In this episode of The Widow’s Life, Vickie and Cindy share a simple but powerful perspective shift that can transform how we navigate grief, loneliness, and everyday challenges: thankfulness—an attitude of gratitude paired with praise and worship. Attitude with gratitude

They talk honestly about how gratitude doesn’t erase the pain of loss, but it does help you choose joy, renew your mind, and reconnect with the goodness of God—one small moment at a time. Attitude with gratitude

1) The “secret” that shifts your perspective

Thankfulness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a daily choice that can soften the heaviness of widowhood and help you move forward with strength. Attitude with gratitude

2) Choosing joy when you wake up

Vicki shares how, after losing her husband, she realized each morning she could choose joy or sadness—and that choosing joy on purpose matters. Attitude with gratitude

3) God helps you find something to be thankful for

Cindy shares a testimony of asking the Holy Spirit for help when she felt she had nothing to be grateful for—and how a small moment (two little boys on a bike) helped her smile again after months. Attitude with gratitude

4) Gratitude for the “small things” can be a BIG turning point

They share real-life examples of God showing up in everyday needs—like not being alone on Father’s Day, and unexpected help with home issues (those stubborn ceiling fans!). Attitude with gratitude

5) “In everything give thanks” (but not for everything)

This is a key part of the conversation: we are not thankful for tragedy—but we can give thanks while God is carrying us through it. Attitude with gratitude

6) Don’t live as a victim—choose to be a victor

They encourage listeners to resist the trap of “woe is me” living and instead stand in victory through Jesus. Attitude with gratitude

7) Practical ways to renew your mind when grief tries to take over

They talk about redirecting your thoughts toward what is good, lovely, and life-giving—and even using sticky notes or scripture cards around the house as reminders. Attitude with gratitude

1. Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule… and be thankful.” Attitude with gratitude
2. Philippians 4:8 — Think on what is lovely, pure, and of good report. Attitude with gratitude
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “In everything give thanks…” Attitude with gratitude
4. Psalm 23 — The Lord as Shepherd: guidance, peace, and provision in a new season. Attitude with gratitude
5. Psalm 26 / Psalm 30 — Using your voice to give thanks and praise. Attitude with gratitude

If grief has been loud lately, start small:

✅ When you wake up tomorrow, say out loud:

“Today is the day the Lord has made—I choose to rejoice.” Attitude with gratitude

Then ask God to help you notice one thing to be thankful for—something simple, something real, something that reminds you you’re still here… and He’s still with you.

In Part 2 of Sharon’s story, she shares what it was like to start dating after losing her husband unexpectedly at 37, how “Mr. Perfect” wasn’t what he seemed, and what she learned through a difficult second marriage and divorce. She also talks about grief counseling, the guilt that can come with moving forward, leaning into faith for healing, and how she eventually found her way into a healthier marriage—plus the real-life adjustments that come with being independent for a long time.

1. Sharon’s timeline: widowed at 37, and dating seriously about 9–10 months later
2. “Mr. Perfect”: charm, spiritual concerns, and the pressure to move fast
3. A hard-earned takeaway: premarital counseling matters (even when you think you’re sure)
4. The complicated emotions of moving forward—excitement, guilt, and grief
5. A candid conversation about grief counseling: group vs. one-on-one, and why it can help
6. Faith-centered encouragement on “natural grief” vs. what they call a “spirit of grief,” including prayer
7. Sharon’s reminder: don’t neglect time with God—Psalms as a lifeline when you’re too deep to read much else
8. Divorce grief and guilt—and why it can feel harder than widowhood
9. Encouragement to live your life, build friendships, and not make “getting a man” the next finish line
10. Sharon’s new chapter: remarried for almost four years, and learning how to grow in the differences

1. 00:00 – Welcome + Sharon returns for Part 2
2. 00:01 – Widowed at 37; the early grieving season
3. 00:02–00:08 – “Mr. Perfect,” red flags, moving too fast, and why Sharon stayed 10 years
4. 00:07–00:08 – “Be careful, be wise” + premarital counseling
5. 00:09–00:11 – Grief counseling and the guilt of dating again
6. 00:12–00:15 – Prayer + encouragement for heavy, ongoing grief
7. 00:15–00:19 – Staying close to God; Psalms; invitation to begin a relationship with Jesus
8. 00:20–00:23 – Divorce guilt, forgiveness, and learning to move forward
9. 00:23–00:30 – Remarriage, expectations, independence, and adjusting as a couple

In this episode of A Widow’s Life with Vicki and Cindy, Cindy and Vicki welcome guest Sharon Perry, who shares her testimony of becoming a widow at 37 after her husband suffered a fatal head injury—“one minute I am married and the next minute I’m not.”

Sharon talks honestly about how grief can feel in a small town where everyone knows you (and keeps reminding you), and how God met her in deeply personal ways—through a “safe place” with her mother, a worship chair in her bedroom, and even practical moments where she needed “husband-help” and asked the Lord to step in.

1. Sharon’s story: widowed at 37, with her only child newly away in the Navy
2. The tension of small-town kindness… and how it can keep grief constantly in front of you
3. How God used Sharon’s mother (living with severe dementia) to give Sharon a “normal” space to breathe
4. The “chair” moment: “I’m gonna go over and sit on God’s lap”
5. A practical miracle story (moving heavy furniture) + encouragement for the listener who feels like they have no help
6. Financial overwhelm after loss—and Sharon’s choice to stay faithful and keep trusting God
7. Why speaking truth out loud matters when you’re alone, and how to resist the enemy’s lies

1. 00:00 – Welcome + why the show exists
2. 01:00 – Sharon’s loss: “one minute I am married…”
3. 02:00–03:00 – Small town grief + the “spirit of grief” conversation
4. 04:00–06:00 – Sharon’s mom as a surprising “safe place”
5. 06:00–08:00 – The chair story: tangible comfort and peace
6. 09:00–11:00 – “God, I need help” (furniture story) + prayer for listeners
7. 13:00–14:30 – Financial pressure, tithing, and God’s provision
8. 15:00–17:20 – “Lord, I trust you” + Proverbs 3:5–6
9. 17:30–18:00 – Closing, blessing, and a tease that Sharon will be back for Part 2

1. Jeremiah 29:11
2. Proverbs 3:5–6

1. “One minute I am married and the next minute I’m not.”
2. “I’m gonna go over and sit on God’s lap.”
3. “If he did it for me, he’ll do it for you. Just never give up on...

Episode snapshot: Cindy and Vickie meet listeners on Christmas Day with comfort for widows—whether you’re surrounded by family or spending the day alone—by revisiting the Christmas story, focusing on the angels’ message, and offering practical ways to push back fear and choose peace.

On Christmas Day, Vickie and Cindy reflect on the meaning behind familiar Christmas songs and the birth of Jesus, then read the story of the shepherds and the angels (Luke 2). From there, the conversation turns into gentle coaching for widows: how to resist fear (especially around finances and the future), how to “capture” dark thoughts, and how to intentionally shift from “woe is me” into gratitude, worship, and joy.

Vicki shares how, after coming to faith, the lyrics of well-known Christmas songs became deeply meaningful—each one pointing back to Jesus’ birth and lifting her perspective.

They read Luke 2:8–18 and reflect on the awe of God’s presence, the angels’ announcement of “good tidings of great joy,” and how the shepherds responded—going to see Jesus and telling others.

The episode pivots to practical encouragement: fear can be loud (especially after loss), but the hosts emphasize trusting God and refusing to let fear lead your thoughts or decisions.

Vicki shares a memorable “puppet skit” story about a child afraid at night—and how quoting Scripture and telling fear to leave became a practical pattern she still uses.

A standout moment: Vicki describes opening the front and back doors and literally sweeping through the house while commanding fear to go—ending in praise as the fear lifted.

They name how easy it is to slip into “woe is me” during the holidays and encourage listeners to intentionally look for what’s good, worship, and receive peace as a choice.

1. Luke 2:8–18 (and through the shepherds’ response) — Angels, “good tidings,” peace, and the shepherds going to see Jesus.
2. 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” (quoted in the fear story).
3. Jeremiah 29:11 — God’s good plans for the future (referenced as encouragement for the new year).
4. Job 3:25 — fear opening the door / what is feared coming upon a person (discussed as a warning against living in fear).
5. “A merry heart does good like medicine” (referenced as encouragement to choose joy).

1. If you feel alone today: you’re not forgotten—turn toward worship and the Christmas story as a lifeline.
2. When fear shows up, name it and challenge it—out loud if you need to.
3. Interrupt spirals by shifting your body (walk, dance, clean, praise—anything that breaks the...

Episode summary

Cindy and Vicki have a cozy, “girlfriends around the table” chat about staying healthy during the holiday season—especially for widows navigating grief, stress, and extra emotional weight. They focus on small, realistic choices (not perfection) so you can enjoy traditions without getting knocked down by sugar crashes, low moods, and winter-time bugs.

• Sugar can hit harder than you expect. Vicki shares how too much sugar can lead to “the blues” the next day—and how that can spiral mentally if you’re not careful.
• Healthier baking swaps (without giving up the joy). Cindy talks about milling whole grains, using honey as a lower-glycemic sweetener, and choosing flours that don’t spike blood sugar like typical white flour.
• Keep traditions—just scale them down. If you normally make “10 kinds of cookies,” make nine. Take a walk. Make small changes that still feel festive.
• Portion the gifts. Instead of delivering a big plate of sweets, give a few per person (still pretty, still thoughtful). Same idea with candy—2–3 individually wrapped pieces can feel special without overdoing it.
• Don’t eat your cookie alone. Their practical rule: eat protein + vegetables (and fruit) first, then enjoy the treat—so your body handles it better.
• Widowhood + stress makes health more important, not less. They encourage widows—especially in the first few years—to prioritize basic nourishment and getting outside because stress can wear you down fast.

This episode isn’t about strict rules. It’s about choosing a little better than last year—one walk, one smaller batch, one balanced meal—so the season feels kinder to your body and mind.

They invite listeners to share your own “stay healthy during the holidays” tips: email questions@widowslife.com and connect on Facebook (A Widow’s Life).

In this heartwarming episode of A Widow’s Life, Cindy and Vickie talk about the little things God does that remind widows they’re seen, cared for, and not alone. From neighbors quietly covering a monthly bill, to a sink that suddenly starts draining, to a squirrel’s silly antics on the porch—these everyday moments become “God kisses” that bring comfort, joy, and provision right when they’re needed most.

The ladies share personal stories:

• Cindy’s neighbors offering to add her trash to their bin, saving her $50 a month.
• A stubborn kitchen sink that, after prayer and patience, simply starts working again.
• A flea-market “booth wall” that unexpectedly clears more than $100 in profit by month’s end.
• A terrifying moment driving with a spider dangling over the steering wheel—and how God helped her stay safe on those narrow Missouri roads.
• God literally holding back the rain over Vickie’s house when her roof was exposed and vulnerable.
• A widowed sister who deeply missed her son’s hugs—and how God sent two young coworkers to give her a hug right when her heart needed it most.

Throughout the conversation, Cindy and Vickie invite listeners to become “God-moment detectives”—choosing to look for the good, name the blessings, and speak life instead of dwelling on the negative. They remind widows that God specifically says He cares for and protects them and that His heart is full of good plans, hope, and abundant life.

Key Scriptures Mentioned:

• Psalm 146:9 – The Lord cares for orphans and widows.
• Proverbs 15:25 – He protects the property of widows.
• Jeremiah 29:11 – God has good thoughts and plans for you.
• Verses about abundant life and “greater is He that is in me” are also referenced as encouragement for daily living.

Takeaways:

• God often shows His care in simple, practical ways—through neighbors, timing, finances, nature, and even traffic.
• Widows can ask God for little reminders—something to make them smile, feel safe, or feel loved—and watch for how He answers.
• Training your heart to notice “God moments” shifts your focus from loss and fear to gratitude, trust, and hope.

Connect with the Show:

Cindy and Vicki would love to hear your God moments and the little ways He has shown up for you as a widow. Send your stories by email—and if you’re comfortable with them sharing it on the podcast, just include a note that says, “It’s okay to share this God moment.”

Christmas can be a tender time when you’re missing the one you love. In this episode, Vicki and Cindy talk about how Christmas is, at its heart, a time of worship—and how turning your focus to Jesus can gently lift some of the heaviness of grief. They share personal stories, practical ideas, and heartfelt prayers to help widows navigate the holidays with hope and purpose.

Christmas A Time of Worship

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why Christmas is ultimately a season of worship, not just activity
• How choosing to praise God—even through tears—can shift your emotional and physical state
• Simple ways to worship at home: Christmas hymns, praise music, and dancing in your living room
• Using memories (or making new ones) to invite joy back into your Christmas
• Finding comfort and laughter by watching children’s Christmas programs or nativities
• Practical ideas to “choose joy” when getting out of bed feels hard
• The power of focusing on the good, not the “woe is me” spiral
• An encouraging prayer for widows to feel wrapped in God’s love “like a bubble” during the early years of loss
• Permission to cry, release the pain, and then gently move forward instead of staying stuck

Key Takeaways:

• Worship is a choice that can change the atmosphere in your home.
• God has not left you—His presence and the Holy Spirit are with you in this season.
• You are not alone; there is purpose, hope, and new joy still ahead.

In this Thanksgiving Day episode of A Widow’s Life, Vicki and Cindy talk about what it means to give thanks in all circumstances, especially as widows navigating grief and everyday challenges. Drawing from scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 100, Philippians 4:6, and 1 Chronicles 16:34, they remind listeners that gratitude is God’s will and that His love and faithfulness endure through every season. They share practical examples of simple things to thank God for—heat, shoes, eyeglasses, birds, children, and grandchildren—and encourage widows to use worship music, scripture, and intentional thankfulness to shift their mood and invite God’s peace. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer over widows who may be alone on Thanksgiving, asking that they feel God’s presence, love, joy, and purpose surrounding them like a warm embrace.