It’s the 1st Birthday for Finding Spiritual Whitespace Book Release!
To celebrate, I’m giving away *ALL three* of my favorite things: soul beautiful gifts from DaySpring’s new Friendship on Purpose Collection.
Be sure to read all the way through and enter!
I wrote my final blog post — to tell you why I would probably never write again. Three years ago.
I told you I experienced my first panic attack and they weren’t going away.
The act of writing my first book ignited painful childhood memories to become live events. I began re-living them. Stories I had buried in the deepest part of my soul.
I spent my days in bed, unable to breathe, or find any rest. I was debilitated by insomnia and an anxiety that would not let me go.
I didn’t think you would stay around any longer here at Faith Barista.
But, a funny thing happened. Something so shocking, it shook the very foundations of my heart and my head — and everything I ever thought was true.
You did the opposite. You didn’t leave.
I hiked to a spot on my favorite Redwood tree forest to share heart-felt words of thank you and reflection for this first year’s book release.
The Shape of My Soul
You didn’t judge me. You didn’t give me advice on how to have more faith or how I wasn’t praying hard enough.
What you gave me was so incredible, it changed the shape of my soul.
You heard me. You accepted me as kindred. By sharing your stories. You gave honor to my pain. By offering me your quiet company.
I could only write once a month. I thought my blog would die, because who blogs just once a month? But, my blog didn’t die. You stayed with me. One post at a time.
You kept reading. You cried with me. Hoped and prayed with me. And I learned three things God knew I could never learn on my own.
3 Things From You
I learn these 3 things from you:
1) My need for kindness and comfort isn’t weakness or shameful, but a blessing that brings you close to me. Not everyone leaves.
People always left. I spent so much of my childhood in memories of aloneness. I got used to it.
But, Jesus knew the time had come for me to know that not everyone leaves. That there is compassion, kindness, goodness and comfort. Not just in Him. But, in those who are loved by Him too. I continued writing, knowing I wasn’t alone. You became Christ to me. A friend of my soul.
2) Sharing my fears rather than hiding them gives me courage to follow Jesus, if I’m known and accepted. As I am.
You gave me courage to let go of that book I couldn’t write, so I could follow Jesus and discover a new way of living: known and beloved.
I didn’t know where investigating my brokenness would lead me. I was terrified. But it was on my journey healing, writing here with you that I experienced this truth: being known is more powerful than accomplishing a goal.
As I began to write with my whole heart instead producing words with my head, my heart was set free to speak in my full voice.
I began to write each chapter as a letter, confiding to you. Without you, there would be no book. That’s how I was able to write. By entrusting my heart to you here at Faith Barista, with Jesus together.
And a book was birthed.
One year ago — last year, on June 3, 2014 — I published my first book. Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.
3) I need kindreds for this journey of faith and I don’t have to do it alone.
“Two are better than one...For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” Ecclesiates 4:9
Today, I want to celebrate the one year birthday of Finding Spiritual Whitespace with you.
Because even after the book was written, the job of bearing this child was not done. A book can die after it’s been given birth in the publishing industry — if no one reads it or if no one hears about it.
I was prepared for the worst. I was used to seeing my dreams die.
You changed all that. You did what I could not do.
You gave this book wings to fly.
From the Bottom of My Heart
You gave this book a path — by making space for it in your hearts, your stories. You introduced it into the hands of friends, family – girlfriends, mothers, sisters — and even strangers you would meet.
Today, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You’ve given time and expense to buy and read my book.
Thank you for blogging about my book, sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Thank you for writing about Finding Spiritual Whitespace and joining in the Beloved Brews Link Up.
Thank you for writing a review on Amazon or any of the book media outlets.
Thank you for your emails and comments — especially when I could not reply. You have no idea how each of your words carried me through.
Did you know that this was a grassroots effort? You helped this book become named by Crosswalk.com as one of the Best Books for Christian Women in 2014.
You have changed a life — mine. And my family, my children, and the people who I meet as I go and speak — are all blessed by the generosity of your heart.
Who am I? A little girl who never knew she had a voice. That’s all changed now.
You’ve given her a voice. By calling her kindred and friend.
~~~~~
What are 3 things you’ve been learning on your journey of faith?
Pull up a chair. Click to comment.
~~~~~
1st Year Book Birthday Giveaway!
Friendship On Purpose
I have a special birthday gift giveaway to celebrate Finding Spiritual Whitespace‘s One Year Birthday. I’m giving away *ALL 3* of my newest favorite things — from DaySpring’s Friendship on Purpose Collection.
fashionABLE Seafoam Scarf
– to feel as loved as you truly are! my favorite color, tied with pink.
(it’s the font of the book title!)
God’s Grace – Teacup and Saucer Set
– for a soulful moments of Spiritual Whitespace
Braver, Beautiful, Strong, Love – Dessert Plates (set of 4)
– because life is sweet as God’s beloved.
To Enter:
Enter by Tuesday June 9, 2015. For your entries to be valid, you must first share a comment below. Each of the additional steps counts as an additional entry for the giveaway! There are so many fun ways that you could win all of these soul-filling goodies. I hope you win! Thanks for helping celebrate FSW’s first birthday! (One winner will randomly selected. U.S. residents only.)
1) Share a comment.
2) Link up a blog post in Beloved Brews at the bottom of today’s post.
3) Post your book review of Finding Spiritual Whitespace on Amazon and leave a comment letting me know.
4) Share a photo of the book Finding Spiritual Whitespace on Instagram using hashtag #SpiritualWhitespace. Leave a comment letting me know.
5) Share a photo of what brings you rest or beauty on Instagram using hashtag #SpiritualWhitespace. Leave a comment letting me know.
Beloved Brews Spotlights
Every week, I’ll spotlight a tagged #SpiritualWhitespace image from Instagram (like the beautiful one to the right) or blogger in our Beloved Brews Community. To be considered as a spotlight blogger, please kindly be sure to use the Beloved Brew badge or link back to Faith Barista in your post. Kindreds, I can’t wait to see your photos & read the stories you live. Thank you for sharing your voice.
Lisa Notes rewrites Psalm 23 in her own words:
“I have a guide—I don’t walk alone. He not only knows my needs, he fills them. He knows when I need rest…he gently pulls me aside to quiet, lush places, and watches over me while I sleep. He fills my time with restorative things that heal my soul. He knows when I’m tempted to walk away from his best, and calls to me from behind and before to follow him instead.”
Beloved Brews Link Up
Whole-hearted Writing. You & Jesus.
Welcome to our Beloved Brews weekly link-up! Pour out a little love with your words every Thursday (publish any day. link-up on Thursdays). Simply write a blog post about what God’s sharing with your heart this week and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? Just share a comment. Visit thebonniegray.com to read the comments & share your voice too.
Today’s writing prompt: (what is God sharing with your heart) or (3 things you’ve learned)
Next week’s 6/11 writing prompt: (what is God sharing with your heart) or (how do you overcome feelings of guilt)
Please use the Beloved Brews button in your blog post so we’ll know you’re in our community & others can join (use this html code here). When you link up your post, read & leave an encouraging comment on the post linked up just before yours. Thanks, kindreds!
Share photos that touch your heart with God’s beauty and rest using #spiritualwhitespace on Instagram. It’ll be fun to see your pics!
May the writing prompt bring you to a quiet place in your soul as you share your voice. Click here for details.
59 Comments
I don’t have any social media accounts but I like to surf the web and one day I found your blog. I have felt inspired, encouraged and uplifted. My heart feels renewed. I thank God for your life and your willingness to be real. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a powerful and honest way.
In my journey of faith, I have learned that I need patience with self & others. I have equally learned that we are put here to do life together. We were never meant to be alone. Our togetherness starts with God Who ultimately helps us to see into one another’s heart & love just like our father in heaven loves. We need His breath daily in our lives to be like Him. Thanks Bonny. You make the difficult matters light to handle in your manner of writing. Our fears are taken by God when we step out truthfully with them. Beautiful day.
Bonnie, I have enjoyed reading along with you with each email update . I relished each chapter along with you. God is so awesome and gentle in his approach to our needs . You are like a friend that i have a great cup of coffee with each week!
Blessings to you and your family and i will now pass on my book to a good friend who needs to read it.
virtual coffee together each week! yes!
I’m grateful that you’ve journeyed through the pain of your childhood and all the anxiety that it dredged up for you and had the courage to share it with us. Kindreds to let go of the past, while embracing the unknown joys in the future. Rest. Beloved. There can be space for Joy. Your words filling my head and heart have unknowingly given me a new lens for the world & a new path for my journey and I’m grateful.
Three Things I’ve been Learning:
!. Functioning well in Crisis, Pushing, Achieving was default state for a long time….choosing a new way to interact from a place of Joy, Rest, Trust–will produce anxiety—and that’s okay. God is with me in my anxieties–and having them to me is a sign that I’m choosing a new and unfamiliar road.
2. Gratitude, counting gifts, blessings, soaking in my children’s sweetness, looking at all I’ve been given and choosing thankfulnesses.
3. Faith is simple, but not easy. I get scared, I doubt, I worry. When this happens, I return to what I know is true. Rest in God. That I am beloved.
Happy Book Birthday! Hope this year is crowded with unexpected joys for you!
I am learning similar things on my journey. Turns out I am not alone either! He hears the cries of my heart and answers. I am precious to him as I am, not as I do. Learning to rest my soul and listen.
I am truly thankful for you and this book Bonnie. I too, have felt like I’ve either been pushed or pulled through life or put up my dukes and worked my way through life… never feeling I really had a voice or a choice or a dream of my own. However the 1st thing I learned (and it still makes me cry today to write it down) is I’m still that little girl who spent hours alone in my bedroom (happily) dreaming about life with a full and hopeful heart <3. I used to have joy and great friends and dreams!! I thought there was nothing my heart couldn't do! I'm still that little girl! Something happened, or maybe many things happened to shut her up and told her to just face ugly reality and do the work of being a "good christian woman". Be responsible, sober minded, trusting no one, humble (who do you think you are???), always sacrificing (dreams, feelings, time, things I love) for others. But here's the 2nd thing I learned, God loves that little girl.. That's who I really am created to be <3. I'm afraid to try and live that way again, but through your book and blog, I'm hoping and praying for trust..to be who I really am, to dream, to seek joy , and still be loved. 3rd thing..relationship with Jesus is not work and rules. From the very beginning of the book you ask us to imagine a time and a place where we could be alone with Jesus. I pictured us just sitting together on a cool evening…just beside each other. He puts his arm around me and just hugs me. I broke down sobbing and still do thinking about it. Life with Jesus isn't just about work. He loved me when I was just a little girl with big dreams, just loving him back, with nothing to offer and no work to do. I have a long journey to a trusting heart, but with your encouragement, the stories of kindreds, and the love of Jesus, I'm hoprful for healing. Thank you sweet Bonnie and Happy Book Birthday to you!!!! 🙂
the little girl inside of you… beautiful. just beautiful.
I have a friend who is about to get a divorce- she is so ashamed she is moving away, rather than share with her friends. I would love to gift her with one of these for her “do over.”
I am so glad that little girl found her voice, that she had people to stand with her and not leave. How beautiful is the redemption that God brings. Aren’t the Christian women in the blogging world an amazing bunch? I, too, have been loved, encouraged, and supported beyond my wildest expectations. I wanted to be an encourager to the broken, but I have been the one who has been blessed beyond measure.
In His Love,
Kamea
What a joy to hear your heart this morning sweet Bonnie. Oh how I cried ready this because I TOTALLY understand. Your heart in this book has rekindled/awakened my own in new and fresh ways. You helped me see the little girl inside goes with me in my life journey. She is not meant to just be discovered and then pushed back aside, check marked found and done. We must come to Christ as little children and without her that is not possible because her brokenness and hurts links me deeper into my relationship in Christ. I have found that we are all broken and hurt some place in life and we must take that part of ourselves to Christ to find a new wholeness in ourselves and in living life new and different. That pain and disappointment once shaped us but is no longer has to define us. Christ will redefine us using just that, the thing that we thought broke us and separated us. AMAZING. Secondly, I have connected with liked minded kindreds – sisters, who I can walk out each day in my brokenness and imperfection with and there is NO fear of judgment, I can take what I hide and bring light there and help others find their own light. There is true freedom in this place. Thirdly, I have learned to enjoy a afternoon nap, a quiet afternoon, a rainy day and a day filled with sunshine. I have learned to enjoy each day not surviving but living. I have learned how to play again. It is ok to laugh and be silly. Life is not always so serious.
I have found life to be worth living and sharing and making the most of even when it is hard, mundane or exhausting.
I am learning to enjoy life along side my sweet joyfilled son. He inspires me to be me. My best me.
I did write a review for your book on Amazon and I do encourage all I meet to try it for themselves. If you are stuck there is a way out. You do not have to remain there. It is how our Friday night kindred time was born, Out of excitement for something more. It is definitely contagious.
I do not have Instagram or a blog. I do follow you on Facebook and I love to share your posts with my Facebook family in hopes they too will be inspired for more in their own lives. Healthy living is a choice just like healthy eating. It takes thought and effort to cultivate a newness in life and I am worth investing in and so are you.
In His grace,
Charlotte
thank you! charlotte, thank you! for your support, love, and kindred friendship.
Dear Bonnie, you are so precious. ♡ I was not with you at first, when you were first blogging and going through that beginning period of healing. I came along nearly a year ago, after I read Holley Gerth’s book on ‘God-Sized Dreams’. And as I began reading your book, I also bought one for my sister. I *had* to share!!! When I packed up all my books to move to a new city this past month, I kept ‘Finding Spiritual Whitespace’ out with my Bible because I want to continue reading it. I love the blessing it has — and YOU have — been to me! Thank you for opening your heart when it was most vulnerable, and sharing it with us all. You’ve helped me to see so clearly that having a perfect facade, an un-revealing “happy face” is not being REAL. And it also creates a barrier between myself and those I wish to share Jesus with. Thank YOU! From the bottom of my heart. Love you, sister! ♡
Hi Bonnie, Has it really be a year? Your words and pain created a safe place for me to really go deeper and explore my own past hurts. I didn’t want to go there at first, but the more I read, the more I was able to FEEL. It was the first time I heard the word Beloved and the beauty of that word made me cry out “yes”. Be Loved. Beloved.
The three things I am learning:
1- Enjoy being me. The realization that God created me to be me. Part of this is rediscovering the me from childhood, when I knew what things brought me the greatest joy and bravely stepped out to do them. And discovering what brings today’s me enjoys.
2-Embracing the unknown. I am in the baby steps of this, and God is teaching me each and every day to not hold on so tightly. There is anxiety, there is fear, but God is with me in all of it. Acknowledging it and bringing it to Him brings such peace.
3-Trust. A huge issue for me, because life circumstances have conditioned me not to trust, because trusting has meant hurt. A lot of hurt. But then I met Kindreds like you, who provided a safe place and told me my need for kindness wasn’t shameful, some people stay, and I can share who I am with those I trust and it will be ok. Today’s post made me cry happy tears because I feel so very blessed that God led me to your story and your blog. You are such a treasure! Xox
Happy 1st year to your beautiful book! Celebrating with you Bonnie.
I loved the video! Did you realize the timing of the hikers? The first came when you spoke of us giving the book to people. The pair of women came when you spoke of journeying out. Not alone. I’ll admit I was a little chicken about buying the book because I have to face a very similar past. Thank you for giving me a shot of spiritual expresso(typo intended ). God bless you!
[…] […]
Thanks for all you do!! You’re giving to the world and a certain post in particular I stumbled on reminded me when I needed it as much as air that I was BELOVED. Can’t express how much that means. <3 I'd love to win the scarf or plates, but this post is just to encourage you.
thank you, rachel. i feel truly encouraged!
Finding Spiritual Whitespace is truly refreshing. As an artist I can identify with whitespace on so many levels. Sometime emotionally I don’t want to go to those depths of soul searching, but Bonnie your courage encourages me and reminds me it can be a healing process as well as a rejuvenating process. I believe we all need to seek whitespace in our lives daily with out Father. Reading your book has also lead to research how this can affect our creativity and fulfill our longings. Be strong and courageous!
Bonnie, there is no doubt that God brought YOU into MY life! The very first post I read was the one you wrote about your panic attacks. I immediately identified with you and your story. I have followed your blog, Facebook posts, and as soon as your book was available, I ordered it. I devoured it, then went back and SAVORED it. I’ve recommended it to others as well. It has become a way of life to seek that “spiritual whitespace.” I want you to know that without your courage to write your story, none of us would have known the struggles you faced. Your courage, faith in God, and love for Jesus has shown me what that can look like in my own life. I am bolder, stronger, and more committed than ever in my walk with Jesus and in sharing my faith and my story with others in the hope that I might also be a beacon for them. Thank you for letting us see Jesus in you, dear girl! Jesus loves you and so do I.
Bonnie,
I cannot thank the Lord enough for you. You may never fully understand the impact you have had on my life. You and I are very similar kindreds. I have gone through life alone and had to be strong….becoming numb to my dreams, my needs, my desires, and to being who God meant for me to be…not for who people expected me to become. I am so thankful the Lord brought you to and led you through your journey of finding spiritual white space…..He used you to show me that He wants to heal me too. I bought your book as an e-book and it brought me to tears reading through your journey…and it brought me to tears because I could relate. God was uncovering memories of my life that I had tucked away tightly, and didn’t want to think of anymore. I was numb in my past and I wanted to keep it that way. I felt like my feelings didn’t matter and no one really cared anyway….so there was no point in uncovering them. I will be honest, even now I don’t have anyone who cares about my story in my day to day life….I am still alone on this journey, but with Jesus by my side. I know, though, that I have you as a sister in Christ that knows what it’s like to be alone…and I cannot thank you enough for your blog and your book. I look forward to each post that you write…and I have gone back and read posts that you wrote at earlier times….so thankful that you allowed Jeaus to heal your heart and by being open with others. Thank you so much Bonnie….you have no idea how you have helped me on my journey of healing with Jesus. I am still healing…and it feels like I am going nowhere sometimes. But, I know God will get all the glory.
I pray someday the Lord allows us to meet….but if not, I will see you in heaven, and you will get a big hug!
In His love,
Sabrina
wow what an accomplishment! not just the one year book birthday, but all you’ve accomplished in that year, all of us who have been touched by your beautiful writing. you’ve put into words the thoughts so many of us have had. i am learning, after 59 years, that finding your own authenticity is better than yearning for someone else’s approval, that i am enough just as i am, and that rest is not only ok, but it’s necessary to hear God’s voice. there’s so much more, but wow. just wow. your book is a big part of my journey, and for that i offer sincerest thanks.
Wow, one year already? Am so grateful that you shared your journey with all of us and allowed us to know someone else understands. I would love to be entered in the giveaway, Bonnie.
I am so thankful that you shared your journey in your book. We all have our own wounds that things we hide because we are so afraid of many things. Reading your book and sharing in your journey was one of the things that God has helped me with to find my own courage in sharing with some people. I still don’t feel totally accepted, but I am trying to put aside my own perceptions on how I thin others see me. Thank you for sharing and for helping me to have courage to share.
Your book has been an inspiration to me throughout this year. I have battled melanoma cancer and with it came HUGE anxiety which I never had experienced before. I couldn’t ride in a car or be around people for many months. God has brought me up out of the dark place and now I can be a light to other’s that experience this. You made it through the darkness and that gave me hope when all hope was extinguished from my heart. Thank you!
Hi Bonnie!
I know I just posted, but I have been wanting to share a song with you for a while now. It’s called “Rest” by Beckah Shae. It is so beautiful….and I thought of this song when you were blogging about rest. I think you will really like it…it is on YouTube. She also has another song called “Your Presence” and it is lovely too!
Enjoy being at rest with Jesus!
Love,
Sabrina
Three things I’ve been learning:
1. Rest in God is counter-cultural. We don’t know where we will be moving but we have to be out by July 15, and I am not anxious! It’s weird. I am told I should be going crazy but I laugh and say how with every little baby step of faith God reassures me, blesses me, sends me messages in my inbox or Bible study or whatever. I do pray little questions like, “I’m trusting you, right God? You’ve got this plan you’re unfolding? Cause I want your dream for us more than any of our dreams.” thanks to Holley Gerth for God-sized dreams and to Bonnie for Spiritual Whitespace focus on rest, and the Jews for year of rest.
2. God’s love is perfect. I pray for his love for my people most every morning and I am finding how I am more peaceful. I was always known as warm and loving (as Greeks are generally thought to be) but sometimes my heart can get enmeshed with another’s, or sometimes the love gets tangled in misreading or misunderstanding and when I pray and hold that other up to God, looking for how he wants to show them love through me, it is so clarifying!! I hate it when I snap at others or when they snap at me and then I have to crawl back into God’s lap for forgiveness and resetting.
3. What should I do now? A constant prayer, especially in the face of the looming unknown future. Do I get rid of most everything? How would I know what to keep? Do I need to do that or to hang out with people? So I bow my heart and ask God to guide me moment by moment (not really, because there are lots of moments I am just doing the thing given, and lots of moments too where I look up and sort of see the beauty around me and stop to thank God in amazement). Tsh posted on the capsule closet which gave me a reference I am not even setting as a goal but just an idea of letting things go, and Bonnie did too, right? Trusting God to provide, and delighting in his provision I learned from Thin Within.
I’ve been introducing my girl to all of Rich Mullins’s music and for the past year we’ve been reading and loving Charlotte Bronte’s Villette, so now we are working on writing a screenplay (I know, we should be fretting about where we are going to live, right?) and this summer will film it with neighborhood and homeschool kids, to help me edit the screenplay as needed. Dream: Kenneth Branaugh film one day!
Wow! 1yr. beautiful courage ~
What a beautiful post and thank you video, Bonnie! You certainly are a welcome voice, and I love you, too! Your posts and book have made such a positive difference in my life. It’s hard, and I’m still a work-in-progress, but I’m learning to be more “real,” to rest more and lean into Jesus, and to see myself more through Jesus’ eyes as His precious beloved one instead of through a painful past. I thank God for you, Bonnie, for not giving up but writing to us from a place where we feel understood and providing us a safe place. God bless you and keep you and give you peace! Hugs!
My sweet sister Bonnie, I just want to wish your book Finding Spiritual Whitespace a happy birthday. Also to let you know that once again that I really enjoy your blogs and videos. You and them are truly a blessing. I’m deeply honored and blessed that we are kindred spirits. I thank our Jesus that He’s put us together in this way. Please writing and sending your blogs and I’ll of course keep reading and keep making and sending your videos and here to I’ll watch as well. You talked about people leaving you, well I got news for you. Jesus said in His Word that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you, well that goes for me too. I love you my friend. Now, always, and forever.
Wow Bonnie… I just really came to your blog a few weeks back — because of a friend telling me about it ;)— and now I’m just a great big fan. Love your writings from the HEART! Because isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? 3 things I’m learning… hmmm 1. I need more spiritual whitespace in my life…as in reading the book and practicing it…! 2. It’s way more easy to do this Jesus thing with “kindreds” as you say and I’m thankful that God has brought a few into my life lately. 3. It’s never too late to fall in love with Jesus or share your heart. Even though I’ve been a believer since I was a little girl, it’s only in my 30s that I’ve become more of a follower, though still greatly flawed! Thank you again Bonnie for being such an encourager and lover of our souls. ♥
Hello Bonnie! I posted a review on Amazon under my name ckeene and raved about you, of course. You might remember me with my old email address of designer4god@yahoo.com. I am phasing that out because I had too many problems with yahoo. Anyway, you bring such joy to so many of us and we love you. I definitely need more spiritual white space in my life. I really need that time with our Savior, even just to hang out with Him as my dearest and closest friend. It is so healing just to be with Him. Sometimes I just say nothing because I don’ want to come to Him just with a list of needy things, which He already knows. And sometimes it is in the quiet that He reveals Himself.
You are the best, Bonnie! So glad you are here.
Thank you for giving so much of yourself to us. Your book has helped me through my own journey of healing. Thank you too for this fun giveaway. Each of these items are beautiful. Grace and peace.
Happy Birthday to Finding Spiritual Whitespace! The book and so many of your subsequent words, Bonnie, so spoke to me! I feel like you have such a unique way of seeing and expressing God’s truth. I am so blessed to have crossed paths with you and love seeing your journey – it encourages me in mine! Be blessed as you celebrate a year since the book came out!
Thank you so much for sharing, I really needed this today!! I haven’t had a chance to read your book yet since I just recently discovered your blog, but I’m definitely looking forward to reading it!!
3 things I’m learning:
1. Lies are easier to believe than truth. Believing the truth is a hard and ongoing battle.
2. Idols are big, but God is bigger and far more powerful.
3. I belong to God, his beloved :), and that is enough.
Congratulations-beautiful post and beautiful you <3 There is so much to address but I believe what is most powerful is vulnerability and trust because we all need each other and we all need to open our hearts to one another, which you have guided so many to do by showing us your own heart.
How exciting that Finding Spiritual Whitespace is on the list of Best Books for Christian Women! You are to be commended for fighting your battles in order to achieve this goal. But praise belongs to our God, too, doesn’t it. He bestowed upon you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3). Absolutely thrilling to witness!
I am so happy I stumbled on your blog several months ago. We share a similar heart and similar thoughts. Thank you for putting yourself out there to help others! xo On my Instagram @luckyjan14 I will share a photo taken from one spot where I enjoy spiritual whitespace here in my home on Maui.
I am learning the following truths:
*I am beloved, period.
*I do not have to be useful in order to be valuable.
*God’s sovereignty is more far-reaching and more powerful and more wonderful than I can imagine.
I love your messages! Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much for sharing I read your blog every week and it gave me courage to face my fears and depression and I realised I was not isolated, a failure for having this and I have slowly come up out of it. God Bless you
Bonnie, I am so thankful that I came by today to listen as you shared your heart. Has it really been one year already since your book was released?! I still remember my excitement to read your book, and started it while my hubby and I were on a short trip together. I have learned a lot from you about giving our souls space to rest, and room to breathe. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into everything you do, and everything you write. We are blessed because of it. it’s so amazing how God creates such beauty … and we are blessed because of the beauty we see in YOU! All praise and thanks to Jesus …
Three things God has taught me recently:
1. With faith comes doubt. They are both sides of the same coin.
2. Rest does not mean brainless TV watching. It means active, purposeful seeking for whites pace.
3. People are social beings, but it still takes training to be around people and in the moment.
your words are a sweet, sweet soul gift to me. thank you for supporting Finding Spiritual Whitespace, for continuing to show up here, and for showing me what kindred friendship looks like!
Happy book birthday, Bonnie!! Wow, I bet it was quite a journey. Glad I could walk along with you. I love to see what God is doing in your life. Blessings, sweet friend!
Happy one year!! Your website and ideas are so gorgeous! Keep rocking out for the King! <3
hold on….PAIN ends
3 things I’ve learned: I can trust God even when I don’t understand the plan, true joy comes from knowing Jesus, and life is a precious gift to treasure but greater glory is to come.
I stumbled across this blog just this morning (through another blog), so I hadn’t heard of the book. I read reviews on Amazon and look forward to reading it. (I don’t have a blog of my own nor Instagram so unable to complete the other steps.)
Bonnie,
I loved watching your video message to us from the woods of California — what a beautiful setting for us to be right there with you! Watching that hiking trail reminded me of the journey he has called you on to trust him — and really all of us to trust and follow him on — the twists and turns of our lives that lead us all into his presence. Love it that a year has passed since the book’s release — here’s to more delicious shared brews with you on this journey! xo
Going through panic attacks this past year, your book has ministered to me and given me hope. Thank you for being so transparent on your journey. Happy Book Birthday!
Oh my gosh it’s been an amazing, painful, healing journey full of discovering. I can’t believe it’s one year already Bonnie. I feel like we’ve just begun. Which leads me to why…in three things I’ve learned
1) I can now hike my whitespace trail in the light, unashamed because of our community.
2) It’s a progressive journey of new and old discovery. No rush. No time constraints.
3) I don’t have to travel alone. Jesus is always hiking with me. And you all, our whitespace community…we are here for each other best we can be.
It’s not always smooth. It’s not always bright sunny times. It’s full of ups and downs and round abouts. Falling down, getting hurt sometimes and getting up. Yet, I’m finding that’s it’s worth the bumps, bruises and even the cuts. Because we do get to the smooth, sunny paths eventually.
xoxo, Jeri
Bonnie – your words and your story are just filled to overflowing with hope and gratitude. I’ve followed you from a distance for a bit, but for this occasion I had to come out of the shadows (link-up even). I’m on my own faith journey and prone to give in to fear and the voice that tells me to quit (often and over again), but faith has been teaching me that I need to focus on the process and allow God to handle the results. I can’t keep standing on tiptoe wondering when and what-if. Faith has to be my anchor and I must hold fast because when all is said and done, when the journey is over, greater faith and more of God are the only lasting prizes. Congratulations on the past year and blessing upon blessing in the years ahead.
[…] up with Bonnie Gray […]
1. He is able; 2. He is willing; 3. He is loving
So excited for the birthday of this special book! It’s been such a huge blessing to our family! It even inspired me to try something new this last weekend as I took part in a painting class for the first time. I noticed that I was able to let go of needing to do it perfectly or just like the instructor and was one of very few people in our group who could just be ok with my painting reflecting who I was. That was a huge moment for me!!!
I’m learning to be myself, precious, beloved for me and not what I do or perform. I’m not alone either, although it is hard to find kindred spirits sometimes. He IS faithful even when I can’t see or hear at the moment.
You are so precious. Thank you for all of your written words and for your beautiful spirit. I want to share something I recently posted. It may help with healing. It did for me.
Lisamarie
http://healingtakesalifetime.blogspot.com/2015/06/mantra.html