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

06/19/2026

DEVOTION- Rooted Through the Shaking

"For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." — Psalm 1:6 (ESV)

In the fall of 1981, my husband finally agreed with me to move to Florida. My mom and siblings had already settled there; it made sense to go. I selfishly thought distance from Richard’s drinking buddies and bar life might help our marriage.

We quit our jobs and moved in with Mom. Eventually, we got our own home, and I found joy working at an upscale flower shop. The owners appreciated my experience, and I took pride in contributing to their family business.

At my one-year review, they asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

With a hopeful smile, I replied, “One day I’d love to manage my own flower shop.”

I was blindsided by their response a week later. “You’ve betrayed our loyalty. Please, get your toolbox and leave.”

Fired—for being honest. I cried all the way home. Betrayed. Unappreciated. But like before, I pulled myself together and moved forward. A new opportunity came quickly, and I made a quiet vow: If I ever worked with flowers again, it would be for myself.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Life has a way of shaking us—especially when we least expect it. In moments like these, Psalm 1:6 offers both comfort and clarity: “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous.”

God isn’t surprised by rejection, job loss, or injustice. He sees every step we take, especially when we act with integrity. Being misunderstood or mistreated doesn't make our path invisible to God—it makes it even more precious to Him.

Though I was stunned by my firing, God was already planting a new dream in me. One day, I’d own a flower shop of my own. That moment of loss was actually a seed of calling.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. Have I ever been punished for being honest or misunderstood in my intentions?
2. How has God redirected me after a setback?
3. Is there a dream in my heart that God might be using this hardship to grow?

Prayer

Dear God,
When life shakes my confidence and blindsides me with rejection, help me remember that You still know my way. I trust You to guide my steps, even when others turn against me. Strengthen me to keep walking with integrity and faith.
Amen.

06/18/2026

DEVOTION- Married, But Still Alone

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (ESV)

Less than a year into marriage, I began to realize my husband and I had opposite ideas of happily married. I was satisfied to work, have dinner together, and relax at home in the evening. My husband’s idea of happiness was going to a bar, drinking a six-pack before bed, and watching sports on the weekends. His married life was basically a continuation of bachelor life, just with a wedding ring.

Many nights I sat by our third-floor apartment window, straining to see his car headlights turn down our street. Why isn’t he here? Who is he with? My mind spiraled with doubts and pain. How could someone who had chased me across the country, who had promised love and commitment, leave me feeling so unseen?

I wanted to believe we were happily married, but deep down, I knew the truth—he was happy; I was married. I tried everything—keeping our finances steady, creating intimacy, making our home a place of peace—but nothing seemed to mend the growing void.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

When marriage leaves you feeling unseen, do you let God’s steadfast presence remind you that you are still valuable, still loved, and still chosen. God doesn’t just patch up the pain—He fills it with His peace.

Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” When human love falls short, when our emotions crumble under the weight of disappointment, God remains steady. He becomes our strength—not a temporary fix, but our portion forever. No amount of effort can force someone to meet our emotional needs the way only God can.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. In what areas have I been depending on someone else to fulfill what only God can?
2. What does it mean for God to be “my portion” in this season of life?
3. How can I trust God when my heart feels weary from unmet expectations?

Prayer

Dear God,
My heart feels tired, disappointed, and stretched thin. I confess I’ve sought fulfillment in people who can’t carry that weight. Be the strength of my heart, Lord. Fill every empty space with Your presence. Remind me that You alone are my portion, and that even when love fails, You never do.
Amen.

06/17/2026

DEVOTION- When Quitting Is Trusting

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Starting a newly married chapter in life often brings excitement—and uncertainty. Ready to step away from the family florist business, I took a waitressing job at a friend’s mom’s restaurant. The pace was slow and comfortable. I welcomed the change and felt confident in my new role.

Then, my husband connected me with a fine-dining opportunity. I interviewed, got the job, and anticipated impressive tips. Hired for lunch service, I soon trained for dinners. But from the first night, I felt overwhelmed. They assigned me to a station farthest from the kitchen, responsible for fourteen tables, and working with just one other server. Strict rules, like not being able to carry drinks with food, made things worse. It was impossible to do the job well—and I knew it.

Though not a quitter by nature, I walked away that night. Defeated but wiser, I returned to the flower shop, where Uncle Gus welcomed me back. I didn’t realize it then, but I was learning how to trust God not just in my dreams—but in my limits.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

We often equate quitting with failure. But sometimes, surrendering is the wisest, most faithful thing we can do. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our work to the Lord—not our ego, not our expectations, and not the approval of others. When we entrust our decisions to God, He redirects our steps according to His purpose.

Not every door that opens is meant for us to walk through. God gives us discernment to recognize when to persevere and when to pivot. That night, I wasn’t giving up—I was giving the situation back to God and choosing peace over pressure.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. Have you ever felt pressure to succeed at something that clearly wasn’t right for you?
2. What situation do you need to commit to the Lord right now?
3. How do you know when it’s time to stay—and when it’s time to walk away?

Prayer

Dear God,
Help me to trust You not just with my goals, but with my limitations. Give me wisdom to know when to try again and when to let go. I want my work to honor You and not simply please others. Thank You for guiding every step—even the ones that lead me back home.
Amen.

06/16/2026

DEVOTION- When Love Finds You Again

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (ESV)

In the fall of 1979, I was determined to start my life over. I left a relationship of one year due to my fear of rejection… I chose to leave him first. So, I quit my job, sold all my furniture, packed up my little red Gremlin, and set off across the country from Western New York to California.

But calls, cards, and letters came steadily from Richard. His love didn’t give up on me. Just a few months later, I returned to New York. That Christmas, he asked me to marry him.”

We dove into planning a grand Italian-Polish celebration. Nearly five hundred guests, lavish floral arrangements, a stunning cathedral ceremony, and a reception full of food, laughter, and dancing. The same place where my parents said "I do" became the sacred space where Richard and I pledged until death do us part. A two-week honeymoon in Hawaii followed—perfect for a girl who had always dreamed of traveling.

Love had come full circle, proving that even the twists and turns of life can lead somewhere beautiful.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

We often think detours ruin our plans. But God sees the bigger picture. Even in our poor decisions, confusion, and heartbreak, He’s still working things out for our good. My story could have ended in permanent separation from Richard, but God redeemed it. He brought reconciliation where there was once fear and love where there was once running.

Romans 8:28 isn’t a promise that everything will be easy—it’s a promise that everything will be used. When we surrender our stories to Him, even our missteps can lead us into the path God allows for us.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. Can you recall a time when God used a detour in your life for good?
2. How does the promise of Romans 8:28 change your view of past mistakes?
3. Is there someone in your life you need to extend grace or forgiveness to?

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for writing a story bigger than my fears and failures. I am amazed at how You work all things together for good. Help me trust You more deeply and believe that even my brokenness can be redeemed. May I never forget that You are the Author of love and restoration.
Amen.

06/15/2026

DEVOTION- Running from Love, Chased by Grace

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." 1 John 4:18 (ESV)

At twenty-two, I found myself caught in a tug-of-war between the hope of love and the weight of rejection. Richard wasn’t someone I fell for instantly, but his persistence, playful humor, and kind smile won me over. He was hardworking and sincere—everything I’d longed for.

But as our relationship deepened, so did my fear. I braced myself for abandonment. Convinced that love would ultimately fail me again, I chose to leave first.

So, when a friend invited me to move across the country to California, I jumped at the escape. I ended things with Richard without fully considering the cost. He was stunned, confused, and heartbroken. But my decision was sealed—I packed up my little red Gremlin and chased a new beginning under sunny skies, hoping to outrun the fear inside me.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Fear and love are not meant to cohabitate. God’s Word says that perfect love casts out fear. But when our love is fueled by insecurity, it turns inward and self-protective. That kind of love is fragile—and it can lead to choices that wound others and ourselves.

True love—God’s love—teaches us to stay rather than flee, to risk vulnerability rather than seek refuge in independence. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t reject us when we’re weak or uncertain. His love is steady, even when our confidence isn’t.

Running may offer the illusion of control, but healing comes when we surrender our fears to the One who never let’s go.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. How have you ever let fear make a major life decision for you?
2. How might your view of love change if you truly believed God’s love casts out fear?
3. What’s one fear you can surrender to God today?

Prayer

Dear God,
You see the places in me where fear still lingers—especially when it comes to love. I don’t want to run from what You’ve given out of fear that it won’t last. Teach me to trust Your perfect love, even when I feel vulnerable. Heal the wounds of rejection and give me the courage to love with an open heart.
Amen.

06/13/2026

DEVOTION- Sheltered in the Storm

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

The blizzard of 1977 struck with a fury none of us expected. Snow slammed the city, and temperatures plunged dangerously low. At the family flower shop, we scrambled to finish deliveries, covering arrangements in plastic to protect them from the cold. But soon, the city shut down. Roads were closed to all but emergency vehicles. The world outside turned into a frozen silence.

With a citywide curfew, since I couldn’t drive home, I had a choice: stay crammed in the small apartment above the shop with extended family, or take my brother David and his wife Leah up on their offer to stay with them. I chose warmth, peace, and the short one block walk to my brother’s apartment. That week of snowbound stillness became a shelter for more than just my body—it gave my soul time to breathe.

Months later, when my roommate married, I moved again—into that very same apartment I had once borrowed during the blizzard. It was closer to work, affordable, and familiar. A new beginning, wrapped in God's faithful provision.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is not just a future hope—He is present help. When chaos shuts down our plans, when storms close every road forward, He becomes our shelter.
That blizzard could have felt like a setback. Instead, it became a reminder that God's help shows up in practical, personal ways: a warm home, kind family, and eventually, a fresh start in a familiar space.

Sometimes God leads us through snowstorms just to place us somewhere better—where His refuge becomes clearer and His direction unmistakable.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. When have you seen God provide a safe place for you—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
2. How do you usually respond when life forces you to pause unexpectedly?
3. Where do you need to seek God's refuge in your current season?

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for being my shelter in life’s fiercest storms. When the way forward is blocked, remind me that You are still present and working. Help me to find rest in You, even when I feel stuck or uncertain. Thank You for the doors You open and the peace You provide.
Amen.

06/12/2026

DEVOTION- When Healing Begins with Hope

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

After surprising my fiancé who was stationed in England, he crushed me with a very unexpected blow of rejection. I had a decision to make: wallow in despair or walk it off. Something inside me stirred—hope so my cousin Mary Pat and I embraced the remainder of our European adventure with renewed energy.

We laughed with new friends at a local pub, sipped brown ale, and shared stories of love and loss. It wasn’t healing in full, but it was a spark of joy—enough to lift my chin and help me move forward.
Soon, we set off for spontaneous travels to Wales and Scotland, checking off Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral along the way. At the airport, I treated myself to a troll doll and oversized Toblerone, symbols of comfort and a new beginning.

Back home, I stepped into independence—renting an apartment, decorating with my style, setting my own rules. Life became full of late-night road trips, work at the family flower shop, and friendships. I kept love at a distance, protecting my heart. One man, though, stood out—but again, commitment never came. Slowly, I let go.

And in all of it, God was doing something new—even when I didn’t see it yet.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Sometimes God’s “new thing” doesn’t begin with thunder or lightning. It begins with one small act of hope. When I chose to laugh again, travel again, and believe again—that was the beginning of healing. Isaiah 43:19 promises us that even in life’s deserts and emotional wilderness, God is carving a new path.

Even when relationships fall apart or dreams collapse, God invites us to trust that He is working—often quietly—behind the scenes. What looks like an ending can become a doorway to growth, renewal, and deeper faith.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. Can you recall a moment when God brought unexpected hope during a painful season?
2. What “new thing” might God be doing in your life today, even if you don’t fully see it yet?
3. How can you choose hope today in the midst of uncertainty?

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for doing new things, even when I feel stuck or broken. Help me to recognize Your hand in small joys, spontaneous adventures, and quiet healings. Give me courage to trust You with my story and to believe that beauty can rise even from pain.
Amen.

06/11/2026

DEVOTION- When Love Fades and God Remains

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

As a young woman in love, I dreamed of reunion and romance. With hope in my heart, I traveled across the ocean to surprise my fiancé, Brad, stationed in England. My cousin Mary Pat and I explored London and Germany first—an adventure filled with laughter, sightseeing, and memories. But nothing compared to my anticipation of seeing Brad again.

I imagined joyful embraces and warm smiles. Instead, I met indifference and coldness. His demeanor puzzled me. I tried to remain optimistic, but his actions and words grew more distant. Then, the truth shattered my spirit: “I’m seeing someone else.”
That single sentence crushed my heart. I had risked so much—my emotions, my expectations, my future. And in return, I received silence, sarcasm, and betrayal. In my grief, I felt lost and rejected.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Heartbreak can leave us feeling discarded and unseen, but God never turns away from the wounded. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Though my earthly relationship failed, God was present through every tear.

When human love falters, God’s love remains constant. I learned that even in rejection, God whispers reassurance. Even when people let us down, He holds us up. Pain, though sharp, becomes the place where we meet the tender nearness of the Lord.

Questions to Reflect On:
1. Have you ever felt abandoned by someone you trusted?
2. In your heartbreak, how did you sense God’s presence?
3. What broken place in your heart still needs God’s healing today?

Prayer
Dear God,
When others break our hearts, You remain faithful. Help me believe that I am never truly alone, even when people walk away. Heal the parts of me that feel unwanted or rejected. Teach me to see Your love as enough and to trust Your plan, even when mine falls apart.
Amen.

06/10/2026

DEVOTION- Love, Longing, and Trusting God in Uncertainty

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

At fifteen, I believed I had found the one. Brad, a charming guy from my youth group with shoulder-length, silky brown hair, captured my heart. Despite Mom’s rule—no dating until I turned sixteen—I couldn’t resist my feelings. Brad deepened my affection with a bouquet of daffodils picked from his mother’s garden and wrapped in tinfoil. On my sixteenth birthday, our relationship became official when he gifted me a heart-shaped faux diamond ring.

We dreamed of a future together, but reality quickly stepped in. Drafted into the Army, Brad chose to enlist in the Air Force. Before heading overseas, he came home briefly after bootcamp, and we promised to wait for each other.

Though letters traveled across oceans, the distance grew harder to bear. I kept busy with school, the family flower shop, and youth group, but my heart longed for Brad’s presence. In a letter I told him I wanted to visit him in England after my graduation. His reply, “Honey, save your money. I’ll see you soon enough.”

Disheartened by his comment, I didn’t want to let his remarks get me down. So I hatched a surprise trip with my cousin Mary Pat. I blindly made an itinerary and hoped Brad could carve out time for me. The anticipation overwhelmed my heart and I couldn’t wait for our adventure to England, Scotland, and Wales—including a week-long surprise escapade with Brad.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within:

Young love often carries the thrill of adventure, yet sometimes with the ache of emotional uncertainty. I emotionally wanted this trip; Brad told me, in reality, to wait. It was not the answer I wanted. Though we make our own plans, God wants us to ask Him and trust Him—especially when we don’t get the response we wanted from loved ones or things don’t unfold the way we hoped.

Proverbs 3:5 urges us to lean not on our own understanding. My love for Brad was real, but I didn’t fully grasp emotionally what life, time, and distance would demand of us during his deployment. Still, God used that two-year season to shape my patience and teach me how to physically wait, looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. When our hearts are tied to people or plans, we must remember to anchor them in the One who holds tomorrow.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. Have you ever made plans that didn’t align with another person’s response and how did that affect you emotionally?
2. How can you learn to trust God’s timing even when the future feels uncertain?
3. In what ways is God asking you to surrender your will to His will? Are you listening?

Prayer

Dear God,
Help me trust You when love or life feels uncertain. Guide my heart when emotions run strong, and teach me to wait patiently on Your perfect timing. Remind me that You see the bigger picture, even when I can’t. Help me trust You more by walking in Your light and not my emotions.
Amen.

06/09/2026

DEVOTION- Restored and Still Valuable

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

I couldn’t rest the night I quit my job at the family flower shop. Uncle Gus had asked me to keep an eye on an employee he thought was stealing. Then, when I caught and accused her, for my diligence he sternly told me, “You can’t accuse her like that. Why would you do that? What were you thinking?” His harsh words echoed endlessly. After everything I’d done—how could he turn on me like that? I spiraled into a pity party, letting fear and hurt erode my hope. What would happen now? Where would I work? What about family dinners and holidays?

Then the phone rang.
“Hello?”
Uncle Gus’s voice came through—soft, apologetic.
“Honey, don’t hang up—please forgive me. I found a twenty-dollar bill stashed next to the register. She quit before I could fire her. I want you to come back. You’re too valuable to us.”

His insistence jolted me from my despair. Relief surged through the cracks of my bruised spirit. I returned to work still hurting, but thankfully, the healing eventually came. Uncle Gus explained the legalities of accusing her and helped me understand how I let my emotions get in the way. In the end, I knew I was loved and valued. That meant the world to me.

Building Beauty and Strength from Within

Hurtful words from loved ones cut the deepest. Whether intentional or not, they wound our hearts and shatter our confidence. But Psalm 147:3 reminds us that God sees our pain. He’s not only aware of our brokenness—He actively heals and restores us.

Uncle Gus’s apology didn’t erase the hurt, but it began the process of healing. God can use both time and truth to bind up emotional wounds. Even in our lowest moments, He doesn’t forget our worth. When others fail to see our value, God never does. He knows we’re still needed, still loved, and still held close to His heart.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. When have you felt deeply hurt by someone you trusted?
2. How has God helped you begin to heal from emotional wounds?
3. What does it mean to you that God calls you “valuable” even when others don’t?

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for being the healer of my broken heart. When others’ words crush me, help me remember my worth in You. Heal the wounds I carry, and restore my confidence in Your love and purpose for me. I trust You to bind up what’s been broken.
Amen.

She Rises and Shines

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