No matter how deep the wounds, how heavy the burdens, or how long the pain has lasted, Jehovah Rapha is the God who heals. He is the restorer of broken hearts, the mender of shattered souls, and the One who brings beauty from ashes.
-denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.
In the stillness, He speaks. In the beauty, He reminds me that He is near. Every breath of fresh air is a reminder that His love renews, His peace sustains, and His grace is always enough. – denise marie
“He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3
As I stood there slightly shaking, nervously sharing my story, I glanced up occasionally making eye contact with an empathizing woman in the audience, her encouraging smile seemed to give me permission to courageously keep speaking my truth.
Breathing deeply then exhaling slowly;
the words flow like a raging river
from the depths of my soul,
secrets and shameful
encounters fleeting as they
no longer keep me bound,
I yell from the pit of my gut,
I am free.
– denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
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
This afternoon, I took my first ceramics class.
As I entered the room, my anticipation and nervousness heightened as the Teacher went over the instructions.
Timidly, my hands met the cool clay, this lesson was filled with patience, mistakes, a few setbacks and definitely no room for perfection.
I was filled with pure joy and satisfaction as I transformed uncertainty into a piece of art.
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.
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
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
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
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
My Journey Home….to God & Self 