Not Everyone Deserves Access to Your World

Protect your heart. Not everyone deserves access to your inner world.

Just because people want to be in your world doesn’t mean you need to give them access. Your world is sacred. And if you want peace in your life, you must be intentional about who gets close to you.

It took me a long time to accept that not everyone gets to be my friend. I learned that lesson through deep hurt from someone I once believed was a lifelong friend. Because we disagreed politically, she said things that made me feel less than human. Her words cut deeply. I cried for days, questioning myself, my character, and my worth. My heart felt shattered.

Then one day, my husband said to me, “Marlene, you’re the nicest person I know. Not everybody gets to be your friend.” And he walked away.

That simple statement changed my life.

It marked the beginning of my journey to release people who had no right to disrupt my peace or tear down my spirit. I understand that people act from their own wounds and beliefs, but when someone repeatedly brings harm into my life, I’ve learned to lovingly but firmly remove their access.

This isn’t about being arrogant or “holier-than-thou.” It’s about honoring who I am. You are you. I am me. We all deserve respect. If mutual respect isn’t present, there’s no obligation to stay connected.

If you know me, you know I’m all about love. Love yourself first. Love others as they are. We don’t have to agree with everyone, but we should treat everyone with dignity. And if you follow Jesus, you know His love is for everyone. He doesn’t discriminate. He loves unconditionally, and He calls us to love the same way.

Some people may test my patience, but even when I don’t particularly like someone’s choices or lifestyle, I choose to love them, pray for them, and wish them well, from a healthy distance.

To keep your soul at peace, be discerning. You don’t need to be loud, rude, or unkind. But you do need boundaries. Protect your heart. Not everyone deserves access to your inner world.

I pray you are always surrounded by the love you deserve. Live in love, peace, honor, and respect.

The Healing Power of a Hug

A hug can comfort a grieving heart, calm an anxious soul, or celebrate a victory that words would only cheapen.

There is something sacred about a hug.

A hug requires no explanation, no eloquent words, and no perfect timing. It is a silent language of love that speaks directly to the heart. In a world that often feels hurried, distant, and divided, a simple embrace can restore what words cannot.

Why Are Hugs So Important?

God designed us for connection. From the very beginning, Scripture reminds us that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Hugs are one of the most natural ways we fulfill that God-given need for human closeness.

When we hug, our bodies release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” This chemical reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes emotional well-being. But beyond the science, hugs meet a deeper spiritual need: the need to feel seen, valued, and safe.

A hug says:

You are not alone.
You matter.
I’m here with you.

Hugs as a Ministry of Presence

Jesus often ministered through touch. He reached out to the sick, the rejected, and the forgotten. He didn’t hesitate to draw near. His compassion was felt as much as it was heard.

The Bible tells us:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
—Romans 12:15 (NIV)

Sometimes rejoicing and mourning require more than words. Sometimes the most Christlike response is simply to wrap our arms around someone and share the moment with them.

A hug can comfort a grieving heart, calm an anxious soul, or celebrate a victory that words would only cheapen. It becomes a quiet prayer, an unspoken reminder that God’s love often shows up through human hands.

When Words Fall Short

There are seasons in life when pain runs too deep for conversation. In those moments, a hug becomes a bridge between brokenness and hope. It communicates empathy without interrogation and love without condition.

Even a brief embrace can leave a lasting imprint on the heart.

One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

A Reflection for Today

Ask yourself:

Who in my life may need a hug today?
Am I open to receiving comfort as much as giving it?
How can I be God’s tangible expression of love to someone who feels unseen?

A Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for creating us with a need for connection. Help us to be sensitive to the quiet cries around us and bold enough to offer comfort through simple acts of love. May our hugs reflect Your grace, Your compassion, and Your presence. Amen.

Sometimes hope doesn’t arrive with a sermon or a solution.

Sometimes hope arrives…
in the form of a hug.

Nurturing the Soul – Start Your Journey Toward Spiritual Growth

Life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up. Noise surrounds us. And somewhere along the way, our souls quietly ask for care.

In a world that constantly pulls at our attention, many of us feel spiritually tired, even when our faith is strong. Life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up. Noise surrounds us. And somewhere along the way, our souls quietly ask for care.

That is exactly why Nurturing the Soul: A 30-Day Journey Toward Spiritual Growth was written.

This book was created for people who desire a deeper connection with God but may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure where to begin. It is not about perfection. It is not about checking spiritual boxes. It is about creating intentional moments, small, meaningful pauses, to reconnect with God, reflect on life, and allow the soul to breathe again.

Why Nurturing the Soul Matters

We spend so much time nurturing others, our families, our careers, our communities, that we often neglect our inner life. Yet the soul needs care just as much as the body and mind. When the soul is neglected, it shows up as exhaustion, discouragement, and spiritual dryness.

Nurturing the Soul invites readers to slow down and return to the basics of faith: reflection, prayer, Scripture, and honest conversation with God. Each day of the 30-day journey is designed to gently guide the reader into deeper awareness, healing, and spiritual renewal.

This is not a book you rush through. It’s a book you sit with. A book you open each day as a sacred appointment with God.

What the 30-Day Journey Looks Like

Each day in Nurturing the Soul offers:

A focused spiritual theme
A carefully selected Bible verse
A devotional reflection meant to encourage, challenge, and uplift
Gentle prompts that invite personal reflection and prayer

The journey is structured, but flexible. Whether you are new to daily devotionals or returning after a long break, this book meets you exactly where you are.

Some days will feel comforting. Others may stir deep emotions. All of them are designed to help you grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

The Companion Journal: Going Deeper

Alongside the book is the Nurturing the Soul: 30-Day Companion Journal, created for those who want to go deeper in their reflection.

The journal is not an afterthought; it is an intentional extension of the journey. Writing has a powerful way of bringing clarity to thoughts, healing to emotions, and depth to prayer. The Companion Journal provides dedicated space to:

Respond to daily prompts
Record prayers and spiritual insights
Reflect honestly without judgment
Track growth over the 30-day journey

Many readers find that journaling transforms reading into an experience. It turns inspiration into action and reflection into lasting change.

Together, the book and journal create a sacred rhythm: read, reflect, write, pray, and grow.

Who This Journey Is For

Nurturing the Soul is for:

Anyone feeling spiritually weary or disconnected
Believers seeking renewal without pressure or guilt
Those navigating life transitions, grief, or uncertainty
Readers who desire a quieter, more intentional faith practice

You do not need to have all the answers. You simply need a willing heart.

An Invitation and How to Begin

If your soul has been longing for stillness, clarity, or renewed faith, this journey is for you.

Nurturing the Soul: A 30-Day Journey Toward Spiritual Growth and the accompanying 30-Day Companion Journal are both available on Amazon, making it easy to begin whenever you’re ready.

Simply visit Amazon, search for “Nurturing the Soul: A 30-Day Journey Toward Spiritual Growth,” and consider pairing it with the 30-Day Companion Journal for a richer, more transformative experience.

Your soul deserves care.
Your faith deserves time.
And your journey can begin today: one day at a time.

This World is Not Our Final Home

We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels.

Everywhere we look today, it feels like the world is unraveling. People lash out in anger, friendships are torn apart, and love seems to grow colder by the day. It’s heartbreaking to witness how easily kindness is forgotten and how often relationships are sacrificed over pride, selfishness, or misunderstanding.

For those who are on the receiving end of pain, betrayal, rejection, or cruelty, it’s natural to feel the urge to fight back, to retaliate, to defend your heart. But God’s Word calls us to something higher. Hebrews 13:14 (NLT) reminds us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” This truth gives us the strength to respond differently.

We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels. Our citizenship is not of this earth; Philippians 3:20 (NLT) declares, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”

When we remember that heaven is our true home, we gain perspective. The pain others inflict doesn’t define us; it refines us. Every trial becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ, to model His grace, and to reflect His light in the darkness.

So, when you feel like the world is falling apart around you, take heart. God sees your tears. He knows your hurt. And He promises that one day, all wrongs will be made right. Until then, walk in peace, love without fear, and keep your eyes fixed on the home that awaits you, where there will be no more sorrow, no more betrayal, and no more pain.

Heaven is our final destination. Let’s live each day with that hope in our hearts.

Related Song: This World Is Falling Apart

For anyone who has been hurt by the players in this world, remember, this world may be harsh, but we have heaven to look forward to. Please click to hear the song and video inspired by Hebrews 13:14 and Philippians 3:20.

The Gift of Listening: How Being Present Reflects Christ’s Heart

Listening opens doors. It builds bridges. It communicates respect, and when people feel respected, they are more willing to listen in return.

Scripture Reading
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” —James 1:19 (NIV)

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” —Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)

Reflection

Not long ago, I lost a friend because she struggled with the principle of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. She asked for my opinion on a particular subject, but when my response didn’t align with hers, she quickly interrupted, grew angry, belittled me, and ended the friendship altogether. Her words cut deeply, and the loss stung my heart.

Yet, in God’s mercy, He surrounded me with true friends who offered comfort and encouragement. Through their presence and through His Word, I was reminded that listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Had my friend paused long enough to truly hear me, she might have discovered that we actually shared many common beliefs. Instead, her refusal to listen shut the door to understanding and peace.

James 1:19 reminds us that listening is not a passive act; it’s an intentional act of love. When I listen to others, I try to imagine myself in their shoes rather than rushing to form my response. This shift keeps my heart humble and patient. At times, I even pause and count to ten before speaking, so that my words are thoughtful rather than reactive.

I’ve also learned that when I feel anger rising in a conversation, it often springs from pride or selfishness. God gently teaches me to quiet those impulses and listen fully. Many times, when I allow someone to finish their thought, I discover that we’re not as far apart as I first imagined.

Listening opens doors. It builds bridges. It communicates respect, and when people feel respected, they are more willing to listen in return. Being quick to listen and slow to speak reflects Christ’s heart, a heart of patience, compassion, and love. When we live by this principle, our relationships flourish, and God’s blessings flow.

Application

Practice active listening this week. When someone speaks, resist the urge to interrupt or formulate your reply too quickly. Instead, focus on their words and emotions. Try counting to ten before responding, and ask God to help you hear with both your ears and your heart.

Reflection Question

When was the last time I listened with patience and understanding rather than rushing to respond? How might my relationships change if I practiced being quick to listen and slow to speak?

Prayer

Lord, teach me to listen with Your heart. Help me to slow down, set aside pride, and truly hear the people around me. May my listening reflect Your love and open the way for deeper understanding and peace. Amen.

Choosing Love Over Judgment in Daily Interactions

In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.

Scripture Reading
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2

Reflection
In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. Too often, people choose dismissal over understanding, judgment over compassion, and even celebration over someone else’s downfall. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.

My mother once gave me advice that has stayed with me all my life. She said, “If you truly want to live a righteous life, act as if someone were following you with a camera, ready to post your every action on a billboard.” That simple wisdom made me think carefully about my words and actions, considering how they affect others.

I strive to approach life with authenticity and compassion. Whether in business or personal relationships, I seek a win-win outcome and do my best to see things from the other person’s perspective. This doesn’t mean I tolerate harmful behavior, but it does mean I try to see people as human beings worthy of love, just as God sees us.

I am far from perfect, and I thank God for His mercy. When I repent, He forgives and wipes the slate clean. No one on earth is perfect, and no one has the right to belittle or condemn others for their differences. Only God is the Judge. Our role is to love.

Application
The world will always tempt us to react with judgment, anger, or indifference, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. When faced with conflict or differences, pause and consider how your words and actions will reflect God’s love. Choose patience over impatience, compassion over criticism, and understanding over judgment.

When you are tempted to dismiss someone because of their choices, beliefs, or behaviors, remember God sees them, too, and He calls you to love as He loves.

Reflection Question
Am I quicker to judge or to love? How can I show patience, kindness, and understanding in my next interaction with someone who challenges me?

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that love is patient, kind, and free of judgment. Forgive me for the times I have judged others instead of showing Your love. Help me to see people as You see them, with compassion, grace, and truth. Teach me to live with authenticity, choosing words and actions that honor You. May my life reflect Your love so that others are drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Choose love over judgment, because only God sees the whole story.”

More Wisdom From Mom: 3 Polite Ways to Say “Get Out of My Space!”

Boundaries aren't rejection -- they're protection.

My mother was one of the kindest, gentlest souls you could ever meet. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, unless, of course, it landed in her space. Then all bets were off.
“Boundaries!” she’d declare with righteous fury.
“That fly invaded my boundaries!”
And with that, she’d launch into a full-on swatting frenzy until the poor bug got the message: You don’t belong here.

These days, we refer to it as “staying in your lane.” But whether you’re talking about bugs or people, the principle is the same: We all need healthy boundaries.

I’ve never been a fan of confrontation. In fact, I avoid it like the plague. But I do appreciate it when people respect both my emotional and physical space.

To be clear, I’m not talking about pushing people away during times of grief or support. When my mom passed, I welcomed every hug and tearful word from friends and family. That kind of closeness is beautiful and healing.

What I’m talking about now are the uninvited intrusions, the ones where people overstep, press too hard, or get too close without invitation. You know the type. They mean well (sometimes), but they show up emotionally or physically where they don’t belong.

So, how do we let people know they’ve crossed a line without sounding rude, standoffish, or confrontational?

Here are three gracious but firm ways to say “Get out of my space” without flipping the table or pulling out the flyswatter.

1. “I appreciate your input, but I need a little space to think through this on my own.”

This phrase works like a charm when someone is crowding you with opinions or “help” you didn’t ask for. It sets a respectful boundary while acknowledging their (often unsolicited) good intentions.

Translation: Please step back and let me breathe.

2. “I’m taking some time for myself right now; can we connect a bit later?”

Perfect for when someone keeps texting, calling, or showing up unannounced. It lets them know you’re not available without shutting the door completely.

Translation: This is me time. Kindly wait your turn.

3. “I’m not comfortable with that.”

Short, sweet, and powerful. You don’t need to explain. You don’t need to justify. Just stand in your truth and let it be known that something has crossed a line.

Translation: That’s a boundary, friend. Step back.

Mom Would Be Proud

My mom taught me that boundaries are not about rejection; they’re about protection. Just like she didn’t hate that fly (well, not personally), she didn’t want it buzzing in her ear or walking across her sandwich.

The same goes for people. We can love them, care about them, and still need space from them sometimes.

What Do You Say?

Do you have a gentle but firm way to tell people to scoot? Have you ever struggled with setting personal boundaries? I’d love to hear your tips, stories, or wisdom that have been passed down from your own family.

Let’s chat in the comments!

Three Life Lessons from My Mom: Wisdom That Still Speaks

Love without expecting anything in return.

By Marlene Bertrand

There are some people who leave a mark on your heart that time cannot erase. For me, that person was my mother.

While she’s no longer with us, the wisdom she passed on continues to guide me, and it has the power to guide others as well. Her lessons weren’t grand lectures or complicated philosophies. They were simple, deeply rooted truths that touched every part of life.

Here are the three life lessons my mom taught me, lessons built on love, forgiveness, and grace.

Lesson 1: Love Without Limits

My mother was the very definition of love in motion.

When you looked at her, you saw love.
When you talked with her, you heard love.
And when she said, “I love you,” it wasn’t just words; it was a feeling that wrapped around you like music for the soul.

She believed that love should be unconditional and freely given.

“Love is love,” she’d say.
“If you’re not loving with your whole heart, without expecting anything in return, then you’re not really loving.”

She took her cue from Scripture and lived these words daily:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
— John 13:34–35 (NIV)

Her life was a living example of Jesus’ most excellent command.

Lesson 2: Forgive as an Act of Love

To my mother, forgiveness wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a strength born from love.

She often told me:

“When you love, you forgive. And when you forgive, you love.”

Forgiveness was woven into everything she did. She understood that no one is perfect, and that to love people genuinely, you have to be willing to let go of their wrongs.

She reminded me of this truth often:

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
— Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV)

Her grace was quiet but powerful. And because of her, I strive to walk in forgiveness every day.

Lesson 3: Judge Less, Love More

“Don’t waste time judging others,” Mom would say.

“Focus on your own walk. You’re not perfect either.”

She taught me to be self-reflective rather than critical. And whenever I felt justified in calling someone out, she would gently nudge me back to humility with her favorite reminder:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
— Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

And then, she’d follow it with:

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
— Matthew 7:5 (NIV)

Mom always emphasized personal accountability over finger-pointing.

“Unless you’re perfect,” she’d say,
“You have no business throwing stones.”

“…Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
— John 8:7 (NIV)

Her words shaped my heart and the way I treat others.

A Legacy of Love That Lives On

I miss my mother more than words can say. But I am so grateful for the legacy she left behind.

Her lessons were never forced; they were lived. And they continue to inspire me to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, and judge less.

If there’s one thing my mother would want you to remember, it’s this:

Everything, absolutely everything, comes back to love.

What life lessons did your mother or mentor teach you?

Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear your stories.

If this message touched you, please feel free to share it with someone who needs a little light today.

Grace Yourself

Grace yourself with the love of God and he will fight your battles for you.

Recently, I had the opportunity to practice forgiveness.

Friends, typically, forgiveness is not a difficult thing for me to do. Honestly, I see forgiveness as a way to get on with my life and let the other person get on with their life.

Let me share a recent moment when I was able to practice forgiveness by allowing God to work in my life, to fight a battle on my behalf. Also, let me first say that I will share this story in a way that protects the person who is not here to defend herself. Giving to that endeavor, I will only share a small portion of the total event.

In a recent encounter with a new woman in my sphere, this woman characterized me to be someone I am definitely not. We were discussing a business matter, and because she disagreed with the information I supplied, she called me a liar! She said a few other things not worth mentioning, and, as if I were a leper, she requested that I stay as far away from her as possible. I told her I was hurt by what she was saying, but it didn’t matter to her. Of course, after that I complied with her wish to stay far away from her. To protect myself from further abuse, I blocked her number from my phone and blocked her from my social media sites. I did not really care to hear from or be around someone with that kind of demeanor. I am reminded of the time Jesus was persecuted. In Luke 23:34 (NIV), we read,

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)

People can be so heartless. Evil abounds, but the Lord says He will fight our battles. And, I had to remember quickly that the Lord rescues His people from evil attacks. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) reminds me of that.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

Evidence of the Lord’s word in 2 Timothy 4:28 came in the form of a gentleman who, knowing nothing about what was going on between the woman and me, was circumstantially placed in front of the woman. I see this gentleman as someone who was put in place to allow the woman to know that I was not lying after all. And, without provocation, and in a very organic conversation, the gentleman said to the woman, almost word-for-word, everything I had previously said to her. The gentleman’s words were validation that I was telling the truth. I learned of the gentleman’s involvement because the Lord made sure someone else was on the scene to witness and report back to me what had happened. The witness told me that after the gentleman said all that he said, the woman appeared to be in shock and at a loss for words. We don’t know what was on the woman’s mind, but the witness said it was as if she had received an epiphany of some sort.

Still, I have received no apology from the woman. Still, I must forgive the woman and pray that her life is filled with love and grace. Hanging on to what Jesus said, she knows not what she is doing.

Grace Yourself

By “Grace Yourself,” I mean align yourself with the Lord’s power. Adorn yourself with His Grace. His mighty angels are set aside for your protection. Yes, evil abounds, but we must remember that we do not have to fight our battles. When we let the Lord fight our battles, the battle is won.

Our only obligation is to stay faithful to the Lord. His lessons help us to remain calm in adversity as we rest in His love and care.

In the act of reverence and perseverance, my Lord asked me to forgive and move on beyond this event. As difficult as it was to forgive, as a faithful child of God, I had no other choice but to forgive the woman of her hurtful words. Whether she apologizes or not is immaterial.

We go through trials every day. And, there are times people put us into trials that we had no time to prepare for. I am here to say, let it go!

Friends, when someone does or says something to hurt you, I’m not going to lie. It hurts! I’ll tell you the truth right now. I was devastated when that woman said those hurtful words to me. No one had ever been that cruel to me in my whole life. I had a difficult time letting it go. But I am fortunate to have the most incredible friends in my life. When I found it difficult to let things go, my friends stepped in to remind me of God’s love and God’s ways. I am grateful for the friends I have on earth who know me and love me enough to steer me in the right direction at all times. I look forward to being with you all in God’s Kingdom.

Graced in the love of the Lord, I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy life the way the Lord intends me to enjoy it.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Let God fight your battles!

In His grace!

It’s a Good Friday!

Happy Good Friday!

In spite of the fact that the greatest person in history died on Good Friday, this is a day that many people celebrate.

Why? On this day, a most precious man took up a cross and carried it on His back to the place where He would die for our sins. In the days when living sacrifices (unblemished and pure) had to be offered to atone for our sins, a man, Jesus Christ (being the only living human who was sinless and pure) was chosen and lovingly agreed to suffer to death so that the sins of sinners could be forgiven.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:15

After his death on Good Friday, Jesus rose to life on Easter Sunday. This is good news for us because after that day, we were no longer required to offer a living sacrifice to be forgiven of our sins. No, my friends, on that day, whenever we want to be forgiven, we only need to look to Jesus, our Savior, to forgive us.

Jesus has always been the way to our Father’s house.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

Today’s Video is About a Story of Love

Jesus loved us so much that he gave His life for us. He suffered. He died on that cross so that we may be forgiven of our sins and have salvation and be worthy of entering into the Kingdom of God.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

He laid down His life for us.

Video Credits

Title: Mighty Cross
Copyrights: Music by Elevation Worship Publishing, Open Hands Music, So Essential Tunes