hill Church if you have an I-phone or Hill Church-Kewanee if you have other.
I’ll give Lance all our e-mail addresses and he will enter into the new system. You will need to get the app on your phone. If you have questions or need help, contact Lance at 217-371-3801 - he rocks explaining.
REMINDER!
Next meeting is April 9th - 1:00pm @ Hill Church
Rocks get a bum rap. “Dumb as a box of rocks!” “Crazy like a rock star!” “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo!” At our April 9th get together, we’re going to rock it all night long - or until 2:30!
I’ll be bringing some flat smooth rocks for us to paint. I got the idea when one of my husband’s daughters routinely brought a hand-painted rock to put on her father’s grave. And as a gardener, various grandchildren have given me hand-painted rocks for the flower beds or porches. Some of them have been painted like ladybugs, bees, with a cross, a heart, flowers, frogs, smiley faces - you get it. If you’re not rock painting inspired, google “painted rocks” and there will be something that strikes your fancy.
I’ll be bringing some flat smooth rocks for us to paint. I got the idea when one of my husband’s daughters routinely brought a hand-painted rock to put on her father’s grave. And as a gardener, various grandchildren have given me hand-painted rocks for the flower beds or porches. Some of them have been painted like ladybugs, bees, with a cross, a heart, flowers, frogs, smiley faces - you get it. If you’re not rock painting inspired, google “painted rocks” and there will be something that strikes your fancy.
SHARING!
My friend (and widow) Pam Bates (Galva’s Braving Widowhood founder) is always happy to welcome other widows’ groups to her fun events. Here are two 2024 plans:
April 27 - 11:30-1:30 in Bishop Hill: Painting a cardinal barn quilt. $35 each includes supplies. Coffee/snacks afterward.
May 31 (perhaps more days according to response) - Trip to Amana Colonies/Williamsburg IA. $100 due by April 20 - final cost determined on how many days (motel/food/etc.)
April 27 - 11:30-1:30 in Bishop Hill: Painting a cardinal barn quilt. $35 each includes supplies. Coffee/snacks afterward.
May 31 (perhaps more days according to response) - Trip to Amana Colonies/Williamsburg IA. $100 due by April 20 - final cost determined on how many days (motel/food/etc.)
FOR THE FUTURE!
I’m still in talks to get our speaker for “Security for Widows”. Home, driving, on-line, out and about. As always, let me know if there’s something you’d like to do or hear about.
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
Blessings,
Diane Gibson
309-854-3384
As always, feel free to invite other widows to our 2nd Tuesday of every month get togethers. They don't have to be Hill Church members or a member of any church - widowhood is the key that unlocks our door.
Blessings,
Diane Gibson
309-854-3384