"Divine Influencer" movie review

My Review of Divine Influencer movie

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix (now “Great American Pure Flix”) is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Great American Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Great American Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service.

Great American Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie Divine Influencer. I watched this thought-provoking, cleverly crafted, beautifully told, life-changing movie a few weeks before it was made available for viewing on Great American Pure Flix today (Sept. 15). I admired so much about this movie! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie with words from Momentum and me: When an entitled influencer loses everything, she must humbly trust God to understand what the meaning of true influence is. Desperate, she takes a job at a homeless shelter only so she has a place to lay her head and quickly realizes the joy and purpose that comes from serving others. Divine Influencer is such a timely movie as the world of social media expands at a rapid pace. The message of this film is a reflection on how easy it is to live for the likes, the shares and the comments instead of living our lives for God or to serve others.

The opening scenes of this movie show the viewer that Olivia, a social media influencer, is celebrating her birthday and she’s behind on her rent. Then the scene that starts making the Olivia's world unravel happens: Olivia accidentally posts a video of her bashing a product she represents and that results in her being fired. Making matters worse, Olivia’s best friend moves into her position as an influencer for her former boss. As the story progresses, Olivia hears an interview with Andrew Geller, a top marketing executive, and she quickly realizes she doesn’t have her own sense of purpose or direction. All hope seems lost in the next few scenes when Olivia’s parents call and tell her they are selling all their belongings and are creating a nonprofit to further God’s kingdom. Olivia’s parents tell her she’s on her own and they are no longer going to pay for her apartment and lifestyle.

After wallowing in despair and briefly staying at a friend’s house, Olivia runs into Ryan, a high school classmate who she hasn’t seen in 10 years. He invites her to help serve dinner at the Rescue Mission he works and he ends up hiring her to work there. But to work there, Olivia must live there. So she moves into the shelter and her life along with the life of everyone who she influences, starts to change!

Now for my review:

I was happy to see that Shari Rigby, a renown Christian actress, directed this movie. She definitely is a natural behind the camera and knows how to tell a story.

The producer of this movie, Shawn Boskie, did a wonderful work in producing this story and bringing it to life.

Lara Silva who you may recognize from the popular Bible story series titled, “The Chosen”, did a fabulous and very convincing job of playing Olivia Golden who has been wealthy from birth because of her parents.

Jason Burkey, who played Ryan in this movie, did a great job. He was always in character and the way he interacted with Olivia was adorable.

Jesse Metcalfe, who played Andrew in this movie, is no newbie to acting. He delivered a stellar performance every time he was part of a scene.

All of these main actors and those in supporting roles collaborated wonderfully well in telling this story. From the start, these characters drew me into the movie and made me want to know what happens next. I found the storyline to be very real and reflective of real-life. I remember hearing about similar stories on popular talk shows on television years ago which is why I believe this movie conveys a message that is very relatable and yet also very inspirational.

The director, producer and cast really brought God into the picture. Seeing how the characters grew in their faith journey with God was really inspiring. Watching Olivia transform from self-absorbed to focusing on others and helping make their life better is a note we could all take and apply it to our daily life because people are struggling and we all need Jesus Christ. They say, “You may be the only Bible that some people read.” And I think that so many storytelling elements in this movie reminded me of that truth.

I must say that having a five-star chef work in the kitchen of the homeless shelter was an unexpected and very nice touch and the food she fixed looked delicious!

My takeaway from this movie was how important it is to count your blessings, help others and encourage everyone you meet because we’re all fighting battles—some silent and some obvious—and we all need Jesus who is the answer to it all.

If you need a dose of hope and encouragement, watch Divine Influencer. It will help you in so many ways and it may make you hungry too! Hungry for a closer walk with Jesus Christ, and hungry to fill your stomach with some good food.

Themes of this movie included: 

• Self-centered vs. serving others
• Entitlement
• Sense of purpose and direction
• Not taking responsibility for your actions
• Hardship is a humbling experience
• Second chances
• God sees us and knows us in all circumstances
• Rely on Jesus
• Power and importance of prayer
• Asking God to use us for His will and purpose
• Our past does not define us, our identity is in Christ

Divine Influencer is a movie that will introduce you to Great American Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Great American Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Here's the website link to where you can watch Divine Influencer:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/divine-influencer

See the movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrNifHNYZ7s

Watch the Momentum Influencers interview conducted by Jean Thomason with Lara Silva, who plays the lead in Divine Influencer. Here’s the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQCxAtrPdJA

Bible verses illustrated by this movie: 

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48 (NIV)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Recommended Reading related to the messages in this movie:

OUR FAVORITE & MOST IMPACTFUL QUOTES FROM 'DIVINE INFLUENCER'

15 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THANKFULNESS AND GRATITUDE

HELPING OTHERS: 13 BIBLE SCRIPTURES ON GIVING

INSPIRE GIVING AND SERVING OTHERS WITH THESE PURE FLIX MOVIES

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN one 3-month Pure Flix subscription!

Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Sept. 21, 2023.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c468/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #DivineInfluencerMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: How a dog inspired a life lesson about love

Hands of Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Ronny was a small, black dog, his eyes crusted over with sleep and his nose a mess from doing whatever dogs like to do in the dirt. I could tell he was a puppy by his size, but he wasn’t terribly young, just young enough to be filled with excitement about life—and wary of strange people.

I was there to work on his owner’s house for a week, along with a team of other mission volunteers, providing him with a new roof and some other fixes, and his owner was training him to be an outdoor dog. We called him Ronny, even though we didn’t know his name, and he spent his days under a shade tree hanging out in an old utility trailer, tied up on a leash and watching us with extremely cautious eyes.

But he was so adorable, and I couldn’t help myself. On roofing breaks, I’d find myself walking in the back to check on Ronny. I watched from a distance at first, and he’d always scurry out, curious, then run like mad back to his hiding place.

One morning I approached him slowly, slipping my work gloves off and gently holding my hands out for him to inspect. He took a look at my hands and hightailed it for the shadows. I’m not sure what he thought I was going to do with my hands, but he was scared, and I didn’t push it. A few hours later, I checked on him again. And again, Ronny ventured out to look at my hands, then retreated. But this time I spoke sweetly to him, and I tiptoed closer, and he nervously approached me once more. At first, Ronny started to pull back, but I reached out and petted him. He liked it, but then he skittered away, and I went back to my work. We repeated the same little dance twice more that day.

The next day, I expected the same.

“Hey, sweet boy,” I called over to him, slipping off my work gloves and approaching softly.

But this time when I held my hands out to him, Ronny knew what was coming. And this time he didn’t dart back or even flinch. This time he let me pet him right away.

By the end of the week, he was licking my legs and cuddling with me. We were pals, Ronny and I, and I miss him!

As our trip progressed, it got me thinking about hands and how we use them. We can use them to hurt, to push down and oppress. We can use them to point fingers, judgmental and accusatory.

Or we can use them to shake someone’s hand and give them a hug—or, as in Ronny’s case, scratch them behind the ears. We can use them to show love.

We can also use them to help in other ways, cooking a meal for someone, or holding a hammer like I did all that week, nailing shingles to a rotted-out roof so someone else has better shelter.

We can use our hands to reflect Jesus Christ, or we can choose not to.

As a follower of Christ, I want every aspect of my life to reflect Jesus. That means my thoughts, my words, and my hands and feet. That’s one of the things people who do mission work say a lot: that we want to be “the hands and feet of Christ.” But that’s not just about mission work. There are so many ways we can be the hands and feet of Christ.

Think about your own hands today. If you have use of them, how are you able to use them? Are you able to write a letter or hold out your palm in fellowship to a brother or sister, even one who doesn’t seem a lot like you on the surface?

If your hands don’t work, what else can you do? Can you use your heart, your mind, your prayers, anything else at your disposal?

Ronny very quickly understood the difference between hands that want to hurt and hands that want to help. We understand the same.

May we always do what we can to help and love others in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior—our way, our truth, and our life.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13 NIV).

“Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 30:9-10 NIV).

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me model and reflect You in the world, whether that is through kindness or physical labor. Help me to shine Your light in the darkness now and forever. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. 

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: When you are already approved by God

Already Approved
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ…they receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin.” – Romans 3:22a, 24 (GW)

As a recovering approval addict, I spent the better part of my life living to please others. I said yes to countless things I should have said no to. 

Attended many events I had no interest in, and really had no time for in my schedule, but feared hurting someone’s feelings by saying no. I apologized excessively, pretended to agree with others so they might like me more, and became a chameleon to whomever I happened to be around at the time. I avoided conflict at all costs and craved the praise and affirmation of others to feel validated and worthy. I never felt like I did enough or was enough. It was exhausting and felt like I was constantly auditioning for acceptance.

When I found Jesus Christ, you might think that character flaw would correct itself. On the contrary, it simply became redirected. My unquenchable need to please now sought to please a perfect and holy God, leaving me feeling increasingly inadequate. My heart began to wonder if I would ever measure up to the unattainable standards I strived for.

Then one day in my Bible study time I stumbled across a scripture that told me I already had the approval of God, not because of anything I had done but because of what I believed. It was an act of God’s kindness through the price Jesus paid on the cross. I literally felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I had read many verses about my sins being forgiven and Jesus paying the price for my sins. Verses that reminded me that I was “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that if I “believe in the Lord Jesus I will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Yes, while I had known for years that Jesus paid the price for my sins, reading it in that context changed everything for me. It completely shifted my perspective.

Instead of my works being an effort to earn the approval of my Savior, they became an offering of worship to Him. My efforts became an expression of gratitude to the One who voluntarily paid the price for my sins, who gave me approval that can never be lost. Instead of feeling like I was on a never-ending hamster wheel of sub-par performance, I could now give and serve with a cheerful heart that was secure in its status.

People-pleasing will likely always be a natural tendency of my flesh, but it shows up far less frequently than it used to. The Holy Spirit inside me is quick to squash any attempts of the enemy to seek the approval and acceptance of anyone except Jesus. Friend, if you have lived in the defeat, despair, and discouragement of approval addiction I encourage you to take your desire to be accepted and approved to the foot of the cross.

Allow the grace, love, and unconditional approval of our Heavenly Father to cut away any chains that seek to bind you to anything or anyone but Him. You are already approved and fully loved!

Let’s Pray:
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for accepting Your rescue mission even though it cost You everything. Knowing I have Your guaranteed approval that can’t be lost or forfeited by my failure to perform properly is freeing beyond imagination. Thank you for releasing me from the bondage of people-pleasing and God-pleasing. May my heart always be secure in my status as Your child and beloved daughter. I humbly and graciously receive the acceptance and approval You freely give. My gratitude can never be adequately expressed but I will forever pour it out to You in worship. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him.

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

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Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should believe God and have faith

Do You Believe Me Now?
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

–Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Many people use the words “faith” and “belief” interchangeably, while others argue differences exist. For the purpose of this devotional, I’m opting to use these two terms interchangeably.

I have a question for you. How many times have you worried about something, possibly loss sleep because of it, went to God about that thing, and He let you know in a variety of ways that everything will be okay? Yet, you still could not seem to shake that worry, or anxiety, or fear as you were going through that trial. However, in the end, it all turned out okay.

At that moment when you discover that everything worked out just fine, it’s almost as though you can hear God say, “Do you believe Me now?” Also, how many times have you experienced moments of doubt regarding something you know God is leading you to do? As humans, we experience our “moments”, but worry should not dominate our lives. Doubt should not dominate our lives either.

When I think about belief (or unbelief or doubt), Sarah from The Holy Bible comes to mind. After God said that Sarah would give birth to a son, Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” (Genesis 18:12) Sarah did not believe her being able to bear a child was possible. However, she eventually gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:2-3).

God kept His promise to Sarah. We must remember the Lord keeps His promises to us too. He does not lie. If God says He will do something, we must believe Him. This can relate to anything you can think of (from increase from a financial standpoint to complete healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually).

However, some things take true effort on our part and some things take time. In a piece I wrote some time ago, I stated that although we serve a God who can make anything happen at any time, we must be patient and wait for some things. Often, we must undergo a preparation period before we receive something or advance to the next level. Preparation periods are not easy, but they are necessary and worth it!

You may be in a season of difficulty right now. You may feel as though things will never get better. You may feel as though there is no way out of the situation you’re currently in. You may be so overcome with worry, anxiety, and frustration that you are unable to see God working in your life. Everything may appear chaotic, confusing, and just crazy. You may feel as though you have been waiting on God for something for a lifetime. However, remind yourself that anything is possible with the Lord, and He can fix anything in your life and create a blessing out of the chaos.

The phrase “Everything is going to be okay” is a very common one. However, what about those times when things don’t go as you planned in your life?

We should always ask that God’s will be done in our lives. At times, our flesh will get in the way and cloud our vision of what God wants for us. At times, we do not consult with the Lord as we should, and at times, failure to consult with the Lord will land us in some predicaments.

Thankfully, we serve a forgiving and patient God who can bless us even when we “mess up”, although we are expected to learn from our mistakes.

When you follow the Lord’s instructions and do things the way He wants them to be done, everything will be okay. Things may not turn out the way you always expect, but you will be okay. So don’t wait until you come out of the trial or receive that blessing to believe that the blessing will happen for you. Have faith and remember that God always keeps His word.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, help us to trust You. Build within us a faith that survives every trial and overcomes every doubt. Help us to believe more in You. Teach us how to trust You. Thank You for always being there for us and for keeping Your Word. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Note from Alexis: Temeka's message reminds me of the song "Broken Places" by Plumb. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name “Positivity Inspires,” is an author, speaker, minister, PharmD, multi-state licensed pharmacist, founder and owner of Positivity Inspires, LLC, and most importantly, a servant of the Lord.

She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily.
​
Dr. Borden has been blessed with a variety of gifts, and she has gained much professional experience in a variety of settings. She also has served in administrative roles in the professional and church settings. In addition to obtaining her PharmD, she also obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology (minor in English), and she is working on her third degree. What’s more, as stated in her words, “I completed a specialty pharmacy residency that prepared me for the workforce and made me a force to be reckoned with.”

Temeka is a long-distance runner, a drummer, a singer, and she has a strong “fashion sense.” She also can read and type at almost supersonic speed in some instances.

Dr. Borden loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to challenge herself.

She loves God and she loves people. She is “crazy about her family,” and she adores her friends. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone.

Temeka loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments.

Dr. Borden loves to laugh and loves to make other people laugh. She also is passionate about giving back to the community. Her favorite sayings are “Speak Up!” and “Watch God Work!”

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Connect with Temeka:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PositivityInspiresPage/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/pinspires

Devotionals for the Heart: Trust God

Why is it so hard to trust God?
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

– Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

It’s easy to trust God when everything is going well. When work projects are up to date, when kids are behaving at school and bringing in good grades, when communication is going well between you and your spouse, but what about when things are going downhill?

Why is hard to trust in God when you get that unwanted diagnosis? Or maybe when you get a phone call from your bank that your account has been wiped out? Why is it so hard to trust God when it seems like life is beating you up endlessly? Because we are human, that’s why.

Our flesh is weak, and we want to know everything. We want to know that right after treatment that diagnosis will be gone, but we don’t. We want to know that the money will be replaced tomorrow, but we don’t. We want to see the light at the end of the tunnel but only God knows all. He is the only one who knows what is going to happen and why things do happen.

The uncertainty of life drives us crazy, but the Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 (NIV), “Be still, and know that I am God.” He is always working, around the clock, nonstop! God never rests. He will get you through whatever challenge life has placed in front of you. All you have to do is trust Him.

Last year was probably the biggest test of faith we’ve all faced: 2020 was filled with so many uncertainties, but as people of faith we were called to stand apart and not be anxious. Literally, the whole year was not knowing what was going to happen next. Therefore, we had to have complete trust on God. We must lean on God. We have that reminder in Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

There have also been many times when I question what I’m doing, like my career and even with writing. I’ll think to myself, “Will all this writing be worth it? Is it even helping anyone?” But right when I start doubting myself and want to give up, God always reminds me of why I’m doing this—it’s all for Him. Someone will tell me how they related to my blog post or they will tell me how they enjoyed my poems, but the glory will always be for God. I need to trust Him in all aspects of my life.

The Bible never tells us that we won’t face hard times in our lives, but it does tell us that God is with us (Isaiah 41:10). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So, in the middle of the storm He is right there with us getting drenched, while also guiding us towards the sunlight.

If you are facing a difficult time right now in your life, I pray that you would be able to truly release the situation to God and trust that He will figure it out. Trust that He knows the ins and outs of the situation and has a solution for you. Think back to other challenges you may have faced and how He helped you get through it. He will do it again, and again, and again. Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Let’s Pray: Lord, let us always remember your faithfulness, especially in those hard moments that we find ourselves losing trust. Let us remember that you will be there for us always. I pray that our trust grows more each passing day. Thank you, Lord, for everything. Amen.

P.S._ Listen to this song “Do It Again” performed by Elevation Worship for the hope your heart needs and a reminder of God’s power to perform miracles in your life.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Jill Kemerer's book giveaway

Welcome to the 15th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Jill Kemerer.

She's here to give away a copy of her book!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Jill and her book ...

Author Bio:

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her mini-dachshund, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. Please visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for The Cowboy's Secret:

Even a millionaire in disguise can’t hide his true heart.

He’s secretly worth millions of dollars…

But is he worthy of her trust?

Dylan Kingsley has learned to hide his millionaire status from strangers. So it’s no wonder Gabby Stover—his infant niece’s guardian—thinks he’s just another drifter.

 To prove his worthiness, Dylan takes a job as a ranch hand…and accidentally finds the purpose he’s been seeking his whole life. 

But could the truth steal Dylan’s chance at a happily-ever-after with Gabby and the baby?

~*~

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romantic Reads: Love and Other Mistakes (book) by Jessica Kate

Join me in welcoming Jessica Kate to the blog! She hails from Australia! 

I met her at a Christian writers conference five years ago. Since then, she's become a published author! We're featuring an excerpt from her debut book, Love and Other Mistakes on my blog today. 

Happy Reading!

~*~

Excerpt from Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate:

The squeak of rubber soles on the court echoed around Natalie as she froze in the doorway of the recreational center’s basketball court, two weeks after leaving Jem on the hospital sidewalk.

Three guys raced toward the far end of the court, chasing their opponent, whose long legs propelled him down the court at a lightning pace.

Jem.

After another depressing day of job hunting, the last thing she’d wanted to do on her Friday afternoon was play in the weekly social basketball league. But Mom had convinced her to get off the computer—she’d been researching weird M&M flavors to buy—and instead run off the stress, all with a twinkle in her eye Natalie hadn’t quite deciphered.

Now she recognized it—the cunning of a woman determined to get grandchildren. Mom had been single minded toward that endeavor ever since Natalie made the mistake of telling her why she missed the head-office rep meeting.

But if the dream involved Jem, it had to die.

Cheers swelled from the handful of bystanders as Jem leapt through the air and dunked the ball. Even the opposing team members clapped.

“Way to go, Jem!”

The corners of her mouth lifted. She’d practiced with him for countless afternoons till he mastered that move. From that day on, every time he nailed a dunk his eyes would search her out, whether she was beside him on the court or cheering in the stands. His lips would pull into a grin that seemed to combine Did you see that? with Couldn’t have done it without you, babe.

Her mind landed back in the present at the same moment Jem’s gaze locked with hers.

She froze.

He grinned. Did you see that?

The corner of her mouth twitched upward.

Another thought slammed into her mind. He has a baby with someone else.

She whirled and headed out the door. How could he grin at her, like the last seven years hadn’t happened?

Her ire built with each step, threatening to spill over into frustrated tears. He had a baby. She’d felt sick each morning when she woke and remembered that the man she’d thought would raise her children now had one with someone else. And the fact it bit so deep dragged her self-esteem down another three notches. He’d obviously not missed her at all, and here she was still affected by him. After seven years.

Pathetic.

Natalie rounded a corner and pulled her keys from her pocket. She needed time with Jeremy Walters about as much as she needed a cockroach under her pillow.

“Nat! Wait up!” Jem’s voice echoed down the hall.

The open door to the sports equipment storage room presented the perfect hiding place. She flew in and dove behind a pile of dusty gym mats.

“Natalie?”

She fought a sneeze as his footsteps approached, then paused.

“Your foot is sticking out.” Laughter rumbled in his voice.

She wriggled her way upright, brushing a monstrous dust bunny from her blue-and-gold uniform.

“I was just, uh, looking for something.” Like peace and quiet.

He nodded. “There’s a dead moth in your hair.”

“Blagh-eek!”

“Just kidding.” He smirked.

Trying to claw back some dignity, she crossed her arms and surveyed him. How was it fair that, even after so long, those mischievous blue eyes and boyish freckles hadn’t lost one ounce of their charm? Time to go on the offensive. “What are you doing on my team? Don’t you have an article to write or a baby to take care of?”

“Didn’t realize you owned the team. Or still played.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Is it a problem?”

Rats. No good way out of that one. “Of course not. You’d better be able to pull your weight, is all. You’ve got a bit of a dad bod going on.” An utter lie. Curse his physique.

He slapped a hand on his stomach. “Didn’t know you’d been checking my bod out.” The words were laced with laughter, but Natalie just stared. Not going there.

The mirth drained from Jem’s expression under the weight of the silence. “Okay, I can’t do fake nicety-nice with you.” He ran a hand down his face, pulling his cheeks. “I talked to your mom.”

The air left her lungs.

“She told me about Phil. I’m sorry, I knew he was sick, but I didn’t know how bad.”

She flinched at the mention of Dad. He’s in remission. She fought the urge to shout the words. Yes, technically he was in remission. But the writing was on the wall, and barring a miracle, they all knew what the future held. The question was when.

“And she said you can’t find a job and will have to move back in with them.”

Natalie sucked in a deep breath, pressure building in her brain. “Why would—”

“I need someone to take care of Olly.”

She gaped at him. “Have you lost your mind?” The man had told her he loved her. Asked her to marry him. Dumped her and disappeared for seven years.

And now he wanted to be her boss?

~*~

Blurb for Love and Other Mistakes:
Jessica Kate’s heartfelt and romantic debut proves that love always comes in God’s own time.  

           Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away. Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast. 

         An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate...and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.

~*~

Review of Love and Other Mistakes by Erin S. on Amazon.com:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tackling some Hard Topics

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2019

My Thoughts on Love and Other Mistakes:
Love and Other Mistakes is a fast reading cute novel. While it’s a romance it adds other aspects as well that allow for deep thinking.

When I first picked up this book I thought it was just going to be a romance. A cute story about how this couple finds each other after years apart and a broken engagement. Then they realize they’re still in love, a few bumps in the road, and they get married. Cute and sweet mostly.

But instead, I got this book.

It’s. . . wow.

This book is so much more than that.

Here you have this book and yes it’s a romance, but it’s also so much more. Within the pages of Love and Other Mistakes you’re going to see a single dad, an affair, an out of wedlock pregnancy or two, hidden sins, hard lessons learned, lies, and so much more. It’s so much more than a romance book and I think you should read it.

I read the book in an afternoon/evening. It was so good I didn’t want to put it down. So many twists and turns that I was not expecting and so much good food within the pages.

Have you ever struggled to forgive? I know I have. And then I know that forgiving isn’t forgetting as well as forgetting isn’t forgiving are some key things that I’ve thought on before so it’s nice to see a character in a book struggle with this too.

Definitely a new to me author that I’m now wanting to read more from. This is one to watch!

~*~

Author Bio:

Australian author Jessica Kate is obsessed with sassy romances.

She packs her novels with love, hate, and everything in between—and then nerds out over her favorite books, movies and TV in the StoryNerds podcast (official podcast of Reading Is My Superpower!) 

When she’s not writing or discussing fiction, she’s hunting the world for the greatest pasta in existence.

Her debut novel Love and Other Mistakes released July 2019, while A Girl’s Guide to the Outback hit shelves in January 2020.

Receive her sassy shorts "The Kiss Dare" and "The Kiss Thief" for FREE when you sign up for her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com.

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Buy Jessica Kate's book, Love and Other Mistakes on 

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christianbook 

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Connect with Jessica Kate:
Facebook and Instagram: Jessica Kate Writing

StoryNerds podcast: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

The McLeod’s Daughters Podcast: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-mcleods-daughters-podcast.

Devotionals for the Heart: God's View

A Higher Perspective
A devotional by Wade Webster

“As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

I've spent the better part of the past thirty years or so driving trucks for a living, 18-wheelers mostly. Like any job, it has its good parts and its bad parts. Sharing the roads with people who seem to routinely make unwise maneuvers while driving on the road, has got to be the worst part of it.

I've seen so many not so smart moves on the road that I've learned to expect other drivers to do the most unexpected thing. That way I'm not disappointed very often. Yes, if I'm totally vulnerable with y'all, I have to admit to performing my share of not so smart things while being behind the wheel myself.

I've hauled everything from dirt to a fully tripped out military Hummer. I delivered Christmas mail and completely decorated Christmas trees. It's been quite frustrating when I have a load of mattresses while forcing myself to stay awake while driving down the interstate.

I've lost count on how many kids have pumped their fist in the air at me just to get me to blow my own air horn. God only knows how many bugs have splatted on my windshields over the years. I've endured my share of blown tires and breakdowns. Driven through thunderstorms and blizzards … all for the satisfaction of a job well done ... and a paycheck, of course.

Oh, sure, there are many disadvantages to pulling a small warehouse down the road, like turning a corner on city streets. It's considered bad luck to run over nice people who are simply trying to cross that same intersection. So why won't those not so smart drivers back up in the left turn lane so I can swing out far enough to keep my rig off the sidewalk? Yes, it does take three lanes to safely maneuver a right hand turn.

One of the main advantages of driving a big rig is the ability to see farther down the road than most drivers. My driver's seat sits so high it's like I'm sitting on the roof of a large SUV or pickup. I do my best to look over those four-wheelers so I can slow down when I see brake lights glaring ahead of us...even if drivers who are zooming around me don't trust my judgment. Their brake lights work eventually.

My ability to see ahead better than other drivers reminds me of God's perspective in my life. Isaiah 55:8-9 explains this better than I can: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I don't know about you, but my life hasn't made much sense for quite some time now. I know I'm ready for a career change. That's for sure. But I trust God always works things together to make me more like Jesus Christ everyday.

I remind myself that God has an eternal perspective on everything that sees much more than I ever will. His plans might not make sense to me now, but someday they may. Even if they never do I still trust my heavenly Father to keep me safe and build me into the child He wants me to be.

Whatever you're facing in your life that doesn't make sense to you, trust God to see what's ahead in your life that needs this training you're going through now.

Even if it's painful, God will use it for His glory.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ. 

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.

Devotionals for the Heart: The difference that praying to God makes

Praying Makes A Difference
A devotional by Amy Odland

“David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.” –2 Samuel 24:25 (NIV)

Do you find your levels of persistence in prayer lagging now and then, ebbing away as the days of seemingly unanswered prayers stretch out behind you? You ask for family members to find Christ, for healing from ailments, for thorns to be removed...for good things that should be His will. But you hear nothing and wonder if it even matters if you pray or not.

What differences do our prayers make? Could the prayers of the saints stop the Coronavirus pandemic of today if we dared to ask?

There are many instances of God “changing” His mind because of prayer. I want to look at two very briefly.

The first happened in Exodus 32:11-14, when Moses interceded to stop God from destroying all of Israel while His anger burned toward them after they’d made the golden calves while Moses was up on Mount Sinai getting the scoop from God for the tablets. Verse 14 says “Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.”

The second occurred in 2 Samuel 24 when David took a census of the people of Israel, when he knew he wasn’t supposed to, and God gave him three choices for the punishment for all of Israel. Aka, the whole country was going to pay for the sin of their king. The “three days of plague” began and 70,000 people died the first day. David built an altar to the Lord at the place where the angel’s hand had stopped. He offered sacrifices there and his prayers were answered, according to verse 25, as shared above.

Maybe you haven’t experienced this, but I have been up and down in my own prayer life. At times I’ve felt like the persistent widow in Luke 18 who wouldn’t quit until she got a yes. Other times I’ve felt like the disciples who failed to pray with Jesus the night of his capture in the garden ... I’ve been unable to see the urgency and unable to stay alert.

Examples like the two I shared above remind me that although God is omniscient and omnipotent, He wants to hear from me. He created man (and woman) in His image. He knew how this was all going to end, but He still walked in the garden with Adam and Eve because He wanted relationship. He wants relationship with ME; He wants relationship with YOU.

Do I alone have the power to change things? Most likely not if I’m praying for selfish reasons, but definitely not if I don’t even pray at all. Dr. Ralph F. Wilson says:

“You'll find a number of writers that seem to imply that prayer doesn't change God, it changes us. While, no doubt, the process of prayer does change us, nevertheless Exodus 32 clearly indicates that Moses' prayer changed God's  proposed actions. If this is true – then prayer is powerful, since by prayer we  an appeal to and induce God to do something he otherwise would not have done. That's the basic premise that underlies a prayer of petition or intercession.”

Keep praying, friend.

If you pray for cancer to be cured in ten of your friends and only two are healed, how thankful will those two be that you prayed? Should you have not prayed at all because only two were healed? YOU make a difference; don’t give up on prayer even when things feel hopeless.

Be encouraged by this verse found in Micah 7:7 (NIV): “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Do you want to know more about prayer? Explore this link to Dr. Wilson’s article on prayer for further reading: http://www.jesuswalk.com/greatprayers/2_moses_intercession.htm.

God bless you!

~*~
Author Bio:
Amy Odland has been serving in church ministry as a volunteer leader for over 16 years, in various worship, prayer and women’s ministry roles. 

Her passion for helping women stems from her own struggles and lessons learned in her journey as a Christian since first deciding to follow the Lord in 1994.

Amy’s priorities after her faith include her family — husband Rick, and their four kids — as well as extended family who all live close in proximity and the many friends she’s made over the years.

In addition to a love of teaching and helping her husband with the bookkeeping for their many businesses, Amy has recently expanded her stay-at-home work to include leading author’s book launch teams for publishing companies like Baker, Revell, Barbour, and Lifeway.

She also enjoys teaching new authors about platform building, self-launching, and online marketing.

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Connect with Amy:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/amyodland
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy_odland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_odland
Website: https://amyodland.com