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February 11 2020

Bible Verses That Bring Comfort In Times of Loss

Published February 11th, 2020

Loss is an inescapable part of life. Most (if not all) of us have experienced some kind of loss at some point in our lives. But that doesn’t make it any easier.

Coping with the death of a loved one is a very poignant and personal journey. It takes us through a roller-coaster of emotions that leaves us devastated, confused and empty. All we want to do is curl up and weep until our tears have run dry. Most of the time, it feels like the universe is conspiring to bring you the greatest of sorrows.

During these troubled times, remember that you are not alone. Reading bible verses for comfort makes your grieving lighter. You have God and his unending and unconditional love. He is our refuge and our salvation. He understands the pain of losing someone you love as he himself sent his only son to save us from sin. There are words of God or bible verses for comfort in your time of grieving.

To help you get through this ordeal, here are some bible verses to comfort you in times of loss:

Verses for Strength and Healing

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Matthew 11:28
When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, You will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. Isaiah 43:2
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

A holy bible that can bring comfort in times of loss

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Psalm 107:13-14
“He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.” Psalm 147:3
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and eliminate death entirely. No one will mourn or weep any longer. The pain of wounds will no longer exist, for the old order has ceased.” Revelation 21:4
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

Verses for Coping With Death

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 (Related: 11 Comforting Songs For Parents Who Lost a Child)
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:1-2
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Interested In Our Services?

Here at Big Blue Sea Services we take memorial services seriously. Book a time with us to scatter ashes at sea off the coast of Florida with your friends and family present. Our charters are sure to make the moment a memorable experience.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.

Woman throwing flowers while scattering ashes at sea

August 20 2019

Poems, Songs, and Prayers for Scattering Ashes at Sea

Judy Ponio Uncategorized 0

Published August 20th, 2019

There are various ways to scatter your loved one’s ashes at sea. You can pour it into the water or put it in an urn and let it float into the vast ocean. There could be balloons, flowers, or anything that you think will be suitable for the occasion.

But one thing is for certain: a scattering ceremony should be a fitting farewell to your loved one. It’s your chance to celebrate the life they lived and relive the memories you had with them.

And what better way to do that than offering them poems for scattering ashes, songs or prayers. It’s also a great way to express what you’ve never told them when they were still alive. You can make your own or choose one below that reflects what you feel and what you want to say.

Here are some of the best prayers, songs, and poems for scattering ashes at sea ceremonies.

Poems for Scattering Ashes

Burial at Sea

by: John Companiotte, Poetry Magazine

Published in 1993, this poem is a great fit for memorial services at sea. Its comforting words will give solace to those who have lost a loved one. The poem reminds us to accept death as part of life. And that our dearly departed is now peacefully one with the earth once again. (See the full text of the poem here.)

Letting Go

by: Judith Bullock Morse

This poem talks about the painful struggle of watching our loved ones die. The poet perfectly captures the poignancy of having to let go when all you ever want to do is hold on. (See the full text of the poem here.)

Letting Go, a poem for scattering ashes at sea

She is Gone

by: David Harkins

This popular verse is based on the poem “Remember Me” by David Harkins. It was personally chosen by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the funeral ceremony for her mother in April 2002.

The words are a fitting tribute to the women who have made indelible marks to our hearts and our lives. (See the full text of the poem here.)

She is Gone, a poem for scattering ashes at sea

Songs for Scattering Ashes

Tears in Heaven

by: Eric Clapton

Written shortly after the death of his son, Tears in Heaven is undoubtedly one of Eric Clapton’s most timeless songs. It speaks of longing and mourning which resonates with everyone who has lost a dear friend or family member.

I Grieve

by: Peter Gabriel

If you’ve seen Nicolas Cage’s City of Angels, then this song will be familiar to you. It was part of Peter Gabriel’s 2002 Album “Up”. The lyrics mirror the emotional turmoil someone has to go through when dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Godspeed (Sweetdreams)

by: Dixie Chicks

The most painful thing that could happen to a parent is losing a child. To never again hear their laughter or tuck them to sleep at night. This song perfectly captures that. It was originally written by a father who longs for his son and all the pent-up emotions he has made this song the gem that it is.

Prayers for Scattering Ashes

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Christian Prayer for the Dead

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

Irish Funeral Prayer

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes, we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better,
infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.

Interested In Our Services?

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.

An example of a biodegradable urn for sea burial.

August 19 2019

Best Biodegradable Urns for Scattering Ashes at Sea

Judy Ponio Uncategorized 0

Published August 19th, 2019

More and more people are now choosing to scatter their loved one’s ashes at sea. But as the popularity of sea burials grew, so did the concern for its effect on the environment.

In general, the scattering of ashes at sea is considered environment-friendly. Cremated remains are biodegradable and do not harm marine life. But some ash-scattering ceremonies use materials that contain plastic and metals which can litter our oceans.

To avoid this, you need to make sure you’re using biodegradable materials. This is especially true if you’re planning to put the ashes in an urn and let it drift in the ocean instead of just pouring it on the water.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also rules that sea burials should use biodegradable urns. It must not contain any traces of plastic, metal or any hazardous substance.

Fortunately, there are now a lot of choices for biodegradable urns. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Most of them are made of organic materials like paper and cardboard that easily disintegrate in water.

How to Choose the Right Biodegradable Urns

Choosing the right urn is very important. There are many biodegradable urns in the market right now but not all of them are suitable for scattering ashes at sea.

Some biodegradable urns are specifically made for ground burials. Most of them don’t dissolve in water. And if they do, it usually takes months before they completely disintegrate.

So when choosing the right urn for sea burials, make sure that its made of water-soluble materials. This includes paper, cardboard, tree bark, sand, and clay. If the urn has painted designs, check if the paints are made of organic and biodegradable substances.

Most urns also come with an inner water-soluble biodegradable bag. This prevents the ashes from leaking before it reaches the ocean.

Best-selling Biodegradable Urns

To give you an accurate list of the best urns for sea burials, we turn to people’s reviews. Here are some of the bestselling, highly-recommended biodegradable urns we found.

Floating Turtle Urn

A biodegradable urn in the shape of a floating turtle.

Made of sustainable materials, this urn is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Mexico. Its sea turtle design provides an artistic and unique way to bid farewell to your loved ones. Once released into the ocean, it floats briefly for about five minutes before slowly sinking.

Full Colored Lily Urn

A fully colored lily-shaped biodegradable urn for sea burials

If you’re planning to send your loved ones off in a sea of flowers, this urn is for you. It has a realistic lily design that will look great amid floating petals.

Made of biodegradable clay and cotton, the urn immediately starts to biodegrade when it hits the water. The flat base also makes it easier to display if you’re planning to hold a memorial before the ceremony.

Small Shell Urn Box

A small shell box biodegradable urn for scattering ashes at sea

At only $47, this urn is the most affordable in this list. But its looks certainly don’t betray its price. It’s made of biodegradable clay and cotton embossed with intricate details. The metallic finish lends it a classic elegance that’s a fitting farewell to your loved one.

Oceanside Shell White Biodegradable Urn

Also made of clay and cotton, this urn is relatively large with a diameter of 17 inches. The highly-detailed design makes it look like an actual shell sitting in the sand. Once in the water, its biodegradable material briefly floats before sinking and disintegrating.

Ocean Sunset Scattering Tube

Ocean sunset biodegradable scattering tube for sea burials.

This scattering tube is made of sturdy, eco-friendly paper with no metal or plastic. So you have the option to either let it sink in the ocean with your loved one’s ashes or recycle it.

When ready to scatter, you just slide the lids off. A perforated tab is then pushed and the ashes can be gently scattered from the tube. Its design features tranquil colors that are perfect for sunset or sunrise ash-scattering ceremonies.

Kraft Cardboard Scattering Tube (Set of 3)

Kraft cardboard scattering tube for sea burials.

This set of small scattering tubes is perfect for shared or group scattering of ashes. An average adult’s cremated remains can be contained in the three tubes. It can also be used for scattering the remains of a child or your beloved pet.

Himalayan Salt Sea Burial Urn

Himalayan rock salt biodegradable urn for scattering remains at sea.

An emerging trend when it comes to sea burials is using an urn made of Himalayan Rock Salt. These urns are handmade from a solid, organic block of salt so each one has a unique pattern.

Its warm orange glow perfectly complements scatterings done either during sunrise or sunset. Unlike paper-based urns, Himalayan salt urns dissolve in ocean water within just hours.

Interested In Our Services?

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.

A boat full of people scattering ashes at sea in Florida

August 13 2019

Is It Legal to Scatter Ashes at Sea in Florida?

Judy Ponio Uncategorized 2

Published August 13th, 2019

Scattering a deceased loved one’s ashes at sea is becoming a popular alternative to traditional funerals. It’s cheaper, more convenient and good for the environment.

Due to its scenic coasts, many people chose to have their or their loved one’s ashes scattered in Florida. Still, some can’t help but doubt the legality of the process.

So, are you allowed to scatter ashes at sea in Florida?

Yes, you are. But like most things, there are rules to follow.

Rules for Scattering of Ashes at Sea in Florida

Florida gives its citizens freedom as to where to store their loved one’s cremated remains. They can put it in an urn in their home or bury it in a crypt.

Various options are also available for those who want to scatter the ashes. You may scatter it in both private and public land, at scattering gardens, by air or at sea.

Cremated remains are generally harmless. But you should still exercise common sense when scattering ashes in public places. You need to make sure you’re not causing inconvenience to other people.

Currently, there are no state laws that specifically govern the scattering of ashes in Florida. But, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established certain regulations for sea burials.

EPA Regulations on Sea Burials

Under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, the EPA issues a general permit authorizing the burial of human remains at sea. There are three basic regulations established under this:

The ashes should be scattered at least three nautical miles from land.
If you wish to put the ashes in a container, make sure it’s biodegradable. Non-biodegradable materials should be disposed of separately and not thrown into the ocean.
The EPA must be informed within 30 days after the conduct of such burial.

Aside from the basic regulations, the EPA also has a list of things you can’t do when scattering ashes at sea. Some of them are:

Medical wastes should not be mixed with cremated remains before the burial.
Cremated remains can’t be incorporated into an artificial reef structure and placed at the bottom of the sea. If you really want to do this, you need to coordinate with relevant government agencies first.
Incorporating ashes into a monument or similar structure and sunk at sea is not allowed too. These structures are not expected to disintegrate soon and might harm the ocean.

Regulations on Burial Containers

Certain weather conditions can sometimes prevent the scattering of ashes in the ocean’s surface. That’s why the EPA also allows putting them in a container and sinking it in the ocean.

To protect the environment, the EPA requires burial containers to be biodegradable. They must not contain plastic or any material that may contribute to marine debris. You also need to make sure they are heavy enough not to float back to the surface.

Where Can You Find a Boat to Conduct a Burial at Sea?

You may use your own boat or avail of our services. We provide the most respectful and lowest cost scattering service in Florida. We want to make this painful experience as easy for you as possible. That’s why all our services also include filing of required regulatory documents. Visit our homepage to know more about what we do or book our services.

Interested In Our Services?

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.