Gratitude

Handfuls of Spring…Thankful reflections

April 19, 2017April 19, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha15 Comments

Spring follows Winter seamlessly as it has done over the ages and time passes by so quickly, sometimes in a blur that we tend to take the itty-bitty parts of our lives for granted.

In Spring the heat of the sun gathers in momentum over here, that by Summer time it’s literally steaming and baking at such a degree that the heat wallops you in the face and every hidden part that it can get. I consider myself a child of the Sun, I love warmth, but not the unbelievable scorching sun of the Middle East that makes you feel as if you are dough brought out to rise and bake in the torrid desert heat.

As I drive around pursuing the days business, I see dots of umbrella’s waving down the streets sheltering the heads of their owners and I know untold pleasure and gratitude over having the comfort of my car and the air conditioner that keeps me from perspiring and swimming in my own sweat.

I am thankful for the gift of being their mother as I listen to my children chatter and squabble over what radio channel to listen to as we drive home from school and I wonder how we take such comfort for granted.

Sometimes, my heart knows untold joy for things that I can’t explain and I wish I could freeze frame those moments so that I may look at the beautiful, divine colours that these moments make.

Spring is such a beautiful season, so does every other season that we are given hold its own beauty. We are only given a handful of Springs in our lifetime and one thought that stays with me as I write this is, may we thankfully plant in the Spring of opportunity of our lives so that we do have a great harvest in the Fall.

Peace be with you. What are you grateful for today?

Jacqueline

If you wish to participate in a gratitude challenge, there are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

The Power of The Hour – Midnight Motivation and Musings

April 3, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha2 Comments

Every day, we become the choices that we make. Our habits, our routines are the backbone and foundation of who we are and who we choose to become.

Simple routines can shape your life in an amazing way.

Tune in let’s talk about the Power of the Hour.

Gratitude

Whistling Happy Tunes

March 22, 2017March 22, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha16 Comments

Lazy mornings are coming right up – at least no early school morning dashes for the next two weeks ‘cos the kiddos are going on a school break this weekend.

I’ll savour these forthcoming quiet early moments and take positive advantage of them by just lying in and devouring some pages of a good book, working on my book, clattering away on my laptop before duty calls.

I am thankful for these mini-breaks in the hectic transmission of the days of our lives and I’m whistling – Tra la, la twiddle dee, dee…

I am just going to inhale lots of love, promote harmony and exhale gratitude. Jacqueline

Gratitude

Take it not for granted…

March 1, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha4 Comments

The inability to be in an automatic state of gratitude is a shortcoming that most of us have because most times our thoughts are reactionary and not proactive. We are always waiting for something to happen so that we can feel thankful for it.

Our focus seems to zoom in far more on the details of all those things that are not going quite the way we want them, failing to give more precedence to those one’s that are working out.

Then again, when all our lines do fall into place, our worries are reduced and a sense of complacency and taking things for granted takes over our thought pattern.

Thankfulness should be as essential as taking in air, as we wake up each morning to the gift of a new day.

Indeed, there are days that I feel run off my feet or overwhelmed by many things that are not going quite as planned, however training my mind has thought me to learn when to ‘press the stop button on the moaning and to tune into grace.’

I am thankful for this continued transformation and the emboldening of my mind power.

Today, I walked into the nearest supermarket around me to grab a couple of things for cooking and I give thanks for the abundance of food that’s available and the fact that I can afford it when some may not be in a position to do so right now.

I always look at the name tag of the sales person who waited on me to call them by their given name and thank them for their assistance.

Many times I enjoy the reward of watching a face transform with a smile from this little gesture of acknowledgment.

In so many ways, my needs are being met and a lot of times in rather unexpected ways, for all these underserved measures, I give thanks.

It’s the start of Lent and a season of deeper reflection. May your reflections bring you enlightenment.

Jacqueline

Gratitude

As Fresh As Thyme…

February 22, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha19 Comments

In auto mode, I quickly tossed ingredients into the bubbling sauce, rehashed a passage for my book in my head while trying to pay attention to the cacophony of my children’s voices milling around me in the kitchen.

They had just returned from school, each voice was relaying some information, each child wanted some form of attention and as usual, my three ears was listening to them, responding to their inquisition, addressing the accusation from my third child that I wasn’t paying him enough attention, stirring the saucepan, figuring out my passage and reminding myself respond to that request that had just popped into my mind as a reminder…and the crazy beat went on.

Why I haven’t gone batty is a question I ponder fleetingly. When will the hecticness stop, if ever?

My bubbly sauce was almost done, all that remained was to toss in the shredded fresh thyme and as I lifted the chopping board to scoop it in, I literally heard a voice whisper in my head, ‘enjoy the time.’

I smiled at the pun, enjoy the time while scooping in the thyme, but my ever roaming mind gripped those three words and allowed it to marinate.

I realized that in the near future these young children craving my attention right now would all fly out of my coop and spread their wings.

They will go in search of their own dreams and set up their own little spaces and they won’t be underfoot in the kitchen all talking at the same time.

The thought certainly gave me pause.

It reminds me that we should appreciate and enjoy each fresh moment of time that we are given.

To catch the time and hold it as close to our heart as possible because it’s delicate and fleeting.

I am reminded to gratefully relish these moments like no other because no two moments are the same.

Shall we eat?

Gratitude

January is out. How are you holding up?

February 1, 2017February 1, 2017 jacquelineobyikocha18 Comments

We were just singing Auld Lang Syne a few days ago and here we are in February getting ready to share boxes of chocolates, roses, cards and all what not for the love of Valentine.

Two things this brings to mind are; the shortness and speed of time as well as how we must harness our time optimally.

Some of us probably set out major goals and may be taking a look at how far they’ve gone with it. While some didn’t bother with it. Whichever spectrum you are in, it’s all good.

Remember that the most important thing is that when you set major goals, always appreciate the minor accomplishments that brought you to your goal even when you are falling behind your set goal.

Celebrating those minor accomplishments boosts and motivates your drive to keep pushing forward. Castigating oneself over failures most times has a reverse effect.

Today, as I took my brisk morning walk, I did a mental account of all that I’ve been doing with my time and I am thankful for the consistency in keeping with my plans. I am thankful for the zeal to wake up each day with peace and a positive frame of mind.

There are mornings that the joy I feel inside literally flows like a river. What my experiences keep teaching me is that the greatest success we can achieve in our lives is contentment, peace, and joy.

Since I came to the understanding that my happiness is my responsibility and doesn’t lie in anyone’s hands, or in material gains, I’ve found that happiness easier to hold on to.

There’s always something to be grateful for, all you have to do is to look inside. Be kind to yourself and others.

Jacqueline

Image result for biblical quotes about joy

Gratitude

Unto You O’Lord – Personal

December 14, 2016December 14, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha11 Comments

Image result for Images of gratitude

Let us not forget to appreciate every moment that life brings our way and waste less on sweating the small stuff, because, indeed, we have no idea what the next hour has to bring not to talk about the next day, week or month.

This year has been fraught with many ups and downs, many successes and dashed hopes, but in all situations, we must give thanks and appreciate that which we have at this point in time.

Each day, I am learning that affliction and challenges are bitter parts of life, but the big question is ‘how do we handle these situations?’

How we handle these circumstances determines a lot. Our growth, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically and even financially emanates from our attitude towards the lessons that life brings us.

I have learnt to continue to speak life and positivity even when fear and doubt is digging a hole in my heart.

I’ve learnt to keep proclaiming my spirit of love and of sound mind even when I don’t understand it all and have no answers.

Unto you O’Lord, I give my all.

My heart knows gratitude that we’ve been spared tears of sorrow at this time.

My brother- in-law had a successful brain surgery and is doing well.

It is not my gratitude nor my thanks that purchased his well-being, but for the Grace of God.

Jacqueline

Writers Quote Challenge

So, what is the alternative? Personal – Writers Quote Challenge

November 29, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha21 Comments

If the truth is to be told, it is hard to stay thankful and grateful in the face of suffering and sometimes I silently question how Job withstood his painful ordeals without grumbling. Didn’t his heart even murmur a bit? invitation-shel-silverstein

For many months I’ve tried not to dwell on negativity, to remain thankful in everything because the truth is that the alternative to ingratitude sows bitter seeds of discord and cynicism, but in the past few weeks it’s been a struggle to stay upbeat and sometimes I feel as if I am a fraud spouting thankful words that are not deep-seated within my soul.

My rancour comes from watching a beloved young family member deteriorate healthwise – my younger sisters husband is battling an invasive brain tumour and sometimes I feel so afraid that we are fighting a losing battle. Such thoughts simply make my heart stop in fear and my prayers clog my throat. It is hard!

I remember watching my father decline from Cancer and the pain of watching his pain broke my heart many times over. Yet, through all his struggles, he remained stoic, never voicing a word of grumble and held his Faith through it all.

Sometimes, I wondered where he got such grace in the face of such adversity and I remember this quote that he shared with me,

I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is – Albert Camus

This quote has stuck in my head and always comes up when I’m between the hard rocks of fear, doubt and dwindling faith. It reminds me, that during the times of tribulation, are the times to hold on tighter. Though the difficult season may seem insurmountable, thankfulness lightens the burden of one’s load and I remind myself not to let go of gratitude especially when troubled.

Please join us for the reconvened Writer’s Quote Challenge that Bernadette, Haddons Musings and I have started. We would love to have you with us. Check this link for details.

Gratitude

Abundance of Grace

October 26, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha8 Comments

When I was a little girl, we would match to the beat of the school drum in our pinafore’s, singing in our high-pitched staccato voices ‘the day is bright, it’s bright and fair, oh happy day, a day of joy, the day is bright, it’s bright and fair, oh happy day of joy.’

The little girl in me has been humming this song each morning these past few days. Our weather is getting lovelier by the day. It’s no longer a melt in a puddle, burnt to bacon crisp temperature and I am so looking forward to making the best of this season.

The fact that nature blesses us with such respite is totally wonderful and yes, coupled with the fact that finally, I’ve launched my self-hosted blog, I feel light, merry and grateful.

I am fully aware that there are those who have multiple blog babies and quite frankly, I wondered how they kept up with all that and the rest of their lives with ease, but what each day teaches me is that once you set your heart on achieving something and you ask for the grace, it shall come in abundance.

Shall I tell you that my heart is filled with gratitude? Indeed it is! I didn’t expect the amount of support that I’ve received from you – my friends – once I announced that I’ve launched. You are truly an awesome community. Thank you.

When we ask, not only do we receive, but our abundance shall overflow.

If you wish to participate in a gratitude challenge, there are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog,Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

We will be having our monthly blog party this weekend – Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th. It’s a Halloween themed party. Stay tuned and hope to see you in your dreary, scary drags.

Gratitude

Just Because… personal

July 13, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha32 Comments

I woke up this morning with a heart filled with gladness and gratitude. I have no particular reason for feeling this full, but simply ‘Just Because.’

Thankful just because that’s the best way to feel. I haven’t forgotten the things that are wrong, need to be fixed and all that, but my philosophy is that those things I can’t change in the immediate, I offer them up to God and for those I can deal with, I worry about them and seek solutions for them during my appointed/scheduled worry time early in the morning and thereby freeing my heart to enjoy the joy of living in the present.

I am thankful just because the children are on holiday after a rigorous school session. Yes there are lots of squabble time on their hands but there’s also a lot of laughter, fun and love caught in-between.

I am thankful just because of this medium of expression that I have. A medium that offers me the opportunity to interact with great and beautiful souls who enrich my thoughts every day.

I am thankful just because I am alive to live a new day, to write a new story, to make a difference in my own little way and just to be me.

I am thankful Just Because you are there and the thought of you makes me glad. Be Happy ♥

P.S: There are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

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Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

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Jacqueline writes from her heart on passion, pain, suffering, loss and LIFE. I have been incredibly moved by her poetry and I know I will return to “Out of the Silent Breath” again and again.

If you enjoy my works and would like to do so, you can fuel my creativity with a slice of cake or coffee

Tag: gratitude

Handfuls of Spring…Thankful reflections

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The Power of The Hour – Midnight Motivation and Musings

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Whistling Happy Tunes

I am just going to inhale lots of love, promote harmony and exhale gratitude. Jacqueline

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Take it not for granted…

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As Fresh As Thyme…

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January is out. How are you holding up?

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Unto You O’Lord – Personal

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So, what is the alternative? Personal – Writers Quote Challenge

I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is – Albert Camus

Like this:

Abundance of Grace

We will be having our monthly blog party this weekend – Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th. It’s a Halloween themed party. Stay tuned and hope to see you in your dreary, scary drags.

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Just Because… personal

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I am just going to inhale lots of love, promote harmony and exhale gratitude. Jacqueline

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I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is – Albert Camus

Share this:

Like this:

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We will be having our monthly blog party this weekend – Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th. It’s a Halloween themed party. Stay tuned and hope to see you in your dreary, scary drags.

Share this:

Like this:

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