freedom in Jesus

Release Worry

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I am a worrier and an overthinker. I rehearse all the what-ifs because I’m afraid of being blindsided and having no control.


Like many of us, bad things have blindsided me more times than I like to remember. The blindsiding leaves wounds that don’t quite heal–a nervous system always on alert, scanning and planning to try and prevent one more thing. It is an exhausting way to live and takes such a toll on us.

I’m in a season of life where I want more joy, peace, calm, and a surrendered way of living. Surrendered. That’s a tough one for us controllers. I am a work in progress!

Each day I talk to Jesus about everything going on. I do my best to carefully place all the people, things, pets, circumstances, and what-ifs into His hands…and leave them all there with Him. I confess, I often have to give it all to Him again and again, but He knows my heart. He knows I’m trying and how hard and frightening it is.

I love this verse. I needed to see it today. This is truth. Worrying will not add anything joyful, peaceful, calm, or surrendered to my life. It will perpetuate the cycle of fear, hyper-vigilance, and rehearsing all the outcomes.

I don’t want to miss the beauty, joy, peace, and blessings that my Father wants to pour out for me to enjoy and rest in, as I go about my day. He wants to do that for you, too, my fellow worrier. How He loves us!


I prayed for us this morning that God would speak to us, heal us, and calm our worried minds, as He reminds us that He’s got us and He’s trustworthy. He won’t fail us.

Hidden Delights

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I hope you have a lovely day seeking and finding all the hidden joys, blessings, and sweet moments with Jesus that are carefully placed along your path today.

How He loves to delight you with Creation!

Peace be with you. You are so loved.

A Prayer

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I prayed over you this morning.

I asked God to go with you today–opening doors that you need to walk through, closing the doors not meant for you.
I asked Him to shelter you from evil and bring you out into an open space so your heart feels lighter and your spirit at peace.
I prayed that He would fill you with His wisdom and discernment to make the decisions you need to make.
I asked Him to bring you joy and laughter because it’s good for the soul.

Divine Series

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Good morning! If you haven’t checked out my 4 devotional books, The Divine Series, I invite you to click the link below ⬇️ and check them out.

Discover the God who meets you in every moment—compassionately, powerfully, and always with love.

The Divine Series by Melissa Giomi is a collection of devotionals inviting readers to slow down, breathe deeply, and encounter God in the midst of everyday life. Through poetry inspired by nature, engaging storytelling, and vivid imagery rooted in Scripture, each book offers a fresh way to discover His presence—in a rushed morning routine, a peaceful hike, a whispered prayer, or the chatter of a mountain stream.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by busyness, longing for peace, or simply seeking a deeper sense of connection, the Divine Series becomes a spiritual sanctuary—your invitation to be present and rediscover the beauty of a life lived with God.

This series guides you back to the truth that you are never alone. God is here in the whisper of the wind, the warm glow of a sunset, or the solace of hike in the Redwoods.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2G2ZJSD

Food for the Soul

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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

Refuge

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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.

His Smile

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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.

My Shield

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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. 

Feels like Hope

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

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!