TRAUMA- GRIEF and LOSS

2 Corinthians 4:16-18



" Therefore we do not lose heart!!


Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen.... is eternal."


I guess when you come through much trauma and hurt in your life, there comes a time when you can't bear any more.


This could be termed denial.


It's where I stand in regard to the devastation in New Zealand.


Tonight I allowed myself to watch the evening news..
Only to hear of a man caught under rubble whose life depended on amputation.


The doctor interviewed described how this man would have died in approximately 15 minutes as his legs were crushed.
Using tools from nearby workmen, his legs were cut off.
He is now recovering in hospital.
Grief..... at the loss of his limbs...

And what of those doctors who performed the rough operation?
Grief...... at the effect of what needed to be done.
Grief...... at the lack of hygienic conditions.
Grief...... there was no other choice!


There are many reasons for grief, and this week in N.Z. some of those reasons will become apparent.


Loss of a loved one.
Loss of a body part.
Loss of health.
Loss of a home.
Loss of income.
Loss of work.
Loss of a city.
It takes a while for reality to hit, and it hasn't yet.


The trauma builds up.
And although people put on a brave face.                                                    
No-one knows except themselves, how their heart aches.


This diagram shows the emotional walk through grief and loss.

It's something we all, at some time, walk alone.
No words can mend the pain, only time eventually heals.


How can we help when someone is grieving??
By simply holding a hand and listening...
By just being there.


One thing they don't need to hear is, "get over it," or "time heals."


It's a hard place to be in.
And yet there is good in everthing.

When we mourn, we are comforted.
When we sorrow, we understand anothers..
When we overcome, we grow.  



Then He (Jesus) said to them:
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven."
Luke 21:10
(And then the end will come)... 

New Zealand: Paradise for Food Lovers

New Zealand cuisine is as diverse as it gets. Determined mainly by local ingredients and seasonal variations, New Zealand's cuisine is generally described as the Pacific Rim cuisine with dash of influences from Europe, Asia and Polynesia.

Auckland and the far north region of the country have several specialities, such as citrus fruits, nuts, avocados and Asian vegetables. Tarakihi, hapuku and flounder are the common type of fish in the north; whereas in the colder region of the south there's more emphasis on sole, groper, blue cod and turbot.

In the regions of Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Canterbury and Southland good-quality lamb and beef is easily available. In such areas cervena venison, which is a low-fat, healthy kind of red meat, is also found. If you are into healthy but delicious red meat then get your air tickets to New Zealand and devour on these scrumptious offerings.

For wine lovers, airlines to New Zealand are like airlines to the paradise. A number of country's districts specialise in grape-growing. Each region has its own speciality wines that are offered with amazing local food combinations. Let's have a look at some of the eating joints in New Zealand that are worth a visit.

Mt Maunganui's Providores Urban Food Store has a casual charm but with the serious dose of culinary quality. Patrons can surf videos flickered across the walls as they choose between lip-smacking home-smoked meats, sticky orange jams and buttery fresh-baked pastries.

Stewart Island's Kai Kart is popular for dishing out incredible fish and chips. The tiny eating joint serves fresh blue cod and yummy battered mussels. Enjoy the alfresco dining experience with winds blowing up in your face.

Niagara Falls Café in the Catlins is located in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse. The place serves lip-smacking coffee and delicious cheesecake along with local wines and beers. The café also features an art gallery that makes your visit to the place quite interesting.

If you are in Queenstown and looking for a quick snack, you can't go past Fergburger. A favourite burger joint among the local crowd, it is a must visit for Queenstown visitors. If fancy and sophistication is what you are looking for, then walk into the Solera Vino, a fine-dining French restaurant that is known for its delicate flavours, amazing wine and perfect service. Queenstown is on every visitor's itinerary to the country and even if you don't have it on, you can easily book cheap tickets in any of New Zealand's domestic flights and land up in Queenstown to experience the gourmet pleasure.

New Zealand: Paradise for Food Lovers

New Zealand cuisine is as diverse as it gets. Determined mainly by local ingredients and seasonal variations, New Zealand's cuisine is generally described as the Pacific Rim cuisine with dash of influences from Europe, Asia and Polynesia.

Auckland and the far north region of the country have several specialities, such as citrus fruits, nuts, avocados and Asian vegetables. Tarakihi, hapuku and flounder are the common type of fish in the north; whereas in the colder region of the south there's more emphasis on sole, groper, blue cod and turbot.

In the regions of Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Canterbury and Southland good-quality lamb and beef is easily available. In such areas cervena venison, which is a low-fat, healthy kind of red meat, is also found. If you are into healthy but delicious red meat then get your air tickets to New Zealand and devour on these scrumptious offerings.

For wine lovers, airlines to New Zealand are like airlines to the paradise. A number of country's districts specialise in grape-growing. Each region has its own speciality wines that are offered with amazing local food combinations. Let's have a look at some of the eating joints in New Zealand that are worth a visit.

Mt Maunganui's Providores Urban Food Store has a casual charm but with the serious dose of culinary quality. Patrons can surf videos flickered across the walls as they choose between lip-smacking home-smoked meats, sticky orange jams and buttery fresh-baked pastries.

Stewart Island's Kai Kart is popular for dishing out incredible fish and chips. The tiny eating joint serves fresh blue cod and yummy battered mussels. Enjoy the alfresco dining experience with winds blowing up in your face.

Niagara Falls Café in the Catlins is located in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse. The place serves lip-smacking coffee and delicious cheesecake along with local wines and beers. The café also features an art gallery that makes your visit to the place quite interesting.

If you are in Queenstown and looking for a quick snack, you can't go past Fergburger. A favourite burger joint among the local crowd, it is a must visit for Queenstown visitors. If fancy and sophistication is what you are looking for, then walk into the Solera Vino, a fine-dining French restaurant that is known for its delicate flavours, amazing wine and perfect service. Queenstown is on every visitor's itinerary to the country and even if you don't have it on, you can easily book cheap tickets in any of New Zealand's domestic flights and land up in Queenstown to experience the gourmet pleasure.