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 Hope, joyful-echoes

Jesus is Like A Car Wash

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Jesus and Life are like a car wash. Just like a car goes into the wash all dirty and grimy, we too get into some real muddy jams in life, sometimes the people we come in contact with are just as messy as we are.

There are mud slingers all in this world one thing we all have in common we are all here with flaws and imperfections. However, just like the car wash is able to clean the car and make it shiny and new, the grace of God can change our lives and make us clean shined and new again.

When we become new Christians, our sins are washed away, and we are shiny and new in the eyes of God. We are given a new beginning, a fresh start to build our faith and grow closer to God. However, just like a car can get dirty again after leaving the car wash, we too can stumble and fall back into our old ways. That’s why it’s important to continue to build our faith by reading our Bible, attending church, and seeking out opportunities to help our community.

In today’s world, there are many things we can watch on television that would be considered church. We can listen to sermons online, participate in virtual Bible studies, and find ways to connect with others in our faith community. We can also help our community by volunteering our time, donating to charity, and being the best person we can be.

It’s important to remember that we are not perfect. We are all flawed and make mistakes. However, we don’t have to be too hard on ourselves. God loves us unconditionally, and His grace is always available to us. We just need to take steps to walk a bit closer to Him and allow His love and grace to change our lives.

Just like a car wash can transform a dirty car into a shiny and new one, the grace of God can transform our lives and make us new again. So, let us embrace the grace of God and allow Him to wash away our sins and make us shiny and new in His sight.

Would you like to be free from all your sins? Repeat this prayer asking Jesus in your life.

Dear Lord

I come to you today asking you to come into my heart, wash away my sins, and make me new again. I believe that you died on the cross for me, and I want to be born again. Please forgive me for my sins, and help me to live a life that pleases you. Thank you for your love and grace.

In your name I pray, Amen.

Music by Pink Floyd The Big Gig in The Sky

Remember:

When you come to Jesus, it’s like going through a car wash. You go in dirty and come out clean and forgiven. The process of coming to Jesus is one of repentance and renewal, a recognition of our own brokenness and a surrendering of ourselves to God’s grace.

Just as a car needs to go through the car wash to get rid of dirt and debris that accumulates over time, so too do we need to go through the process of repentance to cleanse ourselves of the sin that weighs us down. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge our wrongdoing; we also need to take action to turn away from our sinful ways and seek forgiveness.

Through the blood of Jesus, our sins are washed away, and we are made new. We emerge from the “car wash” of repentance with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start. However, just like a car that continues to accumulate dirt and grime over time, we must remain vigilant in our walk with God, continually seeking His grace and strength to resist the temptations of sin.

Coming to Jesus is not a one-time event, but rather a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. By embracing His forgiveness and following in His footsteps, we can experience true freedom and find lasting peace in our hearts. So let us all take the plunge, go through the “car wash” of repentance, and emerge clean and forgiven, ready to continue on our journey of faith.

Posted in community, joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Jane’s Life Changed After She Found Help at a Food Bank

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Jane’s Life Changed After She Found Help at a Food Bank

Jane was just an ordinary person working at a local store until she started experiencing severe pain in her bones and joints. She was only 40 Eventually, she was diagnosed with a medical condition that prevented her from working and landed her on disability. Living on a fixed income was tough, and she could barely make ends meet. She dressed up every day as if she were going to work. Becoming disabled was hard for her to accept at first.

One day, Jane decided to visit a local food bank for help, and it changed her life. The people there were kind and welcoming, providing her with the food she needed and good conversations. As time went on, Jane became a regular visitor to the food bank. She enjoyed talking to the people at the food-bank..

However, after a few months of being a regular, Jane didn’t show up. The volunteers at the food bank began to worry and decided to check up on her. When they arrived at her home, they found her lying on the floor. It turned out that she had been there for days, and no one knew because her kids lived in another state, and she had no one else to rely on. Her cell phone flew across the room when she fell and also came apart.

She dislocated a hip and had to go to the hospital and she was there for several days and people at the food bank even came to visit her.

Fortunately, Jane survived, and her experience made her more grateful for the kindness shown to her by the food bank volunteers. In fact, she was so grateful that she decided to join a local church and found a new purpose Bd also helped at the food bank There, she met new friends and became more involved in her community.

Jane’s life changed for the better after finding help at a local food bank. It not only provided her with food but also with a sense of belonging and hope. Her story shows how important it is to have people in our lives who are willing to lend a helping hand, especially during difficult times.

Posted in Good Morning, Blessed

Morning Prayer April 24,2023

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Dear Lord,

As we wake up to a new day, we thank you for the gift of life, health, and strength. We are grateful for the opportunity to start afresh and make the most of every moment that you have given us.

We pray that you help us to be mindful of others today, and to be a blessing wherever we go. May we embrace each opportunity to share your love and kindness with those around us, and to make a positive impact on their lives.

Lord, we also ask that you remind us to take time to nourish our souls by reading your word. We know that your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. May we find wisdom, encouragement, and strength as we meditate on your word, even if it’s just for five minutes.

For those who don’t have a Bible, we pray that you lead them to the resources they need to access your word. May they find free apps, websites, or other resources that enable them to read and study your word.

We thank you for the new day that you have given us, and we pray that we honor you in every way today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Posted in Bible, Hope, joyful-echoes

Victorious in Times of Struggle

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Are you one person when life is running smoothly, but a different one when you are visited by hardship and suffering? If yes read on. There is hope.

It’s easy to praise God in good times and easy times when everything is running smoothly.

But what about during struggle? School is a struggle, job loss, low bank account or no bank account, kids driving you crazy it seems. The older they get the more you worry, spouse left, illness or death in family , car broke down. So how do you talk to God then? Do you blame him? Or do you stay on the same path..

How do the circumstances you face impact your life? When you encounter difficult situations, pain, or disappointment, do you notice any changes in your behavior or demeanor? Are you the same person when things are going well as when you face hardship and suffering? It’s common to feel discouraged during tough times, but we must remember that our faith can help us stay strong. While trials can temporarily dampen our spirits, we can still find joy in our relationship with Christ and not let troubles steal it away.

The relationship between believers and Jesus Christ remains unchanging, regardless of the circumstances they face. This unshakable foundation is the source of joy in all situations. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written while he was imprisoned, yet his words were filled with joy. Despite being uncertain about his future and enduring the hardships of prison, he encouraged others to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).
While happiness is dependent on favorable circumstances, joy is rooted in a relationship. Christians have the privilege of experiencing joy in all circumstances because of their relationship with Christ, who sustains them. This joy is different from worldly happiness and is a God-given feeling.
When we become children of God through salvation, the Holy Spirit seals us in this relationship. This knowledge empowers us to face difficulties with inner confidence, joy, and contentment even in the darkest valleys.
Our circumstances should not dictate our disposition. Focusing on our problems instead of Christ can trap us in a cycle of despair. The apostle Paul had an unmovable foundation of joy in Christ, which allowed him to endure even the harshest conditions. He was imprisoned, unable to spread the gospel, and faced false accusations and an uncertain future. Despite all of this, he found joy in Christ and remained confident in his destiny to be with God, never once complaining or expressing sorrow over his confinement.

Paul’s joy came from his relationship with Jesus, a privilege that Christians share because Christ remains unchanged. Although it’s not natural to rejoice during tough times, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit within them to grow during difficult circumstances. Instead of trying to control outcomes, Christians can trust that the Lord will provide for their needs and find joy in Him, which becomes an unshakable foundation.

This joy is a spiritual gift, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Sin can hinder our experience of this joy by disobedience to the Spirit.

Joy is rooted in a relationship, whereas happiness is dependent on circumstances. While conditions can change daily, our relationship with Jesus remains unchanging and eternal. Paul’s relationship with Christ allowed him to transcend his difficult surroundings, and this is possible for us too. Even in times of hardship and suffering, God remains steadfastly with us, and joy can be a reality.

When we experience pain, we can still find joy because God walks through our struggles with us. He is in control of our circumstances and works to turn our trials into good. We are never separated from His love, so we can thank Him for what He’s doing in us.

To understand how to find joy in the midst of pain, we can look to 1 Peter 1:3-8, which reminds us that our faith is being refined through trials and will be honored at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Joy is more than a feeling; it’s a deep assurance and confidence that overflows from who we are. We forgot God Is Hope . We are given grace-mercy-bodily-confidentiality-love-cleansing-a new beginning.

Tonight before bed get on your knees and read

Psalms 139:1-6 TPT

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.

We need to get on our knees to show reverence. I know many have physical limitations. But if you can get on your knees. It will transform your prayer life. And the only thing that will kneel is from doing this is PRIDE Pride will say I don’t need this he knows my hurts. If you have something you don’t want to surrender you won’t be able to do this. Because of Pride.

He is the righteous HOLY God and you are to be on bend knee you are acknowledging his holiness, his grace. Be as a small child and get on your knees and say that Bible verse. Do it daily or nightly

Watch your life start to change.

KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 4:1-4 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:22-23 | Hebrews 13:5 | 1 Peter 1:3-8 Psalm 139:1-6

More passages to read

Lamentations 3:26

Ephesians: 6:10-18

1 Peter:5:8

Posted in community, joyful-echoes

From Homeless to Home Meet Joe

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Joe had always been a tough guy, and his years in the army only made him tougher. He served in Desert Storm and was proud of his service. But after he came home, he found adjusting to civilian life was harder than he thought. He couldn’t shake the memories of the things he saw and had to do in the war. He started having nightmares and flashbacks, and his temper was always on edge.

His wife tried to be patient with him, but it was hard. Joe was always angry and distant, and he drank heavily to numb the pain. Soon, he turned to drugs to escape the constant ache in his heart. His wife begged him to get help, but Joe refused. He was too proud to admit he had a problem.

One day, Joe stumbled into a local soup kitchen, looking for a meal. There, he met a man who introduced himself as a pastor. The pastor listened patiently as Joe spilled out his story, his pain, and his struggles. The pastor didn’t judge him or condemn him. Instead, he offered him a job doing yard work at the church.

Joe was surprised at the kindness of this stranger. He started to show up every day to work at the church. Soon, he found himself attending AA and NA meetings with the pastor’s encouragement. He started to open up about his past, and he found others who had struggled with the same things he had. He found a community of people who understood his pain.

Slowly, Joe started to change. He stopped drinking, then stopped using drugs. He found a job and started to rebuild his life. He even reconnected with his ex-wife, who was amazed at the transformation in him. Joe knew it wasn’t just his own strength that had pulled him through. He knew it was the grace of God that had given him a second chance, and the kindness of the pastor who had shown him that he was still worthy of love and respect.

Joe still had bad days, but he now had the tools and support to get through them. He continued to work at the church, helping others who were struggling with addiction and PTSD. He knew that he could never undo the things he had done, or erase the things he had seen, but he could use his experiences to help others find hope and healing. And that was enough for him.

After staying at a mission for 8 months Joe was surprised to know a member of the church owned several properties and saw the amazing transformation and hard word Joe was putting in every day. He approached Joe and asked him Sir would you be interested in looking after my property and mowing the laws at 3 others? In turn I will provide you with a home rent free and all utilities paid for 1 year then give you the opportunity to remain there at a reasonable rent or you could move on.

Thankfully Joe jumped on it.

It’s good to see that all his work and commitment is paying off. And that we are taking care of our vets

Posted in Bible, joyful-echoes

Learning the Gospels

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

If you want to know about Jesus and his teachings, the best place to turn to is the Gospels in the New Testament. These are the four books that tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, as well as the teachings he shared with his followers. The Gospels were written by four different authors: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Matthew’s Gospel focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the Messiah. Mark’s Gospel is fast-paced and action-packed, emphasizing Jesus’ miracles and teachings. Luke’s Gospel is written to a non-Jewish audience and emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and concern for the poor and marginalized. John’s Gospel is the most abstract and philosophical of the four, emphasizing Jesus’ divinity and his relationship with God.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers spread his message throughout the world. Many of the apostles traveled to Italy, Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Austria, Hungary, and Spain to preach the word. In 49 A.D., Paul and his team went to Macedonia and Greece to spread the Gospel.

However, the early Christians faced persecution from the Roman Empire. In Rome, both Peter and Paul were arrested for their beliefs. Peter was crucified upside down, while Paul was beheaded. The Basilica of St. Peter in Italy is said to be the location where Peter is buried, while the Basilica of St. Paul houses Paul’s remains.

The history of the early Christian church is fascinating, and the stories of the apostles and their travels are inspiring. Despite persecution and hardship, they were willing to risk everything to spread the message of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Today, the Gospels and the history of the early church continue to inspire and guide Christians around the world.

Posted in Brave, It’s ok to be different, joyful-echoes, Storytelling

A Brave Duck Named Charles

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once upon a time, in a beautiful forest lived a duck named Charles. Charles was a brave duck who loved to explore the world around him. One day, while he was swimming in the pond, he saw a beautiful deer running gracefully through the forest. Charles was amazed by the deer’s beauty and gracefulness, and he wished he could be like him.

Deers are Magnificent, graceful creatures, deer roam freely and are symbols of both the feminine and masculine. From the gentle doe to the mighty stag, thetotem deerrepresents gentleness, innocence, intuition, and unconditional love, as well as safety, strength, and protection.

Deer are highly sensitive creatures and are intuitively aware of subtle energies happening all around them. By nature, people with thedeer animal spirit are caring and compassionate and navigate life with ease and grace. They will likely make you feel comfortable with their soothing and calm demeanor.

A deer named Buttercup

But Charles knew that he couldn’t be like the deer because he was a duck, and ducks live in the water. However, this didn’t stop Charles from dreaming big. He wanted to be brave like the deer and explore the world outside of the pond.

One day, Charles decided to venture out of the pond and into the forest. He wasn’t afraid of crossing the street or the dark because he knew that God was always with him. He swam across the pond, walked across the grass, and even climbed over a log.

As he was exploring the forest, he met the deer he had been admiring from afar. The deer was surprised to see a duck in the forest and asked Charles why he was there. Charles explained that he wanted to be strong and brave like the deer and explore the world outside of the pond.

Buttercup smiled and told Charles that he was already smart ,strong and brave because he knew how to swim when he was born, he was willing to venture out of his comfort zone. He told Charles that he didn’t have to be like him to be brave, and that God had made him perfectly the way he was.

Charles was happy to hear this and thanked Buttercup for his kind words. He realized that he didn’t have to be like the deer to be brave and explore the world around him. He was already brave just by being himself. He was perfectly made by God.

As Charles made his way back to the pond, he remembered a Bible verse that his mother had taught him. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10) He knew that as long as he had God with him, he could be brave and explore the world around him.

From that day on, Charles continued to explore the world outside of the pond. He was still a duck, but he was a brave duck who wasn’t afraid to dream big. And whenever he felt scared or unsure, he remembered the Bible verse that had helped him become brave.

The end.

Posted in Uncategorized

Welcome To My Blog and Thank You for Stopping By

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Welcome to this blog, where we strive to spread positivity and uplift those who may be feeling down. 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 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 it.

In conclusion, we want to reiterate that everyone is welcome here. We believe that by creating a space of love and respect, we can make a positive impact on the world. So let’s continue to spread hope and positivity wherever we go, and create a world that is more loving, compassionate, and connected. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Posted in Uncategorized

God is Omnipotent

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

God is omnipotent, which means that he is all-powerful and can do anything he wants. He is also sovereign, which means that he has complete control over all things. This is why God often speaks in an audible voice. When God speaks, it is not just a suggestion or an opinion, it is the truth. God’s voice is authoritative and powerful, and when we hear it, we know that it is him speaking.

God also speaks in dreams and visions. Dreams are a way for God to communicate with us when we are sleeping. Visions are similar to dreams, but they are more like waking dreams. When we have a vision, we are awake, but we are seeing something that is not really there. Both dreams and visions can be used by God to give us guidance and direction.

God also speaks through miracles. Miracles are events that happen outside of the natural order of things, and they are a sign that God is at work. When we see a miracle, we know that God is speaking to us and that he wants us to pay attention to what he is saying.

The written word is another way that God speaks to us. The Bible is God’s word, and it is full of instructions, guidance, and wisdom. When we read the Bible, we are hearing God’s voice. The Bible is a living document, and God can use it to speak to us in new and fresh ways every time we read it.

God also speaks through other people. Sometimes, God will use people we love to give us guidance and direction. Other times, he will use people we don’t like to challenge us and help us grow. When we hear something from someone else that resonates with us, we should pay attention, because it could be God speaking through them.

Finally, God speaks through coincidences. A coincidence is when two things happen that seem to be related, but there is no logical explanation for why they happened. When we experience a coincidence, we should remember that it is God’s way of being anonymous. He is trying to get our attention, and we should be open to what he is saying.

In conclusion, God speaks to us in many different ways. Whether it is through an audible voice, dreams and visions, miracles, the written word, other people, or coincidences, we should always be open to hearing what he has to say. God is always speaking, and if we are listening, we will hear his voice.

Posted in Hope, joyful-echoes

Jesus at the Door

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

“The Story Behind the Image of Jesus at the Door”

The image of Jesus standing at the door, waiting for us to invite him in, is a powerful and symbolic one. It represents the idea that even though God’s love and grace are always available to us, we have to choose to accept them and let them into our lives.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This verse captures the heart of the image, as Jesus patiently waits for us to hear his knock and open the door to him.

But why is there no door knob on the door in the picture? Some people might interpret this as Jesus not wanting to force his way into our lives, or respecting our free will to choose whether or not to let him in. Others might see it as a reminder that we have to actively seek Jesus and make the effort to open the door ourselves – it won’t just magically open on its own.

Regardless of how you interpret the image, the message remains the same: Jesus is always ready and willing to enter into our lives and bring us peace, hope, and salvation. We just have to decide to let him in.

So if you’re feeling lost, alone, or uncertain about your faith journey, remember that Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. He wants to come in and share his love with you. Will you open the door and invite him in?”