About a month ago, I wrote a post about Overcoming Dead Ends and Discouragement. The response was incredible. As I read the incoming comments and emails, I felt inspired and awed by the stories of faith.
The post touched something deep in all of us.
I felt the buzz of encouragement as people shared their experiences. In other words, I got caffeinated with faith.
So, here’s the challenge —
What if we explored topics of faith together more often?
The idea to kick off another Faith Barista Jam got me excited.
Keep Faith Fresh
There are a lot of different pressures pulling on us in all directions — away from faith. Our spiritual focus tends to drift, as we battle the dailiness of external demands.
We were never made to live apart from faith and we feel it. But God continually draws us back and never gives up on us. He uses everyday people and everyday things to spark our faith.
When we find what brings us closer to God and share it with each other, encouragement mixes into our daily journey of faith.
That is why I’ve decided to put aside some Thursdays for us to explore topics of faith, as a community.
Join me in my quest to keep faith fresh. Share your thoughts on Thursdays.
By simply sharing our faith walk, we become a refreshing community, offering glimpses into our everyday faith.
Will you take the Faith Barista Challenge?
The Thursday Faith Barista Challenge
Take The Thursday Faith Barista Challenge: Keep Faith Fresh
On a Thursday, I serve up a topic of faith for us to consider. You write the post.
One week later, we post our thoughts to share.
If you blog — Publish your post the following Thursday & submit your link the day of.
If you don’t blog — Post your thoughts as a comment.
Jam with me. Thursdays.
Faith. One week at a time.
So, What’s a Faith Barista Jam?
Well, it’s what musicians do — a jam session. It’s free form and imaginative. Everyone’s invited to bring their improvisation to the table.
Instead of talking about scales and riffs, we serve up shots of faith.
How It Works:
1. On a Thursday, I serve up a topic of faith to consider. You write the post.
2. One week later, we post our thoughts to share.
If you have a blog — Publish your post the following Thursday & Link up on the day of. (You’ll have an opportunity to submit your link on Faith Barista.)
If you don’t blog — Post your thoughts as a comment the following Thursday.
3. Build the Keep Faith Fresh community and invite others to check out the jam:
Include a link back to Faith Barista in your post. ~ or ~
Grab the Faith Barista Jam Badge to place in your post.
* Required Ingredient: Keep it real.
It’s a jam session. So, as time allows, say hi & drop a comment when checking out the community faith blends.
Looking forward to jamming together!
Keep faith fresh. Step right up… and serve up your shot of faith.
Next Thursday 9/16
Topic: Unexpected Encouragement
*** 9/16/10 UPDATE: CLICK HERE to check out the awesome posts that were submitted for this jam!
What do you think? Drop a comment and lemme know.
Psst… Check out the last Faith Barista Jam from this community — they are incredibly real and encouraging stories of faith! — Click Here —
89 Comments
I LOVE this idea! In the rush to feed the kids, work, do the laundry, cook etc, I usually fall into bed and can get no further than “Dear God” He deserves better than that, much better. He is always faithful and I need to work to be consistently faithful in return. I think these Thursdays will help! Thanks for hosting:)
We’re never too late for faith. Faith doesn’t have an expiration date. 🙂 Great, Lori!
Popping in with a hi and a hug this morning, my friend. I got an unexpected dose of encouragement yesterday. Writing, writing . . .
.-= Sandra Heska King´s last blog ..Cornucopia =-.
Oh, can’t wait, Sandra! Love it when you pop in.
This is a great idea. I hope that some of the topics you “serve up” will line up with my blog so I will be able to participate.
.-= Darrell´s last blog ..Why do I do church =-.
What are those topics, Darrell? Would love to hear your voice.
I can easily interact with my personal blog (http://thisismethinking.com) but as far as Project Awaken, we are doing a writing series this month called: “why church?” and in October we are doing a series called “The mission of the church”. I would love to interact with this though, it is a brilliant idea.
I love this idea, of writing now xx
.-= Saea´s last blog ..Someone please organise me =-.
Great, Sara!
I can’t wait, Bonnie. I love sharing with you and reading others words here. I finally have some vacation and I hope to get back in the swing of writing very soon.
.-= Kristine´s last blog ..Just Breathe – And Relax Already! =-.
Kristine, it’s such a rich faith time for you. Would love to sip from your thoughts.
Stepping out in faith can be lonely. Thanks for being a place where we can share our experiences together! Looking forward to it.
That’s how I feel. Exactly. And why I love the jams. I’ve got a mixture of topics that hopefully will draw us out… starting with me first. 😉 I love how your posts explore and open up those areas, Ed.
Right off the top of my head, i can’t think of anything to write about that would fit this theme. But wait, I have a whole week to get an “unexpected encouragement.” I will wait, and watch for what God does!
No sweat. Just join as the topic tickles you. Thanks, David!
This is a great idea…I look forward to jamming with you and everyone else!
.-= Rachel @ the science of music´s last blog ..Photo Hunt- Hot =-.
Yay, Rachel!
What a great idea!
Go for it!
.-= loreen mcdonald´s last blog ..Bigger- Brighter- Beautifuller 8-1 =-.
Thanks, Loreen! Love your Psalm thoughts on your blog.
Sounds interesting! It feels like it’s been awhile since I’ve jammed with you. Next Thursday, I will be there! 🙂
.-= Brett Barner´s last blog ..A Year =-.
That would be AWESOME, Brett! 🙂
Okay. So. I’m supposed to be giving in to my external demand of mopping my kitchen floor right now…but I will pop in quickly and say, “I’m in!” Just the other day, I asked my husband, “How is our faith active. Right here. Right now…” So this will be neat to ponder some more.
Much love,
Melissa
.-= Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful´s last blog ..Resolving to Build a Legacy – Part 4 =-.
I would LOVE to have your voice in this jam, Melissa!
Hey Bonnie,
I’m excited about possibly writing in a post. I’ve truly grown by learning from other ppl’s lives and faith experiences.
Cheers
Any time you feel like jumping in would be great, Liza! It’s a great community!
Sounds like a great idea, Bonnie. Look forward to seeing the exciting places this will take us. 🙂
Blessings, friend!
.-= jasonS´s last blog ..Debt to Love =-.
Blessings, friend! Your posts always challenge and encourage me, Jason!
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Hi Bonnie!
I found you on (in)courage some time back and started following you. Then I took some time off to set up a blog and now I am ready, willing and thanks be to God, able!!
I look forward to fellowship with you and all the people who sign up. Thank you for the great idea and the invitation!
I love you,
Grandma Patty Ann
.-= Grandma Patty Ann´s last blog ..Oh… =-.
Oh, Grandma Patty Ann! Your blog is beautifully put together – I’m so impressed! And you have such an open, welcoming place. So exciting!
Thank you for visiting honey! This makes me feel like a kid again! Love to you! GPA
.-= Grandma Patty Ann´s last blog ..Oh… =-.
I’m totally in. This is gonna be awesome. What a beautiful, fun faith-building adventure 😀 My spirit is hungry. Yay!
Awesome, Jeri!
Hi Faith,
I’m jamming!. I’ve got some catching up to do on your blog. Looking forward it.
.-= Gertha´s last blog ..Completing Him Challenge – Overall Feedback =-.
Always here, anytime. 🙂 Hope all is well, Gertha!
Great idea, Bonnie! I’ve been hesitant to blog about faith recently for a variety of reasons, but these prompts will be just the thing to get me back to it (though I may write some of them on my anonymous blog).
Looking forward to it!
.-= Joy´s last blog ..It Doesnt Have To Be Complicated =-.
Anywhere would be great, Joy! Anonymity has its privileges. 🙂
What a wonderful idea Bonnie! I am looking forward to participating next week. 🙂
.-= Kevin Martineau´s last blog ..The power of connectedness =-.
Looking forward to it — That would be awesome, Kevin!
This is a great idea Bonnie. You can count me in!
I’m so encouraged by my fellow bloggers. This past week I got to meet two incredible women bloggers. I had grown to love them through their blogs but I had a special encouragement when I got to hug them in person.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Wedding Fun =-.
I bet it felt more like a reunion than anything. Great you’ll be joining!
This seems fantastic! I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Have a great weekend!
P.S. My Mama’s name is Bonnie.
Aw. How sweet she must be. 🙂 Have a great weekend too, Kristine!
I love prompted writing! It’s a nice break from coming up with ideas, and how refreshing that we can write about faith and learn from one another.
I’ll check in next Thursday!
.-= Jordy´s last blog ..Readers Choice- Whirl =-.
Oh, good! That would be great, Jordy!
Sounds like a great idea… I’ll participate as often as I can…
.-= herbhalstead´s last blog ..breathoflife =-.
We’ll be here. 😉
This sounds very cool, Bonnie. I’m glad to jump in and get to know everyone!
.-= Cherie´s last blog ..Pre-Planning Holiday Giving =-.
Welcome, Cherie!
Sounds like a great idea. Delighted to receive and accept the invitation. I’ll give a bit more thought to it when there’s a little bit more time. ~donkimrey
Thanks, Don!
Can’t wait for next week!
.-= Myrtle´s last blog ..My Day Book =-.
Me, too!
I am so in on this one! Thanks for the idea!
Yay, Cari!
Awesome idea, Bonnie!
.-= Lynn Mosher´s last blog ..Continuing-and Failing-in Prayer =-.
More so ‘cuz you think so! — How’s it going, Lynn?
Thank you so much for inviting all of us! Looking forward to how God has been encouraging everyone! 🙂 Thanks, Bonnie!
.-= Debbie Feller´s last blog ..His Beauty Meets Attitudes =-.
So glad you’re here, Debbie!
Count me in (unless I have a blog tour going on or a book review). I have an unexpected encouragement next Thursday called, “Encouragement.” I’ll try to drop by next Thursday.
.-= Nikole Hahn´s last blog ..Dancing Hotdog =-.
No worries, Nikole. The light’s always on…
Actually, it’s called, “Chicago?!?!?!” That one was a typo. LOL. But it’s about encouragement.
.-= Nikole Hahn´s last blog ..Tony Hahn- The Day The Towers Fell… =-.
This will be my first Jam session! I am excited to share what the Lord gives me for the prompted posts! And I look forward to receiving from what others write! Thanks for the invite!
.-= Barbie´s last blog ..Something Beautiful Photo Contest =-.
Welcome, Barbie! I’m praying for rich soul-sessions for our jam.
Sounds awesome! You can count me in 🙂
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Light Overcomes Darkness =-.
Wahoo!
I love this! Now off to think about “Unexpected Encouragement”
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Tilling the Soil of the Heart =-.
Great!
By the way, I just shared my story at the women’s retreat and I posted it on my blog.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Tilling the Soil of the Heart =-.
Hi Bonnie!! I am in!! I am not a blogger but I will definitely post should the Spirit lead. Looking forward to the first topic! Have a blessed day!! 😉
Perfect, Michelle! As He moves…
Oh, Bonnie! I am SO there! Love it! Love it! Love it!
.-= Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms´s last blog ..Sometimes God Sends the Flower Repo Man =-.
Alright, Kristen!
Hey! I’m in –
This sounds awesome and I love to hear the ideas!
thanks!
What a great jam.. ! Love hearing yours… 🙂
Challenge-here I go!!!
Great to have you, Bev!
Am I too late?
Not too late! Thursday is when we jam.
[…] kicking off the series this Thursday — with you at the Faith Barista Jam! Click Here to see how you can participate! ~~~~~ Share a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts. I […]
So looking forward to this! 🙂
.-= Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..Searching for Treasures =-.
Serve it up, Melissa! 🙂
Great Idea!
Love this and will be another medium for the sole purpose of Glorifying Him!!!
You’ve read my heart, Joyce.
I’m in
.-= Bev McDougal´s last blog ..Hes Got the Whole World in His Hands =-.
This sounds like a great idea! I’m game. I hope I can get it right. 🙂
.-= Sheryl´s last blog ..Genesis =-.
Great! Just write from your heart.. It’s your perspective that adds variety to this community! 🙂
[…] Faith Barista Jam Thursdays is where we encourage each other by posting our thoughts on different topics of faith. Keep faith fresh with a faith prompt or writing prompt and add your voice to the community. Click here to learn how it works and help build the community. […]