Dearest friend,

I wanted to take a moment to write to you, not as a writer speaking to a subscriber, but simply as someone speaking from a heart of gratitude.

Just wanted to thank you for being here.

Thank you for walking with me on this journey.

This world can be so overwhelming, so chaotic.

There are so many things competing for our attention, our time, o…

Read more

In our final installment of this series, we’ll explore another aspect of modesty: the sacred practice of honoring one’s physical body.

In our previous posts on modesty, we explored how modesty may express the condition of your heart as well as your reverence for God.

In this post, we’ll discuss modesty as the righteous care of our bodies.

Why?

Our bodies are sacred vessels, not only containing the spirit man, but our bodies serve as the sacred abode of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Since your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and you are not your own, it’s of the utmost importance to care for your physical body, inside and out. Yes, our bodies are growing weak and fading slowly with the years (2 Corinthians 4:16), but special care should be taken in preserving the precious gift that God has given us. After all, our bodies house the very breath of God (Genesis 2:7).

Consider a sacred temple in places like Japan or the Himalayas. Imagine if someone were to enter these spaces and spray paint vulgar language across the stone walls, or smash figures of the ancestors within the interiors. Imagine if merchants were to come in and set up shop, decorating the walls with unsightly banners and flyers, selling their gaudy wares on what would be considered holy ground. A temple should be treated with respect and great care since it is considered a sacred place to honor a deity or the ancient ancestors within a culture or tradition.

Yet, your body is much more than these sacred spaces, because your body is the property and dwelling place of the one true God.

It’s important to honor yourself and refrain from defacing or desecrating your temple in any way. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 gives us a stern warning about desecrating our bodies – God’s holy temples on earth.

Embodying the Gospel

Putting on Christ, adorning yourself righteously, is about reverence for God and bringing God glory (1 Corinthians 6:20).

How you adorn yourself is especially important when it comes to the Great Commission.

In clothing yourself righteously, you’re expressing outwardly to the world that you’re a true follower of Christ and that you have respect for your temple, and a deep spiritual love for your brothers and sisters, whether they are believers or not.

Subscribe now

Adorning The Body

In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid oversexualized media and entertainment. For this reason, many of our brothers and sisters secretly struggle with lust and sexual addiction and, sadly, live in guilt and shame.

Church Attire

These questions are especially important when you’re adorning your body for Church.

The minds and hearts of your fellow parishioners should be focused solely on God and worship, not on the revealing or immodest attire you may be wearing.

Church is a sacred space. In earthly temples across the world, visitors are expected to dress appropriately, often taking off their shoes, to enter the sacred space. How much more should the followers of God dress with reverence when entering our sacred space, the church? Introspection is very important in this instance.

Maybe right now you’re thinking, well, it’s not my problem how other people see me, or It’s not my responsibility to keep others from stumbling into sin.

As followers of Christ, we don’t pattern our minds after the selfish and self-centered patterns of the world; We should be mindful of others at all times, especially of our brothers and sisters in the faith.

While adorning your body, be mindful that your brothers and sisters do not fall into temptation and lust. Placing aside your own desires isn’t only about sacrificing the self in exchange for God’s will, but it’s an act of divine love and compassion for others.

And make no mistake, regardless of what the world may tell you, regardless of what social media influences may tell you, the Scriptures make it crystal clear that you’ll be held accountable for causing others to stumble into sin (Romans 14:21), and even supporting the sins of others (1 Timothy 5:22, Ephesians 5:11).

The Foods We Consume

Honoring your body also extends to the food you consume. Whenever possible, enjoy a healthy, well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs. Sweet treats and pastries are amazing - they are welcome blessings at holidays, events, and special gatherings. But treats shouldn’t be your daily fare.

Our heavenly Father has created so many beautiful, nutritious foods for His children - explore these foods as much as possible! Refrain from consuming excessive processed foods that may make the body sick and cloud the mind.

About Overindulgence

Modesty in the foods you consume not only includes the types of foods you eat, but self-control or restraint in the actual amount of food you’re eating. The Scriptures warn us about overindulgence or gluttony, which is a sin (Proverbs 23:2). Moderation is key.

Check out this interesting article from a fellow writer here on Substack about the simple eating habits of Franciscan Monks: Eat Like a Saint: San Francesco D’Assisi - by Sara. Modesty in the foods we eat and the manner in which we eat them is a sacred practice we can all participate in.

Eating much more than your share is not just about overindulgence, but it may express a heart that is overtaken by fleshly desires (greed, selfishness). The Scriptures even warn us that overindulgence of food and drink may lead to poverty (Proverbs 23:20) and feeling overly full and sick (Proverbs 25:16).

Balance Rest and Productivity

Modesty involves balance in how we use our time.

In the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, we learn that there is a specific time and place for every purpose.

Be mindful of the time you have been given on this earth. Always stay productive and engage in constructive activities. But make time for rest, especially for prayer and Scripture study, and fellowship with your family, friends, and other believers.

Use each day wisely; Stay disciplined and consistent in your work, but try your best to refrain from overuse of electronic devices and other distractions.

Put away your phone and turn off the TV sometimes — get to work on the things that the Lord has asked you to do.

If possible, keep active and exercise your body. In this way, your body will be healthy, strong, and clear-minded to live out the mission and purposes God has for you.

Taking a walk each day, even for 15 or 30 minutes, is a great way to stay active. Try talking with God on your walks; communing with our Father during your walks is another way to get closer and stay connected to Him.

Sacred Intimacy

Modesty of the body also extends to sexual intimacy. Self-control of one’s body and mind is important for keeping the body and soul pure and in right standing with our Creator.

True righteous intimacy is not just a physical act, but it divinely binds the spirits of a man and woman, as they become one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:8). And this bond is of divine importance, since the sacred union of marriage symbolizes the union between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31).

For Christians, sexual intimacy is a beautiful gift from God, meant to be expressed within the sacred covenant of marriage between a man and woman. Honoring this gift means that if you’re single, you choose to wait patiently for marriage before engaging in physical intimacy with another.

And honoring this gift means you choose to turn away from the sins of adultery, fornication, lust, self-love, and pornography — grave sins that eventually lead to God’s wrath (Hebrews 13:4).

Modesty also involves what you view with your eyes. Yes, this not only includes the types of entertainment we consume, but the way we may honor or dishonor others with our eyes.

In Matthew 5:28, Jesus tells us that anyone who looks at a woman with lust in their heart has already committed adultery with her in his heart. And women are not excluded from this. Man or woman, we all should be mindful of what we view with our eyes, whether it be on the streets, on film, or on a computer screen.

Don’t give the evil one a foothold in your life!

Anything evil that you consume with your eyes enters the spirit, and darkens your heart, and eventually dulls your sense of right or wrong. Lustfulness and evil material may also ruin and destroy real-life relationships.

Yes, we must resolve to place no evil thing before our eyes (Psalm 101:3). In honoring God's design for intimacy, you honor both Him and your brothers and sisters.

The Lord is Your Strength!

True Godly modesty is a lifestyle balance between mind, body, and spirit. As followers of Christ, we have to choose daily to exercise holy restraint in a world ruled by the flesh, dripping with self-centeredness, decadence, and overindulgence.

Our heavenly Father is always there to guide you and pick you up. And if you fall, run to Him, share your battles and challenges. He will forgive you, and pick you up again. And again. And again.

Take measures to ensure that you guard your heart. Stay in a state of prayer and read the Scriptures daily. Continue in repentance. Forgive and live in compassion and at peace with everyone as much as possible. Ask the Lord to help you avoid people or places that will cause you to stumble. Unfollow entertainment or social media accounts that may cause you to fall. Get rid of books and other materials that don’t fall in line with God’s holy will and righteous path.

Rather than allowing passions to rule in your heart, ask the Lord for strength to resist temptation and sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom, strength, and discernment to keep your body righteously adorned, healthy, physically fit, and sexually pure to continue the sacred work of spreading the Gospel and fulfilling your divine mission and purpose on this earth.

A prayer for living a holy, righteous, and modest life:

Heavenly Father,

Please give me the strength to live a life that honors and glorifies You.

Guard my heart against temptation, pride, and the unholy desires that draw me far away from You.

Teach me to walk in modesty, humility, purity, and righteousness, and not for the approval of others, but because I deeply desire to please You.

When I am weak, please strengthen me.

When I am tempted, bless with me self-control.

When I fall, please give me the humility to repent quickly, and the strength and resolve to begin my journey again.

Lord, I pray that my thoughts, words, actions, and choices reflect Your divine holiness, and fall in alignment with Your holy will.

Help me to seek what is good, speak with love and compassion, forgive others freely, and walk faithfully with You each day.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus,

Amen.

Buy Me A Matcha :)

The Divine Vision…

Early one morning in 2018, Jesus Christ appeared to me in an open vision. It was a glorious vision of our beautiful Savior, wrapped in a golden robe descending from a star-filled sky to the earth below.

My life has never been the same since.

It was such an emotional experience for me. Though I’ve experienced divine dreams and visions since I was a little girl, this was the first time that the Lord appeared to me. To think that the Creator of all the universe stopped by to bless me - little old me - deeply touched my heart.

Especially since, at the time, I wasn’t really living for Him.

I never truly studied the Bible until after this miraculous vision. Though I studied culture and religion from a very young age, and read the Bible and other religious texts, I never truly connected the dots. My interest in Biblical Archeology began early; As a young girl I created my own landscape maps and genealogical charts and studied about the people and places in the Scriptures. I guess, back then, I was looking at things from a strictly historical perspective.

But in retrospect, God’s hand was always on my life. I always had a connection to Him in some way, even a love for Him. Indeed, I believed that God existed, and I had a beautiful praying mother, but I never took a step forward. I followed after other gods. I never realized that it was possible to actually have a relationship with God.

I’ll eventually make my way, I thought.

Read more

In part 2 of this three-part series, we’ll explore what your level of modesty reveals about your heart and reverence for God.

“Well, God knows my heart.”

This seems to be one of the new mantras of this generation.

You’ve heard it before. On television. At the office. In a social media post.

Someone is confronted or rebuked about immodest or even immoral behavior, but their response is often lax, dismissive, and indiscreet. There is no accountability. No personal responsibility for one’s actions. This phrase is even more concerning when it passes through the lips of a follower of Christ.

“God knows my heart”.

Well, that’s exactly the point. And we’re going to discuss it here.

For starters, if you engage in immodest or sinful behavior without sorrow, conviction, repentance, or even a desire to change, then beloved, your heart is not in a good place.

You must honestly take some time to examine the condition of your heart and soul.

You see, a heart that desires to please God can’t remain comfortable with the very acts that separate us from Him. Sins like pride, hatred, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, sexual sins, and filthy communication should feel unsettling in the heart of a Christian.

As we discussed in Part 1 of our discussion on modesty, your words, your actions, and even the way you outwardly present yourself to the world all tell a story about what’s taking place in your heart.

The outward life is often a reflection of the inward one…

Yes, your heart will either bear witness for you or testify against you. Your heart, and ultimately your outward life, will reveal whether you’re fully surrendered to the Creator of the universe or whether you’re still clinging to the gods of this world.

Subscribe now

Christ exemplified modesty for us…

Jesus Christ lived a holy and sinless life. In the words of Right Reverend Alexei, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, “Our Lord Himself was modest, modest about His miracles, modest in His speech, modest in His example, modest in the washing of His disciples’ feet”. If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, then each day of your life, you’ll strive to grow closer to representing our beloved Savior. If you don’t have this desire, this is a heart issue.

In the Scriptures, Jesus Christ reminds us that a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:17–18). The fruit that a tree bears usually reveals the health of the tree.

What does your heart reveal about your spiritual health?

You can’t live with one foot in the kingdom of God and the other foot in the kingdom of the world (Revelation 3:15-17). Eventually, your heart will choose allegiance to one of these kingdoms. And no, you can’t straddle the fence either – the evil one IS the fence!

Yet here’s the good news: You’re not left to fight the battle against evil in your own strength!

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you’re given the strength and grace to exercise self-control and to cultivate a life that’s continuously transformed into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. All you have to do is ask. Pray to our heavenly Father for the strength to avoid temptation and to choose the path of light each day.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can exercise self-control in every aspect of life. In exercising modesty, you subdue the desires of the flesh in favor of the spirit man, in favor of the divine will of our eternal Creator.

As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, we are to “guard our heart with all diligence, for out of the heart flow the issues of life”.

It’s the daily practice of denying the self:

You’ll trade anger and bitterness for gentleness and forgiveness.

Gossip and slander for patience and compassion.

Pride and selfish ambition for humility and peace.

A heart devoted to modesty seeks not to draw attention to itself but to reflect the beauty, goodness, righteousness, and love of God. In this daily process of sanctification and renewal, the self should decrease as Christ increases (John 3:30).

A heart “sold out” for Christ desires to live the life of an eternal inhabitant of the Kingdom of God.

A prayer for a soul striving to live a modest life:

Heavenly Father,

Please guard my heart, my mind, and my spirit, and help me to walk in purity, wisdom, and humility.

Teach me to turn away from temptation and to desire what is good, holy, and pleasing in Your sight.

When I am weak and unable to resist, please strengthen me. When I am tempted, remind me that Your grace is greater than my struggles and challenges.

Help me to exhibit modesty in all I do. Help me to be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and eager to show love, mercy, and compassion to others.

Teach me to seek Your approval rather than the approval of this fallen world. May my words, thoughts, actions, and intentions reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your holy name.

O Lord, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.

May I become less so that You may become more.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Buy Me A Matcha :)

This prayer, by Russian Orthodox Bishop Philaret Voznesensky, invites you into a moment of reflection and communion with God.

Rooted in the richness of the Orthodox Christian tradition, this timeless prayer offers wisdom, humility, and hope for daily life, encouraging trust in God's providence and peace in every circumstance.

May this prayer richly bless you!

Buy Me A Matcha :)

We do not always have to be taught in words; in fact, the things we say may often be the least effective means for communicating important truths. The way we live, even the way we carry ourselves, can convey the reality of what we are and what we believe.

~ Father Spyridon Bailey

They say first impressions are everything.

If this is so, then everything we think, say, and do paints a picture of who we are.

So, maybe a little introspection is in order.

Have you ever considered what the words you speak, the clothes you wear, and the actions you perform each day may say about you?

If you’re a follower of Christ, what if the image you present to the world isn’t a holy representation of God?

Modesty, as defined by modern society, is often used to express how an individual may externally adorn themselves. The term also seems to be synonymous with how some women choose to present themselves to the world; Browsing social media, you’ll find a plethora of videos highlighting the term, often featuring discussions reprimanding women wearing scandalous low-cut tops, bodycon dresses, or blissfully prancing around the market in Lululemons.

The true definition of modesty

Yet, as we browse the Scriptures, modesty is not merely an outward expression or representation of ourselves, but a reflection of the state of the soul. Modesty, or the lack thereof, may determine the heart posture and may express one’s level of devotion to Christ. One of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), modesty (self-control) is one of the hallmarks of a devoted, mature, or maturing Christian.

The Apostles addressed the topic of modesty both inside and outside of the church. Saint Peter taught that true beauty comes from inner humility and a quiet and gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:3-4). Saint Paul not only addressed the importance of modesty in one’s outer appearance, but he also added the importance of good deeds to the list of virtues (1 Timothy 2:9).

The Church Fathers also spoke often about the nature of modesty. In Volume 2 of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, St Clement of Alexandria was adamant about modesty, and regarding married women, he says, “But if any necessity arises, commanding the presence of married women, let them be well clothed – without by raiment, within by modesty”. Tertullian argued that it’s even more beneficial to put on spiritual adorments of simplicity, chastity, silence, honesty, and righteousness.

Subscribe now

It’s clear through an exploration of the Scriptures and the early Church Fathers that if you’re a follower of Christ, modesty should be an all-encompassing way of life.

As a Christian, you’re called to live a righteous life, sanctified and set apart from the world. In Leviticus 20:26, our Father tells us, “You are to be holy to Me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own”. And God has set us apart before any of us even entered this earthly plane. In Jeremiah 1:5 we read, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

You belong to Him, and as you walk with Him, you should cultivate the desire to be marked by purity, humility, and love that radiates His presence in a world often clouded by materialism, self-centeredness, and desires of the flesh. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we read, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”.

When you walk in modesty – of the heart, mind, body, and soul – you become a living witness of His light.

If you’re a follower of the Way, everything you do must be in alignment with this truth: your body is a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Our heavenly Father desires us all to be holy and set apart for His glory and divine purposes.

To be sure, modesty is more than the clothes you wear.

Indeed, modesty isn’t only about what you wear; It can be the words you speak, the music you listen to, the food you eat, even what you consume with your eyes.

The things we consume and engage with should exhibit our willingness to walk the path of righteousness and to adhere to God’s standard of holiness.

Modesty is not just about self-control and divine restraint, but self-awareness. Knowing who you are and where you stand at all times in light of God’s truth. In light of your identity in Christ Jesus.

It’s about managing your emotions; Choosing words of love and compassion at times of conflict. Choosing forgiveness in times of offense. It’s choosing when to speak and when to stay silent.

Make no mistake, modesty is for both women AND men.

As children of the Most High God, we are to be representatives, ambassadors, of the Holy One, whether we are male or female. We are all created in the image of God and for His divine purpose and for His glory. Period.

May God bless you!

Buy Me A Matcha :)

In a world that is constantly in motion, our heavenly Father continues to invite us to a life of prayer, meditation, and contemplation. In this episode, we’ll explore why silence, prayer, and solitude have always been at the heart of our lives as followers of The Way. Together, we'll reflect on the beauty and purpose of contemplation, discover how quiet moments with God can transform our spiritual lives, and learn simple, practical ways to weave prayer and meditation into even the busiest schedules.

Subscribe now

Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, you’ll be encouraged to create sacred spaces throughout your day, and cultivate a deep, more intimate relationship with the One who is always waiting with open arms to meet you in these special moments of stillness.

Rediscover the peace that can only be found in the presence of our loving, Father.

I pray this episode will bless and inspire you!

Buy Me A Matcha :)

Beloved, if you opened this post today with a weary soul and an aching heart, please linger with me here - there’s something I want to share with you.

Maybe at this moment, life has left you gasping for air.

Maybe you feel that your life doesn’t really matter.

Maybe you believe things will never get better.

Maybe you think it’s time to throw in the towel.

I’ve been there. Trust me.

For many years, I fought my own battle with darkness and despair, battling deep depression, even suicidal thoughts. No one ever told me it was possible to fall so far, so deep. Sadly, I hid my battle from family and friends because I was too ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help. After all, I was always the one that everyone else turned to for everything. I didn’t want to appear helpless. No, I definitely didn’t want to let anyone down. And I was so deep in my despair that I couldn’t even talk to God.

But one day, when I could barely get out of bed, I realized that I was nearing the point of no return. I was sinking deeper into despair. The cloak of darkness seemed to be descending from everywhere. Battered and weary, I faintly cried out to God, “Father, save me”.

As I lay on my bed, I began to commune with our Father.

When I honestly opened my heart to God and shared my pain over the next few hours, days, and weeks, He began to reveal His deep love for me, and for us all. I was still new in my faith at the time, but I learned to “pray the Scriptures”, meditating on God’s promises, slowly replacing negative thoughts with God’s light, hope, and love.

My hope for you…

Sharing this part of my past isn’t easy, but I prayerfully offer it to you in the hope that you know you’re not alone. I pray that my letter to you serves as a companion on your journey, helping to lift your spirit and open your spiritual eyes to the hope that can be very difficult to see in the desert.

From personal experience, as you make your way through the darkness, I know it can be difficult to pray or read your Bible, but this is the best place to start. God sees you right where you are - you don’t need grandiose words or intricate rituals to reach Him. Just a simple, honest prayer from your heart is all you need. Meditating on just one verse can make a difference.

Along with the Scriptures, I pray you return often to this letter as a reminder of God’s immense love for you.

If you’re currently in a season of darkness, I would like to share with you 7 divine revelations I received during my intimate talks with God, things I wish I had learned so long ago. So, beloved, I share them with you here:

1. You are LOVED much more than you know.

At this moment, you may feel as if no one truly cares. Maybe you feel that if you left this world, no one would notice.

But, nothing could be farther from the truth!

Our heavenly Father has created you IN love and had plans for you even before you were born; He even knows the number of the hairs on your head (Psalms 103).

God has a GREAT LOVE for you (Ephesians 2:4-5) and His love for you is also an EVERLASTING (forever) (Jeremiah 31:3) and an UNFAILING love (Psalm 109:26). This deep love that He has for you means that He’s ALWAYS concerned with what concerns you. He’s always ready, willing, and able to listen to your heart and fill you with peace and comfort. He desires for you not to be afraid or discouraged about ANYTHING, because He will be with you WHEREVER you go (Joshua 1:9), and He will NEVER leave you!

And your family and friends love you too!

Your family and friends may not always verbally express their love for you, but I can assure you – you’re always in their thoughts. You have a special “way” about you, and you fill a void for many people. It will be very difficult for your friends and family to imagine their lives without you. Whether your loved ones express it or not, their plans for the future definitely include YOU!

I know from experience that there are also many other people you may not realize who cherish your presence. These people may include co-workers, employees, neighbors, the clerk at the bookstore you frequent, the barista at your favorite coffee shop - I could go on and on.

Really consider this.

You’re surrounded by people every day who enjoy being in your company, even if it’s just for brief moments in time.

You ARE CHERISHED here!

2. There will NEVER be another you.

You’re an original. There has never been, nor will ever be, someone like you.

You were created carefully and wonderfully by the creator of all the universe (Psalm 139:14). Our Father also created you to be born at a specific time and place for a specific purpose (Ephesians 2:10; Ecclesiastes 3:1).

When you take time to sit in silence, avoiding the distractions (i.e. social media, mindless entertainment) you’ll begin to discover your true self; you’ll be more atuned to your true purpose that the Lord will reveal to you through these moments of peace.

There’s a purpose that only YOU can fulfill. This world cannot replace you. YOU are truly valuable. Your absence would leave a gaping hole through space and time. Yes, the loss of your presence would reverberate throughout the universe. I believe Albert Einstein’s research may best illustrate the void left in the fabric of time and space over the absence of just ONE human being.

Yes, you’re truly that IMPORTANT!

3. Life ALWAYS gets better.

I’ve lived long enough to know that no matter how “bad” things may seem, they NEVER stay that way.

Life ebbs and flows, like the waves of the ocean, but there is ALWAYS a lesson to be learned and ALWAYS something to be gained. Just as the dark clouds of thunderstorms soon give way to sunshine, our lives go through changes over time. But each time we encounter challenges, we ALWAYS become better prepared and equipped for each storm.

Our heavenly Father ALWAYS has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter what happens, life ALWAYS seems to work out, to fall into place.

There is ALWAYS someone there to catch you when you fall. There is ALWAYS someone to talk to, someone willing to help you.

The truth is, many of the people you meet or interact with every day have all had to climb the same mountain. That’s why there are so many people who truly understand you and are willing and able to help.

Don’t internalize your pain. Pour out your heart to those you trust until you feel the weight lift. Share your journey with a trusted family member, friend, neighbor, teacher, pastor, counselor, or doctor about what you’re going through. There are also groups at church, school, hospitals, community centers, or online that have the resources to help you.

When you start reaching out to others, they’re more than happy to reach out to you as well.

Your pain and experiences matter to others. We can ALL relate!

4. You are NOT alone.

As I write these words, there are thousands of people across the globe who are dealing with feelings of pain, loss, and despair. You’re definitely not alone!

Our heavenly Father is right there by your side, waiting for you to share your heart with Him. He will never leave you during your time of struggle and despair (Deuteronomy 31:8). Sometimes in our pain, it may be difficult to sense God’s presence, or even His love. But He holds the past, present, and future in the palm of His hand, and He is our best chance when the dark clouds seem to settle on us.

So many of us are facing obstacles that seem difficult to overcome. Everyone is searching for answers, comfort, strength, and solace. No doubt, many people may hide their struggles and challenges because they also believe that they’re alone in their suffering. I hid my own pain for years before I realized that there were people that could help me.

You’re NOT powerless — you have the power to make changes, to help others.

We all need each other more than ever.

This brings me to my next revelation…

5. Your pain can HELP others.

Even in your pain and despair, you can be a beacon of light for others. You can share your pain while helping others to share their own. The Lord can use your experiences to help illuminate the path for others, turning tragedy into triumph (Romans 8:28).

Through the wisdom and direction of our Father, you have the means to transform your pain into healing and positivity. Lean on the shoulders of others, as they lean on yours. You may find that sharing your time, even volunteering in your community, can be therapeutic and reveal your true strength and resilience.

You’re stronger than you think – even in your pain, you have POWER!

6. You can leave behind a greater LEGACY.

You’re too precious and valuable to leave behind a legacy of pain and anguish.

You’re an amazing human being – your legacy should hold memories of joy, love, fun times, and the unique contributions you made to the world and those around you. Even now, when people think of you, they smile :)

Your presence is imprinted on the hearts and minds of so many. Your life and your presence have deep meaning. You’re made of the same material as the stars! You’re so much more than your pain.

Continue to dream, continue to try new things. Continue forward.

You are a multifaceted human being with a future brighter than the sun!

7. God has GREAT plans for your life.

Every beautiful soul that comes into the world has a unique assignment and purpose that only they can fulfill – and that includes YOU!

YOU were born for greatness. YOU were born with a unique purpose and divine destiny. YOU were born with a specific gift or talent that the world needs right now. No one on earth comes into the world without something special to contribute. NO ONE!

If you’re uncertain about what your purpose is, ask our heavenly Father to reveal it to you. He will lovingly place you in the right direction (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6). Keep your eyes and heart open - He may reveal your purpose through unexpected people or situations. Maybe this revelation will come through something that you are passionate about or something you may be particularly good at. If you ask friends, family, or even coworkers about what makes you unique or what special talents you may have, their answers may also reveal your purpose.

We’re all like pieces of a giant puzzle that come together to push humanity forward. If just one piece is missing, we cannot truly thrive and survive as humans.

We need each other. We need YOU!

….And I cherish you! (A bonus reason).

That’s right. It’s from my own journey of healing that I write these words to you.

I want to help pull you out of that dark and seemingly hopeless place - a place I know all too well. I know how bad things can seem. But don’t let the evil one convince you that there’s no hope (John 10:10), because as long as there’s life, there’s ALWAYS hope!

The evil one wants to see you fail; he tries really hard to convince us all that this life is meaningless (1 Peter 5:8). But our heavenly Father would love to see you thrive and live out all the joy and abundance that He desires for you!

I write these words because I want to help you avoid the pain I experienced. I feel a deep connection to you through the trials we endure together in this life. I truly love and care for you! And I KNOW that life will get even better for you from this moment forward.

And like our heavenly Father, I want you to win in this life!

I want to see you be victorious!

Pour out your heart to the Lord today. He is waiting with open arms to hear from you. Tell Him about your pain, your worries, your fears, your challenges, your struggles. He will understand. And He will heal what’s broken and enliven the dark places. He will even place people in your life to help in your healing. He will transform your life from the inside out. Trust me!

I write from a place of continual healing. Now I’m able to help others, just as you will too!

I pray and believe with all of my heart that you can overcome the darkness and write an exciting new chapter in your life!

Just like I did.

A Prayer for a Heavy Heart…

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this opportunity to share my pain, my suffering, and my struggle with You.

I come to You with the crushing weight of despair heavy on my heart.

You promise to fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Lord, I confess I don’t always feel that joy or peace, but I ask that You breathe Your hope into me right now.

You invite me to cast all my anxieties on You because You care for me. So I lay down my fears, my sadness, and even my darkest thoughts before You, believing that You see me and love me through it all. (1 Peter 5:7)

Your Word says that grace and peace are multiplied in the knowledge of You. Lord, multiply that grace and peace in my life, and let it bring healing to my thoughts, my emotions, and the deepest places where I feel broken. (2 Peter 1:2)

When I feel unworthy or unloved, remind me that You graciously give me everything I need to endure and to live. (Romans 8: 31-32)

Help me remember that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, that I am not my own, but was bought at a price. My life is precious to You, and even when I want to give up, You are holding me close. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

And in my darkest moments, I cling to Your promise that when the righteous cry out, You hear them; You deliver them from ALL their troubles (Psalm 34:17)

You are near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)

Though I may feel many afflictions, You promise to deliver me through them all. (Psalm 34:17–19)

Lord, hold me in Your arms. Help me believe that my story isn’t over, that You are still writing my story with love, and that the light of Your presence will one day soon outshine this darkness.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

What are you struggling with today?

What hurdles or obstacles are you facing?

Have you shared your struggles with anyone?

How can I pray for you today?

Would you like to become a part of God’s family and receive God’s free gift of eternal life? Message me, I can help you with that :)

(Note: I created this post from a Substack note I posted a few days ago. I’m truly grateful for all the love and support I received. To God be the glory!)

The Situation…

Years ago, on an early Wednesday evening, I was sitting at my desk studying for my final exams when I received a phone call from my university’s financial aid office.

My heart sank.

They told me my financial aid and scholarship had fallen through.

I was only two months away from graduation.

After years of hard work - earning high honors, balancing work, raising my three-year-old daughter, taking evening classes, online classes, and even rushing from work to midday lectures, it felt like the rug had been pulled right out from under me.

It wasn’t the first time.

There had been countless issues with financial aid, problems with my credits, even semesters where I had been registered for the wrong classes (ugh!) Every step toward that degree seemed to require another mountain to climb and more blood drawn lol

Going to college had always been my dream. As a first-generation American, I hoped to become one of the very few people in my family to earn a college degree.

When I hung up the phone, the tears came rolling down my cheeks. After everything I had fought through, I had very little strength left.

The Revelation…

I was only $900 short. I couldn’t believe that nine hundred dollars stood between me and the finish line.

The financial aid office gave me until Friday - just two days - to come up with the money. I had no one to ask for help. Nowhere to turn.

So, I turned to our Father.

I tearfully prayed,

“Lord, You know how hard I’ve worked for this. You know how much this means to me. If it is Your will for me to finish school, please provide the funds I need.”

Then I paused.

With even more tears, I told Him,

“But if it is not Your will...I will accept that too.”

To this day, I believe that was one of the hardest prayers I’ve ever prayed!

In retrospect, I was actually growing and becoming much more mature in my faith.

In that moment, I surrendered not just my finances - but my dream and all those years of hard work. I had to release my own plans and trust that whatever God had prepared for me would be better, even if I couldn’t understand it then and there.

Wow. That was soooo hard!

Going forward, I still had finals to study for. It was so difficult to study and stay focused. The two days felt like two years. I kept my head in my books, but every once in a while, I would get emotional because I didn’t know what the outcome would be.

But I still chose to move forward in faith.

Subscribe now

The Unexpected…

Friday morning came.

Then Friday afternoon.

Out of nowhere, a friend called me.

Someone had heard about what happened.

Without hesitation, they offered to pay the entire amount I needed. No strings attached. Within minutes, the money was in my hands.

Two months later, I walked across that stage and received my diploma. I became only the 2nd person, after my brother, to graduate from college in my family.

Even now, remembering this brings tears to my eyes.

God’s Faithfulness…

God taught me something that week I’ve never forgotten:

Sometimes faith isn’t believing God will give us exactly what we want.

Sometimes faith is placing our deepest needs, or our biggest dreams, into His hands and totally trusting Him. Because if we let Him, He always shows up (and shows out!😊)

He is making a way…

So, brothers and sisters, if you’re carrying a burden today, wondering how you’ll pay the bills, how you’ll make it through another week, or how God could possibly make a way, I hope my testimony encourages you!

Our Heavenly Father sees every tear you cry.

He knows every need before we even ask.

He has never abandoned His children, and He will not begin with you!

Release your worries into His hands.

Trust Him with what you can’t control.

Give him all your worries and concerns.

And leave it there.

He is already making a way. ❤️

A prayer for the waiting:

Heavenly Father,

When the path ahead is uncertain,

keep my heart steadfast in You.

Give me the grace to trust Your wisdom,

the courage to surrender all of my fears,

and the faith to believe that You are already making a way.

Help me remain faithful,

knowing that You see every need

and hold my future in Your loving hands.

Amen.

Buy Me A Matcha :)

There are moments that divide your life into “before” and “after”.

For me, one of those moments came on an early morning in 2018, when I received an open vision of Jesus Christ.

And I think you’ll want to keep reading, because I have a special message just for the readers of this post.

From a very young age, even before I even really knew the Lord, I would receive dreams and visions, sometimes open visions with deep spiritual meanings. And I noticed that the visions from the Lord are often in startling detail, very different from my “normal” dreams. Through the years, I’ve learned to pay special attention to these particular dreams and visions. And I keep a journal by my bed to record anything of significance, anything that the Lord might want me to share.

Visions from the Past

Few and far between, these visions often address things that are happening in the world; God would show me the world struggling with spiritual blindness, or social conditions He wanted to bring attention to. God would even show me the face of a loved one, or even a stranger, in order to pray for them.

One of my favorite dreams featured a long white infinite banquet table in the midst of heaven, where people from all cultures were sitting, conversing and dining together. I was blessed to have a seat at this table (whew! Praise God! lol) and I remember switching between sitting at the table and getting up and helping the Lord prepare for more of my brothers and sisters to come. I look forward to sharing this dream with you in the future. I still remember this lovely dream even though it was many years ago.

Subscribe now

Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the open vision I had on that morning in 2018.

Just days before, I marveled at all of the people in the world who had amazing encounters with Jesus. I read about Muslims who had miraculous dreams of Jesus. Elders in hospice that saw Jesus standing by their bedsides. Children that had conversations with Jesus. I wondered, why not me.

One day, I tried to reason with God. I wondered why I never had these types of encounters. After asking a million questions, I went on with my life and didn’t give it much thought.

The dream started as dreams usually do…

A few days later, I was neither awake nor asleep (some of you may know what I mean). The vision began like a normal dream; my husband and I were in our kitchen happily chopping it up as we made dinner together. Mid conversation, I suddenly remembered I had to do laundry for the next morning, and so I set off down the hall to retrieve our laundry basket from our bedroom. I picked up the basket from our bed and was returning to the kitchen where the washing machine was. On my way, I noticed that the stars were shining through the blinds of the tall window that was situated in the middle of the long hallway.

As an astronomy buff, amazed by how bright the stars were shining, I Oooooed and Ahhhhed as I sat the basket down on the floor next to the window to take a quick peak.

As I slowly parted the blinds, the night sky dazzled. The bluish silvery clouds came into focus, with the blanket of sparkling stars peaking through the lining of each cloud. Just then, a figure started to descend from the clouds. My spirit recognized Him right away!

In between the starry sky, I saw the figure of Jesus, clothed in a golden robe down to His toes, descending to the earth below. His face was cleverly obscured by a cloud (ugh!). At that moment, joy filled every cell in my body. Deep down, every part of my soul recognized the Source of all life. I immediately yelled “Jes–!”

Before I could alert my husband to our Savior’s appearance, I was suddenly whisked upwards. In a split second, I was sitting on the floor of what appeared to be a very elaborate house. As I looked around, a little dazed and confused, I slowly stood up. I started to walk around and explore the house I was in. I noticed a series of stairways connecting each room. Everything around me was a little blurry at first, but as I traversed the stairways, different rooms slowly started to come into view.

One room was filled to the brim with different treasures, from floor to ceiling. Another room looked like a lovely banquet hall. Every room was opulent and filled to the brim with treasures.

I thought, Could this be Heaven???

As I explored even more, I saw a couple of children holding hands walking happily through the rooms.

I called out to them. “Excuse me? Where are we? Is this…Heaven?” The pair looked at each other and giggled, as if they were about to reveal a secret between best friends. Then one of them smiled and said, “Of course!”, and they cheerfully walked away.

At that moment, everything that was blurry came into full view. There were infinite rooms all around me, all opulent and brilliantly shining. I realized where I was. I couldn’t believe it!

Buy Me A Matcha :)

As I write this, tears are welling up in my eyes because I still remember the incomprehensible joy that I felt when I realized that not only was Jesus very real, but Heaven was very real, and I was one of the blessed people to see just a tiny glimpse of it! When I asked for an encounter with God, I could never imagine anything like this.

If this is what Heaven is like, the faithful children of God are in for the greatest of rewards!

Soon after this miraculous vision, the Lord led me to this verse from John 14: 2-6

So back to my “before” and “after”.

Before I had this vision, I was all over the place (aka I was a hot mess), given over to new age and other religions.

After this vision, I’m ALL IN for Christ! I am not perfect, by far, but my soul longs to feel that intense joy of seeing my Savior again.

Brothers and sisters, this message from our Lord is just for you…

Jesus is 100% real and He loves us all so much!

The treasures He has in store for those who love Him are not only for the next world, but we all have access to His goodness, grace, mercy, and provision in THIS world.

Hang on to His promises! He is EXACTLY who He says He is!

And Matthew 7:7, John 14:14, Hebrews 11:6 tells us that anything that we need our Father can provide, all we have to do is ask and believe.

Let us continue to live righteously, love continuously, and prepare the way for our Lord!

He’s coming very soon 🙂

Discussion:

How has God spoken to you throughout your life—through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, circumstances, or other experiences?

After reading this testimony, what truth about God stands out to you the most?

Have you ever experienced a moment that profoundly deepened your faith in God?

Buy Me A Matcha :)

Maybe at this moment you’re facing unemployment and a piling heap of bills.

Maybe you’re heartbroken over a failed business or career path.

Maybe you’re grieving the loss of your home and all of your possessions due to a massive storm or raging wildfire.

Maybe you’re devastated by a divorce or the loss of a loved one.

Sometimes life can be so overwhelming it can leave us breathless.

In light of all the twists and turns the world has experienced over the last few years, we’re all feeling some degree of loss, burden, and despair.

You’re definitely not alone. Believe me.

There were quite a few times in my life when things seemed to fall apart for me. The last four years have been especially challenging. And with the loss of my younger sister to cancer last October, it was a struggle to find my way out of crippling darkness.

After so much pain and loss, how does one pick up the pieces and begin again?

When I decided to pour my heart out to God to save me from the pattern of confusion and brokenness, that’s when my life began to blossom. Meditating on God’s promises in the Holy Scriptures was a reminder that the creator of the universe was by my side.

And always will be.

I’m still here and thriving despite my losses.

And I’m confident that you will, too.

First things first.

I think it’s important to allow yourself some time to grieve, embrace, and acknowledge the changes that have occurred. You have to allow time to grasp what has happened. This process may take some time. But it’s also important to avoid lingering in this place for too long. Time is passing quickly. There’s nothing any of us can do about the past, but we can definitely decide to walk toward the future.

Share

Begin to open your heart and your mind to new possibilities. It took me some time to heal and open my heart to life again, but the process was so worth it. Trust me, there is LIFE at the end of the tunnel!

So, after so much pain and loss, where do you go from here?

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned through my own journey of loss and healing:

1. Begin your new journey with prayer.

Despite your best efforts, sometimes life falls apart, and when you have tried everything to no avail, seek the guidance of our heavenly Father, who loves and cares for you very deeply.

When you seek God’s help, there’s no need for elaborate prayers, settings, or rituals. Simply, pour out your heart before Him. Tell Him everything - share your pain, anger, fear, and doubts - in your own words. Ask Him for healing, comfort, and the strength to move forward. Ask for His wisdom and direction for this new journey.

You don’t have to figure out how to get out of the dark on your own. Let our loving Father guide your next steps. He is always waiting for you with open arms. You are NOT alone.

2. Forgive.

There are times in life when things happen beyond our control. Sometimes, someone else’s choices negatively impact on us. But, sometimes, life falls apart as a result of our own choices.

If this is the case, forgive yourself for any missteps or less-than-ideal choices you may have made along the way. Ask our Father to forgive you as well. Forgive others that may have hurt you. You are human, and as humans we don’t always get things right. And that’s ok.

From personal experience, forgiveness can be very difficult, but it’s a necessary step toward wholeness.

Unforgiveness, and revenge, is futile. Unforgiveness on any level separates you from God, stalls your blessings, and your life will become stagnant. And revenge slowly kills your spiritual health (Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37). There is a popular Chinese proverb that says, When you go to dig a grave for your enemy, dig two.

If you’re having a difficult time forgiving yourself or others, ask our Father for the strength, courage, and a will to forgive. This is a team effort. Forgiveness can be difficult to do in your own strength. Beginning your new journey with a clean heart will enable love and blessings to flow into your life again.

3. Take inventory of the lessons you’ve learned.

There’s no doubt you’ve learned a great deal about yourself, about others, and the world around you through your pain and struggles. Believe it or not, this is a good thing!

Now, you’re more prepared to tackle and conquer any future challenges. Your experiences also place you in a unique position to assist others on their journeys.

Even while you are healing, seek out other wounded souls that may need a word of love and encouragement. In helping others, you may get the help you need as well. There are beautiful souls out there that truly understand what you’re going through. You’d be surprised. Reaching out is the best thing you can do on the road to healing.

There’s a purpose in everything. There are no coincidences.

Subscribe now

4. Realize you have a greater purpose on this earth.

Though at times it may seem like the world is conspiring against you, you’re actually being prepared for something much bigger than yourself. A greater blessing, a promotion, a higher level. There’s always a bigger picture, a deeper meaning to your struggle that remains hidden, to be revealed at the right time.

Our struggles also draw us closer to our Father, where we should be.

Sometimes in life, things don’t simply happen TO you, but FOR you.

Your experiences, whether “good” or “bad” can be used for a greater good because you are a child of a GREATER GOD.

5. Gather advice and resources from others.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to trusted family or friends for support, direction, and guidance, specifically those who have been in similar situations.

Ask our heavenly Father to direct you to the right people and places for help. Your local place of worship or community outreach centers are also great places to get assistance if you need clothing, food, shelter, and/or other necessities.

Put aside any pride or fear in asking for help. Reaching out to others is one of the first steps to starting a new chapter in your life.

Remember, we ALL need help at one time or another.

6. Begin your journey with gratitude.

Right now, it may seem like all is lost and you have little to be thankful for. But when you slow down and really take stock of your life, you’ll find little blessings surrounding you everywhere. Make a list of these things, even if you only notice one or two blessings at first.

The more you practice gratitude, you’ll begin to see your life unfold in beautiful ways. Pause and take a moment each day to reflect on all of the beauty that is still present in your life. Take note of all the wonderful people, places, and things in your life that still bring you joy at this moment. Realize that you’re still here. Your story hasn’t ended. Your best days are ahead. And as long as there’s life, there’s hope.

Yes, look closely. God is present everywhere.

7. Be gracious with yourself.

Your life will begin to fall into place when you mindfully decide to completely let go of the past and move forward. Your life may not change drastically overnight, but if you take life one step, one moment at a time, one day you will wake up and things WILL BE dramatically different.

Remember, when starting this new chapter, be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Trust the process. More importantly, trust God. Everything will be alright. Things will work out. They always do. You WILL laugh again! Continue in hope and prayer. Keep moving forward and one day you will find yourself in the middle of the promise.

Remember: When it seems like your life is falling apart, it may be actually falling into place.

A prayer for the journey ahead…

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the opportunity to begin again.

You are the God who makes all things new. Help me to “forget the former things” and see the new thing You are doing in my life. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Lord, reveal to me any unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart, and give me the strength, courage, and willingness to forgive others and myself.

Help me to let go of my past and step forward with open hands and an open heart, ready for what You have prepared for me.

Like Paul, I choose not to dwell on the past, but to press on toward the goal You have set before me. Remind me daily that I am a new creation in Christ - the old has gone, and the new has come. (Philippians 3:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Give me endurance for the race You’ve marked out for me, letting go of every weight and sin that slows me down. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, looking straight ahead and turning neither to the right nor the left, but walking in the path that you light before me. (Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 4: 25-27)

When my strength fails, remind me that those who hope in You will renew their strength, will soar on wings like eagles, will run and not grow weary, will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Lord, I rest in Your promises of guidance and protection. Bless me with wisdom, discernment and Your peace for the journey ahead.

I am assured that You will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go, that Your loving eye is always upon me. I lean not on my own understanding, but on You, trusting You with all my heart, acknowledging You in all my ways, confident that You will make my path straight. (Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 3:5-6)

So Lord, I am standing at the threshold of a new beginning. I surrender yesterday into Your hands, and I open today, and my future, to the leading of Your Holy Spirit.

Please walk with me into this new season, and may my steps always be rooted in You.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

I’m no exception.

There were times in my life when I was so deeply hurt by others that I completely shut down, unable to function, and I struggled, really struggled, to forgive.

No, forgiveness is not easy by any means.

To be honest, deep down I knew that I wanted to forgive. I needed to. I didn't want someone else's sins to have power over my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Through my intimate conversations with God, He has helped me to understand that when situations like this occur, there is always a reason and a purpose. How we react during these challenges reveals what’s in our hearts. We learn what we’re truly made of, and what we need to adjust and improve going forward.

I used to think that some people were just inconsiderate or even malicious. But through the years, I've changed my perspective.

I’ve learned that sometimes, people hurt others because of past scars. Sometimes, our "enemy" may not have been raised in a loving and nurturing environment and they may lack the ability or capacity to love.

There are so many people in the world who are hurting and in need of healing.

Sometimes, our own mean-spirited actions toward someone may also set off a chain of events. This is one of the reasons it is so imperative that we think hard before we react to someone, because our words and actions, no matter how big or small, may have far-reaching consequences. The soul that we hurt may hurt another soul in the future because of our actions. We are all interconnected.

We must remember that we are all made in the image of God and He loves us all so much.

As I began to exercise my ability to forgive and let things go, over time it got easier to forgive, and the anger, hatred, and bitterness that threatened to grip my heart were rendered powerless every time.

It can be SO EASY to hate - anyone can hate - but it takes real strength to forgive.

Without our willingness to choose forgiveness, to choose love, to choose life, this world and everything in it would die. If we all choose to hate and remain angry with one another, the world will slowly wither away. Truly consider this.

When you’ve been wronged by someone, you have to forgive, not only for your well-being and peace of mind but to enable our heavenly Father to work things out on your behalf. After all, it is written in the Scriptures: Vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19).

If you harbor unforgiveness in your heart, it will begin to “poison” other areas of your life, and you may block the flow of your blessings. Being a slave to our sins is not the abundant life our heavenly Father desires for us.

Forgiveness is NOT of this world. It’s the manifestation of pure and divine love. It’s a tool of the righteous, it’s how the true children of light uphold and sustain the world.

When you exercise your ability to forgive, you break the bonds of this worldly system, in favor of the divine realm. Your true man, the spirit man, the eternal man, begins to flourish and become stronger.

Brothers and sisters - anger, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, envy, unforgiveness-should not be found among us. We will never transition to the next world carrying the mindset and burdens of this one.

Let’s continue to love and share compassion in 2026 and beyond.

Leave a comment

Buy Me A Matcha :)