The Name That Calms My Storms

 

Moment of vulnerability and transparency here.

For years, I’ve shared my faith, my life, and my struggles with the world. And time and again, I’ve boldly declared that my struggles won’t define me—but my faith and how I overcome will.

I’ve always leaned on prayer—calling on the name of Jesus, inviting the holy angels to surround me and my family, and even using different meditation sounds to center myself. Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing people who enjoy meditating too, and I love that there’s a place for peace, stillness, and connection in all of it.

But here’s one thing I’ve noticed about myself—and maybe you can relate.

Whenever I’m traveling—whether it’s a short local flight or a long international journey—and that plane hits turbulence, the first thing that comes out of my mouth is:

“Be still in Jesus’ Name!”

Immediately, I start praying and declaring:

“This plane is covered with the blood of Jesus.”

“God has a plan for me and my children, and it does NOT include a crash!”

Before every flight, I lay my hands on the plane and speak:

“Journey mercies in the Name of Jesus!”

Every single time, Jesus has come through for me. He has never failed me.

While I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s protection, I’m also reminded of how seriously I take the name of Jesus—and how much power there is in that name. The peace that washes over me when I speak His name is like nothing else. That name has calmed storms in the air and storms in my life.

Maybe you’re reading this and you’re going through something heavy.

You’ve tried everything.

Called every name.

Read all the books.

Listened to all the advice.

But still… no breakthrough.

Try calling on Jesus.

Begin to declare His name over your life—

Over your children.

Over your health.

Over your marriage.

Over your finances.

Over your business.

Over your dreams.

Speak it boldly. Speak it consistently. Speak it in faith.

And most importantly—be open to receiving His help. Sometimes He comes through in ways we don’t expect, but always right on time.

And as I write this, I just remembered something I need to go speak the name of Jesus over.

So please excuse me while I go declare His name over my business, my friends, my finances, my day, and every part of my life.

Thanks for reading—and don’t let anyone steal your joy.

You are loved. You are covered. And you are never alone.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With love and faith,

Maryam 💛

MaryamsJoyfulLife.com

When It All Falls Apart—God Is Still Writing the Story

 

What’s up, beautiful people! Today, I want to share something deeply touching and inspiring—a true story from one of my beloved sisters that reminded me of the undeniable power of faith and God’s divine intervention.

She’s a woman of strength, a mother of six, and a wife. But recently, she found herself in a storm that felt never-ending. Life hit hard—money was tight, her car had broken down, and the roof over her family’s head was no longer secure. In the midst of trying to hold it all together, she had to move her entire family into a hotel. It wasn’t what she wanted, but it was what they had to do.

Someone close to her had loaned her a car so she could get around, take care of her kids, and try to fix what was broken. But even that small help turned into heartbreak. One day, while she was out trying to find a solution for her family, that very car was taken back—right on the street. And what hurts the most? It was someone she trusted. Someone from her inner circle. I won’t lie—when she told me, my heart hurt for her. Because I knew she didn’t deserve that kind of humiliation.

Yet even through the betrayal, embarrassment, and uncertainty, she never let go of her faith.

I don’t remember the exact day everything shifted, but I remember what she told me happened next. The Sunday after that difficult week—the week she had to watch someone she loved pull the rug from under her—she was sitting in her hotel room and suddenly felt an urge to attend the church service happening in the hotel’s conference room.

That wasn’t a coincidence. That was divine setup.

During the service, the pastor looked straight at her and said something that shook her. He told her, “God said you should try again. Call that contact you’ve been trying to reach.” She listened. After the service, she picked up her phone, dialed that number one more time—and this time, they answered.

That one phone call changed her life.

She ended up meeting with that contact and walked away with a $100,000 blessing. CASH. Not a loan. Not a promise. A blessing. A miracle. Her life began to turn around from that moment. She praised God with everything in her and couldn’t believe how swiftly things changed.

Here’s what I want you to take away from this story:

When everything seems to be falling apart, God might be setting you up for a breakthrough.

Keep the faith. Even when you’re sleeping in a hotel room instead of your own bed. Even when people you trust walk away. Even when the embarrassment feels unbearable.

God can still show up.

Sometimes His voice will come through a pastor. Sometimes through a gut feeling. Sometimes through an open door you thought was closed forever.

If you’re in a tough place right now, don’t give up. Pay attention to your spirit. Listen when your heart nudges you to do something out of the ordinary. Your miracle could be tied to one step of obedience.

God still works wonders. Don’t count yourself out. Keep the faith—your $100,000 moment might be just around the corner.

With love and joy,

Maryam 💛

Back to School Joy: A Heartfelt Poem from Our Beloved Principal

 

What a beautiful way to step into a brand-new school year! I couldn’t help but smile when I read the precious “Back to School” poem shared by my children’s amazing principal, Ms. Payton. Her words perfectly captured the magic, nerves, excitement, and joy that fill our homes the night before school starts again.

Here’s the heartwarming poem she shared with us:

“’Twas the Night Before School”

By Principal Payton

‘Twas the night before school, and all through the house,

Not a student was stirring—not even a mouse.

Backpacks were ready, all hung up with care,

With hopes that a great school year soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of learning danced in their heads.

Uniforms laid out, shoes by the door,

Breakfast plans ready—smooth mornings in store.

With bedtime arriving, no time for delay,

Tomorrow’s the start of a brand-new school day!

Get up bright and early, no moments to waste,

Brush teeth, eat breakfast—no need for haste.

No hoodies, no crocs, no open-toed shoes,

Just sneakers and smiles—no reason to snooze!

Be ready to listen, to think, and to grow,

The journey to greatness begins—let’s go!

So here’s to new friendships, and goals set with pride—

With Panther Pride spirit, we’ll all soar and rise!

With Love & Pride,

Principal Payton

This poem wasn’t just a rhyme—it was a warm hug from a leader who truly loves and believes in her students. As a mom, it’s comforting to know that the person guiding our children each day leads with heart, intention, and such joyful creativity.

Principal Payton reminded us that school is more than just rules, routines, and academics—it’s a place where dreams are planted, confidence is built, and friendships flourish. Her poem gently eased the nerves and brought excitement to our home. My children went to bed smiling, already looking forward to what lies ahead.

Here’s to a school year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and Panther Pride. Thank you, Principal Payton, for starting us off with so much love.

With joy,

Maryam 💛

Built for Different Atmospheres – And That’s Okay

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

Thank you so much for stopping by Maryam’s Joyful Life today. I want to share a thought that’s been sitting with me lately—something I felt strongly while I was in London recently visiting my sister.

You know how we always say, “Everyone’s different”? Well, I’ve come to realize that this also applies to church atmospheres.

While I was in London, I attended my sister’s church a few times. It wasn’t a bad experience—everyone was warm, and the service was fine—but something felt off for me personally. It was a slower pace than what I’m used to, and I found myself trying extra hard to get spiritually fired up. I’d leave church thinking, “Why am I not feeling lit up inside like I normally do?”

Back home in the U.S., I attend Limitless Church with Pastor Real Talk Kim, and let me tell you—that atmosphere is fire! 🔥

I don’t have to try to feel empowered. I don’t have to push myself to be excited. The moment worship starts and Pastor Kim steps on the platform, it’s like my soul instantly comes alive. Her words are always so full of power, encouragement, and truth that I leave feeling like I can conquer the world! That’s the kind of church atmosphere that feeds my fire.

While in London, after attending my sister’s church, I’d often find myself tuning into the Limitless Church YouTube livestream, just to soak in the energy and empowerment I craved. It got me thinking deeply about how we are all wired differently—and that’s okay. God made each of us with unique spiritual needs and different ways we connect best with Him.

Some people thrive in quiet, reflective churches. Others are fed by high-energy, passionate worship and preaching. I’ve learned that I’m someone who needs to be in an environment that speaks life, light, and boldness. I don’t do well in heavy or lethargic atmospheres—they drain me rather than build me.

The truth is:

You should never have to force yourself to fit into a spiritual environment that stifles your growth.

It’s okay to recognize when something doesn’t align with your spirit and to seek the place where you truly thrive.

This blog is simply a reminder to embrace who God created you to be. Know where you flourish. Know what feeds your soul. And know that it’s not just about the “right” church, but the right church for you.

I’m so incredibly thankful for Pastor Real Talk Kim and the Limitless Church family. The difference in my spirit, my mindset, and even my joy after being in that atmosphere is undeniable.

If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of leaving a church—even if it’s a good church—but you know deep down that it’s not where you thrive, this might be the gentle nudge you need. God didn’t design you to survive spiritually—He designed you to thrive.

Sending you love and joy always,

Maryam ❤️

The Strangest Thing Happened on Our Flight to London

 

What’s up wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people!

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today. I have a rather unexpected and intense story to share from our recent flight to London. Buckle up (pun intended), because this one really shook me.

We were flying from Montreal to London — a 6-hour and 20-minute flight with the kids and my sweetman. You know how it goes on long flights: you try to pass the time with movies, books, podcasts, or a little game on your phone. Well, I chose to play a picture-matching game that gives you four image clues and you guess the word they’re pointing to.

But here’s where it got weird.

About 5–10 minutes into the game, I started getting a strange string of clues — pictures of plane wrecks, fire, ambulances, and finally, the last puzzle literally spelled out the word “DISASTER.”

Y’all, I froze.

There I was, thousands of feet in the air, with my precious children and my sweetman beside me, and this game was throwing what felt like a spiritual attack right at me. As I came close to completing the word “DISASTER,” something in me said STOP.

And I did.

I quickly closed the game, silently but fiercely cancelled every evil plan of the enemy, and began to pray over my family. I knew it wasn’t just a game — it was a reminder to stay spiritually alert, even in the most “normal” of moments.

Instead of playing games, I ended up watching a light-hearted movie, trying to shake off the uneasiness.

But here’s where it gets even stranger…

24 hours after we landed safely at London Heathrow, I saw the heartbreaking news — there had been a plane wreck involving Air India, en route to London Gatwick. The tragedy claimed lives and left many injured. My heart broke.

That news haunted me for weeks. I prayed for the families affected and asked God to comfort them deeply. And at the same time, my heart overflowed with gratitude to God for covering my family with His protection and granting us journey mercies.

It was a vivid reminder that life is fragile, and sometimes we get little nudges — even through a phone game — to pause, pray, and stand on the promises of God.

If you’re reading this today and traveling anywhere soon, I just want to encourage you:

🙏 Pray before you go.

✈️ Speak life over yourself and your family.

🙅🏾‍♀️ Don’t let fear or negative signs shake your faith.

🙌🏾 Trust that God’s hand is mighty to save — even in the sky.

Stay safe, stay joyful, and stay prayerful.

With love,

Maryam 💛