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

Prayer…Gratitude and the California Coast.

Standing here, on the California Coast in complete gratitude for all he has done.

When anxiety heightens,

and worry tries to consume me.

In these moments I cry out to God and I’m quickly reminded of his promises.

He said he will never leave me or forsake me, my strong tower where I can find safety.

My rock, my refuge, my fortress and my hope.

His love protects me, surrounds me and never fails me.

This is where I find my peace and place my trust in him.

– denise marie

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

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

What I would say to my younger self…

I always loved to write. Pencil in hand, writing a poem at the age of 5.

You have the gift to

powerfully shine light

on darkness,

to set captives free

by the stroke of your

own pen.

– denise marie

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

My prayer today…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Gratitude…

Each day brings a promise of something new…

be present and hold space…for gratitude.

– denise marie

This is the day the Lord has made. let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

My Covid 19 story…

I tested positive for Covid 19 on Saturday. The last few days have been extremely overwhelming and it seems as if I’ve experienced many of the symptoms on the list. When things got a bit scary I contacted my Doctor and due to my health risk factors, I was able to go to the hospital for an Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion.

When I arrived to the hospital I was told to wait outside and a nurse in PPE would come and get me. Soon after my arrival the nurse came and had me follow her to a “not for the public” side door into a stairwell which took me to a door that led to a long hallway and into a conference room that was section off by plastic.

Covid Patients Infusion Room

It was only I and the nurse in this room and as much as she tried to make me feel comfortable, it was a bit eerie.

She did the basics; temperature check, blood pressure check, oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter then went on to explain the details of the infusion. Soon after, I received my infusion in my left arm and after an hour and a half my husband picked me up from the hospital and went home.

Day 3 Covid positive, Anti-Viral Infusion.

The following day after my infusion, I still struggled with many Covid symptoms, but my fever finally broke. SO very grateful!

Today is day 5 and I’m still testing positive. Its been hard to be quarantined and feeling lousy in my room away from my family, But I’m happy to say that my symptoms are improving! I believe that the infusion has really helped my body to continue to fight this virus.

Being in my room quarantined, it’s amazing how the mind plays tricks on you. I really had to pray, reach out to my family and watch uplifting & funny shows on tv to stay encouraged. So glad this is only temporary.

To be intentionally loved is a gift from God.

I received these beautiful flowers from my husband. He, my kids & family have been so encouraging and loving as I heal and rest. I’m blessed to have family near while I’m quarantined and recovering.

Tomorrow is a new day and I’m looking forward to a negative test and complete recovery soon!

Thank you Jesus for your love, protection and healing💗

Just keep standing…mental health awareness.

I just wanted to send a word of encouragement out to those who are feeling weary, feeling as if they have been fighting this battle for way too long. When the thought of standing up to the health challenges, loneliness, financial strain, grief, depression, anxiety, any circumstance or situation that may have you feeling like you can’t continue on. I want you to know that you are not alone. That there is hope and help is near.

There were many days in my life that if I could just believe that it was possible for me to “just keep standing” I could. To just keep standing wasn’t necessarily always physical but yet mentally and emotionally.

On those hard days, I would call a trusted friend or family member for support, or I would schedule an appointment with my therapist. I would attend a Recovery meeting when those memories of past trauma were just too much.

And…I would go to God in prayer and read His Word, one of my favorite chapters I would read daily is Psalm 91 in which I would literally say out loud, “God you are my refuge, I know that I can trust in you, you are my strength and I am safe.”

Today, my hope and prayer is that you can “Just keep standing”.


***For immediate help please call or text the following Mental Health & Crisis line at: 988

– denise marie💗