Unveiled Living Digital Magazine - Summer 2025 Edition Vol. 10

UNVEILED SUMMER 2024 EDITION

Mosaic Journeys FROM THE HEART: INSPIRING STORIES BY UNVEILED LIVING WRITERS

Our Mission

ISSUE 10

FROM THE EDITOR

Hello and welcome to 10th Edition Unveiled Living Emag!

Tracee Padilla

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

2022

It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, in 2020, I had a vision to create a digital magazine to inspire and empower women of all ages to grow deeper in their walk with God. I dipped my toes in the water mid-2021, and here we are, 10 editions later, moving forward with passion and purpose.

In the beginning, I was writing every article myself, quickly realizing that this was a marathon I couldn’t run alone! In 2022, while attending the virtual Compel Conference by Proverbs 31 Ministries, I had an eye-opening revelation: the power of collaboration. It was then that I connected with incredible writers like Kathy Knapp, Mistie Doyle, Megan Wilzcek, Michelle Balts, and several others. I also reached out to family and friends who had a gift for writing, and before long, our Emag truly came to life.

2023

Celebrating Our Writers!

What makes this edition particularly special is its theme, "Mosaic Journeys." Each writer has chosen a topic close to their heart, creating a beautiful tapestry of stories. Our writers have a story. Some have walked in grief and loss, some through mental health issues, and others through difficult divorces, or life experiences. Whatever the journey may be, they all share from the depths of their experiences—stories of navigating through unimaginable seasons, but yet, through it all, standing strong through God's power and mercy.

I invite you to join me in celebrating our incredible writers— those who’ve been with us from the start all the way to our newest contributors. This edition includes a special page highlighting each writer at the end of their articles. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or their websites, and be blessed by what God is doing in their lives. Today, we celebrate you, writers! You’re amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for you!

Here's to many more Emags in the future—we’re just getting started! Share this with your friends and family, and spread the word. This is more than a magazine; it’s a resource to inspire and empower women like you and me to walk deeper, more authentically, and joyfully with God. Living life unveiled,

Tracee Padilla

2024

Come On In!

EMAG

Welcome to the vibrant world of Unveiled Living's digital magazine, where every page is an adventure waiting to unfold!

Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned fan, get ready for an interactive and fun experience.

AN INTERACTIVE EXEPERIENCE! Don't keep this Emag to yourself! Share the excitement with your friends and family!

Spread the joy of Unveiled Living Emag and let the inspiration flow!

Dive into captivating articles, explore embedded links, watch engaging videos, and download PDFs for your leisurely reading.

Our 'Table of Contents' feature makes it easy to navigate to the article of your liking. For added convenience, download the entire magazine as a PDF and enjoy it anytime, anywhere.

Let’s jump in!

Tracee L. Padilla Editor-in-Chief

Tracee & Edwin Padilla Creative Design

Janice Conyers

Content Editor

EDITION

THE POWER OF A HUG Sydne Chase

SURRENDER TO THE RAIN Kathleen Knapp

POSTURE OF A BELIEVER Simone Johnson

THE TREASURE BOX Heart Talk Vlog

REMOVING THE VEIL Tracee Padilla

LOVED DESPITE IMPERFECTION Megan Wilzcek

STEPPING OUT Interview w/Janice Conyers

LOST IN TRANSLATION Carmen Chase

FOLLOW THE CLOUD Jessica Thompson

CHANGE ON HORIZON

ALL SPUN UP

FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE

WEEKEND WITHOUT EGGSHELLS Tricia Clark

Tiffany Thompson Snyder

Beth Nelson

Cendrine Hosoda

A HARE, A TORTOISE AND A FOX The Posture of a Believer

EDITION

PURSUE WORSHIP

NOTES

Tracee Padilla

Feature: Tracee Padilla

SUMER SERIES

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? Janice Conyers

by Unveiled Living

COURAGEOUS FAITH

BRITE LIGHT MEDIA UL Video Production

by Janice & Tracee

UNVEILED LIVING WEBSITE JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST UL SOCIAL MEDIA LIGHTEN UP!

by Janice & Tracee

L.I.T. PODCAST

MEET OUR TEAM

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.

Video Production Connect Manager

UL Website

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.

We’d love to stay connected with you. Subscribe on our website to join our email list. We’ll keep you updated on our latest digital magazines, blogs, Lighten Up! Podcast with Janice and Tracee, and more!

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JEREMIAH 17:7 NLT

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Hug

BY SYDNE CHASE

I couldn’t pinpoint exactly when or why it started.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly when or why it started, but around the age of 13, I began to struggle with two significant issues. The first was irrational thoughts and feelings of fear and anxiety. I rarely talked about what I was experiencing, but looking back, I'm certain that if I had seen a psychiatrist, I would have been diagnosed and probably medicated for a specific type of anxiety. Coming from a spiritual upbringing, I knew exactly what to call what I was battling: a spirit of fear.

The second struggle at that young age was questioning God's individual love for me. While many people grow up in harsh, legalistic churches, I had a youth pastor who constantly reminded us that God loved us so much, even when we were angry or imperfect, that He just wanted to hold us close with loving arms.

Out of the five love languages, touch and affection have always been my number one, so this should have been the perfect message for me. However, this beautiful imagery couldn't keep doubt from creeping in. I knew God had to love the whole world, but that seemed so grandiose. Out of eight billion people, how could He really see and care about this one freckle-faced girl from North Carolina? I’d never heard of a Bible verse saying, “Thine Lord wishith to givith you a hug.” Still, God knew exactly how He was going to answer all my questions and doubts in a way that would become an unshakable anchor for the rest of my life.

“out of eight billion people, how could he really see and care about this one frecklefaced girl from North Carolina?”

I was invited to be a junior counselor for a church camp for kids. During one of the services, I pulled aside the adult leaders whom I knew and trusted and asked them if they would help me pray against the spirit of fear. They were, of course, ready and eager to stand with me in prayer, but first, the head of the camp asked me a seemingly strange question.

"Before we pray, are you sure you are really ready to let go of the spirit of fear?"

I was surprised by the question, and yet I found myself digging deep into my heart and realizing that old habits die hard. Fear, although torturous, was familiar. I've heard the saying, "throwing in the towel still takes some effort," and in that moment, I knew it was true for spiritual strongholds too. After all, you can't kick out a friend. I decided that the spirit of fear was not my friend, and I didn't want to tolerate it any longer.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

He then led me in a prayer of renouncing the spirit of fear in the name of Jesus. I definitely felt the power of God's presence, but I also felt a battle taking place within me, somewhere in the gut of my spirit. As the battle continued, we found a corner of the room to pray to completion, as tears streamed down my face.

After what felt like hours of seeking God and resisting the enemy, it seemed the spiritual fight was winding down, and there was a pause. The lead counselor for the girls, a lady I knew and trusted, leaned in and told me something my ears could hardly believe.

"Sydne, right now I hear God telling me that He really wants me to hold you for Him. So I’m going to embrace you for Him, and just know that when you feel my arms around you, it’s really the arms of Jesus around you.”

I melted. Every questioning doubt in my heart crumbled and broke as I moved from my place on the floor into her lap, and she practically cradled me while I wept. Love like I’d never known flooded my heart like a healing force.

It was a force the enemy could never withstand.

As I calmed down, it was evident that peace and joy had taken the place of fear and doubt.

The feeling of the battle in my spirit had subsided, and a gentle yet radiant smile now accompanied the tears on my face.

With wisdom, the camp director made sure to first instruct me that as of that moment, I WAS free, and second, warn me that the enemy is a sore loser and will likely try to reclaim the territory he lost.

Not if, but when that happens, it would not mean that I was still bound by fear; it was, in fact, the perfect time to walk out the freedom already won. Whenever I started to experience thoughts or emotions of fear from then on, I was to stand in the authority I have in Christ and rebuke the spirit of fear in the name of Jesus. As I continued to do just that in the weeks to come, the temptation subsided, and all symptoms of fear and anxiety ceased to occur.

That night, God delivered me from the torture of fear and tangibly showed me proof of His perfect, powerful, and individual love for me. One victory cannot be shared without the other. 1 John 4:18 sums it up beautifully: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (ESV). So it's no surprise that God displaced fear with His perfect love for me that night.

In what ways has God shown His perfect love for you? Even if you're waiting to receive from Him in that way, I can tell you from experience, that is His heart for you.

Receive His truth, and it will set you free.

Sydne Chase Combining 7 years of hairstyling success with a 5thgeneration ministry background, Sydne leverages her life coaching certification (IPEC) to guide individuals towards mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Her passion lies in helping people discover their purpose and thrive in all aspects of life.

06

Surrender to the Rain

BY KATHLEEN KNAPP

I love the rain.

Especially the heavy, soaking, spring rain. The kind of rain that fills your senses and changes the season from winter to spring, turning the parched, dry, dusty soil into a wet, slippery, muddy dark earth ready for planting.

You can smell the rich, fertile ground as it thirstily drinks in the moisture.

Turning the dry, dormant, crunchy grass into a dewy, green, lush grass of spring.

The birds sing as the raindrops drip heavily from the trees which are just beginning to bud after a long, cold winter of bare branches.

The air smells sweet of fresh, cool rain as it splashes against the window panes. I love to sit beneath the covered porch to be in the rain, surrounded by the new life it brings, close enough to feel the occasional misting as the rain turns on the breeze.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.”

Isaiah 55:10 NIV As I watch the thirsty, dry earth soak in the life-giving moisture of the falling rain I think about my spirit. At times I am parched, dry and thirsty. I need the lifegiving rain of God’s spirit to soak into my being and fill me once again with fresh, new life.

“I need the life-giving rain of God’s spirit to soak into my being and fill me once again with fresh, new life.”

I can’t do it on my own. I often resist it.

I’m not sure why. We all know you can’t pour from an empty cup, yet I still try to do everything with my own strength.

After Covid restrictions ended it was difficult getting back into a routine, including church. For us, it is a new church in a new city, which makes it even more challenging since we have no previous relationships there.

However, we committed to attending.

Over time it has become a home and a haven for us. We’ve made new friends and I have been blessed beyond measure. As I stand and sing praises to my God, the tears flow like rain as my thirsty soul soaks in the fresh, dewy rain of God’s presence into my parched soul.

My heart fills with joy as I sing praises to the one who made me, who knows me, and who loves me unconditionally.

I am reminded of God’s faithfulness, even when I am faithless.

Of His love even when I feel unlovable.

Of His mercy even when I don’t deserve mercy.

Of His comfort when I feel alone.

Of His peace when I feel anxious.

“May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.”

Psalm 72:6 NIV. As I stand and sing, the tears flow down my face and drip off my chin, but I don’t care. My heart fills with joy as I sing praises to the one who made me, who knows me, and who loves me unconditionally. Like sweet, cool, fresh rain soaking the earth, I am filled to overflowing. I feel refreshed, calm and peaceful as I return to everyday life with the knowledge that the well of God never runs dry.

The Holy Spirit is ready and able to rain on me when my soul is parched and thirsty. All I have to do is be willing to show up. And surrender to the rain.

“MAY HE BE LIKE RAIN FALLING ON A MOWN FIELD, LIKE SHOWERS WATERING THE EARTH.” PSALM 72:6

10

www.kathleenknappwriter.com 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.

31 Day Devotional

by Kathleen Knapp www.kathleenknappwriter.com

Click here for purchase on amazon

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4 WEEK BIBLE STUDY: COURAGEOUS FAITH HOW TO LIVE BOLDLY FOR CHRIST

by Tracee Padilla & Janice Conyers

Introducing our brand-new Bible study, “Courageous Faith: How to Live Boldly for Christ,” launching September 16th.

Are you ready to take your faith journey to the next level?

Our “Courageous Faith” series will take you on a powerful journey of discovering boldness in Christ. We’ve compiled this latest series into an in-depth Bible study available for purchase, perfect for both individuals and groups!

What’s Included: Interactive Flipbook or downloadable PDF format for easy access.

Daily Themes with Bible verses, reflections, and practical action points.

Personal Stories and testimonies to inspire you.

Group Study Structure with discussion questions and prayer prompts.

For a sneak peek, click here.

Join us on this transformative journey. Strengthen your faith, embrace boldness, and discover how God can use you when you step out in courageous faith.

PRE-ORDER HERE

POSTURE O F

A

B E L I E V E R

The posture of faith is a cornerstone to our identity in Christ because faith establishes our position in Christ.

B Y

S I M O N E

J O H N S O N

DISCOURAGED! DEFEATED! Pay

attention

to

your

posture!

identity with Christ first allows us to

Maintaining good posture is critical,

adjust our posture to Christ. Our posture

both physically and spiritually.

does not change who we are; however, it changes how we live our lives. Posture

As believers in Christ, our posture is a

is an expression of our confidence and

visible expression of our alignment with

hope found in Jesus. "God made Him

God. Walking uprightly, in the wholeness

who had no sin to be sin for us so that in

intended

with

Him we might become the righteousness

understanding our position in Christ.

of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV) As

Posture is a reflection of our position.

believers in Christ, we are given several

Upon salvation, a person's identity is

postures in which to stand. There are five

Christ. (Ephesians 2:19, NIV) and (2

main postures in which we must focus our

Corinthians 5:17, NIV) Understanding our

attention.

by

God,

begins

THE POSTURE OF THE BELIEVER

ONE. THE POSTURE OF A WARRIOR

A warrior is equipped and trained to withstand battles. A warrior is a trained soldier. As believers in Christ, our battlefield is in the Spiritual realm. Our posture is one of victory, for the battle has been won. Yet, while we wait for the final day, we must stand our ground. Ephesians 6 gives us clear directions on how to stand in posture. We must put on the armor of God. A warrior fights his battles firmly grounded on the truth of God's word. (Jeremiah 1:19, EXB) states, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

THE POSTURE OF THE BELIEVER

TWO. THE POSTURE OF PRAYER

"Pray all times in the Spirit. " (Ephesians 6:18, NIV). While Jesus was on earth, He modeled this posture. The posture of prayer is the cornerstone to living a victorious life in Christ. It is this posture that empowers the posture of a warrior. The posture of prayer aligns our hearts with the will of God. Prayer is the venue that connects our souls with our Savior. As we lay our petitions at His feet, the burdens of our souls are lifted, Christ is magnified, and our posture is corrected. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

THE POSTURE OF THE BELIEVER

THREE. THE POSTURE OF WORSHIP

The posture of worship reflects the condition of our hearts in adoration of Christ. A heart of worship is also one of thanksgiving. (John 4:23-24, NIV) The posture of worship begins with praise and thanksgiving. When in the posture of true worship, our focus is drawn away from self and directed wholly to our God.” So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son." (Ephesians 1:6 NIV)

THE POSTURE OF THE BELIEVER

FOUR. THE POSTURE OF SERVICE

A posture of service reflects a heart that understands its position in Christ. It is a visible outpouring of the grace that has been received. As believers fully grasp the significance of Christ's sacrificial act on the cross, their posture of service becomes infused with joy and takes on the essence of genuine sacrifice. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul defines different ways a believer should serve.

THE POSTURE OF THE BELIEVER

FIVE. THE POSTURE OF FAITH

The posture of faith is a cornerstone to our identity in Christ because faith establishes our position in Christ. It is out of this posture that every other posture is aligned. I call this posture the backbone. It is the spinal cord of a believer. It is this posture that keeps us secure in our identity in Christ. We stand tall in our faith. “For by faith, you have been saved, not of yourselves; it is a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

Today, you can walk upright in the posture of a warrior in prayer, worship, service, and faith because of the confidence you have in Christ Jesus, which is given by the access we have through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in life's trials, wondering how on earth you’re supposed to keep your joy intact?

It’s a tough spot to be in, but guess what? Joy isn't just a fleeting feeling; it’s your secret weapon. In Tracee's latest podcast, "The Treasure Box - How to Hold Onto Joy in Every Season," we dive deep into this very topic. We unpack powerful scriptures like 1 Peter 1:6-9 and James 1:2-4, exploring how joy can transform even the darkest seasons into opportunities for growth and strength.

This isn’t just theory. Tracee shares a personal vision she had during a difficult season her oldest son was walking through, which turned her worry into a faith-filled journey of joy.

In this episode of Heart Talk with Tracee, we break down how the enemy tries to steal our joy through stress and worry, and how you can stand firm with a joyful heart even when life gets messy. Joy is more than just a nice thought; it’s a fortress for your mind and spirit. If you’ve been struggling to keep your head above water, this episode is for you. It’s real talk, straight from the heart, with practical wisdom on finding joy daily.

Click the YouTube play button and let’s journey together to discover how joy can be your strength in every season.

Oh Lord, It's time for me to step beyond comfort, To lay down the boundaries of religion, And focus solely on You, Jesus, The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of all creation.

When I reach heaven's gates, I won't ask my neighbor's denomination, For my only identity is in You, Jesus, The Way, the Truth, the Light.

May I hunger for You, For Your righteousness, Your holiness, May I humble myself before You, Bringing honor to Your name, Glorifying You from dawn until dusk, And even then, praising You in the night.

Fill every crevice of my life, Enter the hidden rooms, Those I guard with shame and guilt, Shine Your light into my darkness, Remove the burdens I was never meant to carry.

May I pursue You relentlessly, Letting nothing else matter but Your will, Your desires, Your longings, May my days begin with You, And my nights end in Your presence, Consume me with Your holy fire.

Oh how I need You, I've wandered far from Your presence, Chasing the empty temptations of this world, Exchanging Your glory for comfort, Focusing on myself instead of You. Bring me back to my first love, The true love that heals my pain, That washes away my sins, Uncovers my face to see Your freedom, The freedom You have in store for me.

In Your presence, I am transformed, In the quiet, in the holy of holies, I can never be the same.

Change me from within, Lord, From the inside out.

As I live life unveiled, Because YOU have removed the veil, It's time I start living that way.

Amen.

SUMMER SERIES Daily Studies on Facebook & Instagram

Broken to Brave

Transformative Prayer

Finding Hope in Trials

Complete Studies with added *bonus content will be available Fall 2024 for flipbook/downloadable purchase.

4

The Domino Effect

SE EW R

2 I E S 02

N

Courageous Faith

LOVED DESPITE IMPERFECTION

by Megan Wilczek

Discovering Your Identity In Christ

Have you ever found yourself so off-course in your life that you look around and think, how did I get here? Whether your choices have gotten you in this place or someone else has wronged you, the destruction in our minds sometimes brings us to the question, where is God in this? If He loves me, why does He allow this?

In the midst of the pain and disappointment of every day life, it is easy to begin to doubt that you belong to God. Likewise, it is easy to see someone else whose life is a mess and accuse them of not belonging to God. It is true that God expects holiness of us as we follow Him. It is also true that we live in a sinful world where, before we decided to cling to God, we were accustomed to walking without God. This means we have various habits engrained in our brain that present in our thoughts and emotions, ultimately changing our behavior. Unfortunately, when we made the choice at some point in our lives to follow Jesus, God did not push a holy reset button on us to wipe away all of our preprogrammed hurts and bad habits. He also did not promise a perfect future.

He does, however, give us the Holy Spirit to help us, which enables us to transform our lives.

Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (NLT).

Transformation is an intentional process of continually choosing God’s ways over our old ways. We won’t do it perfectly. It takes a long time (like a lifetime), and that can be discouraging. The good news is that God gives us the tools.

We are, at our core, made in God’s image. Our identity is centered on who God is, not on our mistakes and failures.

Here are some of the things God says about who you are in His eyes: You are loved.

“And i pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17-18 NIV You are His dear child.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

Ephesians 5:1 NIV You are His Masterpiece created for a purpose.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

He chose you before He made the world.

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4 NIV You are a member of God’s family.

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household...” Ephesians 2:19 These are just some of the many things in Ephesians that talk about who God says you are. I challenge you to read the book of Ephesians, arming yourself with a special color highlighter. Mark all the identity statements that you read as you go. Then, when you are in a place where you are tempted to beat yourself up about your mess-ups or you are doubting God’s love for you, you can go back and read God’s true heart for you.

All of these statements are true even if you are suffering a heartache.

All of these statements are true even if you struggle with sin.

You are a child of God, and you live in a broken world. One does not change the other.

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

UNVEILED COMING FALL 2024 EDITION

SET FREE Absolution | The Healing Journey of Forgiveness

BREAKING NEWS

Unveiled Times

BREAKING NEWS

STEPPING OUT

HOW TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE & INTO YOUR PURPOSE WITH PASSION

Join Tracee and Janice for another episode of Unveiled Conversations. In this exclusive interview, we are thrilled to feature Janice Conyers, the author of her upcoming book, “Stepping Out: How to Move Out of Your Comfort Zone & Into Your Purpose with Passion.”

In this heartfelt conversation, Janice opens up about what motivates, influences, and guides her and how she overcame her fears and insecurities by saying “Yes” to God. Check out her inspiring story and gain practical insights to help you today!

UNVEILED CONVERSATIONS: INTERVIEW WITH JANICE CONYERS

LOST IN TRANSLATION A NEWLYWED LESSON IN SEMANTICS

BY CARMEN CHASE

As the basket swept past me I deposited my folded piece of paper with pride. The friendly banter in the Young Couples class hushed to a few light whispers as our teachers (a Christian couple more advanced in age and experience than the rest of us) began the icebreaker guessing game.

“Intelligent, hard-working, godly.”

Guesses shot out around the room like popcorn, intent on pinning the 3-word descriptions to the correct person. Not many of us knew each other, so the teachers gave occasional hints.

“Opinionated, beautiful, compassionate.”

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Correct guesses elicited laughs, astonishment, and even protests, which couldn’t be helped, seeing as descriptions were all authored by our spouses. I couldn’t wait for my description to be read aloud. All the women in the room were going to be soooo envious. I was sure of it. No one had a husband like mine!

“Creative, sensitive, funny.”

My pulse quickened slightly as I tried to remain poker-faced and not give myself away. I feigned a pensive expression, all the while thinking my husband, Jimmy, was going to be the talk of the day. This was Minnesota after all. Where most midwestern men (that I knew, anyway) had little to say, thought charm was only for bracelets–if they even knew that–and were more comfortable in a deer blind than a performance hall.

“I couldn’t wait for my description to be read aloud. All the women in the room were going to be sooo envious. I was sure of it. No one has a husband like mine!

My husband, on the other hand, was one-of-a-kind awesome! Always saying something brilliant or hilarious, a born entertainer, so very thoughtful of me… and charm? He had it in spades. (Cue swooning maidens.)

“It has to be a girl!”

My brain suddenly froze. The speaker, a guy several seats over on my left, was absolutely sure he was hot on the trail.

Guesses peppered out, listing wife after wife in the room of couples.

No one else thought the room suddenly too warm. No one else felt the impending doom of social disgrace. No one heard the ax hit my soul. Not even my new husband. They were just playing a game.

But it was no longer a game. Instantly my synapses whirred to life, frantically searching for a way to avert an embarrassing train wreck. When the correct name was revealed, they were not going to see what I saw…

“MY FRAGILE NEWLYWED HEART WAS SHATTERED....”

A man bursting with charisma who could captivate an auditorium with just a mic in his hands. A man who could singlehandedly get a hundred kids to play an inpromptu game, make trophies out of toilet paper tubes and pipe cleaners or clean up an entire cafeteria–and think it was a great time. A man who bought me flowers and quality jewelry and planned surprise dates because he wanted to.

“What were the clues again?”, someone wanted to know.

Past conversations with my husband rose up like phantoms from a deep chasm, all of them prophesying disaster. This was Minnesota, after all. Where men did “manly” things like shoot pool with their eyes shut and rip trees from the ground with their bare hands.

“Oh. I guess it was written by a girl.”

Not unlike the fishing village where my husband was raised. Where “real” men learned to wield fishing vessels and wrestle crab pots and filet fish blindfolded. Things my husband did not do, because he was busy honing his photography skills, hosting the local radio station and volunteering for his church’s bus ministry.

“Creative, sensitive, funny.” Her mouth twisted slightly as she added, “Actually, it’s not a girl.”

The barometer shift from fun to awkward sucked the air right out of the room. The entire class felt it.

Nice try Einstein-to-my-left. I guess he gets points for attempting a rebound??

If only God had sent an angel to block my husband’s ears. If only the two of us could have teleported back to our little apartment before the ax hit my husband’s soul. If only Mr. Einstein had kept his mouth shut.

On the drive home–which transpired immediately at the end of class...no sticking around for morning worship that Sunday—my fragile newlywed heart was shattered. The ensuing conversation was painful…but necessary.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24 ESV

I thought I was using gracious words…I had written qualities I appreciated in my new husband. But in order to honor and build up my spouse, I needed to learn more about how men were wired and what various social circles valued. My role as a wife— encouraging, edifying, praying for, protecting, listening to and loving my husband—was not always going to come naturally or instinctively. It was imperative that I learn to lean into God’s grace. And grow.

Decades later, my husband and I still have painful conversations. And they’re still necessary. I can’t go back and count them all, but I feel them beneath us…each one a cement block in our marriage foundation, getting stronger each time we are brave and humble enough to engage.

SOME OBSERVATIONS I’VE MADE ALONG THE WAY.

NO ONE COMES WITH A MANUAL NOT EVEN ME.

EVERYONE HAS A PAST THAT SHAPES THEIR ‘NOW.’

1.

3.

LEARNING HOW TO LOVE, GUARD, AND HONOR MY HUSBAND CAN BE ADVENTURE - RATHER THAN A CHORE - IF I SO CHOOSE.

2.

4.

I CAN INFLUENCE THROUGH LOVE AND TRUTH, BUT IT’S NEVER MY JOB TO CHANGE, MANIPULATE OR CONTROL ANOTHER HUMAN. THAT’S GOD’S TURF.

5.

PERCEPTION IS A POWERFUL LENS. THE SLIGHTEST ADJUSTMENTS, THROUGH VULNERABLE QUESTIONS AND HONEST ANSWERS, CAN HELP ME SEE MORE ACCURATELY. THE BETTER I SEE, THE BETTER CHOICES I WILL MAKE. AND THE LESS CARNAGE I LEAVE IN MY WAKE.

6.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE BEST MARRIAGE COACH EVER. HE NEVER SPREADS GOSSIP, AND I CAN TELL OR ASK HIM ANYTHING!

As my husband and I worked through the embarrassment of that incident, the Holy Spirit replayed a specific recording of that morning for me of a guest couple in the class: my college professor and his wife.

Hmmm. Similar meaning to some of mine, but better suited for building up my husband. Words that celebrated creative genius without making him feel something that he was not. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

My music professor didn’t operate heavy machinery, hunt bears or have biceps the size of monster truck tires.

He directed choirs and orchestras and put together concerts for venues as intimate as our college chapel and as prestigious as Carnegie Hall. How did his wife describe him?

The next time someone asked me, “What do you like about your husband?”, I was ready with some newfound “honeycomb”!

“Visionary, talented, brilliant.”

CARMEN CHASE

Carmen Chase is a worship pastor in coastal North Carolina.

While some know her best as a professional clown, face paint artist, musician or teacher, her favorite title is wife to her husband, Jimmy, and mom to her two grown children. A suspenseful book in her lap (in the shade!) at the beach may be a top pick for a day off, but a deep-dive study of the Bible—with coffee and dark chocolate nearby—is her go-to on any given day.

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FEATURE: TRACEE PADILLA - WORSHIP LEADER 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.

A Production by Edwin Padilla

Following the cloud

BY JESSICA LOCKLEAR THOMPSON

“The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 NLT Have you ever received just one instruction from God with no following details?

Eight months ago, the Lord told me to quit my job at the salon.

There were no other instructions or directions except these words: “Follow the Cloud!” He used Exodus 13-15 to speak vividly to me, and I feel like someone might need the same instructions and takeaways He gave me!

Four.

One. God has a land flowing with milk and honey that He is trying to lead us to. He has already set the path before us, but it is up to us to be obedient and find it.

On this journey, God leads us day and night. It's up to us to seek His guidance, hear His voice, and follow His peace. Rest assured, there will be obstacles and challenges along the way. These are different from pruning; they build our faith!

Two.

What do we truly believe?

We are to remember His works in

with an impossible situation?

our lives. This builds a history with God for the next time He gives us instructions.

Three.

He doesn’t always lead us the quickest way to the promise. It’s a journey. This season is a time of sifting and pruning—our thoughts, mouths, and old habits. Here, He convicts us to bring us to repentance from things we cannot take with us into the promise.

How do we respond when faced

Five.

Sometimes, God's instructions may seem like He's taking us backwards, but what He's really doing is setting up a miracle to show His glory and power in our lives!

Six. There are moments in our lives when it seems the enemy is surrounding us. In these times, we often sit too long, grumbling or complaining, while God is expecting us to respond with movement.

Seven.

If we keep moving forward, trusting in the God who told us to move in the first place, He will place Himself between us and our enemy. In that moment, because we've seen His faithfulness so far, we can be confident that we're headed in the right direction, even when He is no longer visibly guiding us from the front.

Nine.

After the miracle, we should be filled with awe and wonder at the God we serve. Our faith should be strengthened, and our obedience to future instructions should become a little

easier

testimonies

things are happening. We see how faithful our God truly is. Those around us witness how He protects and covers (cloud and fire) those Our

enemy

is

being

defeated right before our eyes and knows that God is the one fighting for us!

Our

should

be

more

that what He did for us, He will do

In the midst of the miracle, multiple

loves.

time.

anointed with His power, showing

Eight.

He

each

for others.

When I chose to be obedient and say “OK” and then follow through, other doors opened for me that I never even prayed for, and I found myself in rooms I didn’t feel qualified to be in.

If you’re contemplating an instruction from the Lord, be obedient, say “OK, Father,” and follow the cloud. When He moves, move. When He rests, rest. Don’t rush ahead and don’t get left behind. Only in His will are we promised

provision,

healing,

wholeness, joy, peace, and so much more. Let His cloud be your covering and His fire be your light along the way.

So, I want to ask you, are you intentionally following the Cloud?

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.

Podcast: Podcast Website: jessicalocklear.com Instagram: instagram.com/jessicalocklear_

Join our Email list.

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By Janice Conyers

Fresh. Crisp. Refreshing. Healthy.

This is what comes to mind when we talk about these Summer Salads.

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy fresh and colorful salads because of all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are in season and readily available. They are light, refreshing, and full of essential vitamins and minerals. However, salads don’t need to be boring or bland and you can add punches of flavor using fresh herbs, flavored oils and vinegars, different dressings, and a variety of ingredients and toppings.

With this recipe, I will show you how you can make these salads ahead of time and take them with you wherever you’re headed for the day!

Whether you need a quick, grab and go lunch for work, picnic in the park, or potluck with friends, these salads, properly packed, are easy to transport and store.

I’ve tested various methods and ingredients, and when layered and stored properly, these Salads in a Jar are just as good 5-7 days after I make them, which is a game changer to keep my husband and I eating healthy!

The KEY to making successful Salads in a Jar is to choose ingredients that are sturdy and to be intentional with the way you stack them. You want to choose sturdy ingredients for your base such as, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower. You also want to think about ingredients that will release moisture like sliced tomatoes or cucumber to sit in your dressing as the first layer.

Then, add your chopped protein like tuna, egg, chicken, salmon, or beans.

Next, add your nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs for depth of flavor and nutrients.

Fill the rest of your jar with dark, leafy greens. I’ve used organic spring mix, spinach, butter lettuce, green and leaf lettuce - they’re all good!

I use wide-mouth Mason Jars with Ball Leak Proof Lids (I turn the jars upside down before I eat them to get the whole salad dressed and give it a good shake).

Quart size will yield a Large Entree Salad.

Pint size is still a good size, but more like a large side salad.

“Salads are the perfect excuse for creativity in the kitchen”

INGREDIENTS

3 TBS Dressing of choice, however, oil and vinegars/vinaigrettes work really well.

I use flavor infused EVOO (1TBS), and flavored Balsamic vinegars (2TBS).

Optional: Add a pinch of Mineral or Kosher salt and black pepper to taste and/or dried herbs, even a squeeze of lemon, lime, or oranges!

Chop and add moisture releasing veggies or fruits (one mini cucumber for each jar is a good portion; diced tomatoes, strawberries, etc) Add other desired non-moisture releasing veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli, peas, or leftover roasted veggies from last night’s supper!

Choose your chopped, or flaked protein and be sure to add at least 20g, which is equal to 3oz of tuna, salmon, shrimp, or chicken, or 4 hard boiled eggs (1/2 cup of beans will yield about 5-7g protein, so mix & match it with your lean meat) Optional: Add seasonings to your protein if they aren’t seasoned already.

Optional: Sprinkle of hard cheese, like Feta, Parmesan, or Low-Moisture Mozzarella (softer cheeses may change texture by the end of the week).

Fill the rest of the jar with your lettuce greens. Pack them in there, baby!! You’ll be amazed at how much will fit in there. This is also a great time to try some DARK, leafy greens if you aren’t drawn to them. They have so many health benefits more so than say, Iceberg lettuce. I’ve tested Organic Romaine, Spring Mix, Butter, Bib, Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Spinach, and herby mixes like Arugula, Endive, etc. Mix and Match them!

Seal with a Ball Leak Proof Lid and label with the date.

Have fun with it and play around with ingredients! These salads work well with leftover marinated or grilled proteins, leftover roasted veggies from last night’s dinner, etc.

These Salads have saved my husband and I from grabbing something unhealthy on the go! Currently, we both work from home, but lunches were still rushed between calls and healthy eating goes out the door when you’re in a hurry! I’ve even packed these up for us when we recently celebrated our anniversary with a picnic dinner on a beach in Bath, Maine, watching the “First Ship” come up the river and anchor at the Museum dock. Amazing!

RESOURCES

Click on the underlined text to utilize product links.

Ball Leak Proof Lids from Amazon I like these 24Oz Glass Ball Jars from Amazon. It’s even fun to drink Iced Tea or Citrus Water from these jars!

Flavored Oils and Vinegars - I live close to a Fiore Oil & Vinegar store that offers quality and variety, but you can get a quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil and create your own infused oils. Use clean, dark oil bottles and store in a cool, dark place.

Infuse your quality olive oil with minced or whole, fresh garlic cloves, fresh or dried herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Tarragon, Lemon, Lime, or Orange Peel, or whatever you have in the cupboards you need to use up! Add your flavors to your oil and let it sit for a day or two before use to let the flavors meld together! Get creative!!

Enjoy and Stay Healthy!!

PRINT THIS RECIPE! 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.

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. You can 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.

Unveiled Living Video Production is produced by

Media

For more information about video production contact britelightmedia@gmail.com @britelightmedia www.britelightmedia.com

BY TIFFANY SNYDER-THOMPSON

Change on the Horizon

This last season has brought immense pressure. When pressure is applied, we come out shining like new diamonds; however, while going through it, we often feel stuck in the muck and mire.

We start with hope but can quickly become desperate to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

In some seasons, we feel relieved when those pressure-filled times are over and we no longer feel perplexed and crushed at every turn. We can be reminded of what scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

This verse gives us so much hope. Even when life throws hills, valleys, mountains, or volcanoes at us, we will not be destroyed. As I type this, it's a late download from the Holy Spirit in the early morning hours. I am encouraged that He is speaking to me in this season, saying it is coming to an end with a NEW HOPE on the HORIZON and we will NOT be destroyed.

Some seasons can seem suffocating.

Grief, divorce, loss of loved ones, or friends going their own way can cause us to feel hopeless and lonely in what seems like a sad season. When I go through such times now and look back, I see that God was already preparing me for the next season, even if I contributed to bad decisions. We must learn to forgive ourselves and others.

However, it’s often difficult to forget. In those seasons, we have to ask ourselves what we contributed or failed to contribute and what we must do in the next season with that learning experience. Life is just that.

We are on the Potter’s Wheel, being crafted and molded into who He has called us to be. In that process, some things are more than a big ouch—it’s about crucifying our fleshly desires, needs, and wants. It’s about saying, “Lord, here I am, please use me.” You might say, “But I am a stay-at-home mom, there is nothing I am accomplishing here!”

“EVEN WHEN LIFE THROW HILLS, VALLEYS, MOUNTAINS, OR VOLCANOES AT US, WE WILL NOT BE DESTROYED!”

Sister, you have the biggest calling on your life: rearing your children in Him and loving them the way our Heavenly Father loves us. You might say, “But I only do this or that, I am not contributing to life in this season.” Remember, you woke up with breath in your lungs, fire in your soul, and a voice to speak life into someone. Find your passion in this new horizon! Pray that our Heavenly Father will show you what He would have you do in this new horizon.

Food for thought and to stand on: 2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing.”

Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

What can we pull from this? We can’t keep dwelling on and living in the past; we need to shift our focus to the new horizon that comes with this season.

Learn from our past experiences and move forward to the newness in Him! Until next time, may you forgive yourself more than you forgive others in this season, so that it becomes a habit of forgiving yourself, God, and others. You are so valuable and more precious than rubies.

TIFFANY THOMPSON SNYDER

PURSUE WORSHIP All of My Days

Unveiled Living Youtube Channel

by Beth Nelson

Have you ever had a thought that turned into a series of wild thoughts, leading you down a negative path, and suddenly found yourself in an emotional, sad, hurtful, and scary place? If you’re honest, I bet the answer is yes. Isn’t it interesting how connected our thoughts are to our feelings? We can actually think ourselves into feeling emotionally sick.

Just a week ago, I received a text message late at night from my daughter. She had photographed herself in a hospital bed with the caption, "Baby had other plans." Right on time! We were soon to meet our new family member! How exciting, right? Well, yes and no. I had every logical reason to believe everything was going to be okay. But emotionally, I had spun myself into a whole other realm. Wait, what, why?

I tend to become incredibly anxious and worried when I cannot be in close control of events happening with my own children. I was thinking of all the things that could go wrong in childbirth, putting my daughter and the new baby in harm's way. I continued to dwell on all the uncontrollable things that could happen during childbirth, and scary emotions surfaced.

I HAD EVERY LOGICAL REASON TO BELIEVE EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY. BUT EMOTIONALLY, I HAD SPUN MYSELF INTO A WHOLE OTHER REALM. WAIT, WHAT, WHY?

This isn’t the first time this type of thinking has spun up my emotions. The origination of this emotional pattern stems from a series of medical events that occurred with my oldest daughter.

Without going into lengthy detail, I spent several months with high-intensity emotions while attempting to control or influence unthinkable consequences with her health. In the end, there was literally nothing I could do to change that outcome, and therein lies the trauma that I was reliving in my head and feeling in my emotions.

Through help and a bit of therapy, I have learned a few techniques to draw myself out of this pattern to a more logical thinking and healthier emotional environment. It begins with identifying something real and concrete in front of you. For example, my go-to is to start looking around my physical environment and identify anything I can spot that is blue.

“There’s a blue light on the security system, there are blue numbers on the microwave, there’s a blue notebook,” and so on.

This exercise takes the thought pattern out of the amygdala (the emotional portion of the brain) and brings it to the prefrontal cortex (the logical portion of the brain). After a few seconds, the emotions calm, the heart rate calms, and I can begin to redirect my thinking. Next, you start stating the facts, what you actually know to be true.

“She is in the best, safest place possible. She has monitors tracking her and the baby’s health. She has trained professionals checking on her regularly, and for heaven’s sake, her husband, a highly trained medical professional, is right by her side 100% of the time.” With a big exhale, I recenter myself.

I tend to stifle and conceal my emotions. As an Enneagram 8, that is my nature because 8’s does not want to ever seem upset, unsettled, vulnerable, or weak. 8’s doesn’t typically reveal their true emotions. But I have learned some valuable lessons about feeling emotions in a healthy way that has been helpful. Here are a few takeaways that you might find insightful if you also struggle with feeling your emotions.

Hysterical emotions are typically historical, triggered by something from your past.

Emotions are indicators, not dictators, of something happening within you.

Emotions are meant to be felt, not stuffed away and ignored.

Emotions come from God; He knows and feels them all with us. He understands and desires us to share them with Him openly and honestly.

God created emotions for the purpose of connecting to Him and to others.

In our journey through life, we will inevitably encounter moments that challenge our emotional stability. It is crucial to remember that our feelings, while powerful, are not meant to overwhelm us but to guide us toward deeper understanding and connection. By learning to manage our thoughts, grounding ourselves in reality, and seeking solace in God’s presence, we can navigate these emotional waves with grace and faith. Let us embrace our emotions as gifts from God, using them to draw closer to Him and to those around us. May we always find peace in His unfailing love and wisdom, trusting that He holds us and our loved ones in the palm of His hand.

Philippians 4:6 ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.’ There’s a happy ending to this story. We have a new baby girl, Bergan Alynn and she and mom are perfectly healthy!!!

Praise God!

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 no-nonsense 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.

FROM PAIN INTO

PURPOSE

BY CENDRINE HOSODA

I don’t know anyone who likes pain, and I also don’t know anyone who has figured out a good way to avoid it.

Despite its inevitability, many of us were never taught how to manage it constructively. We all have defenses against pain. Some are subtle, like procrastinating or excessive screen time; others are obvious, like substance abuse. We all try to avoid pain, but these behaviors don't address it long-term and often leave us feeling ashamed rather than healed.

Growing up, I faced the pain of emotional neglect and silent suffering. I developed a ‘make the best of what I have’ defense to minimize the impact of the lack I experienced. This coping mechanism made me highly efficient but also judgmental toward anyone who couldn’t do the same.

This judgmental attitude was a response to my unacknowledged pain and resentment. What I subconsciously thought would protect me actually

resulted in me feeling alone and isolated, much like what I was trying to avoid. My heart craved connection, but without receiving compassion for my struggles, I couldn’t extend it to others, especially in situations that reminded me of my own unmet needs.

When I investigated my behaviors, I traced them back to unmet needs.

My fierce independence and efficiency masked deep-seated pain. I needed compassionate connection but never received it, leading to judgmental tendencies. If we can’t muster compassion for someone, it often points to an area where we didn't receive compassion and had to toughen up, causing us to judge those who don’t cope as we did.

No one likes pain or celebrates it, despite James’ exhortation to consider it joy when facing trials. It’s hard to get excited about troubles because we don’t know how to support ourselves through them.

Learning to show up for ourselves during pain, especially when others can't, is crucial. Once we develop this skill, we become less afraid and more resilient.

I didn’t know how to do this initially.

But I had a connection with God and started there.

I experienced validation from God long before I knew what it was and how it interrupts the pain cycle. He taught me that by loving myself more, I could be more open to His love. I learned that I could be the barrier to

experiencing God’s healing love.

Learning to receive comfort from God taught me compassion for myself. This growth process helped me develop strengths I never knew I had and allowed me to extend comfort and compassion to others.

When we experience pain and suffering, it's easy to fall into bitterness. The number one trap is blaming God and getting angry with Him. While it’s okay to be honest with God about our feelings, the trap is assuming He is to blame. God tells us that all good things come from Him, and anything with the fingerprint of death, loss, and destruction is the enemy’s work. Even when our own bad decisions cause pain, it’s because we partnered with ideas and attitudes not from God.

When we experience pain and suffering, it's easy to fall into bitterness.

As I wrestled with God over the painful things in my life, He invited me to partner with Him in sorting through my circumstances. This partnership helped me identify who was truly responsible for the pain.

Trusting God’s word, I set out to believe that destruction and loss were not from Him and that He hadn’t abandoned me.

God repeatedly modeled validation for me. I learned to validate myself instead of believing the lie that my pain didn’t matter. What did this look like? I went to God with my hurt and grievances and asked Him what He had to say about it. Overwhelmingly, God got on my level, acknowledged the pain, and gently showed me how He knew that pain all too well. Each time He shared His own experiences of similar pain, it helped. He didn’t one-up me; instead, He empathized, saying, “I get it, it is hard, and it isn’t fun at all.”

He also reminded me of 1 Corinthians 4:17, which says our present troubles are small and temporary compared to the eternal glory they produce. This perspective

shift was incredibly redemptive.

Though lots of faith was required for me to allow God to change my view on pain, it saved me from bitterness, transforming my heart into a softer, more sensitive one. Each character trait developed through God’s validation and love became a piece of a beautiful mosaic.

Now that I know how to be present with pain instead of avoiding it, I’m not afraid to sit with others in their suffering. I can offer validation and comfort, helping them break the pain cycle. The pain cycle goes: Painful event – lack of compassion – numb pain through chosen behavior – shame – more pain – more pain avoidance, and so it goes. My pain cycle started breaking when I became aware of my main destructive behaviors and called out to Him when I noticed I was about to engage in them. Allowing Him to interrupt my well-trodden path with His compassion resulted in healing and growth, eventually allowing others to receive healing and comfort through me from Him.

God creates beautiful mosaics from our broken pieces, making all things work for good. He turns our pain into something far more significant than we could imagine. I often hear phrases like “He allowed it because…” I’m not here to argue about it. I just prefer what I felt He was telling me when I sought Him. He is not happy that it happened but will make it worth it because of His goodness and His promise of Romans 8:28. This helps me look for signs of the fulfillment of that promise instead of focusing on the damage. Studies show that what we look for, we see more of. There will always be destruction, death, and loss. But there will always be more goodness, redemption, and resurrection. We just haven’t trained ourselves to look for it as much.

I invite you to ask God into your pain. Allow Him to comfort and validate you until your heart overflows with compassion for others. By partnering with God, our pain can be transformed into a source of strength and purpose. This journey brings healing not just for us, but for those around us. Embrace the reality that there is beauty He can create from the broken pieces, even if you can’t see the design yet.

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

THE L.I.T. SHOW - PODCAST At the core of LIT's mission is the belief that true transformation begins with spiritual strength. By nurturing and strengthening one’s spiritual life, the organization believes that physical, mental, and social well-being will naturally follow. This philosophy underscores their commitment to serving women from diverse backgrounds and supporting their journeys toward a balanced and fulfilled life.

Spiritual Growth as the Foundation The podcast and workout group emphasize the importance of spiritual growth as a foundation for overall well-being. Each episode of the podcast delves into topics that inspire and motivate, providing listeners with valuable insights and practical tools for spiritual development.

Meanwhile, the workout group combines physical fitness with spiritual mindfulness, creating a holistic experience that encourages women to connect with themselves on a deeper level.

CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

A HARE AND A FOX

By Michelle A. Balts

Oh, I know, I know, you are probably quite familiar with the fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. But please indulge me for a bit while we revisit it with fresh eyes to see what we can discover.

There once was a Hare who mockingly asked the Tortoise if he were able to get anywhere at all seeing how slowly he got along on the path. The Tortoise’s response quite amused the Hare when the Tortoise challenge him to a race.

So it was decided that the Fox would oversee the competition and sit as judge.

He marked the distance and gave the signal when to begin. As expected, the Hare was off and hurriedly hopping along which made the Tortoise look somewhat ridiculous since he was moving so slowly. Feeling overly confident that he would definitely win the race, the Hare found a spot to lay down and take a snooze. Meanwhile, the Tortoise kept a consistent steady pace and after a time, came upon the sleeping Hare.

The Tortoise continued on the path all the way to the finish line with the Hare completely unaware that the Tortoise had actually passed him. When he did finally awake, the Hare sprinted as swiftly as he could, but still he was unable to catch up in time to watch the Tortoise be crowned victor of the race.

So what is the moral of this fable?

Or, what can we learn and do differently in our everyday live?

Slow and steady wins the race.

Does this mean we are to do things slowly?

Maybe, sometimes, but more than that, we are to do our work consistently and with diligence. Our Creator has given each of us a course or path He has designed just for us.

When we believe this and ask for His help to do what our part is we can trust that He is not slow in keeping his promise.

He is patient with you.

So be patient with yourself.

Through faith and patience we inherit the promises.

What are those promises?

Everything that makes our lives good, meaningful, and significant.

The Tortoise didn't focus on whether or not he could make it to the finish line before the Hare got there.

Instead he stayed consistent, although slowly, making his way while looking forward, being convinced he would get there eventually.

We may not have arrived to our goal yet, but we can press on and keep going. We can keep believing and receive the good life our Creator Father has for us. Fasten your heart to what's ahead. His plans are always good, to give you hope and a future.

Philippians 1:6 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 TRICIA CLARK

Weekends WITHOUT EGGSHELLS

FOR YOU EQUIPPED ME WITH STRENGTH FOR THE BATTLE: YOU MADE THOSE WHO RISE AGAINST ME SINK UNDER ME. Psalm 18:30 ESV My son texted me while I was at Wednesday night Bible Study: “Dad moved back in...” Those words landed on me with gut-wrenching heaviness. I felt panic come over me in a way I had not felt in the last eight months since our separation.

My mind was racing, my emotions spiraling! I couldn’t believe my husband thought it was remotely okay to put me in this predicament, knowing how much damage he had caused throughout our marriage. I was nowhere near ready to be under the same roof as him - we hadn’t seen each other once during this separation, and now we would be navigating separate lives while living within these four walls.

A tidal wave of dread, worry, and outrage suddenly rushed over me, leaving my peace at the bottom of the ocean floor.

My husband's secretly moving back in was bold and dishonest because he knew I would be away for the evening, yet I knew it was God's perfect timing.

God surrounded me with women who would comfort me in this moment of fear and weakness. God expressed tangible love to me that night rather than allowing me to endure this hardship alone.

After 25 years of living in a destructive marriage, these last eight months of freedom from bondage and oppression felt as if a prison sentence had been lifted---like a bird set free from her cage.

Now, without forewarning, I had been thrust behind the bars that held me captive once again.

A tidal wave of dread, worry, and outrage suddenly rushed over me, leaving my peace at the bottom of the ocean floor.

The fifteen-minute, stomach-churning drive home was fast and slow at the same time as I dreaded what I was about to face— my emotions were tangled up in knots as I anticipated the unknown that awaited me. With one text from my son, my soul flipped from freedom to fear.

I tried to prepare myself for the situation I was about to enter: Would he try to talk to me immediately? Okay, that won't go well! Or would he keep silent, leaving me on pins and needles when I faced that first conversation alone with him? Would he burst into my bedroom during the night, waking me up wanting to talk, wearing me down, and convincing me that this separation was a mistake on my part?

BEFORE FREEDOM, TIP-TOEING ON EGGSHELLS WAS NORMAL. Agonizing over what he would do collided with how this living arrangement of shared space - pending a divorce - might work and how much I would have to survive before the torture was over.

Before freedom, tip-toeing on eggshells was normal.

Weekends were more stressful than weekdays because my husband was home from work. I often spent Fridays dreading the next two days. I spent prayer time pleading with God to help the kids and me to be on our best behavior so we wouldn't set him off.

Now that we were under the same roof again, was I strong enough to withstand his toxic pressure to conform to his tactics of guilt and fear?

God doesn’t expect you to live in bondage while tip-toeing on eggshells. Jesus came to set the captives free!

Eight months out of his clutches gave me space to uncover things I enjoyed.

One of the first pleasures I found was choosing what I wanted to watch on TV, something so small and simple.

Before freedom, we only watched what I wanted if it interested him, which rarely occurred. Discovering what I wanted refreshed and renewed my broken spirit!

If I am describing your life, maybe God is nudging you to examine it and discover how to reclaim your voice and choice. God doesn't expect you to live in bondage while tip-toeing on eggshells. Jesus came to set the captives free!

"The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." Deuteronomy 28:7 ESV Plan of Action: What would freedom look like to you? What is something you would enjoy doing? Choose one of those things this week and do it! If there is pushback from the other person, journal the situation so you can begin to notice what is causing you to stay in bondage.

TRICIA CLARK After enduring a 26-year destructive marriage, Tricia Clark faced a crucial choice: remain trapped and slowly die inside or break free from her prison. Ultimately, divorce became inevitable.

Having spent several years recognizing the darkness and despair that almost destroyed her, Tricia is now discovering hope and healing in her new life.

A significant part of her healing journey is her passion for helping others. She invites you to sit with her, peel back the layers, and begin your own path to healing. You'll learn to identify toxic patterns in destructive relationships and take steps to change them.

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