HEALING HEARTS: Do You Believe in God? Testimony Time!

 

I believe in

 God

 

And I am

 

Thankful,

Grateful,

&

Blessed!

God has saved me from the dark pit; He lifted me up and 

brought me to the light. I will never stop praising 

His Name! God gives me what I need...I want for 

literally nothing! I am a widow living alone and

God leads me, answers my prayers, and takes 

care of me! What more can I want? 

Absolutely nothing! 

I hope you, too, believe that God creates all humans and 

we are made to love Him first, then love others. 

Family does not come first; God does. 

Amen & Hallelujah! 

"--and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." --Philippians 2:11

HEALING HEARTS: She Is You & Me

God is teaching me and leading me and my life is changing day by day. I give all the praise to my Heavenly Father, for He is faithful! 

She Is You and Me

Seeing others through the eyes of Jesus

More Alike Than We Think

At first glance, the world sees only disheveled looks and poverty. She has been overlooked, judged, and left outside the circle of acceptance.

But she is you and me.

She laughs, she cries, she gets angry, she hopes. She loves her family, even when relationships are complicated. She carries dreams and disappointments, just like we do. She has known heartache and loss, yet she still shows caring and tenderness where she can.

The Hidden Heartache

Her life has been marked with pain and unmet expectations. She may feel empty inside, believing her dreams will never come true. Perhaps she thinks she is ugly or forgotten in a world that prizes beauty, wealth, and power.

But haven’t we all felt that way at some point? Haven’t we each carried wounds that make us feel small, invisible, or unworthy?

She is you and me.

God’s Call to Love

When I first met her, I sensed God’s nudge: Be her encourager. See her as I see her. Not with judgment, but with compassion.

Through the eyes of Jesus, I saw more than her outward appearance. I saw a soul hungry for love, acceptance, and kindness. With gentle words of encouragement, I’ve been able to offer her hope. She responded, not because of who I am, but because of Christ’s love shining through.

“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
— Proverbs 28:27, NIV

Learning to See Differently

God brought me here to show me a different way of life. I could focus on the hardships and frustrations, but He has been teaching me something greater: to love others without conditions.

We all have flaws. We all have stories of pain, broken relationships, and disappointments. None of us are perfect—nor will we ever be on this side of heaven. But in God’s eyes, we are equal. All deeply loved. All worth redeeming.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23, NIV

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name,
He gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12, NIV

Thought for Today

When you see someone who looks different, lives differently, or struggles in ways you may not understand, remember: she is you and me. We are more alike than we are different. God calls us to see people through His eyes and love them as He loves us.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that in Your eyes, we are all equal. Forgive me when I am quick to judge instead of quick to love. Help me see others with the compassion of Christ and give me words that build up instead of tear down. Lord, let my heart reflect Your kindness so that others may feel valued and encouraged through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

HEALING HEARTS: When God Gives You What You Need (Even If You Don't Like It)

 When God Gives You What You Need (Even If You Don’t Like It)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

Call me vain, but I have never liked white vehicles. They show every bit of dirt and every bug splatter, and to me, they just look awful. So when I bought a white Dodge Journey seven years ago, I was not happy at all.

You might be wondering, “Then why did you buy it?” Here’s the story.

The Car I Didn’t Want

I had taken my maroon Jeep in for new tires and an oil change. It was late in the afternoon, and I was tired. That’s when a salesman started pressuring me to trade in my Jeep for a brand-new Dodge Journey. I told him no—several times. After all, I had just paid for four brand-new tires. And, it was the last car that my husband and I bought together for me to drive, so it was sentimental to me.

But he was persistent, and before I fully realized what was happening, I had signed the papers and drove away in a shiny, new… white Dodge Journey. I hated it.

I was angry at myself for letting him pressure me into something I didn’t want, and I was frustrated about the wasted money on those new tires. I felt like I’d been taken advantage of. But the deal was done.

God’s Surprising Provision

Fast forward seven years, and here’s the truth: that “ugly” white Journey has been one of the most dependable vehicles I’ve ever owned. Not a single breakdown.

More than that, God used it to meet needs I didn’t even know were coming. In those years, I’ve had to move three different times. And aside from the big pieces of furniture, I was able to move the majority of my belongings in that roomy SUV. Looking back, I realize that God knew I needed this vehicle—even if I didn’t.

I can’t help but think there may have been something wrong with my Jeep that I never discovered. But one thing is sure: God knew what I needed. As a widow living on one income, He provided a dependable car that has carried me through many seasons. And, hey, it's a Dodge vehicle, and my husband was a Dodge man all the way! 

Choosing Gratitude

Today, I’m thankful for the very vehicle I once resented. That “ugly” white Journey in my driveway reminds me daily that God’s provision isn’t always what we expect, but it is always what we need.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21

Is there something in your life you’ve resisted or disliked, only to later realize it was part of God’s purpose? Trust Him—He sees what we cannot, and He provides what we truly need.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that even when I don’t understand, You know what I need. Teach me to trust Your provision and to be content in Your purpose for my life. Amen.

HEALING HEARTS: How Far I've Come

 

How Far I’ve Come

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

Walking Through the Valley

It has been seven months and eleven days since my daughter’s life was tragically taken in a car accident. In the days that followed, grief felt overwhelming, and I often wondered how I could go on. But in my darkest moments, I prayed—and God met me there.

Strength for Each Day

Day by day, He gave me strength. I held to the simple rhythm of reading a devotional each morning and lifting my heart to Him in prayer. Each time the shadows of despair crept in, I chose to look up, fixing my eyes on my Creator, the God of heaven.

Holding on to Hope

It is still hard when I think about my daughter and my late husband. There are moments when I wish life could be different. Yet, I cling to the promise that one day I will see them again. They are waiting for me, and until that day, I know God still has a plan and a purpose for my life.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

That truth gives me hope. I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow. And that is enough. Hallelujah!

Proclaiming His Goodness

We are here on earth to proclaim the goodness of God. As Psalm 34:3 reminds us: “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.”

Friend, have you experienced God's goodness in your own life? Take a moment to reflect—and then share it with other people. Tell them how God has worked in your life. When we tell others what God has brought us through, His peace and security become even more real in our hearts.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for walking with me through the darkest valleys and giving me strength when I felt weak. Help me to remember that You have a plan for my life and that You are always near. Teach me to proclaim Your goodness so others may see Your love at work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

HEALING HEARTS: Walking My Faith Journey

 

Walking My Faith Journey

To God be the glory! I must proclaim what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do as I walk this faith journey on earth.

I have come to a place in my life where I depend completely on God. I no longer believe that I am in control of my own life.

Seven months ago, my sweet daughter, Stephanie, was tragically taken in a car accident. Not long after her passing, I sat in my recliner, overwhelmed and asking myself, What am I going to do now? In that quiet moment, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart. He showed me something I hadn’t wanted to see: I had placed all my trust and dependence on Stephanie.

You see, I had moved just to be near her. We had planned that she would care for me in my older years. She was a nurse, she knew my health history, and she always went with me to my appointments. She kept up with me in ways only a daughter could.

So when Stephanie died, I felt lost—anxious, nervous, and uncertain about my future. I thought without her, I couldn’t go on. But one evening, as I cried and worried, the Lord gently but firmly revealed the truth: I had made an idol of my daughter. It wasn’t Stephanie who took care of me—it was Him.

In that moment, I heard in my spirit, “O you of little faith!” I was stunned, but I knew it was true. I repented, ashamed of having placed my faith in the wrong place. Yet that revelation opened my eyes. God reminded me that He alone is in control of the universe. He gives, and He takes away.

That day I began to claim the promise of Psalm 23:1:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Looking back over my life, I see how true this has been. I’ve always had what I needed—spiritually rich, blessed beyond measure—all because of God’s grace, generosity, mercy, and love.

From that day forward, I began to lift my eyes to Him. I praise the Lord for His goodness, His care, His mercy, and His unfailing love.

Romans 15:13 has become my anchor:
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.”

Over the past seven months, I’ve walked through sorrow, anger, fear, and uncertainty. There were days when grief made me physically sick. But God’s Word has carried me.

Now I can say with confidence:

• I have hope for a spiritually rich future.
• I have joy because God hears and answers my prayers.
• I have peace about Stephanie’s death, knowing she was saved and baptized—and that I will see her again one day.
• I have trust that the Lord will guide me each step of the way.

That is enough for me to keep walking this journey until the Lord calls me home. Amen.

Is there an idol in your life that keeps you from depending fully on God? Pray that if there is, He will show you so you can see the truth.