Devotionals for the Heart: When the press is part of God's plan for you

Hardship Produces What You Never Knew Was Inside
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”—2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)

Long before olive oil found its way onto kitchen shelves and dinner tables, someone had to press the olive. Not gently. Not carefully. The stone wheel rolled over it with full, crushing weight and only then did the oil flow. The most valuable thing inside that small, humble fruit was never going to come out on its own. It required the press.

Now think about your life right now. The weight you’re carrying. The pressure that seems relentless. The season that is lasting far longer than you thought you could endure. What if, just what if the press you are under is not punishment, but process? What if God is not squeezing the life out of you, but drawing something priceless from you?

The Press Has Always Been Part of the Plan

The Garden of Gethsemane—the very place Jesus Christ went the night before His death on the cross—means “oil press” in Hebrew. Jesus, on the most agonizing night of His earthly life, chose to go to a place named for crushing. It was there, under the weight of what was coming, that His surrender produced the salvation of the world.

Nothing about that night felt like victory in that moment. But Heaven knew what the press was producing. Let’s read about it in Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV). It says, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Christ was bruised so that peace could flow. That is the theology of the press. Not that suffering is good, but that in the hands of a sovereign God, nothing is wasted. Not one tear, not one sleepless night, not one moment of pain that you thought would break you.

Suffering Has a Produce

The Apostle Paul was not a man who wrote about suffering from a distance. He was well acquainted with suffering. Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and abandoned. He knew what it felt like to be pressed from every side. And yet he teaches us that every step is producing something.

Let’s read more about this in Romans 5:3-5 (KJV). It says, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Tribulation produces Patience then Experience that turns into Hope, which results in God’s Love Shed Abroad. Every step in that chain has weight and purpose. Tribulation is not a dead-end, it is producing patience. Patience does not grow in comfort. Experience is not produced on easy days. And hope the kind that maketh not ashamed is produced in the exact moments when hope seems hardest to hold onto.

What the Press Produces in You

Think about the people whose faith has moved you most. The ones whose testimonies stopped you in your tracks. Chances are, they were not people who had easy lives. They were people who had been pressed and out of that pressing came depth, compassion, resilience, and an anointing that simply could not have come any other way.

God is not interested in producing a shallow version of you. He is after the gold. And gold, scripture reminds us, is tried in fire. Let’s look at 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) to explore more of that this means. It says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Your faith is being tried, yes. But it is also being proven. Every time you choose trust over fear, praise over despair, and surrender over control, the press is producing something eternal in you.

You Are Not Being Crushed—You Are Being Prepared

There is a difference between being destroyed and being pressed. The Apostle Paul knew it. He lived it. And he made sure we understood it. Let’s read what he says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV). He wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

Troubled on every side but not distressed. There is a boundary on what this season can do to you. The press is real, but it does not have the final word. God does. And what He says about you is that you and I are being prepared for greater fruitfulness, for deeper influence, for a testimony that will set someone else free. Hallelujah!

The olive doesn’t get to choose the press. But it doesn’t have to. Because the one holding it knows exactly how much pressure is needed, and exactly when to stop. The Lord knows the same about you. Let’s read Job 23:10 (KJV) for more knowledge about this. It says, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Be Strong and Let the Press Do Its Work

In my devotional published on this blog last month, we talked about what it means to be strong. But strength is not the absence of pressure it is the decision to trust God in the pressure. It is believing that the One who allowed the press is the same One who will catch every drop of what it produces.

You are not being punished. You are not forgotten. You are not too far gone. You are in the press and what is coming out of you is more valuable than you know. Your tears are not wasted. Your endurance is not invisible. Your faith, tried in this fire, is orchestrated by Heaven and will be used in ways you have not yet imagined. Hold on. The oil is coming.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I don’t always understand the press I’m in, but I trust the hands that are holding me through it. Help me to remember that you waste nothing. That every hard thing is being worked together for good. That I am not being destroyed; I am being prepared. Help me to surrender to the process, to give thanks in the midst of it, and to believe that what you are producing in me is worth every moment of the pressing. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Greater is Coming” by Jekalyn Carr. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Blessing in the Storm” by Kirk Franklin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

"He Calls Me Daughter" (film) is now streaming online via Angel Studios

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to share more about the film titled “He Calls Me Daughter”, I agreed because my life was positively impacted through watching this film a few weeks ago and I believe this documentary would make a significant difference in the lives of females who are suffering from father wounds and struggling in their faith walk with Jesus Christ.

He Calls Me Daughter will start streaming via Angel Studios this April 23. Angel is a platform for deeply personal, healing-centered stories rooted in faith.

Before I share my review with you, I’d like to share words from Angel Studios about this film: He Calls Me Daughter is a deeply personal and emotionally powerful film that explores what it means to carry a father wound and what it takes to heal from it. Through raw storytelling and spiritual insight, the film reveals how unmet needs from an earthly father can shape identity, relationships, and self-worth. But it also offers a path forward. One rooted in the love of a Heavenly Father who restores, redeems, and redefines what it means to be a daughter. This is not just a story about pain. It is a story about healing, forgiveness, and identity.

Here’s some additional info from Angel Studios with some notes from me:

What happens when the one meant to protect you is the one who hurt you?

Now there’s a movie filled with real-life stories and ending with practical resources to help you heal those wounds from your earthly father and show you the pure, healthy and protective love of your Heavenly Father.

This documentary is for: Women navigating pain, abandonment, or broken relationships with their fathers. Faith-based audiences seeking healing, identity, and restoration. Parents, especially fathers, who want to better understand their role and impact. Viewers drawn to emotionally resonant, testimony-driven storytelling.

Core Themes in this film are:

1. God as the Perfect Father

Even when earthly fathers fail, God’s love remains constant, personal, and healing. He steps into the gaps left behind and restores what was missing.

2. Healing the Father Wound

The “father wound” shapes how daughters see themselves, love others, and relate to God. This film brings language and clarity to that pain, while offering hope for healing.

3. Forgiveness Through God

Forgiveness is not easy. It is a process made possible through a relationship with God, who enables true release and restoration.

4. Identity as a Daughter

At the core of the film is a powerful truth: your identity is not defined by what you lacked, but by who calls you His.

5. A Message to Fathers

Fathers play a critical role in shaping their daughters’ sense of worth and security. This film is both a wake-up call and an invitation to show up, love deeply, and lead well.

Why Angel Matters

Angel provides a home for stories that go beyond entertainment and into transformation. He Calls Me Daughter is the kind of film that resonates deeply but is often overlooked by traditional platforms. Angel ensures stories like this are seen, shared, and experienced by the people who need them most.

This film speaks directly to the pain many women carry but rarely name. We want women to know: Healing is possible, even from deep father wounds. Your identity is not defined by your past, but by your Heavenly Father. Forgiveness is not weakness, it is freedom. Fathers have the power to shape, protect, and affirm their daughters.

The tone and style of this film is:

● Emotionally honest and vulnerable

● Hopeful, healing, and faith-centered

● Reflective rather than preachy

● Personal and relatable

● Uplifting without minimizing pain

If your relationship with your dad left wounds, this film is for you.

Call to Action: Watch He Calls Me Daughter now on Angel and experience a story of healing, identity, and restoration. Join the Angel Guild to support more stories that bring hope, healing, and truth to the screen.

~*~

My Review of “He Calls Me Daughter” (film):

Captivating. Poignant. Transformational.

Those are three words to accurately describe this film aptly titled “He Calls Me Daughter”. If you are a female who has had a complicated relationship (or no relationship) with your earthly father so much so that it has distorted your view of your Heavenly Father, then this movie is for you.

Filled with real-life stories and testimonies from women in the real world, this movie will touch your heart and transform your mind to see God as who He really is—a loving Heavenly Father who will heal your wounds inflicted by your earthly father if you let Him.

This movie highlights the pain of several women—a few who are not well-known but have influence and the rest who are famous, including Christian comedian Chonda Pierce and Lynsi Lavelle Snyder-Ellingson who the owner and heiress of the In-N-Out Burger company that is popular in the state of California. The testimonies shared by these ladies are both heart-touching and heart-wrenching at the same time. But the powerful point in everyone’s story is how God has touched the broken hearts of these women and carefully restored their faith in His Love which is greater than the love any earthly father can give his daughter.

I like how this movie showed a full-circle journey for each woman featured. I also appreciated how they featured stories that a variety of women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds can relate to. This movie leaves no stone unturned in getting their core message across to women who are hurting.

This film was worth the time I spent watching it. At the end of the film, the hosts talk to the audience for a few minutes to point them to a resource you access by scanning a QR code. The resource is a curriculum for women who need help healing from their father wounds.

I highly recommend this documentary to all females who are suffering from father wounds and need a healthy dose of hope and healing from their Savior.

~*~
Watch the trailer for He Calls Me Daughter here.

Visit the official website for He Calls Me Daughter film here.

Join “He Calls Me Daughter” via Angel Guild:
https://www.angel.com/guild/join/he-calls-me-daughter

~*~
#HeCallsMeDaughterAngelMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of this product for review. Opinions are 100% my own.

My Review of the She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review the She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible, I readily agreed because I love reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and sharing it with everyone!

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a word from Momentum Influencers Network and a few notes from me about this product:

The She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible experience was designed with special attention to the details to make opening your Bible every day even more enjoyable.

These details include:

• Spiral-bound CSB, like you’ve never seen before

• Beautifully illustrated key verses

• Wide margins for journaling, notes and prayers

• Daily reading logs for accountability

• Five volumes, perfect for portability

• Built-in community with other women through She Reads Truth

• Additional study helps like timelines, maps, charts & book introductions

Before reading this Bible, I was familiar with the She Reads Truth ministry for women. I must admit, this notetaking Bible does not disappoint!

~*~

My Review of the She Reads Truth Notetaking Bible for the New Testament:

The first thing I noticed was how big and heavy this product is…so huge that you would think it contains the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation inside. But true to the title written horizontally on the far-right side of the cover, this book only contains the New Testament (Matthew through Revelation) of The Bible.

I found the spiral ring binding of this book to be a bit problematic because it often got stuck when I tried to open the book and turn the pages. I also think that while the cover subtle gray cover with a hue of gold and bronze is pretty, the font size for title of this Bible is too small and can almost be missed where it is positioned.

The first page you see when you open this book is neatly laid out, clearly written and easy to read. The designer and publisher used white space perfectly on this page. I think it is impressive that two women (Raechel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams) were the general editors for this edition. It is also impressive that the publisher (Andy McLean) has a Ph.D.

I appreciate the letter from the editor for the readers on the second page to the right. The tone was warm and welcoming. The letter was very comprehensive in describing who this edition is intended for (women) and how to get the most out of your Bible reading experience with the added details that speak to the heart of women who are following Jesus Christ.

The Table of Contents was neatly laid out and centered on one page. The next page instructs you how to read the New Testament. It is followed by a reading log that spans four pages. It is there where you can note the date when you studied each chapter of each book in this Bible.

This is followed by two pages spent on introducing the reader to the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) which is the translation for all the Scripture within this book. After that is one page explaining the abbreviations, you will see as you read this CSB translation. I thought this was helpful.

I liked the artwork on the back of the page that tells you are about to start reading the New Testament with the book of Matthew. The artwork features blue mountains and white cloudy skies. A Bible verse is written in the center. The color scheme calms your mind and prepares you to read God’s Word.

Before you read the first verse, there is a page that leads you into Matthew with a historical timeline, Biblical background, tells you the message and purpose of Matthew then provides a note of thanks for this book.

When you turn the page, you will see a detailed map of The Passion Week in Jerusalem. On the right page, you will see a detailed outline of this book (Matthew). The next page starts with verse one of chapter one of Matthew. I appreciated how easy it was to read because of the larger than usual font size and extra space between each verse. I also liked the lines set across the wide margins of every page so I can take notes as is the purpose of this edition of the Bible.

All the books in this Bible have the same format, layout and details that I described in the first book (Matthew). I appreciated the consistency and attention to detail.

The final page with text on it lists the names and titles of the people who contributed to this beautiful Bible and made it ready to read. I appreciated that they gave credit where credit is due.

After the page that lists the contributors, there are a few final pages that are each completely blank. Perhaps that is intended for the reader to take more notes, write a journal entry or create their own artwork based on what they read in this Bible.

Overall, I like this edition for women and recommend it to every female not only in the She Reads Truth community, but worldwide.

~*~

Order your copy today wherever books and Bibles are sold. Here’s the purchase link: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/she-reads-truth/

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#SheReadsTruthNotetakingBibleMIN

#SheReadsTruth

#SheWritesTruth

#ChristianStandardBible

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: God invites us to be still, quiet and listen to Him

Be Still
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”—Psalms 46:10 (NLT)

Life on this Earth can be incredibly noisy.

There’s so much happening around us, competing for our attention seemingly from minute to minute. There seems to be no end to the demands for our attention. And it is in those moments God is calling us to come away and be still in His presence.

Earlier this year I felt the strong urge to go on a sabbatical, to pull myself away from the noise and the crowd to spend some time with the Lord. I wasn’t quite sure how it would work, with the demands of family, work, and ministry. However, I felt an urgency that this time was needed, and I had to make space, just as I would have to do for anything else. I turned off almost all notifications and disconnected myself from social media. What I needed from God required me to step away from the crowd and to step into His presence, alone and uninterrupted.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “stillness” as “freedom from agitation: calmness, serenity”. This definition sums up exactly what I needed. I can recall the first day of this journey and the feeling in that moment of the Holy Spirit with arms open wide saying, “I have been waiting for you.” I felt such joy and love in God’s Presence! I was so excited to see where the remaining days would take me.

Can I tell you something? Being still in God’s Presence is an act of surrender and surrender is holy. We can have so many voices giving their thoughts and opinions that we sometimes don’t know where our thoughts stop and where theirs begin. It is in those moments that we miss what God is saying to us, confusion, doubt and fear steps in when there is a lack of the clear voice of our Heavenly Father.

To be still before God is a choice and it was a decision that I learned to make in my journey through this life on Earth. Each of us have to make that choice on our own because no one else can make for us. My friend, it's a choice worth making!

What are you struggling with that God is calling you to come away from? Do you sense Him inviting you to run to Him and to be still in His presence? Stillness is something that we struggle against because we don’t know how to quiet ourselves and just be. It is in the stillness that we will hear the quiet whispers of God. Read 1 Kings 19:11-13 for a Biblical example of this truth.

To recognize truly who God is happens in the moments that we pause, tune our ears and hearts to Him and choose to listen. In that period of stillness, I heard the Lord speak to me through His words, the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit and in a still small voice that reminded me that obedience is better than sacrifice.

My friend, I want to encourage you today to choose to be in God’s presence, sitting with no agenda and be willing to not only listen but hear what He is saying to you. This is important to help us make it through our life on Earth.

The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who controls the future, who knows what is ahead of us, calls us away to a time with Him that is more beneficial to us than it is for Him. How can you neglect such a call? Our Heavenly Father (God) beckons with open arms, saying, “Come, my child so I can instruct you, comfort you, give you clarity and the directions you need not just for where you are now but for your next.” But how will you know what He wants to say if you will not be still long enough to hear?

I know you may be facing struggles now and perhaps you are saying, “I don’t know how I am going to do this!” You may also be looking for the perfect time to be still before God, but you can’t find it. How about starting with 15 minutes, in quiet time with God? Silence your notifications, sit in His presence with your Bible and journal, open your heart and create the space for Him to meet you. What would it look like? 

Can I tell you? It would look like holy time. It should bring joy to your heart to know that the Eternal King requires your presence and is there waiting on you. Do you require freedom from agitation, calmness and serenity? The only place you and I can receive that is in the stillness of the presence of our Lord.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your call for us to be still before you. Lord, you know the struggles that we face to still the noise around us. Help us surrender our time to You. Help us desire your presence more than anything else so we can hear your still small voice. Father, I pray today will be the day that my friend will be obedient to your voice. Speak, Lord, as they set their hearts to hear you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Make Room” by Meredith Andrews (feat. Sarah Reeves & Chris McClarney). Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Interview with Ashley Martin about "Lost No More" (book)

Author Interview with Ashley Martin about her debut book “Lost No More: A Daily Path to God in the Midst of Your Deepest Valleys”

Alexis: Congratulations on writing and publishing your first book! Tell us about your journey to publication as a first-time author. Who was your publisher?

Ashley: I published with Called Creatives Publishing, a hybrid publisher, and it was truly a boutique experience. They walked me through every step of the process with clarity and detailed guidance. Nothing felt rushed or overwhelming. Their team brought real expertise to the editing, layout, and design, but what stood out most was how well they listened. My opinions and wishes weren't just heard; they were woven into every decision. The result is a book that is completely mine: my story, my personality, my calling.

Alexis: What was the most difficult part of your journey to publication?

Ashley: The most difficult part was revisiting those dark places: my first day of rehab, the mental and emotional pain I was carrying at the time. But my readers cannot truly understand the miracles God has performed in my life without knowing the depth of what He brought me through.

Alexis: What was the most rewarding part of writing your personal story in this book?

Ashley: Answering God's call to write my story. No words can fully describe what I felt the moment I held the finished product in my hands.

Alexis: What do you hope readers will take away from your real-life story?

Ashley: Hope. No matter how lost you feel, you are never beyond God's reach. It all begins with surrender.

Alexis: Who is your core audience for this book? Share how you hope to reach those readers with your message.

Ashley: My core audience is women who feel lost from God, or who once did, whether because of alcoholism, addiction, or simply the busyness of life pulling them off course. I also wrote this for the woman who wants more structure in her daily walk with God but is not sure where to start. My hope is that the three pillars of this book—surrender, prayer, and service—guide every reader into a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

Alexis: What was the most challenging part of your journey out of darkness of alcohol dependency and into the light of sobriety and freedom?

Ashley: Admitting I was an alcoholic and knowing how to ask for help. Both required a level of surrender I had never practiced before.

Alexis: How did your faith in God help you overcome your challenges?

Ashley: My mom gave me my faith. She instilled it in me daily and lived it without ceasing. Once I surrendered and allowed God to take over, the faith of my childhood returned.

Alexis: You talk about “the discipline of surrender” in your book. Tell us more. What does that mean, what did it look like for you and how can practicing this discipline help others who are struggling?

Ashley: Surrender sounds passive, but it is anything but. For me, the discipline of surrender meant choosing every single day to stop fighting God and start trusting Him. In my addiction, I was convinced I could manage life on my own. Surrender meant releasing that. For me it looked like getting on my knees in the morning before my feet hit the floor. It looked like calling my sponsor when I wanted to handle something myself. It looked like saying, "God, I cannot do this, but You can."

The discipline is in the daily practice. Surrender is not a one-time decision. It is a choice you make over and over again, especially on the hard days. For anyone who is struggling, whether with addiction, anxiety, grief, or simply feeling like life is out of control, surrender is not giving up. It is finally choosing to trust the One (God) who can actually handle it.

Alexis: When and how did you first have a defining moment and encounter God’s grace?

Ashley: The night of my last drink. I went to bed and asked God what was wrong with me. He woke me in the middle of the night and whispered one word: alcohol. In that moment, I knew His mercy and grace in a way I never had before. The next morning, I got busy and changed my life.

Alexis: What do you mean when you say that your book is not about religious obligation but an invitation to transformation?

Ashley: Spirituality is a personal, continual, transforming journey with God — not a weekly obligation fulfilled by sitting in a pew and half-listening to a sermon while mentally running through your Monday to-do list. Faith should never be reduced to "I believe because I always have" or "I believe because I am afraid of hell." That is religion. This book is about something deeper. God's grace and love should move you. They should draw you in, change you from the inside, and invite you to become a better person simply because of how much He loves you.

Alexis: How did your background in teaching, ministry and community leadership play into writing this book?

Ashley: Every road led me to this book. My master's in history taught me how to research, write, and cite sources with integrity. My years in the classroom taught me how to explain concepts clearly, which is exactly what this book requires. My call into ministry would not let me be still until every word was on the page. And my work in the community is what will carry this message to the people who need it most.

Alexis: If you could meet your readers one-on-one for coffee or at your upcoming book signings, what would you say to their heart about this book? Share your answer in a few sentences.

Ashley: I would tell them this book was written for them. Not for the person who has it all together, but for the one who is tired of pretending she does. I want every reader to walk away knowing that God has never stopped pursuing her, and that it is never too late to surrender, pray, and serve your way into the life He always intended.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Ashley! Do you have any closing comments?

Ashley: Thank you so much for helping me promote my book! I just want anyone reading this to know that I am not a theologian or a lifelong saint. I am a woman in recovery who said yes to God, and He did the rest. If my story can point even one person toward surrender, this book has done its job. I am grateful for every opportunity to share it.

~*~
Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a writer, educator and speaker passionate about helping others discover healing and purpose through faith. 

With a background in teaching, ministry, and community leadership, she blends Biblical truth with honest storytelling that resonates with readers navigating life’s hardest seasons.

Her work focuses on spiritual growth, recovery, and practical ways to walk with God daily. Through her writing and speaking, Ashley encourages people to move beyond survival and into a life marked by clarity, courage, and calling.

She is known for her relatable voice, authentic transparency, and ability to connect deeply with audiences seeking hope and direction.

~*~
Book Blurb for Lost No More:

What if the valley you are in right now is exactly where God has been waiting for you?

For nearly two decades, Ashley Martin lived under the crushing weight of alcohol dependency, broken trust, and a faith she could no longer feel. Then, in the unexpected quiet of a rehab facility, God met her and nothing has been the same since.

In Lost No More: A Daily Path to God in the Midst of Your Deepest Valleys, Ashley opens her life with rare and courageous transparency. She shares her journey through addiction, marital infidelity, and spiritual emptiness not to dwell in the darkness, but to show you the way out. With the practical wisdom of a Bible teacher and the hard-won grace of a woman who has lived it, Ashley guides you into a steady, daily rhythm of spiritual intimacy that does not require a perfect life, only a willing heart.

Whether you are quietly struggling to sense God's presence, overwhelmed by life's relentless demands, or walking through your own deepest valley, this book will meet you right where you are.

Inside the pages, you will discover how to:

• Surrender control daily and finally experience freedom from anxiety and fear
• Deepen your prayer life with practical, Scripture-rooted tools you can use every single day
• Unlock lasting spiritual peace through the discipline of serving others
• Reconnect with God through reflective journaling prompts and guided prayers woven throughout
• Find hope and healing even in the middle of your hardest season

Lost No More is not about religious obligation or checking spiritual boxes. It is an invitation from one broken, redeemed woman to stop drifting and start living in the peace that only God can give.

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Buy Ashley's book on Amazon

Devotionals for the Heart: God is always present with all His creation

Waiting for the Hummingbirds
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

—Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

Spring is here in the Lowcountry. Warm days and cool nights are forecasted.

I’m smiling as I write this devotional because the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the temperatures are rising. Early this morning, there was frost on the roofs. The sound of the heater turning on echoes throughout the house.

As I gaze out of my office window, I need patience as I’m waiting for the hummingbirds. My husband and I are usually the first people to hang hummingbird feeders in our neighborhood. Another neighbor hangs her feeder about the same time. We alert each other when we see the beautiful, winged creatures visiting us. Ruby-throated hummingbirds fly close to the windows while checking out their surroundings. Then, they enjoy the sweet nectar from flowers and hanging feeders.

Colorful plants catch the attention of these fascinating birds. Purple and pink petunias, red impatiens, orange and yellow cosmos, and many other varieties of flowers stand ready with nourishment. What a joy to watch God’s creatures!

When I have a stressful day and my body is filled with arthritic pain, I pause and rest, thinking about God’s creations. I pray and ask why the pain won’t stop. There are some days that my body needs to rest. Other days, I can participate in family activities, vendor events to sell my books, and other special occasions.

Reading Scripture reminds me that God is always present. The Bible shares that God cares for the birds of the air and that God cares for all His creations. He is with the birds when they are hurt. He is with the animals, keeping them safe. God loves each of His creations. He is always present.

Why do I worry? I’m human. That is the reason. I pray and give God my worries. Then, sometimes I take those worries back. God understands. Our Heavenly Father shows His love in every moment. He knows there will be times when I question Him. And He knows there will be times when I praise Him.

I wish I could say that worries never enter my thoughts. I admit I fret about certain things. God listens and hears the prayers of His people. When worries invade my mind, I find peace in going to God and seeking His peace and comfort.

Scripture tells us that God cares for the birds of the air, and He cares for us, too. Our Heavenly Father always provides what we need. Those provisions are sometimes given immediately, and other times, we must wait.

Our anchor text today (Matthew 6:26) reminds us that we are more valuable than the birds of the air. God feeds them, and He feeds us. Nourishment is important. For humans, spending time reading the Bible, studying Scripture, and sharing conversation with God in prayer can strengthen our faith.

As I wait for the hummingbirds, I pray and give thanks for the many glorious blessings from God. What parts of creation bring you joy?

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of the world. Help us to pause and enjoy your creations. Guide us to share these glorious sights and sounds with others. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “His Eye is On the Sparrow” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Look at the Birds” by Xander Stok. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Creator” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The Maker” by Chris August. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Barlow Girl. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. 

With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is: It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

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Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/mimionlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahendersonauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ahenderson312/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel blindsided and off course in life

When Life Isn’t Just Fun and Games
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have you ever played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”?

It is a children’s game where everyone stands across the room from a large picture of a donkey without a tail (or a clown without a nose, or a cowboy without a hat, etc.). All you have to do when your turn comes is walk over and stick the donkey’s tail in the proper place. That seems easy enough, but what makes the game challenging—and fun—is that you’re blindfolded and spun around first so that pinning the tail in the right spot becomes nearly impossible. The poor donkey ends up with many tails in all the wrong places, and everyone laughs at the results.

Sometimes life feels like a game of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”. You can see your goal clearly, and the path to reach it seems easy, but then, out of nowhere, you’re blindsided, spun around, and disoriented, and you end up way off course. When it’s real life, though, it’s anything but funny. You thought you had everything under control. You thought you knew where you were going. You thought you knew exactly how to get there. Instead, you find yourself somewhere entirely different with no idea what to do next.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe you started a new business thinking it was a sure thing, only to find yourself one year later with no profits and no idea how to recover your investment. Maybe you moved to a new state to be near a loved one, but that relationship became strained, and now you feel like an outsider in an unfamiliar community. Maybe you were expecting a promotion in the job you put your heart and soul into for years, only to be let go. Maybe you finally found the courage to trust someone, only to have that trust broken. Whatever your story, I’d bet there’s been a time in your life when you felt like you stuck your pin in the worst possible place.

The book of Exodus in the Bible tells the story of how the Israelites, God’s chosen people, miraculously escaped slavery in Egypt. Led by Moses, they set off triumphantly toward a new land God had promised to give them. If they had taken the most direct route, they probably could have made the trip on foot in under two weeks, but the journey took them forty years. Forty years. Talk about a detour!

God allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for so long because there were things He wanted to teach them before they reached the Promised Land. The people were not expecting such a long and winding journey. They questioned and complained along the way, but God knew what was best for them.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us we should not rely on our own understanding as we walk through life. Our paths will only become straight, it says, when we submit our lives to God and trust Him completely. When we rely on our own understanding, thinking we can find the target and reach our goals on our own, we stick our pins in the wrong places. However, when we learn to trust God, we will we end up exactly where He wants us to be.

If you feel like you’re wandering right now, like you have been blindfolded and spun around and can’t find where to stick your pin, perhaps God has something He wants to teach you. You may not yet understand the reason you got off course but trust Him to lead you every step of the way, and He will fulfill His promise.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, sometimes I venture off course in my life, and I feel disoriented and confused. Help me stop leaning on my own understanding and to trust You with my whole heart. Make my path straight and keep me in the center of Your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust the Lord)” by Warrior. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir w/Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Made A Way” by Travis Greene. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, birder, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms. Amazed by the power of words, she currently uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including Truly Magazine, The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-six years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband serve as deacons and small group leaders. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two college-age sons.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: suzannefelton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l.suzanne.felton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton/
Email: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com