by Kathy Brasby | Jun 16, 2026 | Listening
In my May newsletter, I shared information about Meta (Facebook/Instagram) hauling in your partner-shared information. Starting June 9, 2026 and rolling out to users through much of July, Meta pulled the rug out from under our feet.
Here’s what is still accurate from the May 5 article: Meta pulls information like a black hole pulls in light.
The settings I suggested in May to manage or disconnect future activity are gone like a browser tab you forgot to bookmark. Meta has updated its policy.
Now Meta offers one setting: “Activity from other businesses” and they will use it to personalize your feed and AI responses. Of course, they promise no new data is being collected. They’ll just use what they already have.
Here’s what you can do, if you want:
🔒 Open your Facebook account (be sure you're logged in) and click on your photo in the upper right-hand corner. (I'm using a browser window. You may have to adjust if you're trying this in the phone app.)
🔒 Choose Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu. Then Settings.
🔒 Go to Accounts Center.
🔒 Select Your Information and Permissions > Activity from other businesses. (Note: The previous "Your Activity Off Meta Technologies" option is being phased out.)
🔒 Here you can review and clear previous activity if desired, and toggle Activity from other businesses off to limit future use of this data for ads, your Feed, and AI responses.
Because Meta is still rolling out this new policy, you may not see the new settings yet. US customers should all be updated by July.
Business can still report your online web visits to Meta. This setting just tells Meta not to act on the information and, of course, Meta won’t because it values our privacy. Indeed. Our shopping information is very valuable to Meta.
As a friend said recently, “This is the price of free.”
by Kathy Brasby | Jun 16, 2026 | Listening
We’d traveled an hour and a half for a tasty lunch with our cousin. Going straight home was not an option.
My sister and I had made this trip, and you’re probably thinking we folded in some shopping afterward.
Not exactly.
“Could we go to this estate sale?” she asked, pointing to a tiny map on her phone.
It was only thirty minutes away. Not on our way home, but, hey, the sun was shining and we’d just finished this great meal and conversation with our cousin. Why not?
That question gets me into trouble a lot.
But away we went.
“What are you looking for?”
“An anvil.”
I never expected rare pottery or collector figurines. But an anvil?
As we drove (I put her behind the wheel of my car), I wondered what an anvil would do to the trunk. Would it punch through the floor of the trunk and bounce behind us on the highway like an escaped rabbit?
“Can we even lift an anvil?” I asked.
Minor details. She shrugged. “Somebody will help us.”
The anvil had sold a half hour before we got there. She was sad. I was suddenly grateful for the extended conversation about future travel plans with our cousin.
So my sister went on the hunt for other treasures. She’s an artist. She sees things differently.
And we stumbled onto a room, books cascading from wall to wall. All free.
I didn’t need to go further. I started plucking books and stacking them. I am a writer and a reader. This was close to a perfect afternoon.
My sister started searching through the piles of books, too. She’s an artist who doesn’t do much pleasure reading, so I guessed she must have taken up a new hobby.
We left with as many books as we could pile from fingertips to bottom of chin.
“Wow, you must have found some interesting books,” I said.
“Yep,” she said. “I need some nice-looking books for the decor in my Airbnb.”
by Kathy Brasby | Dec 24, 2025 | Listening
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
When Grief Feels Like Winter
Crystals of frost dangle before you. Cold reminders of loss and grief.
Once you feared this winter season of your life: when you would walk alone.
The cold of solitude grips your heart, and the emptiness echoes.
Hear God’s Song in the Silence
But hear God’s song! Clear, sweet harp notes pierce the icy silence. They carry peace and comfort, each note pulsing with love. God’s love.
Let these notes wash over you, softening the ache and renewing your weary heart.
What True Healing Looks Like
Healing will come, but not in a moment. Healing doesn’t mean the scars will be erased or every hollow place filled. But it will come if you lean into God’s presence.
God knows your pain, and the stabbing in your heart. The echoing emptiness.
Soak in His Warmth
Soak in His warmth and light. Allow the sound of God’s healing song to sink deep into your heart and bring you peace.
You are not alone.
A Prayer for the Grieving Heart
Heavenly Father, please pour out healing, protection, and wisdom for those who are struggling with the deep pain of grief. You understand our pain, but You also provide new life and new courage. Thank you for Your promises and Your presence. Amen.
More Christian Grief Resources
Also, Kathy has written a book, Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope, which explores stories of people overcoming hardships as they trust God.
Kathy Brasby lost her husband of 32 years in 2022 and is still learning the path of healing as she trusts God to comfort her.
by Kathy Brasby | Dec 16, 2025 | Listening
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Ps 19:1-4a
Grief can feel like you’re slammed into the depths of cold, unfeeling days. The numbness can make it hard to see anything but the loss. But consider those days in a way that notices the beauty of God’s creation.
Seeing God’s Artistry in the Cold
Ice crystals chime in the trees, joined by hollow notes as frosty twigs twist in the breeze. Walk through this ice palace of crystal and sweet music.
For a moment, the cold temperatures fade as you heed the charm of sound and sight.
In this world, crisp weather produces discomfort yet reveals beauty. Choose where you look and what you notice.
Seek His beauty in hidden places. Relish it as His gift to you. As you draw near to His artistry, your soul will be replenished.
Embracing the Grace of Today
Hear the notes chime as the tang of icy weather strokes your skin. Soon spring blossoms will poke through the ice and snow, but now, in this white and frozen time, rejoice in His life and His beauty.
Embrace the grace of this day.
A Prayer for the Cold Days of Grief
Father, please show me the warmth of your love. Surround me with your strength and your beauty. Show me your grace in these difficult days. Amen.
For other grief resources, see the Grief Resource page on my website. Also, I have written a book, Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope, which explores stories of people overcoming hardships as they trust God.
Kathy Brasby lost her husband of 32 years in 2022 and is still learning the path of healing as she trusts God to comfort her.
by Kathy Brasby | Dec 9, 2025 | Listening
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NIV)
The Narrow Gate of Grief
This narrow gate before you - the one covered with the thorns of grief and pain - looks impossible to pass. You may long for an easier way, but for now, this is the way in front of you.
Step Through
The gate is narrow and prickly. Step through it.
The road is rocky and the wind whips your face, slicing your cheeks with blasts of icy air. Step through it.
In this world is much trouble. This world is broken. But I offer a new world to those who are truly mine.
Love God, and love others as yourself.
You Don’t Walk This Hard Road Alone
There is nothing in your life that is harder than what Jesus faced. He understands our sorrow, our pain, our loneliness better than we know ourselves.
The Lord promises that He won’t leave you.
He will never forsake you.
This world is difficult but trust God. You aren’t asked to walk this rocky road alone.
With His help, you can step through the hardship and the pain. With His help, you will heal and overcome.
Prayer for Strength in Grief:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the strength you give us to overcome hardships, including the pain and heaviness of grief. Please remind us daily of your presence and your healing touch. Amen.
For other grief resources, see the Grief Resource page on this website. Also, Kathy has written a book, Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope, which explores stories of people overcoming hardships as they trust God.
Kathy Brasby lost her husband of 32 years in 2022 and is still learning the path of healing as she trusts God to comfort her.
by Kathy Brasby | Dec 4, 2025 | Listening
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Tears Can Lead to Healing, Not Weakness
When grief tears at your heart, God promises to hold you close.
You grieve, but you will never forget your loved one. When tears come - and they will - let God hold you close.
Tears come because of love. Let regrets and loss flow freely. Memories crowd your mind, but see them as gifts you were given.
You were changed by your time with your loved one. The tearing apart in death is like a knife driven deep in your heart.
Honoring the One You Loved
Don’t let the pain overcome you. Instead, remember the courage and the faith and the kindness of your loved one. Recall what you loved about that person.
If tears come, let them flow. But let them also be tears of healing as you lean into God’s presence.
How God Holds You Close in Grief
Imagine God holding you close and stroking your hair, whispering words of love and comfort.
Healing is carried to you by God’s kindness. You will bear scars, but you will walk again.
Trust God to carry you in His loving arms as you move forward in your journey of healing.
He will never fail you.
A Prayer For You
Heavenly Father, there are times when we ache in our loss. And some days are better than others. But we trust Your promises of love and comfort. We believe Your words of healing and of holding. Thank You that You are close in our pain, in our tears, in our grief. And thank You for the newness You promise us. Amen.
For other grief resources, see the Grief Resource page on my website. Also, I have written a book, Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope, which explores stories of people overcoming hardships as they trust God.
Kathy Brasby lost her husband of 32 years in 2022 and is still learning the path of healing as she trusts God to comfort her.
