Slow down…and listen to the beat of your own heart…

My soul, find rest in God;
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.

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

Gratitude in nature…

Fallen leaves

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

Pulmonary Embolism…the Beach & Gratitude.

Enjoying Dillon Beach in Northern California

In 2020 I survived a Pulmonary Embolism, it was such a stressful, painful and scary time.

Since then, I’ve learned to really listen to my body and prioritize my mental, physical and spiritual health.

Visiting the beach with my family is one of my favorite things to do.

Walking on the sand, the smell of salt water, the breeze and watching the waves completely relaxes me and brings me joy.

I am truly grateful for the gift of life.

– denise marie

The beauty of a sunset…

A few years ago, I was standing here watching the sunset.

I could hardly contain the flood of emotions that took over me.

I felt so small in its presence, the vastness of the evening sky and the depths of the Pacific Northwest Sound had me honoring the Creator of such astounding beauty.

As I stood there, I was surrounded in peace, and immersed completely in Gods love.

– denise marie

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

The beach…a gift to be treasured.

I recently took a drive with two of my kids to a beautiful beachfront in Northern California called Dillon Beach.

Being at the Ocean, I feel free! Laughing so hard as I skip around the beach, searching for seashells and taking in every detail of its beauty.. What a gift to be treasured…it will always be my happy place. 💙

in awe…of beauty

I captured this beautiful picture in Lake Tahoe.

I am in awe of the glorious sunrise as it casts its golden hue across the morning sky. As I look around, I see the beauty around me and embrace the gift of life.

I choose to live my life fully and contently as I continue to grow, learn, love and honor its sacredness.

– denise marie

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

#nolongerheldcaptive