The Problem

July 21, 2026 livingwholecoaching

The problem that the butterfly had was not knowing her value or worth as God had ordained it to be. The enemy is great at distracting us from the truth.

That was one of the biggest problems the butterfly had: not understanding who she was. And from that misunderstanding, she built all her decisions and based all her relationships on a lie.

She fought to be everything that she believed would bring her love. But what it actually brought her was pain, trauma, shame, and guilt. God never intended for her life to be this way, but she wasn’t listening to Him. She depended on the world’s systems to evaluate who she was supposed to be. And that was “the problem”.

Unfortunately, it took the butterfly years to finally get to a place where she could look to God. She would spend many years living an unsatisfying life, walking in brokenness. But God didn’t leave her in that space. He had a plan to divert her from the destructive, broken life to a place of wholeness in Him. But it wouldn’t be easy for the butterfly.

Even in the place of being transformed, the butterfly was kept in the wilderness, a place where her whole dependence had to be on God and nothing else. None of her old patterns would work in this situation, so she had to surrender.

The journey was a hard lesson for the butterfly, and it wouldn’t be until she was safe in her deliverance and healing that she would understand the full scope of what God did for her.

I find it amazing how God works out the bad things in our lives and turns them into something good. He does it even when we have decided to go our own way!

The butterfly is my story of redemption and love. I have spoken to, ministered to, and walked with women who were in the same sort of place that I was in. Being lukewarm in our walk with God is not pleasing to the Father. It is our responsibility to work out our soul salvation (and as Paul says: “with fear and trembling”). It’s time to consecrate ourselves to God and begin the process of sanctification.

I pray that you will desire to move past where you are and allow God to begin bringing you to a place that is pleasing and glorifying to Him. Time is of the essence. Jesus is coming back for a bride (church) that is without spot or blemish, and I don’t know about you, but I want to be there at the wedding with “the bridegroom,” Jesus.

Today is the day of salvation and repentance. The King is coming!

In Christ,

Lisa M. Walker

the butterfly journey

From Broken to Beautiful Series Part I – What Inspired Me to Write “The Butterfly’s Journey”?

May 4, 2026 livingwholecoaching

I didn’t really inspire myself to write the book; I was given the task directly by God. I wasn’t sure of what to do, but I said yes to God and trusted Him to help me accomplish the task.

At the beginning of writing, I asked God why He wanted me to write the book. He clearly told me it was to help others who might be traveling a similar path. But I was a little apprehensive, because this story was my personal journey. I didn’t know if I could be so vulnerable with people outside of my close circle.

Later, I came to understand the importance of helping someone else understand their journey, and perhaps I could save them from the pitfalls I had endured.

I began to write. It was as if the Holy Spirit took over my hands, and I typed fast and long, and the words kept coming until I had no more to say. I wasn’t sure whether I was finished or just stuck in a writing block.

What came after that was concerning. I read over the pages that I had written and began to cry at my own story. It seemed so sad and broken; my heart was broken. God showed me that I was still healing from that part of my life. And before I could release anything, I first had to finish healing.

At that point, my story sat in my computer until it was God’s appointed time for me to release it.

Sadly, it took 13 years for me to heal and get up the courage to move forward with publishing. In between all those years, I’ve been on many journeys, specifically with my health. I was diagnosed with renal failure in 2022 and had to go on dialysis for 2 years, but God blessed me in October of 2025 to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant.

I am grateful for the next chance to complete everything that God has assigned to me. Stay with me, there is more.

In Christ,

Lisa M Walker

the butterfly journey

No Comfort Zone

January 4, 2023 livingwholecoaching

Perhaps you can tell that I write about things I am dealing with in my own life, and I try to share the lessons that I’ve learned with you the reader in hopes that it can help someone else in their daily walk.

I am trying to navigate this new journey that I am on in regard to my health, and it is teaching me how to thrive outside of my comfort zone.

I would have never chosen to go through this challenge on my own. I thought that I was doing an okay job of just bumping along in my comfort zone and not making any progress into the person that God wants me to be. But here comes discomfort to stretch me beyond the borders of my comfortable life and catapult me into a place of growth.

Let’s be honest, no one likes the feeling of discomfort, but discomfort can bring about new opportunities that you may have never had before. It can open your mind to new possibilities or new perspective of life.

Let me share some lessons that I have learned so far going through this journey:

I‘ve learned to trust God! Not the lip service in trusting God, but really depending on Him every second of my life.
I’ve learned how to pray with a fervent heart. If I am being honest sometimes when I prayed, I was not really expecting anything to happen. I wanted to believe that my prayer would change a situation, but I didn’t really believe it in my spirit. But now I listen more intently to the voice the Holy Spirit to guide me in my prayers so I know that I am in the will of God, and I can stand on His word for an outcome.
I‘ve learned about God’ peace. I can truly say that I understand the scripture that talks about ” the peace the surpasses all understanding”, I know that peace! Night after night I would cry out to the Lord in my secret place with just me and God and beg Him for His peace and each night, He would meet me there and give His peace so freely.
I’ve learned that I am not an island. I have found out that having loving saints surrounding you with prayer and checking on you during your time of need is priceless. Not only do I have family and friends, in some cases I have people that I have never met praying and caring for me. We were not created to be alone.

I would hope that I would have learned these lessons on my own, but probably not. It has taken this challenge and discomfort to place me on a path of growth and change. I am going to trust God that I will learn everything I need in this season to encourage others, reach my full potential in Him and most importantly give Him the glory that He deserves.

depression, Healing, healing and deliverance

I Am Healed! No Weapon!

October 4, 2015 livingwholecoaching

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. KJV

More times than I care to admit, I have felt weary and tired and ready to give up! Fiery darts flying, false accusations, scary situations, and health issues just to name a few of the seasons of my life that I have faced.

I was reminded recently that I am healed and no weapon formed against me shall prosper, because God is my Redeemer! Why do I need to keep being reminded of the fact that my God is awesome, gracious and able to do all that I need for my life? Why do I keep falling back into the snares that I know are being set for me by the enemy? I learned a valuable lesson, be consistent in following and believing God for everything that He did for me and all of His promises!

Another strong lesson that I learned was that every situation, although it may appear different stems from the same source, the enemy. The enemy trying to take me off the path of life that God had created for me. He doesn’t want me to reach my full potential in God, to serve and encourage women! He rather me be deep in stress, negativity and pessimism. Why would he want me to grow closer to God and learn more of His word and promises? Why would he want me to have the courage and confidence to move forward in the gift(s) that gave me to use in this dying world?

So I have to go back a few steps to recover the strength in God that was so evident in my life. Be consistent in my prayer and praise. Lastly, I need to remember who is against me in life. Not people, although the enemy can use them as part of his schemes. Situations that seem to be a blessing when looked at after the enemy has told you lies begin to look like a plantation, a place of discontented, a place where I would lose my creativity and energy. But wait a minute it really is a blessing, an opportunity that God allowed to happen to help me.

Stay focused and remind yourself every day until it becomes a part of your spirit that God will not withhold any good thing from me. He wouldn’t give me stones for bread! Stop in the moment that your thinking becomes opposite of who you know God to be. Remain faithful to the One who is faithful!

Prayer: Father, we thank you because even when we get off track you send ministering angels to pray for us and to us and remind us that we are the daughters of a God that is good and holy! Thank you Father that you care enough for me that you would restore and strengthen my inner man for the journey ahead! Keep our minds stayed on you Father, the author and finisher of our faith. Make our lives renewed in you. Give us a spirit of consistency to stay grounded, focused, and faithful to only YOU! We thank you God for who you are in our lives. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Blessings, Lisa

encouragement, God, golden nuggets, hope, Lessons, prayer, the butterfly journey

7 Lessons I’ve Learned While Going Through My Storm

August 15, 2015 livingwholecoaching

I’ve learned over many years of life that each storm of life holds “golden nuggets” of wisdom that God wants me to learn. But like most people I couldn’t see the lessons while I was embedded in the pain of facing tough life situations. Most recent years I have begun to dig a little deeper to understand just what God was trying to show me about myself during these times.

Once I began to hunger for the truth, God was gracious enough to uncover the treasures that were hidden in the waves of my storms.

1. My relationship with God is the most important relationship of my life.

There is no one in this world that loves me more or with a more perfect love. Don’t compromise who you are for the world.

2. Seek God for direction before making decisions for my life.

I realize that my understanding is limited to what I know and see. God is all-knowing and He is the best one to give me direction for my life. Sometimes our decisions can have an adverse affect on our lives and the lives of those we love.

3. Know and believe God’s promises for my life.

Studying God’s word gives us understanding of who we are and what God has promised to do in us and through us, but how do we know if we do not delve into His glorious word? The trials become unbearable if we have no hope that things can or will get better. His word is the blueprint that gives us everything we need to live our best lives. Jeremiah 29:11

4. Search for the lessons in each situation.

I began to ask God questions. What is it that you want me to learn Lord? How do you want me to wait while in the storm? Every trial has a something that be for your good; build your faith, increase your trust, restore or turn you away from sin. Romans 8:28

5. Be grateful in all seasons of my life.

Sometimes this part is hard especially when you are experiencing pain. This is the time when you really have to dig deep and remind yourself of the wonderful blessings that still are surrounding you. Look for them, make it a point to seek them, they are there! There is a greater glory after each storm.

6. Tell my story to others.

There is always someone who may be going through a similar storm in their life. By sharing your testimony you are giving them hope and encouragement that things will get better.

7. Pray without ceasing.

I can’t say enough about prayer! I have learned early in my Christian walk that prayer changes things, situations and hearts. There is no greater gift than to be able to talk to the Father about all your heart issues. There are some things that will only come by prayer. Learn to pray and continue to develop your communication with the Father. He will never fail you, that I know for sure!

Blessings

Lisa

destiny, finding God, gifts and talents, God, journey, Life Coach, life worth living, mission, purpose, the butterfly journey, women

I Want to Die Empty

August 9, 2015August 9, 2015 livingwholecoaching

I admire those famous people in history that used their entire life serving people and making the world a better place. Those that we had the opportunity of knowing because their lives were showcased to the world. Some that come to mind are Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Theresa and there are countless more, many more.

But there are ones who we didn’t get an opportunity to know through history or mainstream media. Those that weren’t written about in books. Those ordinary people like you and me, just living out their purposes, using their God-given gifts, talents and life experiences to serve others and making their communities something better than what it was before them.

I always knew that I was born for something. I just couldn’t believe for a minute that God would create me just to exist. It took me almost a lifetime to figure out what it was, but here I am today striving to live my life until I am empty. No not empty in the way you may be thinking, but empty of everything that God gave me and created me for to complete while here on this earth. I wish that I could have had someone to come along side of me to help m figure it all out before now. But God always had a plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)

When I first saw the words “die empty” it confused me; as I asked myself, “Why would anyone want to die empty?” But see God has given me a mind that is able to look at things from a whole different perspective.

To die empty to me means to use all that God has blessed me with and all that He created me to be to serve people in a unique way. It means to be passionate about using my gifts, talents, skills and every life experience (good and bad) to help someone else. It not only means to make the world a better place, but ultimately it means to build up God’s kingdom for His glory!

The discovery of my purpose came during one of my life’s storms. Yep, I discovered my purpose through my pain. It wasn’t very clear at first, but the revelation came after the storm, during my healing process. I went through a lot during that time and even though it was a painful experience, I am glad that God allowed something beautiful to come out of it. (Romans 8:28)

For me to find my purpose, my reason for being here was the most wonderful thing to happen to me! It gives me a specific reason for living, it gives me direction and it gives me peace!

The more I seek God, study His word and follow His guidance, the more I learn about life, my life that is connected in Him! I know for sure that I am here to help people “die empty” and most importantly to know God, for He is who we live and die for!

Love Lisa

The Butterfly Journey

http://www.thebutterflyjourney.com

brokenness, encouragement, God, health, the butterfly journey, women

Heart Healthy

February 3, 2015 livingwholecoaching

February is heart health month. During this month you can find helpful information about how to have a healthy heart, or about warning signs when something is wrong with your heart. It is all about the well-being of your physical heart.

February is also the month of Valentine’s Day. A day set aside to show love to your significant other and others you love in a special way. Usually we adorn each other with chocolates and roses. Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated and lucrative holidays that we engage in.

What about your spiritual heart? Is it healthy, do you know the warning signs that something may be going wrong with it? Do you have the information on how to keep it healthy? Or have the arteries of life circumstances caused plaque to build up and the flow of love and joy are having a hard time reaching your heart to keep it healthy?

Have you been exercising your heart muscles by showing love to keep your heart strong and in a position to receive love? Your spiritual heart is just as important as your physical heart. It warrants your every effort to make sure that nothing foreign comes in to make your heart beat irregularly or cause damage.

We place things in our heart from experiences that we have encountered in our lifetime. Some things are good, others are bad, but God wants us to make sure that what we put in our hearts are things that will help us live life to its fullest. Good things that will catapult us into a relationship with Him and others. When we have experienced something that was not good and we place it in our hearts, it stays there until we release it. As long as it stays there the more miserable you may become. You will live your life not fully being free to love or receive love.

That’s why God said in His word: Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV

The good news today is that God can help you release the bad things that you have placed in your heart. The things that will keep you from experiencing a true flow of love and joy, but you have to give God all the pieces of your brokenness. He will replace those things with wisdom and love. Trust Him, I do!

Blessings Lisa

friends, make a difference in someone's life, relationships, the butterfly journey

Are You Investing in Your Relationships?

January 26, 2015 livingwholecoaching

A new year, a new you, a better version of you! One of my goals for 2015 is to invest in the relationships that I hold dear to my heart. I would admit that I have not really taken a close look at my relationships until my husband said, “in order to have a friend, you have to be a friend.” Wow, ok that made me look deep within myself for the answer to that statement. Had I really been a friend?

I searched over the relationships in my life and concluded that yes maybe I hadn’t been such a good friend. At my age, I don’t believe that I would be making many new friends, acquaintances maybe, but real friends no. So I looked back over the years for those who had been positive, encouraging, influences in my life. Yep, I found them all in the history of my life. Those who never were far away during the real struggles on my journey.

I thought back to the milestones that we had shared with each other; the good ones and the bad. We never missed a beat. We may have missed birthdays or anniversaries, but we never failed to reconnect at the most important times. So I searched my heart and knew right away that I had to do something different. I wanted to make the next leg of my life’s journey with them by my side.

I wanted to celebrate them, let them know how incredibly important they were to me and the world. I decided that I would invest my time, money, and life to these few folks who God had so meticulously placed in the path of my life. I work in the funeral industry and all too often I see people regret missed opportunities to cherish those who were important to them. But once they are in our office it’s too late to change the pattern of the life that is now gone.

So I vowed that I am going to be the best friend, wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and person that I can be. I want to give each of my relationships their flowers while they are living to enjoy them. I will invest my time, money, and talent to bless their lives. I want them to know without a shadow of a doubt that they matter to me! And I want my life to reflect that I loved those dear to me and that I gave all that I could to make this world a better place.

Here are some of my ideas in blessing others:

Send a card with flowers just to say “I love you and you matter to me”
Take a day off work to spend the afternoon with my grandchildren just to laugh
Buy a Valentine’s gift for my sister
Take my mother to get a mani/pedi
Have lunch and facial with my best friend

These are just some small things that you can do for someone special in your life. You would be amazed of how something small becomes a “big” deal to someone who deserves it! It’s time to invest!

Blessings,

Lisa

depression, encouragement, God, the butterfly journey

Could It Be You?

January 11, 2015 livingwholecoaching

When you are involved in an unpleasant situation, do you naturally look at the other party as the reason for it? I’m not saying that you are wrong for doing that because in some cases it could very well be because of someone else’s role that the situation occurred.

But this is what I want you to think about for a minute…could it be YOU? I know you have examples for me that prove that it is not always you or it never has been you that caused a situation to go south. However, hear me out.

I’ve shared my testimony with you many times, but since I haven’t blogged in a year (and I hope that I will have some new followers) I will give you a little bit of my story. Thank God it has been over 7 years now since I suffered with major depression. During the latter part of my dark journey I started asking myself and God why did I get to the place that I was in? Well talking to myself I could explain a lot of my demise by pointing my finger at others.

God took me in another direction. He pointed his finger at me! Me?! I did this to myself?! But I didn’t fuss with God, I just listened, because at that point in my life that is all I could do. I humbled myself and listened to God. I allowed God to show me, myself. Wow, what a journey that was; not pleasant at all. What it did for me though was examine every choice that I had made. The good, bad, and the ugly.

It was then that my life began to change…for the better. I learned the most life lessons during this season of my life. If you want to truly be free and walk in a better relationship with not only yourself, but God and others, you would embrace self-examination.

Would you agree that God only wants the best for you? When He cares, he wants to show you ways that may be contrary to the what the world teaches you. He wants to move you into a new level of “trusting” Him. And if you can’t trust Him with your life, your entire life, than you have a lot to learn my friend.

Give yourself a chance to be the “best” you and trust God to show you, you.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within ME.” Psalm 51:10 NIV

Blessings, Lisa

31 Day Butterfly Journey, the butterfly journey

31 Day Butterfly Journey: Change

September 22, 2013 livingwholecoaching

Well I’m back! I had a challenging 2 weeks recently and had to take time to deal with the situations that presented themselves in my life. I don’t like dealing with challenges, especially those that cause me discomfort (most people are probably the same), but I have learned that I must face those challenges in order to move forward and not get stuck in a place of discouragement or defeat.

I’m learning that placing my struggles in the hands of God can shorten the process or challenge that I am facing. It’s hard to relinquish your troubles, but I am realizing now that it is well worth it in the end. God gives me the answers or supplies my needs in each situation and then I can breathe again.

Change is a very hard subject for some (me included), but change most times is a result of things that come into our lives either for the better or for the worse. It is not always something great that happens to make us look at change, sometimes it’s something bad that has caused us to really look at change in a whole new light.

For me its my health. I suffer from diabetes and all its little minions that follow along with it; hypertension, high cholesterol, and all kinds of different ailments.

This past week my fiancé and I were on vacation in the mountains of Massanutten VA, just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. We both realized almost at the same moment that we need to live a healthier life.

I am not sure if it was because of the beauty of the environment or if it was the lazy feeling that settled over us after we had a wonderful fat-laden meal each day, but something just sparked a burning desire to take care of the one body that God gave us.

Change isn’t always easy, and sometimes it’s a matter of life or death and as the old saying goes; “old habits die hard”, but they do die if you decide that it’s time for them to go! So I am going to give my old unhealthy habits notice that they will have to go, go to a grave where they can no longer have control of my life or health. They have to go so that I can live and fulfill my God-given destiny. They have to go so that I can see my grandchildren grow up. They have to go so that I can have a medication free life without all the side affects that surely will give me an early funeral of my own life.

If there is something that you need (or want) change for in your life today, then declare and decree it in the name of Jesus that it has to go! Don’t be afraid of failure, just keep trying! We will give you all the encouragement that we can and when the results start to show you will be so delighted that you decided to make that change! It’s not always going to be easy to face each new challenge, but it can be done!

What is the one change that you would like to see in your life? Let’s change together, we CAN do it!

The Butterfly Journey ~ Lisa