Unveiled Living Digital Magainze - Fall 2024 Edition, Vol. 11

VOL. 11 - FALL 2024 EDITION

Absolution | The Healing Journey of Forgiveness

Empowering women to live life unveiled in the freedom that God gave us.

ISSUE 11

Tracee Padilla

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief, Unveiled Living E-Mag and Visionary & Founder of Unveiled Living Ministry

Forgiving those who have hurt us is one of the hardest, yet most freeing, choices we face as women. I know this firsthand from my own divorce in 2012. The feelings of rejection, abandonment, and fear cut deep, and forgiveness was the last thing on my mind. But I’ll never forget something I learned during that season: forgiving someone, even if they never say sorry, is more about your freedom than theirs. That one truth shifted everything for me.

Holding onto unforgiveness keeps us tied to the past, dragging us down into self-pity, anger, and bitterness. It even creates a barrier between us and God. I had to make a choice early on to let go of the hurt, the rejection, and the abandonment. Even when I didn’t fully understand it, I knew forgiveness was the only way to move forward.

This brings us to the theme of absolution—which means the formal release from guilt or punishment.

Forgiveness is the very essence of absolution. When we choose to forgive, we release ourselves from the heavy chains of resentment and bitterness. It’s about setting ourselves free from the weight of the past, even if we never hear "sorry."

Carrying unforgiveness is like walking around with a 20-pound bag of bricks every single day. And I knew that’s not how God intended me—or you—to live.

I’m convinced that if I hadn’t chosen to forgive, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Forgiveness set me free to pursue the life God has for me. It didn’t come instantly, but the peace and joy that followed were worth every bit of the struggle.

So, as you flip through this edition, my prayer is that if there’s any residue of unforgiveness from the challenging seasons of your life, you’ll find the strength to let it go. Place it in the hands of the Lord, who understands more than you could ever imagine what you’ve been through. The journey may not be easy, but freedom is always worth it. Trust Him to take the burden, and watch Him fill those spaces with His healing love.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT) Walking in freedom,

Tracee Padilla

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Tracee L. Padilla Editor-in-Chief

Tracee & Edwin Padilla & Janice Conyers Creative Design

Janice Conyers

Content Editor

EDITION

BREAKING FREE Janice Conyers

AMAZING GRACE Kathleen Knapp

THE RELEASE OF FORGIVENESS Simone Johnson

LIVING LIFE UNVEILED Heart Talk Vlog

LEARNING TO TRUST GOD AFTER DIVORCE Tracee Padilla

FORGIVENESS IS MORE THAN A DECISION Megan Wilzcek

IT’S NOT DEFEAT UNLESS WE ALLOW IT Tiffany Snyder

THE PATH LESS TRAVELED STUDY Carmen Chase

THE PROCESS TO A PURE HEART Jessica Thompson

A BATTLE OF FEAR AND PRIDE Beth Nelson

THE LONG ROAD TO FORGIVENESS Sheila Campbell

FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION Cendrine Hosoda

THE KING’S FORGIVING HEART Michelle A. Balls

EDITION

PURSUE WORSHIP

THE PATH LESS TRAVELED

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TRACEE PADILLA

Founder

Tracee is the founder and visionary behind Unveiled Living, passionate about empowering women to walk in the true freedom God has called us to. Her greatest desire is to shine the light of Jesus to as many as possible. She has dedicated her life to ministry, from growing up as a missionary kid in Spain to roles in Youth Ministry, Worship Leading, and as Girls Ministry Director.

Her greatest joys are her husband, Edwin, their three adult children, four grandchildren, her bundles of joy, and of course, Mr. Kiko the cat.

EDWIN PADILLA

JANICE CONYERS

Edwin, the husband of Tracee, is an Emmy Award winning videographer, having worked in the Media Industry for the past 25 years doing videography production for CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network, Joyce Meyer Ministries, and PBS). Check out his work at www.britelightmedia.com and www.notes.photography

Janice resides in New Hampshire with her husband, William, and their dog Mia. She has an eclectic background that includes expatriation in Japan, and reflects her diverse interests, skills, and experiences, including serving as the Connections Manager with Unveiled Living.

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In addition to being an office and event manager with 20+ years’ experience, Janice is a writer currently working on getting her first book published and launching a lifestyle blog/website (www.janiceconyers.com). Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. She is passionate about furthering God’s kingdom by creating meaningful experiences and inspiring readers with engaging and informative content.

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COLOSSIANS 3:13 NLT

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Breaking Free

BY JANICE CONYERS

From Self-Loathing to Self-Forgiving

HOW COULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN?!

I HATE YOU!

I couldn’t believe it. How could I have been so naïve? Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I had reached a very deep, dark place. One I’d never known existed. Until now. My abuser was me and I had reached a point where I could no longer stand to be with myself, but I also couldn’t escape.

I reflected on the words of Paul in Romans 7:15, “I don’t really understand myself. For what I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” It was a perfect encapsulation of my inner turmoil. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of disappointment and frustration, unable to break free and I didn’t have a clue on how to stop it. Until one day, in utter frustration, I lamented in prayer with God and had an honest confrontation with my own heart.

The Bible teaches us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I realized that my self-condemnation was not aligned with God's promise of forgiveness. While I had sought His grace, I had failed to extend that grace to myself.

As the weeks passed, I would walk victoriously until a trigger would appear, I’d stumble, and find myself in the same deep, dark place I was trying to escape. I’d beat myself up again, and usually worse than before. Along with it, came promises to do better. I hated myself for continuously doing what I hated. Even more, I hated the battle raging inside.

One Sunday, listening to my pastor’s sermon, the Holy Spirit stirred up my spirit man and I answered the call to the alter with fervor. This was it. I felt like the woman in the bible with the issue of blood – that if I could touch the hem of His garment, I would be whole. I could see freedom in my reach. When I arrived at the altar, every prayer team member was busy, but I couldn’t wait. The Holy Spirit stirring inside me was too strong.

I was standing near where my dear friend and prayer-warrior, sister in the Lord was seated and I motioned for her to come pray with me. As she did, tears flooded down my face. This was it. I could feel it. Without me sharing exactly what I was struggling with, she understood my battle and saw a fellow sister in war that was weary and needed help. She asked me to start praying in the Spirit and as I did, the Holy Spirit gave her the words to pray over my mind, my body, and my spirit. Freedom was mine; I could see it! But she wasn’t done.

She stepped back and looked at me.

“Jan, why are you abusing yourself? Why are you choosing to believe that you can’t forgive yourself? If your daughter were standing in your place, would you tell her that her forgiveness needs to be earned because of your struggles, or received freely, as Christ has given us?” .

“I don’t really understand myself, For I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it.

Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:15

WHOA! Read that again.

It’s so simple. Yet the enemy clouded my vision in the battle. If I would believe so freely that forgiveness is easily received for anyone, WHY, oh, WHY, would I not believe it or receive it for myself?

That’s when it came.

Revelation. Clarity. Total Surrender.

From that moment on, I was free. Free from self-abuse, and free from that which I hated.

.

In that moment, I received God’s unconditional, unwavering, unending forgiveness, love, and grace for myself.

As it poured over me like new anointing oil, and the sorrowful tears were replaced with ones of gratitude and joy With this newfound understanding, I began to practice self-compassion.

Proverbs 19:8 states, "The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper." I realized acquiring wisdom included understanding my own worth through God's eyes. I started to treat myself with the kindness and compassion that I readily extended to others. This shift in perspective allowed me to see myself as a beloved child of God, deserving of grace and redemption.

Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the healing that comes from selfforgiveness. I have learned to forgive myself for past mistakes and to embrace the person God created me to be.

My journey has made me stronger and with each step, I draw closer to the wholeness and peace that God promises.

By seeking God's forgiveness, embracing His love, and extending grace to ourselves, we can overcome the darkness of self-loathing and step into the light of healing.

Let us remember the words of Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." With God's help, we can find the strength to forgive ourselves and embrace the healing that He so graciously offers.

Janice Conyers

Janice resides in New Hampshire with her husband, William, and their dog Mia. She is a proud mamma of two adult children, Jonathan, and Lydia, and new mom-in-law to Michael.

She is often referred to as "Jan-of-all-trades" by her colleagues and friends.

In addition to being an office and event manager with 20+ years’ experience, Janice is passionate about furthering God’s kingdom by creating meaningful experiences through events, and inspiring readers with engaging and informative content.

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of r

BY KATHLEEN KNAPP

Grace. Amazing Grace.

As I look back over the past year and reflect on all that occurred internally and externally, I am amazed at where God has brought me. The things I’ve learned, and His gentle, loving grace even when I’ve messed up!

As I meditate on the word Grace, especially for the coming year, I know I have been shown so much grace and now I am encouraged to extend grace to others and myself.

“Freely you have received, freely give.”

Matthew 10:8b AMP. Instead of holding tightly to my time, energy, possessions, and emotions, I must open my hands and hold these things loosely. To allow God to heal me and change me. But also to allow these things to flow through me and bless others.

“Therefore let us (with privilege) approach the throne of grace (that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor) with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find (His amazing) grace to help in time of need (an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment).”

Hebrews 4:16 AMP

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines grace as “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance.” But it also means “approval, favor, disposition, an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency. And the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.”

Oh, how lovely to have the gift of divine grace bestowed on me that I can then share with others through kindness and consideration!

A common theme in recent social media is that everyone is going through something difficult, so ‘just be kind’. Easy to say, harder to do. But if I’ve been shown kindness then it is only right and just to ‘pay it forward’ and to show kindness to others.

Close your eyes and imagine water flowing from above, over your head, shoulders, and through your hands.

Overflowing your grasp and drenching everything around you. Take a deep breath and relax into that peace. That is how I imagine being drenched in grace.

We don’t have to do life on our own. We don’t have to do it all. We don’t have to be perfect. We just need to rest in the divine grace offered freely and share it freely with others.

Fortunately, God’s not done yet, I’m still a work in progress! I am so thankful for Grace.

His amazing grace.

But what about being kind to ourselves?

I know I am guilty of sometimes berating myself and talking in a way to myself that I never would to others! How we speak to ourselves is also very important, and we need to allow ourselves grace and consideration. After all, we aren’t perfect either and shouldn’t set unattainable expectations on our shoulders any more than we would on someone else.

As I have been shown grace and mercy, may I in turn extend grace and mercy, not just to others but to myself.

This year I pray to hold loosely to all that I have and all that I am, allowing God to use me and my talents to bless others and honour the gift of grace that I’ve been given. As I have been shown grace and mercy, may I in turn extend grace and mercy, not just to others but to myself.

What are you holding onto today?

Join me in opening up your hands, releasing your grasp, and offering up your worries, fears, and tears to a loving God who will gently love you and wash over you with mercy and grace as you trust him today.

KATHLEEN KNAPP

Kathleen lives in western Canada with her husband. She is the mother of 3 children. She shares her heartfelt experiences as a parent raising and releasing children with special needs. Through her personal experiences she shows understanding and compassion for parents struggling, feeling isolated, and losing faith. She is recently retired and enjoy new hobbies such as photography, painting, piano, line dancing and playing pickle ball. Check out her website at: www.psalm139promises.com

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AND ABSOLUTION

BY SHEILA CAMPBELL

“I REALIZED I WASN’T JUST AFRAID; I WAS TERRIFIED.” “Sheila,” my counselor said suddenly,

This feeling came to a head when a

“That isn’t passive aggression. That’s

woman

violence.” Her words startled me. I had

marriage. She said softly, “My husband

never thought of my husband’s actions as

yells at me and calls me names.” Then,

violent, and the tone of her voice caught

almost defensively, she added, “But he

me off guard. This was only my second

never hits me.”

asked

me

to

pray

for

her

session, and I had begun by sharing something I suspected might be abuse,

Something about the way she said it

but I didn’t think it was too heavy to

made me feel like there was more to the

discuss. When I looked at her, alarmed,

story. My heart started to race, and my

she said calmly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean

hands trembled. Thankfully, our pastor’s

to interrupt. Please, go on.”

wife stepped in to pray for her, while I silently fought to control the panic rising

I don’t remember much else from that

inside me.

session, but I kept circling back to that word: violence. It took a long time for the

Later, I confided to a friend, “I don’t know

weight of it to sink in. Now, twenty years

what happened. It was like something evil

later, I still battled anxiety whenever I

that I intimately knew showed up. I was so

talked about my marriage or how it

overwhelmed with anxiety, I couldn’t even

ended. That struggle made me feel

pray. It felt like a panic attack.”

inadequate, especially in my work with women’s ministry at church.

In truth, it was a panic attack, and it

Most of the time, I felt nothing at all. For

wasn’t the last one. I knew I needed help. I

twenty years, I barely talked about my

thought counseling would help me sort

husband, my marriage, or how it ended.

through the trauma, and my anxiety

When I did, I would feel jittery and on

would disappear. Little did I know how

edge for days. It took years for me to

long and difficult that journey would be.

recognize that as anxiety.

“WHAT I HAD MISTAKEN FOR FORGIVENESS WAS ACTUALLY NUMBNESS.” Before I began counseling, I didn’t hold any resentment towards my husband. I had convinced myself that I had forgiven him for the abuse, without ever admitting that I had been deeply harmed. I wasn’t even sure what had happened could be called abuse. In my mind, abuse looked like physical beatings that left someone in need of medical care.

During our first session, my counselor asked, “So, what kind of abuse are we talking

about—physical,

mental,

emotional, sexual…?” As she looked up at me, the expression on my face must have said it all. She paused and said gently, “Let’s just say, all of the above.”

What I had mistaken for forgiveness was actually numbness. If I felt anything when I started counseling, it was guilt, though I wouldn’t have admitted it.

Through counseling, I started to confront the feelings I had buried for so long. If someone had asked me at the time of my husband’s death whether I was afraid of him, I would have said no. Twenty years later, I would have given the same answer. But after a year of therapy, I realized I hadn’t just been afraid—I had been terrified.

Slowly, the emotions began to surface: denial, fear, anger, pain, and eventually, compassion. I never wanted a divorce, but I didn’t think I could leave without a

“Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.”

I John 3:20

protective restraining order. And I wasn’t surprised when he violated it. The day he broke the order, I refused to leave the house when he asked. I’ll never know what might have happened if I had gone.

Instead, he drove a few miles down the road, stopped his truck, and took his life.

The trauma of that event shook me to my core, but after the funeral, my children and I carried on as if nothing had happened.

The process of untangling the truth from the trauma was like walking through the stages of grief. I had been stuck in numbness and denial for twenty years.

Like grief, this journey wasn’t linear. Some stories had to be told over and over before

I

minimizing

could

process

I

done

had

them.

The

during

my

marriage resurfaced, and I found myself alternating

between

denial

and

bargaining, trying to take responsibility for what happened.

"THE PROCESS OF UNTANGLING THE TRUTH FROM THE TRAUMA WAS A JOURNEY, MUCH LIKE THE STAGES OF GRIEF."

When anger finally surfaced, I didn’t know

As I embraced the truth that I am valuable

what to do with it. I was angry at almost

and loved by God, I also began to accept

everything except my husband. I was still

the reality of my broken marriage—and

carrying the weight of his feelings and

my

actions—things I had no control over. As I

husband’s. We were both wounded, both

faced the truth, shame mixed with my

broken, and yet deeply loved by God. It

anger. I felt exposed and foolish.

was from this place of compassion and

own

humanity,

as

well

as

my

love that true forgiveness and absolution Letting go of that false sense of control

began.

was slow and painful. As I began to see how little control I had, it felt like falling into an abyss of grief and darkness. Along with that grief came an old belief I had carried since childhood: “Your feelings don’t matter. You don’t matter.” As I began to mourn that lie, my heart started to soften.

The first person I needed to forgive was myself. My husband’s actions were not my responsibility, no matter what I had done.

Timothy Keller’s words echoed in my mind: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

The truth of the gospel became a light in that dark abyss. “I do matter. I am loved. I am treasured.” It was time to take responsibility for nurturing my own heart.

God loved me simply because He created me, and it was time I saw myself as His treasured possession.

While you may not feel love, compassion, or forgiveness for your abuser right now, I pray that you know you are loved. I pray you can imagine yourself wrapped in God’s embrace, hearing Him whisper, “Dear one, you are valuable, you are loved, and you matter.” As God’s love and comfort wash over you, I pray you can hold the paradoxical truth that while we are all human, we can also offer grace and

absolution

to

those

who

have

harmed us, just as we’ve received it.

“I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE. WITH UNFAILING LOVE I HAVE DRAWN YOU TO MYSELF.” JEREMIAH 31:3

S H E I L A

C A M P B E L L

Sheila Campbell is a storyteller and lover of life, embracing both her own God-given journey and the well-told stories of others. Her first encounter with grief came when her oldest son suffered severe brain damage at age five, a journey she shared in her book My Journey with Justin. Sheila also experienced the pain of an abusive marriage and her husband’s tragic death. In her ‘wilderness’ season, she wrestled with faith as she learned to love her gay son with compassion.

Sheila has three adult children, two sons, a daughter, an amazing son-in-law, a sweet daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. A true country gal, she cherishes the golden sunsets and starlit nights of the Texas plains. For over thirty years, she has practiced ‘pausing to praise,’ finding God in life’s quiet moments. Sheila shares her reflections on God, grief, abuse, and love at SheilaKCampbell.com.

dy nal Stu o i t o v e Mini-D g a m E ial A Spec

The Path Less Traveled

When Forgiveness Doesn’t Mean Reconciliation

by Carmen Chase

Are you ready to finally let go of the weight that’s been holding you down?

This mini-devotional study, The Path Less Traveled: When Forgiveness Doesn’t Mean Reconciliation, dives deep into one of the hardest parts of our journey—learning to forgive without always getting that “I’m sorry” or restoring a broken relationship. Through powerful scripture, real-life insights, and practical steps, this study written by Carmen Chase, will guide you toward true healing and freedom. You’ll learn how to release the pain and trust God with the outcome, even when reconciliation isn’t part of the story.

If you’re ready to grow, find peace, and finally stop carrying around the hurt, this study is for you. It’s real, raw, and rooted in biblical truth. By jumping into this journey, you’ll discover how to break free from the past, let God handle justice, and walk into the full, abundant life He’s called you to. Let’s take this next step together— because healing starts with letting go.

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FORGIVENESS

B Y

M E G A N

W I L C Z E K

Forgiveness is More Than A Decision

“Forgiveness is the final result of deep healing, a long process that needs to be actively pursued.”

Time and time again forgiveness has been

interest in the topic of forgiveness after his

proven to have physical, relational, mental

mother was murdered. Although he and

health, and spiritual benefits. So why don’t

his siblings chose to forgive his mother’s

we forgive very easily? If it’s as simple as

murderer, he recognized the emotional

making the decision to forgive and then

turmoil that still lingered especially after

receiving all these benefits, why don’t we all

his brother’s suicide years later. One of the

just do it right away? Just as the problem

things Dr. Worthington found in his

isn’t that simple, the solution isn’t either.

research

One can choose to forgive and still have a

emotional forgiveness are two different

strong visceral reaction to the pain that was

types of forgiveness.

was

that

decisional

and

caused them. When our nervous system is activated,

it

takes

time

to

calm

it.

Decisional forgiveness involves deciding

Forgiveness is the final result of deep

about how you intend to act toward the

healing, a long process that needs to be

person in the future. This is the kind of

actively pursued. The decision to forgive is

forgiveness

merely a step.

Matthew 6:14-15, although, of course,

that

Jesus

commands

in

Jesus desires for us to achieve even Everett Worthington is a psychologist, a Christian, and a man who took a personal

deeper healing.

Decisional forgiveness can happen quickly, but what many people find is that their emotions don’t follow suit by changing quickly.

In contrast, emotional forgiveness involves replacing unforgiving emotions with empathy and compassion. Bitterness turns to peace. Emotional forgiveness takes time. You can decide to forgive, but never make it to emotional forgiveness.

One place people get stuck is that emotional forgiveness isn’t black and white, all or nothing. Because it’s a process, there’s a period of time where you’re in a gray area while you heal. You might feel some relief from bitter, painful emotions just to feel a strong surge of them later. Many people get discouraged by this and think it’s a sign that forgiveness just is not achievable. Rather, it’s just a sign that they are still working through the process.

Another misconception is that forgiveness requires reconciliation.

However, they are two separate issues. You can forgive with or without reconciliation. You can reconcile with or without forgiveness. Jesus does require forgiveness, but He does not require reconciliation.

Further, forgiving someone does not mean you are okay with what they did to you.

That is not what Jesus says. Jesus forgave our sins, but He maintains that sin is wrong.

You can forgive with or without reconciliation. You can reconcile with or without forgiveness.

Now that we’ve established what forgiveness is and is not, here are some steps you can take toward healing and forgiveness: ONE: DECIDE

THREE: PRAY

Choose to begin the process of

You may find yourself feeling

forgiveness.

think

stuck between wanting to forgive

about what may be required

and not feeling like you can.

for you to heal. Do you need

While you are living in that space,

counseling? Are you interested

you can pray for God to help you

in reconciliation? The details

forgive while also praying for the

will look a little different for

person you need to forgive. Ask

everyone.

God to heal you both.

Begin

to

TWO: GRIEVE WHAT HAPPENED Often, people “let go” of what happened

without

properly

grieving it first. They mistakenly think that allowing their difficult feelings is harboring bitterness when really, it’s the opposite.

When

we

don’t

allow

our

bodies to feel what they need to after a loss, we push it down.

Ignoring our feelings causes them to build up, leading to resentment. It’s okay to have feelings about what was done to you and the consequences you had to face afterward.

If you’re on the long and difficult path of emotional forgiveness, I encourage you to keep up the good work. Don’t let yourself get so discouraged that you give up and settle for partial healing. Keep your eyes set on the freedom that comes from deep healing.

MEGAN JEAN WILCZEK Megan Jean Wilczek grew up in rural Wisconsin, where she was always known as the quiet girl with a book in her hands. Now, Megan is working on her lifelong dream of becoming the author of her very own book. Out of her struggle with trauma and mental health, she created the Jordan Crossings Blog to empower those who are healing and educate Christians on how to minister to those who are hurting. She is a counselor in training at Liberty University, a fire wife, an adoptive mom, and serves in recovery ministry at her local church.

FOLLOW MEGAN AT: Website: www.jordancrossings.org

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Notes is dedicated to capturing and sharing the essence of individual lives through journalistic photography and video excerpts. Each feature on Notes is a short visual story, meticulously crafted to reflect the depth and nuances of a person's life. These photos tell these stories as if they were notes—brief yet profound glimpses into the human experience.

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FORGIVENESS A N D

R E C O N C I L I A T I O N

WHY THEY AREN’T ALWAYS A PACKAGED DEAL B Y

C E N D R I N E

H O S O D A

FORGIVENESS DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO KEEP LETTING PEOPLE HURT YOU.

When I was a little girl, a song about forgiveness stuck with me.

It was in German, and roughly translated, it went: "Seventy times seven, it’s not just a sum, But a way to forgive, no matter the outcome."

This song was my go-to whenever I was hurt by my dad, who, despite being an elder in our church, was abusive. Singing it kept me from bitterness, but looking back, I realize it also set me up for unnecessary suffering. Forgiveness, as I understood it then, came with the unspoken expectation that reconciliation was a given. It left me without the tools to protect myself.

I was primed to forgive endlessly but wasn’t taught to establish boundaries to keep myself safe. The kind of forgiveness I grew up with made me feel like I had to tolerate repeated offenses. But forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to keep letting people hurt you. It doesn’t mean you have to reconcile with someone who hasn’t changed. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to reconcile with someone who hasn’t changed.

In abusive relationships—whether physical, emotional, or otherwise—reconciliation isn’t always possible or advisable. While forgiveness is essential for our well-being, reconciliation requires trust, repentance, and a restoration of safety—things that might not be present.

My favorite definition of forgiveness comes from the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 18:23-27. It’s about a King who forgave an unimaginable debt. The King knew the cost of what he was forgiving but chose to release the man from that burden entirely.

That’s the essence of forgiveness: a decision to let go of all expectation of repayment. I’ve come to believe that forgiveness is as much a gift to myself as it is to the one who hurt me. When we cling to our hurts, we’re the ones who suffer. By choosing to forgive, I allow myself to heal and move forward.

BUT RECONCILIATION IS DIFFERENT. Reconciliation means restoring a broken relationship and requires more than just forgiveness. It demands true repentance, rebuilding trust, and creating a safe environment.

Forgiving without reconciling was tough for me, especially with the pressure to "forgive and forget."

But through this journey, I learned valuable lessons.

Jesus highlights this difference when He talks about the fruit of repentance in Matthew 3:8. It must be backed by actions that show a genuine change of heart. Without that, reconciliation isn’t just unwise—it can lead to more harm.

1. Set Healthy Boundaries: Forgiveness

David’s story with King Saul is a powerful reminder that sometimes, setting boundaries is the most loving thing we can do—for ourselves and the other person. David forgave Saul repeatedly but recognized that reconciliation wasn’t safe. He wisely kept his distance. It’s possible to forgive deeply and still recognize that reconciliation isn’t safe or even possible. I’ve learned that forgiveness and reconciliation aren’t a package deal—they’re separate paths, and sometimes, one can walk the forgiveness path alone.

2. Focus on My Own Healing: Forgiveness

meant looking for long-term change rather than loosening my boundaries prematurely. Like David, I realized that setting boundaries wasn’t enough; I needed a plan to enforce them. allowed me to shift my focus from the person who hurt me to my healing.

Writing unsent letters to those who wronged me helped me process my feelings and start healing.

3. Understand the Process: Forgiveness is rarely a one-time event. Lowering my expectations of the process helped me navigate this journey with grace, understanding that forgiveness is a continuous act of love and selfcompassion.

4. Guard My Own Heart: I had to be honest with myself, ensuring I wasn’t dwelling on past hurts or letting bitterness take root. Working with an emotional health professional and being part of a growth-focused community was invaluable.

Forgiveness has brought so much good into my life! Research shows that holding onto anger and resentment harms your health, increasing stress and weakening the immune system. In my case, my body literally held onto environmental toxins because my detox pathways were impaired. As I walked the path of forgiveness, which included grieving, my body began to function more optimally.

Emotionally, unforgiveness can block your ability to grieve. Forgiveness allows you to let go of the grip the perpetrator has on you, making space to grieve, accept what happened, and begin healing. Forgiveness isn’t about condoning what was done to you. It’s about acknowledging the harm, recognizing that the person who hurt you can’t undo the damage, and trusting God to bring the healing you need.

It's painful to realize that forgiveness doesn’t always lead to reconciliation. But it’s liberating to know that you can forgive without needing to repair the relationship.

If reconciliation happens, it should be based on trust and a genuine desire to rebuild. If it doesn’t, you can still walk in freedom, knowing you did your part by forgiving.

Are you ready to set boundaries that will protect your growth and well-being?

Reflect on my story—what insights can you apply to your own journey, and how will you take that first step?

Cendrine Hosoda Cendrine Hosoda is a dedicated learner with a focus on holistic health and spiritual nourishment. With a background in nutrition and Bible studies, she shares her journey of overcoming health challenges on her blog. A devoted wife and experienced homeschool mother of two teenagers, she enjoys expressing creativity through writing and playing the pan flute. Born in Switzerland and residing in the States for over 25 years, Cendrine's mission is to inspire, encourage, and motivate others in their walk with God.

www.pursuingwholesomehealth.com

PURSUE WORSHIP

WITH TRACEE PADILLA

A BATTLE OF FEAR AND PRIDE IN THE WORKPLACE

by Beth Nelson

I PETER 5:8 STAY ALERT! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR GREAT ENEMY, THE DEVIL. HE PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION, LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.

I

in our daily lives, especially in the workplace, we are constantly faced with choices that reveal motivations of our hearts.

It's easy to think of fear and pride as distant cousins, each occupying separate spaces in our emotional lives. However, they often work simultaneously, influencing our decisions in subtle but powerful ways.

For Christians, understanding this dynamic is crucial, as we are called to act with integrity, courage, and humility.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of pride, yet it is a struggle many of us face, particularly in environments where success and status are highly valued. Have you ever paused to consider whether your actions at work are being driven by fear—fear of failure, fear of being judged, or fear of not being good enough? And have you wondered how these fears might be fueling prideful behavior? Let's explore how fear and pride manifest in our professional lives and learn how to confront them with courage and humility.

The devil is a master manipulator, skillfully using fear to drive a wedge between us and our calling as leaders in the workplace.

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Think about it: How often do we react hastily because we're afraid of being perceived as incompetent or unknowledgeable?

Or become defensive because we fear being exposed, judged as weak, or seen as indecisive?

Do we sometimes hoard resources, bend the truth, or manipulate numbers out of fear of not meeting our quotas or facing penalties for mistakes?

Have we ever withheld crucial information to avoid blame or gain an advantage?

All these behaviors point to one underlying issue: pride. Yes, pride is often rooted in fear.

The workplace, with its pressures and hierarchies, can easily become fertile ground for prideful actions. But if we dig deeper and ask ourselves why pride might be influencing our behavior, we often discover that fear is at the heart of it. Fear and pride can quickly turn a workplace into a breeding ground for the abuse of authority. In environments where pride takes hold, positions of power are often misused, leading to toxicity marked by distrust, fear, and intimidation. This not only harms individuals but can also damage the entire organization.

Is being proud inherently sinful? Is it really that harmful? After all, being described as a "proud person" might suggest confidence or superiority. But pride becomes dangerous when it starts to dictate our actions and thoughts. Are you valuing your time above others? Are you arriving at your convenience instead of at agreed-upon times? Are you assigning tasks you consider beneath you or delegating responsibilities out of fear of appearing incompetent?

Maybe pride is reflected in your use of both verbal and nonverbal language toward others.

Consider an example of Paula.

Paula, an account manager at an advertising agency, had been in her role for a few years and felt her contributions were being overlooked. Eager for a promotion, she believed her best chance to get recognition was to ensure she was featured in a company presentation about a group project. In a company that valued transparency, where all internal documents were accessible to employees, Paula saw an opportunity. She went through the company files, found the project presentation, and added a slide highlighting her involvement without getting proper approval from the Account Director.

Consider an example of Louis. Louis works in the medical field where several departments are closely located and shared workplace resources. Because he was the assistant to the highest officer in the organization, he didn’t feel he should be expected to oversee office supplies, specifically to assure the copy machine held the appropriate amount of paper despite his usage of the resources being equal or greater than those of other departments. He often made subtle and obvious comments to Lisa, who happened to be located in a nearby department, claiming it is her job to assure the copy machine is full and ready for the day before she even sits with a cup of coffee at her own desk for her work responsibilities.

Paula’s actions were more subtle than Louis’s, but both were equally driven by pride. Paula exploited her access to company documents to enhance her own image and influence within the organization. Louis was abusing rank and position. These examples remind us of the importance of humility and integrity in all we do, especially in the workplace.

Paul also speaks to believers in 1 Corinthians on how to live for Christ in a corrupt society.

1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then?

That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

(NKJV) As we reflect on our own actions and the motivations behind them, it's important to remember that fear and pride are not just personal struggles—they have a profound impact on those around us and the environments we create. The workplace can

either be a place of support, collaboration and growth, or a breeding ground for insecurity, manipulation, and distrust.

As Christians, we are called to a higher standard, one that challenges us to act with integrity, humility, and courage. When fear begins to whisper in your ear, tempting you to act out of pride or self-preservation, remember the example set by Christ, who did not seek to elevate Himself but served others selflessly. Let us strive to be brave enough to do what is right, even when it's difficult, and humble enough to acknowledge when we are being driven by fear. By doing so, we can create a workplace that reflects the love, grace, and truth of our faith, becoming a light in a world often darkened by fear and pride.

Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

I Corinthians 13:45

Beth Nelson Not your typicall gal! Beth comes with an eclectic background, a wide range of experiences and stories from farm life, education and leadership. She’ll sometimes make you giggle from her sarcastic twist on life’s difficult and sometimes embarassing experiences.

She has diagnosed herself on a spectrum disorder that ranges between hot mess and train wreck. Her nononsense whit makes her relatable and encouraging.

Practically speaking, she understands we’ve all been a mess from time to time. She’ll share how family trauma, spiritual warfare and stressful relationships can be managed with spiritually inspired leadership.

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BY SIMONE JOHNSON

THE RELEASE OF

FORGIVENESS UNLOCKING THE CHAINS OF HURT

Abuse comes in different shapes and

he cried out to God, “Father, forgive

sizes. Pain cannot be measured. Years

them….” (Luke 23:34). Those words

are never enough to cure the issues.

unleashed freedom. Freedom from sin.

However, forgiveness has a shape and

Freedom from pain. Freedom from

a size. It is the shape of the cross and

abuse. But also, the freedom to forgive.

the size of your Savior’s heart for you.

The moment Christ took our sins upon himself, he unleashed the power of forgiveness. It is because he forgave us that we can forgive others. At the moment of his greatest pain and suffering, Christ prayed for forgiveness over his abusers. Christ, at the time of the crucifixion, experienced pain, suffering, and isolation beyond what we can imagine. During that moment,

A person who experienced the pain and suffering of abuse is a person who has been deeply violated. There are many levels of emotional, physical, and spiritual pain involved. Feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness fester within the soul. This pain causes us to become prisoners of our own emotions. I am not justifying the abuse, but unfortunately, the greatest abuse is that of our own mind. We find ourselves consumed by thoughts of the pain experienced by the abuse that we suffered. This position robs us of fully experiencing freedom.

Freedom to enjoy this moment or experience new opportunities. Freedom to live a full life.

It is the posture of forgiveness that leads to a life of freedom. Forgiveness sets the soul free and allows us to live a life filled with joy and peace. Paul teaches us that when we forgive others, we do so with God’s authority …”so that Satan will not outsmart us” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Our enemy does not want us to live in freedom but rather in fear, sadness, bitterness, and anger. Satan comes to “kill, steal and destroy” (John 10:10).

When forgiveness takes place, strongholds are broken. The captives are set free.

“For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” ~ Galatians 5:1 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17

Here are a few action steps to help you live in the freedom of forgiveness:

1. Begin your day in the word of God. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Psalms 1:2-3 reminds us that not only are we to delight in His word, but we ought to meditate on the word of God, day and night. Deuteronomy 6:8-9 says we are to “bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” By doing so, we use the word of God to

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS: What does that look like today?

help renew our minds and stand firm on the truth that we know. It helps us to bring every thought into

How do we live in the freedom of

captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5) and

forgiveness when we have been

gives us the power and confidence

victims of so much wickedness?

to go about our day, not as a prisoner of the past but as sons and

We live in light of the truth found in the word of God.

daughters of the King.

2. Fill your home with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. We read in Ephesians 5:19 that we are to speak to one another in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” When we fill our homes and cars with songs of worship to and about our Savior, we invite the Spirit of the Lord to dwell among us. 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds us that “the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

3. Show kindness to others. “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32. Take the time to reach out to someone and show them kindness. In so doing, we are comforting others; in return, our hearts are being comforted. (2 Corinthians 1) Kindness is Christ in us.

Kindness to others is forgiveness unfolded. It is freedom!

So, be reminded that if you have deep pain and great suffering, your God can go deeper than that pain and is greater than that suffering. Let Jesus be your freedom.

Spend time with Him. Sing songs to Him. Show kindness because of Him. Live in freedom!

SIMONE JOHNSON

Simone Johnson, a seasoned critical care nurse, is a devoted homeschool mother of seven. Originally from Brazil, Simone’s life journey has taken her to Germany, and she currently resides in South Florida. She has a deep affinity for the writings of Charles Spurgeon. Simone also finds solace in knitting, gardening, and listening to music during her leisure time. However, her primary passion lies in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and uplifting fellow believers to stay steadfast on their spiritual journey.

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Li

RELEASING PAIN AND EMBRACING GRACE

It’s not defeat UNLESS WE ALLOW IT

by Tiffany Snyder-Thompson

“ABUSE WEARS MANY FACES.”

LET’S GET REAL. Let’s get real for a second. This season, we’re diving into something that most of us have brushed up against, even if we didn’t always recognize it for what it was— abuse.

Abuse wears many faces.

Sometimes it’s obvious, but more often than not, it sneaks up on us, leaving us doubting our own reality. It can hit us verbally, mentally, emotionally, or even physically. And here’s the thing— sometimes we think it’s just someone’s 'quirks,' and we end up excusing it, while all the while we’re the ones getting hurt.

Let me get personal for a moment. I’ve walked through my own experiences with abuse, and for a long time, I just chalked it up to people being how they are, thinking it was my job to embrace their 'God-given personalities.' But that mindset kept me in a cycle of peoplepleasing, trying to justify their behavior while stuffing my pain down deeper. And it left me feeling… well, empty. Ashamed.

Used. Hurt. And because I wasn’t dealing with that hurt, things like shame, regret, and bitterness crept in and took root in my heart, leaving me far from healed.

LET’S GET PERSONAL.

Fast forward to the last six or so years— God’s been doing a work in me. I’ve learned to get more direct, to stop apologizing for who I am, and to walk confidently in who GOD says I am. And in that process, I realized something. Yes, people are broken and hurt, but that doesn’t mean I have to take responsibility for their pain. I’m only responsible for me, for my healing, and for not letting myself stay in a place of defeat.

LET’S FAST FORWARD Here’s the truth I’ve had to tell myself over and over again: I am NOT defeated. I am a child of God, and He is walking with me through every bit of this. And you know what? People-pleasing is still a work in progress, but man, the growth so far has been amazing. When we recognize that we don’t have to live under the weight of other people’s opinions or actions, a whole world of freedom opens up.

HERE’S YOUR TRUTH

Now, take a minute and think back.

Is there a season where you’ve allowed defeat to creep in?

Is there someone in your life who’s made you feel defeated?

Is there something—whether it’s shame, regret, or bitterness—that’s keeping you stuck in that feeling of defeat?

If you answered yes to any of these, sister, it’s time for some self-forgiveness. We need to ask God to show us the places where we need to let go, forgive ourselves, and forgive others. That unforgiveness?

It’s holding you back from stepping into the next season of your life. And trust me, staying in that place of defeat, unforgiveness, or shame—it’ll make you sick, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That, too, is a form of abuse.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay there. Rise, Sister! Greater is HE who is in you than he who is in the world!

(1 John 4:4) Until next time, remember—show yourself more grace and forgiveness.

You deserve it.

TIFFANY THOMPSON SNYDER

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TO A PURE HEART

BY JESSICA LOCKLEAR THOMPSON

We’ve all been hurt by somebody.

But what happens when your whole family is hurt by someone who meant so much to you? That’s a new level of pain I had never experienced until five years ago. To make it even more challenging, it was someone we continued to see at church, minister alongside, and sometimes even be "led" by, while watching them be elevated—never once apologizing for what they did. Want to know how pure your heart is? Walk through a season like that!

I know more about forgiveness today than I did five years ago when I only thought I understood it. I'm sure someone else has a similar story. I want to encourage you that, through it all, you can come out the other side with a pure and clean heart! First and foremost, I can guarantee the Holy Spirit will ask you to do things for that individual you don’t want to do. But I promise, through your obedience, He is purifying your heart. Do it! You don’t have to do it with a smile or fake it—only God can change your authentic self. Being honest will help you get through the process quicker!

3 Things God Asked of Me In My Journey: Pray for my offender, even when I didn’t think they deserved my prayers. "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" — Matthew 5:44 (NLT) God told me to buy a baby outfit when this person found out they were expecting. It might seem like a small gesture, but do it anyway, because in the spiritual realm, things are shifting. "Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them." —Romans 12:14 (NLT) I would often dream about this person, and whatever the Lord revealed to me in the dream, I would wake up and text them with words of encouragement. Even now, I still dream of apologies and reconciliation. In those dreams, the love I once felt is still there, reminding me that my heart is still pure toward them. If they called today, I wouldn’t hesitate to be there. "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." — Colossians 3:14 NLT

“Forgiveness doesn’t let the offender off the hook.”

I learned that forgiveness doesn’t let the offender off the hook, it frees me from the stronghold of the enemy. It closes every crack that was opened for Satan to gain dominion in my life.

Unforgiveness has friends. Spirit of bitterness, infirmity (it can physically kill you), malice, rage, anger…they all have access when we don’t forgive.

The most humbling part of the whole process was admitting we cannot hold onto what the Father so freely gave to us when we didn’t deserve it. “And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” Matthew 26:2728 I encourage you as you read this, do what Holy Spirit is asking of you towards that person, and remember it’s not about them, it’s about your heart. Unforgiveness puts a wall between us and the Father. We don’t want that! Break down the wall by forgiving your offender today!

Take back everything that the enemy has stolen from you through this journey with the Lord to finding forgiveness and ultimately a pure heart!

I always prayed God would remove my offender from our church, thinking that would make everything better at the time. Now, 5 years later, God is moving them out but it’s the right time. Had they left early, or had we left out of hurt, I would have assumed I had forgiven this person because I would no longer be in close proximity. But having to see my offender weekly over 5 years, there was no assuming anything. Every time I felt something when seeing them, there was a check in my Spirit. I’d have to repent. Over and over again until finally that “feeling” when seeing them wasn’t out of unforgiveness any longer. Don’t let proximity deceive you into thinking you don’t still have unforgiveness hidden in your heart. You can do this too! Holy Spirit is waiting to be the gentleman that He is and walk you through it at your pace.

I believe in you!

Go take the step today!

JESSICA LOCKLEAR THOMPSON

Jessica Locklear Thompson lives by the ocean in NC with her husband of 15 years and their twin boys. An advocate for holy living and healthy marriages, she shares her faith with authenticity and an open heart. From salon chair conversations to chapel podiums, Jessica embraces divine opportunities to connect with others. She hosts the podcast “Rescued & Restored,” helping people confront hidden struggles and find freedom in Christ.

WEBSITE: JESSICALOCKLEAR.COM

EMAG 2025 Empowering women to live life unveiled in the freedom that God has called us to live.

www.unveiledliing.org

who decided to settle his accounts with servants who had taken from the treasury. One servant owed the king a huge debt, so large that he could never repay it. The king ordered that the servant and his family be sold.

The servant begged the king for more time, promising to pay everything back. Amazingly, the king showed mercy and forgave the entire debt. The servant didn’t have to pay anything at all!

But as soon as he was released, he found another servant who owed him a small amount. He demanded repayment immediately. The second servant begged for more time, but instead of showing mercy, the first servant had him thrown into prison until the debt was paid in full.

When the king’s other attendants

heard what had happened, they told the king. Furious, the king sent for the unforgiving servant and had him thrown into jail until he repaid everything he owed to the treasury.

In this story, the king represents our Creator, who sent His one and only son, Jesus, to come to earth, lay down His life, shed His blood, die on a cross, be buried, and rise from the dead. We are like the servant who owed a huge debt—so much that we could never repay God for all the wrongs we’ve done. But in His great love for us, Abba Father chose to forgive us and canceled everything we ever owed Him. Our Abba Father placed our debt of sin on Jesus because He knew we could never repay it ourselves. Just like the servant in the story, when someone has wronged us, they can’t undo the hurt they’ve caused.

Sometimes they may say they're sorry, but the pain remains.

I remember a time when the lid of my cookie jar was broken. I tried my best to glue it back together, but it still didn’t look as it did when it was new. I felt upset because it was a wedding gift from my parents and very special to me.

I had to make a choice: Was I going to stay upset or choose to forgive and let it go? I chose to forgive.

We will have many opportunities in life to either forgive or hold onto hurt.

With our loving heavenly Father’s care and the help of His Holy Spirit, we can forgive others and even ourselves, just as our Creator, through Christ, forgave us.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT

M I C H E L L E

A .

B A L T S

Michelle is the sister of Tracee, friend, school teacher with over 30+ years of teaching in the Christian School Sector and having spent the past 13 years homeschooling her daughter. She has been married 22 years. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, quilting, hand-stitching, drawing, painting, and walking on the beach.

She is a deep lover of the Word of God and has been on a continual pursuit of spiritual growth in her life that beautifully seeps into everything she does.

She is very creative storyteller and a regular contributor for our Kids Corner - writing stories specifically for our kids to help them grow in their faith and walk with God.

By Janice Conyers

As you stroll through the grocery store this time of year, it's hard to miss the beautiful display of fall squashes—acorn, butternut, delicata —each one a vibrant reminder of the season’s harvest. With so many varieties on sale, you might find yourself wondering how to put them to use.

While each squash has its charm, there's one that truly stands apart: spaghetti squash. Unlike its starchy cousins, spaghetti squash offers a delightful surprise when cooked. Its flesh pulls apart into delicate strands, resembling pasta, making it one of the most versatile ingredients for anyone craving a lighter, nutrientpacked alternative. In this recipe, we’re taking full advantage of spaghetti squash’s unique texture to create a delicious, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for fall.

Spaghetti squash is not only extremely versatile, but it also gives us the added bonus of vitamins, fiber, and a subtle sweetness that enhances any dish. In this recipe, we transform spaghetti squash into a hearty casserole, blending it with savory seasonings, gooey cheese, and wholesome ingredients to create a dish that's both nutritious and comforting.

The beauty of this recipe, and the reason I love it so much, is its flexibility from the basic foundation. I have been able to make this meal stretch and take the main stage by adding protein, various cheeses, and veggies. I’ve been experimenting with different variations of additions, and this recipe has yet to let me down! So, get creative! Whether you’re new to cooking with squash or just looking for fresh ways to enjoy it, this dish will show you why spaghetti squash deserves a spot in your kitchen this season.

Ingredients: 1 large spaghetti squash 2 cups shredded or left over cheese, or combination thereof (your choice) Suggestions: Shredded colby, cheddar, motz, fiesta blend, crumbled feta, goat cheese, etc.

6 TBS melted butter 1/2 cup half and half, heavy cream, or milk (your choice) 1 cup of low fat cream cheese, sour cream, or plain greek yogurt (your choice) salt and pepper, to taste Any preferred additional seasonings like onion and garlic powder, oregano or basil, etc.

The following are suggested add ins to use: 1.5 - 2 pounds of protein (diced chicken, chopped deli meat, diced ham, shredded pork, beef, turkey, or chicken, ground beef, sausage, or turkey (you get the picture!)

1 - 1.5 cups of any variation of veggies, raw or roasted: broccoli, spinach, garlic, onion (any type), bell peppers, green beans, cauliflower, peas, carrots, celery. DO AVOID: veggies with extra water content like zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, and the like.

Now, put it all together!!

Cook the squash by cutting in half, scoop out the seeds, spray flesh with cooking spray and BAKE at 350*F for about 45 minutes.

While the squash is cooking, and in a large mixing bowl, add 1 CUP of cheese, butter, dairy/milk, greek yogurt, and seasonings, along with your preferred proteins and veggies.

Once squash is finished cooking, let it cool before extracting the flesh with a fork. As you do, it will naturally shred in long shreds like spaghetti. As you scoop it out, do so into your large mixing bowl with all the other ingredients.

Combine and mix well.

If freezing half, then divide between 2 baking dishes. and top with remaining 1 cup cheese.

Bake one and freeze the other. If not, pour all into a deep 9x13 pan and top with remaining cheese at 350*F for 30 minutes.

Bon Appetite! ~Janice

episode REPLAY

Learning to Trust God Again After Divorce Forgiveness and absolution are at the heart of trusting God, especially when life falls apart in ways we never saw coming. After my divorce in 2012, I struggled with forgiving myself, letting go of the pain, and believing I could move forward. Absolution —the act of releasing that weight—didn’t come easy, but it was only when I began to trust God with my broken pieces that true healing happened. This episode dives into how God’s grace allows us to forgive, not just others, but ourselves, and how His love is strong enough to absolve our deepest wounds. Trusting Him again wasn’t a quick fix, but it was the key to finding peace.

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WINTER 2025

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The Relentless Pursuit of God

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