The Best Gift I Never Saw Coming
August 17, 2026 | by Marissa
I turned sixty this month. And here is something I did not always expect to be able to say. I...
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What Spain\’s World Cup Win Over Argentina Reveals About the Way God Made Us, Body and Soul
July 29, 2026 | by Marissa
I watched grown men give everything they had and it reminded me you were never meant to be divided in...
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When Humility Made Me Lose Myself
July 20, 2026 | by Marissa
My mom loved me. I know that now with a settled kind of certainty. But one of the things she...
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What a Celebration of Life Taught Me About the Legacy I\’m Building
July 10, 2026 | by Marissa
Last week I sat in a packed room, surrounded by dozens of people, saying goodbye to a man whose teaching...
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There’s a reason coming out of hiding feels so hard and it’s not weak faith. It’s how we’re wired.
May 31, 2026 | by Marissa
When we feel exposed or “bad,” the brain’s threat system (centered in a small almond-shaped region called the amygdala) lights...
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You Were Wired for This Love
May 29, 2026 | by Marissa
There\’s something inside you that aches to be loved. Not surface love. Not performance love. The kind of love that...
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Third Culture Kid: When You Belong Everywhere and Nowhere
April 19, 2026 | by Marissa
I was five years old, standing on a plastic kitchen chair with little flowers printed on it — the kind...
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Your Kids Don\’t Need a Perfect Parent. They Need a Present One.
April 10, 2026 | by Marissa
Can I be honest with you about something? There have been days I was physically in the same room as...
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5 Simple Self-Awareness Practices That Actually Heal Your Heart (And the Science Behind Why They Work)
April 2, 2026 | by Marissa
Because becoming a healthier you isn\’t about trying harder — it\’s about getting honest with yourself in the presence of...
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When Our Needs Go Unmet: Why Living From a Deficit Is So Exhausting
March 17, 2026 | by Marissa
Have you ever had one of those quiet moments where you realize you\’re doing so much, yet somehow still feel...
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You Don’t Have to Be Strong Here
January 7, 2026 | by Marissa
A note for HopeKids moms joining The Purple Room If you’re a HopeKids mom reading this, I want to say...
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A Relationship Check-In With Yourself: Why 2026 Is the Year to Come Home to YOU
December 29, 2025 | by Marissa
There’s something about standing at the edge of a new year that naturally invites reflection. Not the rushed, checklist kind....
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Stronger Together
December 5, 2025 | by Marissa
There’s something deeply comforting about knowing you’re not the only one walking through your story. I know—sometimes it feels like...
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It Wasn’t in the Fight That I Found My Strength — It Was in the Surrender
November 25, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever had a moment where you realized… I’m exhausted, and I can’t keep fighting like this anymore? I’ve...
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You Got Free… Now Here\’s How to Stay Free
November 13, 2025 | by Marissa
The gentle, practical guide every Believer needs for protecting their healing, peace and emotional strength. Have you ever had a...
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The Everyday Practice of Forgiveness: How to Walk It Out One Step at a Time
September 30, 2025 | by Marissa
If only forgiveness were a one-and-done thing. Wouldn’t life be so much easier? We could just say the words “I...
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The Invisible War: Learning to Recognize the Real Battle We Face Every Day
September 30, 2025 | by Marissa
Lesson 1 of the Living Free Journey Have you ever felt like you were fighting a battle you couldn’t see?...
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Why Is It So Hard to Get a Good Night’s Sleep?
July 15, 2025 | by Marissa
I don’t know about you, but there are nights when I crawl into bed, exhausted—body aching, eyes heavy—and still, sleep...
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Why Are We So Hard on Ourselves?
July 14, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever caught yourself saying things to your own heart that you would never say to someone you love?...
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How to Stop Letting the Past Define You
July 12, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever caught yourself replaying the same painful memory over and over again like a broken record? Maybe it’s...
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You Got Delivered – Now What?
July 4, 2025 | by Marissa
Hey friend, Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart for a while. I’ve walked through...
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Give Yourself Down Time to Be Real
July 4, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like you’re living life on autopilot? You wake up, check your phone, rush through the day,...
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Why Do Some of Us Endure More Suffering Than Others?
May 20, 2025 | by Marissa
Hey friend, Have you ever looked around at the people in your life and quietly wondered, “Why does it seem...
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The Moment I Realized Fear Was Running My Life
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
I didn’t realize it at first. Fear wasn’t the loud voice screaming \”Don’t do it!\” or the obvious panic before...
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Is It Fear or Just a Trigger? How to Tell the Difference
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let’s talk about something we don’t always have the language for—that moment when your body reacts before your brain can...
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How to Know When You\’re Holding Back for the Wrong Reason
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let’s get real about something that might be tripping you up and you don’t even realize it: You think you’re...
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5 Hidden Ways Fear Is Sabotaging Your Relationships
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let’s talk about something most of us never want to admit out loud. Fear is showing up in our relationships....
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Why Your Brain Loves Fear—And How to Rewire It
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Can we have a little heart-to-heart about fear? Because if you’re like most of us, you’ve probably wondered: *\”Why do...
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Settling for \’Good Enough\’: What \’Fear of More\’ Is Really Costing You
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let me ask you something kind of tender: Have you ever felt like you were made for more… but still...
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Fear of Being Seen: Why Hiding Feels Safer—But Costs More
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let me ask you something that might make you pause: Are you afraid of being truly seen? Not the curated...
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Fear of Success: The One No One Talks About
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Let’s be honest—we talk a lot about the fear of failure. But can we take a moment and talk about...
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Trading Control for Trust: What to Do When Fear Wants to Take Over
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
I have a confession to make. Sometimes, when I’m afraid, I don’t freeze. I don’t run. I try to control everything....
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From Fear to Faith: What the Bible Says About Facing the Unknown
May 10, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever been standing on the edge of something new—a decision, a change, a risk—and felt like fear was...
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Fear Is a Liar—But It Sounds So Convincing
May 9, 2025 | by Marissa
Let’s just be real for a second. Fear has a voice. And when it whispers, it doesn’t sound like a...
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When Your Thoughts Won\’t Let You Breathe: How to Break Free from the Fear Loop
May 5, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever found yourself stuck in your own head? Like you’re reliving a moment that already happened or obsessing...
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Declutter Your Heart: Let God Sweep Away What No Longer Belongs
March 26, 2025 | by Marissa
Springtime often inspires us to deep clean our homes—clearing out the clutter, letting in fresh air, and making space for...
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When Life Feels Out of Control
March 7, 2025 | by Marissa
The Moment Everything Changed There are moments in life when everything seems to be going according to plan—until suddenly, it...
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The Power of Legacy: How God Weaves a Story Bigger Than Us
March 3, 2025 | by Marissa
Wow… what a moment. As I prepare to stand before everyone at the dedication of Faith Community Center, I can’t...
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The Beauty of Boracay, Philippines: A Tropical Paradise That Feels Like Home
March 2, 2025 | by Marissa
There’s something magical about Boracay that words often struggle to capture. This small island in the Philippines has become a...
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Filipino Culture and Respect: Honoring Our Elders
March 2, 2025 | by Marissa
The Philippines is a country rich in tradition, hospitality, and respect—especially when it comes to how we treat our elders....
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How a Mission Trip Can Transform Your Life
February 28, 2025 | by Marissa
If you\’ve ever thought about going on a mission trip or are contemplating one now, you\’re likely already feeling a...
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Discover the Beauty of Boracay and Palawan While Serving on a Mission Trip
February 28, 2025 | by Marissa
Taking a mission trip is one of the most fulfilling ways to step out of your comfort zone and truly...
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10 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to the Philippines
February 28, 2025 | by Marissa
The Philippines is an incredible travel destination filled with stunning beaches, rich culture, friendly locals, and delicious food. Whether you\’re...
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10 Must-Know Tagalog Phrases for Travelers: Speak Like a Local in the Philippines
February 28, 2025 | by Marissa
The Philippines is a breathtaking country known for its stunning beaches, vibrant festivals, and incredibly warm people. While many Filipinos...
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Good vs. Great: Don’t Settle for Less Than God’s Best
February 26, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like you’re doing enough, but deep down, you know you’re not truly thriving? Maybe you have...
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Why You Keep Failing at Habit Change (And What the Bible Says to Do Instead)
February 26, 2025 | by Marissa
The Foundation of True Change Have you ever tried to change a habit, only to find yourself right back where...
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Forgiveness: The Missing Piece to Your Peace
February 25, 2025 | by Marissa
The Hidden Weight You’re Carrying Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, something in your life...
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Do You Live from a Place of Lack or Abundance?
February 25, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re constantly worried about not having...
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God Sees Your Tears: What They Mean and Why They Matter
February 25, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like no one truly understands your pain? Maybe you’ve cried alone, feeling unseen or unheard. But...
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How God\’s GRACE Changes Everything
February 24, 2025 | by Marissa
Before we can understand how grace changes everything, we need to know what it actually is. Grace is God’s unearned,...
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Unraveling Family Dynamics: How Family Systems Theory Transformed My Relationships
February 23, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like your family is a puzzle with missing pieces? I know I have. Growing up, I...
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You Are Worthy No Matter What
February 23, 2025 | by Marissa
If you\’ve ever found yourself questioning your worth, I want to tell you something that has been a game-changer for...
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You Are More Than Enough – Because of Jesus
February 23, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never quite enough? You work hard. You give...
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Do the One Thing: Focusing on What God Has Called You to Right Now
February 23, 2025 | by Marissa
Do the One Thing: Focusing on What God Has Called You to Right Now Life can feel overwhelming. There are...
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Embracing Your Identity in God
February 21, 2025 | by Marissa
In today\’s world, it\’s easy to feel lost and disconnected. We live in a time where things seem unpredictable and...
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Breaking Free From Shame
February 21, 2025 | by Marissa
Shame is a heavy weight, isn’t it? It can hold you down, prevent you from fully experiencing life, and convince...
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Manage Your Joy By Managing Your Focus
February 20, 2025 | by Marissa
Joy. It’s something we all want, yet it often feels fleeting—like something we’re constantly chasing but can never quite grasp....
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Mastering Your Anger: A Guide to Staying Calm and In Control
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
Anger can feel overwhelming, right? It’s one of those emotions that sneaks up on you, and before you know it,...
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What To Do When God Says WAIT: A Guide to Trusting His Timing
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
When God calls us into a season of waiting, it can feel like life is standing still. We wonder why...
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Understanding Biblical Deliverance: How God Sets Us Free
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
What is Deliverance in the Bible? When we think about the word deliverance, what often comes to mind is the...
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Remember Who the Real Enemy Is
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
Too often, we walk through life feeling defeated, weighed down by challenges, and frustrated by what seems to be a...
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Finding Purpose in the Pain: Trusting God While Waiting for Healing
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
Why Waiting for Healing Is a Transformative Journey with God Waiting for healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can feel like one...
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How God Will Use Your Mistakes
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
We’ve all been there—those moments when we look back at our choices and wonder, \”How could I have messed up...
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Finding God in the Busyness
February 19, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like life’s busyness has stolen your ability to truly pay attention to what matters? I’ve been...
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How Do You Know When You Need Deliverance
January 23, 2025 | by Marissa
Have you ever felt like something in your life just isn’t right? Maybe you’ve tried everything you know—prayer, discipline, even...
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Going Deeper With God: My Journey Into Deliverance
January 23, 2025 | by Marissa
Life is hard. Every day, we’re faced with challenges—personal struggles, global crises, and the endless noise of a world that...
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How to Stay Calm When You\’re Angry
November 22, 2024 | by Marissa
How to stay calm in anger is a question many of us have asked ourselves at some point, especially in...
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How to Respond to Angry People
November 22, 2024 | by Marissa
How to Respond to Angry People: A Guide to Calm and Constructive Communication Dealing with an angry person can be...
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Dealing with Anger: Practical Tips for Everyday Life
November 22, 2024 | by Marissa
Dealing with Anger: Practical Tips for Everyday Life offers actionable strategies to help you manage anger in a healthy way....
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Why Moms Need Self-Care
November 20, 2024 | by Marissa
There is a need for self-care in the face of all the stress and pressure that come with being a...
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I’m a Mess! Are you?
November 20, 2024 | by Marissa
I’m a mess and I’m not afraid to admit it. It is not easy to admit my weaknesses. But that...
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Self-Care Strategies: Cultivating Mental and Emotional Resilience During Tough Times
March 23, 2024 | by Marissa
Tough times can really take a toll on us. It\’s so important to prioritize self-care during these challenging moments to...
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The Healing Power of Self-Forgiveness
March 23, 2024 | by Marissa
Hey Friend! Self-forgiveness is a topic that hits close to home for me. For years, I carried around a heavy...
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The Liberating Power of Forgiveness
March 23, 2024 | by Marissa
The Liberating Power of Forgiveness The Liberating Power of Forgiveness: A Perfect Guide Forgiveness is a topic that has profoundly...
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Embrace Your Beautiful Mess
December 22, 2023 | by Marissa
Let\’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about something we all can relate to—the messy, imperfect journey of life. Whether you\’re a...
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Homeschooling: Emotionally Healthy Motherhood
May 15, 2023 | by Marissa
Being a mom is an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, and we\’re always searching for ways to give...
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What My Parents Couldn\’t Give Me
April 24, 2023 | by Marissa
When I first arrived in the United States fifty years ago, it was on a Pan Am flight from the...
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Why Your Past Matters More Than You Think
April 17, 2023 | by Marissa
Learning about the past is important because it can help us understand where we come from and why we do...
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- September 16, 2026
- Marissa
- 11:08 pm