Mid-island "DivorceCare" Support Group

Does it feel somedays as if the sun has set on your life, and you will never see another Sunrise, or feel the warmth of Sunshine on your face again? In the middle of a Separation and Divorce and sometimes long long afterwards that's how we can feel. But if we trust in the Lord, as our source of strength God promises that He will restore everything that has been taken from you and provide for you in abundance. Joel 2:25-32 So I will restore to you the years that the swarming... locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; Your first step towards hope and healing might be to join us in DivorceCare DivorceCare groups are now meeting online and in person, and in Parksville we combine the online videos with a weekly support group. Overview Seminar topics Seminar experts You dont have to go through it alone Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences theyve ever faced. Its a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues youve never faced before. DivorceCare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each session has two distinct elements: A Seminar with Experts During the first 3040 minutes of the meeting, each DivorceCare group watches a video seminar featuring top experts on divorce and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting-to-watch television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies and on-location video. (At this time the videos are available online for easier at home viewing, for registrants) A Support Group with Focus After viewing the video, DivorceCare group participants spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that weeks video seminar and what is going on in the lives of group members. Presently, we are gearing up to start up the in-person group mid Sept. So if you would like to join us please call 250-752-0325 or email [email protected] Time to wake up, and feel the goodness of the Lord and rejoice in another Day. So please join us. You'll be glad to have taken this first step to hope and healing. Rick and Bettina Beaven, DC Facilitators.

BLESSINGS and GOOD Day to you All. Rick and I, Bettina Beaven, are once again doing a DivorceCare group. This is our third group that is "online" at this time although we are moving back into group meetings at the Church sometime in the future, depending on how things go. For now, we have a Quick Start up version that involves getting registered with us, picking up a Work book at the Church or through a contactless pick up at our house. Then once you are registered, I send... you a link and then you will be able to view ( free at this time) and work through the 13 week online videos at your leisure, although one a week is usually sufficient, as the workbook goes through a week of homework per video. Depending if its a man or woman registered, Rick or I then "meet" up for coffee in our garden for one on one encouragement and support, and weekly phone-calls. So if you know of anyone that wants to "join" our group at this time, please send me an email [email protected] or phone or text 250-951-7699 This is such an amazing program and has helped so many journey from Separation and Divorce to a Place of Hope and Healing through Christ. Blessings.

It is a pain like no other.....

It's a process. With support, and encouragement, continuing in hope, you will get through it, heal and recover.

As there have been some recent developments regarding the zoom app which has caused some problems, and as some of the group members have found it difficult to navigate the technical aspects of this type of communication, we will likely not go this route. I hope though you will all take advantage of the free viewing of the DivorceCare videos online and for those of you interested and not in our current session I can register you through our group so that you can access them. I will maintain contact on a weekly basis by phone if you have any questions on the video,workbook, homework and for prayer. Please feel free to call me as well 1-250-752-0325 Thanks everyone. Be Blessed and know that the Battle is the Lords.

Well the Teleconferencing did not go so well as recommended by the Divorcecare.org headquarters because here in Canada we got stuck with extra cell phone charges depending on our data plan and carrier. But we hope to figure out Zoom and get everyone on board soon for our online meetings. Meanwhile anyone that joins our group at this point, (and a reminder that all are welcome,) can now get the Divorce Care videos for free. You just have to register with me and I can set that all up. I believe our next video is on Financial Survival which is totally appropriate right now. So Bless you and see you soon.

Divorce Care is still up and running, albeit not quite in person lol. Rick and I are being stretched in that we are learning how to Zoom, Skype or telephone conference, (format not yet decided) and DivorceCare.org is promising to have all their videos available for viewing online for all our DC participants by the end of the week. (We are invited to a web Seminar for Fri to figure it all out) The hurt of a Divorce or Separation does not stop just because of the Covid virus t...hat is in itself also throwing everyone's life in disarray. So it is even more important that we encourage and support one another. And it is awesome that we have been given some tools to reach out to our group despite being sequestered in our home. Also available to All is daily supportive and informative emails through....Divorcecare.org So please let us know if anyone you know of, wants to join our group. We will add them to our now "online" group . Thanks everyone and Be Blessed. See more

In moving forward after a divorce, you can hold on to your anger and resentment, or you can choose to let go of the anger and resentment. One choice helps us heal. The other delays healing. What is your choice?

Hi Everyone. Just a reminder that everyone dealing with Separation and Divorce, past or present, is welcome to attend and there are many good sessions still coming up like the next one this Wednesday entitled "New Relationships " The other reminder is that you can sign up for some really great daily emails (DivorceCare.org) that will provide some great insights and encourage you, give you hope and lead to healing. Check out info below. Bless you and hope to see you soon. Rick and Bettina, Facilitators. DC

See you all tonite as we resume our Divorce Care series. Join any time, as we learn to heal and recover and move forward. see below for place and time or call 250-752-0325

Hi Everyone. A family emergency has called us away so there will be no Divorce Care on Feb 5th but we hope to resume Feb 12th again usual place at Christian Fellowship Centre, 825 Village way, Qualicum and usual time 630 PM. We have only done 2 sessions so far and everyone interested is welcome to join us at any time. At this time we ask that you please keep us in your prayers as we continue to keep you all in ours. Blessings.

We had our First Session tonite entitled "What is happening to me"? Its so reassuring and encouraging to know that the out of control emotions, lack of energy, the brain fog, inability to sleep, or wanting to sleep all the time, are all typical of what a person can experience during the throes of Divorce, like a tornado ripping through the countryside, it's much the same as the ripping of the heart. And just like we can't take novocaine for a broken foot and expect to continu...e to walk on it without more damage to it, we can't just walk away from a marriage and expect not to hurt or go through the pain. Its about facing the emotions , learning what to expect, coming to acceptance and letting go with the help of expert advice via video series and books, and a great support group etc which will takes you on a journey of hope and healing. Although we have started, anyone interested can join us at anytime in the 13 week series. Come on out and see what the Divorce Care program is about and can offer the individual going through Separation or Divorce, whether recent or dealing with issues from years past. We meet each Wednesday at 630 PM at the Christian Fellowship Center, 825 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. See you there, Rick and Bettina, your DC Facilitators See more

Hi Everyone. Just to let You All know that due to overall Snowfall warnings and icy road conditions expected tomorrow, we are cancelling the First Divorce Care Session scheduled for this Wed. evening at 630 PM at CFC. Keep posted re: following week. Thanks.

We start up again with our 13 week support group at Christian Fellowship Centre on Jan 15th. Reach out to hope and healing. Call to find out more. 250-752-0325

For those of you who were not able to make last weeks session we dealt with the very complicated subject of depression. There are many forms of depression we learned and depression can be the result of experiencing a deep and profound loss especially during Divorce and Separation. Some types of depression should not be ignored especially when a person feels they can not cope on a day to day basis or have at some point entertained suicidal thoughts. This type of depression may... require medical treatment from a doctor. But we also know that in every situation, we have the "Great Physician " to call upon, ever loving, ever by our side. Our Lord God hears our cries and is faithful to answer our prayers. From Psalm 107 verses 13 - 16 "13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 16 for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron." For with God all things are possible and when we feel "those heavy chains of despair " dragging us down into those dark depths we are reminded of Gods promises...that "the Lord is for me, I will not fear, what can man do to me..." Ps. 118 v 6 and in Deut.20 v 4 it says "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." What a blessed assurance it is to know we have God fighting our battles for us. We are not alone, and we only need to Trust and continue to have Faith, rejoicing in His Great love for us. Next week we will go on to the next video entitled Loneliness.There is hope and healing and support each week at our DivorceCare group. Hope you can join us. Blessings. Bettina and Rick See more

I missed being able to exercise outside the house as I had a little one I could not leave unsupervised. But I compensated by buying an exercise bike and still managed to exercise and somedays I got a really good work out in by getting rid of my anger by pedalling even harder.

Great support, prayers and healing. We are here for you....Mid-Island Divorcecare Dupport Group Wed. 630 PM at CFC- 825 Village Way, Qualicum.

What are the significant losses, what do you need to grieve .....to heal

Still undecided...heres more information to help you decide if DivorceCare is right for you. We hear all the time from personal testimonies participants who have said that "it was the Best thing they ever did" in coming to Divorcecare. Each session is a separate topic so you can join in at any time. Next Wed. our Seminar topic will be "The Road to Healing/Finding Help." So come on out and join us....Wed. 630 PM at the Christian Fellowship Centre, 825 Village Way in Qualicum.

This is a program which began in the USA and is now in Canada and it has helped countless people and families to heal .......

Wow Summer seems to be almost to an end. And I feel that I hardly did the things I normally do or wanted to do again this summer like walking on the beach, sticking my toes in the sand, beach combing etc sigh. Hoping maybe there's still time? Are there things you wanted to do this Summer and didn't get the chance to do? But you ended up doing something totally different instead? I'm reminded that sometimes life takes a turn and we may experience a different kind of summer, o...r Fall season etc but one that can be full of new opportunities. Well there's always time to get Started on a New Resolution...to do something beneficial just for yourself ... and one thing you don't want to miss out on is the start of our new Fall DivorceCare 13 week program. Start date for our introduction is Sept 4th. You can meet the facilitators and learn more about the program at the Christian Fellowship Centre, 825 Village Way, Qualicum Beach, starting at 630 PM. It's an amazing way to move forward, learn to heal, gain some important insights and useful tools to cope, let go of the past in an emotional supportive setting, wherever you happen to be in your journey. You may be recovering from a Divorce that happened 25 yrs ago which still affects relationships today or it may be that you are just contemplating a separation and wondering how this will affect you, your children, family and friends. Whatever you are at, whatever your faith, beliefs or if none ... All our Welcome. Please let either Rick or Bettina know if you plan to attend by giving us a call at 250-752-0325 or send us an email at [email protected] Blessings and Hope we will see you soon. Meanwhile enjoy that summer sun and sand. See more

First day of summer coming and yet here Rick and I are already thinking about Fall, gearing up, preparing our hearts and minds for the Start up of Divorce Care Fall 2019. So far we have a start up date of Sept. 4th. But that may change depending on peoples work schedules. And we will no doubt do an open house late August where we will have a chance to meet with people and introduce the program to Everyone. We ask if possible if people can begin praying into this ministry an...d I know God will invite people who really need this amazing program of Healing to join us. It's open to All whether of a Christian background, or none, or of varying beliefs. Everyone will benefit from the great messages in the workbook and DVD series, dealing with the pain of separation and Divorce, unexpected financial losses, baggage from old relationships, how to move on, forgiveness, release from bitterness, helping children cope, trying to reconcile the marriage or coming to point where communication is possible, rather than being angry all the time. So much great information that Rick and I keep learning something new each session that strengthens our relationship and marriage. So important as we know from personal experience how difficult it is to keep marriages together, and the resulting pain or confusion one endures when grieving such a loss. So if anyone has any questions or would like to meet for coffee over the summer to discuss the program you are invited to call Rick or Bettina at 1-250-752-0325. Blessings Everyone and enjoy the First Day of Summer. See more

Having asked permission I would like to share something that Pastor Leah Robertson posted on her Facebook. It's her thoughts on a reading from Joyce Meyer on Pain and the way she explains it made me think that it would be perfect for posting on our Divorce Care group so here goes...... Pastor Leah Robertson of Christian Fellowship Centre: "From my daily devotional on Thankfulness, by Joyce Meyer. It spoke to me so thought I would share it with you. Recovering from Pain... Recovering from pain or disappointment of any kind is not something that just happens to some people and not to others. It is a decision! You make a decision to let go and move on. You learn from your mistakes. You gather up the fragments of your life and give them to Jesus, and He will make sure that nothing is wasted (see John 6:12). You refuse to think about what you have lost; instead, you inventory what you have left and begin using it with a thankful heart. In Christ, not only can you recover, but you can also be used to help other people recover. Be a living example of a thankful person who always recovers from setbacks no matter how difficult or frequent they are. Dont ever say, I just cannot go on. Instead, say, I can do whatever I need to do through Christ. I will never quit, because God is on my side. Prayer of Thanks: Father, thank You that You bring healing in my life and You can create beauty from ashes. I pray that You will help me press on, refusing to quit. I want to use my experiences to help others find the same healing that I have found." Have a wonderfilled day! And Thank you Leah for those encouraging Spirit filled words.

Loved this float which the family and I saw recently at the Ladysmith Light up. So true.

Hi Everyone. It's been a while. Rick and I took a bit of a break as we ventured out in some new areas of healing. Rick and I are finishing the third book "Authentic Living" part of the 28 week program called Freedom Session. It's been awesome for strengthening our marriage and releasing us from some of the baggage from our past, issues from our child hood, pain of past relationships including marriages, Divorces ( yes more than once for both of us) and freeing us from things... like what Rick calls "Dark vows" . For example I was pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago when Rick brought home a bouquet of flowers. He had made a vow that he would never do so based on a bad experience once. We all have these vows good or bad. It was because of Freedom Session that with Gods divine help Rick was able to overcome many areas of negative behavior and/or negative responses to certain situations. We all need to do this...continue to grow, and have God "refine us into pure gold" through trials and tribulations , giving us insights as we go along... Daniel 11:35 "Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; ..." Theres a saying that I learned years ago that apparently the Russian leader Gorbachev said in his speech to John F. Kennedy Jr. and the words still ring true for me and it goes " If you are not moving forward, sooner or later you begin to move backwards." I always want to be moving forward towards God's light and goodness and learn to become more like Jesus everyday. I hope that this is your goal too as we move into the Christmas season, remembering the light that dawned on a dark world in the form of God manifest in the little baby Jesus, born not in a fine palace but a humble stable in the town of Bethlehem so many long years ago. John 1:5 " The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome ." John 12:36-37 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light. May you be encouraged with God's words and His reassurance that He is with us in the difficult times of our lives. " Mark 1:23 "And they called Him Immanuel, which means God is with us. " And in that same way God will see you through it all and if you let His light shine in you, forsaking the darkness, the bitterness, resentments and baggage of those negative emotions you will come out it, "refined" by God's hands with more wisdom and insight, and able to love others as God first loved us. Blessings and Joy be to you all as we recognize the true Reason for the Season. ""Hosannah to the Highest " And a big Amen. See more

Hello there... Have noticed the increased activity on the fb site so please connect with us if you would like more information about the DivorceCare program. You can contact us through phone 250-752-0325, leave a message or txt 250-951-7699 or email at [email protected] as we will take a list of names and contact numbers. If we have enough people for a group Rick and I would definitely consider starting up a DivorceCare group sooner rather than waiting till January. So please contact us and let us know if you are interested. Blessings.

Greetings everyone. Just want to let you know we haven't forgotten you. Although Rick and I are taking a break from our ministry, due to health issues with family members, and just needing to spend a bit more time with each other. ( Marriages need to be nurtured) there is still hope and healing available nearby in a DivorceCare group that is starting soon in Nanaimo. It begins on Sept 12 at First Baptist Church on 1650 Waddington Rd, Nanaimo near the hospital. It meets on We...dnesdays at 7 pm and the contact person is Salley Swett at 1-250-753-0241. The sessions continue until Dec. 5, 2018 . Even if you can't make the first session or the second you can still join at any time as each session is separate and each one beneficial. DivorceCare was of amazing help to me years ago and helped me recover from the wounds of the past. So don't miss out on this opportunity for getting the support and help you need. Bless you and may you find hope and peace in the months ahead. See more

"DOES MY MOMMY (OR DADDY) STILL LOVE ME?" Hi Everyone. I was going through old DivorceCare posts from the Forum when I came across this interesting article. I particularly related to it because many years ago, as a single Mom I was often asked by my daughter if her Dad still loved her. It was a difficult time and lets just say that my ex's actions were confusing to a little girl. She not only saw her Dad angry at her Mom but also saw him taking out that anger on her by not ...Continue reading

Greetings. By now I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful summer weather. I know that for those that are in the throes of a difficult Separation or Divorce,its hard to see the sunshine when all you feel is dark and stormy inside. But taking time to walk on the beach, time to rest and sleep are all important factors to help you physically which will help you mentally. Summer too goes by so fast and before you know it Fall will be here. So just thought I would give you All a... heads up as our Fall Session of DivorceCare has been postponed for now. Rick and I, as the only Facilitators in the Parksville/Qualicum area, are taking a much needed break. However, I have checked the DivorceCare.org website and found that there is a DivorceCare Fall session being held at the First Baptist Church at 1650 Waddington Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4W3 They will be meeting on Wednesdays at 7 pm starting September 12th. Salley Swett,is the Facilitator and her number is 1-250-753-0241 You can register on line on the website and your name will be passed along to the Facilitator. We will let you know on our Facebook page when we start up again in our area. Meanwhile, I will be posting more information, blogs, and updates from our leaders, based on their years of expertise and insights until then. Any questions please feel free to contact me via facebook and Rick and I will be glad to be of assistance. Blessings, Bettina and Rick Beaven. See more

It's not too late to save a marriage or get the conversation started towards reconciliation. Just follow some of the great advice in this video. ...It's the small things that count. I also recommend a great movie you and your spouse can watch together called Fireproof. My husband and I watched it in the hospital again some years ago when Rick was recovering from surgery. Caught the eyes of the nurses who came into check on Rick and saw us watching it on the portable DVD playe...r We highly recommend it. There's even workbooks that go with the movie to help you get a marriage back on track. Our DivorceCare series which starts up in September is a bit like that. Although it's a support group for those dealing with Separation or Divorce, it also has some advice for those with the hope that maybe there is something still to work on, and desire for a possible reconciliation. While start up is not till September some members are meeting for coffee during the summer and there will be a BBQ in August. Give us a call if you'd like to join us. 752-0325 All welcome. See more

Congratulations to our class of Spring 2018 as we finished our DC sessions with a wonderful time of good food and fellowship. Now it's time for Rick and I to pause, and reflect over the summer months, and allow God to just refresh and renew us for when we Begin our new Session of DivorceCare care in the Fall. We will likely begin the first week of September but not before we have a Summer Fun BBQ in August for Alumni, returnees (2nd time around is even better as you absorb even more of the info and continue to be supported in a healing environment) and new people interested in finding out more information and possibly joining us for the Fall Session. Just give us a call 250-752-0325 for more information. Will post dates as they become available. Blessings everyone and have a Great summer.

We have only two more sessions left in this DivorceCare program but as always everyone is invited to join us as each session is independent of the others. Always a chance to learn some useful information and find a measure of healing and connect with others who understand what you are going through. I recently saw this in our Church's bulletin and it is a wonderful testimony as to how God is working in people's lives through DivorceCare.

If I cant see you God, can you still see Me? MID-ISLAND "DIVORCECARE" SUPPORT GROUPTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 My Husband Rick once told me this story of a deer that hid behind a tree from a group of hunters. It had hidden its head, and because it could no longer see the hunters, it believed it was hidden from sight, yet the funny thing was that its rump was still exposed. From what I could tell, they had a good laugh and the deer was, fortunately, able to run off, and live ...Continue reading