These last few years, I’ve learned to slow down just enough to be present and lean into the stillness as I seek God in prayer. My greatest moments are when I am basking in His presence while in nature, it brings me pure joy.
I yelled from the pit of my gut…I am Free….
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
to be “seen”….
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
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Deep Belly Breathing…..
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…
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
Pray with me…
– denise marie 🩷
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Pray with me…
~denise marie🩷
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Pray with me…
~denise marie🩷
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
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.
A promise of artistic possibilities….
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.
- denise marie
My Journey Home….to God & Self 