Articles written by Jan Deelstra

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About me - Jan Deelstra

Deelstra is the author of, Blessings In The Mire, A True Story of Miracles and Recollections (ISBN: 0-7414-3850-X 2007 Infinity), as well as several children's books, most notably the Josephine series. Current works include a creative non-fiction "how to"

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Religion & Spirituality > Spiritual Insights What happens to suicide cases after death: 1 of 7
What Happens To Suicide Cases After Death Following my son's suicide I read and studied anything and everything I could find about "life after death," about spirituality, about suicide, about religions, about reincarnation, etc. Because, at that time, I owned a small "angel store" I was fortunate to have immediate access to ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Is it possible to live without regrets?: 9 of 57
Is it possible to live without regrets? There was a time when I told anyone within earshot that I have no regrets in life. It was a sincere, not-from-the-ego statement. What good could possibly come of regret? What is, is. What has happened is done, and no amount of regret will change that fact. There is only this moment, th... More..
Style & Beauty > Tattoos & Piercings A beginner's guide to permanent cosmetic tattoos: 3 of 11
Recently, I won a "free permanent cosmetic service" of my choice. I am elated! Well, at least I was elated until I took time to contemplate the reality: Will it hurt? Will the color be right if I change my hair color? Will it look real? Will it hurt? How much time does it take? What's the down time? Will it hurt? I'm not nut... More..
Style & Beauty > Accessories Coach bags: Fashion and history: 1 of 3
Coach Sweet Coach I have only been a fan of the Coach brand for a couple of years. Not being much of a "status" bag collector, I finally took the plunge (or rather, splurge on my meager budget) and purchased my first Coach brand leather handbag late last year. It wasn't that the bag was especially gorgeous, or prestigious, o... More..
Health & Fitness > Aging & Longevity Foods that fight the effects of old age: 2 of 5
Foods That Counteract The Signs of Aging Billions are spent annually on beauty products ~products touting "skin rejuvenating" and "age defying" properties, products promising "wrinkle reduction" and the "rewinding" of the hands of time. Monetary costs of these endless products range from the cheap to the extravagant, and eff... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Why I write: 114 of 254
Why I Write: Writing Thru The Pain of Death Since pre-pubescent and trading in my fat Crayola crayons for the more mature sleeker version, the act of writing has been a cathartic, enjoyable, and undeniably rewarding past time. I have relished writing and its sister reading since the second grade when I completed my first ful... More..
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss What happens when your daughter commits suicide: 3 of 4
My 21-year-old son committed suicide following finding his girlfriend with another guy. Shock, brutal searing pain, disbelief, numbness, sadness, anger, and depression shrouded me for a decade afterward. Suicide rips holes in hearts, explodes apart families and relationships, and leaves the chasm of "before and after" in the... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religious Concepts (Other) Does everyone have a guardian angel?: 4 of 5
A trembling ball of nervous energy blasted through the doors into the small Angel Store where Ruby was just closing out the day's receipts. Intuitively, she knew to give the pacing visitor some time to adjust to the soothing environment of angelic-wares. Ruby's daughter Leodie stood near the register, chatting with her boyfr... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization How and why to raise your vibrational frequency: 4 of 4
How and Why To Raise Your Vibrational Frequency "If you want to be rich, live with the rich. If you want to be poor, live with the poor." This popular adage was overheard during my formative years, and translated by a malleable twelve year old it meant that if one was born into poverty, there was little means of escape. It a... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Multiple sclerosis its effect on memory: 2 of 2
Multiple Sclerosis steals the memory as it steals the balance as it steals the energy...as it steals life as it once was.... Lord know I have tried to ignore the diagnosis, to pretend the demon thief does not reside in my brain's cognitive function, doesn't rear an ugly head affecting my ability to walk or run without droppi... More..