While the psalmist promises God's protection, it is difficult to face our mortality. But in doing so we better prepare both ourselves and our loved ones for the reality of death. For those with a life-threatening medical condition or terminal illness, this is an urgent concern. In response, Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, a psychologist, and Robert C. DeVries, a pastor, offer this indispensable guide to the practical and spiritual concerns of dying. With compassion and understanding, they offer sound advice on everything from accepting death as a part of life, legal issues, and funeral planning, to the difficult spiritual questions asked regarding terminal illness and life after death. This book is an important resource for individuals and families facing terminal illness, hospice and nursing personnel, and pastors and counselors.

"Zonnebelt-Smeenge, a clinical psychologist, and De Vries, a pastor and seminary professor, bill their work as everyone's guide to preparing for and coping with death from a Christian perspective. They have forged a reliable tool for the job. Well-organized sections view death from three seasons of life: during good health; after a dire diagnosis; and near the end. Each explains the physical and psychological aspects of facing death, and each offers scripture meditations and prayers. The authors' experiences — each lost a spouse to cancer — lend a gentle personal touch. Practical suggestions abound, answering the flood of questions that come with the prospect of dying. For example, the first section explains what a will should include and how to explain death to children; the last section tells how to recognize that a person has died. The meditations mine scripture for strong insights about such issues as God's control of life, the reason God allows suffering and whether a person should be cremated. The work never mentions hell, focusing exclusively on the joys of heaven. An appendix recommends books to help children, adolescents and young adults deal with grief and death. Zonnebelt-Smeenge and De Vries handle a difficult topic with grace and expertise, and many will find their work useful and comforting. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

For those with a life-threatening medical condition or terminal illness, facing their own mortality is an urgent concern. This indispensable guide offers sound advice on everything from accepting death as a part of life, legal issues, and funeral planning to the difficult spiritual questions asked regarding terminal illness and life after death.

Practical and spiritual guidance for the end of life's journey. Life will always give way to death. And while "Living Fully in the Shadow of Death" is about death, it's really just as much about life: living life fully by being prepared for its completion. Every aspect of practical, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the end of the journey is included. Each subject is treated with sensitivity and supported by daily meditations that soothe the heart. If you've lost someone you love, are struggling alongside someone who is dying, or are facing death yourself, this life-affirming book will change the way you think about death. "The authors confronted a difficult subject and did a masterful piece of work. This book is must reading."--H. Norman Wright, author of "Experiencing God" "An empowering invitation to the dying to move forward into living life at its fullest."--Richard B. Gilbert, author of "Finding Your Way after Your Parent Dies" "This book helps people look at a difficult topic with a spiritual understanding."--Alvyne Rethemeyer, director, International Parish Nurse Resource Center "Church leaders need to know this important material first of all; they are the front line for those facing end-of-life challenges."--Jim Kok, director of International Conference on Care and Kindness, Crystal Cathedral ""Living Fully in the Shadow of Death" helps us to see that we are not alone."--Major John R. Cheydleur, territorial social services secretary, Salvation Army

A life-affirming book that will give you the answers-practical, emotional, and spiritual-about facing any death, your own or someone else's, with peace and confidence.