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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2025 49 Life After Loss "Turning Over a New Leaf" The arrival of spring is often associated with feelings of renewal, fresh starts, warmer weather, and the blossoming of new leaves and f lowers. Interestingly, in the time of the 16th century, individual pages of a book were often referred to as "leaves." While the metaphor of turning over a blank page and starting over has been used repeatedly, it did not necessarily always mean a "change for the better." The basic idea however, was that an individual was starting over. As nature awakens from its seasonal slumber, spring signifies a time for new beginnings and growth. We, who have been largely inoperative and inactivated by grief, also have the opportunity of something new. Something different. A transformative ability to envision new possibilities and perspectives. What does it mean to turn over a new leaf? 1. It means embracing reality. Denying the truth of "what is" only delays the personal ability to process through emotional devastation. Acknowledgment is the gateway to acceptance. 2. It does not mean forgetting who or what we've lost. The heart will always remember "what was" and "what used to be." Historical anchors in our past lives define who we are and provide context to what we do. 3. It is possibility-focused. While new starts can be scary and uncertain, they can bring unimagined opportunities and unforeseen growth. New possibilities are only curtailed by our own fear of the future. The winding journey of grief, similar to the pages of a book, are a personal record of our own spirit and growth. Thankfully, the tragedy of personal loss does not have to be the final chapter in the story of any life. All of us have the potential to "turn over a new leaf " and discover the hope of personal renewal that lies just beyond our own limitations. The recording artist Natasha Bedingfield recorded these musical lyrics " … today is where your book begins; the rest is still unwritten." How will you decide to write (move forward) with your new beginning? The Life After Loss Group is about "people helping people" who have encountered any form of grief/loss in their life. Should you desire a deeper understanding of what it means to live a more meaningful "life after loss" we invite you to join us. Unless otherwise notified, the first and third Mondays of each month from 1 to 3 pm we meet in RCN Room #3. All information is kept confidential. If you have experienced a form of grief/loss and would like to join the group, please text/call Byron Thomsen beforehand at (909) 936-7097 or email him at byron.thomsen@yahoo.com. ~ Byron omsen In this community, membership in "Believe…" Women's Bible Study experiences periodic changes as some of the ladies find a more intensive or homework-oriented Bible study in their home church, or find other interests they have developed during the same time slot. We miss you though. It's amazing, however, that as soon as one or two ladies drop out, the Lord directs other women to come join us. Thank you to all of our newest members for answering His call. We honor you! We are now studying the parables of Jesus as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In early March, we completed our study of the Sermon on the Mount, comparing it to the Sermon on the Plain in a rare homework assignment. One of the class members expressed her gratitude as we discussed in detail Matthew's recording of the Lord's Prayer. She explained that she was now better able to understand the meaning of His words, and was grateful for that knowledge. We have so many wonderful and brilliant ladies who know the Word of God, and willingly contribute to the class discussions. We also are blessed to have a couple of ladies with great senses of humor who, with their quick wits, never fail to produce instant laughter. Thank you! It is also such a privilege to read and study Christ's Words "written in red," and can almost hear Christ speaking as we read them. We all need to hear and heed His words, especially in these turbulent times. If any of you beautiful Four Seasons women are interested in participating with us as we study the Word of God, in the last part of April we will leave the study of Christ's parables and focus on His miracles. This Synoptic Gospels study is so power-packed with instructions on how to live this life, rely on Him, and remember that we are only sojourners traveling through this earth life on our way to our final home. Please come join us and learn with us the ways and commandments of God. We meet every Friday at 10:30 am in The Lodge Game Room. We'll be looking for you! ~ Eileen Gilbert- Antoine, (951) 922-6829 or egcellent@msn.com "Believe …" Women's Bible Study

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