Self-Love

by Valerie Denay Staton

Self-love is recognizing your value. Self-love is knowing your worth. It is understanding your potential. It is believing that you are enough.

It grows each time you choose rest
over running on empty, truth over pretending, kindness over criticism.

It blooms when you see yourself clearly
not perfect, but beautifully human,
learning, trying, becoming.

And one day you realize you are finally giving yourself the same love you’ve offered everyone else.

Finding Hope in Nature’s Resilience

by Valerie D. Staton

Wildflowers grow through cracks in stone, bright and unyielding.
Vines curl around benches,
moss carpets abandoned paths.
Life persists here, quietly brave,
teaching me that even in decay
there is hope, and even endings
carry the seed of something new.

God Hears Every Prayer

by Valerie Denay Staton

Sometimes prayer feels like speaking into silence, but heaven is never quiet toward you. God hears every whisper, every tear, every hope you lift to Him. Prayer is not about perfect words – it’s about a trusting heart. Even when answers aren’t immediate, the Father is near, working in ways you cannot see. Keep praying, keep believing, and rest knowing your voice matters to God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing me when I pray. When answers seem slow, strengthen my faith. Help me trust Your timing and Your perfect will. Teach my heart to rest in the assurance that You are listening and You care deeply for me. Amen.

Blessed Savior

by Valerie D. Staton

Oh Blessed Savior, I love you so! I can’t see you but I can see your works. I can’t touch You, but I know you are there – watching over me, guiding me, counseling and advising me, day by day as I meander along the way. Thank You Father for Your abounding mercy, grace, and everlasting love. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Dance Like David

by Valerie Denay Staton

When I get to heaven, where streets are gold, where joy runs eternally and spirits glow, I’ll cast off the burdens earth has bestowed, and dance like David, unrestrained and bold. No chains will bind me, no sorrow, no pain, just the rhythm of glory, like a sweet, holy rain. I’ll spin in His presence, on feet light as air, for my soul will be free, beyond every care. With arms lifted high, and a song in my heart, I’ll move to the music resonating from harps. Like David of old, with abandon divine, every step will proclaim, “Lord, I am Thine.” No judgment, no pride, no fear in my stride, for in heaven’s courts, there’s no need to hide. Each twirl, each leap, a testimony of grace, as I dance before God, beholding His face. The angels will watch, their voices will sing, my heart’s dear offering, a gregarious thing. For this is the dance of a life redeemed. Giving honor and praise unto the King. So, when I get to heaven, in that endless place, I’ll dance like David, enveloped in grace. For in the arms of my Savior, I will be, loved and cherished eternally.

***Dance Like David is on page #59 of my book “Whispers of Grace: Poems, Prayers, and Praise”.