trials

God and Gold Country

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

This past week I took myself to Sutter Creek in the Gold Country of California. It’s been a while since I have taken a solo trip. When my kids were much younger I would go off on my own for a couple of nights to relax, refresh, and do my thing because that’s how I recharge my battery–time alone to simply be, clear my brain, and have conversations with God.

There might not be huge revelations, deep theological dives, or life changing decisions, but there is always renewal and that precious time with Jesus which so easily gets back burner-ed, cut short, or missed by life’s demands.

The trip to Sutter Creek wasn’t long, but it required taking roads, some of them small and remote, that I wasn’t familiar with driving. As the date of my trip came closer I started to feel fear and uncertainty. The excitement I felt at getting a little vacation with some delicious food, good coffee, relaxation, and fun shopping in a beautiful area started to sour.

The insidious voices of fear and worry began whispering that it might be better not to go, that the roads were remote and twisty in places, that I might get lost or have car trouble, that someone would know I was alone and bother me, and the list went on of all the things I fear. These voices know the things that scare me and they know why.

As the voice of fear got louder, a beautiful, strong, safe Voice come in quietly, but with power and authority. This Voice reminded me that He is always with me and that I would not be alone on those small, remote roads. His Voice said that there was nowhere I could go that He would not see me and no place I could go that He had not already gone on before me. He whispered to my heart that I was safe, and He was looking forward to time with me. “I can do all things…nothing is impossible with God…He will command His angels concerning me and they will guard me and lift me up…” filled my mind.

I decided to trust God with myself. This is something I have had to choose to do again and again in my 50+ years. I’ve lived through some hard, painful, and terrifying things in my life, as we all have at some point. He has gotten me through every one of them. Not without scars, memories, fear, and issues with trusting people and Him, but I’m here.

My trip to the Gold Country was just right and perfectly on time. Jesus and I had good conversations and I feel renewed. He gave me the gift of answered prayers, safety, and the confidence and courage in myself that I hadn’t realized I’d lost. I can do things that feel hard, I am capable, strong, and smart because He strengthens me and holds me to His heart. I can discern His voice and trust Him.

What treasures He has for us when we let go of control and just trust Him with us! It’s beautiful, freeing, and such a blessing.

He Sees You

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Are you feeling alone, unseen?

I know it’s such a hard place to be. I have been there.

I want to encourage you that He sees you and He always has. His eye has never left you.

Whatever season of life you find yourself in right now, God is there with you. He’s been there before you and He will stay with you.

You can trust Him with you. You are safe, you are loved, you are His masterpiece.

Candlelight & Jesus

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Psalm 91:4 NIV

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Up early, drinking that beautiful first cup of morning coffee, I savor being alone before the demands of the day start fussing and insisting on attention. The soft light from a few brightly glowing candles is soothing and peaceful.

As I listen to the world wake up, I notice how easily the candlelight sways and pulls toward any disturbance in the air. The little lights struggle to stay lit, bouncing and fluttering with the whims of the draft. They are helpless to move, shift, or regain equilibrium on their own.

Watching the brave dancing of the candlelight brings to mind Psalm 91. Aren’t we often like these confident candles? We burn bright, strong, and lovely when things are calm and no disturbances surround us. We are proud and sure of ourselves and our world.

But…drafts happen. Gusts of change, storms of conflict, gales of fear, and the cold winds of diagnoses come, often suddenly, leaving us ill-prepared and helpless. We blow around in the confusion and anxiety, fearful that our light will snuff out; that we won’t stay steady on our own.

Sitting at my kitchen table, hot coffee warming my hands, I remember the times I’ve been tossed, thrashed, and shaken by gusts and gales that blindsided me. The feeling of being lost, alone, and defenseless is such a frightening and lonely place to be. But I also remember His voice echoing through the chaos and breaking through the whims of the wind, as I simply breathed His name – “Jesus, help me.”

When you call out to Him, even if your voice is but a raspy whisper, Jesus hears. He is there in the gentle brush of feathers along your cheek and the hush of being wrapped up tightly in wings of safety and peace. He is there as the scent of heaven surrounds you. You are sheltered, protected, and delivered from the chaos and debris that the world and wounds of humanity throw fast and hard.

Jesus is faithful. Jesus is good. He is the one who rebukes the fickle winds of chaos that always come as part of living on Earth.

We can’t save ourselves. He came to do that. Emmanuel, God with us. Always. Everywhere.

You are His treasure. Peace be with you.

Photo credit: Luidmyla Shalimova

Talking to Jesus

~ Extravagant Hope ~ 3 Comments

Do you talk to Jesus? Where is your place to spend time with Him?

Nature is my spot where I feel His presence so fully and completely.

Sometimes I sit quietly and listen to Him speak to me through a brilliant pink sunset.

Sometimes I walk with Him and pour out all that overwhelms me and weighs so heavy on my soul.

Sometimes I talk to Him out loud, sometimes through tears.

Sometimes I just say thank you for all the beauty and good things in my life–even if it’s hard to find something lovely at the moment.

What about you? Do you hear Him speak to you audibly?

Do you experience Him in nature, at church, in the kitchen with your coffee before everyone else is up, on your drive to work, in the carpool pick up line?

I’d love to know the way He speaks to you and where you experience Him. It is fascinating the way we are each created to experience Him so differently.

FREE EBOOK

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

👉👉FREE EBOOK promo begins today! 📚

9/1 – 9/3 🍁🌻🍂

Check out the link below ⬇️⬇️

https://a.co/d/cdfAcB9

Sharing this promo would be much appreciated!

Divine Journey

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

🌿 Have you ever felt like you need to slow down and just breathe?

The Divine Series is for the moments when you need to feel God’s arms wrapping you up in His presence.

He’s there…

on a hike through the Redwoods 🌲

as you sip your morning coffee ☕

in the chatter of a mountain stream 💧

in a whispered prayer 🙏

when you need to remember that you are not alone ❤️

Through poetry, short stories, Scripture, and reflections inspired by nature, these devotionals give you space to relax and experience God’s presence in the beauty of everyday life.

If this speaks to your heart, I invite you to take a look at the Divine Series and see where the journey takes you. Perhaps one of these books will become a much-loved companion for your own journey with God. ❤️

📚 Explore the Divine Series here:

https://www.amazon.com/author/melissagiomi

Friends and Seasons

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I love this sweet sign a precious friend gave me. It’s so true, isn’t it?

God handpicked specific people for every season of life to care about us, laugh with us, celebrate & grieve with us. Some encourage us & give gentle nudges when we get stuck. Others offer us the beautiful gifts of listening & compassion. There are friends who bring out our adventurous spirit & spontaneity & friends that bring a calm, steady peacefulness.

If you find yourself in a season of loneliness, I know that it’s a really hard place to be. I’ve been there. It hurts. We need to believe & trust that God is right there waiting to fill up that lonely place with Himself – the best friend one could ever have.

In that season, I think He’s also handpicking, shaping, & setting all the things in motion for you & another, who’s waiting for a friend, to bump up against each other, smile, & embrace the blessing of a dear soul taking up residence in your heart.

Under the Same Stars

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

It’s a beautiful late summer night. The bright, cold moon shines down like a beacon; the pin prick stars glow.

Lying on the well-worn hammock strung up between two old oaks, Eric lets the quiet wrap around him. The country air blankets him as he looks up at the night sky; deep and black like velvet. Vestiges of warmth seep up through the sunbaked grass in the little meadow behind the barn. He can hear the animals shifting and snuffling as they settle in. It’s restful here and Eric needs some rest.

 He remembers the excitement he once felt looking up at the night sky, pointing out planets, and learning the constellations in the bright, winking stars. His Dad and Grandpa Bo bringing out the trusty telescope to search the sky is a cherished memory. He’s forgotten the peace he once found in the mystery of the night sky.

Life is hard right now. The struggle to make ends meet and keep the legacy of his little farm going is such a heavy weight to carry. Generations of Simpsons worked this land providing for their families and those in the little towns just down the road. He’s so afraid he will be the one to let it go under, let people down, and not be enough.

Looking up at the star strewn sky, Eric begins to pray.

“Lord, it’s been a while and I’m sorry for that. I’m out of options and I see no way out. I remember Grandpa telling me that You always make a way and always provide. Will You please make a way now? Please, Jesus. I need You.”

Pouring out his heart to the Father releases tension that’s been pent up and stewing in his body and spirit. He feels softer inside; he feels seen. Safe.

A cool breeze picks up and ruffles the meadow grasses, shushing and sweet. Is that a whisper he hears?  “Way maker…”

Under the same stars, Sophie walks her faithful chocolate Lab, Pete, through the neighborhood as it quiets for the night. These late-night walks always calm and soothe her spirit. As she breathes in the fragrant night air, Pete’s nails clip along the concrete in a steady and soothing rhythm. The measured sound gives Sophie’s scattered mind something to focus on.  There are too many decisions to be made and too much piled on her shoulders! She desperately needs a respite; something to settle and silence the clamor.

What if she makes the wrong choice? What if they reject her? What if she ruins everything and they laugh behind her back?

If she can just sort out it out, prioritize, be decisive, be enough…

Around the corner and down Vista View Lane is a small neighborhood park with a little pond. This pond is her happy place. Tucked in and cozy, there’s a gravel path leading around the pond, winding through the willows and aspens. The wooden bench sits nestled under the drooping willow branches.

As she and Pete stop to sit for a few minutes, Sophie notices the cold, white moonlight tracing a path across the dark pond. Its edges are smudged and feathery, but the light is sure, steady, and bright. A clear path. A lamp for her feet.

It’s lovely and so peaceful.

As Sophie gazes up at the inky, star-filled sky, she gently runs her hands over the silky fur on Pete’s soft neck and back. The soothing moonlight and shimmery constellations make her feel safe. For how many thousands of years have other humans who felt lost, insignificant, and alone, looked up for guidance and direction, for peace and answers? That thought brings her comfort. She’s not alone.

Listening to the cricket song and chorus of frogs, her mind is quiet and her thoughts no longer seem so jumbled and frantic. Clarity, like moonlight, illuminates the choices she needs to make, as answers and a plan take shape.

“Thank you for seeing me, Lord. Thank you for Your wisdom. You are my shelter and my shepherd, my help in time of need,” she breathes.

As Sophie and Pete make their way around the pond heading for home, a gentle breath of air shushes in the aspens behind her; is that a whisper she hears? “Way maker…”

Under the same stars, the Spirit of the Lord hovers. Wisdom and truth, protection and healing are in His wings. Grace and mercy, love and acceptance flow from His mouth. New life and abundant joy, victory and peace swirl around Him, cascading down and over His beloved. He sees each one and answers the cry of their hearts.

Under the same stars, prayers are answered, lives are redeemed, bodies are healed, souls are refreshed, and supernatural battles are won.

He still sees and hears as He has for thousands of years, and as He will continue to do for thousands more. There is nowhere you can go that He will not find you.

Under the bright moonglow and scattered stars of any given night, each of our souls are seen, known, and deeply loved by the Lord of Heaven.

Psalm 116:1-2 NLT “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

Photo credit: Andrei Nigrin