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.