Sacred Spaces
Returning to Yourself in the Presence of God
His Beloved,
Hi Brothers and Sisters 👋🏾. How have you been? Need a hug?
Consider this a visual representation of the hug I would give you if I was there.
I’ve been thinking about simple human interactions lately—like a smile that doesn’t require touch, or a more intimate hug that engulfs a friend and their burdens—and how those simple acts can drastically change a day.
Confession time: I regularly give myself a hug when I pray. Is that weird? (Be honest!) There’s a comforting connection I feel when I commune with the Lord, wrapping my arms around myself as if to say, “You’re held, even here.”
Scripture in Focus
“So until I come, be diligent in devouring the Word of God, be faithful in prayer, and in teaching the believers.”
— 1 Timothy 4:13 TPT
When Paul wrote these words to Timothy, he wasn’t just giving him a ministry checklist.
He was reminding him—and us—how vital it is to stay anchored in what nourishes the soul: God’s Word, prayer, and spiritual connection.
This verse calls us to sacred diligence—to intentionally create space in our lives to feast on truth, to breathe in God’s presence, and to be refreshed for whatever the day holds.
Sacred spaces are not luxuries; they are necessities for a life rooted in Christ.
They are where our souls are strengthened, our hearts are steadied, and our truest selves are remembered.
Which leads me to something deeply personal that surfaced for me this week.
Coming Back To Me
“My identity has been tied so deeply to what I do for others—how I show up, serve, carry, and protect—that it’s no wonder my own voice can feel like a whisper beneath all the noise. I can’t even hear myself crying out for help.
But today, in the stillness of this space, I’m being invited by myself to listen — to really listen — to her.
Not the Stephanie everyone leans on, but the one I’m learning to see.”
As I sat with those words, I realized something:
Sacred spaces aren’t just about retreating from the world.
They are about returning to yourself—the self God has seen and loved all along.
For me, returning to myself means allowing myself to see myself in the wholeness of AuDHD. Neurodivergence explains so much about the quirks I’ve spent years secretly resenting.
Whether it was over-talking in social settings and commanding a room to my own detriment…
Under-talking and avoiding eye contact, causing others to assume I wasn’t engaged…
Feeling the depth of every word and every glance so deeply it left me exhausted and overexplaining…
The stimming—pulling at my cuticles, twirling my hair, fidgeting just to stay grounded…
The constant desire to withdraw, to disappear into solitude if only the world would allow it…
These were the things that made me feel different, when all I wanted was to belong. And yet, God’s Word reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Coming Back to Me at 38 years old means learning to love myself in my whole design—the way God created me:
Perfect.
In His image.
Embracing what makes me unique, and learning not just to survive it, but to thrive.
*Writings on My Heart
Sometimes the most sacred space we can create is the one between the pages of a journal — a place where our truest thoughts, hopes, aches, and healing can be written down, seen, and honored.
Writing a letter to yourself is one way to return to the heart God has always known. It allows you to slow down and listen not just to the noise of the world, but to the deep stirrings of your soul — the parts you might have forgotten, or never fully seen before.
The Word reminds us:
God writes His truth on our hearts — tenderly, intentionally, personally.
When we write letters to ourselves, we echo that act of intentional care.
We remember what He says about us, even when the world tries to make us forget.
Today, I want to invite you into that space. I’m sharing my personal letter, Writings on My Heart*, as a way of honoring the journey I’m on — and encouraging you to begin your own.
And maybe after you read it, you’ll sit with your own heart for a few minutes and write one too.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be honest.
The Lord is already listening.
The God Who Knows Me
He knows.
He sees.
He understands — more deeply than we could ever comprehend.
And when we create a space to listen, we begin to feel the wonder of being known by Him—and by ourselves—all over again.
Creating Your Sacred Space
Maybe today, you start small.
A quiet seat.
A deep breath.
A whispered prayer:
“Lord, help me hear the me You see.”
Sacred spaces don’t have to be perfect.
They don’t have to be big.
They don’t even have to be pretty.
They just have to be real.
A place where you can be still enough to hear your soul breathe again—and to remember you are already fully known and fully loved.
Here are a few simple ways you can begin creating your own sacred space:
1. Choose a Place:
Pick a spot that feels peaceful — a chair by a window, a cozy corner with a candle, even a quiet stretch of sidewalk you walk on.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be yours.
2. Choose a Time:
Sacred spaces are built in time, not just in place. Maybe it’s five minutes in the morning before the world wakes up. Maybe it’s ten minutes at night after the house is finally still.
You don’t have to schedule an hour. Start where you are.
3. Bring Something That Grounds You:
Your Bible.
A favorite journal.
A song that stills your spirit.
A simple breath prayer like, “Here I am, Lord.”
These small anchors remind you: I am here. I am His.
4. Practice Deep Breathing:
Deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to center your heart, calm your body, and reconnect with God’s peace. Even just a few slow, intentional breaths can shift everything.
Grounded Breathing: 4-6-4 is a simple and powerful way to create stillness within your body and spirit.
By slowing your breath, you slow your mind.
By grounding your body, you anchor your heart. Breathwork reminds us that peace isn’t something we have to chase — it’s something God has already placed within us.
You’ll find a simple Grounded Breathing guide below to help you get started.
Guide to Deep Breathwork and Grounded Breathing
5. Give Yourself Permission:
Permission to be messy.
Permission to be tired.
Permission to be fully you.
The goal isn’t performance—it’s presence.
If all you do is show up and whisper, “Lord, help me be here,” that is enough. He’s already waiting.
Sacred Healing in the Kitchen
Sometimes our sacred spaces extend beyond our prayer rooms and into the everyday rhythms of life — like gathering around the kitchen.
Cooking can be a beautiful extension of healing: a way to nourish not just your body, but your spirit too.
This week, I’m sharing a recipe that feels like pure comfort:
Dump Cake.
Yes, a sacred experience in the kitchen can look like a few processed, off-the-shelf ingredients, minimal prep time, and the taste of heaven on a spoon.
It’s comfort food in all its canned and processed glory — and somehow, it still manages to taste like a hug.
Because sometimes healing doesn’t come in gourmet, perfectly curated moments.
Sometimes it looks like laughing in the kitchen, sticky fingers, slightly uneven crusts, and sweet syrupy goodness dripping down the sides.
Dump Cake might be proof that grace is real — God can take even a mess of canned goods and turn it into something delicious and beautiful.
Sacred healing happens when:
We give ourselves permission to enjoy simple things.
We savor sweetness without shame.
We gather, even if it’s imperfectly.
We thank God for the joy of flavors, memories, and moments made with love.
Sometimes healing tastes like cherries and cake crumbs kissed by grace.
As you prepare it, maybe whisper a prayer of gratitude:
“Thank You, Lord, for the simple sweetness You weave into ordinary days. Thank You for comfort that finds us right where we are.”
Sacred healing is everywhere if we’re willing to see it — even in a humble can of cherries and a crumbled cake mix.
You don’t have to wait for a retreat or a special season.
You can create sacred spaces wherever you are.
In the stillness.
In the stirring.
In the listening.
In the letting go.
Because the same God who sees you there—sees you here, right now.
And He calls you beloved.
P.S. — If you feel led, take a few minutes this week to write your own letter to yourself.
Listen for what your heart has been trying to say. It’s worth hearing.
Rooted and Restored
A Prayer for Your Sacred Space
Lord,
Thank You for seeing me—fully, tenderly, and without rush.
Teach me to create spaces where I can meet You and meet myself with the same kindness.
Help me listen for the voice You’ve placed within me—not the noise of expectation, but the whisper of truth, healing, and hope.
When the world is loud, draw me back to quiet waters.
When I forget who I am, remind me that I am Yours.
Fill these sacred spaces with Your presence, Lord.
Let them become wells of restoration where my soul can breathe and be nourished again.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
#Aquifer Blog# #April2025