I hope you take a moment today and fill your soul with beauty and peace.
It’s ok to rest. You can’t give from an empty cup.
Refresh, restore, renew and give those lists and worries to God. He can handle it.
Photo credit: Ahmet Yuksek
Photo credit: Tom Fisk
I don’t know what you have on your plate today, but I do know that Jesus is right there with you.
He’s your stronghold, comforter, warrior, healer, provider, mender of broken hearts, and your best friend. He intimately knows every situation you are facing.
Just say His name. Ask for His presence and His help. He hears you. No need for long-winded, big-worded monologues. He’s with you and He’s already working things out, making things right, and putting people and things in their proper place.
If you can’t see it or feel it right now, that’s okay. I pray that hope and trust wrap you up tightly, speaking the exact words you need directly to your heart.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Guess the number of gummy candies in the dish. Leave your guess in the comments on my FB author page ONLY.
Head over to my author page to see the pics!
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGiomiauthor
The closest guess wins a signed book of your choice that I will mail to you.
Contest begins today, 4/8 – 4/11 8am PST.
Jesus smiling at me… When I slow down and let the image come to me, it is breathtaking.
A smile from another human shows acknowledgement. I am seen. The space I occupy is recognized and validated. And sometimes the smile is genuine, friendly, and true.
But, the smile of Jesus’ face shining on me takes it to a whole new level. There is no ulterior motive, social politeness, underhanded intentions, or false friendliness. He isn’t buttering me up before asking something of me, or figuring out what He can get from me at no cost to Himself.
His face full of kindness, empathy, and wisdom. He knows all of me. The ick, the good, and all the in-between and He still smiles at me. Accepts me. I’m seen, I’m noticed, I’m wanted, and sought out. The delight in being with me shows in His eyes – the way people’s eyes light up at the sight of one that they love, but on a much deeper level.
He isn’t seeking what He can get from me. He’s seeking me out. He wants to bless me, protect and provide for me. His smile reminds me that I’m loved beyond what I can understand just for who I am.
In His smile, there is healing and hope. I feel safe. His smile shining on me is powerful. The One who’s footstool is the Earth, the One who’s name is the foundation of all life, the One who is Warrior and Good Shepherd looks at me, and He looks at you, and smiles. He is gentle and fierce, kind and wise, Creator and King. He smile of His face shines on us because He delights in us.
When I envision the Lord being my shield, it transforms how I imagine myself walking through this day of unknowns.
I think we are often completely unaware of the pitfalls, near misses, and battles going on around us that we are protected from daily. The Lord shields us from so much.
The fender bender that ruins our day, makes us late, and costs us money…did the Lord shield us from something far worse?
The random encounter with an unsavory stranger that left us shaken…did the Lord block the evil intentions that could have gone a different and terrible way?
The beautiful and precious time spent with Him that was uninterrupted…did He shield us from distractions so we could be filled up, loved on, and encounter Him?
This verse really spoke to me. It’s been a hard around here lately. We’re tired and rough around the edges. I wonder what else Jesus has shielded us from?
I am so grateful that the Lord of Heaven, Prince of Peace, and King of Kings sees me and chooses to shield me and lift my head when the harder days come. It’s a beautiful and comforting thing to be seen and deeply loved by Jesus. He loves you, too. Peace be with you.
What does hope look like to you? Does it have a “feel”?
These images pop into my mind:
*rolling green hills that seem to go for miles. There’s room to breathe, to wander, to see what might come next. The green feels hopeful and kind.
*a path in the forest. The feeling of being tucked into nature, sheltered under the tree canopy, curiosity about where the path will lead, and what treasures I will find feels hopeful and welcoming.
*early mornings, sunrises, warm coffee, nature in my backyard. The new growth and buds on the trees and flowering plants, the varying colors and scents, the tranquil hum of bees and critters is calming. It feels like hope, like possibilities.
In all of these things, it feels like Jesus meets me there with friendship, healing, deep conversations, and revelations. All of this feels like hope.
I would love to hear about what hope looks like, feels like, or sounds like to you – please share!
If you’d like to check out Divine Encounters…in Kindle eBook or paperback, use the link below!
The early sun filters through the blinds at the window. There’s something gentle and delicate about those first rays of light. It feels hopeful.
The fluffy white cat finds a slash of sunlight on the carpet by the bookcase and settles in. He’s had his breakfast and a bath, so it’s time for his morning rest. The soft, grey and white cat finds her spot in the sun on the cozy, green blanket draped over the bed. Fully relaxed, she stretches out, tail gently flicking as she drifts off.
I hear the garden come alive as I sip my hot coffee. It’s a simple thing that brings me happiness as I start my day. The earthy taste and warmth are soothing.
Red-brown squirrels chase each other through the patio and onto the wooden fence, where their race takes them onto the neighbor’s roof and beyond. Joyful and full of energy.
The newly leafed apple tree is filled with red and gold finches, house sparrows, and soft grey doves. They watch as I fill the bird feeders and scatter seeds along the ground. A blue jay joins the crowd, eyeing the peanuts strewn among the flowers and bird baths. Soon, there will be gossipy chatter and scolding as they descend to peck, scratch, and kick, finding just the right seeds and other morsels for breakfast.
There is joy in the routine things that make up a given day.
A tinkling bell heralds the arrival of the neighborhood tomcat. He stops by every so often for his breakfast and a head rub.
As the morning progresses, my mind remains calm as I tend to the garden and inhale the fruity floral scent of the jasmine climbing the trellis, perfuming the morning air.
I sense You in the bright colors, the spicy, flowery scents, and the hope that the pale, lemony sunlight splashes onto the tree branches, dancing to the sweet tune of the tiny windchime that tinkles and sings in the breeze.
We talk as I go about my morning routine. You speak kind and intimate things to my heart. You know the pleasure that these small things bring to my soul. It comforts me, making me feel seen and known. What a happy, life-giving way to begin each day; taking Your love and companionship with me everywhere my feet may go.
~Small Things, Divine Presence…
Photo by Tom Swinnen
On a summer night when cricket symphonies lull and soothe as the moon sails high and pinprick stars wink…He whispers in dark, nocturnal rustlings with deep, supernatural words of mystery.
When the wind shushes and sighs through the Redwood canopy as you hike and soak in the forest…He whispers timeless songs of creation.
Opening your eyes as a new day starts, before the mad rush of living takes over and you savor your morning coffee…He whispers an invitation, “Come and talk with me.”
As you putter in the garden, trimming and admiring the flowers…He whispers promises of new life and a season of rebirth in the rich scent of turned earth.
When the day is done and your tired body falls into those in-between moments before you drift off to sleep…He whispers words of rest and speaks to you in your dreams.
Can you hear Him?
When your heart feels heavy, you retreat to the hidden bench under the willow branches that skim over the pond…His whispers of healing and hope perfume the air around you.
When the cruel, hurtful words sting your heart, and tears spill over and down your cheeks…He whispers songs of love and belonging. He captures each tear. You are His.
As waves crash along the lonely beach and you fling your deepest needs and fears to the relentless tides…His whispers become a divine exchange, taking your hurt and giving you Himself. He is enough.
Taking that first frightening, tentative step of faith into something new and unknown…He whispers courage and strength into your mind, spirit, and body. He is with you. Worry must flee.
With pain so deep and raw that you have no words or tears left…His whispers become intercession in heavenly languages, traveling straight to the Holy of Holies.
Can you hear Him?
When loved ones are far away and your mind is full of frightening thoughts and the chaos of the unknown…He whispers safety and protection. Their names are written on the palm of His hands. He speaks peace, and fear bows.
When the world is filled with injustice, cruelty, and division…He whispers compassion and authority—He is King. There are none before Him. Alpha and Omega.
When self-reliance has taken its toll and you finally unclench your fists and cry to Him in exhaustion…He whispers gentle songs of rest and comfort. All is well, He’s got this.
And…
On the lighter days, when the hurry is hushed and you sit under the apple tree, talking to Him, thanking Him, and whispering that you love Him, an incense of thankfulness, praise, and love rises and dances its way to His throne. As the sacred aroma swirls and fans around Him, He sings, shouts, and prophesies over you with blessings, peace, and joy. Can you hear Him?
Proverbs 3:24 NLT
“You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.”
Good night, friends. The One who watches over you and the ones you love never slumbers and never takes His eyes from you. You can rest, you can let go and sleep in peace.
I pray you feel Jesus right there next to you, tenderly watching over you, speaking in heavenly languages about you, and breathing life and safety over you and those you hold dear. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords – you are safe with Him and so are they. Peace be with you.
Extravagant Hope 