When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Trusting God in the Process

 

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Trusting God in the Process

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and that nobody has stolen your joy. Welcome to Maryamsjoyfullife! It’s a beautiful day, and I’m truly excited to share this message with you.

Today, I want to talk about something we’ve all experienced at one point or another—those seasons in life when everything seems like it’s not working according to plan.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely ready? You had everything lined up, every detail mapped out, and you reached out to the right people—or at least the people you thought were right. You put in the effort, did your part, and truly believed everything would fall into place… only for it not to work out?

It’s frustrating. It’s confusing. And honestly, it can feel discouraging.

When you’re in that kind of season, it can feel like things are unnecessarily hard and complicated. You may even start questioning yourself—“What did I do wrong?” or “Why isn’t this working?” And on top of that, when people you expected to support you aren’t on board, it can make the whole experience even more stressful.

But here’s something I’ve learned in those difficult moments: God has a plan.

Could it be that the thing you’re pushing so hard for isn’t what God has for you? Could it be that there’s something better waiting—something greater than what you imagined? Sometimes we get so laser-focused on our version of how things should go that we miss the bigger picture.

And that’s where we have to shift.

Instead of stressing, instead of forcing things to happen, this is the time to seek God. Pray. Be still. Trust Him.

Don’t allow setbacks, delays, or even naysayers to steal your peace. I know—it’s easier said than done. I’ve been there, and it’s not a good place to be. But there is power in surrender.

Give it to God.

Trust that His plan is better than yours—because it truly is.

In moments like these, I encourage you to go deeper spiritually. Spend time in prayer, and if you’re able, consider fasting. There is something powerful about denying the flesh and focusing on God. Whether you start with three days or work your way up to seven, even setting aside certain hours each day to fast and pray can bring clarity, peace, and breakthrough.

When you quiet everything else and focus on Him, amazing things begin to happen.

Remember, when things aren’t going your way, it’s not a sign to give up—it’s a sign to draw closer to God. Shift your perspective from frustration to gratitude. Thank Him even in the waiting, even in the uncertainty.

Because He is working—even when you don’t see it.

So today, I want to leave you with this encouragement:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him—and He will direct your path.

Hold onto that truth.

And no matter what you’re facing, don’t let anybody—or anything—steal your joy.

With love,

Maryamsjoyfullife

When Words Fail: How to Trust God Through Loss, Pain, and Heartbreak|| Unshakable Faith Series – Part 2

 

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

I hope you’re having an amazing day today…
And I hope nothing is stealing your joy.

Welcome back to the Unshakable Faith series.

Today, we’re talking about something real…
what to do when words fail you in seasons of loss, pain, and heartbreak.

When Words Fail… Sit With God

There comes a moment in life where…

You’ve prayed.
You’ve cried.
You’ve tried to explain how you feel…

But you can’t find the words anymore.

That’s where I found myself.

I was praying for:

• Healing
• Restoration
• A miracle

But the answer didn’t come the way I expected.

And in that moment…
words failed me.

Understanding Your “Night Season”

The Bible says:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

But let’s be honest…

When you’re in the night season, it doesn’t feel temporary.

It feels like:

• This pain will last forever
• This heartbreak will define your life
• This darkness is all there is

Your night season might look like:

• Losing someone you love
• A broken relationship
• Unexpected heartbreak
• A devastating situation you didn’t see coming

And now you’re left trying to understand it…

But nothing makes sense.

The Weight of Emotional Pain

Emotional pain is heavy.

It’s not something people can always see…
But you feel it everywhere.

In your heart.
In your body.
In your thoughts.

I remember feeling:

• Empty
• Alone
• Broken

Even when people were around me…
I still felt alone.

You Are Not Meant To Do This Alone

One of the biggest lessons I learned is this:

You cannot heal alone.

Yes, you need to:

• Pray
• Cry out to God
• Seek His presence

But you also need people.

You need:

• Community
• Support
• Prayer from others

Don’t let pride or shame isolate you.

Isolation will only deepen the pain.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Sometimes the hardest thing to do…

Is to say:
“I need help.”

But hear me clearly:

There is no shame in needing support.

God created us for community, not isolation.

Reach out.

Call someone.
Text someone.
Ask someone to pray for you.

Even I had to do it.

I would say:
“Please pray for me. I can’t do this on my own.”

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

You may not understand why this happened.

You may not like what happened.

But there is something powerful in saying:

“God, I don’t understand… but I trust You.”

Because the truth is:

• God still has a plan
• God still sees you
• God is still working

Even in the pain.

Let Go of the Need to Suffer

Sometimes we hold onto pain…

Because something inside us feels like we should suffer.

But that’s not God.

That’s your ego trying to keep you stuck.

God wants to:

• Heal you
• Lift you
• Restore you

But you have to be willing to let go.

Give Yourself Grace

You are human.

And it’s okay to:

• Cry
• Feel broken
• Feel confused

Even the strongest people have moments of weakness.

Give yourself grace.

Don’t shame yourself for feeling.

God Can Turn It Around

What the enemy meant for harm…

God can turn around for your good.

I’ve lived it.

Today, I am:

• A mother of healthy children
• A woman restored
• A testimony of God’s faithfulness

But it started in one of the darkest seasons of my life.

---

There Is Still Hope for You

If you feel like this is the end…

It’s not.

God is still in the business of:

• Healing
• Restoring
• Rebuilding

You just have to:

• Keep praying
• Keep trusting
• Keep reaching out

You Can’t Do This Alone

If you want to grow stronger through this season…

You need to take a step.

Reach out to:

• A trusted friend
• A church
• A prayer group
• A community

You were never meant to carry this alone.

Final Encouragement

Let me remind you of this truth:

If God is for you, who can be against you?

This is not the end of your story.

God has a plan.

And even now…
He is working behind the scenes for your good.

A Prayer For You

I pray that God:

• Heals your heart
• Strengthens your spirit
• Brings peace to your mind
• Restores everything you’ve lost

Your breakthrough is coming.

Your healing is coming.

Your restoration is coming.

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for being part of this journey.

If this spoke to you:

• Share it with someone who needs it
• Leave a comment
• Stay connected

And don’t forget to check out Part 1 of this series.

With love,
Maryam

The Moment I Lost My Way (But Didn’t Lose My Faith) Unshakable Faith Series – Part 1

 

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

I hope you’re having an amazing day today—and more importantly, I hope nothing is stealing your joy.

Welcome to the very first post in my Unshakable Faith healing series. This is a six-part journey, and today I’m opening my heart to share something deeply personal… the moment I lost my way.

Almost 11 Years Ago… Everything Changed

Almost 11 years ago, my life took a turn I never expected.

I was pregnant with my first child, and I was filled with excitement. Becoming a mother was something I had always dreamed about. I imagined the love, the bond, the joy of raising my child.

But at the same time, I was going through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

I was dealing with:

• Financial struggles
• Delays in my legal documents
• Uncertainty about my future
• Waiting for an opportunity that never came

Every single day, I would check the mailbox, hoping that the document I needed would arrive… but it never did.

And yet, my pregnancy became the light in that dark season. It gave me something to hold onto. Something to believe in.

Watch the first episode on my podcast posted above

A Joy That Turned Into a Storm

Because I didn’t have the financial means, I couldn’t afford proper prenatal care. I simply did the best I could and trusted God through it all.

When the time finally came to give birth, something felt off.

The doctors noticed an irregular heartbeat.

What was supposed to be a joyful moment quickly turned into fear, confusion, and desperation.

My baby was born with a severe heart condition—something rare and devastating. They called it Timothy syndrome. Despite looking perfectly healthy on the outside, internally she was fighting a serious battle.

And suddenly… everything changed.

The Fight, The Faith, and The Pain

Those days were some of the hardest of my life.

I felt:

• Broken
• Isolated
• Afraid
• Confused
• Empty

I kept asking God, “Why is this happening?”

But even in the middle of that pain… I still prayed.

I still believed in miracles.

I still held onto faith—even when my heart was breaking.

The doctors did everything they could. We spent days in the hospital. Then weeks. Procedures were done. A pacemaker was placed. There were moments where it looked like things were getting better.

And I held onto hope with everything in me.

The Day My World Stopped

But then… the unthinkable happened.

At just 7 weeks old, my baby passed away.

One moment she was there… and the next, she was gone.

I remember screaming, rushing to the hospital, praying for a miracle. I wanted God to rewrite the story. I wanted to be one of those testimonies where everything turned around at the last second.

But that wasn’t my story in that moment.

My heart was shattered.

When Faith Is Shaken… But Not Lost

The doctors told me something that could have broken me even more.

They said it might be genetic.
They said it could happen again.
They said I might never have healthy children.

But I refused to accept that as the final word over my life.

Even in my grief, I made a decision:

I would not let this be the end of my story.

Yes, my faith was shaken…
But I didn’t lose it.

Instead of asking “Why me?” over and over again, I chose to say:

“God, let Your will be done—but You still have the final say.”

If You’re In a Dark Season Right Now…

I don’t know what you’re going through today.

Maybe your heartbreak looks different:

• A relationship that fell apart
• A betrayal you didn’t see coming
• A loss that left you empty
• A dream that didn’t happen

And now you’re wondering where God is.

I want you to hear this clearly:

God has not forgotten you.

Even when it doesn’t make sense…
Even when it hurts deeply…
Even when the outcome isn’t what you prayed for…

There is still a bigger story being written.

---

My Restoration

Today, I stand as a testimony of God’s restoration.

I am now a mother of three healthy, beautiful children.

No disease.
No complications.
No trace of what once tried to break me.

God restored my joy.
God restored my hope.
God restored my motherhood.

And if He did it for me…

He can do it for you.

Hold On

If you take anything from this, let it be this:

• Hold on to God
• Trust Him with your pain
• Be honest about your grief
• Don’t pretend it didn’t happen
• But don’t let it define the end of your story

Your pain is real.
But so is your healing.

A Prayer For You

I’m praying for you right now—that the same God who healed my heart will touch yours.

That He will bring peace into your confusion…
Strength into your weakness…
And light into your darkest moments.

You may feel lost right now…

But you will find your way again.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for being here and allowing me to share my heart with you.

If this touched you, share it with someone who needs it. You never know whose life your share could change.

This is just Part 1 of the journey.

There is so much more healing ahead.

With love,
Maryam

What’s Up, Beautiful People — Let’s Talk Healing 💛

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I truly hope you’re having an amazing day and not letting anything or anyone steal your joy.

It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m so excited to be here with you.

Today, I’m beyond excited to share something very close to my heart — my brand new series on the Shape Your Face Podcast called “Healed.” This series is all about healing… real healing. Not just talking about it, but actually walking it out.

This isn’t just something I put together casually. This comes from a real place — a place of brokenness, pain, and deep loss. There was a time in my life when I felt completely shattered. But God…

God stepped in and restored me in ways I could have never imagined. He blessed me with healthy children, and today, I get to experience the joy of motherhood with a grateful heart. That alone is a testimony.

And that’s why I created this series.

I know there are so many of you out there going through things — silently, painfully, and sometimes feeling unseen. I want you to know: you are not alone. I see you. I understand you.

The “Healed” series is my way of walking alongside you. Think of it as me holding your hand through your healing journey — step by step — sharing the exact practical steps I took that helped me move from brokenness to restoration.

This is not just inspiration… this is guidance. This is real-life application.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’ve linked the currently available episodes below so you can dive in and start today.

And if this blesses you, please don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs it. You never know whose life it could impact.

Thank you so much for being here with me. I love you all.

Have an amazing day — and remember…

don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy.

Be blessed 💛

Leave Them In Your Past

 

MaryamsJoyfulLife Blog – Don’t Let Anybody Steal Your Joy

What’s up, my wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I truly hope you’re having an amazing day. Even if things feel a little off or a little heavy, just know—you are still welcome here, and I’m so glad you showed up.

Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife! Today is a beautiful day, and I’m so thankful you’re here with me. You all are incredible, and I’m excited to share what was placed on my heart.

So today, while I was live—praying and encouraging people on my YouTube channel—this thought came to me, and I knew I had to share it:

People who constantly try to remind you of your past… belong there. In the past.

Let that sink in.

There are people who will bring up the things you’ve already outgrown. Not because they’re celebrating your growth, but because they want to keep you tied to a version of yourself that no longer exists. They’ll remind you of your struggles, your mistakes, your lowest moments—not to uplift you, but to pull you back down.

And honestly? I don’t even care to understand why they do it.

Because here’s the truth: they belong there.

Think about the world we’re living in today. Look at how much progress has been made. We have the ability to connect with people across the globe, to encourage, to build, to create—right from our phones. We have access to knowledge, tools, and opportunities that generations before us could only dream of.

Why would we choose to go backwards?

That’s like seeing all the blessings, growth, and advancement around you and saying, “You know what? I’d rather go back to the Stone Ages.” That makes no sense.

But that’s exactly what some people are doing emotionally.

They’re choosing to stay stuck in their past—holding onto pain, replaying failures, clinging to hurt—and then trying to spread that same heaviness to others. They want you to feel what they feel. They want you to carry what they carry.

But listen… nobody has time for that.

I don’t want to live in pain.

I don’t want to sit in brokenness.

I don’t want to be surrounded by people who refuse to grow.

I want to be around people who are living, building, creating, and finding joy. People who see the beauty in life. People who are moving forward, not looking backward.

And more importantly, that’s the kind of person I choose to be.

So today, I want to encourage you:

If you are around people who constantly drag you back into your past… let it stay in your past.

You are not your mistakes.

You are not your lowest moments.

You are not the pain you went through.

You made it through—and that matters.

Don’t allow anyone to make you feel like your growth doesn’t count. Don’t let anyone convince you to live in a place God already brought you out of.

Some people choose to stay broken. Some people choose frustration. Some people choose to remain stuck.

Let them.

But as for you—choose joy.

Choose peace.

Choose gratitude.

Choose growth.

Choose life.

Because the truth is, we are emotional beings. What you focus on, you will feel. So if you keep focusing on what broke you, you’ll keep feeling broken. But if you focus on where you’re going, on what you’re building, on the blessings in your life—you’ll begin to feel that too.

I’m grateful for my past. I’ve learned from it. I’ve grown from it.

But I’m not living there.

And I refuse to let anyone pull me back into a place I’ve already been delivered from.

So today, make a decision—for you.

Surround yourself with people who are moving forward. People who are goal-oriented. People who are creating something meaningful. Not people who complain all day, feel entitled, or spread negativity everywhere they go.

This life is about choices.

You can choose to be free.

Or you can choose to stay stuck.

But don’t ever let someone else’s choice to stay stuck become your burden to carry.

Protect your peace. Guard your joy. And don’t let anybody steal it.

The “Farm Fresh” Lesson: Finding Joy in the Little Things

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and that you’re not letting anything—or anyone—steal your joy. Welcome to Mariam’s Joyful Life. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m so excited to be here with you!

Today, I want to share a story that still makes me laugh every single time I think about it.

A couple of years ago, the kids and I were reminiscing about when my sweet man first came into my life. The very first time he came to visit, he showed up with two brown eggs in his hands. Yes—two eggs! He had them carefully wrapped in a paper towel and said, “These are farm fresh eggs. You can’t get any better than this—straight from the farm.”

Now listen… the way he said it, I just knew he had stopped at a farm on his way to see us. In my mind, I pictured him pulling up to a little countryside spot, picking out the freshest eggs straight from the chicken coop, and bringing them over to make us breakfast. I thought, “Wow… this man really went the extra mile!” It added so much charm and thoughtfulness to how I saw him in that moment.

Fast forward to sometime later—we’re talking, laughing, and somehow those eggs come up again. And that’s when I find out…

Those “farm fresh” eggs?

Came from Walmart.

Yes. Walmart.

He had taken them out of the carton, wrapped them up, and brought them over like they were straight from the farm. When I tell you I was shocked! I said, “Wait a minute—what do you mean? I thought you stopped at a farm!” And he just laughed and said something like, “Yeah… the Walmart farm!”

Y’all… I could not believe it. All that time, I had this whole story built up in my head. Meanwhile, he thought he was joking or being playful, and I took him literally. Looking back now, it is one of the funniest things ever. The kids laugh, I laugh—it’s just a whole moment.

But you know what? There’s a lesson in that.

How many times in life do we take things too seriously? How often do we assign heavy meaning to something that was meant to be light, playful, or even humorous? Sometimes it’s not that deep—but we make it deep. We let our emotions get charged over things that were never meant to weigh us down.

That little “farm fresh egg” moment reminded me that life doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Sometimes, we need to go back to that childlike joy—the kind where you can laugh easily, let things roll off your shoulders, and just enjoy the moment. Not everything needs a strong reaction. Not everything deserves our stress or frustration.

Instead, what if we chose lightheartedness?

What if we looked for the humor?

What if we allowed ourselves to just laugh?

Life flows so much better when we do.

So today, I want to encourage you: make it a habit to find at least one or two things each day that make you laugh—really laugh. Let joy be intentional. Let it be part of your daily rhythm.

And if you’ve been feeling a little too serious lately, I hope this story brought a smile to your face and reminded you to lighten up just a little.

Thank you so much for spending time with me here on Mariam’s Joyful Life. Have a beautiful day—and remember…

Don’t let anyone steal your joy. 💛

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

 

There is something truly magical about the kitchen. Between the busy schedule of recording podcasts, managing travel plans, and keeping up with the kids, life can get a little hectic! Whenever I feel the weight of the world starting to press in, I head straight for my mixing bowls.

I am so excited to share this recipe with you all today because of how easy it is to make. For me, baking is so much more than just putting food on the table; it’s a way to stay grounded. When I’m kneading dough or measuring flour, it truly helps me release stress and tension.

I absolutely love how I feel after trying a new recipe, and that feeling even gets better when the recipe turns amazing. There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of golden, flaky biscuits out of the oven and knowing you created that magic from scratch!

Watch the video above to see the steps come together!

Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 12–15 mins | Yields: 8–10 biscuits

What You’ll Need:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

6 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

3/4 cup cold buttermilk

Steps to Success:

Heat it up: Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Mix the base: Whisk your flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together.

The "Crumb" Work: Work that cold butter into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Fold it in: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.

Create those layers: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Fold it over itself 5 or 6 times (this is the secret to the fluffiness!). Pat it down to 1-inch thick and cut your rounds.

Bake: Place them on a baking sheet (let them touch if you like soft edges!) and bake for 12–15 minutes.

I really want you to try it and come back and share your experience with me! Whether you eat them with honey, jam, or a little fried mackerel on the side, I want to hear how they turned out for you.

Take some time for yourself this week, get in the kitchen, and breathe.

Don't let anyone steal your joy!

Get Ready: When Your Breakthrough Comes Better Than Expected

 What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and holding on to your joy, no matter what season you’re in. Welcome to my Unjoyful Life blog. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m truly excited to share this moment with you.

Today, I want to talk about a powerful feeling—the one that comes when something new and exciting suddenly happens in your life.

When Everything Suddenly Changes

Have you ever been in a season where nothing seems to go right?

A season where you feel stuck, overlooked, and left behind?

You’ve been praying.

You’ve been hoping.

You’ve been fasting.

You’ve even cried your heart out.

And still… nothing.

Meanwhile, it feels like everyone else is getting their breakthrough—but you.

And then suddenly… everything changes.

Something shifts.

Something you once prayed for—something you even gave up on—finally shows up.

But not just that…

It comes back bigger. Better. Greater than anything you imagined.

Imagine This Moment

Pause for a second and really think about it:

How would you feel if your prayers were answered today?

What if the thing you thought would never happen… happened?

What if it didn’t just come—but came back greater than you ever dreamed?

Would you feel joy?

Overwhelming gratitude?

Excitement that you can’t even put into words?

That moment is real. And it’s possible for you.

Prepare Your Heart for More

Today, I’m asking you these questions for a reason:

Get your mind ready. Get your heart ready.

Because it can happen. And it will happen.

The Bible reminds us:

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7

Sometimes, we don’t receive because we stop asking.

But today, I encourage you: Keep asking. Keep believing. Keep going.

Even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough

You may feel like it’s not working.

You may feel like giving up.

But don’t.

Because what’s on the other side of your faith could be greater than anything you’ve ever imagined.

Open your heart again.

Believe again.

God has something extraordinary waiting for you.

Faith Changes Everything

The Word says:

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Even when you don’t see it—trust it’s already working.

Even when you don’t feel it—believe it’s already happening.

Because all things are working together for your good.

Every delay.

Every closed door.

Every tear.

It’s all aligning for something greater.

Expect More Than You Asked For

So today, I want you to shift your mindset:

Expect the breakthrough

Expect the miracle

Expect the opportunity

Expect your prayers to be answered

And not just answered…

But answered better than you ever imagined.

A Prayer for You

I’m praying for you today:

Blessings upon blessings.

Favor upon favor.

Miracles upon miracles.

Celebration after celebration.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Stay Connected & Be Part of the Journey

If you enjoyed today’s message, make sure you subscribe, follow, and become part of this growing community. This space is here to remind you of who you are and to prepare your heart for what God is doing in your life.

You are not forgotten.

Your breakthrough is coming.

Your testimony is on the way.

Support the Vision

There are also ways you can support this journey.

We’re currently working on an exciting new chapter—purchasing our first home, a place where even more meaningful and uplifting content will be created.

If you feel led to support this vision, you can donate through our campaign and be part of this beautiful new beginning: http://gofund.me/e2e6ff48c

Thank you so much for your love and support.

And remember…

Don’t let anybody steal your joy. 💛

Stop Expecting Yourself From Others: Protect Your Peace and Joy

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

How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and not letting anything steal your joy. Welcome back to I’m Joyful Life—it’s a beautiful day, and I’m so grateful to be here with you.

Today, I want to talk about something that quietly steals our peace more than we realize… expectations.

The Trap of Expecting Yourself From Others

One of the fastest ways to become discouraged, frustrated, and emotionally drained is expecting people to be exactly like you—to think like you, respond like you, and handle things the way you would.

The truth is… they won’t.

And when they don’t, frustration creeps in.

I’ve experienced this personally. Even with something as simple as asking my kids to wash dishes or clean the table a certain way. No matter how clearly I show them, they still do it their way. And yes—it can be frustrating.

But then I have to pause and remind myself:

I’m the one stealing my own joy—not them.

They’re learning. They’re growing. And they are not me.

Grace Changes Everything

This is where grace comes in.

When we try to mold people into our exact image, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment. But when we allow people to be themselves—to grow in their own way—we create space for peace.

Give people:

Room to learn

Room to grow

Room to be different

Because the same way it took you time to become who you are, it will take them time too.

When People Don’t Show Up for You

Now let’s be real—sometimes it goes deeper than small frustrations.

Sometimes you’ve been there for people. You’ve supported them. You’ve carried their burdens.

But when it’s your turn… they don’t show up.

And that hurts.

It’s disappointing. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s okay to feel that.

But here’s the truth that will protect your peace:

Just because you show up for others doesn’t mean they will show up for you.

Shift Your Expectation

Instead of expecting people to repay you, shift your expectation.

Give from your heart—but don’t depend on people for your reward.

Trust that God sees you. Trust that God will provide. Trust that the right people will show up at the right time.

Because they will.

Not always the same people you helped—but the right people.

Choose Joy Over Control

Trying to control how people act, think, or respond will only drain you.

So today, release that pressure.

Tell yourself:

I don’t need everyone to be like me

I don’t need everyone to understand me

I don’t need everyone to show up the way I expect

I choose peace. I choose joy.

Let people be who they are. Let yourself breathe. Let grace lead.

Final Encouragement

We’re all human. We all fall short sometimes.

So instead of holding people to impossible standards, give grace—just like you would want grace in return.

Today:

Show yourself grace

Show others grace

Let go of unrealistic expectations

And protect your joy at all costs.

Support & Share the Love 💛

Thank you so much for spending this time with me—I truly appreciate you.

If this message blessed you, please share it with your friends and family. You never know who needs this reminder today.

Also, if you’d like to support Maryam’s Joyful Life, we are currently raising support to purchase our first home and create a beautiful space and studio to continue creating and inspiring.

Every contribution means so much, and your support is deeply appreciated.

👉 Support here: http://gofund.me/e2e6ff48c

Thank you again for being here.

And remember…

Don’t let anybody steal your joy.

The Power of Sacrifice: How God Rewards Every Seed You Sow

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m so grateful you’re here. I hope you’re protecting your joy and walking in peace. Today, I want to talk to you about something powerful… sacrifice.

Sacrifice isn’t always easy. Sometimes it looks like giving your last dollar when you had plans for it. Sometimes it’s choosing to show up for someone when you’re tired. Sometimes it’s offering your time, your gifts, your energy—freely—when you could have been compensated for it.

But here’s the truth: every sacrifice matters.

When you give out of love, when you show up for others, when you pour into people, causes, or communities—even when it costs you something—God sees it all. Nothing you’ve done has gone unnoticed. Not one tear. Not one act of kindness. Not one moment of faith.

There is power in sacrifice.

Just like Jesus sacrificed everything for us, taking on pain, rejection, and suffering so we could live in freedom, healing, and peace—our sacrifices carry spiritual weight too. When you believe in that sacrifice and walk in faith, you begin to experience the overflow of what was already done for you.

That means:

Every lie spoken against you loses its power.

Every plan meant to harm you is canceled.

Every burden you’ve been carrying is lifted.

You are not empty—you are covered, protected, and positioned for breakthrough.

I want to encourage you today: nothing you’ve done was in vain.

Every sacrifice you’ve made is producing something beautiful behind the scenes. Even if you don’t see it yet, God is working. Blessings are being prepared for you. Opportunities are aligning in your favor. The right people are being divinely positioned into your life—people you couldn’t have orchestrated on your own.

Things are shifting.

Peace is entering your life in a new way.

Abundance is finding you like never before.

Clarity, order, and direction are being restored.

Your mind is being renewed.

Your body is being strengthened.

And where you once sacrificed for others, God is now raising people to show up for you.

I’m praying over you right now:

That every burden is lifted.

That every yoke is broken.

That heaven is responding on your behalf.

That divine help locates you.

That your needs are not only met—but exceeded.

This is your season of restoration, favor, and breakthrough.

It’s not over. God is with you. Everything is working out in your favor—even now.

So today, choose joy. Be at peace. Trust the process. And know deep in your heart: your sacrifices are paying off.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be here today. I truly appreciate you. You are blessed, you are loved, and your life is filled with purpose. Don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy.

If this blog has been a blessing to you and you’d like to support the journey, we’re currently stepping into a new chapter—homeownership. Your support toward our down payment would mean so much. The link is available for you to give, and we deeply appreciate every contribution. http://gofund.me/e2e6ff48c

Have an amazing day. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep walking in joy.

🌿 The Power of Presence: Where Your Miracle Begins

 

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

It’s such a beautiful day, and I’m truly grateful you’re here with me. Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to check in. I appreciate you more than you know—and I hope with everything in me that you’re not letting anybody or anything steal your joy.

Today, I want to talk about something simple, yet life-changing: the present moment.

✨ Are You Missing the Moment You’re In?

How often do we allow our ambition—our dreams, goals, and desires—to pull us out of the very moment we’re living in?

It happens more than we realize.

Sometimes, we get so focused on what we’re hoping and praying for that we unintentionally let it rob us of the joy that’s available to us right now. We tell ourselves:

“I’ll be happy when this happens.”

“I’ll feel grateful when I get there.”

But the truth is—everything we will ever experience, we experience in the present moment.

Not in the future. Not “one day.”

Only now.

🌸 Bringing Gratitude Into the Now

What if we stopped postponing our happiness?

What if we made the decision to feel grateful now—before anything changes?

Can we bridge that gap and say: “I’m not waiting anymore. I choose joy today. I choose gratitude in this moment.”

Because something powerful happens when we do that.

🌿 Finding Beauty in the Everyday

I’ve been practicing this in my own life—just slowing down and becoming present.

Looking at the trees… the flowers…

Pausing to truly see the smiles on my children’s faces.

Being fully there when I look at my partner, appreciating him for who he is in that moment.

Not distracted. Not rushing. Not lost in thought.

Just present.

And what I’ve realized is this:

When you’re present, life feels fuller. Richer. More meaningful.

🙏 Gratitude Unlocks Peace (and More)

When we choose to give thanks—right here, right now—something shifts.

Peace comes in.

And beyond that… things begin to move in ways we couldn’t have planned.

God starts working behind the scenes:

Sending the right people

Opening unexpected doors

Creating opportunities we didn’t even know existed

There are moments when things come together so perfectly, you realize it could only be God.

Because His power goes beyond what our minds can even understand.

🌬️ A Simple Reminder: Just Breathe

Think about this…

You don’t hold your breath waiting for tomorrow before you exhale.

You breathe… now.

And life works the same way.

We are meant to live, feel, and experience life in the present moment.

So when you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or anxious—come back to your breath.

Come back to now.

💛 Don’t Miss What Matters Most

Let’s not get so caught up in the struggle or the journey that we miss what truly matters.

Even in chaos… even in uncertainty…

God is still guiding you.

He’s still making a way.

He’s still working things out for your good.

So instead of waiting for everything to be perfect…

Give thanks now.

Praise now.

Show gratitude as if your breakthrough has already happened.

Because often, that’s exactly when it shows up.

🌟 Today Is the Perfect Time

You don’t have to wait.

Today is the perfect time.

Right now is the perfect moment.

Be present.

Be grounded.

Be grateful.

And protect your joy at all costs.

🤍 Support Our Journey

If this message touched you, I invite you to stay connected and continue this journey with me. Your support truly means the world.

We’re currently working on a very special project: Operation Buy Our First Home 🏡

If you feel led to support, I would love for you to be part of this journey.

Please consider donating and sharing our campaign with your family and friends who would love to be part of something meaningful.

Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything.

Thank you again for being here.

And remember this always:

The present moment is where your miracle begins. ✨