Tag: Peace

Posted in Uncategorized

Franjo & Anna Christmas Miracle (Storytelling)Not a real event

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once upon a time, near the town of Bethlehem, there lived a kind farmer named Franjo and his wife Anna.Their small home was made of mud and straw, where they lived with their animals—2 wise old oxen, 3 donkeys, two chickens, and two beautiful gentle sheep. On cold nights, Franjo would light a small fire to keep them warm, heating stones that glowed with cozy warmth.

During the day, Franjo tended to the animals and the very dry small piece of land trying to get some crops to grow while Anna worked hard spinning wool from the sheep to make beautiful cloaks and blankets to sell in town.

One bright day, as they journeyed to town with their goods, they met a young couple seeking shelter in Bethlehem. The couple looked tired and thirsty.

Franjo offered them water and some flat bread and guided them to the town, where they parted ways. Later, as night fell, the couple found themselves in need of a place to stay, but the inns were full. As Franjo and Ann were headed back home , they spotted the young couple and asked how things were.

The man told Franjo they have no place to sleep and wife is very pregnant.

Moved by their plight, Franjo sought help from a friend who offered them a stable behind the inn. The couple, Mary and Joseph, welcomed this refuge gratefully.

In the cold stable, Mary wrapped in a couple blankets gifted by Anna,

Franjo and Anna went outside to gather sticks and rocks to make a fire and heat the stones, so the couple was not freezing. They were gone for a short time when they returned.

Mary had gave birth to a baby boy. To everyone’s surprise, the donkeys in the stable began to speak , proclaiming the child to be called Jesus, is the son of God. In that divine moment, Anna found her voice miraculously restored, blessing her with the ability to speak once more.

Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Franjo and Anna knelt in prayer, and Anna, overcome with emotion, welcomed the blessed child with her newfound voice. The donkeys blessed them for their kindness and instructed them to spread the news of the Lord’s arrival.

Filled with astonishment and faith, Franjo and Anna shared the miraculous story with their neighbors, and anyone who would hear it, spreading love and joy wherever they went. They were blessed abundantly, from their fields yielding plentiful harvests to receiving gifts of land from their neighbors. Every day, they sang songs of praise and worship, living their lives in the light of divine grace.

And so, the night the donkeys spoke became a tale of kindness, blessings, and the miraculous restoration of Anna’s voice, forever cherishing the wondrous events that unfolded in their humble stable.

Posted in Faith, Forgiveness, Life, Love, New Year, Peace

Embracing Positivity in the New Year: A Journey of Forgiveness and Love

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

As the new year dawns upon us, I find myself reflecting on the transformative power of forgiveness, love, and understanding. It’s not just a gift we bestow upon others; it’s a profound gift we give ourselves, lightening our spirits and keeping us aligned with the positive energy that emanates from God.

Entering the new year with a heart full of forgiveness is an act of divine grace. In the Bible, we are reminded that to receive forgiveness, we must extend it to others. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) This timeless truth emphasizes the reciprocity of forgiveness—our ability to receive it hinges on our willingness to grant it.

In the tapestry of life, forgiveness is the thread that weaves love and understanding into our relationships. The act of forgiving others is not merely a gesture of bidding goodbye to resentment; it’s a way of releasing the negative vibes that can weigh us down. As we embrace forgiveness, we free ourselves from the shackles of bitterness, creating space for love and positivity to flourish.

A quote that resonates with the essence of stepping into the new year with a positive mindset is, “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” (Brad Paisley) Each day offers an opportunity for a new beginning, a chance to let go of past grievances and embrace a brighter, more positive future.

So, as we stand at the threshold of the new year, let’s commit to forgiveness, love, and understanding. In doing so, we not only gift others the grace of our forgiveness but also bestow upon ourselves the freedom to live in harmony with the divine positivity that surrounds us. May the coming year be a tapestry woven with threads of love, understanding, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Posted in Forgiveness, Grateful, Peace, Uncategorized

Embracing Forgiveness: A Journey to a Lighter Heart

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

As I stand on the threshold of a new year, I reflect on the transformative power of forgiveness. This year, let’s embark on a journey to lighten our hearts by extending forgiveness to ourselves, to those who have hurt us, and by seeking forgiveness from those we’ve wronged.

Forgiving oneself is a profound act of self-love. Accept that mistakes are inevitable, and through each one, we gain wisdom and strength. Try your best, learn from each misstep, and remember, there’s always tomorrow. As I look back on my tumultuous relationship with my late mother, I grappled with guilt but found solace in making amends in my 30s. Despite the moments of regret, I now carry the lessons forward, honoring her memory by striving to be a better person every day. I wasn’t a terrible daughter but there were times I disrespected her that hurt her feelings and that bothers me. Because I was a mouthy teen and abused wife I sometimes yelled at her when I had no right and when she died I would dwell in my negative vs all the happy times and laughs we had.

When forgiving others, discern if the hurt was personal or a reflection of their struggles. Often, it’s the latter—borne out of insecurities or past traumas. Gift them forgiveness, even if they don’t apologize. Partial forgiveness is a start, and with time and commitment, complete forgiveness may follow. I’ve experienced the liberation of forgiving those who once caused me pain—it’s a gift to both parties.

Seeking forgiveness is a humbling process. Be honest, respect their decision, and commit to making amends. Facing rejection was once my greatest challenge, but with age comes the wisdom to admit mistakes promptly. Forgiving those who wronged me was equally liberating—I did it for myself. While some things may seem unforgivable, our capacity for forgiveness is immense if we earnestly try.

I encourage you to forgive everyone who has hurt you, one person at a time, at your own pace. Extend forgiveness to yourself—it’s a gift of peace you deserve. Have the courage to seek forgiveness from others; the effort alone brings a sense of closure. As we step into the new year, may we shed the weight of resentment and embrace the lightness that forgiveness brings—a lighter you, ready to face the world with a heart unburdened.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” – Luke 6:27

Posted in serenity

Harmony Within: Finding Peace with God and Others

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In the hustle of life, discovering inner peace often starts with a connection to something greater than ourselves. For many, this connection comes through a sense of harmony with God, a peace that becomes a foundation for fostering tranquility in relationships with others.

Biblical wisdom echoes this sentiment, as stated in Philippians 4:7 (NIV): “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse emphasizes the transformative power of finding peace with God and its profound impact on our emotional well-being.

When individuals cultivate a deep-seated peace with the divine, it becomes a guiding force that influences how they interact with those around them. It fosters patience, understanding, and compassion, creating a ripple effect that extends to relationships with family, friends, and even strangers.

The essence of this peace lies in surrendering worries and fears, trusting in a higher purpose, and embracing a sense of divine love. This spiritual grounding serves as a stabilizing force, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace and empathy.

The journey to peace with God often involves prayer, meditation, and reflection on spiritual teachings. As this connection strengthens, individuals find themselves better equipped to navigate conflicts, forgive others, and extend a hand of reconciliation.

In the tapestry of life, the threads of inner peace and harmonious relationships are intricately woven. When one is at peace with God, it becomes a transformative experience that not only nourishes the soul but also creates a reservoir of compassion that can be shared with others.

The path to true harmony involves finding peace with God, as reflected in Philippians 4:7. This divine connection serves as a cornerstone for cultivating peace in our relationships with others, fostering a world where understanding, forgiveness, and love can flourish.

Have a blessed day

Deb