Like me, do you ever hold yourself back from joy too? That’s what happens, just as you’re about to do something new or to break out of old patterns: self-doubt and fear intensify.

But, I’m learning our most honest moments are our most beautiful moments of intimacy and joy. 

I’m not at my best. Maybe I need to wait. But, what about this fear or that flaw? These are the words I whispered to myself the morning before creating today’s video.

I’ve been quietly busy writing Book #2 (the release date is May 2017) — to share the most beautiful, vulnerable stories from my heart to encourage yours. But, last week as I was about to turn it into the publisher — the critical voices start getting louder.

When we share our hearts unguarded — about how we really feel or what we want — intimacy is vulnerable. We are unguarded.  It feels awkward. We feel afraid.

But the moment someone who loves us meets us in our vulnerability, that intimacy becomes a knowing intimacy. Fear, when met with God’s knowing intimacy, invites us to experience JOY. So, I took the tripod on my morning hike and boldly pressed record to create today’s video for you. Just as I am.

Click below to view today’s Special Video Advent Devotional For Your Soul.  As I drove down the mountain, joy filled my heart. Because what really matters isn’t what we do, but who we belong to. May your heart be touched with joy, beloved. Enjoy.

And if you’re encouraged by the video, share the video with your friends! You can also subscribe on YouTube or share on Facebook.  Thanks for your support! 

If You Prefer To Read Today’s Devotional…

Hi,

This is Bonnie Gray! I’m so happy to get a chance to be here with you in this quiet space, where the leaves have just blanketed the trail, here at winter time. Well, it’s this week of Advent that I’d like to share some words of reflection on the word joy.

I love that every time in the Christmas story that God comes to someone, like Mary, the shepherds – and even with Zachariah – that they were afraid. 

I love it because even though they were afraid, God still came  — to them. To whisper into their hearts good news.

And so as I think about the word joy, I remember that the Scriptures tell us that joy is fruit of the Spirit  — which means joy is the result of a seed having been planted.

Joy is not just something that happens to us because we have to make ourselves feel joyful.  Joy is the result of reflecting on something beautiful — that God has whispered on your heart.

So, I’m wondering this year, as you look back on all the moments God has been near to you, what is that promise? What are those words from Scriptures that have really brought  you joy?

I’d like to share mine. It’s from Isaiah 49:15 —

“Can a mother forget her baby?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you.

I have written your name
on the palms of my hand.
Your walls are ever before me.”

Just seeing in this past year — how God has been true to that — that He has not forgotten the challenges that surround me — it gives me joy. Just like the leaves that are falling from the branches and softening the path. 

I feel God’s whispers provided that comfort — and that knowing of intimacy brings me joy.

Well, I hope that as you reflect on those moments — the words God’s shared with this year —it will also bring you a moment of joy and peace.

I hope you have a wonderful day as you remember that you are loved. You are cherished.  You are worth it. Just rest.

I’ll see you next time!

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As you look back, what were the moments when God has been near to you?

What are the words from Scripture that have brought you joy?

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Thanks to those who shared last week.
It gives me joy to hear how it speaks to you and inspires me to keep sharing! 

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