Testimony of Faith, Perseverance & Baptism! 💧

 “Train up a child in the way he should go, teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Yesterday, I witnessed something that reminded me once again: Never give up praying for your children.  We raised our children in a Christian home; Yet that doesn't mean that our children are perfect. For whatever reason most people believe that most pastors' children are supposed to be perfect; and “holy”. I have heard many times “Pastors' children are the worst kids”.  I tried my best to give my four kids what I did not have growing up. “You can take your children to church; be raised in the church and yet not know God. This is the reason why you can see people in the church for 30 years; yet not born again. To be a Christian we need to grow and not continue drinking formula milk. We need to mature! We need to read the bible. A 20 year old needs to have intimacy time with God. They need to learn how to pray! They need to learn to seek God on their own; not because parents seek God. 

We raised our son in a Christian home. We taught him the Word of God. We brought him to church. We planted the seeds of faith. We prayed over him. We tried to show him through our lives that Jesus is not simply something we practice on Sunday. Jesus is the foundation of our home. But there was something I understood as a mother: I could teach him about Jesus, but I could not make the decision for him. Salvation cannot be inherited from your parents. Faith cannot simply be borrowed from your mother or father.

There comes a time when our children must personally decide, “Jesus, I choose You.” And at 26 years old, my son made his own decision to be baptized. That is what made this moment so powerful. This wasn't about his parents forcing him. It wasn't about doing something because he grew up in church. This was his decision. As I watched him enter those baptismal waters, I thought about the prayers that had been prayed throughout the years. Some prayers were whispered. Some prayed with tears. Some prayed when everything looked good. And some were prayed when only God knew  what was happening inside a mother's heart. But I kept praying. Because I knew in my heart that my four kids belong to the Lord. My job was just to pray! The battle belongs to the Lord. I understand that maybe you are reading this blog and thinking that I do not understand. But, I can tell you. Yes, I can relate. Maybe, I can not understand your burden as a mother or father. But I understand how embarrassing it is to see our children do things that we did not teach them. Our children at times make decisions that we may or may not agree with. The only thing left to do is pray! Baptism is a public declaration of an inward decision. It says: My old life is buried with Christ.  I belong to Jesus.  I am choosing to walk in the newness of life. Romans 6:4 reminds us that through baptism we identify with Christ's death and resurrection so that “we also should walk in the newness of life.” Watching my son be baptized reminded me that God has His own timing. Parents, we sometimes become discouraged because we planted a seed and expected to see the fruit immediately. But seeds grow underground before we ever see evidence above the soil. You may have taught your child God's Word and wondered, Did they hear me? You may have brought them to church and wondered, Did any of this stay in their heart?  You may have prayed year after   year and wondered, Lord, when? Keep praying. Your responsibility is to plant, water, love, teach, model Christ, and pray. God gives the increase. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV).  Mothers and Fathers, Don't Stop Praying There are prayers you may pray today that you will not see answered tomorrow. Some answers take years. Some children have to experience life before remembering what Mom and Daddy taught them. But the Word of God planted in their hearts is powerful. Don't give up because you cannot see what God is doing. Don't confuse God's silence with God's absence. Don't measure the effectiveness of your prayers by how quickly circumstances change. Continue covering your children. Continue speaking God's Word. Continue living Christ before them. And most importantly, give them room to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ. Our children cannot live forever on their parents' faith. Eventually, they must know God for themselves. And that is what made this baptism so precious to me. At 26, he chose. As his mother, I could pray for him. I could teach him. I could encourage him. But I could not step into those baptismal waters in his place. He had to make that decision himself. And he did. Never Give Up This testimony isn't only about baptism. It's about perseverance. It's about believing God's Word even while you're waiting. It's about a mother's prayers. It's about a father's example. It's about seeds planted in a Christian home. And ultimately, it's about the faithfulness and grace of God. So to the mother praying for her son or daughter today: Keep praying. To the father wondering whether your children are listening: Keep living the example. To the parent whose child has wandered: Keep believing in God. To the family waiting for a breakthrough: Don't give up. You may be looking at a seed today, but God already knows what that seed can become. Yesterday, I didn't simply see my 26-year-old son being baptized. I saw years of prayer. I saw seeds that had been planted. I saw perseverance. I saw God's grace. And I was reminded: A praying mother may become tired, but she doesn't stop praying. A waiting season does not mean God has stopped working.  And what you planted in faith can still produce fruit years later.

Prayer 🙏

Father, thank You for reminding us that Your timing is perfect. Thank You for every seed of Your Word planted in our children. Give mothers and fathers strength when the waiting becomes difficult. Help us never to stop praying, never to stop believing, and never to stop demonstrating Christ in our homes. Lord, our children ultimately belong to You. Draw them into a personal relationship with Jesus not merely because of what their parents believe, but because they have encountered You for themselves. Thank You for the testimony of baptism, for new beginnings, and for the privilege of witnessing our children publicly declare their faith. May they walk in Your Word, recognize Your voice, remain faithful when the world pulls in another direction, and fulfill every purpose You have placed upon their lives. And to every parent still waiting: strengthen their faith. Remind them that the story is not finished. Help them keep praying, keep planting, and keep believing. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 💛

Wilderness Is Not Punishment!

 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.” AMPC 2:14 (Hosea 2:14) 💜

Wilderness is not punishment from God; is preparation. It is so important to remember the wilderness is a place of preparation, not performance. God does not intend to leave us in the wilderness. He uses and prepares us for places he is leading us. Just imagine that Jesus pulled you aside to speak tenderly to you? Praise God for his mercy towards sinners like you and me. We don’t deserve to be spoken tenderly by a God who hates sin. Thank God for his new mercies everyday! Praise God! Are you in the wilderness? 

Moses, Joseph, Elijah, Paul, and even Jesus Christ all travelled through times in which God allowed them to experience difficulties and temptation. For forty years Moses and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, learning to trust God.  Elijah was raised in the wilderness and out of fear later escaped to the wilderness to get away from Jezebel. Jonah spent three days in the belly of a great fish and ran to the wilderness when angry at God's deliverance of Nineveh. John the Baptist was prepared and would minister from wilderness. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and his temptation.  Joseph was sold by his brothers. Joshua and Caleb would spend 40 years in the wilderness and would be the only ones who left Egypt to cross over to the Promised Land. 

We imagine God speaking in the peaceful moments the quiet morning, the answered prayer, the breakthrough, the Sunday worship service. But Hosea 2:14 gives us a different picture. God says, “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.”

The wilderness can represent a season of confusion, exhaustion, disappointment, grief, or loneliness. It is a place where the things we once depended on may no longer be available. Sometimes we enter the wilderness because life has become overwhelming. Sometimes we arrive there after giving everything we have to others and realizing we have nothing left for ourselves. But notice something important: God does not say He will abandon her in the wilderness. He says he will speak to her there.  What a Loving father we all have that speaks to us in the wilderness. Praise God! 

The wilderness may be uncomfortable, but it can become a place of intimacy with God. There are moments when we are so tired that we cannot find the words to pray. We may sit quietly, unable to explain what is happening inside of us. Yet God understands the silence. He does not require us to have the perfect words before He comes near. “Imagine God saying; Let Me speak to your heart.”

For those who care for others, this message can be especially meaningful. We spend so much time listening to other people's needs that we can forget to listen to our own souls. We become accustomed to being strong for everyone else. But God meets us in the place where our strength runs out. The wilderness is not necessarily a sign that God has left you. It may be the very place where He wants to speak to you most deeply. Today, If you are in the wilderness’ stay, learn, grow, mature. Overall, take the time to examine your heart. Take time to forgive and ask God for forgiveness. You will come out of the wilderness with a different heat that what you enter. What wilderness am I walking through right now? Have I been so busy caring for others that I have stopped listening for God's voice? What might God be trying to speak into my heart during this season? Can I trust that His presence is with me even when I cannot feel it?

Prayer 🙏

Lord, Sometimes I find myself in a wilderness I never expected to enter. I am tired, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. There are moments when I don't even have the words to pray. But Your Word reminds me that You meet Your children in the wilderness. Speak to my heart, Lord. Quiet the noise around me and within me. Remind me that I am not forgotten. When I feel empty, fill me with Your presence. When I am weary, give me strength. When I cannot see the way forward, help me trust that You are still leading me. Teach me to recognize Your voice not only in the beautiful seasons, but also in the wilderness. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The wilderness may be a place of weariness, but it can also become a place where God speaks most tenderly to our hearts” 💓

Broken Crayons Still Color!

 Mark 5:34

“He said to her, " Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

“We are not excluded from hardships and situations.” There are times that praise becomes tears, and tears  worship and worship; shout out of help”. Shout out of desperation. Jesus is who redeems our life from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion. He is who satisfies our desires with good things so that we may be renewed like eagles. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 

“I was trying to distract myself, so I decided to redecorate my house. I found myself walking down the aisles of Homesense, but the tears just wouldn’t stop. I avoided people. I walked away from the crowds and made my way toward the back of the store, where there weren’t as many people shopping. I wasn’t looking to buy pictures for my walls. Honestly, I was just trying to get away from everyone. At that moment, all I needed was a quiet place to put myself back together.” “Little did I know that God was about to meet me right there. As I walked through that quiet section of the store, I began noticing the words written on the pictures hanging on the walls: “You are chosen.” “Keep praying.” “Hold on to His promises.” “Fix your crown.” “Believe in yourself.” And on and on. 

In Butterfly by Grace “Mommy and daughter blog we want to tell you; get up and keep walking. Because broken crayons still color!  Have you ever been so desperate for a touch from God that it’s all you can think about? Have you ever reached a place where you realize that there comes a time when only God will do? There are moments when the things and people of this world simply cannot provide what our hearts desperately need or just simply the strength to keep going. All we truly need is God. Sometimes we bleed on the inside where no one can see. Not physically, but perhaps emotionally or mentally. Maybe life has cut us deep, and we’re also weak and ashamed. Desperate belief is a powerful thing. I know; I’ve been there. In this blog today we want to tell you like Jesus said; “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” When Jesus spoke those words, I received them for myself. Symbolically, I too touched the hem of His garment. I took a deep breath and received the inner healing I had sought for so many on that day. 

Prayer:

Lord, We come before You today with desperate belief that You are who You say You are and will do what You said You will do. We thank You for healing us. As You said, “It is finished.” We rejoice in that knowledge and praise You for Your healing. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Wounded but walking!

 Proverbs: 18:19

“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel”.

We have been wounded! At times I may see people  in the church and all around the world who tend to stay back. They seem to love church and attend regularity, but somehow you just sense that something is amiss. Maybe, they have had a negative church experience in the past. When someone hurts in the church, it feels like a double whammy. Not only are they wounded, but they are wounded by family, close friends and or leaders.  

Everyone deserves Grace. There is a Savior who understands. Proverbs 18 says, to help a brother who has been offended, and yet God is a God of reconciliation. God see’s it all. 

I believe that the church should feel like home. It should be a safe place for healing! Unfortunately, that is not always the case. “For we wrestle not against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Remember! Instead of responding in the flesh, stand in faith and prayer! 

When God defends you, no opposition can prevail. Rejoice! Stand firm. Keep praying. Do not be deceitful. The enemy is looking to destroy! Stand firm. Keep praying and watching! 

“For the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time”.

Lets pray!

Prayer!

Father God, we come before you asking you for help! We can not fight this war without you! Today we embrace all of your promises! The world needs a 911. Heal us! Forgive our sins and forgive those who mistreat us! Father, many all around the world are hurting. We know that you are watching over them. I believe Jesus, that you intended the church to be a safe place. A place of healing. A place where we can all be restored. Father, we call out on you. You are our defender, our judge, and savior. You heal the broken heart. We know that we can trust you, therefore, Please heal our county. Let people know that you are a faithful God. Let them know that just because they were hurt in church, they can still trust you! You are our hope. Father, we love you! We glorify your name and we thank you in advance. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

The Eyes of Your Heart!

 Scripture: Ephesians 1:18

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…”

There are times when our physical eyes can see everything around us, yet our hearts struggle to see what God is doing. We see the problem, the uncertainty, the waiting, and the obstacles. But Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 is that the eyes of our hearts would be opened so that we can see from God’s perspective. 

God has called us to hope. Our hope is not based on perfect circumstances. It is rooted in knowing that God has a purpose for our lives and that His promises are greater than what we can see today. Sometimes faith means asking God, “Lord, help me see what I cannot see.” When your future feels unclear, ask Him to give you spiritual vision. When you feel discouraged, ask Him to remind you of the hope He has given you. When you feel like nothing is changing, ask Him to help you recognize His presence even in the waiting.

God may not reveal the entire path at once, but He promises to be with us as we walk it. Today, don't focus only on what is visible. Lift your eyes toward what God has promised. There is hope beyond what you see. There is purpose beyond what you understand. And there is a faithful God who is already working. Lets pray! 

Prayer: 🙏

Father, open the eyes of my heart. Help me see beyond my circumstances and recognize Your presence, Your promises, and Your purpose for my life. When I become discouraged, remind me of the hope You have called me to. Give me faith to trust You even when I cannot see the whole picture. Let my heart see what my natural eyes cannot. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection:💥
What situation in your life do you need to ask God to help you see through the “eyes of your heart” today?

Sing a New Song!

 Scripture: Psalm 96

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1

Psalm 96 is an invitation to worship—not simply with our lips, but with our whole lives. The psalmist calls us to sing, proclaim, declare, and give glory to God because He is worthy. This is not easy in times of trouble; but it is crucial. “Blessed affectionately, gratefully praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is deepest within me, bless his holy name! Bless affectionately, gratefully praise the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.” Psalm 103

Sometimes we may feel like we have nothing new to sing. We may be carrying the same struggles, facing the same uncertainties, or walking through a season that feels repetitive. Yet Psalm 96 reminds us that God Himself has not changed. He is still good. He is still faithful. He is still worthy of praise. God is all we need!

A “new song” doesn't necessarily mean a new circumstance. It can mean seeing the same God with renewed faith. When we remember who God is, our perspective begins to change. Instead of allowing fear to have the final word, we can declare God's faithfulness. Instead of focusing only on what we cannot control, we can worship the One who holds everything in His hands. Your feelings are valid! Keep praying! Don't give up! 

Psalm 96 also says, “Declare his glory among the nations.” Our worship isn't meant to stay hidden. The way we live, speak, love, forgive, and trust God can point others toward Him. Today, take a moment to remember what God has done for you. Thank Him for the blessings you often overlook. Thank Him for His presence in difficult moments. And if you're waiting for an answer, praise Him even while you wait. In Butterfly by Grace Mommy and daughter blog we want you  to remember that God sees you! Don't give up. He is fighting for you!

Prayer:

Lord, give me a new song today. Help me to see Your goodness even when my circumstances are difficult. Remind me that You are worthy of my praise in every season. Let my words, my choices, and my life declare Your glory. Teach me to trust You more deeply and to worship You not only for what You do, but for who You are. May my life point others toward You. In the name of Jesus!  Amen…

Reflection:
What is one thing God has done—or one part of His character—that you can praise Him for today?

Do Not Let Your Heart Become Contaminated!

Scripture:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:2

There are moments in our work when we see things that hurt our hearts. We may witness unfairness, indifference, harsh words, broken systems, or people who seem to have lost compassion. As nurses, we are called to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We advocate for our patients. We speak up for families. We comfort those who are afraid. We serve even when we are tired. But what happens when the environment around us begins to change our hearts?

It is easy to become discouraged. It is easy to become frustrated. It is easy to say, “If nobody else cares, why should I? But as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. We cannot allow someone else's coldness to make our hearts cold. We cannot allow injustice to steal our compassion. We cannot allow difficult people or difficult circumstances to change who God has called us to be. When Jesus encountered suffering, rejection, injustice, and people who misunderstood Him, He did not stop loving. He did not stop serving. He did not stop doing what was right. He kept His eyes on the Father. That is what we must do. 

A nurse's hands may care for wounds, administer medications, and bring comfort to a patient's body. But we must also care for our own hearts. If we are not careful, disappointment can become bitterness.
Frustration can become anger. Repeated exposure to suffering can make us numb. Unfair treatment can make us stop caring. That is why Scripture tells us to guard our hearts. Guarding our hearts does not mean pretending that everything is okay. It means bringing our pain, frustration, and disappointment to Jesus instead of allowing them to contaminate our spirit.

We can acknowledge what is wrong without allowing what is wrong to become who we are. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Sometimes our work may feel unnoticed. Sometimes advocacy may be difficult. Sometimes we may speak up for a patient and feel as though nobody listens. Sometimes we may give our very best and still leave work wondering if it made a difference. Keep praying!

God sees. He sees the nurse who stays a little longer to comfort a frightened patient. He sees the nurse who speaks up when something isn't right. He sees the nurse who treats every patient with dignity.

He sees the nurse who protects a family's voice when they feel powerless. He sees the nurse who chooses compassion even when others have become cold. Our responsibility is not to control the hearts of others. Our responsibility is to guard our own hearts and remain faithful to Christ. When the world feels unfair, look to Jesus.  When people are cold, look to Jesus.

When you are tired of advocating, look to Jesus. Keep praying!  Our strength does not come from the environment around us. It comes from the One we serve. We may not be able to change every system, every person, or every circumstance. But we can choose how we respond. We can continue to be compassionate. We can continue to advocate. We can continue to serve with excellence. We can continue to speak with grace. We can continue to do what is right. Because we are not serving only when it is easy. We are serving because Christ called us to love.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Help me guard my heart. When I encounter coldness, do not allow me to become cold. When I experience unfairness, do not allow bitterness to take root in me. When I am tired, remind me why I began. Give me courage to advocate for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. Give me compassion for patients and families. Give me wisdom when situations are difficult and strength when I feel weary. Help me not to respond to the darkness around me by becoming part of the darkness. Instead, help me fix my eyes on You. Let my hands continue to serve, my voice continues to advocate, and my heart continues to love. May the way I care for others reflect your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen. Never stop praying! Time is near and we must be ready!

Reflection : What am I allowing the difficulties around me to produce in my heart—compassion or bitterness? Today, I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, guard my heart, and continue doing good.

Until the Time Came!

 Psalm 105:19 (NLT) 💜

"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character."

Waiting is rarely easy. When God gives us a promise or places a dream in our hearts, we often expect it to happen quickly. Yet Joseph's story reminds us that there is often a season between the promise and its fulfillment. That season is not wasted—it has a purpose. “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

I don't know for sure how long you have waited for your promise! As for myself; I can tell you that I have to learn how to wait. Waiting is not a good feeling. It can be uncomfortable, painful, and discouraging. We often ask, “Lord, how much longer?” Yet waiting does not mean God has forgotten us. Waiting is a season of growth. Teach us to rely less on our own strength and more on God’s faithfulness. “Do not let frustration steal your peace. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep walking by faith. The waiting season is never wasted when it is placed in God’s hand.

Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment. From a human perspective, it may have seemed that God's promise had failed. But God was working behind the scenes, using every hardship to develop Joseph's faith, humility, wisdom, and integrity. Before God elevated Joseph to lead a nation, He prepared his character to carry the weight of that responsibility.

The same is true for us. Delays are not always denials. Sometimes God is doing His deepest work within us before He does His greatest work through us. Seasons of waiting can strengthen our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and shape us into the people He has called us to be.

If you are waiting today, don't lose heart. God has not forgotten His promises. Trust that He is working even when you cannot see it. The God who fulfilled His purpose in Joseph's life is faithful to fulfill His purpose in yours—in His perfect time.

Prayer🙏

Heavenly Father, thank You for being faithful in every season of my life. When I grow weary in waiting, help me to trust Your timing and Your purpose. Shape my character, strengthen my faith, and teach me to remain faithful even when I cannot see what You are doing. Prepare me for the plans You have for me, and help me honor You in every step of the journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discouragement

 Scripture:

James 1:2-4 

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 

There are seasons when discouragement seems to settle over our hearts like a heavy blanket. We pray, we wait, we trust, yet the answers don't come as quickly as we hoped. Doors remain closed. Opportunities are delayed. We begin to wonder if God has forgotten us. One of the most dangerous feelings is discouragement. When it takes hold, it can affect every area of our life.

But Scripture reminds us that waiting and praying is never wasted in God's hands. A butterfly doesn't emerge the moment the caterpillar enters the chrysalis. Hidden from view, a beautiful transformation is taking place. From the outside, it may appear that nothing is happening, but inside, God is preparing something entirely new.

At times, we all feel discouraged. The question isn’t whether that will happen but how we’ll respond. Let’s ask God to search our hearts for any trace of discouragement and replace it with his strength and peace. 

Our lives often look the same. During seasons of discouragement, we may not see progress, but God is shaping our character, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for what lies ahead. What feels like a delay may actually be divine preparation. Discouragement whispers, "Give up." Grace whispers, "Keep going."

The enemy wants us to focus on what hasn't happened. God invites us to remember what He has already done. He has been faithful before, and He will be faithful again. Our hope is not based on our circumstances but on the unchanging character of God.

Today, if your heart feels weary, bring your disappointment to Jesus. He is not intimidated by your questions or your tears. He walks beside you in the waiting and promises never to leave you.

Like the butterfly, your transformation may be happening where no one can see it. Don't mistake God's silence for His absence. He is still working.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When discouragement fills my heart, remind me that You are still at work, even when I cannot see it. Give me strength to keep trusting You through delays, disappointments, and unanswered questions. Help me fix my eyes on Your promises instead of my circumstances. Thank You for Your grace that carries me through every season and for the hope that You are transforming me into who You created me to be. Teach me to wait with faith and to believe that Your timing is always perfect.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection

What area of your life has tempted you to lose hope? Today, surrender it to God and ask Him to help you trust His timing. Remember, just as a butterfly emerges in the right season, God's purpose for your life will unfold at the right time. His grace is carrying you—even now.

"There Is Still Hope"

 Scripture: Job 14:7-9

"For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though its root grow old in the earth, and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put out branches like a young plant.”

As nurses, there are seasons when we feel cut down by exhaustion, disappointment, loss, mistakes, or the overwhelming demands of caring for others. There may be days when we question our strength, our purpose, or whether we can continue moving forward. Job reminds us that even a tree that has been cut down is not without hope. Though it may appear lifeless, beneath the surface there is still life. Given time, nourishment, and the right conditions, it can sprout again. God often works the same way in our lives. There may be moments when we feel broken, discouraged, or emotionally drained. Yet God sees the potential for new growth when we can only see the stump. He specializes in restoring what seems lost and renewing what feels depleted.

My own journey taught me this truth. After facing repeated setbacks and failures, it would have been easy to believe that my dream was over. Instead, God continued to nurture hope within me. What seemed impossible eventually became possible through perseverance, faith, and God's grace.

If you are facing a difficult season today, remember that your story is not over. The same God who causes a tree to sprout again can renew your strength, restore your confidence, and help you grow through every challenge.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of hope and renewal. When I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, remind me that You are still at work in my life. Help me trust Your timing, depend on Your strength, and believe that new growth is possible even after difficult seasons. Renew my heart and guide me as I serve others with compassion and purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“Flying with Broken Wings”

 Key Scripture:

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..." — The Book of Isaiah 40:31

Devotional

There are seasons when life feels like trying to fly with broken wings. The dreams that once lifted us seem damaged. Disappointments weigh heavily. Loss, failure, rejection, or exhaustion can leave us feeling unable to rise above our circumstances.

Birds were created to fly, yet an injured wing limits what they were designed to do. In much the same way, we often feel frustrated when pain prevents us from moving forward as we hoped. We may wonder why God has not removed the struggle or restored our strength more quickly. Once upon a time, this was my story too.  In Butterfly by Grace “Mommy and daughter blog” would like to bring some encouragement.  

Yet throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that His power is most evident when human strength is insufficient. He called people who felt inadequate, weary, wounded, and unlikely. He used Moses despite his insecurities, David despite his failures, and Peter despite his mistakes. Their effectiveness did not come from perfection but from dependence on God.

Sometimes God heals the wing immediately. Sometimes He teaches us to trust Him while the wing heals. And sometimes He carries us through a season when we cannot fly on our own at all.

The encouraging truth is that God never requires us to soar by our own strength. The promise of Isaiah is not that we will never become weary, but that those who place their hope in the Lord will find renewed strength. What seems broken today is not beyond God's ability to restore. What feels like weakness may become the very place where His grace is most visible.

If you feel as though you are flying with broken wings, remember this: your limitations do not limit God. The same God who created the eagle's wings is able to sustain you, strengthen you, and lift you above what seems impossible. You may not be flying as high or as fast as you once did, but if God is carrying you forward, you are still moving toward His purpose.

Reflection Questions

1. What "broken wing" are you carrying right now?

2. How might God be inviting you to depend on His strength rather than your own?

3. What evidence of God's faithfulness can you identify even in this difficult season?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

There are times when I feel weak, discouraged, and unable to move forward. My heart grows tired, and my strength feels depleted. Help me remember that You are not limited by my weaknesses. Teach me to place my hope in You and trust that You are working even when I cannot see the outcome.

Renew my strength today. Heal the places in my life that feel broken. Give me courage to keep moving forward, confidence in Your promises, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. When I cannot fly on my own, carry me with Your grace and remind me that Your plans for me remain secure.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Closing Thought:
A broken wing may change how you fly for a season, but it cannot stop God from carrying you where He has called you to go.

NCLEX-RN "From Caterpillar to Butterfly by Grace" 🦋

Isaiah 54

“For you will spread out to the right and to the left;  And your descendants will take possession of nations And will resettle the desolate cities. “Do not fear, for you will not be put to shame; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced;  For you will forget the shame of your youth,  And you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. “For your husband is your Maker,  Whose name is the Lord of hosts;  And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,  Who is called the God of all the earth. 

Today, I am beyond grateful and excited to announce the launch of my book on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble. What once started as pain, prayers, tears, and faith has now become a testimony that the world can read.

This book is more than pages and chapters. It is part of my journey. A journey of faith, perseverance, healing, and learning to trust God even in seasons when I did not understand His plan. There were moments I wanted to give up, moments I questioned myself, and moments I felt unseen. Yet through it all, God continued to remind me that my story had purpose.

I wrote this book for the broken, the discouraged, the dreamers, and the people who feel like they are walking through their own “Lodebar” season — a place of hiding, pain, or silence. I want readers to know they are not alone. Faith can still rise in dark places. God still restores. God still calls people by name even when they feel forgotten. Becoming an author is something I once only dreamed about, but today that dream has become reality. I pray this book encourages others to keep believing, keep fighting, and keep trusting God with their process. And this is only the beginning. I am already working on my second book, and I cannot wait to continue sharing messages of hope, grace, healing, and faith with all of you. Thank you to everyone who supported me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and believed in this vision.

If my story can help even one person find hope again, then every chapter was worth writing. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Today I stand in gratitude for what You have done and for what You are about to do. Thank You for taking my pain, my testimony, my silent battles, and turning them into a message that will reach nations. Thank You for reminding me that what tried to break me was only preparing me for purpose. In Butterfly by Grace “Mommy and daughter blog we want to pray. Let’s pray! 

Lord, I dedicate this book into Your hands. Let every page carry healing. Let every chapter carry freedom. Let every word become a seed planted into the hearts of those who feel lost, forgotten, rejected, or weary. I decree that this book will not only be read, but it will minister to souls, restore faith, and awaken destiny.

Father, open doors that no man can shut. Let this message reach the people you have assigned to it. From Amazon to iTunes to Barnes & Noble, let this testimony travel farther than I could ever imagine. I declare divine favor, divine connections, and supernatural opportunities over this work. I prophesy that this is not the end — this is the beginning of a new season. A season of expansion, influence, healing, and impact. Every place where the enemy tried to silence me, God is now giving me a voice. Every place where I cried in secret, God is now producing fruit in public.

Lord, let my story become evidence that You still restore broken people, revive dead dreams, and call people out of their "Lodebar" seasons. I decree that chains are breaking, hope is rising, and purpose is being awakened through this testimony. Anoint my hands as I continue writing the second book. Give me wisdom, revelation, creativity, and boldness to speak what Heaven is saying in this generation. Let every assignment attached to my life come forth in Jesus’ name. I declare: This book will touch lives. This testimony will reach nations. This calling will not be aborted. And what God started, He will complete. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. Amen.... 🩺🦋

Mother’s Day Reflection 💜

                      Inspired by The Bible Matthew 27:19

“While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’”

On this Mother’s Day, I reflect on the quiet strength God places inside women. In Matthew 27:19, Pilate’s wife is only mentioned briefly, yet her voice carried wisdom, discernment, and compassion during one of the darkest moments in history. She listened to what troubled her spirit and spoke with courage, even when others ignored the warning.

Mothers often carry that same quiet wisdom. They pray when nobody sees, worry when nobody knows, and speak life into others even while carrying burdens of their own. Like a butterfly transformed through struggle, mothers grow through sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love.

This verse reminds me that God can use anyone — even a woman unnamed in Scripture — to deliver truth, compassion, and warning. A mother’s heart is often sensitive to what others overlook. Her prayers, intuition, and love become part of God’s grace in motion.

Today, I honor every mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, and nurturing soul who continues to love with strength and grace. May we never underestimate the power of a praying woman, a compassionate heart, or a voice willing to speak truth in difficult moments.

Just like the butterfly, transformation comes through faith, endurance, and grace. And through it all, God continues to shape us into something beautiful.

Heavenly Father,

On this Mother’s Day, I thank You for the gift of mothers and every woman who nurtures others with love, wisdom, and grace. Just as Pilate’s wife in The Bible Matthew 27:19 listened to the stirring in her spirit, help us also to hear Your voice clearly and walk in discernment, compassion, and courage.

Lord, bless every mother, grandmother, caregiver, and spiritual mother. Strengthen the weary hearts, comfort those carrying silent burdens, and fill every home with peace, patience, and love. Remind them that their prayers matter, their sacrifices are seen, and their love reflects Your heart.

Like the butterfly transformed by grace, continue shaping us through every season of life. Help us grow in faith, wisdom, and purpose so we may become reflections of Your light to others.

May we always trust You, even when the journey is difficult, knowing that Your plans are good and Your grace is sufficient. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nurses Week in the Fire: Trusting God When Nothing Makes Sense

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 

Isaiah 43:2 

This Nurses Week feels different for me. Usually, Nurses Week is about celebration, recognition, and remembering why we chose this profession. But this year, I find myself sitting in uncertainty instead of celebration. Quiet instead of confident. Questioning instead of understanding.

And maybe that is part of nursing too. What do you do when you truly believe you did everything right, yet things still fall apart around you? What do you do when you served faithfully, worked hard, stayed compassionate, studied, sacrificed, showed up for patients, and still ended up feeling unseen, discouraged, or displaced? As people of faith we often say: “We trust God” “Wait on God” “God is in control”. And I believe those things deeply. But I also believe that we need to be honest about something. Faith in the middle of the fire does not feel peaceful. Sometimes it feels confusing. Sometimes you pray and still cry. Sometimes you know scriptures and still feel anxious. Sometimes nothing around you makes sense, and no answers come quickly. There are moments when all you can do is ask God “What am I supposed to do now”? I think about how many nurses carry battles alone ? We walk into hospitals carrying grief, exhaustion, uncertainty, family struggles, finances, stress, and emotional wounds and still somehow still found the strength to comfort another human being. That takes more than skill. That takes endurance of your soul.  This season has taught me that trusting God is not always about having clarity. Sometimes it is refusing to give up while you wait for clarity to come. Faith is not pretending that everything is ok. Faith is to continue moving forward even when your heart feels heavy. I do not have all the answers right now. I do not fully understand this season, but I am learning that God’s presence is not measured by how clear my circumstances are. Sometimes the stronger prayer is: Silence. Others is just: “Lord I don't understand, but please stay in this with me”

To every nurse who feels exhausted, overlooked, uncertain, or discouraged: Your worth is not determined by one moment, one evaluation, one opinion, one test, or one difficult season; keep going, keep learning, keep trusting even in the fire. Let’s pray!

Lord, In this season of uncertainty, we call upon you. Help me trust you even when nothing is making sense. When I feel discouraged, remind me that my worth is not defined by one moment or one outcome. Give me peace, when my mind is restless, strength when I feel weak, and wisdom for what comes next. Help us stay faithful through the fire knowing that you are guiding our steps even when we can not see the path clearly. Just as you fight for the three boys while they are in the fire please stay with me too. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three Jews that were thrown into the firefly of a furnace to burn but they saw a fourth man into the fire that along with these did not get burned because you protected them as they were faithful to you. They called upon you while they were on fire. I am asking your mercy and gracious hand to take control of all nurses that call upon you for a big turn around. We know that you are God. Holy is your name above all. We know that no one mock the name above it all. Therefore, we rest and wait upon you. In the name of Jesus we pray! Amen

"For the Nurse Who Feels Unseen" El Roi-The God Who Sees Me:

 

Genesis 16:13

“ She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from long hours alone—it comes from giving your all and wondering if anyone notices.

It’s the charting done after everyone else has gone home. The extra few minutes you spend adjusting a pillow, even when your feet ache. The way you carry your patients in your thoughts long after your shift ends. And yet, so often, none of it is acknowledged.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in your work, you’re not alone. Nursing is full of moments that don’t make headlines or earn applause. The most meaningful parts of what you do often happen in silence in rooms with no audience, in decisions no one else sees, in compassion that can’t be measured. 

But unseen does not mean unimportant. There is purpose in the quiet care you give. There is impact in the small, consistent acts of kindness that may never be documented. Every time you choose patience over frustration, presence over distraction, and compassion over convenience—you are shaping someone’s experience in a way that matters more than you may ever fully realize. Recently, I saw a cute little notebook called “Things my patients say” I thought “I would not have enough paper to write all the beautiful words that my patients have said to me” I even thought “With so many Daisies I will create a new garden”. Unfortunately, many patients that have walked through my life do not remember my name. One thing I do know, God sees me. 

It’s easy to start believing that recognition is the proof of value. But the truth is, some of the most powerful work happens where recognition never reaches. Still, feeling unseen can wear on your spirit. So here is something worth holding onto: your work is not invisible—it is intimate. It reaches people at their most vulnerable moments. It brings comfort in ways that cannot always be expressed back to you. And even when gratitude isn’t spoken, it is often deeply felt. You are part of a profession that stands in the gap every single day—between fear and reassurance, pain and relief, uncertainty and understanding. And even when no one says it…

You matter. Your presence matters. The way you show up—especially on the hard days—matters. If you can, take a moment to recognize what you’ve given. Not through the lens of productivity or praise, but through the lives you’ve touched in ways only you could.

And if today feels heavy, let this be your reminder:

You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. And you are never alone in this calling. We are all together. Learn to work; like if you were for Jesus. 

Keep going—but also remember to care for yourself with the same compassion you give so freely to others. Because even the ones who heal others need space to be seen, supported, and restored. Lets Pray!

Heavenly Father, For every nurse who feels unseen, unheard, or overlooked, we lift them up to You now. You see what others miss. You honor what the world overlooks. Nothing given in love is ever wasted in Your sight. Wrap them in Your presence and remind them that they are never invisible to You. Strengthen them in their quiet moments, restore them in their weariness, and renew their spirit where it feels depleted. Let them feel valued, not just in what they do, but in who they are. Place people in their path who will encourage them, support them, and reflect the appreciation they deserve.

And when the weight feels heavy, remind them that You are carrying it with them. May they walk forward with renewed strength, deep peace, and the quiet assurance that their work matters—always.

In Your name we pray, Amen.

Happy Nurses Week! 🩺

Nurses Pray! 🙏 Happy Nurses Week 🩺

 Heavenly Father,

We  come before You with one heart and one spirit, grateful for the calling You have placed upon every nurse. You are the source of life, the giver of strength, and the One who sees every unseen act of care.

Today, we declare unity among nurses—across every role, every shift, every burden carried in silence. Let no division, jealousy, or exhaustion weaken the bond you are building. Where there has been isolation, release connection. Where there has been weariness, release fresh strength. Where there has been doubt, release clarity and renewed purpose.

Lord, breathe Your peace into every anxious moment and Your courage into every difficult decision. Let compassion flow without depletion, and let wisdom rise in every circumstance. May every nurse be reminded that their hands are guided, their presence matters, and their work carries eternal value.

We speak of restoration over tired bodies, clarity over overwhelmed minds, and protection over every environment they walk into. Let unity not just be a word, but a living force—felt in teamwork, seen in kindness, and rooted in love.

Bind them together with purpose, Lord, so that no one stands alone. Let their unity become strength, their strength become hope, and their hope become healing for all they serve.

In Your name we pray, Amen

Happy Nurses Week 🩺🙏

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"Stronger Together: One Voice, One Purpose” Nurses Week 🩺

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

When we stand together, supporting each other through prayers, acts of kindness, and shared wisdom, our faith gets stronger. There is a power in unity. Unity is one  Unity is one of the most powerful forces in human life. When individuals come together with a shared purpose, they create something far greater than what any one person could achieve alone. It is not just about standing side by side, but about understanding, supporting, and trusting one another despite differences. This week as we celebrate nurses week; In Butterfly by Grace Mommy and daughter blog we decided to ask every nurse and every warrior to help us pray as one for unity in medical health. 

As nurses we can not work alone. It is impossible to get my job done without my team. We all need each other. Each person plays an important role. God calls his people to live in unity with one another, so it is important to make every effort to live together in harmony with every one. Regardless of belief and differences, God commands us to do all in Love. If we can all come together as one we can do much greater. I believe in the power of unity. It is amazing to see unity at work when people come together as one. We should build each other, grow stronger and be able to establish these commandments to become better every day.

Life is messy, relationships are messy. Times of stress can strain relationships and we end up hurting each other and destroying unity fast. Today, I would like to invite all nurses; specially those who have been reading our blog. Let’s fight together toward making our hospitals, units, departments, home, county, city a loving place again. 

God’s plan was never to see couples, families divided. He never intended to divide the church. Yet, many still have not understood this concept. There are some that are divided within their own homes. They can’t make decisions as one. Divisions kill and destroy. Unity brings direction.

Throughout history, unity has been the foundation of progress. Movements for justice, freedom, and change have only succeeded when people chose to act together rather than remain divided. A single voice can be ignored, but many voices joined together are impossible to silence. Unity turns small efforts into lasting impact. Jesus said “ A house divided cannot stand”. 

What makes unity so powerful is its ability to bridge differences. People come from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, yet unity allows them to focus on what they share instead of what separates them. It encourages empathy and reminds us that we are stronger when we cooperate rather than compete.

However, unity is not always easy. It requires patience, open-mindedness, and the willingness to listen. Disagreements will happen, but true unity means working through those challenges instead of walking away from them. It means choosing respect over division. Jesus also said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.  “If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.”

In everyday life, unity can be seen in families, communities, teams, and friendships. Whether it’s people helping each other through difficult times or working together toward a common goal, unity creates a sense of belonging and strength. It reassures individuals that they are not alone.

Ultimately, the power of unity lies in its ability to transform both individuals and the world around them. When people stand together, they build stronger communities, overcome greater obstacles, and create lasting change. Unity is not just a concept—it is a choice, and when we choose it, we unlock our greatest potential. Today chose to stand with unity and you will see the results. 

Lets pray!

God we need you. Days are feeling broken and uncertain. People are hurting, struggling, and we know and we are aware of the pain and loneliness. We understand that we all need help. We need to turn back to our first love. We need you to give us your eyes, to see with the same compassion and mercy. Father, God, we choose to stand our ground today and say, no more. We ask for your help to set aside our differences and look to the greater cause and value of unity. We know that we can not fight this battle by ourselves. Help us understand the mystery behind the power of unity. As soldiers; when they are wounded, no man is left behind. They fight together even when they are wounded.  

Happy Nurses Week🩺