A soft whisper of hope with your name on it


Last night an arctic blast flew through our area. It’s a rather rude reality when you step outside the door today with a reminder that winter arrived early this season.

My Christmas decorations, such as they are this year, are finally up. When we moved a couple years ago, friends sent a small tabletop Christmas tree to greet us in our new home. As we set it up this year and fluffed its smooshed branches, I smiled and thanked God for these thoughtful friends. Other decorations bring back family memories, like children’s sweet voices. What is your favorite Christmas decoration you set up each year?

Though it’s been a challenging few weeks (thanks for your prayers and please keep them coming), God keeps reminding me of his steady presence. Even in the cold. Even in the chaos. Even when our hearts feel a bit tender.

Consider

Deeper Walk International recently sent out a free Listening Prayer Starter Kit you can download. One piece in it really caught my attention—the two notebooks approach to journaling.

How often do you deal with intrusive thoughts when you’re spending time with God? It’s daily for me. That’s why this two-notebook approach makes so much sense.

In a nutshell:

  • Notebook 1 — write down thoughts that seem to be from God.
  • Notebook 2 — write down intrusive thoughts, random distractions, or thoughts that feel like they’re coming from the enemy of your soul.

Why does this matter? Because not every thought that pops into your head (or mine) is from God. Learning to discern the difference takes practice—especially when it comes to asking Does this thought line up with Scripture?

If you want to explore this more deeply, here’s the link to get the simple resource and the full explanation:
A Listening Prayer Starter Kit

Reflect

During this Christmas season, ask God to increase your wonder and joy.

Each day during your time with him, thank him for something new you’ve discovered in the last twenty-four hours.

Then ask him what he wants you to notice today.

Be still. Breathe. Listen. And make sure what you hear matches the Bible.

Year End Gift

If you’re longing to start the new year feeling steadier, clearer, and more supported, January’s Breathe Again Masterclass might be exactly what your heart needs.

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. This masterclass is your safe, confidential space to pause, breathe deeply, and begin your healing.

Limited availability — and a special year-end 20% discount with code EARLYBIRD20 at checkout.

What’s included:
🤝 12 live weekly group coaching sessions
❤️ Three one-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs
📚 Faith-based tools, practical resources, and weekly action steps
💬 Online check-ins, virtual office hours, and a private community
📱 Unlimited text, email, and messaging support with me
🎁 Bonuses to deepen your healing journey

If you sense God tugging you toward a new beginning, I’d be honored to walk with you.

Not sure if jumping into the Masterclass is right for you? Schedule a FREE Find Hope Again Session with me and we can discuss it. (One per person-if you have already had a free session with me and want to discuss whether the masterclass is right for you, send me an email at Kirsten@kirstendsamuel.com)

🙏🏻 May I pray for you?

Dear God, You are amazing. Thank you for sending Jesus to rescue us from our sin. As Reader looks for you during this Christmas season, open her eyes to things she hasn’t noticed before. Even in difficult moments, show her how near you are—holding her close and protecting her. In the weary places, strengthen her. In lonely places, whisper your love. Remind Reader that she is held, safe, and seen. Guide her steps this week to discover wonder and joy. Amen


Kirsten D Samuel LLC

I empower faith-based women like you to recover well after discovering their husband's or significant others struggle with the dark places on the internet. Every Monday you'll receive encouragement and other carefully curated content to help you heal and find the freedom you desire.

Read more from Kirsten D Samuel LLC

February showed up fast, didn’t it? One minute it was “Happy New Year,” and now we’re already talking about Valentine’s Day. 💕 I’m over here holding my tea, blinking and trying to catch up. What’s Been On My Heart For the last 15 years, I’ve set a goal to read through the Bible each year. Since my mind likes to wander when something feels familiar, I switch translations often. It helps me stay present and really listen. Last week, while reading Exodus 3, one phrase stood out to me: “Who am...

“Baby, it’s cold outside.” 🥶 At times like this, I’m especially thankful for warm homes, steady heat, and cozy layers. It’s funny how easily we take those simple gifts for granted—until the cold really settles in. Photo by Anna Spoljar on Unsplash When the sun hits freshly fallen snow, it sparkles. As a little girl, I was convinced there were diamonds scattered everywhere. ✨ I felt such wonder watching it shimmer. I couldn’t wait to get outside and play in those “diamonds”—making snow angels...

Thank you for praying for Dave and me these past couple of months. Truly. May I tell you what God did? We didn’t see it coming either. Ever since moving to the Windy City, we’ve been renting. In our first twelve months here, we moved twice. Moving here isn’t simple—and it’s certainly not inexpensive. What we never imagined? Buying the condo where we currently live. I won’t bore you with the details, but I will say this: God arranged everything in such a way that we now own our condo outright....