Tag: devotional

Soften The Heart: Devotional #32 — He Will Never Leave You

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

I feel like at a very young age, I always leaned into God. Even when life didn’t make sense, I somehow knew I was loved. Not just loved by people—but by God. It was a quiet knowing that I was held, seen, and cared for, even in moments where nothing around me felt steady.

But as I got older and life began to unfold in more complicated ways, abandonment became a deep and painful thread in my story. The kind of wound that doesn’t leave a scar you can see, but one you carry in your heart.

I experienced the “primal wound” of being separated from my biological parents. My parents divorced when I was eight, and I think most of us kids felt like second picks to their new spouses. Then, when I was seventeen—my senior year of high school—my mom moved out of our home to follow her husband’s job transfer. She wanted me to come, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. It felt like she chose him over me, and the message I internalized was: You’re not worth staying for.

I moved in with my dad and stepmom. And then, after high school, my dad—“in the nicest way”—told me it was time to move out. He helped me get set up with school and paid for my apartment, which I’m thankful for. But the emotional part of it still hurt. Deeply.

As I became a mother myself, I found that old wounds resurfaced in new ways. I couldn’t understand how some of the choices my parents made were even possible once I knew the depth of love I had for my own kids.

These layered experiences of being left or feeling replaceable shaped my thoughts in relationships. When someone got close, I would think, It’s just a matter of time before they leave… or choose someone over me.

But even in all that pain—even when I questioned people—I kept leaning on God. I kept coming back to His promises. His love. His Word.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says He will never leave you nor forsake you. And I believe that. It’s the one relationship in my life that has never felt conditional. I trust God in a way I struggle to trust others, because He has never walked away. He has never picked someone else over me. He doesn’t move on or get tired or lose interest.

So I return to Him. Again and again. Not because I’m perfect—but because I know He is.

If you’ve ever felt left behind, replaced, or like you had to earn your place in someone’s life… please know this:

God doesn’t leave. He walks with you through every ache, every misunderstanding, every broken piece. And He whispers, “You are mine. You are loved. I will never let go.”

Soften The Heart: Devotional #31

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6 

My poor Bible has been pretty lonely. I haven’t been actively reading it. I’ve been spending time with God in nature and in meditation but I haven’t been studying his word. Which I think it’s just as important.

So today I was flipping the pages of my Bible looking for inspiration today…

and I came across this verse I had highlighted. Hebrews 11:16.

And there’s a word in that verse that stands out, believe.

It’s a reminder that trust is crucial.

Faith is kind of like the wind. We can’t always see it but we feel it. It moves through the trees, brushes our skin, and reminds us:

“I’m here.”

I do believe God is like that. All around us. Reminding us and encouraging us of His presence.

Something greater. Something powerful. Something all-knowing. Something here.

And though I don’t fully understand all of it…I do believe this greater power truly loves us.

But like any relationship, it takes two. We want God to constantly reach out and prove Himself…

Yet we don’t always seek.

Seek God.

Let the veil be lifted.

Open your heart.

Open your eyes.

And maybe you’ll start to feel Him like the wind. Maybe this “foreign language” will begin to make sense.

Faith is not about having it all figured out. It’s about having hope.

Keep seeking.

God sees you and is with you.

He rewards those who do.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #30

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“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Sometimes you hear of things that just make you freeze.

Unbelievable news. Tragedies that feel too big to hold. The sudden, silent crash of reality when life does something you never saw coming.

Sometimes it shakes you to your core that such things happen at all, that this world, the same one where we sing lullabies and light birthday candles, is also a place where deep sorrow and confusion live.

My thoughts scream, “I don’t get it.”

I know I’m not suppose to get it either. We are but children on this earth but the frustration is ever present at times.

I find myself sitting still, eyes locked on nothing, just staring off—wondering. Wondering why. Wondering what the truth is. Wondering how to keep walking forward with the storm of the questions that I possess.

But this verse brings awareness and comfort.

“As you do not know the path of the wind…”

The wind is real, even when I can’t see it. It moves through trees, across oceans, through my hair. I don’t know where it begins or where it ends. I just know it’s there.

And “you do not know how the body is formed in a mother’s womb…”

Another miracle wrapped in mystery. Life forming in secret, one invisible cell at a time, shaped by something far beyond my comprehension.

That’s the point. Faith isn’t about answers—it’s about surrender. About breathing in mystery and still choosing to believe in something good.

There’s a sacredness in not knowing.

There’s room for trust in the questions.

The mystery must remain.

God—the Maker of all things—moves in ways I can’t always trace or explain. And sometimes the most honest prayer I can offer is simply:

“I don’t get it. But I trust You anyway.”

Amen.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #29 — A Message of Hope for the Grieving

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This Is Not the End: A Message of Hope for the Grieving

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

John 14:2-3

Loss has a way of stopping time. One moment, life is moving forward, full of plans, routines, and expectations. The next, everything changes. A phone call, an accident, a last breath you didn’t realize was the last—and suddenly, the world feels different. Emptier.

When we lose someone unexpectedly, the pain is sharp and disorienting. There’s no time to prepare, no gradual goodbye. Just a void. And in that void, we wrestle with the question that lingers in every grieving heart: Where are they now?

Jesus knew we would ask this. He knew our hearts would ache with longing for those who are no longer with us. And so, He left us with this promise.

This world is not the final destination. Death is not the end of the story.

Jesus is preparing a place. A place where brokenness does not exist, where suffering has no power, where love never fades. A place where those we have lost—those who seemed to slip away too soon—are not truly gone but waiting in a home far greater than this one.

That doesn’t take away the pain of missing them now. It doesn’t erase the ache of their absence. But it does mean that separation is temporary. Love is not lost.

Imagine, just for a moment, that there is more beyond what we can see. That the ones we grieve are not lost in darkness but alive in a way we cannot yet comprehend. That God’s love is big enough to hold them and us, to weave our stories together again in a way more beautiful than we can imagine.

We may not have all the answers. We may not understand why loss comes the way it does. But we can hold onto this:

This is not the end.

There is a place beyond this world, a home beyond this life, and a love that is strong enough to bring us back together again. And one day, when the time is right, we will see them again.

Until then, we carry them in our hearts, and we hold onto hope.

If You’re Grieving, You Are Not Alone

If you’ve experienced a sudden loss, I want you to know that your pain is seen. Your grief is real. But so is hope. Even in the darkness, you are not alone. God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He promises that one day, all things will be made new (Revelation 21:4).

If this message speaks to you, I pray it brings even a small measure of peace. And if you know someone who is struggling with loss, please feel free to share it. You never know whose heart might need this reminder today.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #27

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“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”

Mark 11:24

This verse holds a profound message about the power of faith and the unseen forces at work in our lives. It isn’t just about asking for something and expecting it to appear—it’s about aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with the belief that what we seek is already on its way.

When we pray, we are not simply making requests; we are entering into a relationship of trust with God. True faith means believing before seeing—knowing deep within that our prayers are heard and that the answers will come in the right way and at the right time. This belief shifts our mindset from doubt to expectation, from fear to confidence.

But this verse also challenges us: Do we truly believe? Often, we pray while holding onto doubt, questioning whether what we desire is possible. Yet, Jesus calls us to let go of that uncertainty and trust fully. When we pray with unwavering faith, we begin to act and live as if the answer is already unfolding. This shift in perspective opens doors, changes our energy, and aligns us with divine timing.

Faith-filled prayer isn’t just about receiving—it’s about transformation. It teaches patience, deepens our trust, and reminds us that even in the waiting, God is at work. So as you bring your hopes and dreams before God, pray boldly, believe fully, and trust completely.

Your blessing may already be on its way.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #26

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding

Proverbs 3:5-6

As I witness my children grow, I also witness their world expand.

They ask more questions, are hesitant on their choice of words, they remain curious, and there is more confidence that I see.

As their world begins to take a shape they believe they understand it all. The connections are beginning to take place. Children are incredible observers. Since they do not have much life experience they are able to hyper focus on what’s in front of them.

It’s like they see things through a magnifying glass.

I think deep down they know they don’t know everything but who wants to admit that. Even adults don’t want to admit that.

To have been a child and then to an adult is humbling to say the least on how ignorant and innocent we were. How much we really didn’t know.

But also recognizing that in a way we are still very much children but in these “adult” bodies.

What is it that we don’t know yet but will find out soon enough? Or, what do we think we know but really are only sitting at the top of the iceberg?

I believe many of us lay in our beds just wondering. Wondering all sorts of things.

Wondering. Wondering. Wondering.

And it’s frustrating that we don’t have the answers. We have a difficult time trying to figure out where to start looking too.

But what if, we just aren’t ready. We just aren’t there yet.

We have to wait.

And we can wait with frustration or we can wait with confidence because that is how much we trust God.

Surrendering to God is not a one time thing. It is something we must do daily.

We have to give all those anxious thoughts and worries to God and know that God is guiding us.

This world if full of pain and sadness as many of us know and we cannot endure this place without Gods hand. We need Him. You need him. He waits for us.

This I do believe.

The Freedom Of Forgiveness

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Whatever is holding you back—whatever skeleton hides in your closet, guilty moment haunts you, or mistake chains you down—it’s time to let it go and forgive yourself. Whether it’s from 20 years ago, 5 years ago, or even just last week, release it. You are evolving every single day.

A butterfly doesn’t regret its mistakes as a caterpillar. It doesn’t dwell on what it could have done differently. Instead, it embraces its transformation and spreads its wings. The past no longer matters—it’s the now that counts. You’re not the same person you were then, so forgive yourself. Stop beating yourself up and move forward. Imperfection is part of being human, and mistakes are often our greatest teachers. Be thankful for those lessons, because they shape who you are today.

One of the biggest reasons you suffer is because you haven’t yet forgiven. You’re anchored to your past, and it’s time to cut the rope. The past cannot change, but you can. Take the pain you’ve carried for so long and turn it into something meaningful. Learn from it. Use it to grow. When you let go, you’re not just setting others free—you’re setting yourself free.

Forgiving yourself also opens the door to rekindling relationships, both with yourself and others. Nobody is perfect. What even is perfection? We can’t expect forgiveness from others if we’re not willing to forgive ourselves. Embrace where you are now. You’ve come so far, and you’re still growing.

Try this: Write down what you need to forgive yourself for. Acknowledge the lessons it taught you, then let it go. Write a letter of forgiveness to yourself or someone else, even if you never send it. Let those burdens leave your heart and make room for love and gratitude.

You are a miracle in progress. The past doesn’t define you; your actions now do. So step into the person you’re becoming—a person who forgives, grows, and shines brighter each day.

Reading Is Power

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“Powerful writings are burned like a brand into the collective consciousness of a culture, even if very few people take the time to read those writings.” – Burke Hedges

Reading is transformative. It has been said, “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” and I couldn’t agree more. There’s something magical about seeing someone engrossed in a book or having a conversation with someone who loves to read.

Books have shaped me in countless ways, and I often wonder who I would be without them. I’m endlessly grateful for the courage of writers who share their stories, perspectives, journeys, imaginations, and philosophies with the world. Through their words, we gain insight into the beauty and complexity of being human.

What strikes me most about reading is how it bridges our differences. While we all have unique experiences, books reveal how deeply connected we are. They remind us that, at our core, we share the same struggles, joys, and desires. Reading doesn’t just expand our knowledge—it strengthens our empathy and helps us see ourselves in one another.

So, pick up a book. Let it challenge you, inspire you, or simply comfort you. Reading is more than a pastime; it’s a gateway to understanding and connection.

Give More Compliments

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Sometimes people just need to hear something kind. And that compliment you give might influence them in ways you can’t even imagine.

My mom is the perfect example of this. She compliments everyone, everywhere we go. Whether it’s the cashier at the grocery store, a stranger in the elevator, or the waiter at a restaurant, she always finds something to acknowledge. One day I asked her, “Do you always compliment people?” and she said, “Yes, it makes them smile.” And she’s right—her words light up their faces every time.

Think about how you feel when you receive a compliment. The way it lifts your spirits or leaves a warm impression long after it’s been said. Maybe you even remember a compliment you received years ago, one that made you feel truly seen or appreciated. That’s the power of kind words—they stick with us.

We often think nice things about others but keep them to ourselves. Why not share them? Tell someone they’re doing a great job. Compliment their outfit, their smile, or their energy. Recognize the effort they put into something, even if it’s small. You never know what someone might be going through or how much your words could mean to them.

The beauty of compliments is that they cost nothing, but their value is immeasurable. So, give them freely and often. You might just make someone’s day—or even their week.

The Heart Of The Buddha

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“The Buddha offered this wonderful image. If you take a handful of salt and pour it into a small bowl of water, the water in the bowl will be too salty to drink. But if you pour the same amount of salt into a large river, people will still be able to drink the river’s water…….because of its immensity, the river has the capacity to receive and transform. The river doesn’t suffer at all because of a handful of salt. If your heart is small, one unjust word or act will make you suffer. But if your heart is large, if you have understanding and compassion, that word or deed will not have the power to make you suffer.” – The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by @thichnhathanhsangha

This teaching reminds us that expanding our hearts, like widening a river, can help us navigate life with greater resilience. When our hearts are small, we feel every slight, and even small challenges can overwhelm us. But as we grow in compassion and understanding, we become capable of holding much more—our hearts become like that vast river. Life will always add “salt” in the form of difficulties or unkind words, but with a heart that’s expansive and compassionate, we can absorb these moments without letting them take away our peace. So let’s strive to cultivate a heart as open and vast as a river, one that can receive, transform, and keep flowing, no matter what comes its way.