Somebody’s Gotta Do It – And We’re Grateful They Do

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Let’s be honest: everyone thinks their job is hard.

And sometimes—it is. Emails are piling up. Meetings that could’ve been voice notes. A passive-aggressive coworker with too much cologne and not enough boundaries.

But this week on Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re shining the spotlight on the folks who take “hard job” to a whole new level.

We’re talking about:
🧻 Portable toilet cleaners
🪦 Morticians
🩺 Nurses and OB-GYNs
🧪 Specimen collectors
🦨 Roadkill retrieval crews
😷 Vomit collectors (yes, that’s a real job)

Some of these jobs are disgusting. Some are emotionally draining. Some are dangerous. All of them are essential.

And yet, these workers rarely get recognized. They rarely get thanked. And they almost never go viral for doing the thankless, messy, behind-the-scenes labor that makes the rest of our lives run smoothly.

This Episode Is a Thank You Letter

In this episode, Naty and Veda take you through:

  • The wildest jobs you didn’t know were real (and probably couldn’t handle for five minutes)
  • The emotional and spiritual toll of caring professions like teaching, nursing, and mortuary science
  • The difference between performance gratitude and true, prayerful appreciation
  • Why we believe these roles are more than jobs—they’re callings

And above all, we talk about gratitude—the layered kind.
Gratitude for the people doing the hard, dirty, or emotionally intense work.
Gratitude that we don’t have to do it.
And gratitude to God for designing a world where we’re not all asked to carry the same burdens.

Why This Matters

It’s easy to get tunnel vision with your own stress. But stepping back and recognizing the invisible labor around us is an act of maturity—and worship.

That janitor in your office building?
That flight attendant is trying to stay calm at 30,000 feet?
Is that livestock breeder keeping the food supply running?
They’re not “less than.” They’re vital.

And if we want to grow, to really thrive, we’ve got to practice seeing the sacred in what the world sees as low.

Tune In Now

🎧 Episode: Somebody’s Gotta Do It
📍 Available wherever you get your podcasts
💬 Join the conversation on IG, TikTok, and Fanbase

This one will have you laughing, cringing, reflecting, and praying—and that’s exactly the point.

Need help? Know someone who does?
Mental health crisis: Dial 988
Domestic violence support: Call 800-799-7233 or text 887888
Always make sure you’re safe when seeking support.

Memorial Day: Reflection, Family, and Faith

On By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

This weekend, many of us will gather with family and friends, grateful for the pause and the unofficial start of summer. There will be laughter, shared meals, and the simple joy of togetherness. But as we embrace these moments of peace, it’s essential to hold space for the profound reason we are given this day: to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Memorial Day is a day of solemn remembrance. It’s a day to honor those who laid down their lives in service to our nation. For many, this is not a day of celebration but one of quiet reflection, of visiting cemeteries, and of honoring the empty chair at the family table. It’s a powerful reminder that our peace was purchased at a great price.

At The Rising Muse, we believe in the convergence of faith, mental health, family, and personal growth. On Memorial Day, these pillars of our community are poignantly intertwined.

Faith in Sorrow

For families of the fallen, faith can be both a sanctuary and a struggle. The loss of a loved one can test the very foundations of what we believe. Yet, it is often in these moments of profound grief that faith can offer a glimmer of hope—a belief in a peace that surpasses all understanding and a reunion beyond this life. This Memorial Day, let us hold in our hearts the Gold Star Families, who walk a journey of faith and resilience that most of us will never know. Let us pray for their comfort and their strength.

The Weight of Remembrance and Our Mental Health

Grief is a heavy burden, and for military families, it is a unique and often lifelong journey. The quiet respect we show on Memorial Day is a testament to our collective acknowledgment of their loss. It is a way of saying, “Your loved one is not forgotten. Their sacrifice matters.”

Honoring this day with intention is also an act of communal mental well-being. It allows us to connect with a sense of gratitude and to understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted. By taking a moment for silent reflection or by participating in a memorial service, we create a space for collective healing and remembrance.

The Enduring Strength of Family

The families of our fallen heroes are a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. They carry on the legacy of their loved ones through their own lives of service, courage, and love. They are a vital part of our national family, and on this day, we have a sacred duty to remember them, to support them, and to honor the sacrifices they have also made.

Personal Growth Through Remembrance

How do we live a life that is worthy of such a great sacrifice? This is perhaps the most profound question Memorial Day asks of us. It calls us to a higher purpose in our own lives. It challenges us to be better citizens, kinder neighbors, and more engaged members of our communities.

Let this Memorial Day be a catalyst for your personal growth. Reflect on the freedoms you have and consider how you can use them to make a positive impact. Perhaps it’s by volunteering, by having meaningful conversations with your children about the cost of freedom, or by simply living with a greater sense of purpose and gratitude.

This Memorial Day, as you gather with your loved ones, we invite you to join us at The Rising Muse in a moment of quiet reflection. Let us remember the fallen, honor their families, and commit to living lives that are a testament to their enduring sacrifice.

May we never forget.

Trusting God or Telling Him What to Do? A Heart Check for Believers

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

We say we trust God. We quote Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
But if we’re honest, many of us are doing more leaning on our understanding than we admit. We often try to sit in God’s chair, crafting our own plans, and then asking Him to rubber-stamp them with His blessing.

How often do our prayers sound less like surrender and more like strategy meetings?

“God, Let Me In on the Plan.”

Many of us live like we’re entitled to God’s full blueprint. We forget that faith, by definition, involves the unseen (Hebrews 11:1).
We say, “I trust You,” but then we beg for full disclosure:

“Lord, show me exactly what You’re doing, when You’re doing it, and how it will all turn out.”

But God doesn’t always offer that level of detail—not because He’s withholding, but because He’s cultivating trust. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us:
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Faith doesn’t require all the details. It requires trust in the One who holds them.

“God, Let Me Take the Wheel.”

Sometimes, we take action first and pray later, when the consequences catch up. We might even spiritualize it:

“I’m stepping out in faith.”
But were we really? Or were we stepping out in impatience?

Abraham and Sarah tried to “help” God by orchestrating a plan to fulfill His promise through Hagar (Genesis 16). The result? Generational strife. God’s promises don’t need human manipulation. They need patient trust.

“God, Bless My Mess.”

Even when we’ve gone our own way, God is merciful. But how often do we expect Him to bless decisions made without Him?

James 4:13–15 cautions us against presumption:
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city…’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Inviting God into our plans after they’ve failed isn’t the same as surrender. It’s triage. He may still redeem, but it’s far better to build with Him from the start.

Real Trust Looks Like Surrender

Trust is not passive—it’s deeply active. It looks like praying before deciding, seeking God’s heart before our own will, and obeying even when the path is unclear.

Psalm 37:5 puts it simply:
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Let’s stop trying to get God on board with our plans. Let’s get on board with His.

What Happens When You Finally Listen to Gods Signs?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the nudge you’re feeling isn’t just a thought, but a spark?

In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, returning guest John JR Rennie joins Naty and Veda for a deep and raw conversation about faith, calling, and his new book, Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

JR doesn’t show up with pretense. He shows up with lived experience, spiritual wisdom, and a message for anyone who’s been stuck in a dry season, wondering if God is still speaking.

This episode is for:

  • Anyone who’s ever felt disconnected from their purpose
  • Those wrestling with regret, doubt, or burnout
  • Believers looking for real talk, not sugarcoated sermons
  • People are ready to reignite their faith and relationships

From church hurt to divine redirection, JR opens up about what it means to hear God clearly, obey when it’s uncomfortable, and find joy, not after the breakthrough, but during the battle.

We talk faith. We talk about failure. And we talk about the book born from the journey: Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

As the founder of a nearly 40-year business software company, I thought I was going to ride off into the sunset and retire.  All that changed in 2015 when God decided to redirect me to my True Purpose.  Promptings, new understandings, and inspired guidance brought me to founding the BrushFires Ministry.   A ministry that helps other Believers discover their God Given Purpose and Destiny, just like God had led me to mine.

The BrushFires Ministry has created a system and tool set that allows believers to discover their strengths and weaknesses.  Once they have done this for themselves, they can discover this for their family, friends, and other ministry members.  There is nothing worse than feeling you are being misunderstood, overlooked, and spinning your wheels as a Believer.  I should know.  Our system and services can help the believer to find their jam and achieve that joy-filled state of mind that only the Lord can provide.  

  1. BrushFires Digital Workshop – an online video series to lead individuals, couples, small groups, churches, and organizations through our Workshop materials.
  2. The Design Coaching / Graduate Training programs – through three new workbooks (Mentoring Manual, Graduate Workbook and the Instructor’s Manual) we delve into deeper design insight, counseling tools, group dynamics and Church Body Building techniques.  This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
  3. Church Leadership Training programs – using the Graduate Training materials, we coach church leaders to implement the BrushFires curriculum and to facilitate the BrushFires program in-house.  This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
  4. The ReKindle coaching program – Follow up with Design Discovery Meeting graduates to help them pursue their purpose.
  5. Ignite Ministry Coaching – a facilitated Motivated Role exercise to help ministries brainstorm new solutions, new ministries, and new endeavors.

In 2025, the BrushFires program is expanding with the following new services. To connect with BrushFires, you can go to their website, find them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

🎧 If you’ve ever believed you were too far gone to start over, this episode will change your mind.

🌸 Dear Caregiver: You Deserve Care Too

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day, we’re asking a different question.
Not “What are you doing for others?” but “When was the last time you did something for yourself?”

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the powerhouse, Maz Alexander—mental wellbeing coach, social worker, speaker, and author of Arise Kintsugi Queens—for a conversation every caregiver needs to hear.

If you’ve ever:

  • felt invisible while showing up for everyone else,
  • been told that rest is a luxury,
  • struggled to say no without guilt,
    —This episode is your reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

Maz shares raw stories, wisdom passed through generations, and the truth about the emotional cost of caregiving. You’ll laugh, reflect, and probably exhale in relief because finally, someone gets it.

Maz Alexander is a Mental Well-Being and transformational Coach, Social Worker, Mother, Speaker, and Author based in South London. She supports busy professionals and caregivers in developing and maintaining healthy boundaries so that they can implement the self-care they need to live balanced, authentic, and fulfilled lives.

 Her first published book, Arise Kintsugi Queens: You Are Becoming All You Were Meant to Be, encompasses her personal and professional insights into mental health and wellbeing, faith, and recovery. It ministers to the souls of women who feel overworked, depleted, rejected, and unworthy. It assists them to reclaim their identity and discover their purpose.

🎧 This is for the mothers, the nurturers, the women who never get asked, “How are you really?”

👉 Tune in and give yourself the gift of being seen.

🎥 Watch on YouTube
📘 Grab Maz’s book: Arise Kintsugi Queens on Amazon

Finding Hope After Rock Bottom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if your darkest moment could become the beginning of your greatest transformation?

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with the incredible Meredith White, a Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist, recovery advocate, and founder of Simply Sober. Meredith’s journey takes us through the depths of childhood trauma, addiction, prison, and profound heartbreak — but it’s not the tragedy that defines her. It’s her relentless resilience, her hope, and her commitment to helping others find their light.

From surviving life on the streets to creating a community that champions non-judgmental recovery, Meredith’s story is raw, real, and breathtakingly honest. You’ll hear about the pivotal moments that led to her sobriety, how she built her life back one small victory at a time, and why her mantra “Every Little Bit Helps” can change the way you look at healing forever.

This conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you believing that no matter how far you’ve fallen, hope is always within reach. 💚✨

To connect with Meredith

TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

🎧 Listen now and be reminded: You are never alone, and it’s never too late to reclaim your life.

Finding Joy in the Everyday: A Faithful Perspective

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Big achievements get all the attention. Graduations, promotions, weddings — they’re celebrated loudly. But the quiet truth is that real happiness often lives in the small, almost forgettable moments. A good cup of coffee. A random text from a friend. The way sunlight spills across the kitchen floor in the morning.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

We spend so much time chasing major milestones that we miss the everyday wins. We rush through breakfast thinking about the next deadline. We zone out during conversations because our minds are already five steps ahead. Meanwhile, life is happening in the background, quietly offering small joys to anyone paying attention.

Noticing these moments takes intention. It’s about slowing down, even briefly. It’s pausing to appreciate the rhythm of rain against the window or the smell of fresh laundry. It’s hearing your favorite song at the grocery store and actually letting yourself smile.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)

Gratitude is part of it, sure, but it’s more than that. It’s a mindset shift: choosing to see your daily life as enough, rather than a waiting room for something “better” to happen.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Start small. Put your phone down when you’re eating. Watch how your dog greets you like you’re the best part of its day. Laugh at a bad joke. Feel the weight of a cozy blanket. These moments won’t make headlines, but they build a quiet, lasting happiness that’s hard to shake.

Joy isn’t hidden in some grand future. It’s scattered all over your ordinary day, waiting to be noticed.

The Power of Prayer—A Path to Mental Peace

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever found yourself at the edge of your strength, unsure of the next step, but managed to whisper a single prayer that somehow changed everything?

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive deep into the transformative connection between prayer and mental health. With our usual blend of honesty, humor, and heartfelt wisdom, we explore why prayer is more than just a spiritual tradition—it’s a lifeline. A powerful tool for healing. A sacred space where burdens are laid down and peace is picked up.

You’ll hear personal stories that will touch your soul, moments of laughter that remind us we’re human, and reflections that might just feel like home. From teething toddlers to teary breakthroughs, this episode is raw, real, and restorative.

If you’ve ever questioned your prayers, struggled with silence, or simply longed to feel heard, this one’s for you.

🎧 Come take a seat at the table. Let’s talk. Let’s laugh. Let’s heal. Together.

👉 Tap the link, press play, and meet us in the conversation. We promise you’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and spiritually full.

From Candy to Calling: What to Do Now That Easter is Over

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

The eggs have been hunted, the candy wrappers tossed, and the “He is Risen” banners packed away. Now what?

Too often, we treat Easter like the end of a spiritual season, when really—it should ignite the start of something new. At Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re challenging ourselves (and you!) to let Easter be the spark that pushes us into action, healing, and deeper faith.

Here are 5 things you can do now that Easter is behind us:

  1. Reflect intentionally – Journal what moved you this season. What did God speak into your spirit?
  2. Reconnect with community – Whether it’s church, a podcast, or a small group, don’t isolate.
  3. Reignite your devotional life – Start a fresh plan or return to a forgotten one.
  4. Release guilt – If Easter came with tension, grief, or comparison, let it go. God’s grace is bigger.
  5. Renew your joy – It’s okay to celebrate. It’s okay to laugh. Jesus didn’t rise so we could live burdened.

Easter might be one day on the calendar, but resurrection life is every day we choose faith, grace, and love.

Keep rising, keep thriving, and keep showing up for your calling.

📲 Follow us @therisingmuse on IG, Threads, TikTok & Blue Sky
📡 Listen on wdjyfm.com (Thursdays 9AM), 99.1 FM ATL, 92.9 FM Denver, & Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax)

#ResurrectionEveryday #FaithOverFear #ChristianEncouragement #ThriveByTheRisingMuse #PurposeAfterEaster

After the Amen: Living the Resurrection Beyond Easter Sunday

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Easter may be over, but the resurrection is far from finished.

The empty tomb wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of a new life, a renewed purpose, and a reminder that hope always has the final word. But how do we carry the spiritual weight of Easter into our everyday routines?

If Easter stirred something in you—peace, gratitude, conviction, or clarity—this is your invitation to keep the momentum going.

At Thrive by The Rising Muse, our Easter conversation wasn’t just about tradition—it was about transformation. It reminded us that you can hold the holiness of resurrection and the joy of spring in the same heart. That bunnies and baskets don’t erase the cross, but that Jesus still reigns above all.

As the pastel fades and the candy disappears, don’t let your faith retreat with it.

Here’s how you can live the resurrection this week:

  • Start your day with gratitude—for breath, for purpose, for grace.
  • Look for new life in unlikely places: your thoughts, your relationships, your faith.
  • Be kind. Be bold. Be a vessel of joy in someone else’s winter.

Because resurrection isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement.

💭 What’s one thing Easter reminded you of this year? Leave a comment—we’d love to hear.

📲 Follow us on social: @therisingmuse
🎙 Listen weekly or on the radio: www.wdjyfm.com | 99.1 FM (ATL) | 92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver | Channel 36 Fairfax Public Access

#PostEasterFaith #LivingTheResurrection #FaithInAction #ThriveByTheRisingMuse #SpiritualGrowth