If you haven’t picked up a copy of the books in the Divine series, here are some additional online platforms where you can find them.
Powell’s, Bookshop.org, Walmart, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes & Noble, EBAY, Half-Price books, Books-a-Million, Waterstones (UK).
If you are local, you can find them in-store at Reasonable Books in Lafayette, CA.
Thanks for all the support, friends, it means a lot!
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
As we head into the weekend, I pray that our lives reflect some of these good fruits, as we allow God to mold us, heal us, love us, and guide us. What a lovely way to be Jesus’ hands and feet to a world that is really hurting right now. I hope that we are the recipients of some of this fruit, too! You are deeply loved by God. Peace be with you!
Psalm 32:7 NLT “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”
The bench under this willow tree is a peaceful, restful spot at the pond by my house. I’ve written several short stories, poems, and devotions about this pond, the willow tree, and the bench. Jesus and I have had many long talks on the bench under the willow. I feel protected here listening to nature do its thing. I’ve poured out my heart to Him on this bench in laughter, joy, tears, and anger. For just a bit, I can hide myself in Him no matter what hard, frightening, out of control things are spinning around me. I’m safe. I’m protected. He’s my hiding place. Resting in nature and restoring my soul, He sings and surrounds me with songs of joy, victory, and the deep mystery of His peace that passes all understanding.
I hope you have a place that feels safe where you can sit in His presence allowing His songs of joy, victory, and deep compassion flow over you as you are tightly held and protected. You are so loved. Peace be with you.
Psalm 143:8 NLT
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”
This pond in my neighborhood is one of my favorite places to walk and get a bit lost in nature. I love how the trees and flowering bushes change with the seasons. It’s something constant in an ever changing, rushed, and often chaotic world. I have had many conversations with God here. It feels a sacred and holy. I know I will find Him here under these sweeping, sheltering trees with the beautiful filtered light that shifts and shades.
How comforting and safe it feels knowing that every morning Jesus has a new, unchanging, unfailing love for me and for you. It hasn’t diminished overnight or faded away. He hasn’t moved on to the next best thing or lost interest. Every morning without fail He is there and He always will be. Through stormy seasons of doubt, fear, anger, and unexpected changes, and through seasons of peace, calm, and joy. Unfailing.
If we trust Him with us, if we give ourselves, and our plans into His hands, He will be faithful to hold, guide, and deeply love us. He will show us where to walk. His staff clears the way of obstacles that tempt us to give up, go around, or follow the wide, easy way. In the freshness of the morning, we can hear His voice calling out to come and talk to Him, and walk with Him along the pathway He’s laid out just for us.
I pray you will find a sweet place where you talk to Him, listen to Him, and choose to trust Him as your guide and best friend. Unfailing love. It’s yours, if you choose to lean into it. You are so loved. Peace be with you.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Give it to Him. Whatever that thing is that is holding you captive, stealing your thoughts, and shadowing all that you do. He’s ready to take it. He will hold you up, strengthen you, and give you courage for whatever lies ahead. Be encouraged! Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides, has you well taken care of and He goes before you in victory. Trust Him with you. You are loved. Peace be with you.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
If today has some unexpected twists and turns that bring fear, heaviness, and anxiety along for the ride, remember to run to Jesus. He is our protector, savior, and the lover of our souls. We are safe with Him. He is the light for our path and rest for our souls. You are loved. Peace be with you.
“Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.” Isaiah 49:13 NLT
I love Fall. Creation gets to show off its palette of gorgeous colors as the Creator paints beauty and joy onto His Earth-canvas. How He loves to delight us and bring joy to our spirits. You are loved. Peace be with you.
In my neck of the woods it’s getting a little chilly in the mornings now, but pleasant in the afternoon. I hope you have a boo-tiful Fall day!
What’s the weather like where you are?
EXCITING NEWS
Divine Presence… blurb reveal!
I’m very excited to reveal the blurb for book #4, Divine Presence…! I’m proud of this book and can’t wait for it to be in your hands, speaking exactly what God tucked into the pages just for you. I believe that each of my books in the Divine series have a little nugget or two for everyone.
Stay tuned for the cover reveal very soon… it won’t be long before I send this book out into the world
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
It’s no easy thing to ask God to look into our hearts and see all of our thoughts, feelings, and those secret things we think we are keeping hidden. Exposure feels so vulnerable and raw. How awesome it is that we have a God who already sees and understands our fickle and ever-changing hearts and loves, adores, and delights in us despite what He finds there. That isn’t to say it doesn’t hurt as He sifts, cleanses, and burns away all the debris and messiness we hold on to so tightly. But doesn’t it also feel freeing, healing, and safe knowing that this cleansing and exposure will bring about peace, joy, and gratitude? We can finally rest and let go of all the striving and hiding. We are welcomed and looked upon with holy eyes that see beyond the chaos of our hearts to the beauty, purpose, and masterpiece that He created when He had you and He had me on His mind. You are loved. Peace be with you.
Extravagant Hope 