Posts Tagged With: jesus

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on February 28, 2026 by tricialathrop

February 27

In August, 2024, while Norm experienced whole body itching, we didn’t know what was happening, Norm had a sense that he would die before April. When he said that, I denied it, not wanting to give voice to a death sentence. And I attributed it more to his tendency to be a hypochondriac…I was wrong.

During Covid, Norm began woodworking. He started with toys and puzzles for the grandkids, and moved on to creating furniture for me and the grands, including a climbing wall. As always, he learned quickly and became an excellent woodworker. Every room holds something he made.

Sensing he had limited time, he began to make a bed for our grandson Sawyer. More elaborate than the one he made for Sierra. This one would have three tiers, it looked cool. But he could only work for a short amount of time, and then would have to sit and rest. He wanted so much to get it done, but the cancer took over and he had no energy to complete what he’d begun. He stopped trying in October. In January, when he had hope of survival, he tried again, but it took energy he did not have.

In his final week, he asked our son Robert to finish the bed.

It’s been almost a year and the unfinished bed sits in our garage. Monday, Robert came and is working on the bed. This past year he’s been watching woodworking videos and studying how to complete it. He wants to honor Norm in this, and while it won’t be as elaborate as Norm had planned, it will be something for Sawyer to know how much his Poppop loved him.

I am so proud of Robert and the effort he is making, plus I’m enjoying his company this week. We went to play Scooby Doo Mini Golf in Pigeon Forge…it’s something Norm and I would have done, multiple times. Scooby Doo and mini golf, twice the fun.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for my children who have grown into wonderful caring adults. I can see Norm’s influence in who they have become.

I pray for their future, that they will seek the Lord all the days of their lives.

I rejoice that God gave me a good man to be my husband, and a wonderful father to our children.

Where’s the joy? It’s in the people that God has placed in my life.


If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on January 29, 2026 by tricialathrop

January 28

In the last year I’ve done a lot to distract myself from focusing on the loss of Norm. Not that I haven’t felt the loss everyday, but activities and trips have helped me to not just sit home and mourn.

I noticed an increase in time spent on electronic games…not the best use of time. And when I considered not playing them anymore, I had a sense of panic…weird, but indicative of addiction to whatever endorphins they induce. I’ve tried to cut back in the past, but eventually increase my playing time.

As I prayed about the hold it has over me, I decided to set the games aside as a perpetual fast to the Lord. I’ve given them up before, but I’ve always gone back. Will this time be different? I hope so. I don’t do it to gain the favor of the Lord, but by setting them aside, I will have more time for the connections that really matter, including time in prayer.

I haven’t played any electronic games since Sunday, tempted but haven’t succumbed. However, I have increased my Facebook scrolling, you know that click bait that keeps popping up and sucks me in to a story like the old soap operas or tales of revenge or deserved karma. If I stop over a story for longer than a few seconds, more show up like that one. The algorithms at work, not enlightening or of benefit at all to my life.

This is a personal decision, for my life. Some people can play the games and scroll Facebook without consequence. They had an adverse affect on my life and mindset, I needed to change.

Why this? Why now?

Last year when Norm thought he was going to survive the cancer, he began to speak about what he was going to do with the extra time that God had given him. I don’t know what time I have left, but the games and scrolling take away from that time. It limits my interactions with the Lord and with others in my sphere of influence. I don’t want to waste the days the Lord has given to me. I don’t want to stand before the Lord and see hours and hours playing games, alone.

I want to be an encouragement to the people around me. I want to honor the Lord in my words and actions.

Where’s the joy? It’s not in the games or on Facebook.

I am thankful for God who provides everything I need, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

I pray for the wherewithal to keep away from those games and sites that eat my time and keep me from spending time on what really matters.

I rejoice in the Lord God who loves me regardless of my success or failures, and does not depend on my words and actions.

Where’s the joy? I’m hoping to see an increase as I interact with the people around me more fully.


Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on December 21, 2025 by tricialathrop

December 20

This week has been a mixed bag of emotions. Good memories and sorrow as I go to events Norm and I used to attend together. The people around me are very aware that this is a difficult season, the first Christmas without Norm.

I’ll be with my kids and my grandchildren this week. I’m sure there will be fun times and probably some tears. And we will be together.

I am thankful for the people around me who surround me with encouragement and support.

I pray for the joy of Christmas to outweigh the grief.

I rejoice that Jesus Christ loved us enough to come to earth and live life as a human, so He can identify with us in our sorrow and grief.

Where’s the joy? It’s in the gift of God’s son.

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,
For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:1-8

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on December 6, 2025 by tricialathrop

December 6

I’ve been trying to put up Christmas decorations. It’s more difficult than I thought. Lots of memories with ornaments from all our travels, nativities he has made or we bought on our travels or at the various craft fairs we’ve attended.

I attended the Christmas Carol the other day. My daughter Jenn and my sister Deb went with me. It’s a tradition that Norm and I began in New York at Proctor’s in Schenectady. When we moved to Tennessee, our first year we discovered a yearly production at Clarance Brown Theater. It’s not the first I’ve attended this program without him, last year, he was in the hospital so some family members joined me. But I expected he’d be able to join me this year.

This weekend I’ll be going to Biltmore for their Christmas display…another tradition with Norm. We would often go to Newport, RI for Christmas at the mansions there. I’ll have family with me, but it will be bitter sweet.

There are more events coming up for the season, one’s that I’ve shared with Norm or that he’s encouraged me to do. I’m walking one step at a time and entering each day as it comes. God is faithful!

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for these events that allow me to focus on the joy of the season, and remember some joyful times that Norm and I shared.

I pray for my friends who like me, are facing this season after the loss of a loved one. We can rest in the hope that Jesus Christ brought with his birth, they are rejoicing in heaven with the Lord.

I rejoice in the hope that came with the coming of the Messiah, and the promise that He will always be with us.

Where’s the joy? Joy to the World, the Lord has come.

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:1–20

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on December 3, 2025 by tricialathrop

December 2

Last year at this time, I began this post to deal with Norm’s cancer, hoping to focus on the positive and the joy of the season during a time of trial. It has been and continues to be therapeutic for me. I can share things here that I don’t share in person.

Today, I pondered why I am more open on this site than in person. I discovered it is because I can cry freely while I write. Then I wondered why I don’t cry with people…oh tears come and they fall, but I don’t allow myself to sob and weep.

I realized that I don’t cry because as a child, I cried a lot. Siblings and acquaintances called me “Cry Baby”. I learned to control the tears. They might well up in my eyes, but I would not let them fall. Norm’s death opened those gates, I still don’t allow the sobbing, but the tears will sometimes fall unbidden in the presence of others.

What am I going to do with this insight into my responses? Don’t know.

Tomorrow is my birthday, my first without Norm. He was always really good about doing something special with me. Whether a show or visiting a special site, he was good at coming up with something I’d enjoy. But, he’s not here.

I will be busy tomorrow, a brunch with my Bible study ladies, taking a friend to her doctor, and to end the day, a steak dinner with my sister and nieces and nephews which will be fun. When I’m not out doing, I’ll be putting out my Christmas decorations.

My birthday is usually the day I begin to think about goals for the next year and finding a Bible verse to focus on. One year the verse was to give thanks in everything…I felt like I fell short. Then the next year, it was “Rejoice always”… it was a tough year. My son Robert had a heart ablation, and later was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, Norm and I had some issues which needed work, and my best friend and I had a falling out…rejoicing didn’t happen much that year, but focusing on the call to rejoice allowed me to focus on giving thanks.

2025 began with a struggle to get Norm through chemo therapy and then healing, and after his death it became a matter of just living day to day without him in my life. I’ve seen the faithfulness of God throughout Norm’s cancer fight and my widowhood. Not anything we would have chosen, but God never promised a freedom from suffering, He promises to walk through it with us, bringing the encouragement we need to live each day. And with His presence, in the midst of all of this, God has given me moments of joy that cannot be explained.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 121:1–8

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for the reminder each Christmas of the coming of Jesus Christ, who came because God loved us and wants us to live in harmony with Him and with one another.

I pray for wisdom and courage to speak and act in order to bless the people around me.

I rejoice in the God of my salvation who always gives me hope.

Where’s the joy? It is found only in God who is my helper, my protector, and the keeper of my soul.

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on November 27, 2025 by tricialathrop

Thanksgiving

Last year, we spent Thanksgiving at home, and some family came over, bringing us some turkey and Thanksgiving fixings. Who knew it would be the last Norm and I had together?

I have plans today. I’ll go to the home of my niece, Kimberly. My brother with his wife and my sister will also attend, my nieces and their kids, and my daughter, Jenn is coming in. We’ll have a good time. I’m taking cookies for the kids to decorate…and likely make a big mess. It will be fun.

People ask how I am, and it varies from day to day…it varies throughout the day. I can be doing well and see or hear something that brings tears to my eyes. Last week I went to WDW with my sisters, and the simple fact that they spoke to their husbands every morning brought me to tears. I miss being able to share my life with Norm.

But today is a day to focus on the blessings.

Norm is in a better place, at total peace in the presence of the Lord.

Insurance has been great about paying for his hospital bills.

Norm left me with enough financial security that I don’t have to sell the house and move in with my kids. They are thankful for that too, they don’t have to worry about that.

Getting together with my kids and grandkids is always a joy. We laugh a lot, and the memories are sweet.

I am thankful for my siblings and for Norm’s brother and sister. They are an encouragement.

Friends have continued to keep in touch. Many have let me know that they are praying for me especially now because it is the first Thanksgiving without Norm.

I’m in good health and able to continue to get out and experience life.

Most of all, I am thankful for the hope I have in Jesus Christ. Not only do I have the eternal hope of heaven, but He gives me joy to celebrate each day. God is good, His mercy endures for ever and ever.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who spread out the earth above the waters,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the great lights,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting:
The sun to rule by day,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 136:1–9

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on November 17, 2025 by tricialathrop

November 16

The main thing I can say about being a widow, one never knows what each day will bring. Some days are filled with emotional stress, other days are pretty calm.

Today? A calm day…no emotional upheaval. Tomorrow? Who knows?

I’m taking each day as it comes. The future, while unknown to me, rests in the hands of God. I can trust Him to take care of me, to provide all that I need and to give me some things I want.

I know that I can fall so easily into self-pity, and the hope is that I will not stay in that mindset when it comes. A change of focus, a desire not to dwell in the dumps…and most of all, a God who is faithful.

I am thankful for these days of grace where I can focus on the positive and step away from the sorrow.

I pray for the wisdom and courage to choose life and joy each day.

I rejoice in God who loves me and will guide me along the way.

Where’s the joy? It comes regardless of my situation through Jesus Christ.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.

let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteousness man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

“For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Isaiah 55:6-12

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on November 7, 2025 by tricialathrop

November 7

Things seem to go really well, then all of a sudden, a word, song or picture will cause me to tear up and sometimes full fledged sobbing. I used to look at the crying emoji which shows waterfalls falling out of the eyes and think, who cries like that? I do.

The last two weeks have been more difficult because this is when we dealt with the diagnosis and his first treatment. Scary times, but continued hope for a total restoration to health.

Now, I’m facing the holiday season without him. I really did not expect last year to be our last Thanksgiving together, our last Christmas together…but then how does one prepare for that?

I’ve made plans. My daughter will come in for Thanksgiving and we’ll go to my niece’s new home. My brother and his wife will be there, as well as my sister and her beau, along with nieces and nephews. I’ll be surrounded by family for the day.

My daughter will help me decorate for Christmas, and we’ll do some Black Friday shopping. We do a lot of people watching and go out to eat. Christmas will be spent with my children and grandchildren.

Plans are great, but can’t prevent the memories washing in like a flood. This is the price of love, I cherish the memories even though tears accompany the memories. Norm and I had a lot of fun together. I married him because he made me laugh every day.

I am thankful for the almost 45 years that I had with Norm. He was a good man with a good heart.

I pray for those of us who will be facing the holidays without a loved one. Though the days can be tough, God is able to comfort us in our grief.

I rejoice that the season ahead gives us time to consider the hope that came with the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah who loved us enough to die on the cross so that we could walk in relationship with God.

Where’s the joy? It is in the memories, both good and bad. God blessed me with my marriage to Norm.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.

To declare Your loving kindness int he morning and Your faithfulness by night, with the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, with resounding music upon the lyre.

For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep.

Psalm 92:1-5

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on July 22, 2025 by tricialathrop

July 20

“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.” We used to sing that in the Girl Scouts.

The last week, so that I wasn’t home on Norm’s birthday, I traveled to PA to Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference. I used to attend when we lived in NY. I haven’t been for the last 9 years because they changed the dates to correspond with Norm’s birthday…and I wanted to go on trips to celebrate with him.

It had been a long time, and some of those I remember were not there due to illness. A few keep tabs on Facebook and spoke of Norm and how they enjoyed his photos. I made some new friends and enjoyed hearing of their writing projects. It was and continues to be a place where a writer can receive encouragement, teaching and challenges.

Someone wrote me a beautiful note of encouragement, signed with initials that I did not recognize. Even though I don’t know who it was from, it is a note I will keep to read again when I need encouragement.

After the conference, I headed on up to Clifton Park to see friends from the church we attended. They had faithfully prayed for Norm and encouraged us along the way. I met with a few one on one, but was able to greet and worship with a number of them.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful for friends, old and new. They bless my life with camaraderie and encouragement. I feel their support each day.

I pray that I will be an encouragement to those within my sphere of influence.

I rejoice that God provides what is needed for us to not only survive, but to thrive as we walk with one another on this earth.

Where’s the joy? No surprise, friends, old and new.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:4-7

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Joy? A Widow’s Walk

Posted on July 14, 2025 by tricialathrop

July 14

Today would have been Norm’s 69th birthday. Last year we rode the Alpine Loop and enjoyed spending time around the Million Dollar Highway. No sign of anything seriously wrong.

I decided not to stay home and am heading to a writer’s conference. Today I get to meet up with a former pastor. Not sure how well I’ll hold it together, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to cry in front of others…can’t stop the tears anyway.

Where’s the joy?

I am thankful that I have outlets for my grief and I don’t have to go it alone.

I pray for strength and wisdom as I walk this week.

I rejoice in the God of my salvation. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, Norm is celebrating in heaven with Him, having seen Jesus face to face.

Where’s the joy? It’s in the hope that only Jesus provides.


See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.

1 John 3:1-5

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Blog at WordPress.com.