Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

Keep Faith Fresh — Take The Faith Barista Challenge

By Bonnie Gray • September 9, 2010 • 89 Comments

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

FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

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.

FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

FaithBarista_Jam

* 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 —

faith

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

89 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

The Faith Genome: Dare To Beat Monotony
How Encouragement Came As A Croissant

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You’ll Ever Find “The One”

  • How to Choose Joy When Joy Seems Easy for Others But Hard for You

  • What A Vet Taught Me About My Personal Battles (10 Lessons From Vietnam)

  • If You’re Stressed About The Election: God’s 5 Powerful Promises To Encourage You

89 Comments

  • Reply Debi Lohr September 9, 2010 at 3:27 am

    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:)

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:17 am

      We’re never too late for faith. Faith doesn’t have an expiration date. 🙂 Great, Lori!

  • Reply Sandra Heska King September 9, 2010 at 4:45 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:18 am

      Oh, can’t wait, Sandra! Love it when you pop in.

  • Reply Darrell September 9, 2010 at 5:54 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:20 am

      What are those topics, Darrell? Would love to hear your voice.

      • Reply Darrell September 9, 2010 at 11:14 am

        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.

  • Reply Saea September 9, 2010 at 5:56 am

    I love this idea, of writing now xx
    .-= Saea´s last blog ..Someone please organise me =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:20 am

      Great, Sara!

  • Reply Kristine September 9, 2010 at 6:03 am

    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! =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:21 am

      Kristine, it’s such a rich faith time for you. Would love to sip from your thoughts.

  • Reply ed cyzewski September 9, 2010 at 7:33 am

    Stepping out in faith can be lonely. Thanks for being a place where we can share our experiences together! Looking forward to it.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:23 am

      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.

  • Reply David @ Red Letter Believers September 9, 2010 at 7:34 am

    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!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:24 am

      No sweat. Just join as the topic tickles you. Thanks, David!

  • Reply Rachel @ the science of music September 9, 2010 at 7:54 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:24 am

      Yay, Rachel!

  • Reply loreen mcdonald September 9, 2010 at 9:05 am

    What a great idea!
    Go for it!
    .-= loreen mcdonald´s last blog ..Bigger- Brighter- Beautifuller 8-1 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:26 am

      Thanks, Loreen! Love your Psalm thoughts on your blog.

  • Reply Brett Barner September 9, 2010 at 10:05 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 10:13 am

      That would be AWESOME, Brett! 🙂

  • Reply Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful September 9, 2010 at 10:14 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 1:36 pm

      I would LOVE to have your voice in this jam, Melissa!

  • Reply Liza September 9, 2010 at 11:10 am

    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

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 1:37 pm

      Any time you feel like jumping in would be great, Liza! It’s a great community!

  • Reply jasonS September 9, 2010 at 12:25 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 1:38 pm

      Blessings, friend! Your posts always challenge and encourage me, Jason!

  • Reply Things I Love Thursday! | Pocket Full of Prayers September 9, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    […] I have added a banner on the right to Keep Faith Fresh ~ Take the Faith Barista Challenge […]

  • Reply Grandma Patty Ann September 9, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    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… =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 1:39 pm

      Oh, Grandma Patty Ann! Your blog is beautifully put together – I’m so impressed! And you have such an open, welcoming place. So exciting!

      • Reply Grandma Patty Ann September 9, 2010 at 3:11 pm

        Thank you for visiting honey! This makes me feel like a kid again! Love to you! GPA
        .-= Grandma Patty Ann´s last blog ..Oh… =-.

  • Reply Jeri @godsdreamsforme September 9, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    I’m totally in. This is gonna be awesome. What a beautiful, fun faith-building adventure 😀 My spirit is hungry. Yay!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 7:40 pm

      Awesome, Jeri!

  • Reply Gertha September 9, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 7:40 pm

      Always here, anytime. 🙂 Hope all is well, Gertha!

  • Reply Joy September 9, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      Anywhere would be great, Joy! Anonymity has its privileges. 🙂

  • Reply Kevin Martineau September 9, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    What a wonderful idea Bonnie! I am looking forward to participating next week. 🙂
    .-= Kevin Martineau´s last blog ..The power of connectedness =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 9, 2010 at 9:27 pm

      Looking forward to it — That would be awesome, Kevin!

  • Reply Debbie September 10, 2010 at 12:13 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:45 am

      I bet it felt more like a reunion than anything. Great you’ll be joining!

  • Reply Kristine September 10, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    This seems fantastic! I’ll definitely have to check it out.

    Have a great weekend!

    P.S. My Mama’s name is Bonnie.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:25 pm

      Aw. How sweet she must be. 🙂 Have a great weekend too, Kristine!

  • Reply Jordy September 10, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:25 pm

      Oh, good! That would be great, Jordy!

  • Reply herbhalstead September 10, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Sounds like a great idea… I’ll participate as often as I can…
    .-= herbhalstead´s last blog ..breathoflife =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm

      We’ll be here. 😉

  • Reply Cherie September 10, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    This sounds very cool, Bonnie. I’m glad to jump in and get to know everyone!
    .-= Cherie´s last blog ..Pre-Planning Holiday Giving =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm

      Welcome, Cherie!

  • Reply don Kimrey September 10, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    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

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Don!

  • Reply Myrtle September 10, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Can’t wait for next week!
    .-= Myrtle´s last blog ..My Day Book =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm

      Me, too!

  • Reply Cari September 10, 2010 at 6:30 pm

    I am so in on this one! Thanks for the idea!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:27 pm

      Yay, Cari!

  • Reply Lynn Mosher September 10, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    Awesome idea, Bonnie!
    .-= Lynn Mosher´s last blog ..Continuing-and Failing-in Prayer =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:27 pm

      More so ‘cuz you think so! — How’s it going, Lynn?

  • Reply Debbie Feller September 10, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:28 pm

      So glad you’re here, Debbie!

  • Reply Nikole Hahn September 10, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 10, 2010 at 9:29 pm

      No worries, Nikole. The light’s always on…

      • Reply Nikole Hahn September 11, 2010 at 9:08 pm

        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… =-.

  • Reply Barbie September 10, 2010 at 10:34 pm

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 11, 2010 at 3:52 pm

      Welcome, Barbie! I’m praying for rich soul-sessions for our jam.

  • Reply Kristine McGuire September 12, 2010 at 4:57 am

    Sounds awesome! You can count me in 🙂
    .-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Light Overcomes Darkness =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 12, 2010 at 8:18 pm

      Wahoo!

  • Reply Katie September 12, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    I love this! Now off to think about “Unexpected Encouragement”
    .-= Katie´s last blog ..Tilling the Soil of the Heart =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 12, 2010 at 8:18 pm

      Great!

  • Reply Katie September 12, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    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 =-.

  • Reply Michelle September 13, 2010 at 6:44 am

    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!! 😉

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm

      Perfect, Michelle! As He moves…

  • Reply Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms September 13, 2010 at 8:43 am

    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 =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm

      Alright, Kristen!

  • Reply Denise September 13, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    Hey! I’m in –
    This sounds awesome and I love to hear the ideas!
    thanks!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm

      What a great jam.. ! Love hearing yours… 🙂

  • Reply Bev McDougal September 13, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    Challenge-here I go!!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 13, 2010 at 3:39 pm

      Great to have you, Bev!

  • Reply DS September 13, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Am I too late?

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 13, 2010 at 3:39 pm

      Not too late! Thursday is when we jam.

  • Reply How Encouragement Came As A Croissant | Faith Barista September 14, 2010 at 1:11 am

    […] 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 […]

  • Reply Melissa Brotherton September 14, 2010 at 8:45 am

    So looking forward to this! 🙂
    .-= Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..Searching for Treasures =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 14, 2010 at 8:02 pm

      Serve it up, Melissa! 🙂

  • Reply Dee September 14, 2010 at 9:01 am

    Great Idea!

  • Reply Joyce D. September 14, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Love this and will be another medium for the sole purpose of Glorifying Him!!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 14, 2010 at 7:57 pm

      You’ve read my heart, Joyce.

  • Reply Bev McDougal September 14, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    I’m in
    .-= Bev McDougal´s last blog ..Hes Got the Whole World in His Hands =-.

  • Reply Sheryl September 14, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    This sounds like a great idea! I’m game. I hope I can get it right. 🙂
    .-= Sheryl´s last blog ..Genesis =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray September 14, 2010 at 7:58 pm

      Great! Just write from your heart.. It’s your perspective that adds variety to this community! 🙂

  • Reply What To Do When Your God-Sized Dream Stalls | Faith Barista September 16, 2010 at 12:11 am

    […] 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. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact