Faith, grief

Take These Do’s and Don’ts To Heart

Yes, we have more trouble in this world today thanks to Russia invading Ukraine.

It’s always been my mission to keep this blog joyful but address issues head-on. Jesus faced reality and we will too.

In keeping with my philosophy, we are addressing the Ukraine / Russia issue head-on.

Don’t

Spend your entire day watching the mainstream media or scrolling through YouTube channels. Get out and live your life. Periodically check the headlines on a news website and click on the links that pique your interest. This will help anxiety, depression, and blood pressure levels.

Go go on a panic buying spree. Just because Russia attached Ukraine does not mean you need to buy up all the toilet paper.

Panic but don’t be apathetic either. Panicking about the situation will do you no good and blowing the invasion off like it’s no big deal does no good either. Remember, therefore but for the grace of God go you and me. It could be America being attacked, or you could have been born in Ukraine or Russia.

Do

Exercise, you will benefit from the endorphin rush.

Add these YouTube channels to your list of sources for information so you are getting a different perspective than what mainstream media is telling you.

  • Pinball Prepardedness – Pinball’s wife is from Russia. Also, review past videos where Pinball breaks down how invading Ukraine is not logical. Obviously, Putin is not a logical person.
  • Inside Russia – I’ve heard Pinball talk about this channel but never watched it. I will start now.

Pray – Pray for Ukraine, Russia (we are called to pray for our enemies), and their leadership. Russia has no weapon in its arsenal that is greater than the power of prayer. The same is true of the weapons in our arsenal and the arsenal of any other country. Pray is and always will be greater than man’s weapons. Also, pray for God to grant wisdom to our President as well as other leaders around the world.

Speaking of prayer, keep an eye on Patriot Nurse’s YouTube channel. She has done live stream prayer sessions before, usually later in the night. I participated in streams where she lead us in praying for Kabul during the United State’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. Would not surprise me if she does prayer live streams this time too.

Read your Bible. Comfort and joy can be found in the Bible. Ask God to speak to you through His word and He will do so. There is no greater joy than to hear God speak.

Keep an eye on Taiwan and China. Don’t be so busy with Ukraine and Russia that you take your eyes off China wanting to take over Taiwan.

God of Hope

The God of Hope is faithful and has never nor will never change. There will be silver linings from this invasion, I do not know what they are or when they will appear but they are there if we open our eyes to seeing God working in mysterious ways

God bless you and God bless America, Ukraine, Taiwan, Russia, China, and all the other countries of the world.

Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual contact center representative for a Fortune 100 company. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele loves Jesus, books, history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.

Uncategorized

Thoughts On 2022

The main goal of JoyReturns is to provide encouragement for widows as they journey through grief and building a new life. However, any grieving person could learn from my adventures. Even someone not grieving can learn from what I’ve done and not done since Joe’s passing. If I can work through grief and rebuild my life, then anyone can do it.

I’ve also stated I will not sugar-coat anything because Jesus dealt with life head-on and I will too.

My Thoughts

Is 2022 going to be rougher than 2021 or 2020 – yes. I have felt this year would be worse for our country for months. Jesus said:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (NLT)

Now he was not specifically talking about 2022, but every year until God sends Him back to straighten this world out.

There are two words and one phrase I believe will describe 2022 for our country:

Words: Bloody, Hell

Phrase: Bloody hell!

Make no mistake, these are NOT the words that are my guide for this year. Those words are:

Also, I will be praying I am wrong about what 2022 holds for our country. With the cost of food, gas, electric, and heat going through the roof, along with this nation being so divided I do not see how this year can be better.

But as long as God can see it being better, that is all that matters.

So here’s to a healthy, joy-filled and prosperous 2022!

“God bless us, everyone!”

Tiny Tim – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual contact center representative for a Fortune 100 company. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele loves Jesus, books, history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.

grief, Joy, Joyful Life

What You Will Find On JoyReturns

Sorry there was no Weekend Wisdom last weekend but I’ve been doing some reflecting about my life and this blog. Today I want to explain the type of content you will find on JoyReturns, not many changes ahead as if it isn’t broke don’t fix it.

In order to fulfill my vision for JoyReturns ( “…That henceforth I may be the salt of the earth and a blessing to all.”) my blog posts will consist of inspiring, encouraging and/or educational content for widows. The posts will be gentle reminders to move forward through their grief journey and build a new life for themselves.

One of the best pieces of writing advice is “write what you know.” I know:

  • grief
  • the Bible
  • unemployment
  • learning new things (blogging)
  • rediscovering a lost love (photography)
  • the return of joy
  • living the joyful life

Posts about those experiences will be covered here on JoyReturns since I have gone through them. While my posts are geared towards widows, the advice may resonate with others grieving a different loss or society in general. If so, then that is wonderful.

Inspirational Source

Some of the inspiration and encouragement will come from the Bible as it is the single best source I have found for my me and my fellow widows. Yes, there are other books that are good and from time to time I will mention them.

Special Series

Occasionally you will find special series here on JoyReturns. For example, I am committing to bringing back The 40 Days of Joy series this Christmas. It will start on November 23 and end on December 31 of this year. Since the 23rd is 10 months from this Saturday, I better got crackin’ on putting it together. You will find poems, quotes, recipes, scripture, gift ideas and encouraging new content from me.

Also, I am considering a special series for Lent.

Oh and Weekend Wisdom (uplifting quotes, poems or scripture) will continue unless interrupted by a special series.

This is the type of content you can expect on JoyReturns for the foreseeable future.

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

I appreciate you reading JoyReturns and thank you for your continued support. I hope you will continue to stop by and that you find joy in the content.

God Bless You and Your Family.

Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual logistics contact center representative. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele is a bookworm, and a lover of music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.