Friends First
Book One of The Adventures of JEB
A heartwarming story about friendship, courage, and discovering that sometimes the best adventures begin with simply showing up.
Welcome to Words For Your Heart And Soul.
Welcome, Friend.
Come discover hope, healing, and peace through heartfelt reflections, practical wisdom, and faith-inspired encouragement, one gentle step at a time.Here, may you find words that help you feel seen, remind you that you are deeply loved, and speak gently to your soul.Begin Here → • Explore WFYHAS →
Come find a story to spend a little time with.There’s a shelf for younger readers and another for stories and questions we can sit with as grown-ups. ♡Explore My Books →
WELCOMEYou’ve Found Your Way Here.Come in. Take a breath. You don’t have to have everything figured out here. There is room for your questions, your joy, your weariness, your hopes and simply for you.🌿 “This Place Was Made With You In Mind”Maybe you came looking for encouragement. Maybe you needed a quiet place to think. Maybe you needed something for your heart, something for your soul—or simply a moment to breathe.Here, you don’t have to arrive a certain way. Come joyful. Come tired. Come curious. Come hopeful. Come with questions. Come with faith, without faith, or somewhere in between.TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. LEAVE WHAT YOU DON’T. AND COME BACK WHENEVER YOU LIKE. THERE IS NO PRESSURE HERE.A PLACE TO RETURN TOSomething for the different moments of your day.Morning — A gentle thought to begin your day.Midday — A quiet pause to help you reset.Evening — A peaceful thought to close your day.Explore WFYHAS
Meet StephanieHi, I’m Stephanie. ♡I’m a wife, mother, writer, and the heart behind Words For Your Heart And Soul.I created this space from my love of words, people, faith, psychology, science and the many things that help us understand ourselves and one another a little better.I don’t have all the answers. I don’t believe any of us needs to.I simply hope to offer words that encourage you, make you think, help you see something from a different perspective, or give you a gentle place to land for a while.I’m glad you’re here.— Stephanie ♡Each of us is a true masterpiece on a unique journey of our own; how wonderful is that?Explore WFYHAS
Reflections & EncouragementThere is more than one doorway into reflection. Some thoughts arrive as whispers. Some turn a key and open a door we hadn’t noticed before. And some simply begin with looking at life and saying, This is the way I see things.Here, you’re invited to wander through three different doors. There is no right place to begin—only the one that speaks to you today.Choose the door you need today.Whispers of the Heart
Where the quieter parts of us are allowed to speak. Sometimes it is enough simply to listen.
Listen for the Whisper →Keys, Doors & Lightbulbs
Questions, discoveries, and those little moments when something suddenly makes sense.
Turn the Key →The Way I See Things
Different views. Deeper meaning. A kinder perspective. Same world, different lens—and beauty is still here. ♡
See Things a Little Differently →A little encouragement
Sometimes we need more than an answer. Sometimes we need a place to think. Take what speaks to you. Leave room for what you’re still discovering. ♡Explore WFYHAS
♡Whispers of the HeartWhere the quieter parts of us are allowed to speak.Sometimes the heart speaks quietly.Not because it has nothing to say, but because some truths arrive as whispers.This is a place for those quieter thoughts—the feelings we carry, the things we notice, and the words we sometimes need time to find.You don’t have to understand everything today. Sometimes, it is enough simply to listen.Listen to the WhispersSmall thoughts. Quiet truths. Words worth sitting with.Back to the three doors
🔑 KEY #1Sometimes Clarity Begins With a QuestionNot every answer arrives all at once.Sometimes understanding begins with one small question, one honest realization, or the willingness to look at something from a different direction.The key isn’t always having the answer.Sometimes the key is discovering the question that opens the door.🔑 What has become clearer to you simply because you were willing to look at it differently?
🚪 DOOR #1You Don’t Have to Know What’s on the Other SideSometimes we wait for certainty before we move.We want to know where the road leads, how things will turn out, and whether we’re making the “right” choice.But some doors don’t reveal what’s behind them until we are willing to open them.Courage isn’t always knowing what comes next.Sometimes courage is simply being willing to find out.🚪 What door have you been standing in front of, waiting to feel completely ready?
💡 LIGHTBULB #1Sometimes a New Perspective Can Illuminate EverythingA new perspective doesn’t always change what’s happening, but it can change the way we see it—and that can change everything.Sometimes it’s a simple thought, a different question, or a reminder of what’s truly important. In those moments, what once felt confusing starts to make sense.Even the smallest insight can bring light to a bigger truth.When we’re willing to look at things from a new angle, we often find more clarity, more peace, and more possibility than we ever expected.💡 What’s a new perspective that has helped you see something differently in your life?
The Way I See ThingsDifferent views. Deeper meaning. A kinder perspective.We can look at the same world,
stand in the same place,
and somehow see something completely different.The Way I See Things is a collection of personal observations, quiet thoughts, and everyday moments that make me stop and look again.Not because my way of seeing is the right way—
but because sometimes another perspective helps us discover something we hadn’t noticed before.Same world. Different lens.
And I still find beauty here. ♡THROUGH MY LENS #1The View Changes Depending On Where You StandTwo people can stand in front of the same window and notice completely different things.One may notice the storm clouds gathering in the distance.
The other may notice the small opening where sunlight is beginning to break through.Neither necessarily imagined what they saw.They simply noticed different parts of the same view.Life can be like that too.Our experiences, memories, hopes, fears, personalities, and circumstances all influence what catches our attention and how we understand what is happening around us.Sometimes we become so certain about what we see that we forget someone standing only a few steps away may have a view we cannot see from where we are.Understanding Doesn’t Always Require Us To Agree.Sometimes It Simply Asks Us To Become Curious Enough To Look Through Someone Else’s Window.👓 What might you understand differently if, instead of asking “Who is right?” you asked, “What can they see from where they’re standing that I can’t see from here?”THROUGH MY LENS #2What Do We Mean by Evil?A quote about evil made me pause. Harmful behavior deserves our attention—but “evil” is a serious word.Someone choosing differently from me isn’t automatically evil. Cruelty, coercion, and treating people as disposable are another matter.Before accepting someone’s goodness—or condemning them—look at their actions, their patterns, and how they respond when they cause harm.Come think with me. ♡THROUGH MY LENS #3Freedom—for Me and for YouFreedom gives me room to choose my life—and gives you room to choose yours.We can disagree, say no, or take different paths while still respecting each other’s humanity.But calling a choice “freedom” doesn’t erase the harm it may cause.Am I making room for both of us to be free, or asking for freedom only for myself?Come think with me. ♡Back to the three doors
Little Lights LibraryStories for younger hearts and growing minds.A little place for big discoveries.Stories created to help young hearts explore friendship, kindness, courage, choices, creativity, and the wonderful adventure of growing up.Here, children can meet characters who make mistakes, try again, ask questions, discover what matters, and learn a little more about themselves and one another along the way.Because little lights can grow into very bright ones. ♡WHAT YOU’LL FIND HEREStories • Adventures • Friendship • Feelings • Choices • Creativity • Growing UpTHE ADVENTURES OF JEB
Fishing With JEB and Max
Spend a day at the pond with JEB, Max, and Sir Duke in this companion story from The Adventures of JEB.
JEB Steps Out: Just One More Step
When it’s time to step onto the dance floor, JEB has to decide what he’ll do with those first-step jitters.
Find the books on Amazon, or ask your preferred bookseller about ordering a print edition. Availability varies by title and format.
Meet JEB.JEB is discovering that growing up isn’t about always knowing the right thing to do. Sometimes it’s about friendship, courage, choices, mistakes—and what we learn along the way.Friendship • Kindness • Courage • Growing UpMore Little Lights Are Beginning To Glow… ✨Explore WFYHAS
StoriesEvery story opens a door.Stories created to entertain, encourage, and leave a little something behind.Turn the page. You may find something good here. ♡THE ADVENTURES OF JEBFriends First — Book One
A story about friendship, belonging, and the small moments that help us find our place. Follow JEB as new friendships begin and an ordinary day becomes the start of something more.View & Purchase Friends First on Amazon →Friendship • Kindness • Courage • Growing UpJEB’s Adventures Are Just Beginning…Friends First is only the start of JEB’s incredible journey. Along the way, you’ll meet his vibrant circle of friends. Each one is unique, with their own story to tell and plenty of adventures to share.Join them as they learn, laugh, stumble, grow, and discover the true meaning of friendship.So much more awaits JEB and his friends. Their next adventure is just around the corner.And remember—“Kindness is gangsta!” ❤️Visit Little Lights Library →Explore WFYHAS
Here’s What’s NewThoughts, discoveries, and conversations still unfolding.Psychology • Brain Science • Faith • Relationships • Life • PerspectiveWelcome to Words For Your Heart And SoulA gentle welcome to Words For Your Heart And Soul—a place for reflection, encouragement, curiosity, compassion, and quiet hope.Begin Here →A Morning Reminder: You Are LovedFaith & Spiritual ReflectionNothing feels better than knowing God loves you and is always there for you. And it’s a beautiful thing to know there are people who love you and will be there for you, too. ❤️Whatever this morning brings, take it one step at a time. You don’t need to have the whole day figured out before you begin. Breathe, and give yourself room to start where you are.A Midday Pause: You’ve Got This.EncouragementHello, friend. Here’s a big hug from me to you. ❤️If today feels heavy, pause and take a breath. You don’t have to carry it all at once. You’ve got this, and it’s going to be okay.And if today is going well, keep going! I’m cheering you on, too.An Evening Pause: You Made It Through.EncouragementYou made it through today. Take a moment for yourself this evening, and be kind to yourself.Do something you enjoy—work on your car, read a book, bake cookies, or sit and do absolutely nothing. Whatever helps you exhale, make a little room for it tonight.You deserve a moment of peace. ❤️Explore Reflections →Explore WFYHAS
Explore WFYHASWords For Your Heart And SoulWelcome — I am happy you are here.Every path leads somewhere.Some days you may come looking for encouragement. Other days, a story, a different perspective, or simply something that makes you think.There is no right place to begin. Follow the one that speaks to you.🌿 Begin HereA gentle introduction to Words For Your Heart And Soul. New here? Start with the heart behind this space and what you’ll find along the way.Start Here →✨ Little Lights LibraryStories for younger hearts and growing minds. Friendship, kindness, courage, choices, creativity, growing up—and room to learn along the way.Visit Little Lights →🪶 ReflectionsWords for the moments that make us pause. Whispers of the Heart; Keys, Doors & Lightbulbs; The Way I See Things.Explore Reflections →♡ Meet the CreatorMeet Stephanie Hendriks—the writer, author, and heart behind Words For Your Heart And Soul.Meet Stephanie →📚 The LibraryStories, resources, and words worth keeping.Visit the Library →📝 Latest WritingsThoughts, discoveries, and conversations still unfolding. Psychology • Brain Science • Faith • Relationships • Life • Perspective.Read What’s New →Encouragement → • Blog →Not sure where to begin? Start wherever your curiosity takes you. You can always choose another path. ♡Home
The WFYHAS LibraryStories, reflections, and gentle resources for the heart, mind, and soul.Come in and stay awhile.Some pages are meant to make us think. Some help us heal. Some simply remind us that kindness, hope, and a little imagination still matter.Here you’ll find books and resources created to encourage, inspire, and accompany you through different seasons of life.StoriesMeet JEB and his friends, and find their adventures in Little Lights Library.Explore Stories →Reflections & EncouragementWhispers of the Heart • Keys, Doors & Lightbulbs • The Way I See ThingsExplore Reflections →Find Encouragement →Little Lights LibraryA welcoming shelf for children and the grown-ups who read with them.Visit Little Lights Library →Books for Grown-Ups
The Lines We Draw: What If We Were All the Same Color?
If everyone had the same skin color, what lines would we still draw between us? Come think with me.
Vivian: A Christmas Cinderella Story
At San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre, a dropped ticket brings Vivian and Thomas together. A cozy holiday story about second chances, chosen family, and finding love later in life.
Find the books on Amazon, or ask your preferred bookseller about ordering a print edition. Availability varies by title and format.
Browse Stephanie’s Books on Amazon →
EncouragementSometimes we need more than an answer. Sometimes we need a place to think.Words and resources created to offer perspective, understanding, encouragement, and a gentle place to land.Take what speaks to you. Leave room for what you’re still discovering. ♡The ink is still flowing…Read the Blog →Explore the Library →Read a Morning, Midday or Evening Reminder →Explore WFYHAS • Home
The WFYHAS BlogThoughts, discoveries, and conversations still unfolding.Psychology • Brain Science • Faith • Relationships • Life • PerspectiveA Place to BeginWelcome to Words For Your Heart And Soul →A gentle welcome to this space for reflection, encouragement, curiosity, compassion, and quiet hope.Gentle Reminders for Your DayA Morning Reminder: You Are LovedA Midday Pause: You’ve Got This.An Evening Pause: You Made It Through.Read these three reminders →Questions, Discoveries & New PerspectivesSometimes Clarity Begins With a QuestionYou Don’t Have to Know What’s on the Other SideSometimes a New Perspective Can Illuminate EverythingRead Keys, Doors & Lightbulbs →Through My LensThe View Changes Depending On Where You StandWhat Do We Mean by Evil?Freedom—for Me and for YouRead The Way I See Things →Here’s What’s New →Explore WFYHAS • Home