Category: Faith

to be “seen”….

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Several years ago, I attended a women’s retreat in South Lake Tahoe. Being one of only a couple black women there, I felt lonely in a room full of women who seemed to be connected.

Our human desire is to be “seen”, experience connection & to show up in our true authentic self.

As an empath & encourager, I intentionally try to “see” the gold in others, praying quietly asking God to help me “see” & love others as He see’s & loves me.

I hope you quietly whisper the same prayer. 🩷 – denise marie

Spending time in prayer amidst Gods beauty…such a welcomed gift.

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

Deep Belly Breathing…..

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This tree sits just beyond a fence in my backyard. Many evenings, I find myself sitting in its beauty, which is such a welcomed gift.

At times I struggle with feelings of anxiety, so I have been practicing mindful breathing.

I love being outside on a summer evening enjoying the slight breeze cooling off the end of a hot summer northern California day. I find myself sitting comfortably in my lounge chair, slightly leaned back with my legs elevated, and place one hand on my chest and the other on my abdomen.

I inhale slowly through my nose, allowing my belly to rise as I fill my lungs with air. I exhale slowly through my mouth, letting my belly fall. I focus on the rise and fall of my abdomen, ensuring that my chest remains relatively still. The release of endorphins brings me immediate calmness and a sense of joy.

I’m truly grateful!

~ denise marie

“So if the son set you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

You are valued, worthy and loved…

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He fully loves you, and fully knows you. There are no hidden agendas, no malice or wrong intent, only love. He cannot operate in any other way towards us, other than in love, because that is who he is. God is love. – 1 John 4:16

In mourning’s embrace, a spirit’s rebirth…

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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…

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My soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. – Psalm 62:5
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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…

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Calming….

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…

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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