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Dear Little Girl Lost :: A Letter, Photos & A Giveaway (Day 7) 21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace

By Bonnie Gray • June 12, 2014 • 72 Comments

Dear Seven-Year-Old Bonnie,

I know you would never want to say it.  But, I know you are lonely.

I know you are always smiling.  But, deep inside there are tears.

At night, when everyone is finally asleep, you look out into the moonlight peeping in through the second-hand Mickey Mouse curtains left by the family who rented the house before you.

You look at shadows streaming across your walls created by headlights of cars driving past behind your room.

You pull the covers up to your chin and you cry.

You don’t know it, but you are very loved.

There is someone in this world who knows every single thought that crosses your divided heart.  The heart divided between father and mother, your questions and everyone else’s anger and silence.

There is someone who collects every drop of your tears who sits by you at bedside every night.  He knows you find it hard to sleep and it breaks his heart you cannot feel the touch of his hand on yours.

That someone is Jesus.

And He isn’t going to let these hard years, these hard moments pass by unnoticed. Unspoken. Unacknowledged.

It will be painful when you finally realize just how loved you are, because in order to be found, you will have to realize you have been lost.

It’s okay.  Because this is how you will know that you are known.
This someone named Jesus will take all your broken pieces.

And He will make something new and beautiful.

He won’t dishonor your pain by burying the broken pieces away.

Jesus will use everything that has shattered and He will make them His very own and allow them to break His heart for you.

He will then take all that brokenness and draw you to His side, into His embrace — and in that holding, all those broken pieces will be put back together.

And your heart will finally awaken.

You will be real.

You will live a better story.

You will be able to truly, deeply rest.

You are loved.

You are cherished.

You will know this, irrevocably.

Just rest.

~~~~~

Write a letter to your younger self.  What would you say to her, knowing what you know now?

Write a blog post & link up at the end of today’s post.  It’s Whitespace Thursday.

What is one/two words you would say to your younger self?  Click to comment.  You’ll be entered to win a beautiful pitcher to hold a whitespace moment: flowers. 

dailygracepitcherComment to Win DaySpring’s Daily Grace Pitcher

I love seeing the bloom of flowers resting in a pitcher.  Something inside me smiles & breathes.

Enter By Sunday 6/15 Midnight:

To celebrate the launch of my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace, DaySpring is giving away (5) FIVE Daily Grace Pitchers so you can enjoy your favorite flowers. Personalize your one/two words on this DaySpring Pitcher to remind the little girl in you to rest.

For Extra Entries:  

Tweet or Facebook this:  “Flowers remind us beauty rests.” @thebonniegray Win a Daily Grace Pitcher {for flowers} bit.ly/1kQCAsC #spiritualwhitespace GIVEAWAY

Then, leave a new comment letting me know.

A Photo Journal From My Book Launch Party

As you know from reading my book, there have been painful memories associated with photos. So, I asked my friend Naphtalie Joy Joiner of Scattered Joy Designs to help me create new memories by capturing photos of my book launch party on Sunday 6/8/14.  A special thank you to kindreds who came to celebrate Sunday evening. You made this memory magical and beautiful.  

(If you’re in the California Bay Area and looking for a photographer to capture some memroies, think of Naphtalie. She’s kind and she tells stories well through her lens.)  

 

a soulful night of whitespace begins at the dawn of a sunset
(downtown mountain view, California. red rock coffee company, Sunday 7pm 6/8/14)

redrockbookevent

 

a quiet space, sunlight conveying its welcome of rest.
(peonies, candles and a book signing)

bookmarks

 

this book began to be written before i picked up my pen
{ a welcome and an invitation }

 

Bonnie-Blog-Post

“weakness redefined” written & performed by ryan kingsmith
(this song brought me the gift of the memory told in chpt 3 “the toy store”)

ryankingsmith_findthelight

 

 i remember how the room lit with the glow of kindreds,
a sunset seemingly at standstill for us, as we met between the pages,
of a story that has become ours
{reading “the toy store” chpt 3}

bonnie_reading7_wholeshot

 

 hearts overflowing, kindreds at rest

welcometable_audience

 

reading from {the toy store} “finding spiritual whitespace is an intimate movement to receive.”
{photo by janine crum}

BonnieGray_WhitespaceReading

 

DSC_0085

 i love how the wall of whitespace canvases are filled with kindreds.
they are God’s true works of art.

kindreds_listening_standing

flowersbookwelcome2

mel lindstrom, award winning photographer talks whitespace
{“whitespa
ce brings movement, emotion, and necessary tension”}

mellindstrom_talking_me

whitespace_mellindstromphoto

 early galleys 
(manuscript back from the publisher in need of editing)

galley

“as i sat there on red rock that night long ago, i felt something i hadn’t felt in a very, very long time. mystery. in that moment, i longed for a different kind of rest other than death. i longed for beauty.”
{reading “the wild things”, chpt 18 (photo by janine crum)

DSC_0115

 

a soulful moment together in the reading as the sun dips

kindreds_listening

karen wong, award-winning painter, stands next to her work of “transformation”
{karen says “the process itself is the discovery in creating art”}

karengwong_painting2

 

ryan kingsmith talks about the use of whitespace in song writing
{“when i sit down to tell myself it’s time to write a song, nothing…
”
songs often come to him in everyday quiet “riding his bike” or at pause in the car w/ the radio off}

ryankingsmith_talking

 

 

something sweet & something dark chocolately

cholcolate

signing books for a group of kindreds who will be taking the journey of rest
via their book club
(photo by steve joh)

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 this is the sweet, babysitter writer laura in chapter 14 {the hallway}
(photo by steve joh)

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 a surreal moment
{a childhood dream has come true out of brokenness.  nothing is impossible for God.}
(photo by steve joh)

14399649142_f1c2c7655f_b

 

 this is bindu, a mommy friend who offered kindness of conversation
when the journey was hard
(photo by steve joh)

14214349279_a73f996d82_z

 

 this is the sweet amy whose friendship frees me to rest
in chapter 12 {the phone call}

 kindres_amy_bonnie

 

 this is beloved therapist Dr. P – the expert “safari guide” through childhood trauma whose compassionate and amazing work in EMDR helped the little lost girl in me be found and healed
+
 this is my soulmate, love of my life husband Eric – who sacrificed unending love and kindness to take care of me and our boys, so i can heal and find my voice to birth this book.
{this is when wedding vows i never thought i’d rely on became true through eric}
(photo by steve joh)

14214559607_d5327851b0_z

 To view all the photos from the evening, click here.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Whitespace Thursdays Link Up

BonnieGray_WhitespaceBadge_150

Blog about your whitespace moments. 

Publish your post ANY DAY of the week.  

Link up on Thursday.  Visit & comment on the post before yours.

Use the Whitespace Thursday Linkup Badge.

Write what prompts your heart. Share your voice.

Today’s Thursday 6/12/14 writing prompt:  write a letter to your younger self. what would you say to her, knowing what you know now?

Other writing prompts:

* If you’re reading the book, share your discoveries. How is the book speaking to you?
(Submit your post onto my book page too: click here)

*  If you haven’t read the book yet, share your whitespace moments.

– moments of beauty and rest
– feeding your soul
– your alone time with God

* Choose your own open writing prompt.  Be you.

Next Thursday’s 6/19/14 Writing Prompt: Share a special Bible verse that is currently touching your heart with rest and comfort?  Share a whitespace moment.

Thank you for using #spiritualwhitespace to share your pictures on Instagram & Twitter!
It’s fun to see the moments that feed your soul this week!

[hashimage hashtag=spiritualwhitespace limit=15]

{email subscribers, click here to link up your post in the Whitespace Linkup.}

Click here to link-up your post.


Take The Journey of Rest With Me

Bonnie_SpiritualWhitespaceBookTake the Finding Spiritual Whitespace journey to make space to rest, despite whatever chaos and stress clutters our everyday lives.

Take the journey of self-discovery with Jesus. Let’s live a better story of rest. Together.

Purchase a copy of my memoir-driven guidebook for yourself and your friends.  Because rest isn’t a journey we need to take alone.  We need each other.

Because some stories can’t be told on a blog.  They are so intimate, they can only echo in the sacred space of the printed page. Letters from my heart bound together for you.

Let’s be kindreds. Let’s meet between the pages of Finding Spiritual Whitespace.

 

Read about Whitespace from Authors You Love
{click on the endorsements below to visit my friends and read about their Whitespace}

“Why I’m Breaking Up With My Quiet Time” by Lysa TerKeurst

Screen Shot 2014-06-03 at 4.10.03 AM

“Help when Your Life Feels Too Busy” by Holley Gerth

Screen Shot 2014-06-03 at 4.10.35 AM

“Finding Spiritual Whitespace” by Tsh Oxenreider

Screen Shot 2014-06-03 at 4.10.24 AM

( Ann Voskamp shares words of grace at A Holy Experience )

Screen Shot 2014-06-03 at 4.24.04 AM

 

 

 

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

72 Comments

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The Clock Is Not My Shepherd (Day 6) 21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace
5 Ways To Pray When You're Too Stressed To Know How (Day 8) 21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace

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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.

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72 Comments

  • Reply Veronica June 12, 2014 at 5:25 am

    Bonnie
    Yes, you are loved. You are cherished. By Jesus and all of us, your loyal readers.
    You make a difference, every single day, by having had the courage to share your story. Thank you.

  • Reply Waving the White Flag of Surrender | Finding Hope June 12, 2014 at 6:07 am

    […] Linking with: Whitespace Thursdays […]

  • Reply Melissa June 12, 2014 at 6:15 am

    “Be still.” For all the times that I haven’t!

  • Reply Melissa June 12, 2014 at 6:17 am

    Shared this on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/melissa.reynolds.351/posts/796777810356966

  • Reply Trudy Den Hoed June 12, 2014 at 6:40 am

    This letter to your little girl is so moving and really speaks to the little girl within me, too, who I want to stop stuffing down into a quagmire of shame. I’m trying to dig her up and believe her, no longer minimizing and ignoring her pain. I still teeter between shame sucking me under and no feelings at all when I go deeper into the pain of my inner child, as I wrote in my blog post, but it’s somehow freeing, too. I can’t thank you enough, Bonnie, for blessing me through your book and your blog. You have made me realize how much I have disconnected and have been beating down that hurting child inside me instead of bringing her with me to Jesus in all her brokenness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank God for you and continue to pray for His blessing on the readers of your book. I am sooo happy for you that you are making new memories with new photos of this dream come true for you. It renews my hope that truly nothing is impossible with God!

  • Reply Belinda Cheng June 12, 2014 at 6:43 am

    I am glad to receive your Day 7 posting today, 6 days after your Day 6 posting.

    I tell my younger self, “You are very blessed with family love from parents, brothers and sisters as well as friendly love from childhood friends.”

    I thank God for this realization after I was saved by Him when I was older.

  • Reply Trudy Den Hoed June 12, 2014 at 6:46 am

    I tweeted 🙂 “Flowers remind us beauty rests.” @thebonniegray Win a Daily Grace Pitcher http://bit.ly/1kQCAsC #spiritualwhitespace GIVEAWAY

  • Reply Annie M June 12, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I would say to my 7 year old Annie – Have hope for you ARE loved!

  • Reply Debbie June 12, 2014 at 6:52 am

    First of all, I loved your book Bonnie! I will be writing my amazon review this weekend when I am off work and have some time.

    When you prompted us to write a letter to our little girl, I almost cried. When I was seven years old, I had to grow up so quickly. I was determined to be brave and …not cry. I didn’t want to upset my family any more than I felt I had. You see, I was going through heart surgery and the doctors didn’t know if I would live. I think I’m going to have to write a post and link up with you on this one, even if my post isn’t up until Friday or Saturday.

    So happy that your book is launched. I love seeing the photos of you reading from your book and meeting so many people who are reading it. If I was in the San Francisco area, I would definitely come too.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

  • Reply Jules June 12, 2014 at 7:01 am

    What would I tell my younger self… You are special, you are unique and loved beyond words… Nothing in this world can changed that… also don’t be afraid… you don’t have to cry…. You are not alone….

  • Reply Lisa Mac June 12, 2014 at 7:17 am

    I would say, don’t be afraid to look closely at yourself. But look without judgement. Look with kindness, love and understanding in your heart, as you would look at a friend. Then know that Jesus looks at you in this way, but with an infinite amount of kindness, love and understanding. Not because you are a worthless mess. Not out of pity. Not because of what you have or haven’t done in your life. But because when you were first created you were worth more to Him than can be measured. Because your value is deeper than what has been in your life. Your value is in who you are.

  • Reply Lisa Mac June 12, 2014 at 7:21 am

    I have shared this on Facebook!

  • Reply Penny June 12, 2014 at 7:24 am

    Bonnie,

    The courage and strength that you have demonstrated by opening your heart and turning things around is a truly inspiring…….

    Best wishes and congratulations on your book….

    Penny

  • Reply Cherlyn June 12, 2014 at 7:33 am

    Jesus is real! Don’t give up! There is so much good to come, but you have to make it through this tough time or you won’t see the goodness!

  • Reply Satin June 12, 2014 at 7:41 am

    I “went” there, friend… wrote the letter to my younger self. It was hard, yet it was freeing! I am so blessed by your words, your example & your love. Thank you for walking this journey & allowing me to be a part of it! Oh how beautiful your peonies look in that Dayspring vase! Absolutely love how you shared the photo journal of your launch! Rejoicing with you in all God is doing in & through you! Much Love ♥

  • Reply Lisa notes June 12, 2014 at 7:57 am

    “And He isn’t going to let these hard years, these hard moments pass by unnoticed.”

    I so love this, Bonnie. Jesus lets nothing go to waste. That matters to me.

    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures. They help me connect even more to the beautiful birthing of your book.

  • Reply Julee Wilson June 12, 2014 at 8:13 am

    “Stop trying so hard to please everyone! God made you unique and special with gifts that can be used to glorify His name. You are not perfect, nor will you ever be, and that’s Ok because He wants to use that too, for His glory! You will have a remarkable story to tell. Keep Jesus and His work on the cross in focus – all. The. Time….”

  • Reply Sandra Heska King June 12, 2014 at 8:14 am

    So much fun to be at your party through your pictures. Love that Dr. P was there, too. xo

  • Reply Cindy Johanneson June 12, 2014 at 8:34 am

    I would tell the little girl within to hang in there… the joyful moments to come will allow you to slowly believe there will be a bright future. The sad, frightening moments will allow you to trust Jesus as you slowly let go of the fear.

  • Reply Miriam June 12, 2014 at 9:05 am

    I would say to my baby girl , continue to be true to yourself and ask questions when things don not appear right. You are on the right path to being found by the most loving God , even though for 8 yrs you were in a Catholic school but your questions were never answered to your satisfaction. Your dream with Jesus was anointed to keep you on your course; your conversation with Jesus about the weekly confessional ritual proved today to be the word of The Lord that is backed up by scripture. Jesus told you in the dream, ” to pray to me directly at all times “. The mantel that was draped over us was Jesus with me all thru those years till we met and started the most beautiful relationship you will hold dear till you are with Him in glory.

  • Reply Cynthia Hughes June 12, 2014 at 9:28 am

    The words I would have on my pitcher would be “You’re beautiful”
    I had to share the email you sent on my blog. It was so moving.

  • Reply Krista June 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

    Thouroughly enjoyed the pictures Bonnie and I truly felt like I was there, standing room only. Wow! 🙂
    There are so many different kinds of whitespace moments. art, music, writing, even working in the kitchen creating “art” for friends and family. the possibilites of whitespace are endless and I absolutely love that!

    Ok so, my two words I would have on my pitcher would be “Stay True”(to yourself). 😉

  • Reply Diane June 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

    Dear Diane, you are not alone. One day you will no longer feel afraid, or ashamed. You will grow up and become the woman God intends for you to be, and live the life He longs for you to have.

  • Reply Cindy Rogers June 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

    I’m loved.

  • Reply Valorie Rico June 12, 2014 at 9:56 am

    You ARE a young warrior! With God ..YOU CAN!

  • Reply Sharon June 12, 2014 at 10:16 am

    My letter to my younger self would closely resemble yours. As long as I can remember, I have battled anxiety. I can remember being scared about so many things. What I would say to a younger me is this: “Jesus knows, and He will remain your dearest friend through it all.”

    Bonnie, the photos of you at your book signing just made me smile so much. Congratulations, dear one, for the way you are bringing beauty to this broken world, and for the way you are shining *Jesus* to all of us.

    GOD BLESS!

  • Reply Susan Gruener June 12, 2014 at 10:33 am

    Such a journey of grace and healing, that I know so many women will relate to and hopefully come to that place of complete healing as you have. God is always at the end of ‘our story’. So thankful for that. I had a good childhood and I now know it was by the grace of God as I have talked with women in church, small groups and in every corner of my ‘life’. If I wrote a letter to my ‘younger’ self, I would say ‘thank you’ for enjoying life’s experiences, and providing me with great memories for me today, as a grandma..
    Thank you for sharing your book signing with us! I loved seeing all the photos and was so excited to see it all! Wonderful!
    Blessings upon blessings!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 12, 2014 at 11:14 am

      it’s wonderful, susan. you are taking the rest and joy from a beautiful childhood and offering comfort and space for others to just be them. without trying to fix or solve them. just offering what you yourself have received. you are a blessing!

  • Reply Nicole Walch June 12, 2014 at 11:05 am

    It’s ok.

  • Reply Debi Schuhow June 12, 2014 at 11:07 am

    I would tell the little Debbie inside me “Come crawl into Jesus’ lap. Everything is ok and will be ok”.

  • Reply Christine June 12, 2014 at 11:40 am

    Never Give Up

  • Reply Elaine June 12, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    ‘”Don’t forget. Don’t forget who you are”. Life is about to change drastically for you and you will be pushed and prodded and shamed to be someone else. Don’t forget.
    There will be some along your journey who will really see you, be grateful and don’t forget them.
    Actually, Elaine, you will forget much, like it was all a dream, but hang on to that dream. Someday you will be free again to be who you are. Don’t forget the journey.

  • Reply yvonne June 12, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    It’s OK to feel alone sometimes. It’s OK to feel sad. It helps us look for God’s hands in the dark and makes us grip His hand tightly, desperately….and then we know we are safe and not alone.

  • Reply Alyce Cinelli June 12, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Once abandoned; now loved.

  • Reply April June 12, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    You’re enough

  • Reply Jodi Michaelides June 12, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    My word would be ‘Faithful.’

  • Reply Wendy June 12, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    To Little Wendy. “I will get near you, even though you don’t feel safe enough to exist now, and I will lay my hands upon you and I will bless you and I will call you by your Name. I will always be remembering you, even as you seek to forget yourself. You are not forgotten, you are my Life. Love Jesus”.

  • Reply Linda Maratas June 12, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Choose Life

  • Reply Pocahontas Simmons June 12, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    Bonnie,

    Your transparency an art of storytelling bless me immensely. Thank you for your words, they travel to my heart often. I received my copy of Finding Spiritual Whitespace today, saying I am stoked would be an understatement- I AM BURSTING AT THE SEAMS!!!!!!!

    God bless you,

    Libby

    *Also I posted to my Facebook page (Liberty Faith Simmons) for the flower pitcher! Hopefully I win*

  • Reply Alison Lehr June 12, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    One word ~ enJOY

  • Reply Rachel H June 12, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    Mine two words would be “you’re beautiful.”

  • Reply Day 7: Finding Spiritual Whitespace | Fuller Way of Life June 12, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    […] Gray, the FaithBarista.com blogger and newly published author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace. In Bonnie’s Day 7 blog tour post (part of her book launch) she writes a letter to her lonely seven-year-old self (whom she […]

  • Reply Mandy June 12, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    What a beautiful, amazing night you had! So thrilled for you, Bonnie!

  • Reply Julie Sunne June 12, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    Stop striving!

  • Reply Julie Sunne June 12, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    I tweeted the giveaway and posted it on Facebook. 🙂

  • Reply Tessy Moon June 12, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    My two words would be:
    WANTED
    BELOVED

    If I could fit all of Zephaniah 3:17 on there I would, but that is quite a bit more than two words! 🙂

    For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
    He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
    Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

  • Reply Tessy Moon June 12, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    I posted it on Facebook too! 🙂

  • Reply Amber K June 13, 2014 at 3:36 am

    I would tell myself “you matter.” So many times I lost sight of who I was or “whose” I was because I was so worried about what others thought. But even through those times of uncertainty God never left my side.

  • Reply Marina Bromley June 13, 2014 at 3:57 am

    Oooh… I’m going to have to consider the letter post… So much I’d say in retrospect…

    A few words: “defend yourself,” and the phrase “you ARE loved!” I’d probably throw in “don’t believe everything your dad tells you” and “don’t do drugs” for good measure…

  • Reply Tara June 13, 2014 at 4:29 am

    I would say, “You ARE loved; you are safe”…simple words that could wrap around my soul and fill some childhood doubts.
    Love that pitcher, but your book???? Ahh…pure GOLD!!!!

  • Reply Stephanie Hanes June 13, 2014 at 5:30 am

    Bonnie, you know I love, love, LOVE your book. It is exactly what I needed right now and you, my friend, are so brave for writing it and sharing it with the world. I love this post – off to write my own letter to my younger self now. 🙂

  • Reply Stephanie Hanes June 13, 2014 at 5:38 am

    Shared on facebook! 🙂

  • Reply Victoria June 13, 2014 at 6:42 am

    I, too, love your book…exactly what I have always felt…exactly what I need for this season of my life!
    My word, or words, to a younger me would be, hold on…this will all be a part of who you will become….whether or not you feel it, you are Loved!
    Thank you for inspiring my soul!

  • Reply Kristin June 13, 2014 at 7:23 am

    I saw what happened to you. I was there. I grieved with you. And yet, your pain has a beautiful purpose in my plan to make you more like Christ. Let it go to Me. Release it. Be free. Be healed by My grace and find joy in My love, My acceptance of you in Christ. It is not your job to protect – this is My job. Breathe and let Me care for those you love. Let them have their journey to Me. Step out of the way and let Me be God in your life and theirs. My plan for you did not fail because others hurt you. It will be made more beautiful because of what you will learn about yourself and Me through it. Things you will share with others who need to know what I will show you. I will redeem the broken things, people of your life. Please trust Me. I am good and My love endures forever. I am working ALL things for My glory and your good – you, My child.

  • Reply Cherry June 13, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Bonnie, it was such a joy to see photos of those in your life … especially your husband, and also your Dr. P – what special gifts from God to you during your journey. And thank you, again, for your book – I am slowly reading it, letting the words soak in, and letting God into some inner spaces in my soul more deeply than ever before. May God cover you with His grace, mercy, and love each day – thank you for using your painful story to bless many others. Much love … XO

  • Reply Dawn Paoletta (@breathoffaith) June 13, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I am just crying tears of joy, grace and more for you and with you. My heart is so moved by the the readings of Chapters 20-23 (I think- the daddy parts) and then this post…I hope to hug you in person someday, Bonnie. You are on my heart , in my heart…You are my sister. Love, prayers and just LOOK AT THE BEAUTY THAT happened for your reading…it just makes me weep…happiness tears for you. Beyond words today…

  • Reply Ruth June 13, 2014 at 9:44 am

    MADE NEW!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Reply Kathy Scott June 13, 2014 at 10:26 am

    I was very touched by your words to the “7 year old” person you described as yourself . This inner child was acutely aware of the need for an unconditional love from parents who were divided with anger and conflict. I, too, as a young child found that I longed for acceptance from my parents and it was as if I could never achieve their approval and love despite my efforts. It was only when I found the Lord Jesus as my Savior that I discovered how God the Father loved me with a fierce love. He sent His Son, Jesus to redeem me, giving a demonstration of his unconditional love. It’s been a long road since then, but I am still fully aware of the wonderful power of love and grace in my life through Jesus.

  • Reply jamie c June 13, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    JESUS!

  • Reply Amber B. June 13, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    Always remember that everything happens for a reason and to never give up!!

  • Reply Amber B. June 13, 2014 at 7:08 pm

    I tweeted. https://twitter.com/rbridges4/status/477633283648266240

  • Reply Amber B. June 13, 2014 at 7:10 pm

    I shared on FB.

  • Reply Dianne June 13, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    You are pure as snow.
    You are not dirty.
    You are normal.
    Jesus love you and gets you.

  • Reply Vanessa June 14, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    Be you.
    Jesus first.

  • Reply Lisa June 14, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Hi Bonnie,

    So glad the book launch went soaringly! Thank you for the photos and commentary for those of us who couldn’t be there. You and the guests and the art looked lovely. I hope you and your family and friends had a wonderful time. Your ‘little girl letter to Jesus’ resonated with me, and certainly with many other little girls lost and found by Christ. Hope this message finds you well and resting in His Arms.

  • Reply Kimberly Gray June 15, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    Stop trying

  • Reply Dawn Paoletta (@breathoffaith) June 15, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    Just two words to myself ? Hmm… Daily Renewed. Because every day it is possible, every morning brings new mercies, every dawn is a second chance. And it’s all OK. I wish I would have known that every failure wasn’t the final straw, the end. That with every breath there is opportunity to start again. Hugs again, Bonnie! Finished the book, now to highlight and review…
    flowers are on my kitchen table.

  • Reply Dawn Paoletta (@breathoffaith) June 15, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    Oh, shared facebook, twitter. Sorry meant to add that to the longwinded comment.

  • Reply RJ June 15, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    It will be OK. You will be OK.

  • Reply Chris parsons June 25, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Thank you for sharing your deepest emotions I’m truly in tears when I think back on my childhood and realized how great our Lord is !! Thank you for making it simple to express myself and release the pain that caused so much hurt.

  • Reply Lisamarie July 4, 2014 at 3:17 am

    Your heart is much better staying tender.It will hurt but at least you will feel. There is no such thing as happily ever after and it is ok.

  • Reply Tetyana August 22, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    God is your good Father.

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