Dear Little Girl, Trust the Process

Life has a way of circling back to lessons we thought we’d already learned.

Trust. Patience. Faith.
We think we’ve mastered them—until they get tested again, in different ways, at different times.

I’ve been here before, haven’t you?

That place of waiting. That space between where you are and where you hope to be. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and often frustrating. We like progress, forward motion, and clear answers. But sometimes, God asks us to wait.

And I hate waiting.

If I’m being honest, I’ve never been good at it. I like control. I like knowing the plan. I like fixing things. And when life isn’t moving as quickly as I want it to, I start reaching for the next thing to hold onto—the next distraction, the next goal, the next source of validation to prove I’m doing enough.

But over and over again, God has gently whispered to me:

"Slow down. Stop striving. I see you. I know you. And I already have the way laid out before you."

God Sees You in the Wilderness

I was reflecting on Hagar’s story.

Hagar was a slave. An outsider. A woman caught in a story not of her own making. She had been used, mistreated, and then cast aside. She didn’t have choices. She didn’t have control. When she ran into the wilderness, she had no plan, no direction—just the aching desire to escape.

And I get it.

I’ve run into the wilderness, too.

I’ve run into it when I felt unseen and unworthy in my marriage.
I’ve run into it when I was grieving my mom’s death, trying to hold it together while my heart was shattered.
I’ve run into it when I felt lost in motherhood, wondering if I had lost myself entirely.

Maybe you’ve been there, too.
Maybe you’re there now.
Maybe you’re in a season of uncertainty, feeling unseen and wondering if God has forgotten you.

But God didn’t forget Hagar.

He met her in the wilderness.
He called her by name.
He didn’t erase the struggle, but He saw her and gave her a promise of something greater.

And in that moment, Hagar became the first person in Scripture to give God a name—
El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me.”

Where Have You Come From, and Where Are You Going?

When God spoke to Hagar, He asked her one question:

“Where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Genesis 16:8)

He didn’t ask because He didn’t know.
He asked because Hagar needed to pause and reflect.

And maybe, right now, so do you.

I know I do.

Because if I’m honest, there have been so many times in my life when I tried to force the answers. I’ve gripped things too tightly because I was afraid to trust. I’ve tried to rush my healing because sitting in the pain felt unbearable.

But every single time, God was already ahead of me.

Even when I couldn’t see the next step, He could.
Even when I felt lost, He knew exactly where I was.
Even when I thought I had to hold it all together, He was already holding me.

Dear Little Girl, He Sees You.

Maybe today, you need this reminder:

God sees you. In your joy, in your frustration, in your fear.

He knows the next step, even when you don’t.

You don’t have to have it all figured out—because He already has.

So where have you come from, and where are you going?
Maybe the answer isn’t in striving but in surrendering.
Maybe today, the only step you need to take is to trust.

A Closing Prayer

"Father, in the moments when I feel lost in the wilderness, help me to remember that You are the God who sees me. You are not absent. You are not silent. You are working, even when I cannot see. Give me the faith to trust the process and the patience to wait on Your perfect timing. Amen."

Reflection Question:
Have you ever felt like you were in the wilderness, waiting on God? Share your story in the comments below—I’d love to pray with you!

If this devotion spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement today.

Join the conversation on Instagram! → @worthy.heart

Dear Little Girl...Your Heart Can Heal

There’s something sacred about a simple break. A breath. A pause in the middle of the whirlwind of life and yesterday, I got one.

A day that started with dance and MELT ended with a nap and a dinner date with my oldest son, Will. It wasn’t flashy or wild. It was exactly what my soul needed. Rest. Connection. A glimpse of joy that reminded me, once again, that even in the mess, God is near.

Yesterday morning I sat in silence, letting the stillness speak. The roofers were working — I heard drills and hammers chipping away at damage, repairing something that’s long needed tending to. And I couldn’t help but think…

That’s what I need too.

Not just my house.

But my heart.

It’s been carrying burdens. Old ones. Deep ones. Rooted in stories that were never true but felt real enough to shape me: that my body had to earn me love. That I had to give to be wanted. That silence or shame meant I was broken.

But maybe the truth is this: I’ve always been worthy. I just didn’t know how to believe it.

So I sat. I let God get into my head before I did. I remembered Hagar — how she ran into the wilderness, wounded and unseen, and God met her there. God saw her. Provided for her. And gave her the strength to carry on.

That same God sees me.

He sees you, too.

You are not forgotten. You are not too far gone. You are not broken beyond repair.

You are seen. Loved. And worthy of healing.

So maybe today isn’t about fixing it all. Maybe today is about asking: What needs to be chipped away? What needs to be surrendered? What story have I outgrown that I’m still dragging around?

Let Him be the one to do the patchwork. He’s the best at restoration.

A question to journal on:

What part of your heart is still in need of healing?

Sit with it. Breathe. Give it space.

The answer will come — and when it does, freedom follows.

A Prayer for the Healing Heart

Dear God,
I’ve been carrying this burden far too long.
Trying to fix things, hold things together, be everything to everyone.
But today, I don’t want to carry it alone.

I invite You in — to my mind, my heart, my pain, my past.
Chip away at the fear.
Drill through the doubt.
Tear off the broken pieces and patch them with your peace.

Remind me that I am already enough.
I don’t have to earn love.
I don’t have to be perfect to be healed.
I don’t have to hustle for worthiness.

You call me beloved — as I am.

Thank you for seeing me.
Thank you for healing me — even when I can’t see the full picture yet.
I choose to trust You with the process.
And I choose to believe that joy is coming.

Amen.

With love,
Worthy

Dear Little Girl....Laughter is Coming

Life is so beautiful, yet so complicated sometimes. There are seasons where we find ourselves desperate for laughter. Desperate for joy. Desperate for peace. And what I’m learning is this: life will continue to life. People will continue to people. And we, as humans, will continue to make choices — some good, some bad, and some that carry painful consequences, not only for us but for those around us.

I’ve felt the weight of that since 2018.

But sometimes, the smallest lines leave the biggest impact. This morning, I read something that stopped me in my tracks:

“God, please get in my head before I do.”

What a simple, powerful prayer. Before the world floods in with worry, assumptions, scrolling, and spiraling, what if we paused and simply asked God to take the lead?

Because the truth is: He’s already working.

He’s softening hearts. He’s healing wounds. He’s bringing laughter to places that once held pain. Even when we don’t feel it yet. Even when the surface of life feels chaotic, messy, or overwhelming.

Today, I opened my Bible to Genesis 21 and was greeted by the long-awaited moment Sarah gives birth to her son, Isaac. His name means laughter. A holy reminder that joy still comes — even after silence, even after doubt, even after the long, barren stretches of waiting. Joy finds a way. Laughter finds us.

This past week has been a mixed bag: moments of tension, moments of growth, words of apology, reconnection, and most surprisingly — laughter. And not the forced kind, but the kind that bubbles up when your heart finally exhales. Laughter in the ordinary. Laughter in unexpected peace.

Maybe you’re not in a light season right now. Maybe you're stuck in the middle of your own Genesis 19 — full of chaos, fear, consequences (from your own choices or someone else’s), and the temptation to keep looking back.

But today, I’m choosing to pause at Genesis 21. I’m choosing to sit in the laughter. To dwell in the joy that comes when God keeps His promises. I’m choosing joy over fear. Peace over spirals. Presence over panic.

Because here’s the truth:

• You don’t have to have it all figured out to be filled with joy.

• You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect to celebrate what is good.

• God is still in the business of turning barrenness into beauty, fear into faith, and silence into songs of laughter.

So today, I’m praying:

Lord, I surrender all of me. Take care of everything. I’ll do my part to show up, to love, to be present, to be your light. You handle the rest.

Reflection Question: Where in your life are you longing to see laughter return?

Laughter is not the absence of struggle — it's the presence of God even in the midst of it.

Let’s look for it today.

You are loved. You are seen. And yes, you are worthy of joy.

With hope,
Worthy

Dear Little Girl, When God Feels Silent… Can You Still Trust?

I woke up today thinking about waiting. About silence. About how hard it is to trust when life feels uncertain.

This past week, I woke up to a storm—and a leaking roof. It was one of those mornings where life smacked me right in the face before I’d even had my coffee. As I stood there staring at the mess, I felt that familiar wave of frustration and loneliness creeping in. Memories from the past seven years grabbed hold of me, and before I knew it, I was spiraling. My mind was racing. My mouth, too, if I’m being honest.

Why can’t things just be easy?

But it wasn’t just the roof. It was everything. The unexpected struggles. The setbacks. The triggers. The unanswered prayers. The waiting.

And the truth is—I hate waiting. I like action. I like answers. I like knowing what’s coming next. I like having a roadmap and a plan.

But as I sat with God that morning, after I got the buckets and towels situated, I found myself back in Genesis 16—the story of Hagar. And then I turned the page to Genesis 17, and something hit me in a way it never had before.

Between those two chapters, thirteen years passed.

Thirteen years.

Thirteen years where God said nothing.

When God Goes Quiet

Imagine what that must have felt like for Abraham.

God had made this huge promise to him—"I will make you into a great nation"—and then… silence. No updates. No signs. No reminders that the promise was still on its way.

And that’s when it hit me—maybe I am in my own “thirteen-year waiting period.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think it’s actually going to be thirteen years (Lord, I hope not). But I do know I’m in a season where I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know exactly what the future holds. I don’t know how certain struggles will resolve, what our new normal looks like when life “life’s,” how certain prayers will be answered, or how long this waiting will last.

And that’s uncomfortable. I don’t like it. At all.

But the truth is—waiting is always uncomfortable.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

Maybe you’re waiting, too.

Maybe you’re waiting for healing. For clarity. For a relationship to be restored. For a financial breakthrough. For direction in your career. For a prayer to be answered that feels like it’s taking forever. For a child to come back home. For the offer to be accepted.

Or maybe you’re like me—just waiting for a little bit of peace.

And in the waiting, the enemy whispers lies:

God has forgotten you.
Nothing is ever going to change.
If He really loved you, you wouldn’t be struggling like this.
You really are alone.

I know those lies well. I’ve believed them more times than I care to admit.

But here’s what I’m learning—silence does not mean absence.

God was just as present with Abraham in those thirteen silent years as He was the day He made the promise.

And He is just as present with me. With you. Right now.

When We Want Answers, God Wants Surrender

Here’s something else I noticed.

Right in the middle of all this waiting, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham.

Why?

Because Abraham means “Father of Many Nations.”

God renamed him before he even had a single child with Sarah. He called him something that didn’t make sense in his present reality. But God wasn’t looking at his current situation—He was looking at the promise.

And I wonder…

What is God calling me in this season that I haven’t fully stepped into yet?

What is He calling you?

Faithful? Worthy? Chosen? Healed? Brave? Loved? Mom? Wife? Friend?

Even if you don’t feel it yet?

God asked Abraham to walk with Him and trust Him—before the evidence of the promise even showed up.

And maybe that’s what He’s asking me to do right now, too.

Maybe that’s what He’s asking you to do.

To trust before you see.
To believe before you understand.
To know He is working even when everything feels quiet.

Because just like He saw Hagar alone in the wilderness, He sees us in the waiting.

And His promises are still true.

A Question for You

Have you ever been in a season where it felt like God was silent?

What did you learn from it?

Final Thought

Dear little girl,

If you are waiting right now, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. God has not left you. He is working behind the scenes, even when you don’t see it.

And just like Abraham, when the time is right, the promise will come.

Until then?

Keep walking. Keep trusting.

Even in the silence.

A Prayer for the Waiting Season

Father,

Waiting is hard. It stretches me in ways I don’t like, and if I’m honest, sometimes it feels like You’re silent. But I know You are here. I know You are working, even when I can’t see it.

Help me to trust You in the waiting. To surrender my need for control and embrace the peace that comes from knowing You are faithful. When the enemy whispers lies—telling me I am forgotten, that nothing will change, that I am alone—remind me of Your truth.

You are with me. You see me. You hear me. You love me.

Lord, help me believe that Your timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with mine. Strengthen my heart when doubt creeps in. Give me the patience to wait well, knowing that what You have for me is worth the wait.

And just like You saw Hagar in the wilderness, just like You fulfilled Your promise to Abraham, I trust that You see me now—and that Your promises for my life are still true.

I choose to keep walking. To keep trusting. Even in the silence.

Amen.

Dear Little Girl, You are Seen

Dear Little Girl,
I see you, standing there, wondering if you are too much… or maybe not enough. Wondering if what you have is too little… or maybe you don’t deserve more.

You’ve carried this fear for so long, haven’t you?
The fear that love is something to be earned. That security is something you must control. That you must hold everything together—the house, the family, the finances—so that no one leaves.

But what if I told you that’s a lie?

You are not unseen.
You are not forgotten.
You do not have to prove your worth.

💛 “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me.’” – Genesis 16:13

Hagar was an outsider. An Egyptian servant. A woman thrown into a foreign land, used, discarded, and left to wander the desert alone. But God found her. He saw her. He called her by name.

And dear little girl, He sees you too.

You don’t have to keep a perfect house to be loved.
You don’t have to hide your desires to be worthy.
You don’t have to be afraid of abundance—God delights in blessing His children!

You are seen. You are heard. You are loved.

A Personal Reflection

I didn’t always believe this.
Somewhere along the way, I picked up the story that love was something I had to work for—that if I was good enough, quiet enough, responsible enough, I would be worthy. I thought keeping everything in order—my home, my marriage, my finances—would make me feel safe and seen.

But no matter how hard I worked, the old fear remained. The little girl inside me still whispered, "You have to hold it all together, or you’ll be left behind."

And then, God whispered something different.

"I see you. Not because of what you do, but because of who you are."

An Invitation to Let Go

Maybe today, you just need to sit in that truth.
Let go of the lie that you have to earn love, and rest in the One who has already given it freely.

💛 What would change if you truly believed you were seen by God?

A Closing Prayer

"Father, remind me today that I don’t have to strive to be seen. You see me, fully and completely. Help me release the need to prove my worth and rest in the truth that I am already loved. Amen."

💬 If this spoke to you today, leave a comment or share with a friend who needs this reminder.

Wrestling with the Concept: "Blessings go where God tells them to Go"

In my quiet time this morning I came across the quote, “Blessings go where God tells them to Go”. This one sits in my gut a little unnerved. I am not sure why either. So I decided to take to my journal and hash it out. Oddly I felt God nudging me to share my thoughts with you guys, so here goes nothing.

As I dive into the depths of scripture, particularly the book of Deuteronomy, my mind swirls with questions about this idea of blessings and God’s providence. The phrase, “Blessings go where God tells them to go” resonates deeply within me, yet it also bothers me. Any time my heart gets an unsettling nudge I decide to pick it apart. Today I am realizing this is not sitting right with me at my core because I feel it raises profound questions about the intersection of God’s will and human suffering.

This morning I find myself confronting the dilemma: IF blessings indeed flow according to God’s direction, what about the presence of pain and suffering in our lives? Does this mean that everything happens according to God’s plan and nothing happens by chance? What about the bad?  Does the bad happen because of God’s plan? From my understanding of the book of Job, while God does “allow” challenges to arise, it is crucial to note that God’s ultimate protection preserved Job’s life. 

The more I ponder this idea, the more restless I become. Maybe because our community has a family that has suffered a huge loss that is unexplainable and I want to scream, “did you allow that God?” This devastation in our neighborhood has left me grappling with this question on a visceral level. I can’t help but wonder, did God really allow such loss and sorrow? And as I reflect on the trials my own family has endured, I am confronted with the same uncertainty. 

When I look at the world around me, I see many people suffering… I am sure you see that too. It is hard not to. I know deep down that each person's pain is their pain and we will never know how deep the cut goes unless we walk in their shoes, so I am not about to suggest anyone’s pain is less than another's. Because I believe, pain is pain is pain is pain.

I am wrestling with the notion that while blessings follow God's direction, He still permits pain. Can't He intervene to prevent it, alleviate illness, or divert disaster? And if so, why doesn't He?

Sometimes I get stuck in these difficult WHY’S and I have to look up and look deep within myself and say, “God, I do believe AND I need YOU to help in my disbelief.”  Meaning, God, I know you are where the joy is. I know you delight in blessing, protecting, and loving us. I know you do not harm us. I know you are faithful to me even when I am unfaithful to you. I may not ever know the “Why” behind the pain on this side of heaven, AND I know that it is in times of pain that I need to lean in closer, because you really do have me.

It is in these moments of doubt and disbelief that I run to my two chairs and talk to God acknowledging to Him my struggles while affirming my faith. I do recognize that God is the source of joy and blessing, yet I do still struggle to reconcile this truth with the reality of human suffering. 

This morning while struggling with this intersection of good and suffering, I stopped to remember myself as a kid and when I broke my leg in third grade. I will never forget my dad lying down next to me on the couch and me snuggling up to him and feeling so safe. I know it is the same with God. When our hearts are broken, we just need to lean in and God, our father in heaven, will help our broken hearts to heal and help us to feel joy again. I do believe that even in my doubt. Just as my earthly father offered reassurance when I was hurt as a child, I believe God offers the same comfort to His children in times of distress.

So, where does this leave us? Despite the darkness that surrounds us, I cling to the belief that blessing will ultimately align with His divine plan for our lives. Even when we can’t believe this because the pain is so deep, so real…blessings will come. I do believe this. 

And though our journey through life may be fraught with uncertainty, I hold fast to the promise that light will pierce through the darkness, bringing hope and healing.

To my dear sisters who find themselves in the throes of pain and doubt, may I offer this message of encouragement: trust in God’s faithfulness, even when it feels like all hope is lost. Hold onto the flickering light in the darkness, knowing that God is with you, guiding you through the storm.

YOU ARE WORTHY and God’s love for you knows no bounds. Hold onto hope, for I know you may not believe this right now, but brighter days are ahead. I know deep in my heart that it is so hard to believe, but if you can believe one thing, believe this: God can and will help you in your disbelief. You just need to do one thing. Ask Him. That is it. 

Say to Him, “God, I want to believe you have a plan for this terrible situation, but I don’t, so please help me in my disbelief.” 

Every morning and every night, no matter how long it takes, go to Him with this simple ask that I believe in God’s eyes, embodies a prayer.

I trust without a shadow of a doubt, in your earnest seeking, you will find strength, peace, love, and the unwavering presence of God, guiding you through the darkest of nights into the dawn of a new day filled with little tiny miracles to give you hope and joy.

My prayer today: God, may the person reading this find comfort in your presence, and may Your blessings rain down upon them, restoring joy and peace to their weary soul.~Amen

I adore you wildly!

Worthy

Reflecting on the Joyful week of Advent

Week 3 of Advent has come to a close, and oh, the JOY! As we inch closer to the birth of Christ, Love takes center stage. If you missed any part of our journey, catch up on the blog here:

Advent Journey

Week 1 Hope

Week 2 Peace

Now onto Week 3!

This past week was a symphony of Joy, and let's take a moment to recap the highlights.

Day 13: Jeremiah 31:31-34 A life changing promise! God, feeling the strain in His relationship with His people, initiates a new covenant—a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, stupid grace, and an overwhelming sense of joy and love.

Day 14: Ezekiel 36:24-28 Amidst the heartache of poor choices, God, as always, is on a mission to rescue. A reassuring reminder that God relentlessly pursues us, even when our hearts are made of stone. Rejoice, for you are worthy!

Day 15: Zechariah 6:12-13, Hebrews 7:17-22 A vision of Jesus as our eternal connection to God—a vine sustaining us with life. The metaphor of Melchizedek in Hebrews, a priest and king, reminds us of Jesus' ministry and the hope for a world restored.

Day 16: Luke 4:16-19, Isaiah 61:1-3 Good news! Jesus, preaching liberation for the oppressed, sick, and sinners—a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Rejoice! Be full of joy for we have the Lord's favor, and we are worthy of it!

Day 17: Isaiah 53, 700 years before Jesus, Isaiah prophesies, connecting dots for God's ultimate plan. Jesus is the light of life, bringing satisfaction, freedom from pain, and forgiveness. What an immense source of joy!

Ignore the typos :) This is Day 17 :)

Day 18: Isaiah 7:10-14, Matthew 1:22-23 King Ahaz's refusal to seek a sign contrasts with the joyous news of a virgin conceiving Immanuel—God with us. An incredible reminder that God offers signs of His presence, and joy abounds in His closeness.

As we enter Week 4, lighting the candle of Love, let's cherish the attributes of God: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Love, a pivotal force in the Christmas Story, surrounds Joseph and Mary exemplifies God's sacrifice, and echoes through Jesus' teachings. This Christmas, bask in the warmth of God's love—knowing you are undeniably worthy of it!

Merry Christmas my Worthy Friends!

Amy

aka~Worthy

A Week of Peace: Embracing the Advent Journey

As we bid farewell to yet another week, we find ourselves two steps closer to the awe-inspiring moment of Christ's birth. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and if you've missed any part of it, catch up here for our intro for an enlightening recap of our pursuit of love, hope, and worthiness. And click here for Week one Recap

Week Two: The Quest for Peace (Days 8-13)

Day 8: We explore Deuteronomy 5:23-27, 18:15, and Matthew 1:1, navigating the majestic nature of God. The revelation that another prophet would stand with us, guiding, comforting, and providing eternal peace, offered solace amid the enormity of God.

Day 9: Our gaze shifted to 1 Chronicles 17:10-14, emphasizing the significance of David's lineage in the grand narrative. This lineage, promised to rule Israel forever, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus—a promise of everlasting peace for all.

Day 10: Journeying through 1 Kings 6:11-18, 29-30, we witnessed the joyous occasion of Solomon building God's temple. Yet, it became a poignant reminder of how life's chaos often follows moments of pure joy. The Good News of Christ, however, presents a temple not made of stone but of our bodies—a vessel for true and enduring peace.

Day 11: Daniel 7:9-14 painted a vivid dream, offering a glimpse into a kingdom ruled by Jesus—a kingdom marked by peace, love, and hope. As disciples, we carry the weapons of this kingdom, striving to bring light and peace to a world overshadowed by chaos.

Day 12: Psalm 1:1-6 unfolded the metaphor of a river and a plant, symbolizing Jesus as our living water. Staying close to Him ensures sustenance and a fruitful life. A poignant reminder that cultivating our relationship with Christ brings forth a flourishing of peace even in the chaos and confusion of life.

In the words of my brother Chuck, relationships are like flowers—water them daily. Similarly, our relationship with Christ is a living entity. If it withers, Christ welcomes us back, urging us to water it often, preferably daily. This relationship is our river, our living water, sustaining us and offering a profound sense of peace.

So, if life feels dry and arid, take a moment to water your relationship with Christ. Whether through Psalms, two chairs, or worship music, let the living water renew your spirit. Watch as peace, amidst the chaos and noise, floods your soul.

As we conclude this week of Peace, let the reassurance echo: YOU ARE WORTHY! The journey continues, and next week, we embark on the pursuit of Joy. Here's to Hope, Here's to Peace—may we all feel its gentle embrace. Amen, Amen!

XO,

Amy

aka~Worthy

Embracing the Advent Spirit: A Week of Hope and Reflection

As we bid farewell to the first week of Advent, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey we've embarked upon. If you need a quick recap, click here

Week One: The Radiance of Hope

In a world draped in darkness, pain, uncertainty, and sin, the concept of hope emerges as a beacon of light. As I delved into the scriptures this week, unraveling lessons for you, I found myself learning and discovering some amazing things.

Unveiling the Meaning of the Wreath

Did you know that the Advent wreath, a common sight during this season, symbolizes life? I did not and I found it fascinating that the circular shape, represents the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. Growing up Catholic, I was accustomed to seeing the wreath on the kitchen table with its candles illuminating each week. However, I never fully grasped the depth of its symbolism—the unfolding narrative leading to the birth of Christ.

A Week of Hopeful Scriptures

This past week, themed around Hope, was a daily journey through scriptures, offering passages to inspire hope, even in the messiness of life. Each day, whether you feel ordinary, burdened by shame, or entangled  in secrets, the message echoed loud and clear: YOU ARE WORTHY! YOU are LOVED! YOU are cherished! And YOU can have HOPE.

The Genesis of Hope

Day one led us to Genesis 1, where hope began with God bringing light into the darkness, separating the light from the darkness. Even if you find yourself in a dark place, devoid of light, remember that God still separates darkness from light. His promises endure.

Day two delved into Genesis 3:8-15, recounting Eve's encounter with the tempting apple. How often do we get distracted by shiny things, forgetting God?  Choices have consequences, yet God remains ready to embrace and clothe us, as witnessed in Adam and Eve's story.

Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Redemption

Day three unfolded an ordinary family's tale, one that would likely appear as the epitome of happiness on social media. But behind the facade, we discover a struggle for motherhood, a maid feeling like a doormat, and a husband attempting to fix what he can't. It's a reminder that people often hide behind perfect images, substances, or actions to mask the truth. God sees beyond the façade, offering love, believing in your worthiness, and calling you to HOPE.

Transformative Change in Hot Mess Central

Day four took us to Genesis 49:8-10, introducing us to Judah, a character embodying 'hot mess central.' Judah's transformation from orchestrating his brother's sale into slavery to becoming an instrument for God's glory offers a beacon of hope. If you feel like a 'hot mess,' remember, it's never too late to change. YOU are WORTHY, and God can use you, just as He did with Judah.

The Lamb's Blood and Your Worthiness

Day five we found ourselves in the book of Exodus 12:21-28, a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The story of Moses instructing God's people to slaughter a perfect white lamb and paint their doorposts with its blood is a powerful image. Jesus, the Lamb of God, painted you in His blood, offering protection from darkness. Remember, you are WORTHY of the light.

God's Love Despite Broken Promises

Day six recounted Exodus 32:11-14, 30-32, showcasing God rescuing His people from Egypt, making promises, and forming a covenant, only to witness them breaking it. How often do we find ourselves making promises to God, only to break them? Despite our shortcomings, God LOVES us, and we are WORTHY of His LOVE and Grace.

A Week of Hope, Redemption, and Worthiness

As we conclude this week of Hope, it's essential to recognize that if you see yourself in any of these stories, you are not alone. I see myself in each of them, and that realization, in itself, fills me with hope. I hope the same holds true for you.

Remember, even in your darkest hour, during your lowest low, hope is never truly lost. Look to the cross, pull up a second chair, light a candle, get quiet, and ask God to give you light and hope. He promises, and He delivers

XO,

Amy,

aka Worthy

Embracing the Advent Spirit: A Journey to Celebrate Love, Hope, and Worthiness

Hello WORTHY friends,

As we dive headfirst into the holiday season, I wanted to take  a moment with you all to reflect on the essence of Advent. It's a time of anticipation, a season marked by the arrival of something or someone special. And what could be more special than celebrating the birth of the one and only Jesus Christ?

Now, I know we've just wrapped up Thanksgiving, a day when we express gratitude for everything we have, big and small. It's a beautiful tradition that warms our hearts. Yet, the very next day, it seems like a switch flips, and we find ourselves caught up in the frenzy of Black Friday deals, scrambling to snag items we may not even need. I'll admit, this year, I joined the online shopping madness—guilty as charged! But hey, I did need a new computer, so that's my defense.

Isn't it a bit ironic, though? We spend a whole month (or thereabouts) being intentionally thankful, only to succumb to the allure and seduction of more material possessions. But, hey, no judgment here – I did it too. Let's share a chuckle about the quirks of being human.

Returning to the heart of the matter, Advent invites us to look forward to something truly extraordinary—the birth of Jesus Christ. A man of few means, born in a humble stable, surrounded by animals and hay for a bed. It's an image that tugs at my heartstrings, thinking about a baby lying amidst prickly hay.

Yet, Jesus, despite his humble beginnings, grew up to be the greatest healer, counselor, mentor, and influencer of all time. Born into a carpenter's family, he understood the struggles of those with limited means. Jesus understood pain, the loneliness of broken life, and poured into those who were different, less than, and honestly considered disgusting to humanity. His life was a testament to the power of presence, human touch, and compassion.

Jesus, a teacher like no other, employed puns, similes, metaphors, and proverbs—innovative techniques in his time, that I must say, was not the traditional way of teaching. As a mentor, he invested deeply in his disciples, transforming them into "fishers of men." There's so much wisdom we can glean from his life—lessons in connection, the importance of seeing and valuing everyone, and the profound impact of compassion. 

So, as we rush to complete our shopping, decorate our homes, and fill our calendars with holiday gatherings, let's not forget the true reason for the season—Christmas Day, when tradition tells us Jesus was born. Advent is a time for family and friends to join together in the excitement and anticipation of this miraculous day.

Starting this Sunday, December 3, 2023, let's embark on this Advent journey together. Now, I'm not an expert on the "rules," and Jesus might chuckle at the concept of rules in religion, but tradition tells us that Advent begins on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew's Day and concludes on Jesus's birthday. So here we are, preparing to celebrate the birth of the greatest healer, influencer, counselor, friend, and brother of all time—Jesus himself!

If you're seeking a bit of adventure, hope, peace, and comfort, join me over the next 22 days or so over on my instagram @worthy.heart  It is sure to be a enlightening time full of lessons, love and hope.

Together, let's revel in the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Jesus, the true embodiment of love. Happy Advent, dear friends! And always remember—you are worthy of love. After all…That's why HE came. Because YOU ARE WORTHY! Cheers to the season of joy, love, and worthiness!

XO,

Amy

aka Worthy

Rising from the Ashes: Embracing the 'And' in Life

Hey Kids! It is me Amy! Or you can call me Worthy, Ms. Mermaid, or Nurse Amy…Take your pick ....just typing these nicknames remind me of how loved I am and all the love I have around me…

Some of the special friends who have nicknamed me….I truly feel so loved…

Any who! As I was saying, it has been a while and that is because life hit me hard, smacking me right between the eyes, and in the gut only to knock me down. But guess what? I'm getting back up, slowly but surely, rising from the ashes. Because that is what I do best. I rise from the ashes…They say I am strong…

To be honest, I'm tired of being strong. I need a break, but it seems that life and God have different plans for me. These past eight months have been challenging, but I've learned so much that I want to share with all of you.

I can't help but think that someone else out there might be going through a loss like mine, seeking comfort in the early hours of the morning. I searched high and low on the internet, in podcasts, books, and everywhere else, but what I couldn't find was a friend. Someone who could  really relate, someone relatable and not just a distant public figure. I wanted authenticity, someone who understood me. I needed tools to navigate my situation with grace and compassion, for the sake of my three amazing boys and honestly for my own sake. 

My Three Reasons to rise up, to keep going, and to reinvent myself into the human I was made to be!

Late at night or in the wee hours of the morning, as I sought clarity and help online, I found many people wallowing in their misery. I didn't want that for myself, and I don't want that for you. Life is undeniably hard, and I wish it weren't so, but it is.

However, I firmly believe that with the support of someone who can help you through tough times, you can rebuild. And that's exactly what I'm doing, and I hope to help others rebuild too. I want to be there for those who can't afford counseling like I can, who don't have an incredible church or community to lean on, or amazing siblings who remind them of their roots. I have all of that….and then some. Have I mentioned the amazing friendships I have? I can’t even begin to tell you how blessed I am there…

Even with all this support around me, I still felt alone.Seriously! I felt alone a lot of the time and I can't imagine what it's like for those who lack such support. So, if you're in that position, I'll be your support. I'll be your friend. I'll remind you of who you are and whose you are. The most important thing to remember is that you are a child of God, and He is always there for you, by your side. Tapping into His presence is easier than we make it out to be here on Earth—trust me on that. And here's a little secret: the belief that you're not good enough is nothing but a lie. In fact, you are not only good enough, but you are worthy of God's love and presence.

At 52, being knocked down and forced to reinvent your life is no easy task. You have to grieve the life you once had, which I'm still doing, but you also have to keep living. You have to embrace the "and."

What do I mean by this? Here are some of the ways I embrace the “and”

I am sad AND I am learning to find joy.

I am mad AND I am learning how to be compassionate.

I am resentful AND I am learning to forgive.

I feel alone AND I know I am surrounded by love….

You see, you can be sad and learn to find joy. You can be mad and discover your strength. You can feel alone and know that you're surrounded by love. (The "and" is another secret.)

You can be in the dark AND in the light.

If you don’t believe me…just look at me! I'm living proof of that.

So, if you find yourself alone in something today, I want to remind you that you are not alone. That's a lie. I want to remind you that you can embrace the "and." And most importantly, I want to remind you that you are worthy, no matter what life throws at you.

So here I am, saying, "Hey kids! I'm back! Maybe not better than ever, but I'm back! And boy, do I have a story to tell you—a story that will fill your toolbox, reminding you that you're not alone, you're worthy, and sitting in the "and" is perfectly okay. You'll be okay... everything is going to be okay."

Until next time,

XO, Amy (Worthy)

The Genesis of a New Year

January 1, 2023…..where do I even begin? So much has happened in my life and my family's life. I am not ready to share yet. I will someday, you know I will. That is just who I am. I am an open book. Right, wrong, or indifferent, that is just me and my belief is by sharing my story, the good, the bad, the super ugly, well, maybe I can be there for someone who feels all alone at 2:22 am. Someone who wakes up and can’t catch their breath while the darkness is crashing in…maybe, just maybe, they can remember Worthy Heart and open up this blog and find hope somewhere….That is my dream. That is my wish. That is my prayer.

If you are new here, WELCOME! If you are one of my faithful followers, HI! I am back and what a day to come back. January 1 where there are so many possibilities ahead for you and for me. 

My first question is why does it have to be January 1? Truth is, it does not. We can decide any day of the year, the month, or the week, today is the day. It Just happens, today is the day I will start my new beginning.

I personally decided today was my day because honestly the end of 2022 has been a total nightmare for me and for my family.  Today I want to SURRENDER that nightmare to God and really get to know Him and myself in His eyes. After all He did create you and me and we are not mistakes, but if I am being honest with you, sometimes I wonder things like, “What could I have done differently? What could I have done better? Why did God make me this way? Why do I feel or think like this? Why is this happening to me? To my family? Did I do something to cause this?” These are real true thoughts of mine and here is something I hold dear to my heart….

We are all allowed to think, feel, say, and do whatever it is we need.

The secret is if we can tie it back to our Higher Power, which for me is God, then life will become a little less painful, a little easier, and we can see the beauty and goodness life has to offer.

If you know your higher power you can experience goodness even in the darkness. You can experience love even in hate. You can experience joy even in sorrow. You can experience hope even in despair. You know what else, you can even hate those you love and turn away from God and He will still love you. He understands and is compassionate and does not force something on to you in your pain. I truly believe this because these past three months…..well these past three months he has patiently loved me while I have cursed him and cryed out and anguish and it has been horrific, but let’s face it.

 Life happens and sometimes it downright sucks! 

But even in the midst of this pain I have seen beauty, I have found grace, I have seen blessings. I have seen the face of God and heard from Him. Somedays I really had to look for Him and/or goodness, but I found it and you will too. I promise. 

The real question for me and maybe for you too is….

How will I spend my time in 2023

For me I will: Begin healing and learning to love me wholly. All of me. I will begin building the life I want and deserve. I will continue to love my three beautiful boys right where they are and who they are, never insisting on them being someone I need them to be so I can be whole. I will begin to trust that it is all going to be ok, better than ok. I will begin to forgive, but that does not mean I have to forget. I will be grateful even in dark moments. I will find something to be grateful for because there is always something to be grateful for, even if it is just the bird chirping outside my window or the parking space that miraculously opened up. Whatever it is, no matter how little or how small, I will be grateful and I will begin to truly live. Live my life, my beautiful life. Offering the gifts of love and light that I have inside of me. I have so much love and life to give and I will start by giving some of that back to myself and I will continue to add more sparkle in the world and be a light of hope because that is what really brings me joy.

So, 2023 will be just like any other year. There will be challenges, there will be easy moments, and God willing there will be miracles and if you would like to come along on the journey, welcome!

My prayer is that we will do this beautiful thing called life with Grace, Compassion, and Love.

Cheers to 2023 and new beginnings and Cheers to You!

YOU ARE WORTHY!

XO,

Amy

aka Worthy

PS. If you know someone that you feel needs some love, hope, or worthiness, share my blog….I would love to be a beacon of light in someone elses’s darkness…Lord knows I have had many beacons of light in mine….

Wednesday's Worthy Word

Secrets to feeling grateful!

1. Thank your mind and watch it relax

2. Thank your heart and watch it open

3. Thank your past and it will integrate

4. Thank your symptoms and watch them heal

5. Thank your shadow and I bet it vanishes

6. Thank your life and watch it transform

7. Thank yourself, I promise….the light will dawn.

XOXOXOX

Amy

aka~Worthy

The Infamous Jennifer Aniston Salad

Have you heard the buzz? There is a salad that Jennifer Aniston “supposedly” ate every day on the set of “Friends”. I don’t personally think that is possible because they were on set for 10 years, but hey, maybe she is one of those people who really does not mind eating the same thing over and over.

The truth is, this salad is REALLY good, but to eat it everyday might get old in my honest humble opinion.

Nevertheless I did try it and I will say it is a total winner! Winner because it has all the components of a good meal. It is light and flavorful and a huge bonus you can whip it up fast!

Everyone in my family loves it and when I make it for friends they love it too! So give it a try and tell me what you think.

INGREDIENTS:

1 roasted chicken from the store chopped up

1 cup of cooked quinoa (I cook mine in chicken broth)

1 cucumber chopped up

1 small red onion chopped up

1 can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans drained

Pistachios and I just pour them in. I don’t really measure

Feta crumbles (again I just pour the feta in to our liking)

Juice from one or two lemon

PREP:

Pour all these ingredients in a bowl and mix well. I add salt and pepper for taste.

Other ingredients you can add, but I never have:

Chopped parsley

Chopped mint

Olive oil

Pecans or any other nut in place of pistachios

You cannot go wrong with this salad! It is a total crowd pleaser.

Bon Appetit!

Amy

aka~Worthy

Wednesday's Worthy Word

Listen up Sis….today’s message is coming to you from my heart and it is short and it is sweet but it is a honest truth bomb….

Are you ready for it?

You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you.

You will only be criticized by someone doing less……

Read that again and sit on that for a minute…..

There will always be someone doing more than you….always….just like there will always be someone with more and there will always be someone with less. Where the rubber meets the road is here: Does the person doing more focus on tearing you down or building you up? If they are focused on tearing you down it is time for you to move on….You are too worthy for that and hear me….

“YOU ARE ENOUGH JUST AS YOU ARE!”

XOXOXOX,

Amy

aka~Worthy

The Gift Plantar Fasciitis Gave Me

Plantar Fasciitis is a gift from the devil. If you have ever experienced it, you know exactly what I am talking about! However, plantar fasciitis gave me the gift of healing. #silverlining

What am I talking about? I am talking about my MELT Story.

Last year in November of 2021 my co worker Christine and I were attending Dallas Mania, a fitness convention here in Dallas. I was suffering and had been for almost 2 years from plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis? As I stated above it is pure evil and pure pain, but plantar fasciitis is maybe the worst possible condition an athlete or someone who leads an active lifestyle can have. The way I described it was, when I would wake up in the morning and walk it was as if there was a nail or a pointy rock driving itself into my heel. It was awful and excruciating!

This pain lasted for two years! I tried everything! I bought red lights to treat it, all kinds of creams and contraptions that I was told if you rubbed on your calf and foot it would help. I bought memberships to Stretch Zone here in Dallas trying to stretch it away. I bought a Thera Gun trying to pound it away. I spent $1000 on shockwave therapy from a doctor. That was awful, maybe worse than labor. I bought special shoes to wear around the house. Special socks, you name it! I tried anything and everything short of snake oil! And the total in dollars that I spent was probably to the tune of $2500 or more trying to cure it. NOTHING WORKED and I had decided it was just something I would have to live with! WRONG!

In November while at the convention, Christine suggested I go to the MELT Class. I had a visceral reaction to her suggestion. It went something like this, “NO WAY! I hate yoga, I don’t like barre or Pilates, show me the dance floor and let’s jam!”

Oddly, (was it odd or was it God?) Sue Hitzman, the founder of MELT was standing right there and heard the conversation. She heard Christine trying to explain as politely as possible that MELT would be good for my heel pain, my knee pain, and my overall performance. Sue overheard this and kindly said, “I too think you should give it a try.” Pretty short and sweet and nothing more than that, but I knew she was the founder and I thought, “Well crap! IF the founder says I should, I guess I should!”

I went and the rest is history. Which, if you have plantar fasciitis that should be music to your ears because this is a condition that comes and goes for a lot of people. Mine came and left and has not returned and I know it is because of MELT.

So back to what is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is basically an issue in the fascial sheaths that support both the bones and tendons of the foot – it’s considered a process of degeneration, strain, inflammation, or thickening of the fascial structures within the foot’s architecture.

I personally think after doing MELT it is a lack of blood and fluid flow in that region, not really inflammation at all….now I am not a doctor, but why did all those promised miracle cures not work, but rehydrating the fascia with a small soft ball and soft roller did????? Things that had me go hmmmmm….

Furthermore, if you are like myself and have instability in your hips or postural instabilities, well that makes us a little more prone to this evil pain and if we can keep fluid and blood flowing I think it helps tremendously. But how do we prevent it and get rid of it once we have it? I have some ideas……

1. Change your shoes: If you wear high heels stop. I know, this is not fun if you love to dress up but it is the year 2022 and there are plenty of ways to look amazing without that high heel. If your shoes are too tight that is no bueno and ladies and gentlemen flip flops and flat sandals are not your friend! I know they feel great in the summer but come fall and winter you will pay. And speaking of winter, don’t hate me, I am only the messenger, but UGG boots are the worst! I have a few cute shoe options for you, but think Crocs or something similar to these below. At one time Crocs did have a super cute fury boot and I am praying they bring that back or something similar to replace UGGS, but at the moment I don’t see it so I will keep looking for our winter option, but for now, “Just say NO to UGGs.”

Crocs Women's Brooklyn Low Wedges Sandal, Black/Multi, 6 Women

Crocs

Crocs Women SEXI FLIP Flop Sandal, Black/Black, 9

Crocs

2. Using an arch support can help. I had my Chiropractor measure me and watch me walk and we discovered my Right Leg is 1/4” longer than my left. Oddly you would think my right leg would hit the ground first but for some reason when I walk my shorter leg does and I just drill it into the ground. To stop that we put a lift in my right foot and it has helped TREMENDOUSLY! The cool thing is thought, I would never have known to ask Dr. Ed to look at my legs thinking they could be a lot of my problem had I not studied MELT. Through my studies I learned all about overcompensation, pain, old injuries, passed surgeries, and fascia and because of this I was able to ask more questions and give more history. What is my point? Consider an arch support or a lift. Here is the one I use, but again, I had Dr. Ed measure me and fit me accordingly so I would suggest talking to your doctor to make sure you do what is best for your body.

Dr.Foot Adjustable Orthopedic Heel Lift Inserts, Height Increase Insole for Leg Length Discrepancies, Heel Spurs, Heel Pain, Sports Injuries, and Achilles tendonitis (Beige, 3 Layers)

DR. FOOT

3. MELT! I am telling you it has been a game changer for me and it can and will be for you too! I offer privates via zoom, or at any of the studios I work at, as well as if you are in my neighborhood I can come to you. I have all the equipment to bring, you can buy the equipment from me so that you can treat yourself, which I can train you to do. In as little as 10 minutes a day we can get you freed from that evil pain! Use this link and schedule your appointment with me privately or this link and join me on August 24, 2022 at 1 PM CST for a group session at For Better Healthy Pilates Studio.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

4. Untuck those sheets. Listen I bought that contraption that you wear at night that keeps your foot flexed and your heel stretching. IT DOES NOT WORK and it is super uncomfortable. What worked for me is simply untucking my sheets which kept the sheet from putting pressure on my foot and kept me from pointing my toes all night, which shortens the tissue for the entire time you are asleep, creating even more pain and problems. I am telling you, untuck the sheets and put socks on if your feet get cold or come out from under the sheet. I promise you will thank me later.

If you are looking for ways to get out heel pain try these and for more ways to combat foot pain daily and reduce your chances of suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis call me! I am here to help you and ensure that you can lead the HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE you want at ANY AGE! It is possible and it starts with the fascia!

Until Next Time,

Amy

aka~Worthy

SCHOOLS IN SESSION

Summer is officially over and School is officially back in session. I don’t know if I should be doing a happy dance or crying in my cereal!

Dancing because routines are back and crying because my boys are growing up! Man time flies when you are having fun!

With school back, I have to really coach myself on getting back to a stricter routine. What do I mean? Well, being the mom of three boys I mean meals…..You know what they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through food.” And that is so true in this house.

School started back on a Wednesday here which is weird to start mid week, but I feel it gives me time to adjust.

Baby steps!

Baby steps in that this week I focused only on breakfast. I like to make sure Graeme has more protein and less carbs in the morning and zero sugar. His brain thanks me and so do his teachers! So today I am dedicating my post toward a few things I do to ensure he has just that, a healthy start. Trust me, the world is happier and so is he!

Three of these recipes you can make ahead (I usually do them on Sunday and preserve them in the fridge. All of them you just pop in the microwave for 30-60 seconds when reheating….easy peasy).

First up: I have blogged about these and they are a huge hit in my house. Sausage Balls….So good, so easy, and great for packed lunches!

Second: Have you ever heard of Protein Pancakes? You get this mix at the store, but I buy it in bulk at Amazon because we love them. You add an extra egg or two for protein when mixing it, blueberries or chocolate chips and they freeze nicely so you have them all week! And if you want to add extra fun, if it is the first day of school or a birthday, add some sprinkles and boom shaka laka you have birthday pancakes chalk full of protein!

Third is my mother’s egg cups! So good and so easy and all you do is plop one in the microwave for 30 or so seconds add some Cholula and boom you are set to jet!

Ingredients:

1 dozen eggs

1 lb. ground sausage

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup to 1 cup diced veggie (my family loves diced red bell peppers and green onions)

salt and pepper to taste

Prep:

Preheat oven to 400

Brown your sausage

In a large mixing bowl add all 12 eggs, cheese, veggies if adding veggies, sausage, salt and pepper to taste. Mix it up well.

Lightly spray a 12 count muffin tin with cooking spray.

Carefully pour your mixture into each cup. (I personally use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to spoon it in.)

Place in an oven on 400 for 15 to 18 minutes ( I like mine a little golden on top.)

Allow to cool for minimum of 5 minutes before serving.

Serve immediately or you can freeze them in a freezer bag or keep in the fridge and just microwave when you are ready!

And Last up Graeme’s personal fav is Avocado Toast. Now this cannot be made ahead of time but it is quick and healthy.

Grab a slice of bread and butter and place in the toaster. While your bread is toasting, take 1/2 of an avocado, add garlic salt, pepper, a little juice from a lemon, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Once your toast is done spread this on top and if you want even more protein, slice a hard boiled egg and place that on top of your avocado mix. Another fun thing to add is Everything but the Bagel!

So good and so hip! Ha!

So there you have it. My four go to’s to ensure Graeme gets off to a great start and honestly having them already makes for an easy, stress free, morning! My kind of morning!

Happy Back to School All!

XO,

Amy

aka~Worthy

AMY's Morning Routine

Want to walk out into the world like the royalty you are? Here are my tips to get you going:

1. Start your day with The GOOD Life Journal~You will affirm yourself in who and whose you are! Don’t forget you are a daughter of the Almighty King~Sis that makes you ROYALTY! Put on that tiara, pink lipstick, whatever it is you need to remind yourself of this, but start with your affirmations in your GOOD Life Journal (It only takes about 5-15 minutes and think how much your life will change just by giving HIM your first 15!)

2. Drink 16 ounces of lemon water or celery juice to rehydrate the beautiful being you are.

3. MELT your hands and your feet and if you only have a few seconds just friction the H-E-double hockey sticks out of your feet and get the fluid flowing!

4. Turn on the music and dance a little bit before you leave the house (no-one is watching!). Dancing before you leave the house will change the way you walk out into the world! TRY IT BOO! I dare you!

XO,

Amy

aka~Worthy

Is it Odd or is it God?

Have you ever wondered, “Is it odd or is it God?” A very wise soul said this to me about four years ago when the Berry Storm hit and it has stuck with me ever since. “Is it odd or is it God?”……sit on that for a moment.

There have been so many beautiful things that have come out of our storm that hit a little over four years ago September 27, 2018. A day I will never forget. The day my life seemed to be going up in smoke, but changed for the better. 

Our marriage survived for starters and not only did it survive, it is thriving. Our children are doing well for the most part. I have found peace and serenity. A peace and serenity I can honestly say I have never felt before.

Have you ever had a time like this? A tumultuous, scary time in your life when you had no clue what the outcome would be only to find peace. Funny thing is, we are still not sure what the outcome will be in  many ways. There are still so many unknowns right now, but I have peace.

When I look back I see God had and has a huge hand in this thing called life and when I finally surrendered to Him and truly let go I started breathing again. I started living and I have not stopped. 

Was it easy? Hell no! 

Did I feel alone? Yes, at times I did. 

Was I scared? Scared to the point of being frozen sometimes.

 I remember friends coming over and feeding my kids and darn near forcing a chip with guacamole down my throat to get some kind of nutrition in me. I was frozen. 

I don’t think I danced for two solid weeks, which anyone who knows me knows is not normal.

 I stayed in bed for 8 solid days only to come down stairs and get on the couch to get under the covers just so I could hide. 

I think the last time I hid under covers was when I  was down with pneumonia and the time before that was when we lost our baby. 

Even when my mom died I got out of bed. It was a very dark time here in 2018 and 2019. But as I look back I can 100 percent say to you I would do it again to get to the miracles we have experienced.

Why do I tell you this? 

Because I know so many people who are suffering right now.

 How do I know this? 

Well, some of you share your stories.

Some I see on your faces…you don’t have to say anything. I see me, four years ago in your face, and truth be known I see pain.

 Some I hear from friends. 

Some I see on TV….the sad truth is….The world has pain. That is just reality.  

AND…

We saw pain with our Savior Jesus! Jesus had pain. 

His friends betrayed him. He was poor. He was gossiped about. People did not believe him. They mocked him. And they crucified him on the cross. They nailed his flesh and bone to the cross AFTER they drug him through the dirt and spit on him. Throwing rocks at him and laughing at him. That my friends sounds like pain. Emotional and physical.

These past years I realized that is why HE CAME! 

To lead the way for me and for you through the painful times we have experienced. To bring us closer to Him in the pain and suffering and when we learn to endure it….We learn to run with him! BUT first we have to learn to surrender to the suffering AND to the joy AND to ALL that He has for you and for me!!!!!

This is hard! Surrendering is hard. To surrender is uncomfortable. It goes against what the world says. The world has us thinking we can be in control of it all….if we work hard enough, hustle long enough, and push and fight until you have it.

 But…

 The minute you surrender….the minute you truly surrender you will have a spiritual awakening like never before. 

I promise you this. I will also make this promise to you…..

Surrendering is a daily, sometimes minute to minute deal. It does not happen just once. You have to work at it every day. 

How do I know this? 

Because some days I fail at surrendering. Somedays, I think I know what is best and how things should go and I move back into my manipulating, hustling, and controlling ways. Want to know what happens then? Chaos, confusion, exhaustion, sometimes pain, and it is never good.

So how do you begin to surrender? 

For me it starts every morning with some quiet time. I get up one hour earlier than anyone else in my family. I get my coffee and I sit with God. On days when I do not do this, well, those are the days I am less at peace. It is funny….days I get up, sit in quiet with God and really get still and surrender to Him….no matter what Satan throws at me, I feel more at peace…..

So I will ask you this, “Is it odd or is it God?”

Why don’t you try it for a month…

Get up before the rest of your family. Sit in the quiet and have a cup of coffee with God and watch what happens! 

I dare you and I know God yearns for you too!

Until Next Time,

XO,

Amy

aka~Worthy

July Book Review

It’s been a while since we have done this…

Today I have two reviews and I am happy to report they are both awesome! One is a doozy and the other is….well, honestly the other is too! Both of them have catty gals who you just want to choke out and wonder if people really act like this….sadly I think there really might be people like this in the world….So we learn from our characters here how not to be and how to handle these nasty people.

First up…If you are looking for an easy, quick, brain-less read, that will leave you laughing and cringing. I have the book!

Wolves in Chic Clothing by Carrie Karasyov

Yall, this book was shallow, funny, entertaining, and honestly had me thinking….hmmm…I wonder if this is reality in the upper class. Because sister, if it is….WOWZA!

There were tons of shallow remarks like, “Rule number one: tight lips, tight hips, tight ships.”

What does that even mean?

I think the theme of the book is exactly what it means:

This story takes place in a high end department store owned by a very wealthy family. The daughter is part of the “golden ovary club” and literally runs the marketing and philanthropy for the company. She lives by the motto, “Rule number one: tight lips, tight hips, tight ships.” with her teammates AND her close knit friend group.

Tight lips-no gossiping

Tight hips-no overweight or big hips (wait until you have children honey!)

Tight ships-everyone works well together

But the tight lips…ya, that does not really happen and honestly reading this book showed me how shallow women who gossip are. And YOURS TRULY here is guilty. But, after reading this book, I am going to lock that nonsense up. It is not appealing and it only leads to hurt hearts and friendships. But, it is funny to read it and watch the train wreck as it unfolds. And that is exactly what happens in this book.

This train starts out slow and speeds up quickly. Before you know it, well it is headed for disaster!

But in true form, this author does an incredible job of showing how we all make mistakes. It is what you do with the mistake afterwards that matters. If you learn from it and grow, bravo, if you do not….well…that is on you and you may find yourself on a train to nowhere.

In a nutshell this book is quick, easy, cute, funny, and entertaining. So if you find yourself going on a little weekend, get away or heading to the beach, grab it. It will have you laughing and cringing, but cringing because wow, the elite may have a lot of money, but it shows money ain’t everything kid!

Grab your copy here and tell me what you think!

Next up Is Kristan Higgins Out of the Clear Blue Sky….Great read that has a great story line, but if I am being honest my heart hurts for our main character Lillie, but only for a bit! Good overcomes in the end!

The story starts out with what seems like a typical family of three. Life is tooling along and everything seems to be going great and out of the clear blue sky something or someone throws a wrench at this sweet family.

Before you know it, Lillie finds her picture perfect life upside down and she is having to hold it all in and together for her kiddo. I am not sure I agree with how Lillie and Bradzilla (her awful husband) handled the situation with their kid, but in true form, everything works out, it just is sticky for a while.

Along the journey, Lillie discovers who she is and that she is a lot stronger than she thinks. The really cool thing is, once Lillie rediscovers who she is….Out of the clear blue sky something wonderful happens!

Super fun, easy to read, lots of laughter, with a cute little Cape Cod setting…the perfect recipe for a summer book read!

Grab Yours Here!

Until Next Time,

XO,

Worthy