Posted in Uncategorized

Happy Mom’s Day

🌷 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷

Today, I want to take a moment to honor all the incredible mothers out there—and remind you how special you are. Whether you’re a mom to a child or a beloved pet, remember that God chose you for this important role. Your love and care reflect His heart. 💖

We might not always feel appreciated; after all, people often see what they want to see in us. But as moms, we learn to forgive, just as our Heavenly Father forgives us. I know I challenged my own mom growing up. I was mouthy—an only child learning to navigate my own feelings. While some may have thought I was spoiled, I was fortunate enough to be taught the value of kindness , giving of your time to others volunteering, helping those in need and respect. Sometimes I took the respect thing for granted. But as I got older, I really respected and appreciated my mother. She was a very strong woman, a very loving woman, and I was fortunate to have her as my mother..

Though my relationship with my mom had its ups and downs, I grew to appreciate her wisdom more as I matured. My mom passed away 25 years ago at the age of 65, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but over time, we found mutual respect. And she knew no matter what I always loved her and I knew no matter what she always loved me .

Your times when our children don’t understand why we do the things we do or say the things we say we know it’s for their own good but sometimes they don’t often see it that way we can only hope that in time they will understand that we did the best we could And what we did was out of love.

Being a mom is a gift, and being a grandmother is a treasure. So whether you’re celebrating today with your family, remembering a mom who has passed on, or even finding joy in your role as a mother figure, know that your love is unique and irreplaceable. 💞 There is no love quite like that of a mother or grandmother, and it is truly unconditional.

Let us find strength and encouragement in God’s Word as we celebrate motherhood today:

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28

Happy Mother’s Day! 🙏💐

Psalm 139:13:

“For you formed my inmost being; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse emphasizes God’s role in shaping the physical and spiritual aspects of the individual, even before birth

Posted in Uncategorized

The Fall of Matt Sparrow

The Fall of Matt Sparrow

Matt Sparrow wasn’t always rich. He grew up in a small, modest home where money was tight, and dreams felt distant. But through a mix of luck, ambition, and some questionable deals, he stumbled into wealth faster than he ever imagined.

At first, he used his fortune generously—he bought his friends gifts, bought his parents a home, funded charities, and occasionally helped those in need. But his kindness came with conditions. He made sure everyone knew what he did. Every act of generosity came with a long speech about how great he was, how lucky people were to know him, and how the world simply wasn’t smart enough to rise to his level.

He always bragged about what he had making others feel small, even hard working people who probably worked harder than him, he made feel useless.

People tolerated him at first. After all, money has a way of making even arrogance bearable. But over time, the bragging became too much. Friends grew distant, family avoided his calls, and even his parents and grandparents got tired of his bragging ;business partners quietly walked away. He didn’t care—he had wealth, and in his mind, wealth meant power.

Until it all came crashing down.

The Downward Spiral

A risky investment turned into a financial disaster, wiping away half his fortune overnight. Instead of being cautious, Matt doubled down, convinced he was too brilliant to fail. But reckless decisions have consequences, and within a year, he was on the verge of losing everything.

He lashed out at the few people still around. The ones who tried to warn him? He called them cowards. The friends who stood by him? He accused them of betrayal when they didn’t lend him more money.

By the time his downfall was complete, he was barely recognizable. His luxurious home had been sold, his bank account drained, and his once-loyal circle had vanished. His grandparents and parennts passed away and his parents were also passed on.

And then, as if fate wanted to prove one last point, James fell ill.

The Harsh Reality

Weak and bedridden, he finally realized that for all the money he had, he had nothing of true value. No friends, no family, no one who genuinely cared. He had spent his life chasing wealth, but now, alone in a hospital room, he would have given anything to have one person sit beside him—not because they owed him, but because they wanted to.

It took losing everything for Matt to understand what really mattered.

One night, staring at the ceiling, he whispered a prayer—a plea for forgiveness. He asked the Lord for mercy, hoping that despite all his flaws, he might find peace.

And in his final days, though no one stood beside him, something changed within him. A quiet acceptance. A fragile serenity.

Matt passed away alone—but not in agony. Not fighting, not cursing the world, but simply letting go.

His wealth had disappeared, his name forgotten—but perhaps, in those last moments, he had found the peace that had always eluded him

We must stop putting so much value on material things and think we are all that and a bag of chips.. Confidence is great but arrogance and greed are a sin. that we lose sight of whats important, connection to family , friends , our church and God.

Posted in Uncategorized

Embracing Motherhood: A Journey of Love and Grace

Do you ever sit back and wonder if you’re doing a good job as a mother? Trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all said things we regret, made choices we wish we could change, and had days that left us questioning ourselves. But let’s take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey of motherhood, filled with love, challenges, and little victories.

Picture this: A mom, exhausted from a long day, she works part time or maybe she works full-time. She has kids that are involved in soccer and dance, so she’s the family taxi and she finally finds a quiet moment in her living room after catching up on the news.

Her kids are wrapping up their homework, and her husband is chatting with her about his day. As she glances at the clock and realizes it’s already 7:30 PM, fatigue washes over her. She thinks to herself, “Maybe I should just head to bed.” so she tells her husband and her children that she’s tired had a long day and she just wants to go up and go to bed. So everyone tells her good night gives her a hug and they go about what they’re doing.

She thinks but first, there are a few little things that demand her attention—things that often go unnoticed.

She heads into the kitchen, pulling food from the freezer for dinner tomorrow, packing lunches, and tidying up the mess she just made in the process. It’s a familiar routine, but one that takes effort and time. She preps the coffee for the morning, folds laundry from the dryer, and remembers that she needs to start another load.

Amidst this whirlwind of activity, she notices the dog’s bowl is empty—so she fills it up with water and food. Then, a gentle reminder pops into her mind: it’s her friend’s birthday tomorrow. She signs a card and quickly fills out permission slips for the kids’ school events. Just when she thinks she might finally unwind, her husband playfully reminds her, “Aren’t you supposed to be getting to bed?”

But her heart knows better. She’s putting in the late hours to ensure everything runs smoothly for her family. She heads upstairs, hangs up the freshly ironed uniforms, and checks in on her kids to make sure they’re tucked in tight. Finally, she settles down with her Bible for a moment of peace.

Just then, the call of duty beckons again—“Mom! Can you help me with my homework?” And off she goes, ready to assist. After helping her child finish up, she takes a deep breath and prepares to sleep while also remembering to take her medication and toss yet another load of laundry in the dryer. By now, her husband is tired and says well I think I’ll go to bed and he did . She chooses to read a few minutes of her Bible just because it’s now totally quiet and then she finally turns off the lights, ready to surrender to rest.

This beautiful chaos is a testament to the incredible women in our lives—moms, daughters, granddaughters sisters, cousins, aunts partners, and friends—who juggle countless responsibilities with grace. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or someone who plays the role of a caregiver, your efforts are nothing short of amazing. Remember, women rock!

To the men out there, please take a moment to appreciate the remarkable women in your lives. Recognize the love and dedication they put into every detail, from folding laundry to planning family meals. Those small tasks may seem insignificant, but they’re a labor of love that deserves recognition.

For those women facing tougher battles—perhaps struggling in an abusive relationship or questioning their worth during a divorce—hear this: You are doing your best. Every decision comes from a place of love for yourself and your children, even if it’s not always obvious to others. Don’t let the opinions of others dim your shine. It’s their loss if they can’t see the incredible person you are.

So, give yourself some grace. Forgive yourself for not meeting every expectation, and show yourself the love and respect you so abundantly give to others. You deserve it!

Let’s lift each other up instead of tearing ourselves down. Take a moment to breathe, appreciate your journey, and recognize the strength within you. And don’t forget to say thank you to the women in your life it means more than you can imagine.

Remember, motherhood is not only about perfection; it’s about love, resilience, and the countless ways we care for one another. So here’s to all the amazing mothers out there, mom’s with children moms with pets mom’s of all kinds—keep shining, keep loving, and continue to embrace the beautiful journey of motherhood with kindness towards yourself. ❤️

Posted in Uncategorized

Letting Go with Grace: A Journey of Faith and Acceptance

Hello, beautiful souls! 🌼

Today, I want to talk about something that weighs heavily on many of our hearts—the challenge of letting go of relationships that no longer nourish our spirits. It’s a difficult path, one that often comes with feelings of heartache and confusion. But sometimes, we must release the people we love, not out of indifference, but out of a deep-seated care for our own well-being.

Life is a beautiful tapestry woven together by the many relationships we cherish family , friends, co workers etc. However, it’s important to remember that not every thread remains strong forever. There are times when the connections we hold dear begin to fray. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like you’re giving more than you’re receiving, it can leave you feeling drained and unappreciated.

I’m not talking about giving money or gifts … I’m talking about giving of one’s self, our love.

Letting go doesn’t mean that we stop loving those individuals. As believers, we are called to love others as Christ loves us. This love transcends boundaries; it is patient, kind, and forgiving. We can continue to pray for those we once held close, wishing them happiness and fulfillment, even if our paths are diverging. Remember, our prayers can be powerful, and they can bring peace not just to them but to us as well.

Yet, in the midst of this love, we also need to recognize our worth. When it becomes clear that we don’t matter to someone as much as they matter to us, it’s essential to honor ourselves and our emotional health. It’s okay to step back and create space. Sometimes, the greatest act of love we can show ourselves is the willingness to let go.

Sure, it can be painful. We may find ourselves wishing for that phone call, that coffee date, or even just a simple text to check in. But instead of holding onto those hopes, we can choose to focus on our growth and healing. The Bible beautifully reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust that God has good things in store for you.

As we move forward, let’s embrace the beauty of new beginnings. Spend time nurturing relationships that lift you up and cultivate friendships that bring joy into your life. Surround yourself with those who support you, uplift you, and see your value.

So, if you’re in a season of letting go, remember: it’s okay to prioritize your heart. Continue to pray for those you’ve had to step away from, but also keep moving forward with an open heart, ready to receive the love and support that God has in store for you.

You’re not alone in this journey; we’re all learning and growing together. Let’s keep lifting each other up as we navigate the complexities of love, loss, and new beginnings.

With love and blessings,

Deb ✝️

Posted in Uncategorized

Monday Prayer

Prayer for a Blessed Week

Heavenly Father,

As a new week begins, we come before You with grateful hearts. We thank You for the gift of this day and the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether we are heading into work, caring for our families, or navigating the joys and challenges of retirement, we invite You to be at the center of all we do.

Lord, help us to put You first in our thoughts and actions. Guide us in our decisions and inspire us to serve others with kindness and compassion. May we find joy in our tasks, patience in our struggles, and strength in Your presence.

As we embark on this week, fill us with clarity and purpose. Let our work reflect Your love and grace, and may we be a blessing to those around us. We trust in Your wisdom to lead us through each day, filling our hearts with hope and our minds with peace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Posted in Uncategorized

A Reflection on Faith and Respect Growing up Catholic

I always felt the pressure to have the utmost respect for the Pope. Sometimes, it seemed like the faith placed him on a pedestal, almost alongside God. But personally, I never fully shared that reverence. After all, he is a man—not Jesus, not God—and I haven’t always agreed with everything he had to say.

My experiences in Catholic school shaped my perspective. I witnessed moments where not all nuns and priests embodied the very Christian values they preached. It was disheartening to see acts of punishment, like being smacked with paddles, or swated with a pojer ( the long stick they used to point at things on the black board or slam on the test when too many of us were talking in class) that certainly didn’t feel loving or compassionate. I know, because on once or twice I was on the receiving end of that long poker and paddle , and the verbal abuse was regular.

Because I approached my faith differently, I often faced criticism. The principal who was a nun and the Monsignor labeled me as not being a “good “ Catholic all because I had a mind of my own and thoughts.

Despite that, today, I offer prayers for those mourning the loss of the Pope and for those wondering who will follow in his footsteps.

Pope Francis was a kind and dedicated man, who truly devoted his life to serving God and his faith. May his family and followers find comfort, knowing he is now resting with our Father in Heaven.

I left the Catholic faith after my divorce of being married to an abuser for 10 years and the church kept trying to convince me to stay even longer;

And when I didn’t, they decided to excommunicate me which was fine and that’s when I found Highway, Tabernacle in the shield of faith ministry and make sure my daughter got a Christian education just not Catholic education although she is baptized Catholic

You see I may not have been a good catholic girl based on their opinions, but I was a good Christian. I never recall in religion class learning about the Bible. Just how to act.

I don’t hold my experience against all catholic church’s :

Because I find the beauty of the Catholic Church in their services.

The beauty of the altar- I still till this day will often visit various churches of all denominations to sit there in silence, and say a prayer.

Prayer in Remembrance of Pope Francis

Heavenly Father,

Today we come before You as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis. We thank You for the gift of his leadership, wisdom, and compassion that inspired millions around the world. He dedicated his life to serving others, promoting peace, and spreading Your love.

Lord, may we carry forward his teachings of humility, kindness, and love.

In this time of mourning, we ask for Your comfort for all who are grieving his passing. May Your peace surround them and the Church and guide us as we continue on our spiritual journeys.

We pray for Pope Francis’ soul, asking that he finds eternal rest in Your loving embrace. May his example continue to encourage us to live with faith, hope, and charity, reaching out to those in need and advocating for justice and mercy.

In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Posted in Uncategorized

Good Friday Reflection:

The Greatest Act of LoveAs we gather to reflect on Good Friday, it’s a poignant time to meditate on the depth of Jesus’ love expressed through sacrifice. In John 15:13, we read, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This powerful verse encapsulates the essence of what Good Friday represents—the ultimate act of love through self-sacrifice.

The Core Message

At its heart, this scripture reveals that true love often requires significant sacrifice. By laying down His life, Jesus demonstrated the highest form of love—one that goes beyond mere words or gestures. It is a call to action, urging us to consider how we can show love to those around us by putting their needs before our own.

And the Context

This verse comes from a profound moment known as Jesus’ farewell discourse, where He imparts wisdom to His disciples prior to His crucifixion. He emphasizes the imperative of loving one another and remaining obedient to God’s commands. In these final moments, Jesus not only reassures His followers but also sets the stage for the greatest sacrifice in history.

Understanding “Friends”

When Jesus refers to His disciples as “friends,” He establishes a deep, intimate relationship with them. This term signifies more than companionship; it reflects a bond of loyalty and shared purpose. As followers of Christ, we are invited into this friendship, called to love others in the same way He loved us.

Application: Living Out the Love of Christ

Good Friday challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we might embody this sacrificial love. Whether through acts of service, like volunteering, teaching gods word, random acts of kindness, or even personal sacrifice, we are reminded of our calling to care for others. Others means your family, friends and strangers.

Jesus’ life and death set the standard, urging us to prioritize the well-being of our family, and neighbors and friends. You don’t have to be rich to make them a priority, call them , check on them, if they are struggling help them.

Jesus and his willingness to give everything for humanity underscores our duty to reflect that love in our own actions. We are encouraged to reach out to those in need, stand up for justice, and serve selflessly, even when it is difficult.

The Crucifixion: A Moment of Surrender

In Luke 23:46, Jesus uttered the poignant words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” This moment of surrender beautifully encapsulates His obedience and trust in God’s plan. It serves as a reminder that surrendering to God is a powerful act of faith, especially in times of pain and uncertainty.

The Foundation of Our Faith

Several scriptures further illuminate the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

  • 1 Peter 2:24 tells us, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” This verse highlights how His suffering was for our benefit, offering us healing and redemption.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3 proclaims, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” This reinforces the fulfillment of God’s promise throughout history.
  • John 3:16 famously states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Here, we see the expansive reach of Jesus’ love, inviting all into relationship with Him.
  • Romans 5:8 echoes this sentiment, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His love is unconditional, offered freely even when we fall short.
  • In John 19:30, as Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He confirmed the completion of His mission, paving the way for salvation.

A Call to Reflect

On this Good Friday, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound implications of Jesus’ sacrifice. How can we honor His love in our daily lives? How can we emulate the selflessness that He demonstrated? As we remember His journey to the cross, let’s commit ourselves to living out our faith through acts of love and service.

May this day inspire us to deepen our understanding of sacrifice—both His and our own—as we strive to be vessels of His love in the world. Happy Good Friday!

Make time to watch the movie about the crucifixion of Jesus .

Posted in Uncategorized

The Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane, located in East Jerusalem, is an olive grove whose name means “a place of pressing.” It’s here where workers would place olives into a press and extract valuable olive oil under significant pressure. Before Jesus went to the cross and rose from the dead, He passed through this very garden. It was in Gethsemane that He felt immense distress, knowing the crucifixion awaited Him;

His sweat became like drops of blood as He expressed, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). This was His moment of trial, a season of suffering that He had to endure.

In the stillness of Gethsemane, the devil sought to sway,
Whispering doubts and tempting Jesus to stray.
Yet amidst the anguish, His resolve held strong,
Choosing God’s will, He proved where we belong.

While we celebrate the resurrection, it’s crucial to recognize that the true victory was achieved in Gethsemane. It was here that Jesus chose not to give in, despite the impending betrayal, the unjust trial, the brutal beatings, the agony of the cross, and the weight of our sins. Under immense pressure, He made a pivotal decision: “Father, not My will but Your will be done” (Matthew 26:39). This shows us that real victory isn’t achieved in public; it’s forged in private moments. How we respond in our own Gethsemane—whether we are grappling with challenges, facing delays in our dreams, or enduring personal trials—is what truly matters.

The apostle Paul expressed, “I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). Resurrection cannot exist without some suffering. It requires a strong will, a determined mind, a warrior’s mentality: “I will not give in to complaining, blaming, doubting, or worrying. I know that beyond this suffering lies the power of the resurrection.” Beyond that struggle lies healing, abundance, divine connections, and new opportunities. The anguish and pressure we face are temporary; they do not define the conclusion of our story. Gethsemane is merely a season—a passage meant for us to experience so we can embrace the power, fullness, and abundance God has in store.

However, the enemy would love for us to become trapped in Gethsemane, questioning, “God, why? Why did this door close? Why is this taking so long?” Doubts about our families or jobs may creep in, just as the devil attempted to exploit Jesus’ moment of vulnerability, trying to persuade Him toward despair. Yet Jesus stood strong, even faced with His imminent death.

You cannot reach your destiny without experiencing pressure, feeling squeezed, or hearing thoughts that suggest things won’t work out and that God has forgotten you. Your very feelings of pressure are indicators that a resurrection is on the horizon.

You wouldn’t be in Gethsemane if something extraordinary wasn’t imminent—doors opening that you never imagined, business opportunities finding you, the right people entering your life, and healing from situations that seem impossible. It’s essential to keep doing the right thing, especially during tough times, because soon enough, you will witness the power of the resurrection!

Posted in Uncategorized

Death to old Self Starts the Moment of Our Salvation -We are Born Again

Death to self occurs at the moment of salvation , we are “born again” its when we are crucified with Christ, as stated in Romans 6:6. 

At this point, we receive a new nature because the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us (John 14:17). 

However, sometimes it takes time for us to willingly make sacrifices. 

If you can recall, there are times when you might be in a pickle and you start praying. Oh Lord, if you just help me out, I will go to church or oh Lord, if you get me out of the situation or change my ways , or Lord if you let me survive, I will do better …..and then you come out of that pickle ; you get out of that jam and you survive the situation were in and then you don’t follow through

So we’re really not ready to sacrifice everything to grow closer to God. You haven’t followed through even though God followed through. We must stop acting as if God grants us wishes he is not a genie. He is your Lord and you should be obedient or at least follow through and keep your word.

When we truly value what God has given us, we can experience the freedom He intends for us. Jesus’ purpose is to shape us into His likeness, as outlined in Romans 8:29. 

But to fulfill this calling, we must be willing to place Christ in a prominent position in our lives. That means put him above everything and everyone else above your self and your significant other your parents your children, friends, money …everything .

This means that the Lord calls  us to the cross on a daily basis. 

 and lay down anything that distracts us from serving and following Him. 

It’s important to understand that God isn’t asking us to give up everything so we see ourselves as lonely or poor. 

Instead, laying down our treasures—whether they are possessions, relationships, or dreams—at the foot of the cross frees us from worldly attachments. You don’t want to worship money, things, you don’t want to brag about how much money you have , you don’t want to brag about who you gave $ to , you are to give quietly. Don’t throw money at a junkie you’re not helping him. Don’t throw money at people using you give to those who you know lives could be better by your help. A single parent raising kids, battered women, veterans living with ptsd, elderly who struggle to have food and medicine. Surprise someone with a car not a new car but a used one. If a woman’s or man is driving a 1980 Toyota that body looks like Swiss cheese maybe get them a 2000 Toyota or a something better they will be just as grateful. Pay a persons medical bill ease their burden, do good with what you have , if your broke volunteer , help in other ways. but don’t idolize it ! we must release these things, so our self-esteem no longer depends on them, and our sense of acceptance comes from being complete in the Lord. As Paul said, we are alive in God through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11).

We must be a blessing to others but we should never worship fame and money more than we do our God.

When we idolize money it ourself it sets us up for the devil to slide in to convince you you are better than God

Your not.

So when you are saved you start to put God first and you will begin to grow.

Peace.

Posted in Uncategorized

Sunday Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank You for this beautiful Sunday morning, a new beginning adorned with Your grace. I am truly grateful for Your boundless love and for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who sacrificed everything for me. Guide me today through Your Holy Spirit, filling me with the courage to face challenges and the wisdom to walk in Your ways. May my heart remain light, my actions be filled with kindness, and my faith steadfast, trusting that You hold my future in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daytona Beach 2025

Sunday is a time for reflection and worship. Rejoice in the Lord and remember that His mercies are new every morning. Thank you for your Grace.

Today your heart be filled with hope and gratitude.

Ephesians 2:8–9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

By grace refers to God’s favor upon those who have transgressed his law and sinned against him. But grace may also be understood as a “power” in these verses. God’s grace not only offers salvation but also secures it. Saved refers to deliverance from God’s wrath at the final judgment (Rom. 5:9); “by grace you have been saved” is repeated from Eph. 2:5 for emphasis. The verb form for “have been saved” (Gk. sesōsmenoi, perfect tense) communicates that the Christian’s salvation is fully secured. through faith.Faith is a confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus and is the only means by which one can obtain salvation. this. The Greek pronoun is neuter, while “grace” and “faith” are feminine. Accordingly, “this” points to the whole process of “salvation by grace through faith” as being the gift of God and not something that we can accomplish ourselves. This use of the neuter pronoun to take in the whole of a complex idea is quite common in Greek (e.g., 6:1); its use here makes it clear that faith, no less than grace, is a gift of God. Salvation, therefore, in every respect, is not your own doing.