Hey Reader,

Today, my heart hurts.
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​I wanted to start this email with Hallelujah, Amen. Praise Him; it is so. But I would be amiss if I didn't express what’s really going on inside. Though I BELIEVE this, I don't feel this. If I didn’t think I was in a wilderness season before, the past couple of weeks proved it. It started with a conversation with my doctor:
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​“Mrs. Calderon, to be 6 weeks pregnant, your HCG levels are only at 331; they should be in the thousands, and we also don't see anything on the sonogram. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but we believe you have experienced a chemical miscarriage,”
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​followed by,
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​“After thoughtful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place in the 2026-2027 ACRE Program.”

The whimsy of being a mom of 2 and my dream program of teaching me how to develop properties were snuffed right from me. Just this month alone, there’s been talks of miscarriage, bankruptcy, denied applications and contracts, and foreclosure.
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My heart has been crushed, and I felt myself slipping into a deep depression.
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​My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26.
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This was one of the first scriptures that I crawled to during this time.
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It’s a sweet reminder that all things may fail, but in the midst of it all, GOD is our portion, our strength, our hope, our joy, our confidant, and so much more - today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
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Now, I'm writing this email today for myself and for the woman who finds herself in a similar season where your heart hurts. The weight of life is heavy, and though you are strong in your faith, trust God, and happy for those around you - you just can't take another life hit. This email is for you.
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To be clear, I’m not writing this as if I have overcome; my heart still hurts, but with God’s help I am doing much better, and I want to share 4 simple things that are helping, in hopes that it blesses you. Here goes:

Encourage yourself

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5​
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The psalmist of this psalm was experiencing deep grief, frustration, and depression. He felt cut off from the house and presence of God. He recognized how he felt, BUT, then he started to talk to himself. He encouraged himself to put his hope back in God and not focus on his painful circumstances. He reminded himself of God’s trackrecord and faithfulness, and prompted himself that he will praise God yet again. We can take this same advice to encourage ourselves in the Lord.

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Pick up a Hobby/New Interest

I picked up baking! It has nothing to do with money, real estate, business, or my career aspirations. This has everything to do with tapping into another part of you that sparks your interest, brings a bit of whimsy to your season, and pulls you away from being consumed with your current situation.
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This was inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, Ecclesiastes 8:15 & Ecclesiastes 9:7-9. God has given us the gift of life to enjoy: a fresh cup of coffee, the taste of a steak from Peter Luger's, a good song, funny inside jokes with your bestie, a warm cinnabon. Sometimes we can get so consumed with what’s not going right that we miss out on what God has given to us to enjoy and explore. Picking up a hobby or new interest will do just that.
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Sb: I made these cinnamon roles from scratch - they taste JUST like Cinnabon! This week's Apple hand pies were a hit, and my next task is sourdough bread.
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Change your scenery

I’m a stay-at-home, work-from-home housewife and mom. I say that to say im always in the house lol. Change of scenery for me looks like getting dressed and going to the library MWF (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). This has helped not only with focused work but also with feeling a sense of purpose and direction. Scientifically, it's proven that a change of scenery diverts your focus, giving you a mental break from familiar stress triggers, and new, diverse environments trigger a gentle release of dopamine, which boosts your mood and motivation.
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Not to mention, it can spark gratitude and prayer! Whether this is the library, a coffee shop, the long way home, or a new park- a change of scenery can help!

Be present, trust God, and enjoy TODAY.

I really want to get out of this season, but here is Holy and Good, because everything that God does is good whether I understand it or not. There are lessons and spiritual maturity-building blocks being built in this season; there are pockets of joy and flexibility in this season; and there is a sharpening and deep reliance on God in this season. You know the scripture: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Meaning, the sorrow times won't last always; there's a time and season for everything, and in each season we grow to know God deeper.
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Lastly, I want to leave you with this quote from the book im reading, The Power of Humility: Living Like Jesus by R. T. Kendall: “Why ever do we live in this present world as though this present existence is all there is? It seems to me that the thought of going to heaven one day—to be there forever— should help us on our way not to take circumstances here below—or ourselves— so seriously.”​
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​AKA: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us - Romans 8:18​
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I hope this message encouraged you, sis. I'm praying with you.
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Until next time!

With Love & Support,

Odaisha

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