RE-POST: CHRISTMAS IN JULY by Gail K. Kachnycz
Now that we are in the midst of the renovation project, re-posting this idea for de-stressing the holidays is just the ticket. Here is the link:
RE-POST: CHRISTMAS IN JULY by Gail K. Kachnycz
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Resource: Supports for Grieving Part 1
Thursday, July 17, 2025
RESOURCE: Supports for Grieving Part 1 by Gail K. Kachnycz 17 July 2025
Sometimes our role as caregiver ends because the journey of our loved one on earth has ended. Although it is a comfort to know they are "absent from the body and ...present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8), we miss them and grieve the loss. A daily routine devoted to support and caregiving no longer provides structure to the day, which can intensify loneliness. Grief is different for each person, and can be unpredictable. Today I am posting resources that have been shared with me, either personally or professionally. Some are not specifically Christian, but their aim is to provide support. In two weeks I will share Part 2, listing resources specifically designed for children experiencing loss.
SUPPORT GROUPS:
Grief Share Not specifically Christian, but provides supports both online and in person
Boomers R Heroes Support groups online and in person for grief, general caregivers, and Alzheimer's
BOOKS:
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey Blog Post Book Review
Glimpses of Heaven; Reflections on Your Eternal Hope by Dave & Jan Dravecky with Amanda Sorenson
When God Doesn't Make Sense by Dr. James Dobson Blog Post: Deeper Questions 6/4//25
RECIPE: NEW LIFE FOR LEFT-OVERS by Gail K. Kachnycz 10 July 2025
In anticipation of relocating while internal repairs are made to the house, I am trying to empty out the fridge and freezer. As you can see from the image for this post, Mike buys in bulk: half gallons of Barbecue Sauce, cases of canned corn and baked beans. There is another full case of beans not even pictured here. My mother grew up during the Depression, so tossing food was unthinkable. I try to find some ways to use things up, but it makes for some interesting combinations. One of my "go-to" recipes is chili made in a slow cooker. It is different every time, depending on what needs to be used up. For example, burgers were sent home from the family July 4 gathering. I cut them up and cooked them in a can of Manwich. That will be the meat for the chili. Left over salsa dip? In it goes. BBQ sauce? About 1/4 cup will add a sweet compliment to the heat of the salsa. I usually use red kidney beans, black beans, and garbanzos (chick peas) for visual variety, but this time around the regular baked beans will go in. I always add a can of corn for eye appeal and sweetness. The last batch I made used up a jar of Bruschetta, adding extra tomatoes to the mix. Here is a very general list of ingredients, check your fridge for other options!
Chili from Left-Overs by Gail K. Kachnycz 10 July 2025
Use slow-cooker on low for 6 hours. Everything is already cooked, just needs to "meld."
MEAT:
1 Can of prepared chili, or cut-up burgers with Manwich, or cooked freezer burnt sausages or meat (the seasonings will overcome the lack of flavor from freezer burn)
VEGGIES:
1 Can each (rinsed) of red kidney beans, black beans, chick peas, corn. Substitute other beans on hand. The baked beans will go in "as is" with their sauce, not rinsed.
Bell pepper, sauteed. Onions, sauteed. 15 oz can of crushed or diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, etc.
SEASONINGS (adjust to your taste):
1 Tablespoon chili powder or Taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon Cumin, Salsa 1/2 jar, 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
If you desire: salt, pepper, Hot Sauce
No corn chips to accompany? I use Corn Chex cereal as a topper. They add a satisfying crunch.
Future posts will show how to use up ketchup, mustard, mayo and pickle relish.
TODAY'S PLAN by Gail K. Kachnycz on 3 July 2025
We are now two months into the house project. Exterior repairs are nearing completion. However, as I explained in the post May 28, there have been problems at almost every stage of the project. My sister, who is a Project Manager and works with these situations on a daily basis, said to expect this. It doesn't make it any easier.
Completing the exterior work means that interior repairs are next. This increases the urgency of purging the items to be donated or disposed of, and packing & storing those that remain. Imagine the Candy Conveyor Belt scene from "I Love Lucy." "Speed it up!" The task seems so overwhelming that at times I am immobilized and resort to avoidance behaviors & procrastination. Sound familiar? Even if it is not a house repair project, we all have responsibilities that can loom before us and we don't know where to begin to pare them down to manageable tasks. Our congregation is reading through the Gospel of John, and in Chapter 8 I discovered a verse that is helpful.
And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. John 8:29 NKJV
First, Jesus reminds us that the Father was with Him. The acronym that is the image for this post includes the reminder to "Dedicate your day to God." Remember to draw close to Him immediately as the day begins.
Second, and this is what really impressed me: Jesus did not do everything there was to do. He did everything He was told to do by the Father. As we dedicate the day to the Lord, ask Him to guide and instruct us, to set the priorities. That way, the time will be used as the Lord desires and directs. He knows our limits and will not overwhelm us. He gives the example of a "yoke" in Matthew 11. The picture is two animals, yoked together and pulling in tandem. Let us join ourselves to the Lord each morning, acknowledging that as He sets the pace and direction, we can meet the challenges of the day.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
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