July 2025 Newsletter
- heartquest8
- Apr 15
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 25
July 2025 Newsletter
Table Of Contents - President's Vision- Offerings- Monthly Reflection- Praises & Prayers- Birthdays, Anniversaries & Special Celebrations - What To Read Or Watch This Month
We look forward to seeing you and those you have invited in one of our upcoming workshops and events soon !!Let us know what workshops you would like to attend, what movie or book recommendations you would like to share, and what topics you would like to hear more about by sending :
President's Vision — June Intentions
I've always looked forward to summer because it's the only time I could truly relax. Being a former teacher, summer vacation meant sleeping in, staying up late, and visiting
family back East. Whenever I visited my family, I felt like I was royalty. Everyone wanted to spend time with me. It sure was different than how I grew up: I was ignored and passed over. But that's what I wanted when I was just trying to survive my childhood: if they didn't "see" me, then they couldn't "hurt" me.But now that I'm an adult I want to be seen. Sort of. I still feel uncomfortable in a crowd when all eyes seem to be on me. I have anxiety when I think someone will ask me a question that I have no good answer to (What are your thoughts on the economy?) I still blush when someone pays me a compliment. But I have also grown emotionally from being a timid, frightened child to a respectable (?), functioning adult.I was the first in my family to attend and graduate college (the only one to have attained a Master's Degree). I have had a long career, got married (twice), borne and raised 2 kids, I've owned my own residences, I have started and ended several businesses, and I have made a lot of financial and emotional mistakes over the years, which I hope I have learned from. I think I have a pretty good life: I love my husband, I love our house, I have a decent relationship with my kids and siblings, I have great friends and I just retired. I am becoming healthy for the first time in my life - I reversed my type 2 diabetes, now crave healthy food, and look forward to exercise. So weird, I know. I was always waiting for "the other shoe to drop". If you are old like me, you understand what that phrase means. If not, it means that I couldn't believe that I could be happy, that something bad wasn't going to happen, to even out the good. I am still waiting for the bad and I am aware of it, but sometimes I think that I had all the bad when I was a child and young adult and now it's all good. I sure hope so, but even if bad things happen to me, I hope that I have the strength of character, a solid support network and my faith in God to help me through. I don't know what this next phase of life will bring, but I do know that without others in my life, it would be pretty meaningless. I finally realized that I do need people and maybe they need me too. I guess that's how God created us: to be in relationship. Sometimes it's hard, but always worth the effort. Don't give up. Madam PresidentJulie Tilney-Varden "Love Never Fails"
A generous person will prosper;whoever refreshes otherswill be refreshed. ~ Proverbs 11:15
At a Glance — HeartQuest Offerings this Month We currently have offerings EVERY Monday and Tuesday evenings on an ongoing basis.
Monday Drop-In Groups — Varying Each WeekTime is always:
- First Monday — Separate Men's and Women's Groups - Second Monday (restarted in June!) — Forgiveness Workbook Series / By Bruce Wilkinson- Third Monday — Separate Men's and Women's Groups- Fourth Monday — Forgiveness Workbook Series / By Bruce Wilkinson
About The New Series (June class registration open now!)- Based on the book 70x7, HeartQuest is doing a bi-monthly workshop where we will be going through the workbook created by the author, Bruce Wilkinson. Come join us on the Second and Fourth Mondays this May and learn about a more thorough treatment of forgiveness to help deepen your grief recovery as well as enhance your grief recovery journey with us on Tuesdays. There is a video and a workbook that will take you through what we started in June that goes through topics such as How To Forgive Yourself and How To Forgive Other People. Learn the shocking revelation of God's Forgiveness with HeartQuest as we take you through forgiving 70x7!Email bobvarden@gmail.com for registration details
NEW Workshop In Progress!!TuesdaysGrief Recovery Workshopstarts up followed by ourGrief Recovery Drop-inlater this year in July Throughout the year we alternate between the structured 8 week Grief Recovery Workshop and our more informal Grief Relief Drop-Ins.
TIME is ALWAYS
Email us to enroll and get prepared, we are starting our brand new session of the Grief Recovery Workshop! Email us or message us on Facebook to enroll and get the necessary materials.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
Help Support our Programs:
July Reflections"Sadness: The Great Release"—
The Sacred Role of Sadness: Letting Go, Letting GodWe know by now—happiness is not the goal of life. It never was. God didn’t create us to be endlessly cheerful. He created us to be whole. And wholeness means being able to feel the full, radiant, aching spectrum of human emotion. This month, we step into the deep waters of Sadness—one of the most
misunderstood, avoided, and essential emotions we’ve been gifted. Sadness is not a mistake. It’s not a punishment or a sign of weakness. It is a holy invitation to release. In Karla McLaren’s Language of Emotions, sadness is described as a cleansing force—one that brings resolution and relaxation. Read that again: resolution and relaxation. Has anyone ever told you that before? That sadness, fully felt, fully honored, brings peace? Most of us have been taught to fear sadness, to suppress it, to get over it quickly. To cry is often seen as a problem to be fixed. But crying—real, deep, Spirit-guided weeping—is one of the most sacred detoxification processes God has ever given us. Why would we refuse such healing? If you’ve ever felt stuck in despair, like your sadness just loops endlessly and leads nowhere, that’s not because sadness is broken—it’s because sadness has been obstructed. According to McLaren, obstructed sadness shows up as heavy, unmoving despair without resolution. But true, flowing sadness is more like pulling the plug on a filled tub—the sorrow drains out, and with it, space is cleared for something new: clarity, focus, stillness, and strength. So how do we allow this sadness to move, to cleanse, to guide? The practice is deceptively simple: Stop and drop into yourself.Ask:“What must be released?”“What must be rejuvenated?” These questions are sacred. They’re not meant to be answered immediately. They’re meant to open something in you. You ask them with your heart. You ask them to God. And while you sit with them, you call on your anger—not to override your sadness, but to protect it. Anger is your sentry, your holy boundary-setter. It says, “Not here. Not now. This grief is sacred.” Anger keeps old wounds, manipulations, and toxic voices from crashing your moment of release. It builds the boundary line so sadness can do its work without interruption. In this way, anger and sadness are not opposites—they are partners. Sadness tells you what to let go of. Anger helps you follow through. And when sadness is finally allowed to move through you, with protection and permission, you don’t lose yourself—you find yourself again. You feel the heaviness give way to renewal. You are not emptied for nothing. You are cleared out to be filled again—with truth, with peace, with the gentle voice of God. Maybe, like many of us, you were taught that sadness is the end of the story. But in God’s hands, sadness is never the end. It is the beginning of something softer, something truer, something real. Let yourself cry. Let yourself feel. Let yourself stop long enough to ask what your soul has been waiting to release. And when you do, may the Spirit meet you in the tears—Not to take the pain away right away,But to sit with you in it,To carry it with you,To let you know,You’re not alone.You’re not wrong for feeling.You’re just being made new again. With love,Rosemary Rieger IF YOU ARE GRIEVING AND NEED SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT. Visit griefshare.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for confidential support. Written by Rosemary Rieger, edited by ChatGPT, inspired by Karla McLaren’s Language of Emotions (Chapter on Grief)
Prayers and Praises
Be rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and continuing steadfastly in prayer ~ Romans 12:12
July Praises From HeartQuest To God 🌞 Father, thank You for carrying us through uncertain times. The world often feels heavy, but You remain our constant. In a time when many feel weary, You remind us that we are not alone. Thank You for walking with us through every fire and every flood. You are our strength when we feel unsteady. 🌊 Jesus, in the noise of fear and unrest, help us lean into Your peace. Teach us to find You in the quiet corners of our days. When everything feels like too much, help us breathe deeply and remember that You are already in tomorrow, working all things together for good. 🕯 We praise You for those who hold the line with love. For the prayer warriors, the peacemakers, the ones who show up with grace when things feel broken—bless them. May we be inspired by their courage and remember that steady faithfulness can shift the atmosphere. 🌾 Lord, thank You for the strength to keep going. Some days feel overwhelming, and yet here we are—still breathing, still hoping, still praying. Thank You for every small victory, every unexpected kindness, every reminder that light still finds a way in. 🎇 Christ, we lift up a quiet hallelujah for the resilience of Your people. Even as we face storms, we are not overcome. Even as we grieve, we do not lose hope. Let this month be filled with holy endurance and joy that rises stronger than fear. 🕊 As July unfolds, anchor us in trust. Help our hearts stay soft, our faith stay fierce, and our spirits stay open to Your presence. Even when the world feels unsteady, we know You are the rock beneath our feet. Let us hold on—not with fear, but with peace. Amen
July Prayers From HeartQuest To God 🌺 Lord, beauty still exists in this world—remind us. Even in the heartbreak, even in the noise, beauty still breathes. Help us recognize it in shared kindness, in unexpected joy, in the moments that whisper, “You’re not alone.” Let sorrow not steal our sight. Let wonder still find us. 🌱 God, thank You for our breath today. There are days when just getting up takes everything. But still, we rise. We show up. We try again. On the days when strength feels far, remind us that being present is enough—and You’re right here with us, meeting us in our limits. 🕊️ Jesus, we’re worn thin. From pain that feels too personal to carry to heartbreak too big to comprehend—we are tired. We don’t need You to wait until we have it together. Come now, in the unraveling. Come now, to the pieces we don’t know how to hold. 🔥 Holy Spirit, move through this broken world like wildfire. We don’t just want comfort—we long for change. Stir what has been still for too long. Light the sparks of courage. Bring revival in our streets and tenderness in our conversations. May Your power rise where we least expect it. 🌧️ God of compassion, the ache of this world is real. From grief to injustice to hunger—there’s so much we wish we could fix. But even when we can’t, You can. Pour healing into every wound. Surround the hurting with Your mercy. Be near to the pain we cannot reach. 🌪 Lord, when everything feels like too much—steady us. The noise is loud. Fear is fast. We spiral easily. But You are not shaken. Center us in You. Let Your voice be the one that calms our inner storms and quiets our anxious thoughts. 🕯 God of mystery, we bring You the things we don’t understand. Why some prayers feel unanswered. Why peace takes so long. Why good people still suffer. We won’t pretend to have answers—but we’ll keep reaching for You. Wrap Your arms around the aching. Show up where hope is almost gone. 🙏 And finally, God, hear what we cannot even say. You know the hidden fears, the weary faith, the fragile hope we barely dare to name. Thank You for holding us through it all. For not letting go. For being the One who stays—even when everything else feels uncertain. Amen. "For where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there with them" -Matthew 18:20
July Celebrations of our Community From HeartQuest with Love As summer sunshine continues to stretch across our days, we’re delighted to share in the moments that make this month so special. July invites us into joy, gratitude, and community—and what a gift it is to celebrate these sacred milestones together. Whether you're basking in the warmth of summer or simply grateful for the breath in your lungs, we at HeartQuest are thankful for you. This month, we invite you to lift up and rejoice with members of our beautiful HeartQuest family: 🎂 Happy Birthday to Peter Layton – July 13th!Peter, we are so grateful for your life and presence in this community. May this new year of life bring you deep peace, laughter with loved ones, and a renewed sense of purpose and joy. We’re praying blessings over every step ahead. 💍 Happy 25th Anniversary to Melaine and John!What a beautiful milestone—25 years of love, faith, and shared life. Your marriage is a testimony of grace and perseverance. May this special celebration be full of sweet memories, laughter, and a renewed sense of unity for the road ahead. We thank God for the blessing you are to each other and to all of us. 💞 Happy Anniversary to Julie and Bob!Julie and Bob, your love continues to be a light and example in our community. As you mark another year together, we pray joy over your marriage and thank God for the bond that has weathered storms and blossomed through seasons. May this anniversary be full of tenderness, laughter, and deep gratitude. 🙏 As July unfolds, may every celebration, quiet reflection, and moment of connection be marked by the nearness of God and the love of this community. Whether you’re honoring a new beginning, a lasting love, or a cherished memory—know that your HeartQuest family walks with you. If you have a celebration, anniversary, or remembrance you would like us to honor, please email us or send us a message on our Facebook page! We are blessed to have this community and look forward to celebrating and supporting YOU in the coming year. ❤️
The HeartQuest community believes in supporting ALL in their personal path. Share your prayer requests, express your praises, inform us of your special days and send a heartwarming blast of love directly and through God:
Is there anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13
Each of you shoulduse whatever gift you have receivedto serve others,as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms ~ 1 Peter 4:10
What to Watch, Ponder and (Perhaps) Discuss this MonthThe Magician's Nephew by C.S. LewisRecommended by Rosemary RiegerSummer Reading: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. LewisA gentle invitation into wonder, trust, and holy beginnings
If you’re looking for a summer read that offers both imagination and spiritual rest, The Magician’s Nephew is a perfect choice. As the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series (chronologically), it tells the origin story of Narnia through the eyes of two children—Digory and Polly—whose journey opens portals to other worlds, including one newly sung into being by Aslan. Christian readers will find echoes of Genesis in Aslan’s creation, along with themes of temptation, obedience, and redemption. But what makes this story especially meaningful is its quiet handling of grief. Digory’s mother is dying, and his ache is palpable. Lewis doesn’t rush past that sadness. Instead, he gently shows how sorrow can deepen trust, and how release—especially through tears—is part of healing. Digory learns that he doesn’t need all the answers—he just needs to trust the One who is good. In this way, The Magician’s Nephew becomes more than a fantasy tale. It’s a reminder that God is still creating beauty in our lives, even through loss. This summer, let this story be a resting place. Its wonder is soft and sacred, its lessons lasting. Perfect for quiet mornings, prayerful evenings, or whenever your soul needs a reminder: joy is still being written.
About the Book — Critics have long praised The Magician’s Nephew for its vivid imagination and rich Christian symbolism. As noted by Publishers Weekly, “Lewis weaves biblical themes of creation, temptation, and redemption into a captivating tale that invites readers young and old to rediscover the wonder of faith.” Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Chronicles of Narnia series or encountering Narnia’s origins for the first time, The Magician’s Nephew offers a profound reflection on beginnings—both of worlds and of faith. The story’s portrayal of Aslan’s creative power and Digory’s journey through grief and hope invites readers to connect deeply with the heart of God’s redemptive love. The Magician’s Nephew is widely available in bookstores, libraries, and digital formats—perfect for summer reading or quiet moments of spiritual rest. For those who want to explore the whole series, this book provides a meaningful foundation for the adventures and lessons that follow. Dive into a story that continues to inspire readers to see God’s hand at work in every new beginning.
Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding ~Proverbs 3:5
Contact :If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out via email or Facebook We look forward to seeing you and those you have invited in one of our upcoming workshops and events soon !!Let us know what workshops you would like to attend, what movie or book recommendations you would like to share, and what topics you would like to hear more about by sending :
Copyright © 2025 HeartQuest Ministries, Inc., All rights reserved.You are receiving this email because you requested to be added to our contact list.Our mailing address is: HeartQuest Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box 862 Silverado, CA 92676 Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
Comments