Month: May 2023

Posted in Faith, Storytelling

A New Path

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once, in a small village nestled in the rolling green hills of Ireland, there lived a couple by the names of Sean and Bridget. They were simple folk, with modest means and big hearts. They worked hard day in and day out to provide for their family, which consisted of eight boisterous children.

But then, disaster struck. The great potato famine hit the country, leaving many families, including Sean and Bridget’s, without food or hope. They watched as their crops withered and died before their eyes, leaving them with nothing to feed their hungry brood.

Desperate for a solution, Sean and Bridget decided to take a chance and set sail for America, where they had heard that there were opportunities aplenty. They scraped together every penny they had, and borrowed from friends and family, until they had enough money to make the journey.

The voyage was long and arduous, and the family faced countless obstacles and challenges along the way. But finally, they arrived on the shores of America, hopeful and ready to start anew.

Unfortunately, their troubles were far from over. They soon discovered that life in America was just as difficult as it had been back home. People were dying from cholera, typhoid fever, and other illnesses, and the family struggled to make ends meet.

Despite the pain and suffering they endured, Sean and Bridget refused to give up. They held onto their faith and their love for one another, and slowly but surely, they began to carve out a new life for themselves in this strange new land.

Years passed, and the family grew and prospered. They faced new challenges and hardships, but they never lost sight of the love and determination that had brought them this far. And in the end, they knew that they were blessed to have each other, and that nothing could ever break the bonds that held them together.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23.

Posted in Mom

Mothers Day When Mom as Passed On.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the women who have played crucial roles in our lives. However, for those of us who have lost our mothers, this day can be bittersweet. While we may not be able to physically celebrate with them, it’s important to remember that they are still with us in spirit.

One way to honor our mothers who are no longer with us is to continue their legacy. Think about the values your mother held dear, and strive to incorporate those values into your own life. Did she volunteer at a local charity? Consider doing the same. Did she have a passion for gardening? Plant a flower in her memory.

Another way to honor your mother is to create a special memorial. This can be as simple as lighting a candle or displaying a photo of her in a special place. You could also make a donation to a cause she cared about in her memory.

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to feel sadness and grief on Mother’s Day. Take the time to reflect on your memories and emotions, and know that your mother will always hold a special place in your heart.

Posted in War,Faith

Joe WWII

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Of course, let me tell you the story of Joe, a young American boy who went to war in World War II at the age of 17, lying about his age to join the fight. He knew it would be tough, but he had a fierce determination to serve his country.

Joe saw firsthand the terrible effects of war, not just on the mind, but on the body and families as well. He fought in several campaigns in Africa, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. He saw friends and fellow soldiers perish in front of his eyes, and the horrors of war were always present.

Despite the brutal reality of war, Joe kept his faith in God. He knew that he was never alone and that his belief kept him going even in the darkest hours. His unwavering spirit inspired those around him, and his courage in the face of adversity was evident to all.

Sadly, Joe did not make it home from the war, and his family was devastated by his loss. But before he passed, he left them with a legacy of bravery and patriotism that would never be forgotten. He knew that God was with him through it all, and that gave him the strength to keep fighting until the very end.

Joe’s story is a testament to the power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the sacrifices made by brave soldiers like him who fought for the greater good. His legacy continues to inspire us today, reminding us of the true cost of freedom and the importance of never forgetting those who gave everything for it.

Posted in Faith, joyful-echoes, Ministry, Storytelling

Siblings Sent to America ( 1896)

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In 1896 in a small town in Germany, there lived a young girl and boy who were brother and sister. They came from a very poor family and had struggled to make ends meet for as long as they could remember. One day, their parents had to make a tough decision to send them to the United States with their aunt and uncle, while the oldest two siblings stayed back to work on the family farm.

The young siblings were heartbroken and felt abandoned by their family. They didn’t understand why they had to leave and why their family couldn’t afford to keep them all together. They feared that they were not loved and their sadness was overwhelming.

Upon arriving in the United States, the young siblings were taken in by their aunt and uncle, but they still felt alone and isolated. Months went by and they barely spoke to anyone outside their relatives’ home. However, their quiet and lonely lives soon changed when they met a Baptist minister and his wife who lived on the same street.

At first, the siblings were hesitant to speak with the couple, fearing they might be judged or rejected. But the preacher and his wife kept trying to reach out to them, inviting them over for tea and encouraging them to share their stories.

Eventually, the young siblings warmed up to the minister and his wife and began to share their stories of sadness and pain. The preacher and his wife listened intently and offered comfort and kindness, becoming a source of support for the siblings.

Although they still missed their family dearly, the young siblings found solace in the company of the minister and his wife. They felt a sense of belonging and were grateful for the love that they were shown, even in the midst of such disparity.

In time, their hearts healed, and they became resilient and strong. They never forgot the kind couple who had shown them compassion and kindness when they needed it the most. And even though they still faced challenges in their lives, they were forever grateful for the love that had been shown to them, and they knew that they were never truly alone.

As the siblings grew older and became successful in their own careers, they never forgot the kindness and generosity of their aunt and uncle who had taken them in and cared for them as their own children. They always made it a point to send money back home to their family and visit them whenever they could.

Eventually, the siblings found partners,married and had children of their own and continued the tradition of visiting their family in Germany and helping out on the family farm. They wanted their children to understand the importance of family and showing love and kindness to others.

When the Baptist minister who had taken them under his wing fell ill, the siblings rushed to be by his wife’s side and expressed their gratitude and love for the couple who had shown them so much kindness over the years. They wanted them to know how much they had impacted their lives and that their kindness had not gone unnoticed.

In the end, the siblings realized that the love and kindness that had been shown to them as children was not just because they couldn’t be cared for, but rather out of love and compassion. And so, they vowed to continue spreading kindness wherever they went, knowing that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

Posted in Faith, Storytelling, support groups, 12 step

Eat to Live vs Live to Eat

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

There was a young woman named Emily. As a child, she found comfort in sugary treats and junk food, which her parents would often give her as a reward or to console her during difficult times.

As Emily grew older, her love for food only intensified. She would binge-eat late at night whenever she felt stressed or overwhelmed, causing her to gain an unhealthy amount of weight.

Emily tried to change her habits on her own, but her addiction to food seemed too strong to overcome. That’s when she decided to join a support group for people struggling with food addiction.

At first, Emily was hesitant to share her story with the group. But as she listened to others’ experiences and shared her own, she began to realize that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

Through counseling and group therapy, and believing in a power greater than herself Emily learned to address the underlying emotional issues that had led to her addiction. She also discovered healthier ways to cope with stress and anxiety, such as taking walks or practicing yoga.

Over time, Emily’s relationship with food became less toxic. She learned to enjoy meals in moderation and started exploring new, healthy recipes that she loved.

Emily’s journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. By facing her addiction head-on and seeking help, she was finally able to break free from the cycle of food addiction and find a happier, healthier life.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Joe the Junkyard Dog

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once upon a time, there was a lonely old dog named Joe who spent his days in a junkyard, searching for scraps of food to eat and a place to rest his head. He had never known what it was like to have a loving family, but he always dreamed of having someone to care for him.

One day, Joe stumbled upon a group of well-groomed dogs who looked at him with fear and apprehension. But as Joe approached them, he reassured them that he didn’t mean any harm. They began talking to him about what it was like to be loved by a human, and Joe’s heart filled with longing.

Then one day, a family spotted Joe wandering along the road, looking lost and hungry. They scooped him up and took him home, where they gave him a warm meal, a cozy bed, and all the love he could ever want.

At first, Joe was afraid of the bathtub, but with gentle reassurance, the family convinced him to take a bath. Afterwards, Joe felt like a brand new dog – he stood taller, felt prouder, and most importantly, felt loved! He forgot how beautiful his fur was blonde and tan and wow so shiny.

The moral of this story? Love can come from the most unexpected places, and when we open our hearts to one another, we can create a bond that will last forever.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

The Story of a Muslim Girl

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once, there was a young Muslim girl named Farah. She had always been self-conscious about her nose and felt like it was a barrier to finding love, sometimes she was made fun of because it was larger than average. She drew pictures and painted to help with her self esteem. She was very talented.

Her parents insisted she focus on her studies She was also experiencing anxiety because there was so much talk about the Muslim faith and community after 911, so much violence towards them she was afraid to tell anyone.

She was sad because dating was really not an option because she felt if she met a nice man her parents would disapprove.

She had a growing passion for art and it helped her relax. She was approached by several places to show her art and her parents would not allow it. Education was to be her main focus.

A couple years had passed by and she was almost finished with college when her parents came to her and advised her that her father arranged for her to marry someone she already knew, Farah was very torn. She didn’t want to disappoint her family, but she also didn’t want to settle for a life she didn’t truly desire.

Despite her reservations, Farah trusted her father’s judgment and went ahead with the marriage. To her surprise, it ended up being a wonderful thing in her life. Her husband, Ahmed, turned out to be incredibly understanding and supportive, and he loved her for who she was, flaws and all.

They did have many things in common. The love of travel and helping in the community. He was a surgeon and she was studying to be a pediatrician.

He complimented her regularly and shown her much respect. He never spoke harsh to her.

With Ahmed by her side, Farah gained confidence in herself and her abilities. She pursued her passion for art and even started a social media account to showcase her work. Through her art and her words, Farah became a role model for other young Muslim girls who were struggling with self-esteem issues. She was a brilliant pediatrician and also a very talented artist.

Looking back, Farah was grateful for her father’s decision to arrange her marriage. It brought her closer to the person she was truly meant to be and allowed her to find true happiness and fulfillment inher life.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Speedy The Toy Car

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Speedy was feeling down about his small size compared to the other toy cars. He confided in his friend Crusty the Dump Truck, who had always been a great listener. “Why can’t I be bigger and faster like the others?” Speedy asked.

Crusty smiled and replied, “Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you’re not important. You bring joy to children with your speed and agility, and that’s something to be proud of. Remember, being an individual means accepting yourself for who you are and making the most of your unique talents.”

Speedy realized that Crusty was right – he didn’t need to be anything else but himself. From that day on, he embraced his small size and raced with even more joy and energy than before. He may not have been the biggest or the fastest, but he was one-of-a-kind, and that was something special.

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” We are each fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with our own strengths and weaknesses. Accepting ourselves for who we are allows us to fully appreciate the unique person God has created us to be.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Prayer

Sunday Prayer

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

“Dear God, on this Sunday we come to you with open hearts. We thank you for the gift of your son Jesus, who taught us to love one another and to have faith in your plan. Help us to trust in your goodness, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges. May we be filled with hope and peace, knowing that you are always with us. Amen.”

  1. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
  2. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13.
  3. “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.
Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Charlie the Butterfly

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once, there was a caterpillar named Charlie who lived in a garden filled with vibrant flowers and tall trees. Charlie had always dreamed of flying like the birds he saw in the sky, but he knew that he was a mere caterpillar and couldn’t change that.

One day, an angel appeared before Charlie and said, “Do not be afraid of change, my friend. For soon, you will transform into something beautiful and free.” Charlie didn’t quite understand what the angel meant, but he trusted the angel’s words and waited patiently.

Days turned to weeks, and before Charlie knew it, he felt a sudden urge to spin himself a cocoon. It felt strange and scary, but Charlie remembered the angel’s words and pushed through it. He wrapped himself tightly in the cocoon, not knowing what would happen next.

After what seemed like an eternity, Charlie felt his body shifting and stretching. Suddenly, he burst out of the cocoon and found himself transformed into a stunning butterfly. He spread his wings and flew around the garden, marveling at the world around him. He couldn’t believe how different everything looked from up above.

As he flew around, Charlie realized that the angel had been right all along. Change wasn’t scary at all, it was beautiful and transformative. He felt grateful for the angel’s words of wisdom, which had given him the courage to spread his wings and fly.

From that day on, Charlie spent his days fluttering around the garden, surrounded by other beautiful butterflies. They danced together in the sun, reveling in their newfound freedom and the beauty of transformation. And Charlie knew that he had truly found his place in the world.

Before Charlie transformed into a butterfly, an angel visited him and spoke words of encouragement. This reminds me of a verse from the book of Isaiah that says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Just as Charlie was able to soar on wings after his transformation, we too can find strength and courage through our faith. When we put our hope in the Lord, He renews us, and we can overcome ourfears and challenges.