Grief Is Messy

It is!

In the movie “We Are Marshall,” a man made that statement. His son was one of 75 who had died in a tragic plane crash. His actions proved that grief is messy. He had led a movement to end Marshall’s football program. He had the President of Marshall University fired. He made everyone around him miserable. And when he finally adjusted to this terrible ordeal, he said, “Grief is messy.” And it is!

I believe God would want us to know He understands. He understands when we are hurting. After all, He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He let His only Son die for you and for me (John 3:16).

Grief is messy. Everyone handles it differently. But hopefully, you look to His Son. Hopefully, you look to His Word, the Bible, for guidance. Hopefully, you won’t give up because grief is messy.

Because He cares, He helps us get out of the “mess.”

Someone may ask, “When am I going to get over this grief”. My answer came from Dr. Mike Maness in his book on divorce recovery. He made the statement to me that you adjust. My friend is right. You don’t get over it, you adjust.

However, let me say from the start there cannot be a time-table on your grief. Because it is messy, it will take time and again, everyone is different. You may need to consider come professional counseling. However, let me suggest that you go to one who is guided by biblical principles.

When I say grief is messy I mean things can happen to different individuals and again, everyone is different. People going through grief can be blinded to reality and because of that they will at times be taken advantage of and again grief is messy!

So, let me conclude this article by again saying God still loves you. He loves you even when you think you are not worthy of His love. And, even when Grief is Messy He still loves you.

Will you let Him have His Way with you?

Keith Bellamy
Woodville church of Christ
Woodville, Texas

Prayer Requests

Brenda Johnson’s mother, Rose Nichols, has been receiving chemotherapy for the past 4-5 weeks to treat pancreatic cancer. Rose received the good news last week that the tumors have shrunk! Keep her in your prayers.

Karen Hardy’s great-nephew, Carter Dunnell, is doing much better. Keep Carter in your prayers in the coming weeks – pray for healing and strength. Pray also for Carter’s mother, Jill, who is dealing with tough times as well.

Congratulations to Cassie & Mike Johnson, who had a baby girl Claire Diane was born on Wednesday, April 11 at 1:33 am. Claire was 8 lb. 7 oz. and was 20½ inches long!

Jorden Kuyrkendall is having surgery on April 25. Also, there is some question about whether a proper diagnosis has been made for an unrelated condition. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors.

Millie Buxton has been very sick with a fever, aches and fatigue. Pray for her to regain her strength, and also for her eyesight. She has continued to struggle with problems with her eyes.

Keep Bill Gordon in your prayers. Following his bypass surgery, he is now receiving therapy from several therapists. Lots of hard work.

Pam Dorrell’s grandmother is in Cavanaugh House, and doesn’t have many days left.

Pray for Marge Steven’s brother in Minnesota who has various health problems.

Please continue to pray for:

• Preacher search, that God will send the right man
• Lyndsay’s cousin’s daughter, Morgan, multiple infections
• Darin Thompson, Rebekah Kuyrkendall searching for jobs
• Mitch Mort family following their house fire
• Linda Kaiser, recovering from foot surgery
• Cristie Williams, paralyzed in an accident
• Pam Dorrell’s grandfather recovering from injuries sustained in a fall
• Sherri Lange’s brother, Terry Bonnet, in Kuwait
• Bob McClaran’s neighbor, Dan, fighting spinal cancer
• Kate Wurtz, Bob & Gene McClaran’s neighbor has terminal cancer
• Donna Butcher, Karen Belk’s sister, who has multiple health concerns
• Bob McClaran, recovering from a stroke
• Lou Kelley, Karen Carico, Karen Hardy, Bob Kunce, Kim Greer’s father, with cancer
• Betty Demi, Bertha Jones, Lou Kelley shut in
• John Singer and his health concerns
• Walter Meyer and Kimball Matkins, who have ALS

News & Notes

The next Ladies’ Fellowship will be this Tuesday at 7:00 pm at Marge Steven’s house. Please join us for encouragement, Bible study, and fellowship.

The Grandview Teens are invited to a gathering hosted by Mike and Theresa Mazak at their home in Elkhart this evening after services. Boys bring beverages and girls bring snacks, desserts please!!

Deadline for invitations to Friends and Family Day: April 22 Please keep praying about your “Top-Ten Most Wanted” list, and write invitations for them!

There is a sign-up list in the fellowship hall if you would like to help provide meals for Bill & Louise Gordon. Please notice Bill’s dietary needs when signing up. Softer foods that are easier to eat are called for.

Softball Survey: Jarod Van Egdom and Archie Cook are looking for people who would like to play softball on Sunday afternoons. Both guys and girls are invited to play. If there are 9 people who are interested, the cost for entry will be $20 – less if there are more people.

Joe Breton is organizing a monthly golf outing beginning April 29. See Joe if you’re interested.

Central Iowa Missions: This week, Mike Melvin will speak in the morning, and Kelly Kaiser will speak in the evening. Next week, Art Wallis will speak in the morning, and Dan Bailey will speak in the evening.

Art would like to point out to the men of CIM that June 17th is Father’s Day as well as the West Liberty 150th Anniversary celebration.

TV · Radio · Web

In SEARCH of the Lord’s Way
TV: 8:00 AM Sundays on KDSM
Web: www.searchtv.org

Gospel Broadcasting Network
Web: www.gbntv.org

International Gospel Hour
Radio: 8:30 pm Sundays, 1520 AM
Web: www.gospelhour.net

Grandview Church of Christ
Web: grandviewchurchofchrist.org

AM Sermon

Mike Melvin

PM Sermon

Kelly Kaiser: “Mammon, Wisdom and You“

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Apr 20

Mike & Pam Dorrell

For the Record

	Giving	AM	PM	Wed
Last Week		133	60	83
5 Week Avg	3461	130	78	86
2007 YTD Avg	3170	118	78	85
2006 YTD Avg	3914	151	103	96

Calendar of Events (See also the Iowa Churches of Christ Calendar of Events)