Finding Joy in Every New Day: A Personal Journey

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

It’s almost two in the morning, and I realize I must have fallen asleep early again. The house is peacefully quiet, and I want to do everything I can to not wake my family. So, I’ll settle at my desktop and write a little about why each new day fills me with joy.

When I was in my twenties, my mom essentially sent me into exile. She had no idea how her reckless decision, based on a lie, would impact me and my kids. My mom was aware that the world was a harsh and unforgiving place to navigate with a family. And she knew it’s even tougher without a support system. Yet, she still sent her child and grandchildren into it unprepared and unprotected. I remember crying a lot during this time.

Money was tight, and I had no clear career path, feeling like hope was out of reach. Without family support to guide me, I struggled to find my purpose. I was going through a string of relationships, searching for love, but often felt taken advantage of. That’s when God’s hand moved, and I was led into therapy.

Throughout my journey, I saw multiple therapists. One therapist stands out for telling me, “I don’t get why you’re so comfortable staying stuck.” In hindsight, it was heartbreaking—he didn’t realize that being mentally stuck felt like my sanctuary. It wasn’t until a decade later that his comment sunk in. And it was then that I began to make strides in changing how I moved throughout my life and the lives of others.

I made plenty of mistakes, but God’s grace was always there for me, each and every day. From the challenging life I struggled through, I learned about grace. I started sharing this lesson with my children. Grace became the reason why my children and I understood what family truly means. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

God, thank you for every day to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Amen

Removing Fear: The Importance of Prayer for Enemies

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44. KJV

Why is praying for your enemies important? Well, before we briefly discuss the topic, good morning from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado!

I’m not sure about your perspective, but I don’t enjoy making enemies. I honestly try to avoid doing so whenever I can. Also, I often find myself trying to make others happy, becoming a “people pleaser” most of the time. It’s a role that makes me feel terrible when I know the person doesn’t deserve my kindness.

I think that creating a peaceful prayer environment involves letting go of any fears that hold us back. So, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayers, as we truly need His support and guidance.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, praying a peaceful prayer for our enemies can sometimes be difficult, but we thank you for guiding us. We invite you to join us as we speak with the Heavenly Father. Help us approach the Throne of Grace with sincere respect and gentle kindness, knowing your love makes all things possible. Father, God, you understand what my enemies need to draw closer to you. You know how they can find the peace their souls long for. We kindly ask you to enter their lives without delay, and your presence will be deeply felt by everyone. Amen.

Finding Peace Amidst Envy: My Personal Reflection

that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45

Hello! Life is usually remarkable, but yesterday, I was briefly in a funk. The woman inside of me gave myself 24 hours to process the emotion of envy. Especially since I knew what bothered me didn’t have a lasting impact on me, either directly or indirectly. So, what triggered envy within me?

Long story short, a messy, deceitful, and mean-spirited neighbor is moving out of Denver before me. When I saw the for-sale sign being placed in her yard, I instantly felt upset! My emotions were all over the place! I experienced a mix of guilt and shame over my envy. And! Sadly, I couldn’t contain those runaway feelings!

Watching my rival move away is really difficult, especially since she’s heading to a town I’ve always dreamed of living in. However, I truly believe that God wants me to sincerely wish her all the best. I’m not there yet, but I’m gradually working on it and staying positive!

I’m documenting this as it happens. I’m giving myself 24 hours to gain more confidence in my own journey. This change will alter my outlook, and I expect spiritual growth to follow.

My attitude toward a real enemy reminds me that everyone faces challenges. Seeking help and forgiveness is a positive step forward. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, sometimes forgiving others can be really hard, especially when the pain runs deep and the wounds feel overwhelming. But I know you understand everything we’re going through and why we feel the way we do. So, I entrust my hurt to you, asking for your help to heal the wounds that seem so heavy. Please bless my enemies on their journey, and let your grace always be with them. Amen.

The Journey to Serenity: Building a New Home in Nature

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Hello from the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado! As many of you know, I’m holding loved ones close in prayer, especially someone who struggles with drinking. I’m also praying about finances. I am working towards building another home that will be mortgage-free. I am also moving from Denver/Metro.

I will always love Denver. The surrounding areas, like Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, and Littleton, hold a special place in my heart. Towns like Niwot and Timnath are also dear to me.

Honestly, Denver was once a city that had a charming small-town feel. For example, drivers made it a habit to let other drivers change lanes without rushing them. Afterwards, the grateful motorist responded with a wave of appreciation. And! The driver who didn’t mind allowing someone to get in front of them simply responded with a nod. Their gesture clearly meant “you’re welcome.” Now! It seems like accidents are happening on every corner! And, I’m finding myself seeking routes with less travel, even if I must pay tolls.

PRAYER

Sometimes, people find themselves longing for things they haven’t fully understood yet. When they finally make such dreams come true, they can face difficulties due to their lack of knowledge and understanding. This can make things more challenging for them and those around them. Lord, I pray that you show us how to guard our hearts from wandering souls in growth. Amen

August 8th 2025

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Wow! I’ve been busy this summer working in my garden and doing yard work. I just looked outside and saw that we have cloud cover! Yeah! That means I can finish several projects easily. Recently, I have been praying for someone I love who drinks too much alcohol. Each day, I ask the Lord for guidance on this person’s behalf. I want them to overcome this harmful habit that probably started with trying to fit in. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, Creator of the Universe, thank you so much for blessing us with a new day. We dedicate this day and every day to loving You and praising You with a grateful heart. Lord, please gently reveal to our loved one their deepest fear that keeps them connected to alcohol. Help them face this challenge with courage and self-understanding. This way, they can be free from shame, guilt, or judgment from themselves. With Your unconditional love, please help them find a way out. This will allow them to be free from something harmful to their soul and body. Amen.