Category Archives: Gratitude

Heartbroken

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Me, Relationships by

On a good day, I don’t shed a tear. On a bad day, there’s not enough tissues to go around. I’m looking forward to waking up one day soon and feeling my broken heart is healed. On that day, I’ll be able to look back and feel grateful for being part of something bigger than me, something that gave me the chance to love something outside of my small world as I knew it. And then I can smile instead of cry. But for now, I have my prayers and my faith.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

Image result for free broken heart jpg

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

Happy New Year!

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Joy, Me, Strength by

Another year is behind us. As many do, I’m looking back on the past twelve months with mixed emotions. Yes, there are some moments I’d like to forget. In this final countdown to the new year, I’m letting go of the difficult times, the tears shed, and those random moments that caused me to forget that I do, in fact, lead a joyful life.

I’m breaking from those brief periods of time that felt like an eternity; those chapters in my life that led me to believe my spirit of love, light, and joy had ceased to exist. I’m forgiving myself for letting my guard down in those pockets of time that were far from bliss and closer to misery.

But in looking back, I can’t deny the joyful memories that eclipse the unpleasant. For every tear, there were a dozen smiles; for every failure, a handful of victories; for every bout of weakness, a tower of strength. And, as always, my faith and gratitude remain.

So, here’s to looking back on the past year while looking forward to the next. I’m hopeful and excited for a fresh start. On the horizon are new beginnings. And whatever those beginnings come to be: friendships, love, adventures, or just random joyful moments scattered throughout the new year, I welcome them all with open arms. And with every new beginning, there is comfort in knowing that for everything there is a season.

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3

doves

All Things are Possible

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Love by

Yes, it’s true. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Where I haven’t seen how my goals would come to pass, He’s made the impossible materialize.

I’ve always thought God has a sense of humor. When I think of the ways He’s chosen to make my dreams a reality, both past and present, the subtleties are amusing. We’ve all experienced it and chalked it up to coincidence. Not so. It’s prayer. It’s faith. It’s God working masterfully behind the scenes.

I know the power of faith. I know I can turn to him in gratitude, in despair, in love. I ask for what I think I want. And while I wait in expectation, I thank Him for blessing me with what He knows I need.

Sharon – Embracing my Joy

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

 

Fighting the Good Fight

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Joy, Strength by

Life is not always about puppies, hugs, and an unlimited supply of my favorite tortilla chips! There are times when “embracing my joy” eludes me. The challenging times. The moments that are often most memorable but I’d rather forget. But this is the essence of life, isn’t it? This is what makes us who we are. And it’s the multitude of these experiences that allow me to feel this life I’m living.

As misery breeds only sorrow, so does joy inspire moments of peace, snippets of laughter and, simply put, a more pleasurable life. As I move forward in my life, I do so with enthusiasm for more and everlasting hope. I’m grateful for the joyful moments knowing it’s only the beginning. There’s more to come.

And through it all, my faith is unwavering.

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Freedom

Posted in Gratitude by

There’s a very basic amenity present in one’s lifetime: freedom. Most of us have freedom available to us. We either take pleasure in this overlooked luxury or surrender it with all its advantages. Either way, I’m not sure the majority of us appreciate this gift for what it’s worth. There’s more to this than catching a favorite TV show at 30-minute intervals.

Most of the time, if surrendered, it’s simply because there’s never enough time. Our get-up-and-go has been depleted after our daily commitments are fulfilled. We choose to crash when the day is done. The weekends are merely a chance to recover from the last week and recharge for the next. And, again, often with commitments to be met. Fun, special events, and chores are scheduled into slots with beginning and end times. Even our free time doesn’t afford us the luxury of freedom.

I’m reminding myself of all the things I vowed to do if and when I chose to leave my 9-5 twelve-hour days behind me. My final debate of whether I should step out on my own ended with think of all the freedom you’ll have! And there I went.

So here I am. I’ve discovered the luxury of my newly found freedom. I work longer hours and, somehow, have more free time. The simple pleasure of walking my puppy in the morning without having to rush off to the office or enjoying a hot cup of coffee in my kitchen instead of pouring it into a to-go mug is enough to slow me down; enough to breathe and take in the moment.

At night, when turning out the light, I reflect on the day. All of it. My accomplishments, joyful moments, challenges, disappointments, all of it. Instead of floating mindlessly through the day, I’m living each moment. Twenty-four hours pass quickly. I don’t want to miss one minute!

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is.” – Psalm 39:4

Reflection and Renewal

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Joy, Love by

I’ve lost count of how many of my disappointments have transitioned themselves into blessings. I find I often move forward from a setback and, if I’m lucky, upward. Somehow, I think this is the plan for all of us; not ours, but His.

The new year is well underway and though many of us take advantage of the first of the year as a new beginning, my fresh start begins on Easter Sunday. It’s an opportunity to reinvent myself after all the sacrifice has been made.

Whether I’ve given up tortilla chips, lengthy Facebook sessions, or have gone through some kind of emotional turmoil during the last season, I can now reflect on my ordeal and begin again. I can allow myself a rebirth, a renewal, leaving behind all the discord that has, hopefully, made me a better person while I’ve deepened my relationship with God.

As we progress into the coming seasons, I anticipate more triumphs and less regrets, more joy and less worry, more love and less fear. Each morning I’ll wake with a fresh outlook and a deeper appreciation for just how precious each day is.

And each new day is yet another chance to embrace my joy.

Sharon – Embracing my Joy

“…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Living by Faith

Posted in Faith, Gratitude by

The biggest challenge is to stay in faith when needed most; to substitute anxious thoughts, or negative beliefs, with prayer. Prayer is my protection. I know, with faith and prayer, I will succeed.

Sharon – Embracing my Joy

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Faith.pg

An Open Heart

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Joy, Love by

I’ve come to appreciate the importance of having an open heart on the bumpy roads and the smooth. An open heart brings us joy and peace. A closed or hardened heart brings burden, prevents us from caring or feeling all the good life has to offer, and pushes love away. It creates a gap between us and God and distances us from all the good we deserve.

Being open-hearted is like a double-edged sword for the good. The benefits are both self-serving and for others. During a recent challenging time, I prayed for an open heart. Everyday I thanked God for blessing me with His love and strength, with patience and forgiveness, and to be compassionate in a situation that brought nothing but destructive emotions. I asked for others to be open and receptive to the good in the situation rather than dwelling on the negative aspects and to let God in, always trusting they would obtain all I was praying for myself. Thankfully, all turned out for the best.

The bonus of having a pure and open heart: we get to feel love in all ways. After all, who doesn’t want or need to love or be loved?

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“Gratefulness leads to a widely opened heart. You cannot receive anything great in life with a closed heart. Be grateful and reap the benefits!” ― Assegid Habtewold, The 9 Cardinal Building Blocks: For Continued Success in Leadership

Good Vibrations

Posted in Energy, Faith, Gratitude by

It’s been suggested that we’re all one energy intertwined and that vibrations with similar frequencies gravitate toward each other. Whether it’s people or incidents, like attracts like. Therefore, when it rains it pours and when it’s all good, we’re on a lucky streak.

We can choose to be happy, or not. Our experience is a direct reflection of that on which we focus. Theoretically, projecting positive energy out in front of us could ensure a positive outcome of events, such as a profitable sales meeting, a successful interview, a safe morning commute, etc. Envisioning a positive outcome with feeling, or good vibrations, before the next venture may increase the odds for achieving a goal or simply to have a good day.

Does it work? In the scheme of things, I’ve had more success than not in achieving my goals. Both in the small moment-to-moment tasks on any given day and in the more significant goals, the milestones. One could argue that it’s pure luck. One could claim it’s the law of attraction or quantum physics. Or one could believe that it’s prayer and that this energy, being God, is in total control. In essence, He’s returning to me what I’m putting out to the universe and responding in kind to my level of faith.

I believe that God has the final say in the final outcome. Setting goals with intention, positive energy and, yes, prayer and faith. Always prayer and faith. Simplified: think, feel, believe, achieve. Always practice with an attitude of gratitude and a sense of expectancy, believing that there will be a breakthrough leading to the final destination.

Declaring intentions everyday, reminding myself to be grateful, believing positive energy is in my path, and thanking God in advance for the blessings I’m about to receive. This is having faith with a pure heart and keeping my eye on the prize.

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“So here’s the flash: Continuing to live life as a victim of circumstance, forever focusing on what’s wrong with everything and everybody, will never, ever, bring the life desired. It will only bring one thing: more of whatever it is we’re wanting so desperately to change.” 
― Lynn Grabhorn, Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings

Girlfriends

Posted in Gratitude by

Of the many things for which I’m grateful, there is no other more important to me than my friends. What more does a girl need than a little quality time with her girlfriends? When I’ve had a long and hard day (or a long and hard week for that matter) and meet for a girls’ night out, there’s an energy about it that reminds me of who I am and that life is good. It lifts my spirit. Simply put, spending time with my friends makes me happy.

Girlfriends bond. They connect. They share thoughts and feelings that may not be understood by others. They share inside jokes, knowing looks, feel good vibes and just plain old fun. This circle of friends is special and there’s nothing else like it.

Every girl should have one good friend. She’s hard to find but when found, don’t ever let go!

Sharon – Embracing My Joy

“Friendship isn’t a big thing – it’s a million little things” Unknown