<![CDATA[www.vanessavhay.com Blog Feed]]> ../index.html Sat, 03 Oct 2026 23:13:24 -0500 Jimdo_Feed en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Sit Here for a Moment]]> ../2025/08/19/sit-here-for-a-moment/index.html ../2025/08/19/sit-here-for-a-moment/index.html
Some mornings feel like a still frame from a dream — eggs on toast, a warm cup of coffee, a treasured orchid in bloom, and sunlight pouring through the window as summer slowly softens its edges. There's a sweetness in the stillness, even when your heart is sorting through a mix of memories, improbable hopes, and unspoken prayers.
I sat with my journal this morning, letting the thoughts flow — some tender, some tangled. Grief still visits sometimes, uninvited, quietly and unexpectedly. But so does gratitude. And both have a way of shaping perspective.
Recently, someone criticized me for sharing moments like this — calling it a “need for validation from strangers.” I found that a little amusing, to be honest. It revealed more about their shallow understanding of me than anything else. Because... if I let praise shape my identity, then I’d also have to let their disapproval define me too — and that’s not a road I’m willing to go down. My worth doesn’t rise and fall with opinions, accusations, or criticism. It’s anchored in something much deeper: the love and sacrifice of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Not in my talents, or my flaws, or even how I’m perceived.
I share these glimpses of life — not to seek applause, but because I know how powerful it can be to feel seen. If my words can offer someone else a breath of comfort, a reminder that they’re not alone, or a moment of beauty in the middle of a harshness… then it’s worth every single sentence.
And through all the contrast — beauty and ache, quiet and longing — a new song began to take shape. Gentle at first, but certain. It’s been whispering in the winds, and now it’s begging to be heard. A melody born from deep places, asking to be shared.
Soon, my new friend.
Soon.
]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:34:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Too Soon]]> ../2025/07/24/too-soon/index.html ../2025/07/24/too-soon/index.html
This one hit deep today.
“Beware of giving up too soon. Our emotions are not reliable guides.” — John Piper
How many things have we walked away from not because they were wrong… but because we were scared, overwhelmed, or discouraged in the moment?
Emotions can feel so loud, so final—but they’re not always telling the truth. They’re signals, not stop signs.
Whether it’s a relationship, a dream, or your own healing… don’t quit in the fog.
The view is still there.
The sun is still rising.
Give grace.
Breathe.
Re-center.
And remember: Just because it feels hard... doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.
]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:32:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Habits - Good and Bad]]> ../2025/07/22/habits-good-and-bad/index.html ../2025/07/22/habits-good-and-bad/index.html
“The fastest way to success is to replace bad habits with good habits.”
Whew. That one hits.
Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That means change doesn’t come just from trying harder—it comes from allowing God to rewire the way we think, act, and create.
Whether it’s the way you show up in your business, your side hustle, your art, your music, your family or your walk with God—your habits are either feeding the fire or putting it out. 🕊️
What if you traded distraction for discipline?
Procrastination for purpose?
Self-doubt for Spirit-led confidence?
What if we start small.
Maybe pick up your instrument and play for 10 minutes today.
Sketch something even if it’s imperfect.
Pray before you create.
Worship while you work.
Good habits are the brushstrokes to your masterpiece.
Let the Holy Spirit be your guide, and let discipline become your form of worship. 🙌
What habit are you asking God to help you shift this season?
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0500 <![CDATA[My Clutter - I See You]]> ../2025/07/20/my-clutter-i-see-you/index.html ../2025/07/20/my-clutter-i-see-you/index.html
Audible is my bestie. This season I learned about, "The Visibility Rule" from yet another book on de-cluttering and organization.
If I haven’t seen it in 6 months, it’s probably not part of this season.
If I forgot I owned it, it’s probably not meant to go with me where I’m headed.
Welcome to the Visibility Rule — because clutter isn’t just stuff... sometimes it’s grief wearing a dusty sweater and trinkets in an old nut can.
It’s been a year and a half since I lost my mom, and still, I find myself standing in doorways, staring at bins, whispering, "Mom, why did you have all this STUFF!" I can hear her responses, and the goofy expression of "What can I say" with a smirk and an eye roll. I whisper,
“Lord, help me know what to keep and what to release.”
Every object holds a memory.
And as an artist, everything "could" be repurposed, right?
“This chipped mug could be a planter. This scrap of lace could be a collage.”
Everything CAN be art... but not everything is meant to be kept.
Some days I move with clarity.
Other days, I get lost in the weight of a single photo.
But I’m learning: healing isn’t linear, and de-cluttering isn’t just about making space on the shelf — …it’s about making space in the heart.
So I sort slowly. I pray often. People criticize the mess. I fight the paralysis of letting go.
And I trust that God is gently helping me trade ashes for beauty, one drawer at a time.
]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:26:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Refelctions of Peace]]> ../2025/03/01/refelctions-of-peace/index.html ../2025/03/01/refelctions-of-peace/index.html
As I reflect on scripture this morning, I believe the Lord illuminated a truth to my spirit. The process I underwent in ministry school is available to anyone who is ready to be transparent before the Lord Jesus Christ and lay down the poisonous self infliction's passed down through generations and social programming.
To have internal peace spoken of by Jesus our Lord, and later our brother in Faith, Paul, we must de-compartmentalize our spirituality from the rest of our lives in order to integrate the peace of Christ throughout all aspects of our earthly experience. This often means examining family "traditions" that were merely bad habits picked up as poor coping mechanisms in order to transform future generations by rewriting the script from which we respond.
How fortunate we are to have the wisdom of scripture at our fingertips to guide us on this journey! Glory to Christ our Lord for making a way.

 

]]> Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:31:00 -0600 <![CDATA[January 2025]]> ../2025/01/24/january-2025/index.html ../2025/01/24/january-2025/index.html
It's the end of January. The snow covers the ground, even in Florida, the temperatures are hostile, and the gentle crackle of a fireplace whispers to just stay inside.
But what do you do when you are discouraged? What do you do when you are struggling with emotions that attack your mind? Have you piled countless reasons to lock yourself away at home, alone, maybe feeling depressed and anxious? The Bible tells us in Hebrews, Chapter 10, verse 25, not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together with other believers.
The moment people start feeling like they are failing or falling short, or others are advancing faster than they are, the enemy is quick to encourage us to hide away and deal with these emotions alone. He might say, "No one else understands" or "This is what you get for dealing with the same problem over and over. You will never defeat it." The enemy is great for shaming us for struggling with a problem that we "should have already conquered by now." If the enemy can get you to fall out of fellowship with our family of believers, he can more easily convince us to live defeated.
But being together with other believers gives us strength. We receive encouragement by their stories. We receive encouragement by the things they are doing to serve others. We are encouraged by hearing what they are struggling with and praying together as a family.
This is why the church is so important. When we are in this place of cold isolation, we can feel the warm presence of the Lord. We can defrost by getting encouragement. And in the end, the enemy does not have a foothold. We are able to rise up into heavenly victory instead of letting the devil get the best of us in our moment of weakness.
Yes, we need to pray at home. Yes, we need to read God's Word to hear His heart and grow in the spirit of wisdom and understanding. But find or build a tribe of dedicated believers that you trust, who can build you up in the faith and encourage you, who will seek the Lord together. In so doing, you will find that fire within that burns even in the coldest night.
Prayer:
Lord, I ask you to push my flesh and my feelings aside. When I am tempted to isolate and be alone, your word promises to encourage me if I fellowship with other believers. I ask for your help, Lord, to deny the lying emotions and discouraging voices in my head. Help me to get out of my house and stop focusing on areas of my defeat. Give me the strength of will to attach myself to a band of believers who will encourage me to stand tall. I will fight like someone who has the armor and the power of God working in my life. I declare that Satan is a liar. He does not have power to keep me down and depressed when life comes against me! I put my hope in Jesus Christ. I run to the people of faith who can encourage me. I will not fall out of fellowship. I will not stay away from my church. I am faithful and I receive encouragement every time I get in God's presence. I declare that I will build up my church and I will allow them to build me up as well. I declare this by faith in Jesus.

 

]]> Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:15:00 -0600 <![CDATA[Transformation]]> ../2023/10/07/transformation/index.html ../2023/10/07/transformation/index.html
My heart is filled with the joy of the Lord as I meditate on the word this morning! The Lord, like a skillful craftsman, chisels away at our misguided choices, our character, and our attitude to become more heavenly minded, and more useful for the kingdom.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Guided Transformation. 
Thank God he does not condemn us for our mistakes! But uses us where we are at the understanding we have gained thus far! Thank God he sends mentors and teachers and leaders of wisdom and knowledge to help guide us along the way!
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Romans 8:1‭-‬2 AMP
Guided grace-filled Transformation. 
All things work together for the Glory of God! As we come to him, he unveils our misunderstandings and reveals where we have been believing the lies of this world. Thats what, "His grace is sufficient for me" means! Wherever we are in the journey of discovery of our Savior, he meets us there! He covers the remaining distance with his grace! What a profound act of understanding and love!
but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My loving kindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP
Guided grace-filled Transformation spurred on by Repentance. 
Repentance is a glorious gift. As we turn to him declaring, "You are right. I am not. Show me YOUR way. I surrender MY plans for yours. I may not understand what or why, but I trust you. Lead me."
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:21‭-‬22 AMP
Guided, ️Methodical, grace-filled Transformation spurred on by Repentance 
He drives out all the toxic, septic, poison from our lives little by little, bit by bit, so we can see through the fog of deception, feel the Holy Spirit more profoundly, and hear the voice of God more clearly. As we get stronger we are able to take ahold of the truth with conviction of mind and dedication of spirit!
I will not drive them out before you in a single year, so that the land does not become desolate [due to lack of attention] and the [wild] animals of the field do not become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you have increased and are strong enough to take possession of the land.
Exodus 23:29‭-‬30 AMP
Praise you Father, for your ways are perfect! Amen
]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 12:55:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Help is just a Prayer Away]]> ../2023/09/29/help-is-just-a-prayer-away/index.html ../2023/09/29/help-is-just-a-prayer-away/index.html
Lord,
Help us to remember
YOU are in control
of everything!
Remember, to rejoice in you is the gift!
To turn to YOU when we feel a sting
Of truth, of regret, of shame, of rift.
SOUL, I SAY REJOICE!
This world is an illusion,
It holds nothing but menace and confusion
You, Father, are our peace, endless joy, and our blessing,
Always working all things out, no second guessing.
Help us, Lord, to remember.
To release our grip and let YOU lead,
Surrender more today
To walk in dignity
Before the one who died to set us free.

 

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:27:00 -0500 <![CDATA[A Maine Spring Day in June]]> ../2023/06/04/a-maine-spring-day-in-june/index.html ../2023/06/04/a-maine-spring-day-in-june/index.html

As I watch my daughter grow all kinds of plants this Spring, we get to watch the miracle held in every seed. As the leaves sprout, and roots grow deeper, each plant reveals their unique identity and purpose. Never competing with each other, or worried how another plant is growing and changing, I am reminded how we grow in the Lord!

Slowly, as we mature, full grown fruit of the seeds planted inside are revealed. It is up to us to wash our spirit with the the Living Water of the Word. Let us continue to grow in the fruit of the Spirit and love each other as we grow together to fulfill our unique purpose.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 11:29:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Remember the Work]]> ../2023/05/26/remember-the-work/index.html ../2023/05/26/remember-the-work/index.html
I've waited a LONG TIME to post this!
Back in October of 2022 I decided to make a sweater. My first EVER sweater. After entering the One Lupine Fiber Arts shop in Bangor and getting COMPLETELY inspired by their hand-dyed selection of natural wool, it just had to happen! (shameless plug for this special Bangor small business)...
Anyway...I had never made a sweater before. It seemed daunting! But determined to make it for my bestie for her Birthday in November. It would be challenging to get it done, but worth a shot. I got to work.
I FINALLY finished on the last night of her Birthday trip to New Mexico, and was SO EXCITED to give it to her... but the head hole was TOO SMALL so I took it home.
How am I gonna fix that without destroying it?! With the help of my knit-master mother, I unraveled the part needed, and fix it!
I gave it back to Salome in January when she came to Florida for an art show, and I was so excited it fit! But it was late that night so we didn't take a picture.
It only took her 5 MONTH to send a photo of her wearing this now epic saga sweater!
So here we are. Sweater complete. Story complete. Life is good!
I love you!!! So glad it looks so good on you!
]]> Fri, 26 May 2023 11:32:00 -0500 <![CDATA[The Answer is...]]> ../2023/04/18/the-answer-is-what-is-pray/index.html ../2023/04/18/the-answer-is-what-is-pray/index.html
Are you struggling with something that seems so much bigger than anything you can handle? Does it feel like the world is crashing in one brick at a time? Are you watching something unravel in front of your eyes feeling powerless to stop it?

Important matters deserve importunate prayers. The Word of God is filled with stories like this. Men and women of FAITH call on the Name of the Lord to fight for them!

Abraham is pleading for the salvation of Sodom and Gomorrah;
Jacob wrestling all night with the Angel of the Lord (Gen 32: 24-31);
Moses prayed through 40 days and nights so he could hear God on behalf of the people of Israel (Exodus 34:28, Deut 9:9-11,10:10).

Our mixed motives do not weaken the fact that GOD LISTENS TO OUR PRAYERS!

Jesus taught us to be relentless in our requests of the Lord (Luke 11: 5-10). To ask for anything according to HIS will with shameless audacity and persistence.

This type of prayer stirs the deepest part of the soul toward the throne of heaven.

Repent for anything that might be separating you from Jesus (Father forgive me, I know I have ...fill in the blank), and thank Him for all He has done for you already. Remind yourself of his promises by reading scripture out loud, proclaiming the power of Jesus Christ over your life. Then, with humble submission, approach the throne of grace with bold audacity and expectations.

PRAYYYYY!!!!

Watch the Lord of all creation fight for you, is CHILD. Watch him breaking chains, moving mountains, and removing the enemy in a powerful glorious way! 🙌 Praise to our Father in heaven!



 

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:58:39 -0500 <![CDATA[One Week]]> ../2023/04/03/one-week/index.html ../2023/04/03/one-week/index.html
Do you ever think about what it must have been like to walk WITH Jesus during this week of his life?
The days leading up to his death, to witness him being questioned by the religious leaders... having to go about his daily business before the most epic betrayal of all time... realizing he was leaving his friends and followers but couldn't explain because they wouldn't understand...the sorrow he must have felt... the fear knowing what the Roman crucifixion entailed yet when the guards came for him he STEPPED FORWARD to meet them? Never running away, but actively pursuing God's will?
I'm not like that. I would hide. Or run. Probably run and hide at the same time. Shoot, sometimes when I pray God asks me to do something simple like... intercede in prayer for the leaders of the nation. How easy is that?! Just sit in your cozy chair (that he provided) in your warm house (that he provided) drinking your frothy cup of coffee (yes, that he provided) and PRAYYYYY... and yet some days I'm like..."mmmm, nah, not today God. I'm tired." 🙄🤦‍♀️ So embarrassing. I sit before God, who has literally dragged me out of the depths of hell, and I'm too tired to P R A Y?? Sometimes I hang my head in shame for being so weak and selfish.
ESPECIALLY when I think about Jesus and how actively and selflessly he loved us with such intention!
Will you join me this week in prayer? Even if you are out of practice, let's pray.
Active, intentional prayer.
Thank God for all He is and all he has done.
Repent for any sins we have committed, and for being too busy to spend time with the wonderful God of the universe.
Pray, not just for our needs, but the needs of our community, our destitute, our soldiers, our sick, our leaders, the China-Iran-Saudi-Russian alliance (how scary is THAT?!), our children, the future of America, and pour out blessings on the world.
Let's collectively call on the Holy Spirit to intervene and disrupt the plans of the enemy as we remember what Jesus did for us this week.
Prayer changes things.
It is the most powerful thing we can do on behalf of those we love.
 

 

]]> Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:33:00 -0500 <![CDATA[You see what happen was...]]> ../2022/10/11/you-see-what-happen-was/index.html ../2022/10/11/you-see-what-happen-was/index.html
I had no intention of knitting this year...not at all! Toooo busy.
But then the sweet face of my nanny child asked me to teach her.  How do you say no to that?!
Ministry school.
Two Bible studies.
Music performances.
Christmas album.
Stained glass creations.
Organizing and renovating glass studio.
French class (oh yeah, that's new too) 
Still...the little ladies and I wandered into the fabulous Bangor treasure known as One Lupine Fiber Arts! I found this GORGEOUS skein of yarn!! Hand dyed!! Oh, and in the most beautiful blues and neutrals!! 
It was love at first sight! Instantly I could see it as a sweater. 
I've never made a sweater. 
And yet a sweater was SCREAMING AT ME to be created.....yes, screaming...you weren't there...you don't know! (FRIENDS ref.) 
Soooo....commencement of sweater creation...in all my spare time. 
If you come over and my house is messy.....ignore it and ask how the sweater is coming along.
And maybe offer to do the dishes. Thank ya much! 

 


You see what happen was... Finished!

As my trip to New Mexico comes to a close...I finished my very first sweater...a birthday gift for my friend Salome... but I must have miscounted during all the adventures while I've been here...and made the neck hole too small!!! 🤣🤣🤣 soooo...gonna rework that I guess 😳😬... and ship it instead!

]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:36:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Isaiah 41:10]]> ../2022/09/29/isaiah-41-10/index.html ../2022/09/29/isaiah-41-10/index.html
The enemy tries to get us to be afraid of soooo many things! Fear for our future, fear for our children, not knowing what to do, being alone, being abandoned, not being good enough...the list goes on...
It's all rubbish!
We can't control any of those things.
What we can do is PRAY to the Father who DOES control all of it.
And believe Him when He says...
Trust me.
I chose you.
I won't leave you.
I love you.
I will provide for you.
I will protect you.
I will strengthen you.
I will bring you peace and prosperity
If....
You trust me, and surrender control. Let me do what I have promised....in MY time (not yours), and in MY way (not yours), the way I think is best (because I created EVERYTHING).

 

]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:14:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Coffee and a Pat]]> ../2022/07/12/coffee-and-a-pat/index.html ../2022/07/12/coffee-and-a-pat/index.html
I took an opportunity to nanny a couple sweet girls from my church this summer. It has been an absolute blast, and the biblical lessons that apply every morning are astounding.
This morning as I relax and drink a cup of coffee at our local McDonald's after dropping them off at camp...I wonder if I have reached the stage in life where I will start coming to have a cup of coffee at McDs in the mornings...
Maybe I should invite some friends? 
Maybe as my white hair grows in, my McDs clan will also grow?
Maybe I should prepare and buy a red hat? 
Maybe I should bring cards?
Or Cribbage!?
As I contemplate deep thoughts an older couple walk in together...maybe in their mid 70s...and as I stare off into space contemplating my future as a McDs regular....
I watch the lovely white haired lady grope her husband's butt while he orders breakfast!

They still got it!
And my future is laid out before me.

 

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:40:00 -0500 <![CDATA[One Year - Creative Art]]> ../2022/06/28/one-year-creative-art/index.html ../2022/06/28/one-year-creative-art/index.html

What a difference a year of consistent effort in a focused direction can make. Last summer I felt deeply led to start creating art as part of regular life. I'm just a beginner, but here is the progression (somewhat out of order, but you'll get the idea). If I can do it, so can you. If you want to create why not start today? It's been such a blast learning about color and shadows and all that kinda stuff.


]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:34:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Refreshed by the Spirit]]> ../2022/06/20/refreshed-by-the-spirit/index.html ../2022/06/20/refreshed-by-the-spirit/index.html

Hello my beautiful friend. 💕 I heard you were tired today. I can imagine! It's no wonder with all the things you do! Thinking of all the pressure in our lives, time spent running back and forth to work and school and taking kids to sports, keeping fit, eating on the fly, it's no wonder!

But then there is housework, and bills to pay and yard work, and dinner to be cooked.

Don't forget about your church responsibilities, and family responsibilities! Birthdays, elderly family members, baby showers, weddings, funerals, best friends who need a shoulder, and well, we always need to help out a stranger.

And how could we forget about financial stress and pressure! Mortgage, car insurance, credit cards, groceries, electricity, sports teams, summer camps, clothes, shoes, and those beautiful golf clubs to keep up with the guys on the team, oh, and don't forget to throw a little extra to this ministry or that....

OF COURSE you are exhausted, broken hearted, and discouraged! But don't show it! Keep smiling, keep going, don't falter...

The enemy knows the truth of the pressures of this world better than we do, HE DESIGNED IT TO TRAP US! It wasn't meant to be like this!

But THERE IS HOPE! Good news right?

God, our creator, the Supreme authority in the galaxies taught us if we pray to Him HE will give us peace!

Roman's 8:11 states:

But of the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead DWELLS IN YOU, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES by His Spirit that dwells in you!

Let's break it down. What is the creater telling us?

Quicken means: to make alive with life! To revitalize, to rejuvenate, to refresh.

So what God is telling us is a clue to our success and victory over the schemes of Satan!

If we pray in faith for the Holy Spirit to give us supernatural power he is faithful to do it! The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us and will refresh and rejuvenate us to release those things that are distractions keeping us bound, and to successfully accomplish all that is set before us.

Pray this out loud today to claim victory over discouragement and distractions in your life:

Father God, forgive me for taking on more than is meant for me. I release to you every aspect of my life and ask that your Spirit reveal what needs to go. I renounce and rebuke any agreement with covetousness, pride, striving and discouragement. Cover me with the blood of Jesus and cleanse me. Put your hand on me and fill me, Holy Spirit, with a fresh surge of your supernatural power to fulfill all the responsibilities and duties assigned to me according to your purpose. I ask this by the authority given to me through Jesus Christ our Lord. Fill me with peace, patience, kindness and self-control to walk in dignity and honor before you God. Amen.

]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:43:00 -0500