It’s taken me three years to get to this point. So, I had to do something extra special. Because I have extra special news to share with you!

I went to my favorite local coffee shop, ordered my cappuccino, sat down and recorded a video message. I didn’t get too many weird stares, but I didn’t care! It’s the next best thing to asking you out on a coffee date and catching up. Just you and me.

I told the barista I’m doing a special video for my friends online and I asked him to make it really pretty, to make a heart with the frothed milk — because it represents God’s love — which has come to me through you.

Click the video below to watch what I recorded from my heart: “Step Out New As God’s Beloved & Why I’m Writing Book #2”

The video includes a passage of Scripture God used to encourage me to step out new. And I believe it will encourage you as you follow God’s whispers for you too! I hope you enjoy today’s #OneWordCoffee Devotional For Your Soul, sweet kindreds!

Stay Quiet Or Do Something?

Here is an excerpt of the video message from my heart, transcribed in words — if you prefer to read:

Right away after my first book Finding Spiritual Whitespace was written, people immediately asked me, “When are you going to write your next book? And what will your book be about?”

I didn’t want to even want to ask that question. I just wanted to rest and savor the book’s release. But after a year of doing the interviews and going to speak, sharing the message of God’s rest and the different ways he helps us find rest — I started getting an idea.  I was prompted by the idea to write another book.

But, to be honest with you, I was very apprehensive because just because Finding Spiritual Whitespace did well, what is it to say that my next book would resonate — that the next set of things I wanted to share would become an invitation you would accept and welcome as well?

As I debated whether I would write a second book, I had to decide: would I continue to write what God’s bringing me through or would I put down my pen and just stay quiet and not say nothing?

What He Said Afterwards

The scene takes place in a garden. And Mary Magdalene was really sad. She couldn’t find Jesus. She was visiting him in the tomb where he would’ve been buried and his body was gone.

And I think I really resonated with that. Because in one moment, we are pretty sure where things are at in our lives and everything is humming along at a certain place.

Then suddenly, things are out of place. Things are out of order and it’s very confusing. And we’re not even quite sure how we feel about everything.

But, it’s in the place of confusion that Mary hear’s Jesus voice. Mary hears Jesus say her name.

And in that moment, Mary realized that it was Jesus.

But, what was interesting is not so much that moment – of course it was amazing — but what spoke to me was what Jesus said to her afterwards.

Very Little

So, she’s clinging to him, right? She’s finally found something she was missing – which is this love that has been a part of her life and her change, and Jesus says to her, “Don’t hold on so tightly to me. But go and tell my brothers.”

John 20:17-18 says,

“Jesus said to her, “Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 

Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.”

And it’s so interesting because Mary just went and left and told the disciples something so simple – and as we know, they didn’t believer her, because they didn’t see him.

It makes you wonder. Shouldn’t Jesus have given Mary more information – more evidence or proof that he was alive?

But, no, instead Jesus just told her was basically tells Mary, “Go and tell them what you have seen. Tell them what you’ve heard.”

What Jesus said was very little.

One Thing That Makes Sense

So, I felt God was whispering to me,

“Bonnie, whatever little you have, you heard me. Say something.

You’ve heard me say something.

You’ve heard me whisper something to you.

It may not be tied up in a bow, and it all may not make sense.”

But, one thing we know that makes sense is hearing God.

Hearing God in our quiet places, in our special moments. And that’s all we are invited to do.

I Signed It!

I want to thank you because I am so thankful that we have this connection through our stories. And it’s only because of you, I have the opportunity to write a new book, book #2.

Because the truth is, if you didn’t pick up my book and support me by recommending the book to your family and friends — without you allowing me into your heart and your stories by taking this book into your hands — I would not have a second book to write. That’s the reality of how books work.

So, I want to share this moment with you. I’m so happy,

I just got this last week. I just signed it. It’s a contract. A contract for a book.  A new book!

The Important Thing

As you know, I’ve been writing a lot here on the blog about starting new. To step into being God’s beloved.

And I have to say no matter how much time has passed, God doesn’t necessarily bring clarity over exactly what he’s going to have us do.

But, the important thing is that God’s whispers don’t stop.  Even if they are quiet and gentle. Even if his words are simple and few. God is kind and tender. He doesn’t push.

But, it’s undeniable when he plants a seed you in you. The important thing is that God has said something. God has put a book on my heart.

What is God Calling You To Do New?

I first got this idea last in the summer. But, it takes a while to have the book finds its way.

And I’m so happy I can share this moment with you. Because its’ really only because of you that I’m able to share this journey of writing and sharing encouragement with you.

It’s because of you that I’m writing.

I hope that something today in where I am currently at encourages you.

You may not be signing a book contract. But, God may be calling you to do something.

What is that? And it might be something that he’s been putting on your heart for many years. Just like me, it’s been three years, since I’ve written Finding Spiritual Whitespace — and it’s been germinating to now, where I’m going to take a step out.

We should be encouraged by what Jesus told Mary –

Just go. Go and share the truth of what you’ve heard and seen with me.

From the Bottom of My Heart

And with God guiding us, with us holding onto those moments that we share with Jesus, we can do wonderful things.

Not because of what we can accomplish but because of who we are. Because of who we are hearing and who we are seeing.  And we share God in whatever way God is calling you to do – in your family, in your job, in your relationships.

So, I hope that you’ve been encouraged and I want to thank you again. To celebrate this moment with you.

Because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be writing. There wouldn’t be another book.

That’s just the truth about how books work.

So, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. That you are on this journey with me.

Just Like a New Baby

I just cannot wait to tell you about this new book. I am so excited about this new book.

I’m saving the title of the book to announce later, because just like a new baby, you want to save the name, so that when the baby arrives, you want to celebrate that moment and surprise everybody with the title of the book.

I just can’t wait to share the new book with you.  I’m thinking of you with every line that I write.

So, I hope you have a great day. Take some time to have a cup of coffee. And as you can see, I also have my blueberry muffin, so I’m going to enjoy that now as I think of you and wrap up my post this week. Just for you.

Remember you’re loved, you’re cherished and you’re worth it.  Just rest.

See you next time!

Love, Bonnie

P.S. Please pray for me and for the words to flow, friends. I am praying for courage. To set my heart free to share myself with you and God unfiltered and at rest, to bring us closer on this journey of faith with God and each other. As is. Let me know how I can pray for you too! Thank you!!

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How has today’s Scripture encouraged you to step out new and beloved?

What one word speaks to you this week?

Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, friends!

Who can you share today’s encouragement with? 

For more encouragement, get a copy of Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.

#OneWordCoffee Link Up
Soul Writing With Jesus —  Together

This new #OneWordCoffee Wednesday series inspires us to create space in a simple way, to be present, hear God’s whispers, to be refreshed & renewed. ?

Every Wednesday, I’ll invite you to stop, pause, & reflect on One Word God’s put on your heart this week.

Share how One Word speaks to you: 1. Simply post a comment (or) 2. Write a blog post, link up on Wednesdays. Visit the post before yours to comment and encourage. Please use the #OneWordCoffee badge (click here)  in your post& link back (or) 3. Tag photos #OneWordCoffee on Facebook or Instagram inspired by your one word.

#OneWordCoffee ☕️ A simple invitation to create a new rhythm for your soul. Stop and hear God’s whispers. Let’s swap some stories together.

April’s writing theme: new

Month of May’s Writing Prompt: the one word that speaks to you each week

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