Dear Heart,
I know I’ve been so quiet these past two weeks. I’m not quite sure why it is I’ve felt so unable to speak, when all of life is swirling around me. Summer is pushing, undulating forward, like a lazy river smoothing its body over rocks, lapping gently along the blades of grass standing too close to its passing.
It’s been a little over a month since my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace has been released, and I find there is at once too much to be thankful for and yet too many feelings of uncertainty. About what the future holds. About what this present means to me, now that my story is walking out into this world. Into the hearts of kindreds. Stories that have lay hidden are now touching others to tell theirs too.
And I’m more sensitive now to the fact that a new chapter has begun. It’s really a new life, being led by rest, rather than by meeting expectations and setting goals.
I’m learning, this fragile, soft and quiet part of me — my heart — is where my voice that whispers. That changes the very air between me and God into an intimacy of being known. That goes beyond just getting things done for Him.
All my life, I’ve longed for home.
Maybe home is where my heart is…
because that’s where God is.
I’m sorry I still find it easier to put you to the side, dear heart.
But, I can never go back to the old life. Surviving.
God gave you to me, heart, so that I can be real. Human. Alive.
I’m learning — guarding my heart — instead of ignoring it — brings me back to the intimacy of being known.
My heart brings me home.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
~ Proverbs 4:23
It has been said the heart is deceitful, but that passage in Jer 17:9 is referring to the heart that hides from love. From God.
The heart is only deceitful when we hold it back — from bringing all of our heart out in the open. As is.
Just like a new dawn lightens the sky in delicate-thin movements, like colors mixing in the steady hand of a watercolor artist, we’re never too sure if our eyes are playing tricks on us.
But, as light lifts into the sky, we see the sun slowly, gently covering, pulling a blanket of warmth over the earth — to reveal under each shadow, a blade of grass, a quiet wildflower still and standing in the night. And all around it, pockets of soil. New life.
Don’t be afraid, heart.
The fingers of God are quietly resting, soothing you in your restlessness.
Let Him hold you.
Tell Him all you have been over-thinking.
You don’t have to be strong.
There is beauty inside you.
You are home to Jesus.
Just as you are.
Are you feeling blah even though all seems alright?
It’s your heart. Longing to just be you. And rest.
Will you let God hear what your heart has to say?
Let your heart ache. Follow your heart.
Let your heart come home.
~~~~~
Pull up a chair. Click to comment. Love having you here. I’ve missed your company.
(psst. sorry we missed last week’s Whitespace Linkup. My blog’s server got hacked and I wasn’t able to post!)
~~~~~
A Soulful Whitespace Giveaway
Win a Custom House Portrait Watercolor Painting
by Janine Crum
Our homes are one of the most tender parts of our memories. Home is like the backstage to the stories we live — where we make a life, fall in love, cry, laugh and dream.
A home carries so much meaning. It can be goodbye to an old chapter. A home can mean a hello to a new chapter.
Today, I have a very special giveaway from a friend who has taken the journey of spiritual whitespace — Illustrator and Watercolor Artist Janine Crum. It’s a custom painting (valued at $90) of your home.
I first met Janine three years ago a church newcomers dinner. Janine moved here to Silicon Valley California from South Carolina. I didn’t see her for two years, until I spoke one Sunday worship service about Finding Spiritual Whitespace.
Janine read Finding Spiritual Whitespace and it’s inspired her to listen to her heart, to make room in her life for art and open her own online shop of prints (congrats, Janine!). (scroll down to read her story below)
If you have a home you miss, a new home you’re treasuring — or you have a friend who is — Janine can transform a photo of your home into beautiful, handart. Janine can illustrate a custom watercolor painting of your home, just for you.
After entering today’s giveaway, if you’re looking for a gift for a wedding, housewarming, or special birthday gift, browse her whimsical shop.
ENTER TO WIN:
1. Click to share a comment by Wednesday midnight 7/30/13. (2) TWO winners will be selected randomly.
2. For extra entries: Share on Twitter or Facebook and let me know in a new comment.
Who is Janine Crum?
The journey of rest has led Janine to reconnect with her heart, her childhood, her home, and her art.
As I began my journey through ‘Finding Spiritual Whitespace’, I realized that I had a little girl inside of me longing to be the artist she knew she always had been.
Prior to reading Bonnie’s book, I had been scared to let my art be more than a just hobby because I thought it wasn’t important — it wasn’t a responsible use of my time.
Little did I realize that it is important, especially to God, because it’s who He created me to be; an artist, a creative person.
Once I started making room for whitespace in my life, specifically making time to paint and draw each day, (even if just for a few minutes while my children were napping) something lovely started to happen — I began to feel alive again, I began to feel like me again — the refreshed version of Janine.
What started out as simply making room for whitespace in my life has now turned into a way for me to encourage others through my artwork by selling prints online.I’ve recently been exploring the idea of what “home” means since I come from a divorced home and my husband and I moved cross-country (away from “home”) a few years ago and have started a family of our own.
Where my home is has always been a question I’ve felt unsettled about, until I finally began to realize it’s where I am with my husband and kids — the people I love most. It’s where I am.
So, I created a series of prints reflecting that idea and painting custom house portraits as a way to pay tribute to the wonderful memories we create inside of our physical homes together.
~~~~~
Today’s post is part of my special Book Launch Tour Series {21 Days of Rest: FindingSpiritual Whitespace}. Click here to read Day 1 and the entire series on rest.
Now It’s Your Turn!
Whitespace Thursdays Link Up
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 Writing Prompt (link up anytime): Share a whitespace moment this week.
Other writing prompts:
* If you’re reading the book, share your discoveries. How is the book speaking to you?
* 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.
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.}
Take The Journey of Rest With Me
Take 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 with journal prompts for individual or intimate group exploration. 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.
59 Comments
I have read spiritual Whitespace and am passing it on as well as writing posts on our church womens ministry Facebook page…thank you for your honesty!
Thank you for sharing “Finding Spiritual Whitespace” with your church women ministry, Dee! Thanks for your support!
I just finished your book last week and found your openness and the concept very refreshing. Currently working through how it applies to my own life. I’d love to win a portrait from Janine – she’s the best!
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing how the book touched you. I’m so glad you’re here, stopping by for a cup of soulful kinship.
I was afraid you would struggle with mixed emotions. I prayed for you, Bonnie. Hugs! ❤️
thanks, Trudy!
[…] at Spiritual Whitespace Thought-Provoking Thursdays Winsome Wednesdays […]
Sometimes the calm after the storm can feel a little unsettling if you’re not used to it. Praying you enjoy the rest and whatever comes next!
Lisa, something you said just spoke to my heart. Maybe that’s what it is? Intriguing… that calmness can feel unsettling after a storm… your words just brought a very powerful, visual imagery to my heart… I’m going to go journal about this… and follow where this leads… thank you for this soul prompt…
I’d love to win the House Art contest, as we are looking at buying our first house soon! Thanks for pouring out your heart into this book, Bonnie! You have inspired me to write again :).
Blessings,
Ely Brown
Ely… that makes me SO happy to hear! Let those words flow.. and give us the gift of YOU.
I recognized that artwork as soon as I saw it. I have been following Janine on Instagram since seeing some of her posts connected to #spiritualwhitespace. I love seeing her lettering, her artwork, and her beautiful kids. So excited for you Janine as you rediscover your artwork and your joy. Would love to win one of your watercolor paintings.
I am going to try to step out as you and Bonnie have done and get more involved in the paper crafts (card making) that I love to do. Perhaps I will join you and re-open up my own etsy shop. : )
aha! etsy shop… what was in your boutique, sweet Nina? 🙂
It was neat to see a picture of a home in Greenwood, SC. I am in Columbia, SC and my niece lives in Greenwood. Beautiful work. Would love to have a painting of my home done. As a single mom, I am so proud of my very first home that I was able to buy and raise my son in. I never thought I could get my own home. God is so faithful in supplying all our needs.
You both have a God given talent and it is wonderful that you are sharing with all of us. It is a blessing. I am reading Bonnie’s book now. Just started it and can hardly put it down. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
So wonderful to meet with you between the pages, Kathleen! Another beautiful southern gal… thanks for sharing a bit of your story here with us…
Coming home to Jesus – my entry
http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/25028199/ – listen to the song here
A gift song from the Lord
Coming home to Jesus
Coming home
To Jesus
Whose Father sent
The Counsellor
To dwell within my heart
Coming home
To Jesus
Finding peace
In the turmoil
Letting His peace calm me down
Coming home
To Jesus
To the One who loves me
Unconditionally
Coming home to Him forever
He is there
To welcome me
He is there
To show me
The wonders of His Father’s world.
I’m coming home
To Jesus
I’m coming home
To Jesus
I’ll be okay with Him.
Thank You Lord!
Friday, 25 July 2014, 8:47 a.m.
Bible ref: Psalm 84
beautiful. Thank you Aiboon!
I can only imagine the whirlwind of emotion and excitement you’ve been living in over the past month. Wondering what is next? Ever since I started reading your book, I’ve been seeking moments where I can find whitespace. I think I’ve become semi obsessed. HA!
You’ve inspired so many. You’re such a blessing! (((HUGS))) 😉
Oh, I can’t tell you how HAPPY it makes me that you’re semi-obsessed… ! YES! (bwah-ha-ha… your soul is awakened with rest… you inspired me, Krista. xo
Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your art of writing. I’ve been recommending your book to others. One friend was so blessed she is paying it forward as well. It may inspire some of her upcoming illustrations for a Christian children’s book series. Another daughter of the King expressed desire to share it with her daughter. I would love to share some of Janine’s Home Art. Praise God for all the gifted girls He has made in His Image. Thank God He watches over our houses in Christ.
Lisa, that just touches my heart. To hear that you and your friends are hearing your heart through this book — and sharing whitespace with others. I hope it’s bringing you all closer to each other and to God.
My husband and I just watched the movie “Ragamuffin” about Rich Mullins’ life. In it, Brennan Manning, played a pivotal role in Rich’s life. Brennan Manning and Rich Mullins learned to listen to their hearts – to listen to what God was telling them. They were flawed yet authentic Christians. I long for that in my own life – to listen to my heart – to become truly authentic. Our culture teaches us to “fit in” at all costs. That is not the gospel message. Jesus never fit in. He was a radical man – with a radical message – and he wants his kids to be radical as well. I believe it begins by listening to our hearts and being who HE created us to be. Not the mold the world is trying to shove us into.
I’m really tired in life right now and so my comments are few. Just thankful thoughts from my heart to yours for offering me quiet places to rest my weary heart in God’s love. Thank-you
I am loving your book!!! It’s so open with honesty and I can’t wait to finish it. Thank you for telling your story and allowing it to touch so many people.
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/rbridges4/status/492688312805515265
I shared on FB. https://www.facebook.com/amber.bridges4/posts/10202618530403853
[…] Linking up with Bonnie. […]
Janine, how lovely that you search for home has blossomed into your painting for others that which you have found! I too have moved a great deal, and now understand that Christ’s home is my heart and that home is painted in the colors of redemption! I’d love to have the opportunity to display one of your unique designs and hope I win! 😉
This is crazy, Bonnie. I guest posted on the word “home” yesterday, and then came over to find this! I linked it up above. How exciting to see so many participating and seeking that whitespace.
Be still, my friend, and rest. Love you big.
And P.S. I shared on FB and Twitter. 🙂
Beautiful words, as always 🙂
I. MUST read your book. I have been struggling with missing home..but I know it’s where I am with my loved ones!
I’m afraid I have been ignoring my heart; being torn in different directions and overwhelmed with sadness some days. I’ve been running away from whitespace too.
“I’m sorry I still find it easier to put you to the side, dear heart.” … the beginning of my own writing home.
Thanks, as always, Bonnie for bringing truth to me.
My daughter has just bought her first home, this is such a lovely idea for a gift.
Comforting words and Janine’s God-given talent being used beautifully! These are beautiful, whimsical, full of character illustrations of places
that never leave us. Love it all.
Nothing is better than home. I adore Janine’s paintings! So lovely!
Taking the evening off from grad school to rest – AT HOME!
I would LOVE to win! Janine and I went to the same college during the same time and she was known for her artistic talent! So glad she continues to pursue it! Would love to have a print of the first home my husband and I lived in!
Yes, very much needing rest and healing here. Thank you for your words and sharing your heart.
Your words speak right into my heart! It is obvious the Holy Spirit is working through your words to breathe life and encouragement as well as challenges to “just be”! Thank you for being the person you are. You are a gift!
I’m happy to have found your blog and look forward to reading the things God puts on your heart to share with us. 🙂
Blessed to have found your blog.
Letting you know in a second comment that I shared your info on FB. Beautiful and inspiring!
Love all of this! It is like a big hug.
Bonnie, you have expressed so beautifully some things which I’ve been unable to identify in myself in the past few weeks. Thank you for giving voice to a deep cry of my own heart. 🙂
I think it is so cool that you stepped out to let your art be known! Beautiful paintings and I would love to hang one in my home!! 🙂
-Kristine
Hello Bonnie. I am new to your blog and I am astonished. While our circumstances are different, your profound words tell my heart story. I too am entering a new chapter but I didn’t know its theme until I read it here — it is led by rest. Not meeting expectations. Not setting goals. Not “dancing” in survival mode, but instead being known. Being real. At once terrifying and freeing. But our Father is holding our hands as the new chapter unfolds. Thank you for telling your, telling my story. – Kate
Thank you for your insightful comments, ideas about spiritual whitespace and how important our “homes” are, and sharing the beautiful artwork! I am so grateful that we live in a time where we can share what’s on our hearts and be comforted by sisters many miles away. May God bless you and keep you.
Love your blog and this beautiful artwork!
I love Janine’s art! It is as beautiful as she is! I would love to win a painting of our first home – what a special way to remember a place that will always be in my heart.
I just shared on Facebook…along with a gentle reminder that my birthday and Christmas are coming up!
Janine’s rendering makes a home look more “homey”; more like a place a heart could dwell. A place I would like to be. Her story is encouraging too.
Janine’s rendering makes a home look more “homey”; more like a place a heart could dwell. A place I would like to be. Her story is encouraging too.
Learning to listen to my heart has been a lifelong learning curve for me…..thank you Bonnie for your willingness to share your heart and insights with us. I am praying that my (recently, once again) wounded heart will be mended by the great physician.
Beautiful art and beautiful soul words. Both encourage me to find rest in words and art of my own. Thank you!
Spiritual whitespace seems beyond my grasp, but God is nudging me to take small bits of time to sit still and ponder His Word either in prayer, through the Word or in a book like yours. I am tired of living up to other’s expectations and need rest for my heart and soul to enjoy the presence of God living within. May God continue to give you words of comfort for others seeking the refuge of God’s rest. I would love to enjoy a lovely portrait of my home which has been a joy to take care of.
I was blessed with what Janine shared and the reference she made to your book: “Everyone longs to move beyond coping and surviving.
Yet we often put ourselves to the side, numbing the stillness by doing rather than by becoming vulnerable and real.” (pg. 21)
I numb the stillness and the incessant thoughts/worries by keeping the TV on almost all the time. It allows me to pretend I am not chronically ill (“vulnerable”) and living a life I no longer recognize. ‘Getting lost’ in cable news – all that bad and sad news – allows me to ignore the mental accusations I find hard to refute: “sick, dependent, costly, nuisance, unreliable, uninteresting, disappointing, fat, ugly, etc.”
It DOES take courage to confront spiritual whitespace. “Vulnerable and real” HURTS! But so does this coward’s road I’m choosing… and I’m beginning to want what God has for me – this version of me – more than I want to keep hearing criticism and condemnation from a faceless enemy who lives where I hide.
Thank you for your healing words <3
I need rest. I need & want whitespace. I need to see true beauty. I feel like I’ve forgotten what rest, beauty, creativity, slowed pace, falling into the arms of Jesus are. But I am hopeful always and encouraged & inspired by the words and beauty God gives and creates through people like you.
We are in our first purchased home for one more year (total of 7) and probably have to move next summer. It would be so lovely to have a painting of this home.
I went on a 10 day vacation (15-25 July) with husband and child to Charleston, SC and one of the things I did was sign up for a painting class at Michaels there. It was so soul feeding! I loved it. Who knew I could paint? Acrylic seascape, and mine is a blend of S.C. and So. Cal.! oh well, for a first it’s great. I see differently now too, especially clouds.
I call our home “our little cottage” . God prompted us to move into an under-resourced neighborhood and “be with” the poor. We bought a house for $8,900.00 (total!) . It nearly looked
“condemned” but God was writing a story of redemption. It’s the house that God built and it’d be fun to get a water-color picture of it 🙂