I’m grateful for the ways God speaks to my heart when my own words fall short, thank you for the peace it brings to my soul. -denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
Tag: mental-health
Beauty from ashes…
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”.
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
I am enough…
Self-love, value, worth, and respect don’t come from external validation but from embracing who I truly am. I honor myself, because I am enough.
I choose to:
✨ Love myself unapologetically
✨ Recognize my inherent value
✨ Walk in confidence and self-respect
✨ Set boundaries that honor my worth
His Word reminds me:
✨ I am chosen (1 Peter 2:9)
✨ I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
✨ I am redeemed and forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
✨ I am His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
I choose to stand firm in God’s truth and know my identity is secure in Him.
– denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
Finding Peace: The Benefits of Praying in Nature.
Finding moments of peace is essential for our well-being. For me, praying in nature has become a powerful way to calm my nervous system and restore a sense of balance.
When praying outdoors, I am free from the distractions of daily life, and many times I feel a deeper connection to God. It reminds me of His presence in all things and provides a sacred space to surrender worries, express gratitude, and seek guidance. As I breathe in the fresh air and focus on His creation, my heart rate slows, my thoughts become clearer, and a sense of peace washes over me.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to step outside, find a quiet place, and pray. Whether it’s in a park, by the ocean, or simply in your backyard, let nature be a sanctuary for your soul. You may find, as I have, that the simple act of praying in nature brings a profound sense of calm and renewal. – denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
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
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
Slow down…and listen to the beat of your own heart…
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.
My Journey Home….to God & Self 