HEALNG HEARTS: All I Want For Christmas Is Peace

 

Jesus assures us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Those words have taken on a deeper meaning for me this year. 2025 has held more heartache than I ever imagined. It began the day I was told my precious daughter, Stephanie, had died in a car accident on February 1. There are no words for that kind of devastation. There were days I didn’t know how to breathe, let alone how to keep moving. But through every trembling step, Jesus walked beside me. His presence steadied me when nothing else could.

Ten months have passed since those heartbreaking words, “Stephanie died last night,” first echoed in my ears. In these months of grief, sorrow, and searching, my one prayer has been simple: Lord, please give me peace. Not the world’s kind—fleeting, shallow, temporary—but His peace… the kind that anchors the soul.

And today, with a grateful heart, I can say He answered. Not all at once, but like honey dripping over a buttermilk biscuit. It filled the empty places in my heart with hope, comfort, and the steady whisper that healing is happening one day at a time.

Those we love who were saved and have gone on before us—they’re home. Safe. Whole. No longer part of this broken world. And somehow, that truth brings peace that holds me together and lifts my eyes toward eternity.

My prayer has been answered. Praise God for His unfailing love.

From My Heart to Yours

If this season finds you carrying a quiet ache, a longing, or a prayer you’ve whispered over and over, I want you to know you’re not alone. The same God who met me in the deepest valley will meet you in yours. His peace is strong enough to steady you, gentle enough to soothe you, and faithful enough to carry you through the holidays and beyond. I’m praying His sweet, healing peace washes over you today.

Prayer

O Lord, thank You for walking this life journey with us. Thank You for hearing our cries, our questions, and our whispered prayers. In this holy Advent season, prepare our hearts to welcome Christ our Lord—the King of Kings and the giver of perfect peace. Amen.

HEALING HEARTS: Strength For This Day and Season

 

Strength for This Day and Season

Autumn has arrived with its familiar beauty. It has always been my favorite time of year. From September through December, the world seems touched by a special kind of wonder.

But this year feels different. My heart is heavy, and my spirit is low. Stephanie isn't here anymore. It’s been nine months since those words shattered my world: “Stephanie died last night.” In the wake of that loss came wave after wave of heartbreak and hardship. And yet—looking back—I see something remarkable. I made it through each one. Every time I faced what I didn’t think I could, somehow, I did. Each day brought just enough strength to continue.

That strength wasn’t mine. It was God’s.

In Deuteronomy 33:25, we are reminded that “As your days, so shall your strength be.” God promises us the exact measure of strength we need for each day—not for tomorrow, not for next week—but for today. His provision always matches our need.

As I reflect on all I’ve endured, I realize He has never failed to give me what I needed to survive the day. My strength and energy come from my Creator, not from my own doing. Exercise, rest, and eating might help our bodies, but only God’s Spirit sustains us.

So, when my emotions overwhelm me and the holidays stir deep sadness, I will trust that Jesus walks beside me—and, when I cannot walk, He carries me. I will get through this season. I will be okay, because God’s promise still holds true.

We all struggle with something, for we live in a sinful world and daily struggles can mess with us! It doesn't have to be grief and loss, the things humans deal with are real and no one has a perfect life. God knows that and God supplies our needs. 

In this season of thanksgiving, may we all pause to see how God, our Creator, equips us daily—with grace, strength, and mercy to face whatever comes. Let us open our eyes to His presence and our hearts to His divine help, giving thanks for His unending care.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us strength for this day—no more, no less—just enough to make it through. Help us trust Your promise, especially when our hearts are broken. Amen.

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