Kath Findlay: Still Waters Celebrancy

29/04/2026

This is so true.
Hope that you all think so too!
Grief sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Like a wave on the shore that looks like it won't do any damage to you as you walk along.... but powers up the beach and catches you out when you weren't prepared.

Today’s page is from Loss 📖

For anyone who needs it x

20/04/2026

Faith isn’t built on wishful thinking… it’s rooted in something real. These weren’t people holding onto an idea... they were witnesses holding onto a truth they had seen. Through pressure. Through suffering. Through everything that could have made them walk away… they didn’t. Because some truths don’t fade under pressure... they become clearer. The resurrection isn’t just a story to believe in… it’s a foundation to stand on. “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” — 1 Corinthians 15:14 ✝️

And yet... He has been raised. So whatever you’re facing today, your hope isn’t fragile… it’s anchored. If you want to grow deeper in that kind of faith and peace,
we’ve created worship playlists, devotionals, and guided moments to help you stay grounded in Him. And if this ministry has encouraged you, you can also support what we’re building here. Everything is linked in bio on page. 🙏

28/03/2026

So today I want to talk about direct cremation.
I have been chatting about this to a few people over the last few weeks. It seems that people are unaware of exactly what is meant.

So here goes:
A direct cremation means that your loved one is taken directly to the crematorium by the funeral professionals.
The transport if often in an unmarked vehicle rather than a traditional hearse.

There is no ceremony.
It is unattended apart from the staff at the crematorium.
There is no family at the crematorium to say 'goodbye'.

It is significantly financially cheaper than a traditional funeral.

Its a 'no fuss' for my family option.
It will be 'easier' for my family if I choose this....
BUT make no mistake, it is, or can be, emotionally very expensive for those left behind.

Think very carefully before you choose this option. It is certainly NOT for every family.

The point of a funeral service is to provide a safe, supportive space for the bereaved to say goodbye.
To be together and to give support to each other.
To come to terms with the passing and to begin the long process of grieving and healing.

It is a final farewell which helps mourners transition to life after loss - Helping to process often very complex emotions.

It is a celebration of a life lived!
It honours your loved one.
Wonderful memories and stories shared together brings comfort and meaning.

Without the funeral/celebration of life service - there is no, or limited, closure.
The grieving process might be harder to cope with and the death harder to come to terms with.
The potential for guilt and grief issues are huge - the quick and simple nature of direct cremation may leave families with the feeling they didn't do enough to mark the passing of their loved one.

The direct cremation process is also strict; the body taken directly to the crematorium, which might not align with cultural or religious traditions.
There is no personalisation- there is no opportunity to visit a chapel of rest which can provide comfort for those left behind.

What could you do if a direct cremation or 'no funeral ' request has been made??

1. Ignore the request and have a service anyway. ( that's something that a few people I know have done)
2. Have a real time celebration/memorial on the day your loved one is taken to the crematorium.
Use a celebrant /minister or organise it yourself but DO something together. It can be anywhere!
3 . Have a memorial /thanksgiving service when you receive the ashes.
Again- with or without a celebrant/minister.
4. Do something special when you scatter or inter the ashes.

There is NO timeline for this - its what is right for each family.
Some families feel the need for a memorial/ scattering of ashes months or even years later!

A 'good Funeral' is created for the benefit of those left behind.

A good celebrant will meet up with you and allow you to share your stories.
They will write a bespoke service for you.
They will send a draft and give you ample opportunities to edit and redraft.
They will create a beautiful and fitting service which reflects your family and your loved one.
They will liase with the funeral director if required.
They will be supporting you at the crematorium- first there and last to leave is my motto!
They will create a space for a very 'good' farewell.

Thats what I do at Still Waters Celebrancy.
I hope you find this information helpful.
As I said at the start...I seem to be sharing this fairly regularly at the moment!

Contact: 07500 814093
Kath.celebrant@yahoo.com

20/03/2026

I found this poem this morning.
My hubby taught me that if you feel you need to see or speak to someone - do it!
Don't put if off and live with regret.

Love to you all !❤️

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day can be a beautiful day filled with love, gratitude, and celebration. But for many people, it can also be one of the most complicated and emotional days of the year.

This weekend, on Sunday, we are holding space for those whose hearts feel heavy.

To those who have lost their mum and wish they could hear her voice just one more time.
To those who have lost a child and carry that love and grief with them every day.
To those who long to become a mother and are still waiting, hoping, and hurting.
To those navigating infertility or pregnancy loss.
To those parenting alone and doing the work of two people with endless strength.
To those whose relationships with their mothers are strained, complicated, or painful.

Mother’s Day can bring up so many different emotions .. love, grief, longing, gratitude, sadness, nostalgia, and hope. All of those feelings are valid.

If today feels joyful for you, celebrate it fully.
If today feels difficult, please know you are not alone.

Your story, your grief, your love, and your strength all matter.

14/03/2026

After the funeral,

when the flowers
have faded

and the visitors
have gone home,

that’s when
the quiet begins.

The house
feels different.

The chair
they used to sit in
feels empty.

People think
the hardest day
was the goodbye.

But sometimes

the hardest days
come later.

Weeks later.

Months later.

Years later.

Because grief
doesn’t follow
a schedule.

It simply
walks beside you,

showing up
in memories,
in silence,

and in the moments
you wish
you could share
with them.

And in those moments,

what a grieving heart
needs most

is not explanations,

not advice,

but someone
who stays

and understands

that love
doesn’t end

just because
a life did. 🤍

10/03/2026

This evening I was looking through the contents of an old old suitcase full of photos from 1914 onwards! Mostly of people i didn't know and anonymous portraits- BUT hidden
Amongst them was a wee treasure. A postcard that my Mum wrote to my Dad in 1951!
I Instantly recognised mums handwriting. Dad kept it all through the years. I had forgotten he had served in the RAF!
So much of my family history I know nothing about.
So much I wish I had found out before it was too late.
Im glad I took a notion to rake through the suitcase. Im guessing I need to wade through the rest of the boxes that have been waiting to be looked at for a good few years!

08/03/2026

Today I have begun making Hot Cross Buns.
Every year I have made them and then friends have come around on Good Friday to eat them! Over 40 years of baking them and over 40 years of hot cross bun partying!
I was thinking today as I got all the ingredients together, of my Mum.
She made them every year. I can still smell the dough as it rose in a big ceramic bowl next to the coal fire. It took all day to make them and we slathered on the butter when they were still warm from the oven!
I was considering how I am following in her footsteps and the legacy of faith she left behind her for her family and friends.
Sometimes a smell of mixed spice and cinnamon will take me right back to that little girl helping her mum and waiting for the Hot Cross Buns to be ready!
Memories of years spent with loved ones come flooding back when you least expect. This memory is a cherished one.
The last few years I have made them for a Good Friday Café in Portsoy Church. Free Hot Cross bun and tea/coffee / juice.
If you are near - come along and say hello!
80 to make this year!

02/03/2026

Was listening to Casting Crowns yesterday. They create wonderful songs but this one caught me.

Watch the official music video for "Scars In Heaven" by Casting Crowns!Listen to , the newest album from Casting Crowns! Apple Music: https://CastingC...

24/02/2026

A gentle reminder for today: everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see. Some are steady, some are barely staying afloat and kindness can be the lifeline. Slow down. Lead with compassion. Help where you can. That’s how we weather the storm together. ❤️