She Rises and Shines, P. O. Box 180334, Casselberry, FL (2026)

09/06/2026

DEVOTION- Riding the Horse of Suffering with God

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” — Romans 5:3-4 ESV

Shortly after my sister’s brain cancer diagnosis, which I deemed unfair, God brought to mind several events in the Bible that appeared unfair. Jesus’ short life and sacrificial death could be perceived as unjust, but that was God’s design and plan for our salvation. Joseph and his coat of many colors was another example laid on my heart. He was hated by his brothers due to jealousy and sold into Egyptian slavery. God used this treachery and allowed Joseph to save God’s people when Pharaoh made him second in charge.

What seemed unfair to man was, in fact, God’s providence.
My sister’s thick skin and determination impressed me. With the loss of her short-term memory due to the tumors, concentrating on conversations frustrated her, but she kept trying. Pain crossed her face as she concentrated on eating, yet she never complained. When she could no longer use the restroom on her own, she humbly allowed others to assist her.

My heart ached over the pain she endured. When I focused on her suffering, I still couldn’t understand God’s purpose. But when I turned my attention toward God, Christ’s suffering came to mind. Jesus didn’t undergo a spinal tap like my sister—soldiers flogged Him with leather strips embedded with sharp pieces of bone and metal. Jesus didn’t suffer from brain cancer like she did—soldiers forced a crown of thorns onto His head. Jesus didn’t gradually lose His motor skills as my sister did—His torturous death on the cross left Him gasping for every breath. Even my loving family members and friends who surrounded my sister throughout her suffering showed me Jesus endured worse. The many who welcomed Him with shouts of “Hosanna” on one week demanded His crucifixion the next.

My sister’s sufferings had a purpose for God. I took a deeper look and realized that her many sufferings over many years had only strengthened her endurance. At four years old, she survived third-degree burns covering her chest. Later, she underwent numerous skin grafts and endured relentless bullying doe to scars. Every painful experience in her life, I fully understood now, had led her to this season with brain cancer, giving her strength and hope to persevere.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Suffering produces endurance and shapes our character if we let it. Just as my sister refined her resilience, I see the trials we allow in our lives shape us for God’s purposes. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that suffering is not empty; in the end it fills us with hopeful determination.

When faced with any hardship, it’s easy to ask, “Why me? Why them?” Yet God uses these trials to refine and shape us, much like an experienced craftsman; shaping with exact precision, a brick of clay or hand-blown glass.

While we may never fully understand the suffering God allows, we can trust His molding and strengthening us through it. The end result of a transformed life is not just about surviving any painful tragedy, but rather growing through it with a great hope that is anchored in Christ.

We can choose to look beyond our sufferings and ask God to help us see that He is developing godly character in us; endurance, character, and hope.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. How have you allowed past sufferings to shape your life and your faith to grow?
2. Based upon your current struggles, what hope do you have and where do you find it?
3. How can you help others know that God is with them, walking them through their trails?

Prayer

Dear God, I admit, my suffering and the suffering of loved ones is hard to watch. I want to trust You and Your plans, not me and my opinions. Help me see that You are in the middle of every trial and tribulation, every hurt and heartache, in my life. When my sufferings are crushing, set me eyes on You, strengthen my endurance and character, and fill me with hope. Help me encourage others in the same way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/05/2026

DEVOTION-- When the Good Suffer
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” — Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV

I continued to pursue a more faith-filled life working for my sister in her business office. The piles of paperwork no longer intimidated me. I loved working with my sister. She often reminded me of our mom—both of them strived to improve and looked for new ways to grow their businesses.

My sister and I shared a strong work ethic and worked well together. My only struggle came from sitting at a desk all day, which caused enough pain to require weekly chiropractic adjustments.

One morning at work, my sister mentioned that she struggled with her equilibrium lately and made light of it at first. But when she could barely stand or drive home, she decided to get some tests done. Over the next month, doctors ordered blood work, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests. The results revealed stage-four brain cancer.

The doctor’s prognosis shocked us. Without treatment, my sister might live only four months. Even with a grueling schedule of chemotherapy and radiation, she could expect two years at best. Determined to gain more time with her family, she chose treatment.

My sister was the baby in the family; a kind, caring person. We had grown up sharing a bedroom and sleeping in bunk beds. When we were children, I convinced her that she spoke magic words in her sleep, fell through a secret door in the top bunk, and landed in my bed. She became my best friend, my trusted cohort, and my maid of honor.

Later, she taught me to endure paperwork and rescued me from the accounting tasks that frustrated me when I owed my flower shop. Her loving heart compelled her to help anyone in need. She saved diligently, invested wisely, and spent prudently. Above all, she cherished her husband and daughter.

The question lingered in my mind: God, how could You allow this to happen to my sister?

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Pain intensifies when suffering strikes the kindhearted. Our natural response is confusion and we protest, “Why, Lord?” In those moments, our emotions don’t always match our theology.

Deuteronomy 32:4 reminds us of God’s character. “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” — Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV He is just in all His ways; even in difficult seasons. His works are perfect, even when we don’t understand. He is faithful, even when life feels unfair.

We may never understand why some people, like my sister, have to live with such heartbreaking ordeals. But, through it all we can hold on to God’s goodness. He is our Rock. When all else crumbles, He holds.

Questions to Reflect On:

1) In what painful season(s) have I questioned God as to the fairness of circumstances?
2) What do I believe about God’s character when life doesn’t make sense?
3) How might I encourage someone who is suffering deeply today?

Prayer

Dear God, I don’t always understand Your ways. When people I love face suffering and heartache, I can’t help but try to make sense of situations and question, “why?” Today, I choose to remember that You are my Rock, You are perfect. You are just.

Help me trust Your character, even when I don’t understand Your plan. Thank You for being faithful and strengthening me in seasons of hard times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

09/02/2026

DEVOTION- God's Timing, God’s Truth

"He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him." — Daniel 2:22 (ESV)

In February 2013, my son decided to return home to Florida from up north after my sister asked him to work at her restaurant supply store on the East Coast. Her husband and daughter ran the store and needed help. Grateful God had brought my son closer—and only an hour’s drive away—I praised God for giving my son an opportunity to work with family, not to mention his return home would perhaps finally, prove the paternity of his ex-girlfriends daughter. I hoped he would take a DNA test and prayed for God to open doors.

God answered my prayer regarding her and my son was ordered by the court to take a DNA test. Unbeknownst to my son’s ex, the document listed not only my son but also another man as her possible father. This proved to my son that his ex did cheat on him and his moving up north was validated in his mind. God brought everything into the light and erased any doubts my son still carried about his ex-girlfriend’s infidelity.

Just before Christmas 2014, the results confirmed that he was in fact her daddy. Joy filled our hearts when we learned that her DNA matched his and the truth was revealed.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

When we pray to God for the truth in uncertain situations, He doesn’t always answer right away. In his perfect timing, God will reveal and bring to light what is hidden. Daniel 2:22 reminds us that God sees what we cannot. He alone discloses the truth that man tries to obscure or manipulate. When we struggle to make sense of our circumstances or piece together shattered dreams, we must remember that God is not bound by time or fears.

As Daniel said, “He knows what lies in the darkness, and He exposes it.” God wants to heal us, not shame us. Like my son, we sometimes need to face what’s hidden to find freedom. And like me, waiting faithfully through years of unknowns, we must hold fast to the God who knows and cares.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. What is something you’ve been waiting on God to reveal?
2. How do you react when you are trying to find the light in the darkness?
3. Think of a time when God revealed truth that changed everything for you?

Prayer

Dear God, I want to live in Your light. I know that sometimes others may choose to obscure and hide things but help me wait on Your timing and not rush Your will and purposes. Thank You for bringing to light what I could not see and for answered prayer in an unexpected timeframe. Help me to trust You with my worries and concerns, and give me Your rest in the assurance that You reveal what needs to be known, not to harm but to heal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/01/2026

DEVOTION-- A Home Only God Could Give

“The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11 ESV)

Finally, after months of preparation, the time came for me to move and settle into my new home. God’s perfect timing made the transition smooth. Unpacking, work, and time with my grandchildren kept life busy. Orders for flowers occasionally came my way on weekends, but they gradually dwindled after I gave my business phone number to a local florist. I believed the major changes in my life had ended, but God was not finished with me yet.

In the fall of 2012, I visited a small fellowship of believers in my mobile home park neighborhood. Their warmth captured my heart, and just like that, God gave me a new church family. Deep friendships soon developed as I helped with baptisms, taught Bible studies, and occasionally read devotions. Our senior community also offered scheduled activities, and my new friends joined me for game nights, craft days, and various outings.

God’s joy filled my new home. One night, while praising Him, He reminded me of a promise He had given me years earlier, that He would give me houses I did not build and vineyards I did not plant. At the time that God promised me, I assumed He would bring me financial success through my network marketing company.

But now, as I stood in my living room, I realized the mobile home I lived in was the house I did not build. God provided it for me after the passing of a friend for only five hundred dollars.

God, help me not to trust my emotions but to trust You and Your will for my life.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

God doesn’t always fulfill His promises the way we expect He would. Isaiah 58:11 reminds us that He will guide us continually and satisfy our desires no matter our misunderstandings. When things don’t happen as we thought, or God chooses a different path than we expected, He is faithful and waters the garden where He has placed us.

We don’t need extravagant houses or vineyards of our own making. What matters is that we live in the center of His will.
When we release our expectations and admit His way is better, we will be watered with His joy in unexpected places—like a mobile home park, with new friends and a renewed sense of purpose.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. What promise have you misunderstood with regard to how God would fulfill it?
2. How is God calling you to trust His guidance rather than your expectations?
3. What “garden” is God watering in your life right now that you may have overlooked?

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for Your guidance in my life and blessing me, even when my assumptions get in the way. Help me stay focused on You and Your will, rather than me and what I believe is best. Give me opportunities to share with others the unexpected blessings You give me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

08/31/2026

DEVOTION- A Legacy of Love
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3 ESV)

The summer of 2012 brought several long-awaited events. In early June, I received the call that my precious granddaughter had arrived and dashed to the hospital. Glowing with pride, I wrapped my arms around her tiny body and smiled at my son. “She’s beautiful. She looks just like you did when you were born.”

As I cuddled her, thoughts and questions flooded my mind. What will become of her as she grows up? What purpose and plan does God have for her life?

But almost as soon as she entered my life, she disappeared from it. Amid gossip and rumors regarding my son’s paternity, he cancelled the wedding, ended his relationship with his girlfriend, and moved north with friends. My heart broke when he walked away before knowing the truth.

God, change my son’s heart. Bring him home for a DNA test, and settle this once and for all.

The following month, God overwhelmed me with His goodness when another treasured grandson entered the world. My daughter gave birth to her second son in July. His arrival filled me with joy, though part of my heart wished she had married first.

Family had always held a special place in my heart from an early age, even though, growing up, I never imagined raising a family, much less having grandchildren.

How grateful I am that God saw the full picture of my life. God, in His graciousness, knew what I needed and gave me three beautiful little ones that have taught me so much about love and patience. My grandchildren only deepened my love.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are gifts from God, not accidents or afterthoughts. They are a heritage and a reward. In seasons of heartache or hesitation, it’s easy to miss that truth. Often, in fractured families, we focus on what’s shattered, unsettled, or painful. But even in splintered or jumbled relationships, God can still write His story of redemption.

You may have loved ones who walked away, moved elsewhere, or left you with unanswered questions about the past. But God sees the full picture. He offers comfort, and often, new blessings that quietly remind us that He hasn’t forgotten what matters to us most.
Hold on to that truth—even when one door closes, God may open another unexpected one.

Questions to Reflect On:
1. What family pain or unanswered question are you still waiting for God to resolve?
2. How has God blessed you in seasons of heartache involving with your children?
3. How can you continue to show love and faith even when the family picture isn’t perfect?

Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for the gift of children and grandchildren whether family relationships feel fragmented or not. Remind me that You are still at work behind the scenes. Help me trust You with my children, especially when they choose a path I wouldn’t have chosen. You have given me an unspeakable joy, turning sit-uations into standing-ovations. You knew what I needed and blessed me with children long before I realized my need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

08/30/2026

DEVOTION-- Provision at the Summit
"Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!" (Psalm 34:9 ESV)

In the midst of packing, God proved His sovereignty to me once again. In a small box of miscellaneous paperwork, a bank envelope lay tucked between cards and scrap notes. I almost threw it away, but it felt too thick not to look inside. To my amazement, I found twenty-four hundred dollars in cold cash—the exact amount I needed to pay off a loan due in five days.

Condemning thoughts immediately flooded my mind. Did my ex-husband stash this cash as part of his exit strategy? The Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s provision for Abraham when He asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. In obedience, Abraham and Isaac climbed the mountain, carrying the firewood with them. Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, but at the summit, God provided a ram as a substitute.

The Lord encouraged me and whispered to my heart, “Keep trusting Me and climb the mountains I allow in your life. No matter how high they rise or how long the climb takes, My provision for you waits at the summit. Keep listening to Me. Stay in My will. I will always provide for you.”

God met me at the summit that afternoon. My flesh wanted to blame my ex for hiding money from me, but God redirected my thoughts. This had nothing to do with my ex; it had everything to do with my trust in God.

Do I trust Him? Do I believe He will always provide for me? When I look at a fixed income, do I have faith that God’s resources remain limitless?

Overwhelmed with gratitude for His provision, I bowed my head and thanked Him for His faithfulness.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

There are times in our lives when we fear and falter in the flesh; looking to find someone to blame for situations in our lives. Other times, we follow God in obedience but fear when we find our strength depleted long before God’s provision.

Psalm 34:9 reminds us to have a healthy fear of the Lord, a holy fear, one with awe and reverence. When we do, God promises we will lack nothing. Remember, when we walk in faith, God’s provision isn’t always immediate—but His timing is.

The amount of cash, the timing, the way it was hidden and then found—all pointed to a divine setup. The challenge is learning to believe that God is truly our Provider, even when the numbers don’t add up, the deadline is near, or the path feels steep. At the summit of our obedience, there is always a ram in the thicket—just as there was for Abraham, and just as there was for me.

Questions to Reflect On:
1. What “summit” moment are you facing, needing to trust God before provision is visible?
2. How have you seen God provide in ways you couldn’t have predicted?
3. What does it look like for you to “fear the Lord” in your current season?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for being my Provider, even when I cannot see how You will come through. Forgive me for doubting and trying to solve things in my own strength. Help me fear You more than my circumstances. You alone are worthy of holy fear and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

08/29/2026

DEVOTION-- When the Door Closes, Look Where God is Working

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5–6 ESV)

The lure of internet dating continued to stir my curiosity—not because of loneliness, but because I enjoyed being in a committed relationship. This time, I chose a Christian dating website, hoping to find a man with sound morals. After sifting through profiles, I found another guy who met most of my criteria. We chatted by phone for about three weeks and decided to meet face-to-face.

During a conversation to confirm the details of our date, he asked me to clarify what I wanted.
What a silly question. After weeks of talking, he still doesn’t understand my intentions?

Knitting my brow, I answered, “Well, I’m looking for a friendship that might lead to marriage—one where we can laugh together, play together, and grow together. What are you looking for?”
Without hesitation, he replied, “A companion who loves to travel and enjoy life—free to come and go without a commitment.”

I paused, took a breath, then sarcastically paraphrased his response. “Oh, so you want someone who will have s*x with you but not marry you?”
His comeback ended our conversation.
“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?”

Done. I’m finished with online dating, Christian website or not.
No longer did I need a man from the internet, a guy from church, or a fellow from the neighborhood to make my life complete. My security and worth came from Christ, not a mate. With that truth settled in my heart, my focus shifted toward family and my faith in Jesus.

My dating door had closed, but God opened another one. The short sale of my house finally went through, allowing me to escape foreclosure. Once again, I watched God move another chess piece into place as He prepared me for life in my mobile home.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within
We often think closed doors mean rejection or failure. But sometimes, they’re simply God redirecting us toward something better—toward Himself. Psalm 16:5–6 reminds us that the Lord Himself is our portion. He holds our future, and the “lines” of our lives, though they may shift and surprise us, fall exactly where He places them.

When we release our grasp on what we thought we needed—be it a relationship, a career, or a dream—God’s presence becomes our true inheritance. He fills what felt empty. He steadies what felt fragile. And in Him, we find lasting worth and beautiful direction.
Whether you're watching one door shut or stepping through a new one, remember that God is not random. He is sovereign. Trust where His lines fall.

Questions to Reflect On:
1. What closed door have you recently experienced that left you disappointed or confused?
2. Where do you find your worth—truly—in God or in something (or someone) else?
3. Can you see a place where God is drawing new boundary lines in your life for good?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for knowing what I need better than I do. Help me chase after You and not worldly pleasures. I choose You alone as my everything. Teach me to discern the boundaries You’ve drawn in my life, knowing that you alone are my portion. Even when doors close, let me look for where You are working. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

08/28/2026

DEVOTION- When God Moves the Pieces
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7 ESV)

Life had become muddled. My relationship with my boyfriend confused me. Preparing for two new grandbabies scared me. Waiting for my home to sell and for the right time to move burdened me. The stigma of looming bankruptcy discouraged me. Each uncertainty kept me on my knees before God. My only constant remained my flexible work schedule, which gave me precious time with my grandson.

Then, out of the blue, my sister called.
“Would you be able to help part-time at my office? Maybe two or three days a week for a few hours a day?”

God, please don’t tell me this is the open door You want me to walk through so I can eventually move into my mobile home. Not an office job. I hate paperwork. I don’t want to sit at a desk all day.

Taking a deep breath, I knew I couldn’t say no. My sister and I were blood. Family helped family. Wanting her to know she could count on me, I started part-time in January 2012. Before long, she asked me to work full-time.

Saying yes to forty hours in an office meant saying no to owning my floral business. No to my career as a florist. No to conversations with customers. The thought that I might never create another floral arrangement felt like the death of a dream.

God, I see my life as a game of chess, and You are moving the pieces according to Your plan. I know I need a job before I can move into my mobile home, but I thought You would provide one in a flower shop. After more than forty years as a floral designer, this change scares me. Please quiet my anxiety and help me trust You with this move. Grow my faith.

I didn’t want to spend forty hours a week behind a desk, but the job offered what I needed: full-time hours, steady income, and health benefits. My floral business provided none of those things.

Slowly, I recognized God’s provision hidden inside an opportunity I never would have chosen for myself. This job could move me one step closer to my new home and the next chapter of my life.
So, I said yes and trusted God to move the next piece.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within
We often look for God’s blessings through comfort, convenience, or certainty. But sometimes His provision comes through unexpected people and places He carries us off to—an office instead of a flower shop, Excel spreadsheets instead of floral stems.

Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us that even when we feel exiled, or in my case, displaced, we are to seek the welfare, the good, the peace, of the place God has sent us. In doing so, we often find peace and purpose in our own life. Just like God told His people to settle in and pray for the place they were sent, He asks us to be present and faithful in our here and now.

Your current assignment might not be your forever calling—but it can still be holy. Seek the good in where God is moving you. Trust that He is walking you through it. Let Him grow your faith along the way.

Questions to Reflect On:
1. What dreams do you have that feel like God has “exiled” you from?
2. How might God be calling you to serve or grow right where you are?
3. What would it look like to seek the welfare, the peace, of your current “city” today?

Prayer
Dear God, Sometimes Your plans take me where I never thought I’d go. Help me trust You when the path feels unfamiliar. Teach me to seek the good wherever You move me. Use me in this foreign land as a vessel that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

08/27/2026

DEVOTION- When Red Flags Wave
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 ESV)

I returned to online dating, hoping to ease my stress and loneliness. Soon, I met a man—godly, engaging, and seemingly honest. He passed my two qualifying questions: “Do you smoke?” “No.” “Are you a jealous person?” “Not a bit.”

Everything felt right—until one afternoon in the park. He stopped mid-walk, squeezed my hand, and admitted his real name to me. He had lied. His reason? He felt a need to protect his daughters from seeing his dating profile.

I was stunned. Honesty was the foundation I sought, and now that foundation was cracked. Yet, I gave him the benefit of the doubt, swayed by his charm and faith talk. Still, God stirred unease in my spirit. I ignored the red flags, even when he pressured me to say “I love you” before I truly meant it.

Thanksgiving passed with my children questioning him my choice in dating him. By Christmas, God led me to take a sabbatical from the relationship. He resisted. Arguments increased. The final straw came when he barged into my home unannounced, saw a male friend visiting, and erupted in jealous anger. Only then did I fully see what I had tried to ignore.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

God gives discernment, but sometimes we silence it in favor of emotions or fear of being alone. Proverbs 10:9 reminds us that walking in integrity brings security—but living with deception eventually exposes the truth. Dishonesty and possessiveness weren’t minor flaws in our relationship; they were warnings.

God doesn’t always choose to give explanations, but He always gives directions; in love and to protect. The Holy Spirit will always reveal red flags to us long before chaos unfolds. These signs help us discern situations. When we ignore what the Spirit is telling us, we can delay God’s perfect will for our lives.

It is our choice to act with integrity and be led in the direction we should, trusting Him more than our feelings.

Questions to Reflect On:
1) When have you dismissed warnings from the Holy Spirit in choices you have made?
2) What helps you discern God’s voice over your own emotions?
3) How can you pursue integrity in your choices today?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for protecting my heart from the crooked ways of others. I didn’t understand the reasons at the time, but now on the other side, You kept me from deceiving myself. Help me walk securely, with integrity, discerning Your warnings along my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

She Rises and Shines

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