The same God who calls the whale to rise from the depths of the sea is the God who calls me to rise from my own depths. The deep waters of pain, fear, and sorrow do not define me. Just as the ocean cannot hold back the whale when God summons it upward, neither can the weight of my past or the heaviness of my heart hold me down. God whispers, “Come up. Breathe. Be seen.”
And in that holy invitation, I remember, I was created to rise. – denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
Today I stood next this tree in my backyard that had once looked lifeless, its branches bare, weathered by seasons that stripped it of everything. But now, tiny green buds and leaves are reaching out like whispers of hope, life is returning. Isn’t that just like God?
He brings new life from places we thought were done. Where there was loss, He plants promise. Where we felt barren, emotionally, spiritually, even physically, He breathes life again. Slowly, gently, faithfully.
I’m learning not to rush the blooming, just to be still and notice. To trust that the same God who renews the trees is tending to the garden of my own soul, bringing new life.
– denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
Sometimes trusting God is not always easy, especially when life brings difficult challenges, but I know that trusting God is the doorway to peace. When I release control and lean into His wisdom, I make space for grace to move in. Prayer becomes my lifeline, not just words, but a deep surrender, a quiet knowing that He hears, He sees, and He cares. Prayer opens us up to healing, to clarity, to strength that I didn’t know I had, and to hope that holds me steady.
As I trust God with each step, I begin to see that He’s been faithful all along, working behind the scenes, weaving purpose into every moment. – denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
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”.
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
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me, Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior”. ⁃ Oceans by Hillsong United
This summer, I had an overwhelming need to go to the Ocean, so I told my husband and the next day we drove to Santa Cruz.
As I stood there on these rocks on the beach, I watched the water go from calm to all of a sudden the waves came crashing violently and then the calmness of the water subsided as the waves went back out to sea.
I was so fortunate to capture this photo at the exact moment of impact.
As I watched in awe, I heard God sweetly whisper, “trust me”.
Unbeknownst to me, my life would change four days later, when I survived a pulmonary embolism.
As I heal, this picture is a constant reminder of how we all face the unexpected crashing of overwhelming situations that disrupt our life. But even in those uncertain times, God promises to be our firm foundation, as he continuously whispers “trust me”.
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety”.
– Psalm 18:2
~ denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36 #nolongerheldcaptive
My Journey Home….to God & Self 