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

Spending time in prayer amidst Gods beauty…such a welcomed gift.

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

#nolongerheldcaptive

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.

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

Self-care Muse…

A beautiful creek nestled between tall trees in Tacoma Washington, it was truly majestic.

In the realm of self-care, I find my retreat, a sanctuary where my soul finds its beat.

A gentle reminder to tend to my needs, to nourish my spirit, to let it be freed.

I start with a moment, a pause in my day, to breathe in the calm, let worries drift away.

Inhaling the peace, exhaling the stress, creating space for my mind to find rest.

I listen to my body, its whispers and cues, honoring its limits, refusing to abuse.

I nourish with kindness, with wholesome delight, feeding it with love, each day and each night.

I bathe in self-love, a warm, soothing embrace, letting go of judgment, accepting my grace.

With sunlight aglow, casting a soft, gentle light, I surrender to stillness, embracing with such delight.

I move with intention, in rhythm and flow, dancing away worries, letting my spirit grow.

Expressing my emotions through graceful motion, releasing the tension, embracing the notion.

I seek solace in nature, its beauty and peace, walking in forests, where worries find release.

The whispering trees, the song of the birds, nature’s healing power, beyond any words.

I indulge in moments of pure, simple pleasure, reading a book, savoring each word and measure.

Escaping reality, entering new realms, where imagination soars and the heart overwhelms.

I surround myself with love, with cherished souls, creating connections that make me feel whole.

Sharing laughter and tears, in moments so rare, knowing that love is the ultimate self-care.

Self-care is a journey, a lifelong embrace, a commitment to oneself, a sacred space.

For in nurturing my soul, I find the key, to unlock the door to a life that’s carefree.

– denise marie

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

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

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