My heart is heavy for my Saviour, who gladly died for me I sorrow that He suffered so, there upon that tree My sin placed him on the cross, guilty yes I am. His love kept Him there, the ultimate Lamb.
Though I weep for what I’ve done He wipes those tears from me. God gave His begotten Son Now I’ve been set free.
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Good Friday is always a day of deep reflection for me. A quiet day. A day to read and pray and ponder. To appreciate and to praise. Praise for my Saviour, the only one who saves. God saved me when I was twelve, and though there was a time when I followed my own ways, mad at Him for not giving me what I wanted, He drew me back, and I followed Him steadily ever since. Not perfectly, but steadily. I owe Jesus my life, my eternal life. I believe He is real with such certainty. He has always felt so close, so real to me. The world shakes, the waves crash, but Jesus has been my anchor through every moment. I believe He died on that cross and rose again. I believe my sins have been washed away, and through Jesus I am a daughter of God. Eternity waits, and I’ll spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven. There is no place I’d rather be than with Him. This is my testimony. All glory be to Him!
May you ponder the sacrifice of Jesus Christ this Easter.
#’It is finished’ poem (c) Rochelle L. Sharpe, 2026.
As the end of the year draws near, I pray you may be able to have this time to rest. I pray you will be able to slow down, unwind and get sleep.
Rest is so important. It is important to get a moment of true rest everyday (which isn’t sitting scrolling on your phone), a day of rest once a week, and an extended period of rest once a year, which may be a week or more depending on your situation.
Stress builds over the year, and we need rest to gather our strength to face the year ahead. For many, including myself, this time between Christmas and New Year is the time we get that extended rest.
The world wants you busy and stressed. God invites you into rest. Don’t be afraid to embrace it. We are in our Father’s hands. We can rest knowing our trust is in Him.
Slow down, sleep, read, create art, do a puzzle, go outside. Just do something that relaxes you and that you enjoy. And spend extra time with God, praying, reading the bible, meditating on Him. He is your true source of strength and rest.
Tears so heavy, Weighing me down. Gasping for breath, Fear I might drown.
Crying out, I reach for You. Your steady hands I'm clinging to.
In Your wings I curl and hide. The strong tower I refuge inside.
Too weak to go on, To You I yield. You’re my strength, You’re my shield.
Each mumbled prayer And wordless groan. You are with me, I’m never alone.
My Comforter, you carry me through. I couldn’t do this life If I didn’t have You.
Jesus, Redeemer My saviour true. I praise God That I have You.
(C) Rochelle L. Sharpe, 2025.
Grief is heavy. Too heavy to bear alone. Our Comforter is with us always. Helping us through. No matter what may be causing you to grieve, cling to Jesus. He is with you.
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knowth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14: 16-18. KJV.
Each day of Advent I aim to post something I am thankful for. Here is what I was thankful for on days 21 through until the 24.
Day 21:
Stars.
From the star that led the wisemen to Jesus all those years ago, to the stars that shine above me every night. They all shout the glory and magesty of God. I am always in awe looking up at the stars, admiring God’s handy work. I feel so blessed that He made them.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. – Psalm 19:1 KJV.
Day 22:
That God chooses the lowly. He choose the shepherds to declare Jesus birth, and still today he chooses the poor, the widows, the fatherless, the low in status, everyday people, not only to spread the word of Jesus, but to love and be loved in return.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 KJV.
Day 23: My family.
I am so thankful that God blessed me with a husband and two children. I love them so much and they mean so much to me.
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV
Day 24:
Jesus is our hope.
Because Jesus came diwn and dwelt amoung us, we have eternal hope. He is our Saviour, who made away for us to spend eternity with Him.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
Praise God for all the things He has blessed me with in 2025.
I pray that you will get time to reflect on everything you were thankful for this year.
Each day of Advent I aim to post something I am thankful for.
Here is what I was thankful for on days 16-20.
Day 16: Yesterday, thinking about being thankful for electricity made me think how Jesus is the light of the world, and I’m so thankful that He is.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12 KJV
Day 17:
Dinner out with my husband.
My husband and I were able to go out to dinner alone. It was nice being just the two of us. The food was really good too.
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 KJV.
Day 18:
Good food with a friend.
On thursday morning I was able to catch up with a friend I only see a few times a year. We enjoyed a nice brunch. It was wonderful to catch up.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 KJV.
Day 19:
Jesus is the bread of life.I had toast with my brunch the previous day and it made me think of how Jesus is the bread of life.He nourishes and sustains us, and I’m very thankful that He does.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:35 KJV
Day 20:
Air conditioning.
We have had a very hot summer so far here in Australia. Lots of hot days in a row so I’m really thankful I can escape the heat with my air conditioner.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Each day of Advent I aim to post something I am thankful for. I am still a bit behind, so here is what I was thankful for on days eleven through fifteen.
Day 11:
Writing ability.
Writing is a great passion of mine. Ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved making up stories.For the longest time, I have wanted to be a published author, and starting last year, God started opening doors for me. I feel so blessed. Just today (Dec 11th) I had a flash fiction story release, and my first fiction anthology released. I am overwhelmed with praise for God allowing such opportunities.I aim to always write to the glory of Him.
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Psalm 45:1
Day Twelve:
Stories.
I am thankful for the many imaginative and wonderful stories out in the world from many talented writers. I love grabbing a book and settling in for an adventure. I am thankful that I have access to an unlimited amount of stories at my fingertips.I find that fiction can have some beautiful truths in it that can inspire and encourage.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 KJV.
Day Thirteen:
Clean drinking water.
Not everyone in the world has access to clean drinking water. They certainly don’t have indoor plumbing with water that comes from taps. I am thankful that I have indoor plumbing and that I do have access to clean drinking water.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 10:42 KJV
Day Fourteen:
Jesus is the living water.
Being thankful for clean drinking water made me think of how Jesus is the living water. When you drink of His living water you never thirst again. And for that I am very thankful!
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 4: 13-14 KJV
Day fifteen:
Electrcity.
We had our power go out at night for 1.5 hours, and it is when you loose something like that, something you tend to take for granted, that you realise how valuable it is.I had to do my dishes by candlelight which was not very fun.I am thankful the outage only lasted 1.5 hours so none of the food in the fridge or freezer went off.
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:13 KJV
Tomorrow I’ll post what I was thankful for on days sixteen through twenty.
If you haven’t taken time to think about what you are thankful for this Christmas, now would be a good time.
For Advent I am aim to post something I am thankful for every day. I have gotten a bit behind in my posting, so I am posting what I am thankful for from day six through to day ten.
Day Six:
Today I am thankful for friendship.
My friend and her husband run a board game afternoon at our church once a month. It’s a place to unplug from the world and play some good old fashioned board games.
Fun is had by all, and it is great to be able to laugh with friends.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 KJV
Day Seven:
Today I am thankful for rest.
Every Sunday is my day of rest. No working, except for that which is necessary. That means no house work, no writing. Just church in the mornings and then I like to spend the rest of my Sunday catching up on reading.
It is so nice not to have a long list of to dos one day a week.
Rest is so important for your health. It is a gift from God in a world that demands you always hurry, always stay busy. If you have not incorporated a day of rest in your week, you should think about doing it. I know it is hard if you have little ones, or people you have to take care of, but that slower day will help you gain strength for the week ahead. By spending time with the Lord, getting some time outside, and doing something you enjoy, you will be refreshed.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV.
Day 8:
Today I am thankful for my mother.
Not only because she carried me in her womb, and took care of me as a child, but because she took me to church. And it was at church I encountered Jesus. My mother was not, and still isn’t perfect, but one thing she did model to me was praying without ceasing.
And I am truly thankful for that.
My Grandmother, my mother’s mother, was also a Christian. She is with the Lord now. Three generations of imperfect women who love the Lord. What a beautiful legacy.
My mother, my Christian sister and friend. I thank God for you.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2 Timothy 1:5 KJV
Day 9:
Today I am thankful for the birds.
I get lots of birds visiting my backyard. I like to watch them. Watch as God provides for them. I find peace looking at God’s creation.
It always brings to mind the verse about how God feeds the birds and how we are better than they, meaning He will provide for us also. And I have found that to be true.
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Matthew 6:26 KJV
Day 10:
Today I am thankful for my backyard.
We have a fairly large backyard with lots of grass and trees. On a nice day, I like to sit out there and read. It is very relaxing.
I can sit in the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, grass between my toes, and let the everyday stressors melt away.
I feel very blessed to have this small piece of land that is mine.
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
Everyday of Advent I aim to post something that I am thankful for.
Day four: I am thankful for fellowship. I co-hosted a Christmas lunch today with a small group of ladies from my church. It was a lovely time together. I get quite drained from social gatherings and usually dread going to things like this, but then end up having a great time. Which I did. These ladies are such an encouragement to me. I gave a short devotional talk about what it really means for God to be with us. It was quite gospel heavy. As I was writing it, I was wondering if these were the words God really wanted me to share as all these Ladies were all Christians. What I didn’t know until I arrived was that there was one lady there who didn’t know Jesus. I’m praying that seeds were planted in her heart that will grow fruitful. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9 KJV.
Day five: I am thankful for my dog. Rosie is our Australian cattle dog. We rescued her when she was 9 months old and she turned ten last month. She has been a true gift to our family, bringing so much love. I really felt God’s hand move to bring Rosie into our lives. I can’t imagine life with out her. When I was thinking about a verse to go with today, this is the one I thought of:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 KJV
For Advent I’ve decided to post something every day that I’m thankful for.
Today I am thankful for God’s word. Not only because it reveals God’s story, His plan and purpose and desire for us.Not only because it convicts, and teaches and guides us.But because I have access to it freely.I have multiple copies in my own house. I have it on my phone. I can go down to my local Christian bookstore, or even my local bookstore, and buy a copy, or buy one online.But there are many Christians in this world who don’t have access to a bible who desperately long to. I heard the story once of a Christian in another country who had to walk hours one way to get to the closest bible, and then walk hours back. Every. Single. Day. How thankful I am to have such a precious gift at my fingertips.I pray I never take it for granted.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Hebrews 4:12 KJV.
For 2025 I have decided I would like to have a thankful Advent. Each day up until Christmas, I will share a post with one thing I am grateful for.
It can be so easy to focus on the stress of life, forgetting to focus on the things that truly matter. Gratitude is good for your soul, and the bible tells us to be thankful, so that is what I am going to do.
I’m a bit behind, as I wanted to start on December 1st, so today I will post two things I am thankful for:
I am so thankful for God’s Grace. Without it I would be hopelessly lost!
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV.
I am in no way perfect. I often make mistakes. Just yesterday I said something in anger I shouldn’t have and had to repent. That’s why I am so grateful that God’s Mercy is new every morning. He forgives us! Praise God for that!
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 2:22-23
What are you thankful for today?
Perhaps you would like to have a thankful advent too.
My Daily Walk 