Welcome To Grace Journal

This space was created for the faith-walkers and those called to build something greater than themselves. If you’re visiting for the first time, click the button below.

🪶 What are Grace Notes?
Grace Notes are Spirit-led reflections, journal entries, and devotionals poured straight from the heart. They don’t follow a set schedule or structure—what you read each day is simply what’s been placed on my heart to share. It may seem random, but I trust the Holy Spirit to guide the words, the timing, and the reach.
This isn’t neat, polished, or packaged—this is me, offering what I have with grace, truth, and openness.

Erica W. Erica W.

Walk By Faith, Not By Sight

🌊 "For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

This short verse from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians holds profound truth for every believer. In just ten words, it reveals the foundation of a life rooted in the Spirit, not in the senses. It teaches us to move in obedience—not because we see the outcome—but because we trust the One who directs our steps.

To walk by faith means we let go of the need to understand everything. It means believing in God’s promises even when there’s no evidence yet. It means our confidence is not in what is visible, but in who is invisible.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1

Sight is natural. Faith is supernatural. And the Christian walk requires us to lean not on what we can analyze, calculate, or control—but on God’s eternal truth.

This verse doesn’t minimize our human desire for clarity. It simply reminds us that God’s clarity comes through trust—not always visibility. He is trustworthy even when the road is foggy.

When Paul wrote this, he was enduring hardship, persecution, and uncertainty. Yet he declared: “We walk by faith.” That means forward motion. Movement. Momentum. Even when you can’t see clearly, you can keep walking—because faith is a lens that sees beyond the moment.

🙏 Prayer:

Lord, strengthen my faith to walk even when the path is unclear. Help me to lean not on what I feel or see, but on what You’ve said. Let Your Word be my compass and Your promises my anchor. I choose to walk by faith—step by step, day by day—trusting You fully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

📝 Journal Prompt:

  • In what area of my life am I relying more on sight than faith?

  • What promise of God do I need to hold onto right now?

  • How can I strengthen my faith through prayer, scripture, and action?

    📥 Download the Walk By Faith printable journal sheet: Click here to access your free reflection page — print it out, write it down, and walk it out.

Faith leads even when the eyes cannot.

With grace,

Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Ask. Seek. Knock. A Promise Worth Pursuing

Explore the deeper meaning of Matthew 7:7—Ask, Seek, Knock—and discover how each step draws you closer to God. Includes visual reflection and prayer.

🔑 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." — Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt unsure how to pray—or whether your prayers even matter?

Jesus answers that question with a simple, powerful invitation: Ask. Seek. Knock.

These aren’t passive suggestions. They’re active pursuits, grounded in faith and built on trust that your Heavenly Father hears and responds.

🙋🏽‍♀️ ASK — The Posture of Dependence

To ask means to admit you can’t do it on your own. It requires humility, faith, and courage to speak your need aloud—to say, "Lord, I need You." Whether you whisper it in weariness or cry it out in desperation, He hears you.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father... give good things to those who ask Him!” — Matthew 7:11

🔍 SEEK — The Pursuit of His Presence

To seek God means to move closer. It means searching not just for answers but for intimacy. When we seek Him—through prayer, worship, fasting, and His Word—we discover the treasure isn’t just what we receive, but who He is.

“You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13

🚪 KNOCK — The Persistence of Faith

Knocking implies resistance. A closed door. An unanswered question. But it also implies action. Knocking means you didn’t give up. It means you're standing at the threshold of promise, believing that when it opens, it will be God who answers.

“To the one who knocks it will be opened.” — Matthew 7:8

🙏 Prayer:

Father, thank You for inviting me into this kind of relationship with You. Help me to ask boldly, seek continually, and knock faithfully. May I never lose hope when the answer is delayed. Teach me to trust Your timing and to rest in Your presence while I wait. In Jesus’ name, amen.

📝 Journal Prompt:

  • What am I asking God for right now?

  • Where is He inviting me to seek Him more deeply?

  • What door have I stopped knocking on that may still open by faith?

Keep knocking. You’re closer than you think.

📥 Download the Ask. Seek. Knock journal sheet: Click here to access your free reflection page — print it out, write it down, and walk it out.

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Little Feet, Big Faith: Planting the Seeds of God’s Word in Young Hearts

In the middle of sticky fingers, sudden tantrums, and loud giggles, a legacy is being built. This post explores how to plant lasting seeds of faith in the youngest hearts—even during seasons of disruption and unexpected caregiving.

📖 Opening Reflection:

There’s a holy weight in raising or even temporarily caring for young children—especially in a season of disruption. But what if this is the moment the roots of their faith are planted?

Right now, my days are filled with tiny footsteps, snack requests, and sudden outbursts—but underneath the noise is a quiet mission: to cover these little ones in love, prayer, and scripture until Jesus becomes the foundation of their lives.

📜 Key Scriptures for Spiritual Foundation

1. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NLT)

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands... Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

📌 Teaching truth doesn’t require a classroom. It starts in the daily rhythms—when brushing teeth, sharing Cheerios, or calming a tantrum.

2. Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”

📌 Even in chaos, God promises peace to the children we bring before Him.

3. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

📌 The training doesn’t start when they’re old enough to read—it starts with lullabies filled with scripture, bedtime prayers, and spirit-led example.

🙏 A Prayer for the Grandmother (or Caregiver)

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for entrusting me with these little ones—even in a season I didn’t plan for. Cover them with Your presence. Let their tiny ears hear truth, their eyes see grace, and their hearts be softened for You. Help me show them Jesus not just through Bible stories but through how I love, protect, and speak to them.

Let this home become a sanctuary. Let laughter echo as worship and correction be laced with compassion. Make me a mirror of Your patience, even on the messy days.

And when I feel weary, remind me: I’m not just babysitting—I’m building a legacy.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

📓 Journal Prompt:

  • What spiritual practices can I begin, even in small moments, to help build faith in the children under my care?

  • What has God shown me about His patience through caring for little ones?

  • Where do I need to invite peace into my home today?

Tiny feet may run wild in your home, but big faith can grow there too. May we plant seeds that heaven waters and eternity honors.

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Walking on Water Faith: Eyes on Jesus, Not the Storm

What does it mean to walk on water? It means keeping your eyes on Jesus even when life looks impossible. This post invites you to live with bold faith—focused, surrendered, and purposeful—every single day.

📝 Devotional: Walking on Water Faith

Have you ever felt the waves rising all around you—uncertainty swelling, wind howling, and fear creeping in? Life doesn’t always wait for us to feel ready. But “walking on water” faith isn’t about being fearless—it’s about focusing our eyes on Jesus in spite of the fear.

In Matthew 14:28–31, Peter steps out of the boat in faith. As long as his eyes were locked on Jesus, he walked on water. But the moment he noticed the wind, he began to sink. Jesus didn’t scold him for stepping out—He reached out and saved him when fear took hold.

That’s what walking on water faith teaches us:
Don’t look at the storm. Don’t get distracted by the waves. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Some days, you might not hear clear direction from the Lord—but even in the silence, you can still walk with purpose. If you’ve committed your plans to Him (Proverbs 16:3), then carry them out with excellence, confidence, and a desire to glorify God in all you do.

And if your only prayer today is, “Lord, what would You have me do?”—trust that even the quiet moments are part of your calling.

You are an ambassador for Christ.
Your life is a living message of hope, peace, and truth in a broken world. Don’t shrink back. Walk forward. Even if it feels like water beneath your feet.

📖 Scriptures to Anchor This Message

  • Matthew 14:28–31 (NKJV)“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”

  • Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”

  • Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

  • Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith...”

📓 Journal Reflection Prompt

  • What does “walking on water” look like in your life right now?

  • Are you focusing more on your circumstances or on Christ?

  • Take a moment to write out today’s plans and commit them to God in prayer.

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

When Intimacy is Withheld: Remembering You’re Still Chosen

Feeling emotionally or physically rejected by your spouse can shake your confidence and identity. But God's Word offers healing, comfort, and truth: You are still loved, still chosen, and still deeply seen. Here's a reflection for the woman grieving in silence.

📖 Introduction:

What do you do when the one who vowed to love you turns away—not in anger, but in silence? When intimacy becomes absence, and you’re left wondering if something is wrong with you?

Rejection from the one who once drew near can feel like abandonment. When your spouse withdraws physically or emotionally, it can shake your identity and leave you questioning everything—your worth, your beauty, your marriage, even your faith.

But beloved, this post isn’t about pointing blame. It’s about helping you remember: You are not the problem. And more importantly, you are not forgotten by God.

This post offers scripture-based reflection, affirmation, and hope to women facing emotional and physical rejection in marriage—reminding you of God’s unwavering love, His healing promises, and the truth of your worth.

🔍 Scripture to Anchor Your Heart:

  • Psalm 34:18“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

  • Isaiah 54:5“For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name.”

  • Isaiah 49:16“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

  • Psalm 139:14“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

💡 Reflection:

You may be navigating sleepless nights, aching questions, and an emptiness you don’t talk about out loud. You’ve prayed. You’ve asked. You’ve cried in silence.

But in every moment of absence—God is present.

Rejection by man does not cancel the affection of God. And while intimacy may be lacking in one space, you are fully known, fully loved, and fully wanted by the One who calls you His bride.

This isn't just about healing what’s been lost—it’s about reclaiming what is true:
🌿 You are valuable.
🌿 You are beautiful.
🌿 You are still worthy of love.

🧠 Journaling Prompts:

  1. What has rejection made you believe about yourself that God does not say?

  2. How does Psalm 34:18 shift your perspective in this season?

  3. Write a letter to God about what you wish your husband understood.

  4. What would healing and restoration look like for you, personally?

🕊️ Prayer:

Father, You see what I’ve tried to hide. You know the ache of rejection and the silence I live in. Remind me of my worth. Remind me that I am still Yours. Heal the broken places in my heart and hold me close when I feel most alone. You are my refuge, my comfort, my steady love. Amen.

With grace,
Erica

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Erica W. Erica W.

Keep Going – Your Harvest is Coming (Galatians 6:9)

“Let us not grow weary in doing good…” Galatians 6:9 is a soft but strong reminder to keep going when you feel unseen or tired. Your harvest is still coming. This devotional will lift your spirit and remind you that your obedience is never wasted.

Scripture:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like doing good was costing you everything—but bringing you nothing in return?

Whether you're loving others, parenting with patience, running a business with integrity, or showing up faithfully in ministry or work… it can feel heavy sometimes. Especially when the harvest doesn’t come fast.

But Galatians 6:9 reminds us that the work is not in vain. The promise is sure: we will reap—if we do not lose heart.

God is a perfect timekeeper. The season of reaping has already been appointed. Your job isn’t to predict the outcome, but to remain faithful in the sowing.

This verse isn’t just encouragement—it’s permission to rest your emotions while trusting God’s results.

💡 Reflection Questions:

  1. Where have you been tempted to give up lately?

  2. What does “due season” look like for you?

  3. How can you protect your heart from growing weary while waiting?

🙏 Prayer:

Lord, strengthen me when I feel unseen or tired.
Remind me that my faithfulness matters—even when no one else notices.
Help me keep going, knowing You are the One who brings the harvest.
I will trust Your timing, not mine. I won’t lose heart.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

With grace,
Erica

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Erica W. Erica W.

“A Mother’s Legacy: Faith Passed Down”

On this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the unseen impact of a mother’s faith. From Lois to Eunice to Timothy—this is the power of generational love rooted in Christ.

2 Timothy 1:5

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

There’s something sacred about a mother’s prayers. The unseen tears. The quiet encouragement. The steady presence.

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he didn’t just praise his faith—he honored the women who poured it into him. Lois and Eunice never stood on a stage. They weren’t apostles or evangelists. But their faith shaped one.

This Mother’s Day, we pause to reflect on the legacy we’ve inherited and the one we’re building. Whether you’re a biological mom, a bonus mom, a spiritual mom, or a woman who simply chooses to nurture others—you are seen. You are vital. And your faith matters.

Reflection:

  • Who helped plant the seeds of faith in your life?

  • How are you intentionally passing on that faith today?

  • What would you want your children—or spiritual children—to say about your legacy?

Supporting Scriptures:

  • Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed...”

  • Titus 2:3–5 – Encouragement to teach the younger women.

  • Isaiah 66:13 – “As a mother comforts her child…”

A Prayer for Mothers:

Lord, thank You for the women who have loved us, prayed for us, and gently led us closer to You. Strengthen every mother reading this today. Let her see the value of her calling—even in the ordinary moments. May her legacy be one of faith, grace, and eternal impact. Amen.

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Still Worth Building

Even when your plans crumble and your heart is discouraged, remember: what God breathed into you is still worth building. Surrender doesn’t mean the vision dies — it means He rebuilds it stronger.

Scripture Anchor: Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

🌿 Devotional Reflection

Today was not a simple day. I faced reminders of how much was given — and how little was returned. I looked at contracts and promises that cost thousands but never fulfilled their word. I saw my own name printed on paper that others used, but never protected.

And yet… God was still with me.

There’s a quiet kind of courage that comes when you finally say, “Enough.” Not in anger, but in wisdom. Today, I claimed my idea back. I claimed my voice back. I took the steps to protect what God placed in me.

“A vision that I’ve been carrying for years — one that cost us more than just money — but one I believe God is still breathing on.

💬 Heart Reflection

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me…”

He sees what concerns you. What kept you up at night. What you hoped would be different. And He’s not asking you to pretend it didn’t hurt — He’s asking you to trust that He’s not finished.

He’s not done perfecting the parts of your journey that didn’t make sense.
And He’s not done redeeming what others may have mishandled.

You didn’t lose your vision today — you clarified it.

🙏🏽 Prayer

Father, I thank You for protecting what I couldn’t see and restoring what I thought was lost. Thank You for giving me the strength to stand, to let go of false partnerships, and to move forward with peace. You are perfecting what concerns me — even when I don’t feel in control. I trust You with the vision You gave me. Let Your grace fill every gap.

📓 Journal Prompt

  1. What’s one dream or assignment you’ve felt uncertain about lately?

  2. Have you ever been afraid to try again after a financial or emotional loss?

  3. How can you give God the space to perfect what concerns you?

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Digging Deeper: John 11:38–44

Lazarus' story wasn't just about resurrection—it's about what happens when faith meets the impossible. When Jesus said, “Did I not say to you…”, He was speaking to all of us who need to believe again.

Believing in the face of finality

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

Verse 38
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it."
Jesus is emotionally moved—not just because of Lazarus' death, but because of the pain death causes humanity. This moment shows both His compassion and intentionality. He approaches the tomb not with defeat, but with divine authority.

Verse 39
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.'"
Martha is practical—she knows the situation is beyond repair. But Jesus invites her (and us) to obey even when logic protests. Sometimes faith asks us to move stones we’d rather leave untouched.

Verse 40
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'"
This is the heart of the passage. Faith is the gateway to experiencing God's glory. Belief isn't passive—it's a lens that lets us see beyond the natural.

Verse 41
"Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.'"
Jesus thanks the Father before the miracle happens. This models a posture of gratitude before breakthrough. It reveals His constant communion with God.

Verse 42
"And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
Jesus' public prayer is for the sake of the crowd—that they might believe. The miracle is not just about Lazarus, it’s about pointing to the Messiah.

Verse 43
"Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'"
Jesus speaks directly to the dead. The command is personal. This is a foreshadowing of resurrection power for all who believe.

Verse 44
"And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'"
Lazarus comes out alive but still bound. Resurrection is instant, but freedom is a process. Jesus invites the community to participate in his unbinding.

Deep Dive: John 11:38–44

In these verses, we find Jesus deeply moved, approaching the tomb of Lazarus. It’s not just a story of resurrection—it's a moment where belief is tested and the glory of God is revealed.

  • Verse 38: Jesus’ emotions show His humanity. He’s not distant from our pain—He enters it.

  • Verse 39: Martha hesitates, focusing on the reality of death. Sometimes faith must push past logic.

  • Verse 40: The verse of emphasis—Jesus gently calls Martha back to belief.

  • Verses 41–42: Jesus prays aloud, modeling trust in the Father even before the miracle.

  • Verse 43: The command, “Lazarus, come forth!” breaks every limitation.

  • Verse 44: Lazarus emerges—still bound, but alive. It’s a picture of how Jesus calls us out, then unwraps us from what held us.

Takeaway: God isn’t asking us to pretend the tomb isn’t there. He’s asking us to believe that He can speak into it.

Reflection Thought: Where have I placed a stone that Jesus is asking me to roll away?

Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me to believe—even when what I see looks final. Remind me that You still speak to dead things and that resurrection is always possible with You. Amen.

Cross-Reference:

  • Romans 4:17 — "...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did."

  • Isaiah 43:19 — "Behold, I will do a new thing... shall you not know it?"

With grace,
Erica

What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

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Erica W. Erica W.

Did I Not Say to You…

When you believe in His Word—even with trembling faith—you open the door to see His glory. Jesus isn’t just speaking to Martha… He’s speaking to us: “Did I not say to you?”

John 11:38-44

Scripture Focus:

"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'" — John 11:40 (NKJV)

A Faith-Based Journey Toward Grace

There’s a flame rising in my spirit again—one I thought might’ve been smothered by delay, disappointment, or just plain life. But in these past weeks, between the blog, my invention ideas, and even prayers for my family, I’ve started to see movement in areas that once felt sealed shut.

That’s why John 11:40 hit me so hard: "Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?" It’s a call not just to remember His promises—but to believe them in the face of what looks hopeless.

Scripture Reflection: John 11:38–44

In this scene, Jesus is standing in front of a tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are grieving. The crowd has already written the ending.

But Jesus hadn’t.

He turns to Martha and asks for the stone to be taken away. She hesitates—because in her mind, it’s already over. The decay has begun, the loss is final. But then Jesus speaks: “Did I not say to you…”

It’s not just a reminder. It’s a re-invitation to believe. And though Martha doesn’t physically move the stone herself, her heart surrenders. The text says, “Then they took away the stone...” because belief often begins with letting go of resistance—even if someone else rolls it back.

Sometimes, faith looks like simply stepping aside so the miracle can begin.

Devotional Insight:

Like Martha, we may believe God in theory. But when we’re staring at something dead—an idea, a relationship, a vision—we’re tempted to shrink back into doubt.

Still, Jesus gently leans in and reminds us: "If you would believe, you would see..."

Faith isn't neat. It’s not always polished. But it is powerful.

Whether it’s in a family reconciliation you thought was impossible, a blog that feels small, or a God-inspired product idea that no one sees yet—faith still moves stones.

I’m seeing things shift. Things I didn’t expect. Things I once buried. And every little resurrection whispers, “Did I not say to you?”

Grace Notes (Journal Prompts):

  • What “sealed tomb” in your life is Jesus asking you to trust Him with?

  • Where have you seen God move after choosing to believe again?

  • What promise do you need to revisit and cling to today?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for reminding me that nothing is beyond Your reach. Help me to trust You—not just in words, but in action. Let my life be evidence of Your glory. When I doubt, whisper again what You’ve already said: "If you believe, you will see..." Amen.

With grace,
Erica

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