Tag: God

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 #PurposeAfterEaster

🐣 Easter: Bunnies, Baskets & the Empty Tomb – What Does It All Mean?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Every spring, pastel colors take over store aisles, kids chase after brightly colored eggs, and marshmallow Peeps mysteriously multiply. But at the heart of it all, there’s a deeper story—one that begins at an empty tomb.

In this latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, your favorite co-hosts Naty and Veda get real about Easter. From resurrection truth to childhood traditions, from chocolate bunnies to cultural blending, this episode is both heartfelt and hilarious. We go from theological reflections to personal memories, and we don’t shy away from how our own beliefs evolved—from legalism to liberation, from speeches and sunrise services to the freedom of letting your kid hug the Easter Bunny without guilt.

✨ Is Easter really a Christian holiday?
✨ How did rabbits and eggs sneak into the resurrection story?
✨ And most importantly—can we honor our faith while still making space for joy and celebration?

This episode is for the curious, the conflicted, and the culturally curious. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance your faith with the festivities—or you just love a good mix of nostalgia and spiritual growth—this one’s for you.

🎧 Grab your headphones, your favorite candy, and maybe a tissue or two. This one’s filled with grace, laughter, truth, and just the right amount of jellybeans.

🎙️ Listen now on your favorite platform and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone you love!

🔗 Click here for the episode.

SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE: The Journey to Inner Freedom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the thing holding you back wasn’t the trauma itself—but what you’ve been taught to believe about yourself because of it?

In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we sit down with coach, author, and trauma survivor Danielle Bernock, whose story and method might just shift how you see healing… and yourself.

Danielle shares the heart and soul behind her S.E.L.F. method—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE—and how it helps people step out of inner chaos and into ownership of their lives. We talk about spiritual trauma, childhood emotional neglect, identity, self-worth, boundaries, and the power of choosing you.

This episode is honest, layered, and deeply personal—for us and probably for you, too.

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or deep in the work, this conversation will meet you where you are. With compassion. With clarity. With hope.

Spoiler: There’s even a taco named Gary. (Yes, really.)

Don’t miss this one. Tap in. Share it. Save it. Heal with us.

Danielle Bernock—a trauma survivor, coach, speaker, and the founder of 4F Media.
Danielle has helped countless people reclaim their worth, heal deep wounds, and walk in emotional and spiritual freedom. She’s also the author of books like Emerging With Wings, Because You Matter, and Love’s Manifesto. Her coaching method is called S.E.L.F.—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE. It’s a four-part process that helps people come out of “inner chaos” and into clarity, healing, and ownership of their lives. To schedule a Discovery session with Danielle, click here. For her website, click here.

“That lady on the internet who loves you.”

🎙️ Available now on all major platforms.

🎉 One Year In: The Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed 🎙️

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

We did it. One year. A full trip around the sun, filled with raw conversations, unexpected laughs, tough lessons, and everything in between. This episode is not just a celebration—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really taken to get here.

No filters. No fluff. Just the truth. We’re talking mistakes, mindset shifts, growth spurts, and real talk about what it means to stay committed when the hype wears off.

Whether you’ve been riding with us since day one or just jumping in, this episode brings it all full circle.

🔊 Hit play and hear the unfiltered reality of building something that matters.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Faith, Family & Thought-Provoking Conversations

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive into two intriguing incidents that have sparked deep conversations in the faith community. With thought-provoking insights, Naty and Veda break down some recent incidents regarding Paula White and Marvin Sapp, challenging perspectives and asking the tough questions many are thinking but few are saying.

How do faith, culture, and controversy intersect? What lessons can we take away from these moments? And most importantly, where do we go from here? If you’ve ever questioned the narratives shaping modern spirituality, this episode is for you.

Join us for a candid and unfiltered discussion that will leave you reflecting long after the episode ends.

🎧 Hit play and be part of the conversation now!

#MentalHealth #ThrivePodcast #CriticalThinking #ChristianCulture #DeepConversations

Finding God in Your Setbacks: Preparation for Growth

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

Life often presents us with setbacks—moments when our plans unravel, our dreams seem distant, and our hearts ache with disappointment. In these challenging times, finding solace in faith can offer profound comfort and guide us toward unexpected growth. It is in these setbacks that we often find God’s hand at work, preparing us for greater things.

Embracing Setbacks as Divine Preparation

Setbacks are not merely obstacles but opportunities for spiritual transformation. They test our resilience, deepen our trust in God, and refine our character. As the apostle James wrote:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3, NIV)

This perspective challenges us to see setbacks not as moments of despair but as chances to strengthen our faith and endurance. God uses these trials to prepare us for His purpose, shaping us into vessels capable of carrying His light in the darkest of times.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Amid setbacks, it is natural to question God’s plan. Yet, Scripture reassures us of His sovereignty and unwavering love:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Even when our circumstances seem bleak, trusting in God’s promises allows us to find peace and hope. His plans for us transcend our understanding, guiding us toward growth and fulfillment beyond our present struggles.

Seeking Spiritual Growth Through Adversity

Every setback offers an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It is through adversity that we discover His strength within us:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

In moments of weakness, God’s grace sustains us, empowering us to overcome challenges and emerge stronger in faith. These experiences mold us into vessels of His grace, equipped to share His love with others who may be walking through similar trials.

Finding Purpose in Pain

While setbacks may seem senseless, God works all things for our good:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Even in our deepest pain, God is at work, crafting beauty from ashes and preparing us for His divine purpose. Our setbacks become part of a greater narrative of redemption and restoration, showcasing God’s faithfulness through every trial.

Conclusion

Finding God in your setbacks is not about denying pain or dismissing challenges. It is a journey of faith where we learn to trust in His timing, His wisdom, and His unfailing love. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, let us embrace setbacks as opportunities for spiritual growth, knowing that through them, God prepares us to shine His light and love in a world that desperately needs it.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV)

In every setback, may you find the seeds of growth, the presence of God, and the promise of His enduring grace.

Living in the World but Not of It: A Call to Reflect Christ

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In recent times, many Christians have been led to believe that we are called to impose our beliefs on the world by force, forgetting a fundamental truth of our faith: we are in this world, but we are not of it. This misunderstanding has led to behaviors and attitudes that run contrary to the teachings of Jesus. It’s like asking hotel management to remodel the room we’re renting temporarily. We’ve forgotten that this world is not our permanent home. As believers, our mission is not to change the world by worldly means but to point others to Christ so that their hearts can be transformed.

Jesus’ words in John 17:14-16 remind us of our place: “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Our calling is to live as ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and truth while remembering that hatred, division, and force are tools of the enemy, who seeks to kill, deceive, and destroy (John 10:10).

The Mission We’ve Forgotten

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not to coerce others into belief. Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This mission requires patience, humility, and love. It’s not about forcing others to conform to our standards but about lovingly pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word.

Some have even gone so far as to attempt to manufacture events to hasten Jesus’ return. This is not only an act of pride but also selfishness. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” It is not our place to decide when Christ will return. Our focus should remain on the mission He has given us. If we truly love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we will desire their salvation as much as we desired our own. Remember, someone shared the Gospel with us when we were lost. Let us not give up on others who have yet to know the truth.

Jesus Was Not a Political Figure

Many Christians today seem to forget that Jesus did not come to establish a political kingdom. He didn’t seek to change the laws of Rome or Jerusalem. Instead, He came to reveal the kingdom of heaven and to transform hearts. When we focus on imposing our beliefs through political or social power, we lose sight of the example Christ set for us.

In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” This statement underscores the spiritual nature of His mission. Our task is not to make this world our home but to invite others to prepare for the kingdom of heaven.

Reflecting Christ’s Love

When we are unkind to those who are different from us, we’re not acting like Jesus. Loving the sinner while rejecting the sin is the delicate balance we’re called to maintain. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provide a clear picture of what Christlike love looks like: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Sadly, many unbelievers are turned away from Christ and His church not solely because of deception but because of the behavior of Christians that fails to reflect Christ. As John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love, not force, is the mark of true discipleship.

Staying Focused on Our Calling

As followers of Christ, our job is not to participate in the ways of the world but to preach the Word of God so that more people can be saved. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We cannot transform hearts—only God can do that. But we can live in a way that reflects His love, inviting others to experience His grace and truth.

The enemy seeks to sow division and hatred, but we are called to be instruments of peace. Let us remember our true mission: to share the Gospel, love others as Christ loves us, and reflect the kingdom of heaven in all we do. In doing so, we honor God and fulfill the purpose He has set before us.