life journey

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

A Place to Pray

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT “Never stop praying.”

Isn’t this encouraging? God wants to hear from you! He knows we need Him. He understands that we struggle to give Him control and to trust Him with ourselves, especially those we love.

You are never too much, not enough, too loud, too quiet, too sensitive, too talkative, or too excitable. You are beautiful, worthy, enough, and He delights in you.

I hope you have a place to meet with Him. Somewhere that feels sacred, safe, and that just “fits” with how He made you.

For me, it’s in nature – soaking up His Presence in the woods, the wind, the beach, or a gorgeous mountain meadow. The timeless, ancient, mysteriousness of creation draws me to Him.

Where do you feel closest to God? He is patiently waiting there for you to just come and talk to Him.

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

Basket of Blessings!

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Photo credit: Corentin Henry

I’m up early with hot coffee, watching the garden wake up. Sunlight filtering through the apple tree branches washes the Jasmine and Lavender in a soft, feathery light. I can smell their soft scent perfuming the air – so soothing and calm.

The birds sing, scold, and flit through the trees and butterfly bush waiting for their turn at the feeders.

Today I plan to cut fresh flowers for the vase on my patio table. The bright cheerful colors makes me happy. It fills me with a quiet, peaceful joy to collect them, with their different colors and fragrances, in my garden basket. My little basket of blessings!

I love that God handpicks those things that He knows we love and enjoy to bless us. It is so healing and restful to find bits of joy and lovely surprises as we make our way through each day. How He loves us!

Cup of Blessing

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I love the imagery in this verse .The Lord is my cup of blessing.

When I imagine a cup, I immediately think of my favorite coffee mug. It’s familiar, comforting, filled with something warm and soothing that makes me happy. It feels peaceful and safe.

Of course Jesus is SO much more than a mere coffee mug, but He is comforting, safe, and soothing. He delights in bringing joyful, happy, lovely things into our lives to help soothe and comfort us when life blindsides us, wounds us, and we walk in seasons that are overwhelming and so tiring.

Walking with Him and being in His presence is the true blessing. That He loves us enough to give us even more is an undeserved, yet beautiful kindness.

He guards all that is ours and draws a boundary around what He’s given us. Those we love are guarded, protected, and hemmed in. We can let go of the fear and exhaustion of trying to control and manipulate life and circumstances to keep our loved ones safe. He’s got them. They are safely tucked up into the folds of His robe. He knows what He’s doing. We can breathe out, let our shoulders settle, and allow the joys from His cup of blessing to pour over us – healing, delighting, and comforting.

Spring

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Photo credit: Alexander Popadin

New growth, the air perfumed with flowers, and buzzing bees are some of my favorite things about spring.

What are your spring favorites? Flowers? The weather? Days getting longer?

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.

Mindful of You

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Photo credit: Juan Capriano Esquer

Even in the vastness of the heavens, the intricate placement of each galaxy, the planets, and stars God sees you. You are never lost to Him in the enormity of creation. Your name is written on the palm of His hand – cherished, loved, and perfectly known. Every sigh, every tear, every mask you wear, and every thought you have is completely and fully known.

It amazes me. It always does. Such love and depth of being seen is scary, but so comforting at the same time. So hopeful.

Nothing separates you from Him. Be at peace. He is near and loves you with a fierceness that is beyond what the human mind can conceive. Safety. Rest.

It’s sacred and beautiful – this love is for you.