Author: ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The body always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is listening and doing what your body needs. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in 1997ish, Avascular Necrosis aka Osteonecrosis in my knee in 2014 and Factor V Leiden hetero, and Spondylolisthesis 2005ish Health Advocate-Health Activist-World Changer Love photography, cooking, hiking, walking ,traveling and learning to live a new normal since my diagnosis. My Links Facebook Main Profile https://www.facebook.com/debbie.briglovichandio Main Blog www.ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/debbiea001 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debbiea_1962 and https://www.instagram.com/chronicallygratefulme Support Group Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis Support Int’l https://m.facebook.com/groups/DeadBoneDiseaseAvn Awareness for Avascular Necrosis & Other Conditions of The Bone and Joints https://www.facebook.com/AvascularNecrosisAndBoneDiseaseAwareness/ Avascular Necrosis Awareness Day November 29 – working with elected officials to get this recognized in all states https://www.facebook.com/AwarenessByDebla/ Avascular Necrosis-Osteonecrosis Knowledge and Education https://www.facebook.com/AvascularNecrosisEducation/ Facebook Link https://m.facebook.com/ChronicallyGrateful.Me/
Posted in Bible, joyful-echoes

Our Mind is the Control Tower of Our Life.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Our minds truly are the control tower of our lives, and it’s important to understand the power of our thoughts. Our thoughts can either lift us up or bring us down, and it’s up to us to choose what kind of thoughts we allow to take root in our minds.

One way to help control our thoughts is to open our minds up to a higher power. By programming our minds to think the way God thinks and focusing on things above instead of earthly desires, we are able to experience the best that life has to offer.

However, it’s important to be mindful of what content we are allowing into our minds. Watching sexual shows, pornography, and horror movies can poison our thoughts and program our minds towards negative thinking. These types of content can be seen as junk, and by avoiding them we can better control our thoughts and ultimately lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

As Colossians chapter 3 states, if we have been raised up by Christ, we should set our minds on things above and strive to eliminate greedy, materialistic, swearing, drugs and alcohol all evil desires and idolatrous thoughts from our lives. By doing so, we can experience the best God has in store for us and live our lives to the fullest.

2nd Corinthians Chapter 4

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side,but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”[b] Since we have that same spirit of[c]faith, we also believe and therefore speak,14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:6 Gen. 1:3
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:13 Psalm 116:10 (see Septuagint)
  3. 2 Corinthians 4:13 Or Spirit-given

2nd Corinthians Chapter 11

Paul and the False Apostles

11 I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

5 I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”[a] 6 I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.7 Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me,nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Paul Boasts About His Sufferings

16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17 In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18 Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. 19 You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!20 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face.21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently,been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knowsthat I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me.33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:5 Or to the most eminent apostles

Posted in Grateful

Mothers Day Gratitude

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the importance of appreciating the people in our lives who make a difference. For me, those people are my daughter and granddaughter. My daughter has been working tirelessly since the age of 13, and her hard work and kind heart never cease to inspire me. As for my granddaughter, she is an exceptional individual who uses her intelligence, humor, and sensitivity to help those less fortunate. I couldn’t be more grateful for these two amazing women who constantly remind me of the power of love and kindness.

I love you Tiffany and Celina.

Let’s all take a moment to acknowledge the special people in our lives and show them how much we value them. #Gratitude #Blessings

Posted in Mom

Mothers Day to Those Who Buried A Child

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Losing a child young or old is a pain that no parent should have to endure, and my heart goes out to all those who have experienced this kind of loss. It’s difficult to find the right words to say in times like these, but the most important thing is to show compassion, empathy, and support for those who are grieving.

For mothers who have lost a child, Mother’s Day can be an especially difficult day. It’s a reminder of the child they have lost and the love they continue to hold for them.

As someone who hasn’t experienced this kind of loss, it’s important for me to acknowledge that my words may not fully capture the depth of their pain. I remember how sad my grandmother was losing one of her daughters, I watched my Aunt grieving over the loss of her son to cancer, then to a daughter with recurring meningioma than just 6 months later losing a 3rd child to cancer.

I have watched cousins lose adult children and friends also lose a children to car accidents, addiction, cancer, depression, suicide.

What we can do as a community is to offer love, support, and listening ears to those who need it. This may mean reaching out to a friend or family member who has experienced this kind of loss, sending a thoughtful message or card, or participating in a charity event that supports families who are grieving.

As I think about the mothers who have had to bury a child, I am reminded of the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She watched as her son was crucified in front of her eyes, yet she still found the strength to carry on and become a pillar of the early Christian Church. Mary’s strength and resilience in the face of such unbearable pain are an example to all.

Another story from the Bible that speaks to the strength of mothers is the story of Hannah. Hannah was barren and longed for a child, but God blessed her with a son, Samuel. When Samuel was weaned, Hannah gave him up to serve in the temple. It took a tremendous amount of strength and faith for Hannah to let go of Samuel, but she knew that he was meant for something greater. Her love and dedication to her son are an inspiration to us all.

Finally, the Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful depiction of a strong and capable mother. She works tirelessly to provide for her family, and her children rise up and call her blessed. She is a true example of the strength and love that all mothers possess.

To all the moms who have had to bury a child, young or adult I want to say that you are not alone.

Your strength and resilience in the face of such unimaginable pain are a testament to the love that you have for your child. May God bless you and give you the strength to carry on. Happy Mother’s Day. #StrengthofMothers #Love #Resilience #MothersDay

Posted in Mom

Mothers Day

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate and honor the women in our lives – our mothers and grandmothers. These strong, loving and nurturing women play such a significant role in shaping our lives, and it is important that we take the time to show them how much they mean to us.

It is essential, however, that we remember that our mothers and grandmothers, like all humans are not perfect and are doing the best they can for the situation they are in. They may make mistakes or fall short of our expectations at times, but we should always show them respect and appreciation for all the hard work and love they have poured into raising us.

Whether it’s a phone call, a lunch date, or a heartfelt card, taking the time to reach out and show our mothers and grandmothers how much they are loved and appreciated can go a long way. It is an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with these important figures in our lives and make them feel valued and cherished.

But what if your mom has passed away? Celebrating Mother’s Day can be a difficult and emotional experience for those who have lost their mothers. It’s natural to feel sadness and longing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still honor and celebrate the memory of your mother. One way to do so is by cooking her favorite meal and sharing it with loved ones while reminiscing about fond memories with her. Visiting her grave or planting flowers or a tree in her honor can also be a meaningful gesture. Looking at old family photos and recalling funny stories or moments can bring comfort and help keep her memory alive. While it may be hard to accept that our mothers are no longer physically with us, celebrating and honoring their memory can provide a sense of connection and comfort on Mother’s Day and throughout the year.

So, let us take this Mother’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful women who have influenced and shaped us, and to let them know just how much they mean to us!

Regardless of our age, it’s important to always show respect to our mothers and grandmothers. These women have played crucial roles in our lives, often serving as our primary caregivers and role models. They have stood by us through thick and thin, providing us with unconditional love and support. No matter what we say or do, they are there to cheer us on and offer advice when we need it most. Never shut your mother or grandmother out of your life : in fact they are they first people you go to.

Always make time for her or them. They are always so happy when you reach out to them.

Our mothers and grandmothers only want what’s best for us and have our best interests at heart. It’s important to cherish and honor these special women in our lives, as they have helped shape us into the people we are today.

Remember, no one will ever love you more than your mother and grandmother because you are a part of them.

Wishing all a beautiful and happy Mother’s Day.

Posted in Blessed, joyful-echoes

Love Being a Mom and Grandma

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but feel grateful for my daughter and granddaughter. They are the shining stars in my life, and I am so blessed to have them by my side.

My daughter is an incredible woman who never fails to amaze me with her kindness, dedication, and strength. She has been my rock through thick and thin, and I could not be prouder of her accomplishments.

And then there’s my granddaughter, a young woman who is simply beautiful inside and out. She helps those less fortunate, she earns her own living and has goals. Her infectious smile and caring heart never cease to fill me with joy, and I feel so lucky to have them both in my life.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to thank these two incredible women for being a constant source of love and support in my life. Without them, I don’t know where I would be.

To all the mothers and mother figures out there, I hope this day brings you as much joy and happiness as you bring to the world. Never forget the impact you have on those around you, and always remember that you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day! #mothersday #familylove #gratefulheart

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.