“echo through me.
let me stay a little longer, so I breathe in more of you.
if I could touch this moment’s wonder, I would not let go.
kneeling close in stillness…
then my tears will fall in rivers,
love will make them sweet.”
~ Karen Money, Echo
As we begin a new week, let’s give our soul’s a space to rest.
Let’s slow.
And savor a stillness.
Like a cloud moving slowly across the sky, just as you pause along your journey, you see its shadow moving so gently across where you stand.
Your soul recognizes this movement. Just like Moses felt the brush of God pass by him — as he hid — you feel He is near.
And it doesn’t matter any longer what you may have been doing — or wrestling over in thought — one second before you stepped into this pocket of rest.
All that matters is that you are here now.
You are loved.
You are seen.
You are heard.
You are accepted.
Come.
And draw near.
To Jesus.
As you are.
See.
In this very moment.
What He longs to show you.
What you’ve longed to show Him.
Listen.
To the Inner Voice of Love.
That whispers to you now.
Let it echo in you.
Confide
In Him as friend to friend.
What you’ve longed to whisper and ask.
Let your voice echo to Him.
#Soulrest. It’s #soulbeautiful.
Come. See. Listen. Confide.
These four movements I call Soul Conversations bring my soul rest.
Soul conversations create moments of whitespace — breathing rest for my soul — into my everyday life.
Even during the darkest season of my life,
when I could not control the worries and anxieties,
God’s soulful whispers would come.
Even if the spaces sometimes between these whispers felt quiet and far between,
like the draw of the moon upon the tides that turn (you know when you count the waves, so you know when to run and play catch with the tide upon the sand?),
like a soothing cloth upon my cheek when I laid alone (it’s the way I’d imagine a loving mother would find her place beside the bed in the dark when the nights grew long),
God’s voice always brings soul rest.
As I pour these soul rest words here at Faith Barista on Sundays, I hope they will refresh your soul as they do mine.
A Soul Conversation
Step into a moment of Soul Rest now.
Imagine yourself with Jesus.
Enter into the soulful whitespace of words from Isaiah 30:19-23 —
O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem,
you will weep no longer.
He will surely be gracious to you
at the sound of your cry;
when He hears it, He will answer you.
Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression,
He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself,
but your eyes will behold your Teacher.
Your ears will hear a word behind you,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
How do you hear God’s voice as you read this passage?
How does He sound — is His voice gentle or soft?
Which words draw you?
How do they make you feel?
{ if you feel prompted, click to comment. }
My Words
As I thought about the One Word God placed from my heart into my hands this week, I began to over-think again. My heart wanted to go into hiding again. As ideas started to flow about what I could do as the Beloved, I began to think maybe my ideas had been too grand. Maybe what I heard or saw about that One Word was beautiful, but I needed to tone it down. Take it down a few notches. And not be so reckless with belief.
Lord, what if all this was just a sigh of my heart’s desire,
And not the echo of your heart?
I’m not so sure now,
in this very moment,
as I step out to do what I feel prompted to try.
Don’t hide.
I need to see you in this.
Don’t be silent.
I need to hear you on this.
I guess what I’m really trying to say is, don’t leave me.
I want to step out, but it’s hard not seeing where it will lead.
Help me.
His Words
What you heard me whisper to you in quiet moments.
It’s still true.
I’ll keep saying it over and again.
Be. loved. When you’re not sure and afraid, I will make a way.
To you.
To reach your heart.
Again. And again.
I won’t give up on you.
I will be faithful.
I will not leave you.
To wander.
And if you falter, I’ll just keep whispering it, close to your ear.
This is the way — Beloved — walk in it.
When you find yourself looking to the side, at what someone else may be doing.
And you’re tempted to disappear again, I will remind you.
Beloved — stay close to me.
No matter how small or insignificant each step feels.
I won’t let you be anyone else.
I just want you.
Just call out to me.
And I will answer.
Listen.
Listen.
Listen.
I will tell you – over and again.
I. Love. You.
Your ears will hear a word behind you,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
~Isaiah 30:21
~~~~~
Confide in Jesus, as friend to friend.
~ How is God bringing you soul rest?
~ Do you have a Scripture, a song, poetry, a quote, a story or prayer — that feeds your soul this week?
~ Give voice to it. Share it with us in this soulful space and let it shape us too.
Pull up a chair. Click to comment.
{ Remember… Soul rest is soul beautiful. }
~~~~~
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48 Comments
This has been such a difficult year in several areas of my life. In all truth it has also been a year of great joy. Joy when I focus in the moment WITH Jesus.
Last night I awoke with the verse from Isa 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” So often during this season… many times during some days…I want to scream, “I CAN’T do this I DONT know HOW.”
God was answering that cry last night with a verse and picture. The picture is so similar to this one that Bonnie posted today.
God has been teaching me over these past years that truly I am “beloved” He invited me to allow myself to “be loved” by Him.
Sharing the “writing” from this morning here.
Beloved,
Stop!
Pause!
Rest!
Wait!
Reflect!
Know!
Stop from within the “moments”,
Even if only FOR a moment.
Stop and look for Me.
Look to Me.
Look at Me.
Stop and open your heart to Me.
Allow My love to restore your sense of “Belovedness”.
Pause within that “moment”,
Whatever sort of moment it is,
When you first begin to totter.
Pause, breath in My love.
Allow awareness of My love,
To become your ground.
Be grounded and rooted in My love.
Rest in My love.
Rest from the need to “be”,
Anything but Beloved by Me.
Rest your cares,
Your worries,
Your concerns,
Your “ I can’t”,
In the surety of knowing,
You ARE Beloved.
Wait for My Presence,
To be tangible.
Beloved, you will know,
That you are loved,
As your wait for the awareness OF Emmanuel,
God With You,
Loving you,
No matter what.
Reflect on Who I am.
Reflect on Who I say you are.
Reflect on Me.
Remember I AM reflected in you.
You ARE a reflection of Me.
Remember you are NOT a reflection,
Of what others think, say or do.
Reflect on what your heart knows,
Even when, in “that moment”,
Your mind has forgotten.
Know this:
I am Hope.
Hope is knowing,
That you simply ARE Mine.
I love you.
I am with you.
I will never abandon you.
Nor do I ever reject you.
You HOPE is in ME.
Hope is the anchor,
Which holds you secure,
Within the veil of My love,
No matter what.
1-12-14
I want to be with Jesus…I cannot stay in this room anymore…locked away and invisible. This room within my heart…where my silent screams for tenderness say…please don’t touch me with more than I can bare…I want to go home, I want to be with Jesus…I don’t understand how to let go! Allow it to happen! So, with no strength left of my own…I rest and wait.
Sandy,
That pain is so familiar to me — and the desire to disappear and to be like a turtle in a shell — so protected from what harms (others’ rejection and sin) and yet as a turtle I faced even more pain: my own self-inflicted loneliness and my old wounds unhealed. He has a path for healing and it is not a straight path in that we go from hurting to whole and stay that way. We zig and zag into this process of maturing and being healed. You are being so brave to open even though everything in you says, “stay closed off.” Sitting and waiting is not waiting upon nothing. THIS is faith — that you wait when all evidence and emotion says there is nothing left worth waiting for. You will find Him and much more. It may not be an overnight experience. These dark nights can last and fade in and out, but He is at work for your good and your freedom. I can say that from my own history of walking through some valleys of death in my own heart. Lo, He was with me — even when I felt He wasn’t. And, there will be more for me ahead — more unearthing, more pain, more questioning, seeking and thankfully more finding. Thank you for posting here.
Thank you Patti… we need each other for this journey…
Sandy, we’re all with you in spirit and in heart. Prayerful whispers with you.
Sandy, Jesus knows your pain. He knows your heart’s longing and He is drawing you to Himself.
At one time I lived inside my head. I seemed so stable. Inside I did not even know myself.
Over time, ever so gently God drew me out.
He taught me and is still teaching me who He is and Who I really am.
I am confident he will do the same for you.
God bless you,
Dodi
Dodi,
I love that He is echoing this message to so many of us this year! Blessings.
Thank you, Dodi… sharing how #soulrestsunday touches you.
Thanks so much for these peaceful soul rest words this morning, Bonnie. For the reminder that He will make a way when we’re not sure and afraid. This morning I read God’s promise in Exodus 33 – “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Begging for His Presence and the faith to believe He’s here right beside us even when we don’t feel it…
What a #soulbeautiful verse for #soulrestsunday, Trudi. Thank you…
Thanks for your words this morning, Bonnie. My one word this year is TRUST. For someone with control issues; this is a scary word. TRUST. Your words this morning spoke to me and reminded me I am loved. He is always with me and cares for me. The words I got this morning that spoke to me was 1Peter 5:7 – ” Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.” He cares for me affectionately and watchfully. I am His beloved. He loves me and wants only what is the very best for me and I can TRUST Him.
TRUST is a #soulrest prompting word. What a wonderful journey you’re entering.. and thank you for sharing your one verse here, Lisa.
Bonnie, your writing touches a chord in me that has long been silent. I believe the Lord is using you to bring healing and wholeness. thank you for sharing your journey and your struggle. Thank you for reminders of “soul rest” and where it is found. He is amazing.
Our journeys are #soulbeautiful, Barbara. May the echo you hear continue to resonate and whisper God’s words gently where you’ve longed for them to reach.
Ok, I let go…and just as I did with my eyes still closed..He heard my cry–now, as I wrote my thoughts He became my answer. But How?! I’ve asked a thousand times before!? Oh…I wasn’t ready! But God! That has been my year…where all that happened was followed by His Faithfulness so there were NO endings…just Faithfulness, Faithfulness and more Faithfulness. The bridge between an ending and provision summed up in 2 words–“but God…”!!! What could have been another year of tsunami like hardships became a thread of Life because of His bridge between agony and despair into grace, grace and more grace…the two word bridge of “but God…”!!
I remember from so many years ago, His Word He gave me in song….still sings…
“I wait for The Lord, my sound does wait
and in His Word
do I hope!
I wait for The Lord, my soul does wait,
and in His Word
I hope!
“Soul Wait for The Lord–
In Him there is kindness
in Him there is redemption from
Iniquity!”
…and now I understand His word the other day to me
In Isaiah 12
2-“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
2013 He spoke “but God!”
2014 He says “Behold God!”
And so I wait.
Thank you Jesus!
#soulbeautiful Sandy. Thank you Jesus for going where only you know the way in us!
Good Morning Bonnie and other sisters on this journey. This post really spoke to me this morning as I took MY time to sit and worship. Love the scripture. Needed that reminder as I am feeling nudged to move forward with a project and am letting fear hold me back.
There is a little book I found several years ago, “Come away my Beloved”. It really helped me through the grief of my late husband’s illness and death. It made me believe I was not alone and I learned to depend on God’s provision.
God gave me a new hubby, and I find at time I put too much faith in a person or something else and God reminds me that it is him alone I am to depend on. He is the unchanging one. It is HIS strength that will get us through. Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13.
I hope I have offered someone encouragement as you have offered me this morning. God Bless.
Thank you so much Mary — we need each other for this journey … and so many friends read behind digital screens… yet find soul rest in each other’s story. And your story can refresh those journeying through here.
Bonnie,
Again, your words bless my heart! My word is ASHAMED. Pray for me as I work on not being ashamed in any area of my life.
As you know, PTSD can hinder my goal.
Prayers for you & your family,
Yes, we are on this journey together. Thank you for sharing your word… God sees our shame and honors it by carrying it to become His. Look beside you. You’re not alone, friend. Let’s journey ahead unashamed one step at a time.
Thanks ,Bonnie, I have just opened my computer to find your wonderful words, about having a ‘soul rest’. it is just so beautiful and I found myself drinking every word. The most meaningful for me was the Words of Isaiah 30 about not looking to the right or the left but I will hear a voice behind me saying ‘this is the way walk in it.’
I have a neurological disease called Dystonia which affects the movements in my neck and spine. I have had it for 18 yrs like the woman in Luke 13, whom Jesus healed on the Sabbath. There was a woman who lives in Kent England who had Dystonia in all parts of her body and she was dying with all the treatment. She received prayer, and the Lord graciously healed her completely. Her name was Julie Sheldon. By God’s grace I managed to speak to her and she sent me a copy of her book called ‘ The Blessing of Tears’ On the cover she had written the Words from Isaiah 30 especially for me. So today you have revived my hope in Healing. And today I will rest in Jesus knowing in my heart that He has and will always be with me as I cope each day. I will be silent and listen to His heartbeat and feel SAFE. With love ,thanks and Blessings and HOPE , Maria xxxxxxx
Oh, so #soulbeautiful… His heartbeat you’re allowing us to hear through your story, your journey through Dystonia. Thank you, Maria. May Jesus continue to heal you in the safety of His words.
Bonnie,
I love the word “confide” … it will be my meat this morning — a bit of soul jerky to chew upon and digest slowly. It is my heart’s longing to confide in the Lord and to have a prayer life that is a confiding spirit between me and God. I may even write on this, but I’ll surely mention that the word was planted by you. What a blessing you are as you step out into the reality of being beloved!
You just affirmed an idea I had, Patty. I was shy about trying it out, but it’s been on my heart to have us blog about #soultime on Thursdays… so that way if the writing prompt doesn’t speak, we can still share about what we experience, see, hear, or touches us in our alone time — our “soul time” with God. What do you think? Please do let it flow and link it up on Thursday in the FaithJam if your heart starts pouring out on the page and you find yourself typing. Yes, *confide* has been a key movement in my soulful journey to intimacy with God. We’re hearing echoes of the same longing…
Thanks, Bonnie. It hit the mark, ministered (though made me cry), and the Holy Spirit used it to renew me. Thanks again. ~Allen
Bonnie,
Your words always touch my heart. My response to your words….
One of my favorite Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
My soul finds rest in my poetry. This piece is titled, “Dare to Live.”
I walk the path before me
Sometimes, trembling and afraid
My head held high
Taking life’s taunts and bruises
Falling to my knees
Quicksand closing-in
My life dimming before me
And, I remember to reach for Him
I grasp my Savior’s Hand
His Holy Spirit lifts me to my feet
I carry on my walk
Stronger than before…
For, I dare to live.
My prayer for all of us:
Dear and Precious Lord,
You know the joys and sorrows of our hearts. We place them upon your altar. Hold us as we go through. We know that you see, hear, understand and know all that we feel. Our sorrow is your sorrow…our joy is your joy. It is a wonderful privilege to be your child and we ask that your strengthen us as we walk the path you have chosen for each one of us. Amen
#soulbeautiful, Cynthia. Thank you for sharing this poem. It’s really beautiful. It sounds like lyrics to a song. Whispering “Amen” to your prayer… a virtual prayer time together. #Soulsweet, sister…
Bonnie,
Your words always touch my heart. Thank you. My verse today is “Be still and know I am God.”. Psalm 46:10. I am seeking answers on behalf of my so who is having some health issues but I know that as I seek, God will provide just what I need and my son too. I am being still and seeking His presence in all things. Have a restful Sunday.
Our children’s health… we need #soulrest and this verse hold so much of it. Lord Jesus, you see Tammy’s son and you see her mother’s heart. Place your peace as you continue to echo these words you’re carrying her with in the coming week. help her find the info that will help her son. In your name, Amen.
Hi Bonnie,
Thank you for sharing your heart. My word for this year is Shepherd. we need to remember to come to the Shepherd, to see Him, to listen to Him, and to confide in Him. I really like that you listed these as the four movements of a Soul Conversation.
The verse that has been on my heart this week (and has been a favorite for many years) is a promise from the Shepherd from Isaiah 42:16:
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
#soulbeautiful Ann — those two meet together to form a beautiful #soulrest picture.. may it grow and took bloom in soul conversation deepening between you and Him. Thank you for sharing a moment together.
“at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you”
Tears stream down my face as I read this. I have cried so much. Sometimes I think all I am is worth the tears, but that is not the case, I am worth, what my heart imagined as I read these words… God sitting there with his arms around me hugging me and loving me. Just now that is what I felt and heard said to me, you are mine and worth me holding and hugging you.
#soulbeautiful… Katie. The tears are evidence of His touch deep within… I hope us being here sharing this moment makes those tears turn sweet, cleansing the wound that hurts. It has been that way for me here. xoxo
Thanks dear friend.
I am loved.
I am seen.
I am heard.
I am accepted.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. You are #soulbeautiful Julie… #soulbeloved
The gospel group Gold City has an old song called “I’m not giving up” based on 1 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” That song has ministered to me in many ways in many circumstances and I highly recommend it.
Thanks, Frances. For this pairing. For us to check out and savor.
‘Our Father who art in Heaven…’ these words used to be part of daily prayer,
now they form part of my daily plea for a father’s presence and mercy and comfort,
having lost my father last mid December in a brutal way,
I pray for my family’s strength and peace of heart,
and in silence believe that Clement Gregory Mabina rests in that peace that only our Lord Jesus Christ gives.
Oh, Bonnie ~
Did I ever need this for a Soul Rest Monday today. We have had a sick household for 10 days now. The burden of not being able to keep the house up, etc brought me to my knees this morning and to the words you have written.
Thank you.
~ Dorothy
It is nice to see how many others are also being led on the spiritual journey of learning to REST in Him, to enter into His Sabbath rest and to BE love. Instead of the common shoe motto to Just Do it, I believe He encourages us, instead to Just BE it (love). We must receive it (be loved) to be it (be love). We are His workmanship, His epistles, His love poems in motion, being His touch of love to those we encounter in our day to day process of becoming more like Him and His love. Be encouraged, we are not alone in this journey, He is with us always.
The word “gracious” caught my attention. Do I really know all that the word means? I looked it up: “marked by kindness and warm courtesy, tact, compassion, and mercy,” Because our God is all that and more, when we cry out to Him, He hears us. God does NOT ignore His children. Better yet, He answers. A period of faith-strengthening, patience-building, and soul-searching may be required. But He WILL answer. No disclaimers.
Thank you, Bonnie, for inspiring us and for making us think!
Sunday was wonderful.
I read this early.
I read another blog (Just Wondering) which compared obedience to surfing.
I went to church. Baptism of the Lord, from Matthew: My Beloved Son! Obedient to fulfill all righteousness.
It didn’t make him the Son of God but proclaimed him.
My image? Clark Kent stepping into (and out of) the telephone booth.
He always had the power but was undercover.
He was proclaimed with power.
He came to bring Justice to the nation(s).
I thought I’d write a blog post, I was so inspired but you know time got away from me. There was something too in the sermon about living as the beloved, following Jesus’ example (baptism is not usually touted as something we do to imitate Christ) but we proclaim him.
Beloved.
It sat with me that busy day.
It made me trust in God’s love.
It made me count the graces (in my inbox, in church, in friends coming over) instead of fearing the unloving hands of time marching on and I’d be forever late.
It was a good day.
I didn’t get to sleep until after midnight though!
But it’s been okay today: still living more relaxed in the love of God.
I cannot tell you how much the Lord has spoken to me in the last week. My father fell badly a week ago, and had to be sent to the hospital. It has been a week of sadness, confusion, and many difficult decisions. But, the Lord has been so CLEAR in His guidance. It’s almost like He’s actually, physically holding my hand.
Thank you for this most encouraging post – it was a balm to my soul.
GOD BLESS!
I love the term soul rest. There are times when I do make time and get to spend more quiet time with the Lord than I do during the week. I love to meditate on a Scripture. I have a verse laminated and propped right next to my computer. It is:
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When I tend towards fear over uncertainty, I pray this Scripture and remind myself that the Lord is indeed with me.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Reminiscent of the words the Lord spoke to you, “This is the Way, Walk in it,” I remember words He spoke to me in the midst of anxiety and despair. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NIV There is peace and soul rest there. I can testify to that.
Blessings,
Janis
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