May 2023 – Joyful-Echoes

Where do we go when we or a loved one passes away? Are we Living with Purpose.

Posted on May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The topic of life after death has been a point of fascination and debate for centuries. While many religious beliefs propose various ideas, Christians have their own understanding of what happens to us when we die. As a born-again believer, I hold the conviction that upon our passing, our soul ascends to heaven immediately. In today’s message , I will delve into the biblical basis for this belief, addressing common misconceptions that exist among believers.

One of the essential verses that solidify my belief is found in 2 Corinthians 5:8, which states, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” This verse affirms that as soon as our earthly bodies are deceased, our souls are welcomed into the presence of God in heaven. Additionally, in Luke 23:43, Jesus promises the believing thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” indicating an immediate transition from Earth to heaven for believers.

Despite these clear Scriptures, some misconceptions exist about the waiting period or purgatory before entering heaven. These ideas do not align with the teachings of the Bible, which affirm that our salvation and eternal destiny are sealed at the moment we believe in Christ as our Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9 asserts, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” This passage reinforces the idea that our salvation is not earned by our actions but is a free gift from God, and once we accept it, we are guaranteed a place in heaven.

It is also important to note that the biblical concept of judgment occurs after our physical death, and the judgment determines our eternal destination. Hebrews 9:27-28 states, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” This verse confirms that a believer’s eternal destiny is determined at death, not at a later time.

As a born-again Christian, and ordained minister I believe that when we die, our souls immediately ascend to heaven to be in the presence of God. If we are born again. While misinterpretations may exist about purgatory or waiting periods between death and heaven, the Bible’s teachings affirm that our salvation is secured by our faith in Jesus Christ. By understanding these biblical truths, we can confidently look forward to our eternal home with our Heavenly Father.

We live here on earth and we’re living now, so we tend to think in terms of the here and now. But this world isn’t home for believers. If we’re too focused on this world and never give a thought to living in the light of tomorrow, we won’t live well in the here and now! The Apostle Peter uses this line of thinking to warn us about the risk of becoming so earthbound and seduced by worldly things that we lose sight of heaven. What does living in light of tomorrow look like? In this message,

From – 2 Peter about living in anticipation of the eternal days to come so that we can live our best life now.

Today I wanted to dive deeper into the message from 2 Peter about living in anticipation of the eternal days to come. This message is so powerful and has the ability to transform our lives if we truly embrace it.

Peter reminds us that our time here on earth is limited, and that we should be making the most of every moment. We should strive to live with purpose and intention, and to make choices that align with our values and beliefs. This means focusing on the things that truly matter, such as our relationships, our health, our personal growth and development, and our contribution to the world around us.

Living in anticipation of the eternal days to come means that we are not just focused on the present moment, but also on the future. We have a sense of hope and expectancy for what is yet to come, and this motivates us to keep moving forward even in difficult times. It gives us a perspective that is beyond our current circumstances, and helps us to see the bigger picture.

So how can we apply this message to our daily lives? Here are a few practical tips:

Focus on your priorities: Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and make sure that your daily actions align with these priorities. This might mean saying no to things that don’t serve you, or setting boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Cultivate a positive mindset: Living in anticipation of the eternal days to come requires us to have a hopeful and optimistic outlook on life. Practice gratitude, focus on the good in your life, and surround yourself with positive people who uplift and encourage you.
Take care of yourself: Your physical, mental, and emotional health are all important factors in living your best life now. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and taking time for self-care activities that nourish your soul.
Serve others: One of the best ways to live with purpose and intention is to serve others. Look for opportunities to give back to your community, volunteer your time and resources, or simply show kindness and compassion to those around you.

I hope this message from 2 Peter has inspired you to live with anticipation of the eternal days to come, and to make the most of every moment here on earth. Let’s strive to live our best life now, so that we can be ready for all the amazing things that are yet to come. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post! #2Peter #EternalDays #LiveWithPurpose #BestLifeNow

PTSD,Military

Mary PTSD and the Iraq War

Posted on May 30, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Mary had always been a fierce and determined woman. So when news of war broke out in Iraq, she eagerly volunteered to serve in the military, leaving her husband, children, and friends behind. For months, she fought tirelessly on the battlefield, putting herself in harm’s way to protect her country.

But when Mary returned home, she was a different person. The sights and sounds of war had left an indelible mark on her psyche, causing her to suffer from severe PTSD. She was constantly in pain, both physical and emotional, and found it hard to connect with those around her.

Her marriage was also falling apart. Her husband, who had waited patiently for her return, didn’t understand the demons that haunted Mary every day. They argued constantly, and Mary became easily angered, even lashing out at him and their children.

It was then that the pastor’s wife from Mary’s local church reached out to her. She had heard about Mary’s struggles and wanted to offer support. But despite the woman’s best efforts, Mary was resistant. She had lost her faith during the war, and no amount of prayer or scripture could bring it back.

Feeling lost and alone, Mary began to isolate herself from the world. She rarely left home, ignoring calls from friends and family. She knew she needed help, but didn’t know where to turn or how to ask for it.

One day, while flipping through an old photo album, Mary came across a picture of herself from before the war. In the picture, she was happy and carefree, surrounded by loved ones. Looking at it now, she realized how much she had changed.

Determined to find a way to heal, Mary reached out to a support group for veterans suffering from PTSD. It was there that she met others who had gone through similar experiences and understood her pain. She also started attending therapy sessions and taking medication to help manage her symptoms.

Over time, Mary began to slowly rebuild her life. She reconnected with her husband and children, and started to find joy in the small things again. Although she still had bad days, she knew that she was not alone in her struggles. And even though her faith was still a work in progress, she knew that she was on the path to finding her way back to it.

After a set back during a 4th of July fireworks show- Mary found herself alone in her living room, feeling overwhelmed by her PTSD demons. She called out to God, tears streaming down her face, asking for help and guidance.

As she sat there in silence, a soft, warm breeze blew through the open window, and a beautiful white dove appeared: It perched on her windowsill and looked at Mary with its gentle eyes.

Mary felt a calming presence wash over her, as if all her worries and fears were lifted away. She knew in that moment that God had answered her prayers.

The dove stayed with Mary throughout the night, offering her comfort and companionship. And every time she started to feel scared or alone, the dove would gently coo, reminding her that she was not alone.

In the days and weeks that followed, Mary found that her PTSD symptoms had lessened. She didn’t know whether it was because of the dove’s presence or the renewed faith and hope she felt, but either way, she felt grateful.

Eventually, the dove flew away, leaving Mary feeling stronger and more capable than ever before. Her journey to healing was far from over, but she knew that with God and her newfound inner strength, she would be able to overcome anything.

It’s never too late to get help for PTSD. Treatment can help you manage symptoms or even cure PTSD. VA provides PTSD trainings for mental health care providers, more than half of whom are women. VA also has Women’s Mental Health Champions at every VA medical center. They are mental health clinicians with specific training and expertise in women Veterans’ mental health. Women’s Mental Health Champions can connect you with local resources and support.

What services does VA provide for PTSD?

Your VA health care provider can give referrals to PTSD specialists or therapy or prescribe certain medications. Services and treatments for PTSD include:

Mental health assessment and screening
Therapy: Trauma-focused psychotherapies are highly effective treatments for PTSD. “Trauma-focused” means they focus on your memory of the trauma.

If you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area.

depression, Hope, Mental Health

Depression and Suicide There is Help and Hope.

Posted on May 29, 2023June 2, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Many do not like to talk about things like this but we need it out there so people struggling know they are not alone and there is hope.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. Although it may seem like there is no way out of the darkness, it is important to remember that suicide is not the answer. Taking one’s own life is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help immediately. There are numerous resources available for those who are in crisis, including hotlines, counseling services, and support groups. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

One of the most important things to remember when dealing with depression is that you are not alone. Many people have gone through similar struggles and have come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. By reaching out to others for support, you can begin to heal and find hope once again.

In addition to seeking help from professionals and loved ones, it is important to take care of yourself during this difficult time. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These simple self-care practices can help improve your mood and reduce the symptoms of depression.

Finally, it is important to remember that there is always hope. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome depression and live a fulfilling life. So if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, know that helpis available and that you do not have to face this alone.

When your depression brings thoughts of suicide get help now.

Suicide is a complex issue that can stem from various factors such as mental illness, societal pressures, addiction and personal struggles. While it is not a mental illness in itself, suicidal behavior is often a symptom or manifestation of underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction.

Mental illnesses are a serious health concern that requires professional help from trained medical professionals. Seeking help for mental health issues can be challenging due to societal stigmas and the fear of being judged or misunderstood. However, seeking help for mental illness is essential for managing and treating suicidal ideations.

Reaching out for help can be daunting, but there are several resources available for those who need support. These resources include counseling services, support groups, and hotlines that provide confidential assistance and guidance to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.

It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge that you need assistance and to take steps towards healing. By taking care of our mental health, we can live fulfilling lives with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Psalm 34:17-18: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

These verses are to remind us that God is with us in our struggles and that we can find peace and strength in Him. They also encourage us to seek help through prayer and support from others. If you suffer from depression talk to a professional and if you ever feel suicidal call or text

THE 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-TALK) 988LIFELINE.ORG is a registered service mark of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is administered by Vibrant Emotional Health. You can text them – text or call to 988.

You can also Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.

We all have something to offer to this world. You matter

Storytelling

Thomas the Backpacking Bear

Posted on May 29, 2023May 28, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Thomas the bear loved nothing more than exploring the vast wilderness of the forest. He would go on long backpacking trips, following trails and discovering new sights and sounds. On one particular trip, Thomas decided to go fishing for dinner, hoping to catch a fresh trout to cook over an open fire. While walking along the riverbank, he noticed a couple of fires that humans had left burning. He thought to himself, “What a waste of good fire!”

With a few deft moves, Thomas was able to cook his fish over the newly claimed flames. Satisfied with his meal, he put out the fire and continued hiking, taking in the beauty of the forest. However, as the day wore on, Thomas lost track of time and inadvertently took a wrong turn. The forest was vast and everything began to look the same. Before he knew it, it was dark and he was hopelessly lost.

Anxiety began to set in as Thomas realized he may never find his way back. Just then, an Angel appeared before him, offering guidance and wisdom to help him get back on track. The Angel showed him how to navigate through the forest using the North Star and explained how to read the compass he always carried with him.

Using the newfound knowledge, Thomas was finally able to find his way back to the correct trail and make his way safely back to his camp. He was grateful for the Angel’s guidance and vowed to never forget the lessons he learned on that fateful day.

The story of Thomas the backpacking bear teaches us the importance of being prepared, having a good sense of direction, and the value of asking for help when we need it. It also highlights the beauty and wonder of nature and the importance of respecting the environment. It’s also best to never go in the woods alone. Always travel in 2 or more.

Uncategorized

Memorial Day

Posted on May 28, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Memorial Day: Honoring the Sacrifices of our Brave Soldiers

Memorial Day holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. It is a day to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the armed forces. Unfortunately, many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day and fail to understand the meaning behind this important day.

It is crucial that we recognize the significance of Memorial Day and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. While Veterans Day acknowledges all veterans, Memorial Day is specifically reserved to remember the fallen heroes who fought for our country.

On this day, it is essential to pay tribute to the lives lost and show our gratitude to the families who continue to carry the burden of their loss. We can do this by participating in Memorial Day ceremonies, visiting cemeteries and placing flags on graves, or simply taking a moment of silence to remember the sacrifice of our courageous soldiers.

It is also important to educate ourselves and others on the true meaning of Memorial Day. We must take the time to understand the history and significance of this day and pass on this knowledge to future generations, ensuring that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In closing, let us remember that Memorial Day is not just about barbecues or a day off work. It is a sacred day to honor and remember those who gave their lives while fighting for our freedom. As we gather with family and friends on this day, let us take a moment to reflect and pay tribute to these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Uncategorized

Thanks for Stopping By – Please Share and Subscribe

Posted on May 27, 2023June 2, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Welcome!!

Thanks for stopping by

Welcome and thank you to all the new visitors and thanks to the regular subscribers to this blog,

This blog tries to spread positivity and uplift those who may be feeling down and teach a little. We understand that life can be tough at times, and we want to create a space where everyone feels welcome, loved, and respected.

No matter what situation you may be in or facing, we want you to know that there is always hope. We believe that by spreading kindness, compassion, and understanding, we can create a better world for ourselves and those around us.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We encourage you to like and subscribe and if you enjoy it please share it 😊 you can subscribe to get updates on all our posts. We plan on posting weekly, but there may be more as we strive to spread positivity and uplift those who may need

Storytelling

Meet Pete and Oliver Storytelling Time

Posted on May 26, 2023May 28, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In the icy waters of Antarctica, there lived two best friends – a penguin named Peter and an otter named Oliver. They were inseparable and loved exploring the vast ocean together. They all had the same friends and there were several that always hung out. But these two were inseparable.

One day, as they were swimming, they noticed a group of humans on the shore. They were intrigued by these creatures and wanted to learn more about them. That’s when they heard about Jesus, a kind and loving person who preached about peace and love.

Curious about this mysterious figure, Peter and Oliver set out on a journey to find Jesus. They traveled through treacherous waters and faced many obstacles along the way, but their determination and friendship kept them going.

Finally, after months of searching, they reached the shore and met Jesus. He welcomed them with open arms and shared his teachings of love and kindness. As Jesus was talking soon more penguins, otters and bears came to shore to hear his teachings.

Peter and Oliver were amazed by his wisdom and soon became his loyal followers, spreading his message of peace and hope throughout the animal kingdom.

Thanks to their curiosity and thirst for knowledge, Peter and Oliver were able to share Jesus’ message of love and kindness with others, inspiring them to be better and more compassionate beings. And from then on, they continued to explore the vast ocean, always ready to learn something new and make new friends along theway.

10 Commandments-Seven Deadly Sins

The 10 Commandments & 7 Deadly Sins.

Posted on May 26, 2023May 28, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The 10 Commandments as listed in Exodus 20:3-17:

You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

As for the seven deadly sins, they are:

Lust – excessive desire or craving for sexual pleasure
Gluttony – excessive consumption of food, drink, or wealth
Greed – excessive desire for material possessions or wealth
Sloth – laziness or unwillingness to work or act
Wrath – anger, hatred, or vengefulness
Envy – jealousy or coveting what others have
Pride – excessive love or focus on oneself, often leading to arrogance or narcissism.

The Ten Commandments and the Seven Deadly Sins are two of the most well-known sets of moral guidelines in Western culture. While the former is found in the Judeo-Christian Bible, the latter originated in ancient Greek philosophy but has been adopted by Christian theology as well. Today we will examine each of the Ten Commandments and the Seven Deadly Sins, exploring their meanings and implications for our personal conduct.

Starting with the Ten Commandments, these are ten fundamental rules that God delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai. The first three commandments pertain to our relationship with God, while the rest concern our relationships with others. The following is a breakdown of each commandment:

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and recognizing Him as the one true deity.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol.” This commandment prohibits the worship of graven images or other representations of deities, as they are considered false gods.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” This commandment warns against using God’s name inappropriately or disrespectfully.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” This commandment calls on us to set aside a day of rest and worship.
“Honor your father and your mother.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of showing respect and gratitude towards our parents.
“You shall not murder.” This commandment speaks to the sanctity of human life and forbids taking another person’s life without just cause.
“You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment forbids sexual infidelity and encourages faithfulness within marriage.
“You shall not steal.” This commandment prohibits taking what does not belong to us and encourages honesty and integrity.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This commandment warns against lying or bearing false witness, both of which can harm others and undermine justice.
“You shall not covet.” This commandment exhorts us to avoid envy and jealousy, recognizing that our desires should be guided by God’s will.

Turning now to the Seven Deadly Sins, these are a set of vices that have been identified as particularly harmful to the soul. The sins are: pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed. Let us take a closer look at each one:

Pride is excessive self-importance, leading to arrogance and a disregard for others.
Envy is a feeling of jealousy or resentment towards others’ possessions or abilities.
Wrath is intense anger or hatred towards others, often leading to violence or aggression.
Gluttony is excessive consumption of food or drink beyond what is necessary for sustenance or enjoyment.
Lust is an intense desire for sexual pleasure, often leading to immoral behavior.
Sloth is laziness or apathy towards one’s responsibilities or opportunities for growth.
Greed is an insatiable desire for material wealth or possessions, leading to selfishness and exploitation of others.

The Ten Commandments and the Seven Deadly Sins offer important insights into how we can live moral and fulfilling lives. By understanding and following these principles, we can cultivate virtues such as honesty, respect, compassion, and self-control, which are necessary for personal growth and social harmony.

joyful-echoes, selfcare

Self Love

Posted on May 25, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In today’s society, it can be challenging to remember the importance of self-respect and self-awareness. With so much emphasis placed on outward validation and success, we often forget that true happiness comes from within. In this essay, we will explore ways to live authentically, respect ourselves, recognize our talents and intelligence, and speak positively to ourselves.

First and foremost, it is essential for individuals to understand their worth and value as human beings. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 139:14 that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This means that we are all unique, with our own set of talents, strengths, and weaknesses. By embracing our individuality and recognizing our worth, we can live more fulfilling lives.

One way to show self-respect is by setting clear boundaries and saying no when necessary. We must prioritize our mental and physical well-being, even if it means prioritizing ourselves over others. This can be challenging at times, but it is a necessary step in living authentically.

Another essential aspect of self-awareness is recognizing our talents and intelligence. Proverbs 22:29 tells us, “Do you see a person skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and using our God-given talents to achieve success and fulfillment.

When it comes to speaking positively to ourselves, it can be helpful to practice affirmations daily. Affirmations are positive statements that can help reprogram our negative thought patterns. For example, repeating phrases like “I am worthy” or “I am capable” “ I am smart”can boost our confidence and self-esteem.

May we all strive to live our best lives and fulfill our God-given potential. Amen.

Kindness

The power of kindness

Posted on May 24, 2023May 23, 2023 by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In a world that can often feel divided and disheartening, it’s easy to forget the power of kindness. But sometimes, a small act of generosity from a stranger can remind us all of the goodness and compassion that still exists in humanity.

Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness? Perhaps it was something as simple as a stranger holding the door open for you, or someone letting you go ahead of them in line at the grocery store. Whatever it was, chances are it left a lasting impression on you.

As Christians, we’re called to be kind and compassionate towards others, just as God has shown us kindness and compassion. In fact, the Bible is full of verses that encourage us to be generous and loving towards others.

One such verse comes from Proverbs 11:25, which says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This reminds us that when we show kindness to others, we also reap the benefits of that kindness.

Another well-known verse, Ephesians 4:32, says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This verse encourages us to not only show kindness, but also to forgive others and have a tender heart towards them.

So the next time you have the opportunity to do a random act of kindness for someone, don’t hesitate. Whether it’s paying for their coffee or simply offering a listening ear, you never know how much of an impact it may have on their day. And when someone shows you kindness, be sure to thank them and pass it on to someone else.

Remember, as Christians we’re called to spread love and joy wherever we go. So let’s all strive to be a little kinder today, and every day.