~denise marie🩷
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Category: Faith
In mourning’s embrace, a spirit’s rebirth…
In the darkest hour,
where shadows loom,
Faith’s ember flickers,
dispelling gloom.
A journey through the night,
guided by belief,
Grief and faith entwined,
offering relief.
The heartache’s dance,
a solemn waltz,
Yet faith persists,
its melody exalts.
With each teardrop,
a prayer takes flight,
Uniting grief and faith
in the quiet of night.
– denise marie
A family member passed away this past week….
Grief is complex, with many highs and lows, the waves of emotions tend to hit me as uncontrollable tears flow. As a believer, I know she is in heaven, no longer in pain and at peace. Yet, I still feel such a loss, a void. a sadness that I think she never really would’ve imagined how much her passing would affect me.
Her light, unconditional love, words of encouragement and friendship, will leave a lasting mark on my heart forever. Thank you for being such a gift.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.
Slow down…and listen to the beat of your own heart…
my hope comes from him. – Psalm 62:5
It’s beautiful to be still in
the midst of a busy world,
allowing my mind
to slow down
just enough to
process each thought,
minute by minute
inhaling fully then
exhaling slowly
listening to the beat
of my own heart,
lulling me with peace.
—denise marie
*picture of me taken in Washington State.
Grateful for self-care…
A few months ago I fell and injured my back and knee. Recovery has been a frustrating teeter-tottering battle, with some days I feel great, while other days I can barely walk, sit or stand without being in pain.
The last couple of days have been difficult and I found myself in pain, but pretending that everything was ok.
By doing this, I did not take care of my own needs, and I didn’t allow others to help me (codependency 🤦🏽♀️) which only made my pain worse.
My sponsor in celebrate recovery once asked me, “what’s the next right thing?”
The next right thing I did, was to be honest with my feelings, ask for help, rest, take things moment by moment (stay present) do Breathwork to help calm my nervous system and stay prayerful.
I am grateful for self-care.🩷
– denise marie
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
An evening Train ride…
On Friday evening, my daughter and I took an Amtrak train home from the Bay Area to Sacramento. It was her first time on the train, which brought back memories of the first time I took my 3 sons on a train ride over 20 years ago from Washington State to California.
As the train quickly moved along from city to city, I was able to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with warm hues, I was filled with so much peace and gratitude as I engulfed myself completely into the serene and captivating experience.
I am so grateful.🩷
-denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Road Trips…
Yesterday we were on our way to see family in the Bay from Sacramento, old school music on the radio, blue skies and a smooth ride as many people were on the road heading to their destinations to enjoy their Thanksgiving day.
A wave of excitement came over me when I saw the Wind Turbines, because it means that we are almost there!
At times it’s hard to not live near family, but I am so grateful for a quick trip to the Bay or to Washington State.
Visiting family is a refuel to my soul!🩷
– denise marie
Gratitude in nature…
As I was taking a walk, I stepped on these leaves that had fallen from the tree. The sound of the crunch beneath my feet brought a huge smile across my face and an instant feeling of tingling happiness.
It brought me back to my childhood living in Seattle, where I would fall backwards into a pile of leaves that were newly raked in front of our house.
Reminiscing on these memories, I could literally hear the sound of laughter that filled the air with pure joy!
I’m so grateful for today and for taking a moment to be present within the beauty of nature, I honor you God, the creator of such a gift.🩷
– denise marie
So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Spirit lead me…
These images and video clips were taken last weekend in Seattle.
When I visit, I often have a need to go to the water. There is so much peace I find in its presence.
“Thank You God for making it possible for me to experience peace at all times. Because You gave us Your Son, I always have a way to know and experience You. There is nothing that can separate me from Your loving presence”.
– denise marie
po·et·ry…
Today..
I encourage you
to bravely,
peel back,
each layer,
revealing
the deep roots
of secrets that
have been gracefully
hidden.
In this place,
is where YOU have
remained concealed
beneath the pain
of your untold stories.
Surrender…
and allow
Gods love
and grace
to heal this
sacred space
in which you’ve
kept sealed.
– denise marie
Writing Poetry is truly one of my passions, it feels amazing to release words that at times have been hidden beneath insecurities, allowing my creativity to flow, sure does bring me joy.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved writing, reading and listening to poetry. It was a common occurrence to see me with a pen and pad of paper jotting down my thoughts and eagerly reading them to my Mom. Looking through boxes in the storage closet, it’s fun to find journals filled with poems I’ve written as a child or teen. Recently I was looking through my yearbooks from high school and to my surprise (1987 was a long time ago.. lol! I had forgotten about this) I saw a poem I had written my Senior year in the yearbook.
Maya Angelou has always been an inspiration and I hope to one day publish my own book of poetry.
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
What would YOU say to your younger self?
What I would say to my younger self…
You have the gift to
powerfully shine light
on darkness,
to set captives free
by the stroke of your
own pen.
– denise marie
No matter the circumstances of your past or what you may be currently facing, God says that he is able to use your gifts, your voice, your words, your life….to encourage others and give them hope.
I want to encourage YOU to show up in whatever space you are in and be your true authentic self, allowing your presence to make a difference in this world!
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
My Journey Home….to God & Self 