Vine and Branches Coping with the Seasons of

Vine and Branches. Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague, M. Ed. Pruett Gerontology Center 1

“You have persevered and have endured hardships…” Revelation 2: 3 2 Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague

Replace the word “Yard” with the word “Life” Every Yard needs more than just pretty flowers to make it complete. You'll want the grandeur of trees arching overhead, providing privacy and protection. Vines can fill in bare walls or fences. 3 Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague

Vine Progression = Reaching • Reach Back • Reach Forward • Reach Up 4 Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague

Notes 5 Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague

Note to Self… I won’t let my grief, illness, losses or suffering blind me to the beauty and Blessings that surround me. Without negating my losses and struggles, I must seize what joy I can and not let what I am going through overshadow All the Good that remains 6 Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Helen Teague

Tending to The Vines Verse • “You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. ” Matthew 5: 4 (message translation) • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ” Matthew 5: 4 (niv) Vines & Branches: Coping with the Seasons of Grief Application • Your grief is real, perhaps even too real to face at this time. Your sorrow may seem too much to bear. The weight of events that have happened in your life may make you feel like your insides are turning inside out. God understands more than you know. Trust God with your complete cares and concerns. Know that crying and weeping are normal and are helpful for your health and wellbeing. Find ways to rejoice through optimistic perspectives of your trial. Come close to God’s heart and 7 breathe. Helen Teague