“Living intentionally ultimately means staying true to yourself and how your family is made… listen to that still, small voice that says, ‘This is you.'”
~ Tsh Oxenreider in her newly released book Notes From a Blue Bike
I live in Silicon Valley.
I can bike to the headquarters of Google and LinkedIn in fifteen minutes, drive to Apple, HP and Evernote in twenty. Easy.
One of my first college internships was at IBM and I worked at Sun Microsystems for eight years.
There is nothing but pure energy for entrepreneurs. Everyone here is incubating an innovation — some awesome new idea — and there are startups springing up out of the ground like kids going nuts with sidewalk chalk art on a hot summer day.
I love the diversity and there’s an easy, open respect everyone has for all kinds of cultures and backgrounds. It’s literally like a global marketplace here. There is someone here from every country from around the world. No one is ordinary. And there is no set mold for “normal”.
I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love it here. I feel I belong.
But, there are side-effects to all this innovation.
Chaos
Overloaded with stress. Busyness. Loneliness.
Over-scheduled lives. Trying to do all, be all.
We’re relationship starved.
I don’t think anyone talks about it much. Because everyone is very good at figuring things out. We are self-reliant, resourceful and everyone is always networking. With all the innovation of technology and digital power, everyone is super at multi-tasking, getting things done at work and simplifying for the purpose of productivity.
Even things like fitness, parenting, ministry and family life easily becomes a treadmill of checking the boxes to show you’ve living the “good life”.
I don’t think this pressure of innovation — the pressure to produce and be someone of importance — is limited to high-tech Silicon Valley.
I guess the simple way to put is — wherever we value performance and our self-worth is attached to what we can accomplish, who we know and who knows us — well, our world becomes chaotic.
Underneath It All
It definitely doesn’t look that way on the outside. Everyone is always working on improving themselves and there’s always some new goal to achieve. And things are definitely happening. Places to go and people to see.
But underneath it all, there is something we can never gain by what we accomplish.
Relationships. Real, soul-filling, deep connection.
Friendships where we can really be known.
So much innovation, yet we feel so disconnected.
With our bodies. Our emotions. Our desires. Our time.
Working long hours. Struggling with private thoughts, doubts and fears.
People are lonely. Stressed. Burned out.
Just plain old exhausted. Tired.
So much speed but how do we slow down?
Something Beautiful: Counterculture
My season through panic attacks and anxiety has forced me to slow down. It’s been painful not being able to do and be all I used to do and be.
I haven’t been able to connect in circles I used to be a part of. I can’t multi-task like I used to.
Since I need to single-task, I’ve begun a soul-searching process to choose only the things that feed my soul.
But, something beautiful has emerged out of my slower and quieter life.
My recovery from anxiety does not allow me to say “yes” to people please or avoid conflict. I’ve had to learn to say no. Not just think it, but to really do it.
I’ve had to nurture my soul first.
And that is very countercultural.
It’s countercultural because you don’t have much to visibly show for results. The results are not quantifiable and they don’t gain you popularity.
But, the results are real.
The effects of choosing to nurture the soul are beautiful.
Because they create an inner quality.
That is life-giving. And soul satisfying.
A New Palette
Even though there has been a lot of pain and brokenness involved in switching to a soul-centered lifestyle, my husband and my children have really flourished and thrived in this season of chaos.
My friend Tsh of The Art of Simple has written a new book and she says something I so deeply resonate with.
“…living with intention requires a blueprint.”
~ Tsh’s words in Notes from a Blue Bike
My blueprint for slowing down isn’t a set of rules. And there is no goal to achieve this blueprint.
My blueprint is a blueprint for values I want to shape my life around.
Like the way an artist uses colors and texture to guide her art, I’m using a new palette of colors and they are all yeses for my soul.
Yes to a new lifestyle — yes to new set of choices and values — that align with the deepest core of who I am.
I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t just about saying no.
I’ve created a mental menu: shots of {Soul Rest}.
Just like coffee caffeinated, shots of {Soul Rest} brings the beautiful fragrance of a life brewed with slow.
Shots of {Soul Rest}: Slowing Down By Saying Yes
Slowing down is learning to say “yes” to new priorities:
1. Yes to nurturing my soul first. Enjoying spiritual whitespace.
2. Yes to relationship over productivity.
Simplifying to invest in relationships.
3. Yes to doing one thing at a time so I can be fully present.
Even if it means failing to meet people’s expectations
or cause others to think I’m failing at what I’m giving up doing.
4. Yes to regular coffee and dinner dates with friends.
5. Yes to meandering walks outside in nature
over checking something done off my list.
6. Yes to simple hikes and park time on the weekends
and playing tourist with hubby and the kids,
even if it means foregoing other activities
that seem cooler to “report” back to the echo chamber
of social popularity.
7. Yes to authenticity.
Giving myself permission be the real me.
8. Yes to sipping tea.
9. Yes to date nights.
10. Yes to wasting time,
being happy over being functional.
11. Yes to beauty. Fresh flowers every week or two.
Whenever I find myself stressed, anxious and feeling lonely among the chaos of life in our digitized, fast-paced world of wonderful technology and innovation — which I enjoy being a part of — I know I need a shot of soul rest.
I need slowing down.
I need some countercultural soul rest.
~~~~~
How about you?
How do you slow down in your world?
Pull up a chair. Click to comment and enter to win a copy of Notes From a Blue Bike.
~~~~~
** Enter Notes From a Blue Bike Book Giveaway! **
If you haven’t met her yet, take a breather and visit Tsh at the Art of Simple. Tsh has created a community there and she is as real in person as she writes there.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson, I’m giving away copies of Tsh’s book — Notes From a Blue Bike — to FIVE (5) RANDOMLY SELECTED WINNERS.
To Enter:
1. Share a comment by Monday 2/10/14. Winners will be announced here the next day.
For Extra Entries:
2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.
3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave an extra comment letting me know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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* Full disclosure: The publisher Thomas Nelson provided a gift copy of Notes From a Blue Bike but did not influence the content of this post.
95 Comments
Much wisdom is being gained as you take these steps, Bonnie! SOul Rest- YES! God used my injury (which brought me to blogging actually) in 2011 to slow me down. Oddly, I haven’t found a good reason to get back on that treadmill of busy! However it can be a kind of default, so you are right it takes intentional consideration before adding, yessing etc. The book looks wonderful…but I also am so glad to hear of your beautiful progression along the journey. Grace and Peace to you! Hugs, Dawn
I think soul rest is a state of mind. I can feel so stressed even when there is little to do but I still can’t get round to doing it. I am reminded and encouraged to cultivate mindfulness today, amidst all the stress of feeling so bad about procrastinating Thank you Bonnie.
Wonderful reading first thing this morning. This is a great reminder to all of us. I plan to share this with a couple of my dearest friends and would love to enter the drawing. Whoever is the recipient of this book will be blessed I am sure. Thanks for sharing with us.
Go outside and watch my ducks play in their pond! 🙂 For me, the Lord uses nature to calm my soul and restore my peace. 🙂
Love your posts Bonnie! Am praying for you on your journey!
Mmmmmmm… Loved your to-do (and to-don’t) lists! I’m entering a similar season, learning how my body NEEDS peaceful and restful to nurture and restore. God is teaching me, and keep putting people and stories in my path to nurture this in me.
If it were Spring or Summer I’d sit on the back patio with my Bible and my camera and watch the birds feed, dabble in a “dreaming of” garden, and capture sunsets; since it’s the coldest, snowiest winter on record, I’m indoors a lot, and that means soaking in the tub, singing and dancing to worship music, and slowly making my presence known in my home (moved here 4 months ago).
When He fills me to overflowing, I write at my blog or encourage others at theirs, or on social media. It’s hard to be still, but my body rebelled on me, and the healing will take time and learning how to process stress in healthy ways… Cause God draws us near in those times, so they won’t go away completely!
Love your heart Bonnie. Thanks for this timely message! You were being obedient in writing it!
We live in a “to do” world where producing is often equated with our worth. I want to have the “blueprint” to live my life with intention. Thank you for your thoughtful, truthful blogs. They speak to me things I, too, need to hear.
Thank you for all of your posts about rest and peace, this is something I am still learning, particularly the balance between rest and diligence. For instance, I can easily use the excuse of rest for laziness and forego discipline instead of diligently doing the things that are right before me. But the Lord gives grace and wisdom, praise Him!
Oh, P.S. Thank you for the book giveaway. I am subscribed via Feedly reader, does that count? 🙂
Thank you for writing your blog.
Thank you for doing it regularly.
Thank you for sharing other writers comments.
In the morning, I start with God’s Word then read other’s thoughts. These blogs help to bridge a connection from the spiritual to the physical application of God’s truth. “Living with intention requires a blueprint” is SO true!! For me, that blueprint has “remain consistent” stamped in red. Remaining consistent on the path of simplifying life needs that blueprint!
Thanks for sharing!
I love the concept of single-task. In our world of not multi task but infinity-task, the idea of focusing solely on one thing at a time is refreshing, and could be a life-saver concept for me! I will intentionally slow down and enjoy the ride, remembering if I focus solely on HIM, then the rest should fall into place. Many thanks for your brutal transparency to the rest of us…it has reaped many blessings for others.
Hello! I get your emails regularly and as a man I have to say that even though most of them are for women, I am usually touched by your awesome display of humility and willingness to share your thoughts so candidly. I really enjoyed this devotional as it helps me to see how my wife may feel in her world! The way things are in our world of fast paced living we definitely need to find time to slow down and find rest and relationship for our souls!
I love your comment about craving close relationships. That is so true for me. I simplify life so I am available more but then find no one else is available due to busyness. Ugh. I often then get frustrated and find myself trying to join in the busyness just for the sake of being around people. (I am a stay at home mom with teenage boys who do not depend on me for everything including schooling anymore.). I am working hard on just resting in being available and praying for opportunities to practice ministry of presence with people. I am learning to wait for The Lord to bring those to me rather than forcing myself on others. I love the idea behind this book. Margin is something we all need to have for true soul rest. I appreciate your encouragement through this blog. I am new to reading it but already know it is a treasure as are you. Blessings to you.
Ohmigosh, Cathy, I SO relate to the frustration of others inability (unwillingness?) to slow down and invest in a relationship! I understand other mindsets are not like my own, yet can’t help but think that they are really missing out on something AND robbing me at the same time.
Yes to doing one thing at a time … to be fully present …. to listen instead of planning my next comment. Thank you. And, yes, I love Tsh’s writing too
[…] Slowing down in a chaotic world :: Faith Barista […]
Hi Bonnie. I can so relate to your post of slowing down, and being fully present in the present. For me, slowing down involves connection. Connecting with God through prayer and scripture reading, giving my full, undivided attention to my family, and just like you, gifting myself with fresh, colorful flowers every two weeks. It is amazing how when I invest in Soul Rest, gratitude flows freely. Gratitude to God’s goodness even amidst trials, and deep gratitude for even the smallest things in life. Have a great weekend. Hugs.
Thank you, Bonnie. I am trying this year to focus more on nurturing my soul and taking care of myself. It’s hard for me, because I get these guilt feelings that I’m being selfish, but I try to replace those negative thoughts with truth – that God wants us to take care of ourselves and the first thing is to spend more time to nourish our souls with the richness of His grace. In the end we can be better persons to our family, friends, and others.
Lovely Bonnie,
This is the first time I’ve opened my mouth on your blog–but know that I’ve been following your blog for a year or so. You’ve blessed me in so many ways, even at our different stages in life. Being a senior in high school is perhaps the hardest time to try to slow down, and your words have spoken peace to my life. You are a gift to many!
I slow down by watching the birds at my feeders. Some might say I’m wasting time staring off into space. But I revel in their cheerfulness eating, drinking, and bathing. I also take walks along the river. Sharing that special time with God or a friend.
I am so encouraged by all the posts you write and have been grateful to journey along with you in your recovery. I’ve struggled with anxiety for a long time and have been working on healing for years. I’m at a good place – but still working. Your openness and vulnerability has been a true gift to those of us are growing with you and I’m so thankful you chose to share your journey with us!
Trying to simplify my life after living with physical and emotional clutter baggage for too many years! Need all the help and encouragement I can get! Thanks you!
I also liked on Facebook!
Slowing? It has to be sabbath on Saturday, which I don’t keep all that well. But if there’s a time for catching up, it’s Saturday. You’ve taught me about white space, Bonnie, and so I look to my calendar to see where there is white space, but then I fill it up with a Costco run or tea with a friend (both of which have turned out to be good choices for the time, and blessings). I grew up with a parental imposed sabbath on Sunday. No homework allowed on Sunday, so I’d better get it done earlier! (I realized Friday could be like any other school night, get the homework done first, then if there was too much I could do it over Saturday.) Now it’s not like Saturday is a do nothing day but it is a relax and have fun day. Relax and rest in free time, time with God.
I like what you said about palette and blueprint. I’ll have to give that more thought and prayer.
I’d like to read Tsh’s book too!
Thanks for this much needed post! I slow down with a cup of coffee or tea and snuggle with my little furry friend. Roxy is a PekaPom. I also feel like I need to be busy all the time or I feel lazy. Thanks for reminding me that it is ok and needed!
Have a good weekend.
My problem is that I don’t slow down. I just wrote about my own confrontation yesterday. i have to rest. I have to take on Jesus’ yoke and stop trying to walk this path in my own strength. But that is very hard.
My One Word for 2014 is Joy and I’m finding that as I pursue the things that bring me joy, they are also the things that bring me Soul Rest. The pursuit has to be intentional or it will not happen so I am working on choosing joy by choosing rest. Some practical things I have done are removing facebook and twitter from my phone so I am not constantly plugged in and making time for face to face friendships.
Bonnie, thank you once again for beautiful words that stirred necessary things in my spirit. I am so grateful for you.
I shared on Facebook, because others need to read this too:)
I think everyone with to-do lists should throw them all in a pile in the middle of the street, douse it with gasoline and toss in a lighted match. Then turn to God with arms and hearts wide open and say, “Show me how to live.”
Bonnie, how perfect to think of this as “shots of soul rest”! I usually think I am revitalized by busyness, but I resonate with your list It makes so much sense that we need to simplify to be more authentic. We need to be pared down to who our Creator made us to be truly seen. Look forward to reading Tsh’s book!
Bonnie,
Thank you, once again, for sharing a part of your world with us. You are a blessing. Your words are a blessing. Slowing down and living authentically… This week, I decided to slow down, rest, regenerate and recreate. I’ve just recently pulled all of my advertisements(I pulled the one on your site, too;-) and decided to take a rest from creating nonstop. I love what I do, but I also know when I need to take a step back, rest and readjust. I need time to sit at His Feet and just be…to soak-up His Presence and receive healing for my soul. I think so many of us believe we must always be on the go…making things “happen” in our lives, that we forget to breathe and enjoy life. It has only been a day or two, but I can feel myself breathing and taking-in the beauty of life around me–the glistening and sparkling snow; the warm swirls of breath rising in the frigid air as I breathe in and out; the soothing smell of my honey-laced green tea; the beautiful embers on the logs in the fireplace; the soaking-in of His Word and meditating on Him; the creation of purposeful and life-giving art work in my studio; the sounds of my family walking, laughing and being…. This is slowing-down and living for me. I need to do this more often and I will. Many blessings and much joy~
Inspiring!
Cynthia, thanks for your courage to step back and not push forward. This is trust — when we follow the call to withdraw and refresh, we will be filled and have more pouring in the future.
Thanks, Bonnie, for this post. When I need to slow down and relax I turn to the blogs that I follow, in particular, ones like yours – many uplifting stories.
Loved the honesty of your blog post. God has really put it on heart this year to Simplify and has followed that up with showing me (without me searching) how many others are well on that road ahead of me. I am so anxious to read this book and would love to win it. Also glad that I found your blog.
Slowing down is so hard when everyone around you is going full steam…in the past I have felt lazy when I wasn’t living up to the speed of those around me. I am now at a point where I feel more comfortable with myself and who I am and what my family values…I don’t care what everyone else is doing. I need to do what is best for my family and slow, intentional living is what we are working towards. I love the thought of just doing one thing at a time…Multitasking does create much more stress for me!
“We’re relationship starved.” Thanks for the phrase! I’ve been using 198 words (or more) to attempt an explanation of it & BAM! … there it is, so simply said for all it’s complexity.
“Even if it means failing to meet people’s expectations
or cause others to think I’m failing at what I’m giving up doing.” Also “Yes to wasting time, being happy over being functional.” Ouch! That’s so uncomfortable for me. Thank you for the call back to the slow lane.
Oh, Bonnie! Your question hit me right where I live. How do I slow down? It’s funny really…your post talked of the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley and in a sense I can relate. My husband is a software developer/programmer and the company he works for is very much like what you described in your post. We have become a very “tech-y” family. Even though you live in California and I now live in Ohio things are not really so different.
Yesterday I was on my way to some training (I am a special ed. teacher) in a town about an hour away. I had never driven this particular road before. I was out in the middle of the country, not another car in sight. I slowed down and stopped and stared out over the miles and miles of farm field covered in snow. It was the most peaceful scene.I felt like I was in a snow globe. I looked over and there was the most gorgeous, red ROUND barn. There are not many round barns left. It was so beautiful against the white snowy backdrop. It looked like something one would see in a book. One beautiful, peaceful moment frozen (literally) in time. I felt like I was the only one in the world at that moment. I thanked God for the beauty of His creation on that cold winter day. Sometimes when we take that moment to slow down, God blesses us in ways that we could not have imagined earlier.
Your posts always seem to touch and resonate with my spirit…some of the ways I take time to slow down is to read, a novel just for myself to unwind, or take a hot bath to relax, and my favorite way is to drive over to the coast with no agenda and no plans stopping along the way to enjoy the produce stands or just sit on the beach.
Bonnie,
I also shared your post on Facebook. I believe there are a lot of people out there that need to think about slowing down. Life is already speeding by at a rapid pace…we all just need to breathe!
“Whenever I find myself stressed, anxious and feeling lonely among the chaos of life in our digitized, fast-paced world of wonderful technology and innovation — which I enjoy being a part of — I know I need a shot of soul rest.” AMEN!! Bonnie I have followed your blog since before your PTSD diagnosis. Your writing has encouraged, blessed and even convicted me. I am soon to be 67…probably old enough to be your mother. I find myself at a time of “Slowing down is learning to say “yes” to new priorities.” Trying to discover just who is ‘real’ me. Thank you for sharing your journey.
subscribed! {and glad to find your site!}
I think we have to be ‘intentional’ about slowing down in this world that ‘spins’ faster and faster. I try to stop and give thanks to God each day for all the wonderful gifts He has given me.I try to be ‘present’ in the ‘now’ of each day. I stop and LISTEN to the doves cooing in the tree, really SEE how blue the sky really is, FEEL the breeze blowing on my face, enjoy watching the hummingbirds as they flit from flower to flower… Stopping to give thanks to the One who created all things for us to enjoy, gives me great pause to stop and enjoy life…and also puts a smile on my face!
Blessings to you!
I marvel as I observe birds flit and feed and fly and drink and bathe and perch. Their lively activities make me pause and be in the moment with them. (:
I need to slow down and savor each day, each friend and each experience in order to find the joy of resting in Jesus and giving Him my yoke of labor and pain. Your book sounds like one that will bring me into a place where my inner being is refreshed, and connected to the Source that brings joy and peace each day.
Slowing down is something I am consciously working at doing more often. I have celiac disease, asthma, many food/environmental/chemical allergies, mcs, and adrenal fatigue. I really identify with your journey, Bonnie. I am going to write down your points on index cards.
To give myself soul rest I get daily workouts and quiet times, and enjoy the beautiful creation along my bus route through the country ( I drive a school bus for four sweet autistic boys).
Honestly, these days, I don’t really slow down. I NEED this book. 🙂 ha ha!
I am a subscriber and have really been enjoying your posts of late. Thank you for sharing your story.
I shared on FB and Google+ 🙂
How do I slow …
Most mornings I start the day slow – as C.S. Lewis advised – watching thoughts crowd in as I lay in bed, and fending them off like wild animals – while I allow the still voice of God to come into my mind and heart. I give the day to Him and ask Him for guidance.
Mid-day I pause and sit while the boys also go to their rooms and relax for what we have come to call, “Quiet room time.” It isn’t a mandatory or forced time, but a time of invitation which we moved into when our youngest outgrew his nap. We need a time to slow midday before the afternoon takes off. We refresh and sometimes I even close my eyes for a bit and then I breathe and pray.
I have started a habit of slowing at night with a book in bed. I take the time to review the day and to lay my concerns at God’s feet and unburden myself of the day.
Thankfully the blogging community encourages rest and I join with other bloggers on Still Saturday and sit still once each weekend with nothing else but myself and the Lord — sometimes I go from there and take photos or write or read or paint.
I am a home-educating mom who has a part time job and a full blog and friendships and ministry. Life says, “go,” but I am learning to say, “wait” sometimes and to put some space between me and the din of demands.
Thanks for this post, Bonnie 🙂 As always. You are a treasure.
Oh my stars, this one spoke straight to my depths. Thank you so much. <3
Subscribed. 🙂
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/ThatKittenMimi/status/431994675595997184
I knit, ride behind my husband on his motorcycle, I go out into nature and walk or sit, I used to run, I have started an art journal (I drew in it only once so far, two days ago). I write in my journal, but I have a hard time slowing my thoughts and pinning them down. So I have to write by hand, very slowly, and I concentrate on writing each word and letter in my very best handwriting. This slows my brain down enough to “catch” my thoughts clearly. And when I slow my brain down, I am able to hear God speak to me in His still small voice.
Relationship over productivity. So, so, good! So glad you are saying yes to those things.
I slow down with a cup of hot tea, a good book, and gentle music. Sometimes all three at once, if I can pull it off!
I also have reached the season for mono-tasking, as multi-tasking is no longer possible
This post has taught me a valuable truth- which is to learn to recognise when I need some soul rest. slowing down. for what I CAN do to be enough.
Thanks Bonnie- a pertinent post for me, indeed.
Many blessings from Mary, New Zealand.
Yes, timely reminders. But even simplifying life can still leave us with chaos within. The simple has to lead us to rest with God.
I really needed to read this today! The Lord put it on my heart (this year) to slow down and make time to cultivate relationships I have. I have been so busy and caught up in my own schedules and things that I have allowed allowed relationships to drift off. I need to slow down for me, too. God is speaking to us, but there are so many times that the busyness of life floods him out. Thank you for this great reminder to slow down and enjoy the life, and people, God has given to us.
I would love to win
I also live on the Peninsula / Silicon Valley and could relate to everything you wrote. There is this intense need to exceed and excel – at any cost. I love how we need soul rest. You are right. The more that people live this way, the more cultures will change. I need this book!!
I have enjoyed the excerpts from The Blue Bike & can’t wait to read & share it!
I like the steps you’ve taken to pursue your soul rest. Sometimes I feel like I’m rushing and never get caught up. I love my job working with the children and believe it is a gift from God during this season of my life. They are so loving and I feel God’s pleasure. But there are so many areas of my soul that still need nurturing. I try to spend time at home on the weekends and read and light a candle and listen to music. I seem to never have enough time to work on my book but can hammer out a blog post easily enough. I want to hike the mountains nearby. And I miss my family who live on the opposite coast from me. I guess I need to work on my plan for obtaining more soul rest and quit worrying about meeting everyone’s expectations.
Thank you for this and …that book sounds very good.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
There’s no mistake we (I) am meant to slow down. Logically I know this, soulfully I yearn for this and realistically I fail to accomplish this as much and as DEEPLY as I would like. Thankfully I am learning that as soon as I notice that weighted down feeling, that felling of running on auto-pilot and so disconnected from the sunlight of the spirit that it is not to late to pause, turn or start over. Instinctively I can find my peace place again when I pay attention to my true needs.
I love how your “Slowing down to say yes” list- what great suggestions! I need to incorporate so many of these into my life. My word for the year is simplicity and I’m trying hard to honor it. This book looks like a great read! I have her other two books and Tsh has sure helped me to get organized, all for the purpose of making life simpler.
Ps, I love your blog and always enjoy your posts.
I subscribe to Faith Barista 🙂
I read a lot in my free time and schedule time to be alone!
I myself have been forced to slow down due to chronic illness, and although I would never have chosen this for myself, God chose it for me. I was a typical type A personality, perfectionist, people pleaser, ect. I have learned so much about myself in this season of my life, things I would have never learned otherwise. In the beginning, I had a hard time seeing my illnesses as a blessing, and some days I still struggle with that, but the blessing comes in the things that I have learned in this difficult season. God has shown me that I do not have to do, to be worthy. I don’t have to accomplish to find His favor. I just have to be! After all, he wants my heart, and I am still learning that resting in him is just where he wants me!!
I slow down by relaxing when my kids nap and not always rushing to get everything accomplished
I’m definitely in this motion to live simply — less chaos — have deeper relationships. It is counter-cultural …swimming upstream kind of thing but well worth it! Would love to read the book 😉
This sounds like a beautiful book and I would so love to read it.
hael1101@stcloudstate.edu
I have subscribed via e-mail – I look forward to receiving your messages!
hael1101@stcloudstate.edu
https://twitter.com/heyooletsgo/status/432315177640284160
Shared this on twitter. 🙂
Love this, Bonnie. I’ve been forced to acknowledge my need to slow down as well. It’s something every one of us need to do, even if we don’t realize it yet.
I’m learning to live differently. God has shown me that my previous lifestyle wasn’t authentic at all. Pain has also brought this to fruition, but I have become so thankful for it. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!!
I’m subscribed to Faith Barista!
Sometimes what appears to be “the big” life actually makes you feel very small. I would love to read this book to gain additional perspectives.
I would lovr to win a copy of Tsh’s new book. I need tips and motivation on slowing down, simplifying, and living life with intention.
Yes, I need this type of soul rest. I so understand needing it but I don’t always do it. I am trying to slow down to help my own anxiety, but somehow it hasn’t worked very well. It is even hard to just get my own whitespace time right now. I take it in snatched moments 5 minutes here and there. I am exhausted all the time and working so hard and days off spent in doctor’s offices, which then doesn’t feel like a day off.
I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to learn to slow down… my job is stressful and I was burned out–beyond exhausted, with my mental and physical health in danger of collapse. I’ve spent lots of time walking in the woods, sitting on a friend’s deck listening to the creek and the birds, sitting in front of my fire, “doing” nothing… just “being”, recovering peace and hope and health. I’m not there yet, but I am recovering myself, living in God’s strength because there is no other choice… God is truly good!
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Thank you for this post. Been learning to say ‘Yes’ to my soul more than going out of my way and doing things that simply don’t satisfy. Setting some new priorities too and I’m borrowing some from your list 😉 God bless
I sooooo needed that reminder of taking the time for soul. I’ve been consciously working that in the new year. still feeling guilty sometimes, but the payoffs are rich and rewarding reminders of what I truly care about… and almost enough to get me “off the hook” with my guilt!
I start my day with the daily reading from “The One Year Chronological Bible.” Then visit Wendy Pope’s vlog about the reading. My life is about to change from emptynester to our daughter and granddaughter moving into our “nest.” I could use some wisdom from Tsh’s book and thank you for the opportunity to win!
Thank you! If I could hug you I would!
This is me after a long road of anxiety, depression and bereavement.
And I know the things I have to say no to, but am only just discovering the things I need to say yes to.
And hanging out with Jesus is a big part of that, but I’m not sure yet what shape that takes as it’s a bit alien to me. I’m used to structure because that’s what we do. We plan. We make lists so we can tick them off and give ourselves a pat on the back.
Thank you so much for reminding me it’s ok.
It’s all part of the journey.
And I love the news that your husband and children are flourishing too.
That’s a concern of mine too.
I’m excited and a little daunted by the journey ahead.
But he’s got me!
Bonnie…THANK YOU! for sharing your journey…your words are just so spot on. God is definitely with you as you give us words from your life. You give Him human voice. God bless and keep you! 😀
Thanks for your encouagement.I have been spending more time as of late-time with the Lord and seeking his will.to rest in him-depend-rely on him.asking his guidance and direction-his help for being a better person-wife-mother-grandmother of an autistic grandson.Have a blessed day and thanks again for your stories.
thanks for the great giveaway! (would love a copy . . . I have it on request from the library, but would love a copy of my own!)
subscribed too. (have been for a while now!)
An afternoon reading; long walks or hikes; drives through the country side… Places with space to breathe!
I am subscribed as well
Wow, fantastic weblog format! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The total glance
of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
Great article and so true!!!
I am going to actually read multiple times!
Thanks, Lisa!
Being out in nature and having prayer times throughout the day is my main “soul rest”. Swimming, watching the birds, fishing, and just going for a walk are also great ways for me to breathe it all in and exhale out. In winter and rainy days, I just read! The Bible is the ultimate nourishment for my soul.
Subscribed