In His presence, I am restored.

Whatever you’re carrying today,
may you feel God’s arms around you,
holding you close and healing you gently. In His love, we are soothed. In His presence, we are restored.

– denise marie

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

      God’s creation…calms my soul.

      There’s something about being in God’s creation that calms my soul. The sound of the wind through the trees, the warmth of the sun on my skin, it all reminds me that He is in control. 

      Anxiety fades, worries quiet, and my heart finds rest.

      Nature is His masterpiece, a gentle reminder that I am held, I am seen, and I am loved.

      – denise marie

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

      Admiring the beauty of nature is truly gratifying to my soul.

      Washoe Valley, Nevada

      There is nothing like the backdrop of snowcapped mountains sitting boldly in front of the crisp morning sunrise while being graced by the elegance of wild horses.

      The pure joy of being present and giving thanks…I am in awe of Gods beauty, my heart is forever grateful. – denise marie

      A glimpse of my ventures outdoors…

      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.

      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

      Admiring Art…can be nervous system regulating.

      Local Art

      On Tuesday, I was running errands and for no reason that I could pinpoint, I started feeling a bit overwhelmed, instead of allowing the anxiety to heighten, I decided to shift my attention by “looking” for the beauty around me.

      I began to notice artwork in the community, and realized that within the pleasurable experience of viewing art, lies the ability to evoke a sort of euphoric mood that calmed my nervousness. The Art literally seemed to communicate with me, using a language that captured the essence of the human experience, it allowed me to see the world through the lens of a different perspective.

      I truly appreciate the gift of art🩷

      – denise marie

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

      #nolongerheldcaptive

      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

      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