Unveiled Living Spring Edition 2025, Vol. 13

UNVEILED LIVING

Unveiled Living Emag Spring Edition 2025 Volume 13 Editorial Tracee Padilla Editor Contributors Jessica Thompson, Janice Conyers, Kathleen Knapp, Carmen Chase, Cendrine Hosoda, Tracee Padilla, Savannah Moore Marketing Design Tracee Padilla Edwin Padilla tracee@unveiledliving.org Editing & Emag Assistant Janice Conyers janice@unveiledliving.org Subscriptions Visit www.unveiledliving.org or contact - Janice Conyers at janice@unveiledliving.org

www.unveiledliving.org tracee@unveiledliving.org Published quarterly by Unveiled LIving Ministry All Rights Reserved.

This magazine is provided for free.

CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

INSIDE FROM OUR AMAZING WRITERS

EDITOR'S NOTE You’re not alone in this journey.

WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW They bloom where no one thinks they will - poem

GRACE WHEN I’VE BLOWN IT

by Kathleen Knapp

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A SEED

by Carmen Chase

by Cendrine Hosed

ROCKY SOIL IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE

JESUS TAKE THE CART - FAITH & FICTION SECTION

by Tracee P̀adilla

THRIVING IN CHAOS

by Savannah Moore

HOW TO WALK AWAY FROM ANXIETY - HEART TALK GRATITUDE IN THE WILDERNESS

by Janice Conyers

EMBRACING THE WEEDS

by Jessica Locklear Thompson

KIDZ KORNER: THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT

by Michelle A. Balts

RECIPES!

FINDING GOD IN THE MESSY

It’s that time of year for delicious recipes. Check out Tracee & Janice’s recipes for adding some goodness to your kitchen table this spring.

by Tracee Padilla

MEET OUR TEAM - UL UNVEILED LIVING BIBLE STUDIES UNFILTERED FAITH WITH TRACEE

WILDFLOWERS PROMISES PDF DOWNLOAD

UL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Editor’s Note FROM TRACEE If you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like to find yourself in the middle of a messy season. The kind where faith feels a little bruised, hope feels a little thin, and you wonder if you’ll ever see beauty grow out of it. If that’s you—you’re not alone.

This Wildflowers Spring Emag is full of real stories from real people who have walked through their own messy middles and found that God was there all along. Not standing far off, waiting for them to clean up—but kneeling right there in the dirt with them.

Kind of like the red poppy. It doesn't grow where everything's perfect—it blooms in ground that's been wrecked and torn up. That’s where the beauty shows up. And it’s the same with you, my friend. There isn’t a broken place in your life where God can’t plant something beautiful.

So if you’re tired, worn out, or wondering if anyone else feels the way you do—come sit with us. Grab a few quiet minutes (even if it’s hiding in your closet with chocolate—been there, done that) and dive into these pages.

You’re not the only one with messy places. And you’re not alone.

a l l i d a P Tracee

Editor-in-Chief

They bloom where no one thinks they will— On rocky slopes, on wind-blown hill.

No garden walls, no careful hands, Just sun and storms and shifting sands.

Their colors bold, their stems held high, Beneath a vast and changing sky.

No path laid out, no perfect plan, Yet beauty rises from the land.

So, too, our souls may sprout in pain, In seasons dry or drenched with rain.

Growth may look like breaking down, Like roots that reach through thorn and frown.

We ache, unsure of what will be— The dark, the doubt, the mystery.

But trust the Gardener, kind and wise, Who sees the bloom before our eyes.

For every twist, each untamed bend, God weaves with love and knows the end.

Though messy now, we’re being grown, Not lost, but led where seeds are sown.

So let the wild winds stir your soul, The chaos still can make you whole.

Trust the dirt, the rain, the light— God’s hand is in your every fight.

Where the Wildflowers Grow

by Janice Conyers

Grace When I’ve Blown It!

by Kathleen Knapp

Do you ever feel like you’ve blown it? I mean, really blown it? Today I got very angry. Loud voice. Defensive words.

Anger. Tears. Regret. Wow, did I ever blow it!

Then, after the surge of anger came the condemnation and guilt, I heaped on myself.

“Who do you think you are? A Christian writer? Hahaha, what a joke! You can’t even keep your temper and tears under control. You’d think by now you’d have matured enough to behave differently.”

Apparently not!

Sometimes, the enemy is the voice inside our heads telling us we are no good, we’ll never be any good, and why bother anyway? The guilt of not being perfect can sometimes feel impossible to achieve.

Then, I’m overcome with waves of discouragement, thinking I’ll never measure up to the expectations of being a ‘good’ Christian. But friends, we don’t have to be perfect. God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He loves us and offers us grace.

We need to receive it.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) My striving for independence usually gets me into trouble because it doesn’t involve grace. Without grace, I cannot experience mercy. Although I have been given so much mercy for my mistakes, I struggle with freely giving mercy to myself and others.

God asks us to lean into Him, depend on Him, trust Him, and run to Him when we mess up! Once I take a calming breath and slow my tears, my breathing returns to normal, with big sighs in between. Then, I go to God in prayer, ask for forgiveness, and accept his grace. I can rest in that mercy and forgiveness.

Once that is done, I have to take action.

I have to humble myself and ask forgiveness for the harsh words I’ve spoken, the angry voice I used, the defensive posture I took, the tears I shed, and the regret for my actions.

Humbling myself is hard. My very human reaction is to resist, react, and defend.

But there is grace. A grace I don’t deserve. A grace that is given freely to me through the love of Jesus.

But there is grace—a grace I don’t deserve, given freely to me through the love of Jesus, and which I need to give freely to others. Grace is the only way to heal a heart, mend a wound, and move forward in love. Grace covers a multitude of sins, but I need to humble myself, control my outbursts, and ask for forgiveness t when I blow it.

“But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1 John 1: 9 TPT) The reality of life is that I am needy. I am weak. I cannot do “life” on my own strength. I don’t think we were created to go through life alone without help.

Divine help is only a prayer away if we reach out. Thankfully, I don’t need to be perfect; I just have to accept help with grace.

This devotion is an excerpt from my new book “Come To The Table Pursuing Peace & Joy Through Grace & Mercy,” A 31-day Devotional with a Companion Journal available now on Amazon. Purchase it here.

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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Seed

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A

BY

CARMEN CHASE

“I HAD NO IDEA SUCH BEAUTY COULD REPLENISH ITSELF SO SIMPLY.”

As a child, I was enamored with my aunt’s front flower bed. Brimming with wildflowers, it was an enchanting sea of color and texture. One Thanksgiving, I watched in fascination as she waded through the forest of dried-up stalks, grabbed handfuls of crusty flower heads, crushed them between her hands and scattered the contents. “There,” she said. “Now they’ll all come back next year.”

I had no idea such beauty could replenish itself so simply. No carefully spaced seedlings, no coddling of tender new plants, no soil prep or watering.

Just death. And later in the Spring…. beautiful, abundant life.

I’ve encountered death. It didn’t come from a wildflower seed. It came for me.

“WHO AM I IF I’M NOT MAKING MUSIC?”

My college degree was in church music. I’d been playing piano and singing on church worship teams since I was 12. If asked to define myself, it would be: wife, mother, worship pastor. But when I noticed my husband needed reinforcements in our church’s children’s ministry, the Holy Spirit clearly challenged me to help him. But that meant giving up music.

Questions bubbled up to God, exposing my fears: If I stop leading worship, will I lose my skills? Won’t I lose touch with what’s current in the worship music world? I have no training in kids ministry…what if I’m no good at it?

Some weeks passed. Typical worship ministry tasks started to feel burdensome. I could feel irritation creeping in, as the passion and focus I normally carried for it dwindled.

Then the root fear surfaced. Who am I if I’m not making music?

“MY SOUL WRENCHED WITHIN ME.” As I wrestled with this, the Holy Spirit dropped a scripture to me.

I never memorized it, but it came to me clearly: “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone.

But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24 NLT) My soul wrenched within me. He wasn’t asking me to give up music. He was asking me to lay it down. Bury it in the soil of His path for me. And let it die. Let all of those questions of the unknown grow hidden roots of trust in the One who formed me, knows me and loves me, just because I’m His. Trust that there would be a harvest of some kind —the kind He wanted.

For the next eight years, I focused my time and energy building our church’s kids ministry alongside my husband. I rarely touched a piano or sang. It felt strange at first. This buried-seed-life had new skills for me to learn, new habits to form and new people to love. Little people. Precious-in-His-sight people who are now beginning families of their own.

Every now and then I glimpse at the colors, the textures. A social media post here, a phone call there. A different kind of wildflower bed. A child I prayed with years ago now thanks God for the miracle she’s been praying for.

A child whom I trained to operate audio and visual equipment in kids church now leads a church tech team. Each one developing into a full-headed flower.

With seeds of their own....to lay down and plant.

I tell you the truth...

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.

Social Media

episode REPLAY

How To Walk Away From Anxiety Right now on Unfiltered Faith with Tracee we’re walking through an 8-part series called When Anxiety Speaks—digging into the real, raw moments where anxiety shows up, what’s underneath it, and how God meets us in the middle of it.

Today, we’re sharing a Heart Talk Replay from a few years back called How to Walk Away from Anxiety—where Tracee tells the story of the first time anxiety crashed into her life at a youth camp. She didn’t even know what was happening at the time... but looking back, God was already beginning a deeper work.

Pull up a chair, grab your coffee (or sweet tea), and come hang out for a few minutes of truth, hope, and real-life healing.

BY JANICE CONYERS

GRATITUDE IN THE

WILDERNESS Watching for the Activity of God

GRATITUDE IN THE WILDERNESS

So often, we expect God to show up in polished moments— in church, in our quiet times, in times of plenty. But what about the middle of a mess? What about when the fridge is empty, the bills are due, and hope feels paper-thin?

I’ve been there.

Years ago, work had slowed to a trickle, and I had barely scraped together enough to cover rent and keep the lights on. Food was not in the budget. I remember opening the fridge and staring at the few things left: ketchup, mustard, maybe a half bottle of soy sauce. There was nothing I could turn into a meal. No bread. No pasta. Not even a can of beans hiding in the back of a cabinet.

I was bone-tired from trying to stay afloat and emotionally worn out from the weight of needing—again. I'd just come out of a season of homelessness, and this felt like slipping backward into fear. I was trying to be strong, trying to trust God, but the tears came easily those days.

It was a man from a local church—one ’d never attended. He smiled gently and handed me a box filled with groceries. “We had some extra,” he said. “Just felt like I needed to bring this by.”

My hands shook as I took the box. I managed a thank-you and closed the door, then slid down the wall and wept. Not quiet tears—deep, soul-wrung sobs of relief. Gratitude surged through me in waves. This wasn’t random. This was God. That box of food felt like manna. It was the tangible, unmistakable provision of a God who sees and provides – El Roi (the God who Sees) and Jehovah Jireh (the God who Provides).

WILDFLOWERS DON’T BLOOM...

Wildflowers don’t bloom where we expect them to. They spring up in cracked sidewalks, dusty highways, and forgotten corners of the world. They don’t ask permission.

They don’t wait for ideal conditions. They grow where they are, daring to be beautiful in chaos. And I’m convinced God works the same way.

BY JANICE CONYERRS

THEN CAME THE KNOCK.

“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, NLT) It wasn’t wrapped in a miracle headline or a thundering voice from heaven. It was a knock on a door and groceries in a box. But it was sacred.

That moment taught me to watch differently—to look for God in the wildflower places. In small kindnesses. In unexplained peace.

In needs met at just the right time. He often doesn’t show up the way we imagined, but He always shows up.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT God’s mercy doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it’s quiet, humble, almost hidden. But it’s always faithful.

So, how do we learn to see Him in those everyday moments?

We start by looking back. One of the most powerful spiritual tools I’ve embraced is a gratitude journal. Each day, I write down even the smallest evidence of God’s goodness—a kind word, an unexpected answer, a moment of laughter in a hard day. Then once a week, I take time to read through the list. It always amazes me how much I would’ve missed if I hadn’t written it down.

Want to go a step further? Create a Family Gratitude Journal.

Share those moments at the dinner table with your family. Invite your kids, spouse, or friends into the habit of noticing. Ask, “Where did you see God show up this week?” You’ll be surprised by how He’s moving in their lives too.

God is not only the Lord of mountaintop moments. He is also the God of the Wildflowers—showing up in unexpected places, growing beauty out of brokenness, and offering provision in the middle of mess.

Trust Him there. Look for Him there. And when you find Him, give thanks—wild, weeping, soul-deep thanks.

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.

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. She is currently the Assistant Worship Pastor at Beach Assembly in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

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.

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BY TRACEE L. PADILLA

We've all been her.

The one with a hundred tabs open in her brain. Dinner on the stove, laundry halfway folded, texts left on read, a Bible somewhere under the stack of unopened mail.

The one who says “I’m fine” through a tight smile… but inside she’s bone-tired and lowkey frustrated that no one notices how hard she’s working to hold everything together.

She keeps moving. Because if she stops, it might all fall apart.

She’s the one doing everything right. Showing up. Serving. Hosting. Smiling when she’d rather cry. Pouring out until there’s barely anything left—and then pouring out a little more.

And deep down? She’s hoping someone—anyone—will see how much she’s carrying.

How close she is to the edge.

How exhausted her soul has become.

Not lazy. Not dramatic.

Just worn thin and quietly wondering…

“God, do You even care?”

That’s where we meet her.

In Luke 10:38–42, the Bible finally gives her a name.

Martha.

The woman who opened her home to Jesus. Who wanted everything to be just right. Who was probably chopping vegetables and refilling cups while her heart was slowly unraveling.

She wasn’t doing anything “wrong.” She was being responsible. Helpful. Productive.

But somewhere between the expectations and the exhaustion, frustration crept in. And when she finally snapped, she didn’t hide it.

“Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?

Tell her to come and help me.” —Luke 10:40 (NLT) Whew.

How many of us have prayed prayers like that?

“God, don’t You see what I’m carrying?”

“Why does it seem like everyone else gets to rest, and I’m stuck carrying the weight?”

“Why am I the one doing all the things while she gets to just sit with You?” It's not a lack of love. It’s a woman at her edge, with the false perception that she has to do it all - trying to manage the world and quietly wondering if anyone sees her breaking under the weight.

And that’s exactly where Jesus meets her.

Not when she got it all figured out. Not when she finally quieted her soul. But, right there—in the swirl of the pots and pans and unspoken pressure—Jesus speaks.

“Martha, Martha... you are worried and upset over all these details! But there is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:41–42 (NLT) He didn’t scold her.

He didn’t tell her to do more.

He gently called her back to what mattered.

My friend, if you are finding yourself in the middle of the messiness of life, Jesus is saying the same thing to you. In the middle of your doing, your planning, your striving to keep it all afloat…He’s whispering your name, too.

“You are worried and upset about many things… but there’s only one thing worth being concerned about.”

He’s not shaming you for trying so hard.

He’s not rolling His eyes at your overwhelm.

He’s not standing over you with a clipboard of expectations.

He’s sitting in the room.

Waiting. Wanting you.

Not your performance. Not your perfection. Just you.

Because the one thing that matters most isn’t how clean the house is, how productive the day is, or how “together” you look on the outside. The one thing that matters is Him. And in the messy middle of all the noise, Jesus is still inviting you to sit.

To breathe.

To stop running.

To come closer.

Not when the mess is cleaned up.

Not when your to-do list is done.

Right now—to sit down with Him right smack in the middle of it.

So maybe today’s not about pushing harder. Maybe it’s not about getting through the checklist. Maybe it’s about pushing pause—right in the middle of the messy kitchen, the carpool chaos, or the emotional fog. It’s about choosing what Mary chose.

Not because you don’t care about all the responsibilities—but because you’re remembering that Jesus is waiting for you.

Jesus sees you.

He knows what you’re carrying.

And He’s not asking for more effort— He’s inviting you to rest in His presence.

Even in the mess.

Especially in the mess.

Let that be enough today.

TRACEE PADILLA

PERMISSION SLIP TO PAUSE Today, I give myself permission to stop striving.

To stop performing.

To sit with Jesus even while the dishes are still in the sink.

To be fully present, not perfectly productive.

I am not behind. I am not failing.

I am seen, loved, and invited to rest—right here, right now.

SIGNED: ME, DEEPLY LOVED BY JESUS EVEN IN THE MESSY

MY MESSY DAY DECREE OF GOD’S PROMISES When the day feels messy & my soul feels stretched, I declare: 1. I am not alone — God is with me in this moment.

(Psalm 46:1) 1. I am not what I accomplish — I am who He says I am.

(Ephesians 2:10) 2. I will not rush past His presence — I will choose what matters most. (Luke 10:42) 3. I can pause — because Jesus gives me peace, not pressure.

(John 14:27) 4. I am deeply loved, even here. (Romans 8:38–39)

EMBRACING

THE MESSY, BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY OF GROWTH, REPENTANCE, AND FRESH OIL

BY JESSICA LOCKLEAR THOMPSON

Have you ever felt like everything was too much to handle while, on top of it, God felt silent? Many people credit the enemy for their struggles or even blame their own flesh.

But what if the onslaught of everything piling up wasn't the result of either of those? What if it was actually the Lord's hand of crushing in our lives, pressing all of us out and creating new, fresh oil for what's to come?

If you're like me, you try to do right, live right, and seek the Lord in all your ways. You desire a close, intimate relationship with Him. You pray for Him to purify your heart, cleanse you, and remove any wicked thing in you that's not pleasing to Him. You truly mean it when you pray for it, but like me, when He actually starts to do it and it feels like everything is getting to be too much, you start whining and questioning everything you ever thought you knew. Sounds about right? We should probably be friends then.

What I've learned through these moments is that He was always right there. He wasn't completely silent, but while the pressure is building, our true selves start to emerge.

You know, the part where we thought we were strong in that area, we thought we could handle the testing and proving of the Lord. I eventually came to the point where I just told the Lord, "I don't know how or why You deal with me. How could You want to use someone like me who seems to fail every test of pressure You give me? How will I ever be strong enough to be who You need me to be to accomplish whatever Your plan is for my life?” I end up feeling like such a failure and not enough for Him to be proud of or pleased with.

When it feels like I can't take any more, He sends a word to remind me that His grace is sufficient for me, and in my weakness, He is made strong.

"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a NLT) I'm also reminded that when it feels like failing under pressure results in His disappointment, He can't refuse a contrite spirit.

"The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." (Psalm 51:17 NLT) My brokenness and weakness attract Him while humbling me. I find that my moments of crushing always end in the same way...

Repentance.

What ends these moments of crushing, intended to produce new oil, is to squeeze out all the flesh that was in the way. Once I've gotten to the point of feeling like I can't handle it another day and fall on my face before the Lord and ask yet again, "What is it that You are doing through this?" He reveals it at the perfect time. Once the Holy Spirit reveals it, because He is the revealer of all things, I can humbly repent, whether I was aware of what it was or not.

You see, growing in the Lord is never a polished, classy process. It's a messy one. Growth is painful. It's not fun. No one really wants to talk about how painful and messy it can be because who would sign up for that? We always ask, "Who wants fresh oil? Fresh anointing? Who wants to grow in the Lord?" But what we should be asking is, "Who wants to die?" Our flesh is dying with each crushing He brings; each level of glory brings another crushing.

But the blessing on the other side of it all is a new level of joy, clarity, and power. The weight lifts, and all of a sudden, it's easier to breathe because you survived the crushing and now are walking in fresh oil. Don't be discouraged if this sounds like your current circumstances.

Embrace it and humble yourself as I mentioned above, for on the other side is what He is preparing you for. You're not a failure; you're a fighter, and you will make it through this thing that feels as if it will never lift.

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_

EMAG 2025 Every quarter we are empowering women to live life unveiled in the freedom that God has called us to live.

www.unveiledliing.org

Thriving In Chaos Trusting God When Growth Feels Messy

by Savannah Moore

I remember being 16 years old, sitting in a youth service, thinking about how my calling didn’t match who I was at the time. Three months earlier, our youth group had gone on a retreat in Boone, NC, and on the last night, I felt God call me into ministry. For three months, I wrestled with Him. I was too quiet, a wallflower, not gifted, not a people person, too introverted to do anything in ministry.

But God saw otherwise.

Since that day (I’m 29 now), God has had me on a continuous journey of growth, trust, and faith. Let me tell you—it hasn’t been easy, and it definitely hasn’t been pretty. At least not at first.

Flowers don’t just start off full-grown.

They begin as a seed. That seed grows roots, and eventually, a stem starts to work its way up through the ground toward the sunlight. Potted flowers have it a little easier—the soil is loose on top to help them along—but wildflowers? They push up through some of the hardest, most unforgiving ground. Their journey to beauty is much harder. When we walk with God, our journey is like the wildflowers.

At 16, I didn’t know how to trust God. And truthfully, trusting Him is still hard. But even then, I knew I was called to something greater than myself. That calling has required sacrifice. It started with letting go of hobbies. Instead of just playing guitar for fun, I started asking how I could use it to serve God. Now let me tell you—this was a huge leap, because I was not (and still am not) comfortable being in front of people! The first time I played on the worship team, I struggled. I had never played rhythm before—I was always a flat picker—and I couldn’t get the rhythm and timing to click.

That night, after the service, I went into the bathroom and cried from embarrassment. I wanted to quit.

But God said no.

You know what He told me to do? Keep playing and trying.

I did not like that. But I obeyed.

Many tears later, playing rhythm finally started to make sense, and now I can play freely during both practice and worship time!

That’s just one small story of trusting God when things get messy. Honestly, the season I’m in right now is the biggest season of growth I’ve ever experienced— and by far the messiest and hardest.

Tracee is my spiritual mama and mentor.

Somewhere in the middle of last year, the Holy Spirit prompted me to start this season with her. Our task? To dig into the root of some things I’ve been struggling with for a long time.

When we think about flowers, we often focus on what helps them grow—light, soil, water—but if we fail to pull up the weeds, those weeds will choke the life out of the flower. The root of my struggles had, for too long, choked out the growth God intended for me. This season has been

about uncovering those roots and making room to grow.

In this time of my life, I’ve laid down my own way, trusted God more, and walked in faith like never before. And I’m still not at the end. Tracee could tell you about the tears I’ve cried, the frustration, the anger, and the constant thoughts of giving up that have hit me again and again.

Maybe you’re in a similar season.

We all go through them—at every age and stage of life. Maybe you’re 16, like I was, and God is asking you to step into something uncomfortable. Something you know is going to be messy. Maybe He’s pulling weeds so you can become the flower you were always meant to be. Or maybe you’re just afraid to take that first step.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Joy and peace are things I never truly had until recently. And while I still have to fight for them, I know they are God’s will for me.

If God is calling you into a new season, I want to encourage you—embrace it. Water the seed He’s given you.

And remember: when the messy parts show up, joy and peace are waiting on the other side.

Savannah Moore

Savannah lives in North Carolina and has a deep love for history and music. But her greatest passion? Today’s youth. She serves as the youth leader at her local church, investing her time and heart into helping teens grow in their faith and identity. A graduate of FIRE School of Ministry, Savannah is all about raising up a generation that knows who they are in Christ and isn’t afraid to live it out.

Unfiltered Faith with Tracee Padilla (over on Substack) is where we drop the act and talk about the stuff no one wants to say out loud— faith in the middle of the mess, the burnout, the doubts, and the “I can’t do this anymore” days.

New articles land every Monday and Thursday. And on Saturdays, we release a chapter from Tangled Roots & Barefoot Faith—a fictionmeets-devotional series loosely based on Tracee’s life. It’s filled with heartbreak, hope, and the kind of grace that meets you in your own story.

No filters. No fluff. Just real life, real Jesus, and the reminder that even here... you’re not alone.

Jesus Take the Cart

BY TRACEE PADILLA

FAITH & FICTION

There she was, pushing a wobblywheeled grocery cart that clearly had its own agenda. You know the kind — it veered left no matter what she did, like it had a GPS set to Drama. One hand on the cart, the other fumbling with a halfcrumpled list, she looked like a woman on the edge of either laughing or crying — maybe both.

Because sometimes it’s not the big stuff that pushes us over the edge.

It’s broken eggs.

Somewhere in the distance, a toddler was losing it over a box of cereal. A woman two aisles over was deep into a speakerphone conversation about her cousin’s gallbladder surgery. And this girl — frizzy-haired, under-caffeinated, and still unsure if she had bought toilet paper this week — was currently locked in a standoff between the budget pasta and the organic kind that cost as much as her water bill.

But just as she turned into the frozen section, muttering to herself and threatening to abandon the cart entirely, she saw her.

It’s unscannable coupons.

It’s the realization that you’ve circled the same three aisles twice and still forgot the milk.

Another woman. Standing completely still by the freezer doors. Crying.

Not sniffling. Not blinking back a few tears. Crying. That slow, silent, shoulders-shaking kind of cry that says, "I’m holding it together by a string and it’s snapping fast."

Then it happened.

She whispered, “Jesus, take the cart.”

Not sarcastic. Not dramatic. Just… tired. The kind of tired you don’t even talk about because it’s not just your body — it’s your mind, your soul, your everything..

And without hesitation — without knowing why — the girl with the crazy cart stopped. No big plan. No spiritual agenda. Just an instinct that said, this matters.

“Hey… are you okay?”

She wasn’t. But she talked. And the other woman — the one who’d nearly lost it over pasta — listened. Right there between the frozen peas and

discount pizza rolls, they stood and prayed. No crowd. No spotlight. Just a simple, sacred pause in the middle of ordinary chaos.

And it was holy.

Not because anyone had it all together.

But because God showed up in the mess.

That moment — the one no one else would’ve noticed — became the most spirit-filled moment of the week. Not in a church, but in a grocery store. Not in polished clothes, but in yoga pants and yesterday’s mascara. Not after a deep devotion, but after a near breakdown.

Because sometimes God doesn’t wait for quiet rooms and worship playlists.

Sometimes, He moves right there in aisle seven.

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) Even when you’re in yoga pants. Even when the cart’s possessed. Even when you're just trying to buy eggs and go home.

God sees the sacred in the everyday — and sometimes, all He needs is someone willing to stop in aisle seven.

God writes beauty into the places we thought were too messy to matter.

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ROCKY SOIL IS NOT

A DEATH SENTENCE DIGGING DEEP FOR TRANSFORMATION WITH GOD

BY CENDRINE HOSODA

Have you ever tried planting something in rocky soil? It’s not easy. The roots have a hard time finding enough space, the water drains too quickly, and the plant has to fight just to survive.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus talks about seeds that fall on rocky soil.

At first, they sprout with excitement, but when life gets tough, they wither because they don’t have deep roots. I’ve noticed that a lot of people feel judged or defeated by a common interpretation of this parable—that if we don’t have perfect soil, we’re doomed.

But how many of us have started something with enthusiasm only to feel like we’ve hit a wall or lost momentum? What if Jesus wasn’t just pointing out the problem but offering us an opportunity to become aware of our blind spots?

By recognizing where we’re stuck, we can work on those areas and get back on track—especially when we realize we’re not being as fruitful as we’re meant to be. The goal isn’t to shame us but to remind us that growth is always possible. After all, He wouldn’t sow seeds on rocky soil if He thought it was beyond hope.

From an emotional health perspective, it’s crucial to approach this with curiosity and compassion. I've seen people experience breakthroughs in areas they thought were too full of rocks to ever thrive.

Understanding Rocky Soil I love taking some time to think about what "rocky soil" might look like when it comes to emotional struggles, challenges, and beliefs that can get in the way of growth. One of the most encouraging things I’ve found in Jesus’s words is this: "What is impossible for people is possible with God." (Luke 18:27, NLT) Let’s be real—changing our environment can feel nearly impossible sometimes. But in the parable, God is still sowing His seed in rocky soil, and that gives me hope. It shows that even if I’m starting from a less-thanideal place, I can still cultivate growth.

I’m thinking of clients I’ve worked with who feel like their hearts are made of hard, rocky soil—where outside forces or past experiences have impacted their internal world and sabotaged any growth. They deeply desire to cultivate beautiful things, but there are subconscious blocks that compete with those desires.

My heart really goes out to them, because navigating those rocky internal landscapes can feel so tough. It takes real courage and grit to dig up those subconscious rocks, but it’s such important work. And it’s work that deserves all the support and compassion we can give.

I’ve also worked with people who didn’t learn how to hold onto their faith through challenging times—maybe because they were shielded from those struggles while growing up, or because when tough times did come, their caregivers didn’t know how to model perseverance. Instead, they coped in ways that kept them from growing or being fruitful.

These individuals may have grown up in more protected environments, and when difficulties arise, they feel unprepared to handle them. This is where emotional health and spiritual growth really come together.

Our backgrounds can shape how we respond to life's challenges, and that’s an important factor to understand in the healing process.

God’s `Promise in Imperfection There is always hope, no matter how harsh the conditions may seem. It can be tough, but we all find ourselves identifying with rocky soil at times—even though we all want to be deeply rooted in faith and abundantly fruitful.

When life throws challenges our way, it’s easy to feel depleted and stuck. When struggles start to steal our joy and we don’t feel like we’re thriving, discouragement can creep in, and it’s tempting to give up.

But even in those rocky seasons, we should remind ourselves that those tough times can be fertile ground of a different kind an invitation for growth.

I love learning from people who’ve managed to thrive despite their own rocky soil stories.

Reading and hearing their stories of overcoming hardship fills me with hope, faith, and inspiration.

We’re not alone—others have faced their own challenges and found a way through.

"But we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5, NAB

Practical Steps to Growth So, how do we develop deep roots, even in rocky seasons?

01

Nourishment: Just like plants need water to thrive, our souls need spiritual nourishment. Time in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and community are essential. When times get tough, seeking God becomes even more crucial—especially when it feels the hardest. What kind of nourishment do you need to focus on during these seasons?

02

Moisture Retention: Plants need help holding onto water, and we need help holding onto encouragement.

Faith-filled friendships and reminders of God’s past faithfulness are essential for sustaining us. Surrounding ourselves with life-giving influences is key when we’re facing hard times. Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life: who uplifts you, and who drains you?

03

Perseverance: Growth takes time, and some fruit takes longer to ripen than others. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit are often developed through perseverance. If you don’t see immediate results, it doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is underdeveloped in your life right now? Can you sit with God and ask Him to help you nurture that fruit? And while you’re at it, ask Him to show you if there are any rocks in your life slowing down that growth process.

Dig up the roots....

It’s also important to remember that diving into this work can be painful and slow. Many people shy away from it because of the discomfort it brings.

But cultivating a mindset of perseverance—like we do when learning any new skill—is necessary.

Anything worth growing takes effort and resilience.

Call to Action I hope you're feeling a renewed sense of encouragement, motivation, and inspiration to dig up those rocks and deepen your roots.

While we can't always control our circumstances, we do have the power to choose how we respond. Instead of giving up when life feels dry, we can anchor ourselves in God’s Word, trust in His faithfulness, allow others to help us uncover blind spots, and stay open to growth.

So, what’s one step you can take this week to deepen your roots? Maybe it’s carving out some time for reflection, journaling your thoughts, or reaching out to a trusted friend for support. Remember, even in rocky places, God can sustain us. Your journey of uncovering hidden rocks can lead to abundant fruitfulness.

The soil of brokenness is where the wildflowers of hope take root.

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

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Li

Kidz Korner

OF PETER RABBIT

BY MICHELLE A. BALTS

There is nothing like a real classic that invites us into an imaginary world of engaging characters and plots. With spring around the corner, a rabbit called Peter seems a fitting tale to revisit.

He had three other siblings named Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail who nestled together in a big tree with their Mother. It was on one particular morning when they were told not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden that Peter Rabbit happened to find himself exactly where he was told not to enter.

I guess for a rabbit lettuces, French beans, and radishes are way too tempting to pass by.

It was just as he was searching for some parsley that who do you think he found instead? Yes, You're right! Mr. McGregor quickly chased after him with a rake while calling Peter a thief!

Certainly scared Peter Rabbit found himself in one pickle after another with losing his shoe, a large brass button, a blue jacket, and finally rushing to hide in a watering can in the tool shed.

Just as he found a way out of the garden by wiggling himself underneath the gate, Mr. McGregor spotted him.

But what did it matter with his jacket and shoe hanging on a scarecrow. He was finally free from the fright of Mr. McGregor!

When he returned home at last, he had to eat his humble pie and tell his mother what he had done and why he wasn't wearing his jacket or shoes. Although he had to skip supper that evening it felt so good to be snuggled at home in his own bed.

We have all been tempted at one time or another to make wrong decisions.

We could say that Peter Rabbit was mischievous, meaning tending to cause annoyance, trouble or being irresponsibly playful.

There's a verse in the Bible, Psalm 52:2, that says, The tongue devises mischief.

Before we say something, we think something, and then, if or when we act on what we thought and said, there are always consequences that can be either good or bad.

When we choose to believe God's Word that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who shed his blood for our sins and that he gives us right standing with our Abba Father, we gain strength to overcome the tempter of our souls.

Our enemy, the devil, tries to attack us in our minds to try to steal, kill, and destroy our lives. Peter Rabbit finally admitted his wrongdoing to his Mother, who only wanted the best for her little bunnies, not wanting them to end up as dessert in Mr. McGregor's pie.

Our Abba Father forgives us, too, when we tell him what we did wrong. In the Living Bible, I Corinthians 10:13 it says, no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for He has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it.

Follow after Christ Jesus, the lover of your soul, who also faithfully obeyed his Father. He will help you to make the right decisions and enjoy the good plans he has for you to give you hope and a future that's bright and getting brighter every day.

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 15 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.

Unveiled Living Video Production is produced by

Media WWW.BRITELIGHTMEDIA.COM

EAT WELL. LIVE BETTER.

COMPANY CHICKEN CASSEROLE A comforting scrumptious meal for life’s chaotic season.

GRANDMA’S CHIP DIP You know what season it is? BBQ season and with that you need a good chip dip!

Company Chicken Casserole Recipe by Janice Conyers

Life can feel like a jumbled casserole sometimes—layers of challenges, unexpected ingredients, and moments that don’t seem to blend well at first. But just like wildflowers bloom in the most unlikely places, God brings beauty and nourishment even in messy seasons. This Company Chicken Casserole is a comforting, healthy meal made with simple ingredients, reminding us that something good can come together that we can be happy to share with friends.

Using riced cauliflower in place of traditional rice makes this dish lighter and a little more nutritious, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need something warm, simple, and soul soothing.

As you enjoy this simple casserole, let it be a reminder that God is present in your daily nourishment, in quiet dinners at home, and even in the leftovers. Just like this dish, His provision shows up in small ways that satisfy deeply—right in the middle of your mess.

Company Chicken Casserole Serves: 4–6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30–35 minutes Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded, diced, or chopped) 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen, thawed) 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute mozzarella cheese) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (optional, but adds a veggie boost) 1/2 small onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced (more if you love garlic, like Tracee and I do!!)

1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning) 1/4 cup milk or broth (just enough to keep it creamy) 1/2 cup crushed whole-grain crackers or breadcrumbs (optional for topping) 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional for topping)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9x13” casserole dish.

2. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil until softened (about 3–4 minutes).

3. In a large bowl, combine riced cauliflower, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli (if using), sautéed onion/garlic, Greek yogurt or sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, milk or broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.

4. Mix well until everything is evenly combined, then pour into the casserole dish.

5. In a small bowl, if using, toss cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.

6. If not, and you want to keep your carb counts low, you can top the casserole with a sprinkling of more cheese. Alternatively, take low carb pita bread or pork rinds pulsed in a food processor, sprinkle evenly over the top and spray lightly with olive oil spray.

7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

8. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to set.

Serve with: Rolls or Bread slices and a Garden Side Salad, Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus, or even some fresh Fruit slices.

Grandma’s Chip Dip RECIPE BY TRACEE PADILLA

Growing up, there wasn’t a summer BBQ, pool party, or holiday gathering where my mom’s famous chip dip didn’t make an appearance. It’s been passed down for generations — from my great-grandma to my mom and now to me (and my kids) — and it’s just one of those things that belongs on the table.

You’ll spot it right away because it’s got a light pink tint — but don’t let that scare you off. Trust me, once you grab a good ol’ salty potato chip (yes, dietitians everywhere agree — all things in moderation!) and dip it in, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

I’ll never forget my youngest son's 18th birthday. About fifteen of his friends swarmed the house for a surprise pool party. Of course, I had to make the dip — it's a tradition. After everyone had loaded their plates with burgers and hot dogs, one of the girls — still dripping wet from the pool — ran back inside, grabbed the bowl of remaining potato chips, swiped the last of the dip, and said with her mouth full, "This chip dip is SO good."

Then, just like that, she disappeared back outside, victorious..

And that's the story of this family chip dip — it steals the show every time.

So the next time you’re headed to a church event, a family cookout, or a holiday party, make this dip. Just be warned: once people taste it, they’re definitely going to beg you for the recipe.

Ingredients: 2 packages of cream cheese, softened. ¾ cup of honey french dressing (Marzetti) ¾ cup of Miracle Whip ONLY 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. of worchestershire sauce Place 2 packages of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the honey French (I prefer Marzetti brand), Miracle Whip (do not use any other mayo or it’ll drastically change the flavor of this dip), and garlic and WS. *I add a little more garlic powder. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Chill in fridge a few hours.

Serve with wavy potato chips and get ready for lots of deliciousness!

Unveiled Living Book Recommendations

It’s Not Always Smart to be Pretty

by Janie Torbich, Author and Motivational Speaker

Purchase your copy here.

In It's Not Always Smart to Be Pretty, Janie Torbich shares her powerful journey of self-discoveryone that goes beyond the mirror and into the depths of intelligence, faith, and purpose. Through candid reflections, personal struggles, and triumphant breakthroughs, she challenges the idea that outward beauty defines worth.

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UNVEILING GOD’S TRUTH FOR EVERYDAY BATTLES

UNVEILING GOD’S TRUTH FOR EVERYDAY BATTLES

It’s time to pick up your sword and your journal, girl!

We’ve come a long way since those first hot pink boxing gloves hit the scene — and now we’ve unveiled our latest study, the Unveiled Living Faith Study Library. It’s fully stocked and growing every month!

This isn’t about surface faith or feel-good quotes. These studies are for women ready to live anchored, bold, and spiritually awake in a world that keeps trying to knock us off our feet.

Every study is built to help you: Activate your faith in everyday moments Absorb God’s Word in practical, powerful ways And grow stronger through scripture, prayer, and real-life application We’re covering everything from spiritual fatigue to identity, worry to bold obedience — and we’re just getting started.

What’s New in the Library: Foundation to Flourish by Janice Conyers Get rooted. Stay grounded. Grow wide. This monthly study helps you build an unshakable faith life, no matter the season. Coming end of May 2025.

In Over My Head (But Not Out of His Reach) by Tracee Padilla A fresh 5-day devotional for the weary and overwhelmed. If you’ve been treading water lately, this one’s for you. Now available.

Deeply Rooted by Tracee Padilla A 3-day study about planting your life in God’s truth and standing firm when the winds blow. Short, powerful, and packed with scripture. Now Available.

The Path Less Traveled by Carmen Chase This 1-day forgiveness study brings honest truth, grace, and healing to hearts still carrying the weight of what was done — or left undone. Now Available.

Let’s dig in. Let’s grow. Together.

Bible Studies OVERWHELMED

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COMING July REVEAL COMING JULY 2025 IT’S GONNA BE GOOD!