Tag: light

Joyful Life

My Yellow Shed

Michele Kearns

My shed is yellow by design. Dreary winter days are brighter because the shed serves as a beacon of light and hope. It stands in stark contrast to the rest of the yard.

One can’t help but smile and think of the warmer days ahead.

In these dark and chaotic times, are you living a life that is in stark contrast to the rest of the world?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

Romans 12:2

Do people smile when they think of you because your life radiates hope for better days ahead?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.“

Jesus – Matthew 5:14-15 (ESV)

Your landscape project for this year is to add a little yellow to your yard so it looks cheery. Then make sure you infuse some yellow into the way you live your life so it brings light and hope during the bleak winters of life.

Now I’m off to add yellow to breakfast as I top my oatmeal with pineapple.

God bless you and stay safe and warm.

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

Michele Kearns

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.

Weekend Wisdom

Lighting the Christ Candle

Michele Kearns

Tonight we light the Christ candle, which represents the light Jesus brought into the world. A light that darkness is never able to overcome.

tall candle in glass with Jesus on the front.

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

May We The People follow Him always.

Have a blessed Christmas Eve.

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 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 is a bookworm, and a lover of history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.