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: Nanci's thoughts on Springtime and CPR

Springtime: God's CPR

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."~Genesis 8:22 (KJV)

In February, you’ll find me pouring through the Burpee seed catalogue in anticipation of spring planting as God makes preparation to perform CPR and revive the earth from its winter repose. Nothing excites me more than to see crocus as they emerge through the snow-covered earth and the unforgettable sweet aroma of lavender and pink Hyacinths heralding re-birth. Nature fulfilling God’s promise found in Genesis.

To me, gardening epitomizes seed time and harvest and brings scripture to life. After many years of planting my garden, I can safely say you reap what you sow. If I plant green beans, I don’t expect to harvest beets. It’s the same in our daily lives. What seed are you sowing? Envy? Strife? Mercy? Love? Forgiveness?

In spring, as the earth goes through re-birth, I am reminded of the ‘born-again’ experience. As my seedlings sprout, I remember what Jesus said in Matthew 13:4-8 about the sower sowing the seed.

“And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth, and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and chocked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.” ~Matthew 13:4-8 (KJV)

Interesting how the seed (Word) was sown in different types of soil. The soil makes all the difference in your garden. I cultivate the soil, add nutrients when needed. My seedlings without good soil won’t develop to their expected potential. It’s the same for us as new creations. God has called us. He has forgiven us, written His Word on our hearts and desires for us to grow. It is up to us to cultivate and guard the seed sown in our hearts.

After you’ve received Jesus in your heart, the enemy will come immediately to destroy that which has been sown. He’ll accuse you, remind you of your past, beat you down with his weapons of mass destruction, his attacks individualized as we tell him our fears. We talk too much. Social media has become the enemy’s new battleground.

Most of us have purchased indoor plants or outdoor scrubs. They all come with instructions on care, how we are to nourish them and keep them alive. God has done the same for us. He’s given us his instruction manual, His Word, the Bible. Read it. Let it water your soul, nourish your body and give you direction. It is the fertilizer you need to grow up in Him.

Last summer, I experienced an infestation of Japanese Beetles, of Biblical proportion. Nothing I used worked. I had to ‘hand pick’ every single one. It took me weeks. The beetle fiasco reminded me how we should never allow our hearts to become hardened and immune to the Word of God.

As I hand-picked those beetles, I thought about God’s Word and how much the enemy hates it. He desires to infest our minds with his lies, pulling at us so he can divert us from God’s plan. However, no matter what he says or does, the enemy can NEVER pluck you from God’s hand.

Your mistakes don’t cancel God’s plan in your life. He’s planted you in the orchard of His heart. You're the apple of His eye, and He loves you. Bloom where you’re planted.

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Author Bio:

Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice. 

She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.

She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.

Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.

Interview: Delia Latham, author of Spring Raine

Welcome Delia Latham to the blog today!

She's here to share her thoughts on her sweet story, Spring Raine, via an author interview feature.

Now here's what's in it for you, well one of you: She's agreed to give away one copy of her book to the winner of the book giveaway contest! Details are available at the end of this blog post.

Enjoy the interview!

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Interview with Delia Latham, author of Spring Raine:

Alexis: This book is the first installment in your Paradise Pines series. Tell us about this new series of yours. What makes it special?

Delia: The series is special to me for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the location. Cambria, California is a favorite getaway spot for my husband and me. A dear friend of ours owns a vacation home there, and gives us access to it whenever possible. Susan’s home has become “ours” in a manner of speaking. We love it…and we love the little village. Situated on California’s Central Coast, Cambria is a lovely seaside community, blessed with many talented artisans, lots of wonderful little shops and boutiques, numerous possibilities for activities and touring—it’s a perfect vacation area that displays God’s awesome creativity in every direction.

Aside from the location, the series is filled with romance, interesting characters, realistic life situation…and a few otherworldly ones. What’s not to love?

Alexis: Raine Presley is your heroine. Describe her personality, character flaws and heart.

Delia: Raine is a kind-hearted, intelligent young woman who has spent twenty-plus years in meek submission to her parents’ “Plan” for her life. She’s never resented their unrelenting rigidity of mind, and their efforts to fit her into their idea of who she should be and what she should become. But now, with university behind her, preparing to step into a demanding job in forensic science, Raine longs for a break from the constant intensity and scrutiny before diving into her future. So she visits Cambria, and her life will never be the same again. She’s a strong woman, but family circumstances have molded her into something of a people pleaser, dependent on others to make decisions for her. She simply goes along with the consensus. But once in Cambria, away from old influences and routines, God is free to work some changes in Raine, and set her on a brand new path.

Alexis: Why does Raine feel that she needs a “wild and crazy” adventure before starting work in forensic science?

Delia: Raine’s idea of “wild and crazy” is tame, compared to most. Because she’s always been so sheltered, even cloistered, just doing something without her parents is “wild and crazy.” Raine just wants some time alone, to have a bit of fun, make her own choices and do as she pleases for a short time before starting her new career—a career that will require far more than simply long hours and ‘satisfactory’ performance.

Alexis: Why does she choose Cambria, California as the setting for her adventure?

Delia: A random choice that turns out to be a God thing.

Alexis: Why do Raine’s parents disapprove of her new adventure?

Delia: They think she should be preparing for her new job. Studying, learning more about her position. Submerging herself in forensic science. They’re also upset that she is temporarily depriving them of the ability to oversee her actions and decisions.

Alexis: What is it about the Paradise Pines Lodge that moves Raine into her destiny?

Delia: Miss Angie is a large part of what makes the lodge life-changing and unforgettable. There’s something divine about the woman, and that ‘aura’ expands to include the entire Paradise Pines property. Wherever Raine wanders, God seems to have something waiting to move her a little further into His plan. And Miss Angie has a way of gently guiding folks into the right place at the right time to make those things happen.

Alexis: Declan Keller is your hero. Describe his looks, personality, hopes and heart.

Delia: Ahhh…Declan! Think Eric Dane…the man is beyond handsome. Dark blond hair, blue-gray eyes, a strong jaw. Muscled torso. Besides being easy on the eyes though, Declan is a good, honest man. He’s on the verge of a success he’s worked hard to achieve…and then Raine bursts into his world—literally. Their first encounter is anything but romantic, and it soon becomes clear that he’ll have to spend far more time with Miss Angie’s new guest than he wants to. But he does it, because he’s made a promise to someone who matters, and Dec is a man of his word.

Alexis: What is Declan’s career?

Delia: He’s a wood artist, and his carvings are becoming increasingly popular.

Alexis: Why does Declan feel that he needs to babysit Raine? Isn’t she a grown adult?

Delia: She is a grown woman, though unusually naïve in some ways—a result of having been over-protected and controlled throughout her life. Even now, in her belated attempt at some kind of freedom, Raine’s parents have secretly arranged someone to watch over her in their absence. Thanks to a promise made by his father, the role falls to Dec, who reluctantly agrees, under the impression Raine is a teenager.

Alexis: It looks like Raine is the unexpected answer to Declan’s prayers. Why is it that Declan wasn’t expecting this type of blessing?

Delia: Dec is focused on getting his career up and going. He likes being a bachelor, and has given very little serious thought to women, and none at all to an actual commitment-type relationship.

Alexis: Who is Miss Angelina Love and how does she impact Raine and Declan’s love story?

Delia: Miss Angie is something of a mystery. She has a way of knowing a person’s heart. Her knowledge of Scripture is outstanding, and she loves to quote from the Bible…always having the perfect scriptural response to any given situation. But where she came from, and exactly what her role is at the lodge, is something the readers will need to determine for themselves.

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge—and your most celebrated victory—while writing this story?

Delia: Would breaking my kneecap in half be counted as a challenge? LOL. We moved to Texas just as I started on this book. While we were moving into our new home, I fell on the driveway and split my kneecap squarely in half. Had to have surgery, and was in intense pain for many weeks. Trying to write through all of that was one of the greatest writing challenges I’ve ever experienced. The greatest victory was when God broke the creative wall that erected itself about midway through the storyline. For a while, I wondered if I’d find myself in breach of contract on this one.

Alexis: If you stepped into Declan’s story to counsel him about Raine, what would you say?

Delia: The truth will set you…and Raine…free.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember most about this book? Why?

Delia: I hope they’ll see the need to submit themselves, like the caterpillar must, to God’s chrysalis, knowing they’ll emerge a brand new creature—changed, perfect, beautiful and free to soar.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Delia! Do you have any closing comments?

Delia: Thank you, Alexis, for inviting me to visit your blog! I enjoyed the interview, and I hope your readers do, as well. I’d like to share with them the following verse that speaks to our beautiful new lives after emergence from God’s chrysalis: 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

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Blurb for Spring Raine, Paradise Pines series, Book 1: An uncharacteristic, last-minute decision to do something "wild and crazy" before entering the stressful world of forensic science sends Raine Presley to Cambria, California. Against a cloud of disapproval from her slightly manipulative, over-protective parents, she signs a seasonal lease at the beautiful Paradise Pines Lodge...and winds up over her head in life and love. 

Declan Keller's just minding his own business—literally—when Raine drops into his world and turns it upside down. He's far too busy carving beautiful shapes out of chunks of wood to be babysitting a gal from Pasadena. Even so, his father’s promise to an old friend obligates him, despite a looming deadline that could make or break his career in the art world. He’s praying for anything but Raine when she comes along. 

Neither Declan nor Raine is prepared for the seemingly divine influence of Paradise Pines—and Miss Angelina Love. A mysterious lady who may or may not own the lodge, Miss Angie possesses an amazing talent for mending ruffled feathers, spouting proverbs, and somehow bending even the most determined of hearts to the power of love.

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Buy Delia's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or CBD

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Author bio:

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in this author’s sweet tales of romance.

Delia lives in East Texas with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and author of inspirational romance…with a finger or two immersed in the design pool, where she creates beautiful marketing material for other authors. 

Delia treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. She’s got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and loves hearing from readers.

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Connect with Delia: 
Website ~ Personal blog ~ Facebook Reader Page ~ Twitter

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Enter the book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Movie Review: Hearts of Spring on The Hallmark Channel

My Review for Hearts of Spring, A Movie for The Hallmark Channel

Just in time for the warm weather season, Hearts of Spring is a delight and will bring a smile to full bloom on your face! It will also make you appreciate the beauty and special meaning of various flowers while restoring your hope in true love.

Lisa Whelchel leads the sweet story about a single mom (Carly Ashby) who is balancing the raising of her daughter Sadie (Clancy Cauble, who happens to be Lisa’s real-life daughter), with running her flower shop and blogging, which is her true passion. She blogs under the name, “Bestie Mom.”

Enter Dr. Andy Sommers (Michael Shanks), a pediatrician who’s popular with the ladies, and Lisa’s life is thrown off balance. Dr. Sommers moonlights online as “Jugglingdad.” He challenges Bestie Mom’s parenting advice to her readers with contrasting comments of his own. His challenging and at times, disparaging comments rile Lisa but at the same time, intrigue her and pique her interest. It is the back and forth banter and verbal brawl that drives more traffic to Lisa’s blog and makes the readers look forward to the next comment.

Lisa does not know that Andy is ‘Jugglingdad.’ When she first meets him, she falls in love with his personality and heart. He’s a good-looking guy but it’s their friendship and mutual respect for each other as parents that draws them close.

The tension between Andy and his son Troy is evident from the first few scenes of their interaction. It’s clear that Andy’s strict parenting style that he uses to raise his teenage son, is not working as well as he hoped. His son has moments where he resents his dad for keeping him on a short leash such as enforcing an early curfew on a school night. However, when Andy starts dating Carly, his rules begin to relax and he starts to listen to his son about his life instead of bossing him around and enforcing strict rules with no breathing room. It's clear from the start that Carly and Andy have their own unique challenges of raising their kids. It’s interesting how they end up helping each other better understand their kids. Andy’s advice to Carly about how to raise her daughter plays a significant role in this movie too.

The cinematography of this movie was colorful and well lit. I especially enjoyed the colors of Carly’s flower shop. The picture inside the store was vibrant and the flowers nearly come alive on the screen. The color scheme throughout the movie matched each scene and was the perfect hue. The lighting gently graced and enhanced the skin tones of the actors. The viewer of the movie truly saw the characters in their “best light.”

The tone of this movie is sweet and soft. There’s conflict but the tone remains calm despite the series of upsets. It gives the audience hope that the movie will end on an up note. However, there are moments that make you wonder how the story will pan out in the end, which is good because it keeps the viewer’s attention.

The instrumental music in the movie is used to whet the viewer’s appetite from the opening scene of the movie. It’s also used in strategic places in the movie to build tension. The music fits the movie like a tailored suit.

The acting is second to none. Each actor embodies their character and plays their role with ease and confidence. They truly make the viewer believe that Carly is a florist who’s not looking for love and that her daughter Sadie is a free spirit who wants to travel the world before going to college and that Dr. Andy Sommers needs a life outside of work and a wife.

I cannot share more without giving away the plot. I can say though, that this movie deserves a “thumbs up” for every point. It’s a beautiful story that’s relatable to real life.

Watch Hearts of Spring on The Hallmark Channel this Saturday night (April 9) at 9:00 p.m. (EST)