Tag: Peace

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey, Quotes

You Can Always Begin Again

Brandi C

untitled design

No Matter How Hard the Past Is, You Can Always Begin Again

Life has a way of throwing us into storms we never saw coming. Painful moments, regrets, and heartbreak can make us feel like we are stuck—trapped in a cycle of the past. But here’s the beautiful truth: no matter how hard the past has been, you can always begin again.

Starting over isn’t about erasing what happened; it’s about choosing to move forward despite it. The past may have shaped you, but it doesn’t define you. Every sunrise brings new mercies, every breath is an opportunity to rewrite your story, and every step forward is proof that you are stronger than what tried to break you.

Maybe your past holds trauma, mistakes, or loss. Maybe you carry the weight of things you wish had been different. But beginning again isn’t about forgetting—it’s about healing. It’s about learning to give yourself the same grace you would offer someone else.

The most powerful thing you can do is believe in the possibility of renewal. It doesn’t have to be a grand, dramatic reinvention. Sometimes, beginning again looks like getting out of bed, making one small change, or allowing yourself to dream again. It looks like choosing hope, even when it feels impossible.

You are not your past. Remember, you are not your mistakes. You are a person capable of growth, love, and new beginnings. The past may be behind you, but your future is waiting—with open arms, ready for you to step into the next chapter.

So take a deep breath. Let go of the weight you no longer need to carry. And begin again.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Faith Journey

I Did My Best, and God Did the Rest

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (4)

I Did My Best, and God Did the Rest

There’s a deep peace that comes with knowing we are not in this alone. We show up, we try, we give it everything we have—but at the end of the day, we are only human. And that’s okay because God fills in the gaps where we fall short. At the end of my life, I want to say “I did my best, and God did the rest.”

Some days, our best doesn’t feel like enough. We carry burdens too heavy, face challenges too big, and battle thoughts that tell us we should be doing more. But the truth is, God never asked us to handle it all on our own. He asks us to trust Him.

When you’ve given all you can—when you’ve prayed, fought, endured, and still feel like you’re running on empty—know that God is still working. He sees what you’ve done. He knows your heart. And He is carrying you the rest of the way.

Maybe today, you feel like you’re falling short. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Take a deep breath and release it to God. Let Him take what you can’t carry.

Your best is all He asks for—not perfection, not endless striving, not doing it all alone. Just your best. And He will take care of the rest.

So, trust. Rest in His grace. Know that He is working in ways you can’t yet see. You are not failing, you are not alone, and you are deeply loved.

Do your best, and let God do the rest. 💛

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Faith Journey

Joy in the Morning

Brandi C

psalm 30 5 sorrow to joy devotional01 25 purple

 

Let’s just leave this right here. Joy in the morning. I highly encourage you to go to YouTube and listen to the song. It is worth it, and I listen to it almost daily. There is a reason and a season for everything under heaven. If we could all just grasp that knowledge, we could truly experience this feeling at any time of the day. I pray you find yours today! Let the lyrics speak to your heart, bringing peace, hope, and encouragement. Trust in His timing and grace! Even when we don’t think it is the right time, in our eyes, it is always perfect in His.

… Everything happens for a reasonBut you don’t know what you don’t know.And you’ll never have peace if you don’t let go of tomorrow.‘Cause it ain’t even faith ’til your plan falls apartBut you still choose to follow.If it doesn’t make sense right nowIt will when it’s over
… There will be joy in the morning
… Giving in to your feelingsIs like drowning in the shallowsOh, you got to keep believingEven in the middle of the unknown‘Cause grace will be there when you come to the end of your ropeAnd you let goIt may feel like you’re going down nowBut the story isn’t over, oh
… There will be joy in the morningThere will be joy in the morning, ayeIf it’s not good, then He’s not done
… There will be joy in the morning(Hold on, hold on ’til the morning) oh we believe, we believeThere will be joy in the morning(Hold on, hold on ’til the morning) oh, aye, wooIf it’s not good, then He’s not doneNo, He’s not done with it yet

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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What Does Comfortable Mean

Brandi C

What Does Comfortable Mean

What Does “Comfortable” Mean?

What does “comfortable” mean to you? According to Webster’s Dictionary, it means affording or enjoying contentment and security. So, what does “contentment” mean? It means feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.

This is the world’s definition of comfort. According to society, I need security—home, money, job. I need to feel satisfied with my home, finances, and career, to have the possessions I “deserve.” The ideal life is wrapped up neatly with a pretty bow: a nice job, a good income, toys, bigger houses, 2.5 kids, a dog, a cat, and a fish, a manicured yard, well-educated kids, and peace wherever I go.

Is that the answer to a good life? A life full of wealth and material possessions?

If this is the life you desire, then stop reading, and good luck on your journey. But if you’re looking for something more—something money can’t buy—keep reading.

God Does Not Want Us to Be Comfortable!

God doesn’t call us to a life of ease or comfort. He calls us to move, to act, and to follow Him. We need to pray earnestly, asking God to lead us where He’s working, and when the time comes, all we need to do is GO. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips those whom He calls!

Through the years, I’ve walked through difficult seasons. I married young, had children young, and faced challenges in my marriage. My husband wasn’t walking with the Lord, and I struggled to walk with him. But, over time, God worked in him. Though the growth seemed slow, it was real, and it was in God’s timing—not mine. I quickly learned I wasn’t my husband’s personal Holy Spirit.

We’ve gone through tough times, and there were many moments when bitterness crept in, making it hard to forgive those who hurt us. But forgiveness isn’t about giving permission for hurtful actions; it’s about healing ourselves. Though it’s difficult, forgiving others is a step toward peace and freedom.

We’ve Gotten Older

As we’ve aged, we’ve learned to lean on God’s wisdom, not our own. We’ve faced many trials, and we’re still walking through difficult moments. At times, we shake our heads, wondering what God is doing, but we continue to stand strong in His Word. God is refining us, and though it’s painful, we’ve grown closer as a family, a couple, and most importantly, to God.

I have constantly strived for peace, but life has taken me from comfort to chaos and back to comfort again, only for the cycle to repeat. It feels like we’re standing in the middle of a field, facing tough challenges, but we hold on to God’s truths and promises. We’re not trying to walk this life alone, but instead, we’re clinging to God as He leads us through the challenges.

Comfortable, on My Terms

To me, comfortable means having an unmanicured yard with weeds and dead plants. It means leaving behind a place I thought I’d never leave and sending my kids to public school. It means returning to work and stepping into the unknown. We’re no longer focused on the details; we’re simply trying to follow where God leads us.

Salvation Is Simple

If you don’t know the Lord as your Savior, please consider these next steps and pray from a genuine heart.

We all deserve death because of our sin. But Jesus came to save us from our sins by being the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. God’s grace is undeserved, yet it’s freely given.

Salvation is simple:

  1. Admit you are lost.

  2. Believe that Jesus Christ came to earth, fully God and fully human, to die on the cross for your sins.

  3. Confess that you are a sinner, separated from God, and repent—turn away from your sins.

  4. Ask God to come into your heart, and you will be saved.

Baptism follows as an act of obedience and a public profession of your faith, but it does not save you.

Please, don’t wait for tomorrow. Our days are numbered, and God knows the number of our days. Today is the day to ask Christ into your heart. Secure your place in heaven and reduce the number of those who will spend eternity in hell.

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End the Stigma, Faith Journey, Quotes

True Beauty from Within the Ashes

Brandi C

True Beauty from Within the Ashes

True Beauty from Within the Ashes

“True Beauty”

Do You think that a California girl is supposed to have curls and wear a jean size 3?
All the curves in all the right places, spray tanned faces like on TV?
And we read in the gospel of Vogue that we’re all supposed to dress and move and be
Visions of perfection
Such a misconception
‘Cause the real connection is deeper than the eye can see

True Beauty from Within the Ashes reminds me of a post I wrote about the little squares of life. Social media often becomes a tool for comparison, but what we see is just a curated snapshot. People carefully choose what they present to the world, but what’s hidden behind the screen—the chaos, the struggles, the unfiltered moments—remains unseen.

Chorus

What’s inside of you
What’s inside of me
The hands that made the moon and the stars
The mountains and the seas
Made you wonderful, beautiful, marvelously
Let the whole world see your
True beauty

Aw, Psalm 139, about how God created us.  If you haven’t read it, you should!

World Versus Truth

Don’t know much about Dolce and Gabbana
Seems like a lot of drama to me
And you can keep all your red high heels
And open-toed shoes – I’m good in my bare feet
Lets get down to the nitty gritty
Enough sex and the city
What about purity?
Skin is just the surface
The passion and the purpose that’s burning down inside us
Is really what we need to see

Purity is a rare treasure these days—how sad is that? It’s so easy to slip when emotions take over, even when you’re with the person you plan to spend forever with. Feelings are natural, but wisdom is essential. Staying accountable and avoiding situations where temptation can take root can prevent a lot of heartache—even if you’re engaged!

Chorus

What’s inside of you
What’s inside of me
The hands that made the moon and the stars
The mountains and the seas
Made you wonderful, beautiful, marvelously
Let the whole world see your
True beauty

Love and Peace

Doesn’t come in a bottle, doesn’t come in a box
You can’t spray it on, you can’t wash it off
You can’t nip and tuck, you can’t sew it up
So don’t waste your time
It’s the love in your heart, the peace in your soul
The hope in your smile lets the whole world know
This little light – you gotta let it shine

Love, peace, hope, a smile, and a shining spirit are so important to keep in our hearts. Yet, they can be difficult to hold onto—especially for those struggling with mental illness. The truth is, we all need to be intentional about cultivating these qualities. Maybe it’s as simple as leaving sticky note reminders to keep them at the forefront of our minds.

True Beauty from Within the Ashes

I hadn’t heard True Beauty in years. When the album first came out, I bought it and listened to it faithfully. But as life happened, things got misplaced along the way.

Recently, while updating my Worship playlist on YouTube, I searched for Shackles—a song I love, also by Mandisa. That’s when True Beauty popped up, leading me back to the entire album.

Feeling inspired while working on my blog, I decided to listen. The moment this song played, it was like warm water washing over me. It speaks to me now in a way it never did when it was first released—deeper, more personal, as if I was meant to hear it in this season of life.

Events of Today

Today, I had the privilege of ministering to a heartbroken young woman. We talked about beauty from ashes—Isaiah 61:3, one of my favorite verses. Her voice has been stifled for so long, silenced by the weight of her past abuse and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. In her eyes, she is broken.

We spoke about how the Lord has a purpose for both her past and present pain. One day, she will find the strength to use her story to help others. She will hold the hand of another, walking them through the ashes, guiding them toward their own beauty.

Encouragement

I hope you find encouragement in knowing that you are never alone. You are loved beyond measure. No matter your past, present, or future circumstances, God loves you right where you are. There is nothing you need to do to earn His love, and nothing you can do to lose it. His love is constant—yesterday, today, tomorrow, and every day until He calls you home.

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Open Letter to A Brother Who Left This World Too Soon

Brandi C

Open Letter to A Brother Who Left This World Too Soon

In this Open Letter to A Brother Who Left This World Too Soon, my guest blogger remembers her brother, who died of cancer six years ago. What a thing for a family to go through. The loss of a child, grandchild, brother, and friend. He was a few days shy of turning 19 when he met Jesus.

Lord, bless this family. Bless them with peace and sweet memories as they navigate this difficult week as they remember this sweet boy. Please give them the knowledge that he is healthy and happy and hanging out with your Son, Jesus. He is waiting for them to all be reunited one day.

Open Letter to A Brother Who Left This World Too Soon

 

Dear Z,

It has almost been six years without you, and I don’t feel it has gotten any easier. This wound is taking forever to heal. I miss you so much, and naturally, I wish you were here with me. This is my least favorite time of year. I know you are watching over me and taking care of me. 

I Wish You Could Answer Me

I’d give anything to have one final conversation with you or give you one last hug. If I could go back and change things, I would. I would have stayed by your side through it all. I think about that all the time. Does it make me a bad sister for leaving you there? I could have taken whatever our stepfather threw at me to stay with you.

Missing All The Things

My mom told me a few years ago that you asked for me every day. You asked when I was coming back from dad’s. You know I like to take care of people. I took care of you for the longest time. Honestly, I miss waking up at 3 in the morning to refill your feeding pump. I miss helping you walk around, even though you protested the entire time. For six years, I have been waiting for you to appear in front of me. To give me a chance to tell you my final goodbye. To tell you I loved you just one more time. 

It Hasn’t Happened, so I’ll Keep Waiting.

I think I can finally start to let go of the regret I’ve had for the past six years. It’s time. You know I love you more than words could ever describe. I know your biggest fear of death was being forgotten, but you are unforgettable. You made an impact on everyone’s life. I will never forget you or the things you did for me. 

You were one of my best friends. I promise you my kids will know what a fantastic man you were. They will know how strong you were and how hard you fought. They will know that you are my hero, and I aspire to be as strong and brave as you were. 

After Six Years, I Can Let You Go and Let You Rest in Peace

That doesn’t mean I will forget about you. It means I don’t have to worry about you hating me for leaving. I know you loved me as much as I loved you. I know you weren’t upset about us leaving Mom. I’m just upset she wouldn’t let you stay with us. 

I am letting go of my regret because it wasn’t my fault you got sick. Honestly, I was a child, and I know it wasn’t my responsibility to take care of you. I am moving on and trying to start the new year off right. Thankfully, I know you will be with me and watching over me every step.

Love,

S