Woman's World

Ruth Chou Simons’ Simple Morning Habit That Says ‘I Am Here Today' (Exclusive)

mdillard — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:30:57 +0000

Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons has spent nearly two decades encouraging others to find God’s grace in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Her journey began with her GraceLaced blog, created nearly 20 years ago with the goal of helping women find grace in the everyday. Now, in her new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life, Ruth offers 100 practical ways to recognize God’s grace and cultivate beauty, joy and purpose in the life you’re already living.

Here, Ruth shared her wisdom with Woman’s World about how small moments make each day special, the importance of making time for what matters most, and stewarding a beautiful life.

Micah Kandros

How to embrace a new season of life with purpose

For women entering a new chapter—whether that means an empty nest, retirement or simply having more time to themselves—Ruth says there’s an opportunity to stop looking backward and start intentionally investing in the life right in front of them.

She knows the feeling herself, as her oldest of six sons recently got married and she’s beginning to see her own family move into a new season. “I’m starting to see how it’s possible for you to think that your life is about milestones,” she says. “Get married, have kids, develop a career, and once some of those things are established, sometimes it’s like, ‘What am I supposed to do now with my life?’”

But Ruth assures our lives are about far more than the big moments we’re waiting for. “Our days are actually not filled with big milestone moments,” she says. “When you start cultivating eyes to see the grace in our everyday, to start cultivating ways to discover joy and abundance in everyday moments,” life begins to look different.

And for women wondering what their purpose can look like in a new chapter, she says there are opportunities all around them. “So instead of a woman going, ‘My kids moved away. They live in another state.’ Well, who’s the young lady who wishes that you could teach her how to make banana bread?” she says. “Or instead of being like, ‘Wow, my career was so amazing, and now I feel like I’ve aged out.’ Where could you mentor somebody?”

Ruth adds, “There’s every opportunity to be intentional, but you have to look for that.”

Ruth Chou Simons inspires thousands of women with her books, art, and Bible teachings
Ruth Chou Simons

Why small, everyday choices can make a big difference

Ruth suggests starting with just one small, purposeful change can make all the difference. There’s no pressure to do an overhaul of your entire life. “I would say, start living intentionally first. What’s one way to serve somebody?” she challenges. “What’s one way to have somebody over to my house? What’s one way to take care of myself? If you just start with one thing, that progress can be made without getting overwhelmed.”

She also encourages women to release the pressure to see immediate, measurable results from everything they do. “For a lot of women, you spend your whole lifetime finding value or the reward in things that are measurable,” she says. But some of the most important work happens where nobody else can see it.

“Going on a walk is actually nothing that Instagram is going to reward you for,” Ruth says. “It might open your heart and mind to the Creator and what He’s made, and having a conversation with your friend over coffee and making time for that doesn’t earn you any money, but it might actually build something in the inner life.”

And one of her favorite examples is surprisingly simple: making your bed. “Something as simple as making your bed says and signals to yourself, I am here today. I’m not just a passenger in my own life,” she says. “I’m going to be a teacher. I’m ready, Lord, for whatever you got my way.”

How to make time for what matters most

After years of raising six sons while building a business, writing books and speaking, Ruth has learned firsthand that being intentional also means recognizing what not to do. “God can call you to a lot of things, but maybe not all at the same time,” she says. “When the thing that we sometimes get stuck in is this idea that if I just optimize my life enough, I can have it all and do it all.”

This is something she lived through, too. She realized she was running herself ragged trying to do all the things when really she wasn’t called to all of it. “I don’t have to optimize every moment of my life,” she says. “Sometimes the most productive things that I could possibly do for my goals and for everything else is to say I need to make time to be silent, to not be the most efficient, and to kind of make room for the Lord to teach me something.”

For Ruth, that has meant going on walks without a podcast, without answering messages and without trying to make every moment productive. “I need to go on a walk and just be with creation and give thanks to God for making this beautiful sunset,” she says. “And that did more for my productivity than anything.”

Ruth with her six sons and daughter-in-law
Ruth Chou Simons

Ruth Chou Simons’ hope for women reading her new book

Ultimately, Ruth hopes her new book feels like a friend gently reminding them of the beauty already present in their lives. “My prayer is that she would feel hope to start in small places,” she says. “That it wouldn’t feel like another thing to do, but it would feel like a sister, a friend coming alongside, almost like having coffee and being like, you know, what’s helped for me is to buy some grocery store flowers and arrange them because it helps me notice.”

Above all, Ruth hopes to reach women who are wondering what their lives mean now. “My hope is to reach somebody who feels a little empty inside, who feels a little bit like life feels a little meaningless. I’m not sure what I’m doing, and that there would be just a little bit of beauty, a little invitation, a little bit of like, ‘You can do this!’” she says.

With This Moment Matters, Ruth offers women an invitation to stop waiting for the next big milestone and notice the grace tucked into the ordinary.

Ruth’s latest book, ‘This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life’ is a beautiful reminder to find joy each day
Ruth Chou Simons

Jennifer Vickery Smith Reflects on Motherhood Journey

mdillard — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:30:15 +0000

While Jennifer Vickery Smith has interviewed countless celebrities throughout her career as a television news reporter, anchor, and entertainment host in Nashville, she says her greatest role has always been being a mom to her two sons, Conner and Cooper. Today, she continues celebrating family stories through her popular podcast, Got It From My Momma, where she sits down with the mothers behind some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and culture. Yet at the heart of every conversation is the same truth Jennifer has learned through her own family’s journey: motherhood is both the greatest joy and the greatest calling of her life.

Here, she shares with Woman’s World her proudest moments as a mother, the heart behind her podcast, and how God kept her going through her family’s darkest moments.

The inspiration behind ‘Got It From My Momma’

Ever since her son, Conner, could say words, he had a dream in his heart to be a country music singer. And on May 28, 2023, Jennifer watched him make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Conner, now one of country music’s rising stars, spent his childhood dreaming of becoming a songwriter, filling notebooks with lyrics and performing anywhere that would give him a stage.

Sitting in the historic church pews of the Opry, Jennifer found herself overwhelmed with emotion as she watched him step into a lifelong dream. “I am doing the ugly cry,” she recalled. “I can hardly contain myself.” As she watched, a thought kept returning to her: “I wonder if other moms also feel this way about their children.” Friends encouraged her to start a podcast, and the idea quickly took root. At the time, Conner was opening for Thomas Rhett, so Thomas Rhett’s mother became Jennifer’s first guest. What began as simple conversations between moms soon grew into something much bigger. Rather than renting a studio, Jennifer chose to record from her Nashville home, inviting guests to sit on the couch in her living room.

Today, she still finds herself amazed when mothers like Sonya Curry, Donna Kelce and Denise Jonas end up sharing stories in her home. “Within moments before you know it, you’re just literally two moms talking about their kids,” she said. “And what mom doesn’t want to talk about their kids?”

Leaning on faith through a mother’s hardest season

In June 2025, Jennifer faced one of the most difficult seasons of her life when Conner was the driver in an accident that resulted in the fatality of an elderly woman. As a mother, she found herself confronting a level of heartbreak and helplessness she had never known.

“It doesn’t matter how old your child is, there’s no greater pain than seeing your child hurt, and you would take on that pain as a mom 100 times over to not watch your child walk through something,” she says.

During those early days, Jennifer, her husband, Cooper, and Conner leaned heavily on their faith. A trauma counselor offered wisdom that profoundly shaped their perspective. “We had an amazing trauma counselor that came in the first few days,” Jennifer shared. “One of the things that he said was ‘Romans 8:28 doesn’t say that He makes things happen for His good, but He works all things together for His good.’” That truth became an anchor for their family. “Our focus really turned to how this is going to be really hard to walk—especially for my son,” she said. “But how are we going to take this and help it to work together for God’s good?”

Now, a year after the accident, the family’s testimony reveals their strength and the faith they have in God — and how God has brought such healing to Conner’s heart.

The beautiful gift of growing together in faith

Today, Jennifer sees a beautiful shift in her relationship with both Conner and Cooper. While she spent years encouraging and guiding them, her sons now encourage her, too. Their family has always shared a strong foundation of faith, but Jennifer treasures the way those relationships have deepened as her boys have grown into men.

Conner continues to build a successful country music career, while he and Cooper have both become another source of wisdom, encouragement and prayer within the family. “I don’t hesitate to ask my boys to pray about something I’m dealing with,” Jennifer said. “That’s a beautiful thing when your children love the Lord, and you can mutually lift each other up.”

She and her husband openly share their struggles and mistakes, believing authenticity strengthens family bonds. “I think that authenticity as a parent is so helpful as a child,” Jennifer explained. “There’s something beautiful and powerful about being able to say, ‘I probably didn’t handle that the best way. Will you forgive me?’” Their family frequently shares books, discusses faith and challenges one another to keep growing spiritually. “We’re all trying to figure out how to help each other grow in some way,” she said. “Don’t stop growing.”

Jennifer with her husband, Marty, Cooper, Conner, and Conner’s wife, Leah
Jennifer Vickery Smith

What Jennifer learned about grief

Those experiences have also transformed the way Jennifer approaches the mothers she interviews on her podcast. While she always cared deeply about their stories, walking through her own season of pain has given her a new perspective. “One of the things I learned is that you can grieve and have gratitude at the same time,” she tells Woman’s World.

She points to conversations with Mary Beth Chapman, who lost her daughter, and the mother of Christian artist Anne Wilson, who lost her son, as examples of how differently she now relates to stories of loss. “Having walked through the dark and having seen Jesus be so faithful through that gives me a whole different perspective,” Jennifer said. Yet alongside the grief, she has found profound gratitude. “There’s a gratitude in the way I see the Lord using our story,” she says. “I’m so thankful for that.” She believes God continues to bring purpose even from life’s hardest chapters. “God will show Himself,” she urges. “He did for us at every turn of the journey.”

Jennifer with Cooper and Conner in 2001
Jennifer Vickery Smith

Why being a mom is her greatest blessing

As Got It From My Momma continues to grow through its partnership with UPtv, Jennifer remains humbled by the opportunities that come her way and the stories she gets to share. But for all the famous names who have sat across from her, the role she treasures most is being Conner and Cooper’s mom. Whether celebrating Conner’s accomplishments in country music, cheering on Cooper in his own pursuits, or simply answering a phone call from one of her boys, Jennifer knows exactly where her heart belongs.

One lesson from Sonya Curry continues to guide her through this season of motherhood: “They need your prayers, and they need your presence.” For Jennifer, that calling remains both simple and profound — and one she considers the greatest honor of her life.

Listeners can watch and listen to Got It From My Momma on UPtv and wherever podcasts are available.

These NFL Players Are Also Nurses—and Their Story Is Everything

mdillard — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:00:07 +0000

As National Nurses Week 2026 begins today (running May 6-12), it’s the perfect time to reflect on the powerful and impactful, life-changing work of caregivers. Through a partnership between Mercy Ships, a faith-based charity that operates floating hospitals in Africa, and the app Glorify, a new devotional series, “Strength in Service,” is launching to bring listeners the real stories of compassion lived out daily around the world.

Mercy Ships’ compassionate mission is brought to life in Glorify’s 10-day audio series, where Patrick Hill and Chandler Brayboy — two professional football players who are also trained nurses — blend their expertise as elite athletes with their knowledge of hands-on caregiving.

Drawing from their own experiences and the inspiring work of Mercy Ships, the series explores resilience, compassion, and purpose in a way that resonates far beyond the football field. With its emphasis on serving others and finding meaning in everyday moments, “Strength in Service” is a compelling listen for anyone seeking encouragement and serves as a meaningful tribute to the nurses and caregivers who show up with strength and heart every single day.

Glorify

From the football field to the hospital room

For wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chandler Brayboy, he became a nurse after he learned in a health science class about a specific symptom of Parkinson’s disease. He recognized that his grandfather struggled with the symptom, and he was later diagnosed. He always knew he wanted to do something to help others, so from then on, he set his sights on nursing. “People trusting me in vulnerable times, and learning from patients and listening to them talk is what made me fall in love with the profession,” he says.

As for Patrick, who is now a retired fullback from the Tennessee Titans and spends all his time nursing or with his family, he started as a pre-med major in college, which allowed him hands-on experience at the bedside of patients. Getting to physically see the difference he was making in people’s lives was so rewarding. After having the chance to advocate for a specific patient, he realized this job was his calling, and he was right where God wanted him to be.

Redefining ‘Strength in Service’

Patrick and Chandler explain that a powerful shift took place in how they understand strength once they discovered how much was required of them in a hospital room, and not just on the football field. Patrick explains, “I went from really thinking that I needed to be heard or seen all the time, and now, I feel a lot of strength in really listening. I find strength in really hearing someone and validating their feelings.”

Chandler echoes that shift in perspective. “Strength in football is what a scoreboard says, but in the nursing field, it’s holding somebody’s hand. I always felt more satisfaction from that than making a huge play.”

Their faith moves differently in each space but remains constant at the core. Chandler shares, “Football is never really quiet. Your actions will speak louder in football, and your words speak louder in the medical field.”

Patrick adds that while prayers on the field often focus on performance, in caregiving they become deeply personal: “I’m praying, ‘Give me strength to really affect this person in a way that they may need it.’ Let’s not treat a diagnosis. Let’s treat a person.”

The footballers’ tips for an active prayer life

When it comes to prayer, both men emphasize that connection with God doesn’t require perfection or a rigid routine, but simply being open to whatever God has in store.

“I would say that prayer is more of a communication or just talking with God,” Chandler says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s just you talking.” He encourages people to release pressure and start wherever they are: “You’re not going to feel connected with a person unless you talk to that person.”

Patrick builds on that with a practical approach for people spinning lots of plates. “I don’t think that there’s a right or wrong time, right or wrong place. Prayer can start off very small, like, ‘Thank you, Lord.’” Over time, those small moments can grow into something deeper, he explains, “Those one liners turn into two liners, which turns into two minutes. That small prayer moment can be so valuable.”

Practical ways to avoid caregiver burnout

Even the strongest caregivers have to take time to care for themselves to sidestep feeling burned out. For caregivers, the duo advises staying grounded in both honesty and grace.

“The biggest advice I would give to help avoid burnout is figure out your own stressors and triggers,” says Patrick, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. “Find whatever your trigger is and do whatever helps you get past that in the moment and be gentle with yourself.”

He also reminds caregivers to anchor themselves in faith during difficult seasons. “Trusting God and His plan and His purpose even while you’re in the storm, there is a way out, but there’s a way through, and the way through is to walk with him.”

Meanwhile, Chandler adds the importance of staying humble and seeking out the right kind of support. “You’re not a professional at it,” he encourages. “So just being easy on yourself is important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Chandler and Patrick at the Mercy Ships U.S. headquarters in Lindale, TX
Glorify / Mercy Ships

Ultimately, both men hope the 10-day “Strength in Service” series leaves listeners feeling renewed and purposeful. Patrick says, “My biggest hope is that listeners realize that it’s not a one-time thing. They can draw strength from this series at any time. Whether you have two seconds or you have 20 minutes, this series will teach you to really connect and reground yourself and find your own strength.”

Chandler adds that he hopes listeners will find hope from it. “The devotional series helps you understand that nobody’s got it figured out. Maybe someone can get the motivation to take an extra step to find out what their purpose might be.”

Additional resources, including accessing the series, Mercy Ships volunteer and patient stories and ways to get involved, are available at glorify-app.com/mercyships.

Michelle Hains’ Story: “I Realized the Lord Sent Me an Angel!”

cshilling — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:57:49 +0000

Woman’s World reader Michelle Hains was on the brink of death following a cancer diagnosis. But after she prayed, God sent an Angel to help give her hope. She writes: “I realized the Lord sent me an angel!”

Excruciating pain permeated my body that night following surgery. With a dangerously high fever and lungs inflamed by pneumonia, I’d given up. I wanted to lie down and die. It all started, or so I thought, while visiting my sister in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She lives at a high altitude, and I’d been short of breath during the visit. My breathing grew steadily worse until every breath was labored.

At home in Connecticut, my doctor suspected a blood clot and sent me by ambulance to the hospital. A PET scan revealed the devastating diagnosis—lung cancer. Several tumors were discovered in both lungs, and an oncologist recommended immediate surgery.

The surgeon removed almost two-thirds of my left lung and a small portion of my right lung. However, I remained in a weakened state and still struggled to breathe. I’d contracted pneumonia, and my condition worsened. The fever spiked, and I couldn’t get out of bed or even sit up.

With my emotions already in turmoil, I received news that my younger sister had passed. In terrible pain, barely able to move, and grieving the loss of my beloved sister, I didn’t have the energy to fight my illness or begin the healing process. Lord, just take me, I prayed. I’m ready to come home.

That night, around 3:00 a.m., a nurse came to take my vital signs. She had a strong, forceful voice and made direct eye contact. I told the nurse about my prayer, and that I wanted to die. I’ll never forget her words. “Not on my watch!”

Courtesy of Michelle Hains

Then she laid on top of the covers and wrapped her arms around me. I felt remarkably comforted by her presence. The nurse began singing a familiar hymn in a beautiful voice. “His eyes are on the sparrow, and I know He’s watching me…” She sang the entire song. It was amazing! When she finished, I knew my prayer had been answered, but not in the way I expected. I relaxed into a deep sleep.

The next morning, I felt remarkedly rested. My attitude had entirely changed. Before the night nurse’s visit, I’d been miserable, lacking hope and the will to live. Now, I realized that I couldn’t give up. I needed to fight and regain my health. The serene peaceful feeling from the previous night remained.

I felt an urgent need to thank the nurse and couldn’t wait to see her again! When I asked about the one who checked on me during the night, the head nurse said, “Nobody was on duty last night to make rounds.”

At that moment, I realized the Lord had sent me an angel. I knew I’d survive. I felt certain that God was taking care of me. Gradually, my strength returned. Following chemotherapy, I fully recovered and I’m cancer free. The doctors thought I’d need oxygen for the rest of my life, but I’m breathing entirely on my own now. I’m certain that an angel of the Lord saved my life. I can still see her face, hear the soothing sound of her voice, and recall the incredible sense of peace I felt in her presence. The reason I survived is to offer hope to others!

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

Michelle’s powerful story reminds us of the divine presence that walks with us even in our darkest hours. When her spirit felt broken and her will to live had vanished, God sent a messenger—a heavenly being wrapped in the form of a nurse—to bring comfort, strength, and the will to keep going.

The words “Not on my watch,” and the soothing hymn were not coincidence—they were confirmation that Michelle was not alone, and that her life still held purpose. This moment wasn’t just about survival; it was a spiritual awakening, a reminder that even when we surrender, Heaven doesn’t.

We’re never beyond the reach of divine love. Whether through prayer, signs, or angelic visitors, Spirit always finds a way to remind us: we are seen, supported, and surrounded by grace. Michelle’s recovery is a testimony to hope—and to the miracles that unfold when we open our hearts to the unseen.

Her Late Father Sent a Sign—Just When She Needed It Most

ssullivan — Sat, 31 May 2025 16:00:40 +0000

One of my favorite memories was camping with my parents on Long Beach in British Columbia. It was the early 1970s, and I was 7 years old.

One day, my dad and I were walking along the beach, and we found a skate fish—which is similar to a stingray— dead on the sand. I begged my dad to let me bring it home, but he explained that it would decompose.

I was so sad and too young to understand, but as I got older, I realized that my dad had managed the situation well in explaining and consoling me. It is such a special memory, and whenever I see a skate fish, it reminds me of this day with my dad at the beach.

I recently retired from my job after 36 years, and my coworkers organized a farewell party at the office. During the party, two of my coworkers pulled me aside to present me with a gift. I opened it to find a pottery dish, and the design on the dish featured a skate fish. They mentioned that it was made by a local artist. I could not believe what I was seeing and told them my special memory of my dad at the beach and the skate fish that I had wanted to keep.

They jokingly said that they knew I liked them “because they had asked my dad.” When I replied that he was no longer with us, they joked that they had somehow contacted him. We had a good laugh about it.

When I showed the gift to another coworker and told her the story, she immediately said that it means that my dad is here and is sending a message that he approves of my decision to retire. This was such a blessing as I had been struggling with my decision. The beautiful pottery dish is now displayed in my home and reminds me he is here with me.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnson

“Krista’s story is a beautiful example of how our loved ones send signs of love and encouragement—often through the hearts and hands of others,” said Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz.“That pottery dish, chosen without anyone knowing the deep meaning it held, was far more than a gift—it was a divine message. Her father found the perfect way to say, “I’m here.” Moments like this remind us that when we’re questioning our choices or seeking reassurance, the angels hear us. Krista’s memory, the skate fish and the perfectly timed gift were all divinely orchestrated.”

Her Aunt Passed—Then a Birthday Gift From Beyond Appeared

ssullivan — Mon, 26 May 2025 17:00:54 +0000

Aunt Violet was a year shy of 90 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer very suddenly. She died within a week, and it was a shock to me because she had seemed so vibrant and healthy. Aunt Violet’s hospice room was serene, and her nurses took perfect care of her. But it broke my heart when my aunt asked if she could come home with me when I was leaving one afternoon. I wish I could have taken her.

I had a special relationship with Aunt Violet. She and Uncle Frankie were like grandparents to me, especially after my mother died at a young age. It’s been said that a life lost is a life gained, and during that final week, my niece Margot was born. Aunt Violet was thrilled when my brother texted her a photo of the baby.

On the June morning my aunt passed, I planned to visit her before work. I was hoping to get there around 5:30 a.m. When I walked into her room, she was lying on the bed, peacefully beautiful and freshly clean in a nightgown and bathrobe. I ran out to the nurses station, and they told me that she had died less than 15 minutes earlier.

I took that as a sign that Aunt Violet didn’t want me to see her die, but wanted me to be there immediately after.

That year at Christmas, Uncle Frankie told me that Aunt Violet had purchased my present early that year, but he couldn’t locate it.

It totally slipped my mind until late February when I arrived home to find Aunt Violet’s gift to me on my kitchen table. How wonderful and yet bittersweet. It was so unexpected and so close to my birthday months after Christmas. I wanted to thank her dearly for the diamond pendant and earrings.

Although no longer on this Earth, my aunt found a way to help me celebrate my first birthday without her.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

Marilyn’s experience is a reminder that the love we share with those who have passed never leaves us. Her Aunt Violet’s passing, just moments before Marilyn arrived, wasn’t by chance—it was likely her way of protecting Marilyn from witnessing the pain of her final breath yet still allowing her to be close. The timing and thoughtfulness of the birthday gift was Violet’s way of saying, “I’m right here and still celebrating with you.” When our hearts are open, we begin to see that these seemingly “coincidences” are actually love letters from Heaven.

Bible Verses For Memorial Day to Honor Our Heroes and Comfort The Brokenhearted

mdillard — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:30:00 +0000

Each year, we take time on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifice of military service people who have lost their lives defending our country. For those who have lost a loved one in this way, this holiday feels bittersweet. We recognize the need and appreciate the significance, but our hearts still grieve what we’ve lost.

But even as we mourn on this day, we can remember that there is hope in our pain. God is in it with us. We do not hurt alone. When our grief feels heavy, God carries us. When our heart feels empty, it becomes the perfect vessel for His love to fill up and overflow. God wants us to bring our mourning to Him. Although we cannot always understand God’s plans, His goodness is always there.

In the Bible, there is a promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” —Psalm 147:3–4 (ESV)

As God lays the stars in the sky and gives them a name, He will also heal broken hearts and tend to our pain. Each time you look to the stars and think of your lost loved one, you can be reminded of this promise that God will always keep.

Here, a collection of ten Bible verses for Memorial Day to help you remember the One who loves you.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) — Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

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Paul in a letter to the Philippians, 4:7 (ESV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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David to the Lord, Psalm 3:2–3 (NKJV)

“Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

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Jesus to the disciples, John 16:33 (ESV)

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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The Lord to the exiles, Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”

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Psalm 34:18 (ESV)— Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

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John in a letter to the churches, Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

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The Prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, Isaiah 35:10 (NASB)

“And the ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

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Romans 8:26 (ESV) — Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

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Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:3–4 (ESV)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

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Divine Guidance: The Whisper That Saved My Husband's Life

ssullivan — Fri, 16 May 2025 20:00:23 +0000

Last year, after my husband, Michael, had been experiencing abdominal pain and fever on and off for two weeks, he reluctantly agreed to go to an urgent care. Feeling worried, I prayed. A voice inside me whispered, He needs treatment, but he’ll be okay.

After undergoing tests at the clinic, the next day the doctor said, “You are very ill, Michael. Go to the ER now. You likely have diverticulitis. This could go south very quickly!”

A foreboding feeling swept over me. This doctor’s gentle presence commanded our attention. Michael and I felt like an angelic being had spoken to us.

Hurriedly, we drove to the ER. After more tests and a CT scan, the doctor said, “You have an abscess in your colon wall caused by complicated diverticulitis. If you’d waited a few more days before coming in, you could have died from sepsis complications.”

We were stunned! Michael was hospitalized for six days and treated for complicated diverticulitis. I stayed with him until he was discharged and sent home with a drain tube.

Our first Sunday back home, we stayed home from church as Michael felt uncomfortable going out with his tube. We called Michael’s friend Eric to ask for prayers. After we shared what had happened, Eric said, “I’ve been treated for diverticulitis. You’ll be okay!”

How amazing to hear Eric say the same words I heard in my spirit when I’d prayed. “Michael’s going to be okay.”

Four months later, Michael underwent a successful, 4-hour colon resection surgery. He returned to his full-time job two weeks after surgery and has been regaining his physical strength since.

How I thank God for sending the compassionate doctor—the heaven-sent angel—who saved my husband’s life that day with his calm but firm directive to immediately go to ER.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

“That inner whisper, “He’ll be okay,” wasn’t just hope—it was divine reassurance,” says Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “The doctor’s urgent message, the friend’s echoed words, the timing of it all…none of it was a coincidence. This was guidance. In moments of fear and uncertainty, when our hearts reach out in prayer, God responds. Jennifer listened, trusted and was shown that her husband’s life was being protected from above. This is a reminder that our prayers are heard. We are guided and supported. Even in the chaos, Heaven is always working behind the scenes.”

My Mom’s Spirit Guided Me to What I Needed Most During Grief

ssullivan — Fri, 09 May 2025 20:00:52 +0000

Last year, my mother passed away. My husband and I had purchased a home in Iowa a few months before her passing and I had hoped to keep some of Mom’s things and set them up exactly as she had them in her home.

I set about packing for the move. But I felt guilty because I had not bothered to purchase proper packing supplies to wrap my great grandmother’s crystal. I knew that my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother were probably disappointed in me. I asked for their forgiveness and guidance.

Suddenly, I felt the need to take a break from my packing duties and I found myself in the garage looking through bins of Mom’s handmade silk flowers. I still had plenty of packing to do, and I kept telling myself to put things away and get back to the task at hand. But something in my head told me to look at one more box.

The bins were all labeled with their contents, but there was one unlabeled cardboard box. When I opened it, I was shocked to find packing paper and bubble wrap!

“Thank you for leading me to it, Mom,” I whispered.

I went inside and rewrapped all the crystal the way it deserved to be wrapped. And it all made the move safely.

It has only been six months since her passing, and already she has helped me several times. I also needed to find the perfect home for Riki, her 5-pound Yorkie. They were inseparable, and I had been so worried about it that I was having trouble sleeping.

One day, I got a phone call from a very close friend of Mom’s who said they would love to welcome Riki into their home. It brought me to tears. I know this is what she would have wanted for him, and that it allows me to stay in contact with them and get updates on Riki.

I have no doubt that Mom has been very busy setting things in motion to help me through this difficult time.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Kim’s story is a beautiful example of how a mother’s love never fades—it simply finds surprising new ways to show up,” Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “Even in the midst of grief, Kim was guided to exactly what she needed, whether it was packing supplies for heirlooms or the perfect home for Riki. A mother’s presence can be felt in the smallest ways, from a whisper in our minds to the comfort of knowing everything is falling into place just as it should. These signs remind us that the love we share with our mothers transcends time and continues to guide us.”

She Nearly Drowned—Until a Guardian Angel Intervened

ssullivan — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:52 +0000

When I was 18 years old, I floated down the Snake River on an inner tube. Jay, my boyfriend at the time, shouted, “Eileen! Get away from the culvert!”

I glanced at him across the river and replied, “What’s a culvert?”

Calm, placid water surrounded me as I drew near the edge of the river. I saw Jay paddling toward me.

Moments later, I felt the undercurrent pulling me through the inner tube. I thrashed my arms and legs as I fought to free myself.

The force pulled me into an underwater cement tunnel with rushing water. I had no idea what was happening or how to escape this water-filled tomb.

Suddenly I was catapulted out of the tunnel, and pulled myself over to the shore.

As I gasped for air, I turned and saw Jay tumble from the tunnel and pull himself out of the flowing water. “You’re alive! I’m alive!” he shouted.

“Yes, we are Jay.”

Jay asked, “Do you realize we were just saved by angels?”

I shook my head. “Yes, I guess we were, but I’m not sure what just happened.”

“Eileen, don’t you know what a culvert is?”

“No, Jay. Tell me.”

He took my hand and said, “A culvert is an underwater cement tunnel at the side of rivers. It diverts some of the water to help farmers irrigate their fields. An iron grate is built into the far side to trap tree limbs, debris and small animals to keep them from clogging the irrigation ditches.”

My eyes widened. “And people too?”

He nodded. “Yes, if they are unfortunate enough to get trapped in a culvert.”

“How did we get through that iron grate?” I asked, feeling shaken and astounded.

“The grate wasn’t down, Eileen,” he said as he pulled me into his arms and hugged me. “I have never seen or heard of a culvert grate being lifted.”

I whispered, “I’m glad our angels know how to lift culvert grates on the Snake River.”

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Eileen’s story is a powerful reminder that divine protection is always near,” Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “A seemingly ordinary day on the river turned into a life-threatening situation, yet unseen hands intervened in a way that defied logic. The fact that the grate was lifted just at the right moment is no coincidence. Guardian angels work in mysterious ways, guiding us away from danger, sometimes even making the impossible happen. Their experience is a testament to the unseen forces that surround us, stepping in when we need them most. We are never truly alone.”