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Merry Christmas, Sweet Kindreds!

By Bonnie Gray • December 25, 2016 • 19 Comments

The kids are all tucked in bed.  They wanted to stay up late tonight because, “Mom! It’s Christmas!” So, I said, “Yes! It’s Christmas!”. So, we played game night, with Christmas music streaming in the background.  I got so caught in playing, I didn’t realize how late it was getting.

As Eric and I turned out the lights around the house, I thought about how important it is to feel seen and to be heard.  I was noticing how little brother Caleb would turn to big brother, Josh, and talk over a move he was about to make in the game.  Caleb would pull his brother in close, point to the move he was considering, and he’d say, “Look, Josh!” and start whispering in his ear.  And Josh would whisper back. And they’d both burst out laughing with a plan hatched between them.

I think my kids don’t realize how little things that seem so common place for them are special things we may have missed out on when we were growing up. At least, for me, when I was a little girl growing up.  And for those of us who had wonderful family growing up, you realize what a treasure it is. And how that need is beautiful and also continual – because it makes us beloved and safe in this world.

It makes a difference whether we feel heard. If there is someone to turn to. I’m realizing that more and more deeply, especially as an adult.

God knows and sees our need to feel seen. Heard. He understands it. He sees it as beautiful, because He loves us.

I’m learning it makes a different to be known, loved and accepted.

We don’t always have answers, but we all need a friend.

So, comes to why I’m writing to you, here in California, 15 minutes before the hand strikes midnight.

You don’t have to do a thing. What no one else notices, God sees in the deepest part of your heart, as He tenderly whispers —

You are blessed and highly favored.

Just let me love you. You are beautiful to me. ✨

Let the joy of who you are to Jesus light your heart tonight.

Merry Christmas, sweet kindreds.  You are His beloved.
Jesus is that Faithful Friend.

And because of Jesus, you and I can find that kinship in each other too.

A Note From My Heart

Thank you for being here in this space to be that friend I can turn to and share the whispers God places on my heart, as I journey through the year.

Thank you for being a quiet companion, sharing your stories, comments or just quietly reading.

Tonight, I’m thankful for you, friends — thank you for making room in your everyday to read and share. For being a friend whom I can share my most inner thoughts, in hopes that what has given my heart courage, comfort and life, will be encouragement for your journey as well. Thank you for being that friend to me here in this quiet space.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

You are loved and thought of tonight in God’s heart… and mine.

Writing to you this year has been my sanctuary. My safe place among kindred spirits on this year’s journey. With love and deepest gratitude for you across the miles — Merry Christmas, sweet friends.

A friend is that other person with whom we can share our solitude, our silence, and our prayer. A friend is that other person with whom we can look at a tree and say, “Isn’t that beautiful,” or sit on the beach and silently watch the sun disappear under the horizon. With a friend we don’t have to say or do something special. With a friend we can be still and know that God is there with both of us.”  Henri Nouwen

You are that friend to me this year.  Although my blog posts here have not been as often as I have thought of you, I have been writing to you the whole year. Everyday!  How? you ask?

60,000 Words Finally! Book #2

I finally turned in my manuscript earlier this month AND my final edits to the publisher just on Friday!  Can you believe it? They had me work all the way to Christmas! lol.

I finally clicked SEND to submit final 60,000 words to Book #2 to the publisher! {coming MAY 2017}. I’ve collected the most beautiful stories from my soul, to take you on a new journey to experience God’s love in a fresh and intimate way.

Here are notes I first made to begin writing Book #2 for you. I wrote down whispers that God placed on my heart — and I placed them across my desk. To see which ones I’d write chapters on.  I can’t wait to tell you the title of the book! Stay tuned!

I can’t wait to meet with you between the pages! Turning over memories, joy, tears and words like pebbles in the sand, I began by scattering notes across my desk — thinking of you with each line I wrote. I’m grateful for the letters that emerged as chapters, soon to be bound in a book, just for you. ?

So don’t give up, even if your voice feels small and your hands shake. Because the One who named the stars named you Beloved.

We need you to name what speaks meaning and beauty to you.

Good night.  And for most of you reading this, Good morning.

May you feel as loved as you truly are — and may you and those you love experience the joy of God’s irrevocable love for you — as we step into the New Year with Jesus’ hands in yours and mine!

Thank you so much for your support, sweet kindreds!  With love, Bonnie

~~~~~
What whisper is God placing on your heart?
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MERRY CHRISTMAS to you! 

~~~~~

photo credit: Kelly Ishmael

 

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19 Comments

  • Reply Betty Gilby December 26, 2016 at 3:35 am

    Just can’t wait!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:38 am

      betty, thank you so much!! i can’t wait to take you on the new journey to experience God in Book #2!!

  • Reply Terry December 26, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Looking forward to your new book. Thank you for sharing your thoughts ?

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:39 am

      terry, thank you!! it means so much to hear that. warms my heart, to know friends are here to cheer me on! i can’t wait to take you on the new journey to experience God in Book #2!!

  • Reply Trudy December 26, 2016 at 9:29 am

    I have missed your writings this year, Bonnie, but I admire that you put your full effort into the next book. I’m looking forward to reading it. I love your family photo. Smack dab in the midst of God’s creation. 🙂 And I love that in the midst of your family you and your boys have the blessing of feeling safe and loved, so unlike your past. God is so good! May you and yours experience more and more the deep, unlimited love of Jesus in 2017!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:44 am

      thanks, trudy. i wish i could do everything, and it’s hard to let go of one thing to step into the unknown. but i’ve learned as you know, from my journey through Finding Spiritual Whitespace, that sometimes to go on a journey, we give ourselves permission to choose the more vulnerable, uncertain but beautiful path. it’s heartwarming to know friends like you are here to cheer me on.. we can encourage eachother to take soul-replenishing, healing steps experience as you so beautiful say Jesus’ love deeply!

  • Reply Rebecca L Jones December 26, 2016 at 9:43 am

    I love the family photo too. I like the posed ones but they seldom work out so casual is the way to go. I enjoy your posts and am glad you have your book done. It is good to know that we are seen and heard by God, even if others aren’t always paying attention.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:47 am

      thanks, rebecca, it’s actually so reaffirming to know that the photo can convey how i feel when i write here to you. casual and at rest. as is. i’m always shy about sharing personal photos, but your words make me feel welcome. 🙂 I love your words “It is good to know that we are seen and heard by God, even if others aren’t always paying attention.” – you are a soulful, feel deeply and have a sweet spirit, friend! beautiful!

  • Reply Debbie December 26, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Dear Bonnie,
    What a nice surprise to hear you finished your book. Wishing you and your family Peace, love, and happiness in the New Year!
    Bless you my friend,
    Your friend,
    Debbie

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:48 am

      Thanks, Debbie!! your encouragement is always a friend to my heart! peace, love and happiness – what a beautiful blessing!! all for you, too – Jesus, I pray for Debbie as well! xo

  • Reply denise scott December 26, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    The whisper I believe I hear is I love you. Your so precious to me. The pain of your childhood I am erasing the torment. I do a new thing in you. Fear must be removed replaced by coutrage thru my strenght & love. Making you whole to believe again, joy, wisdom, courage is your mantle walk in it. I am wait you I will not leave you. Let go if the pain of the past and walk into my love and destiny for you my beautiful daughter. Amen

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:51 am

      dear denise, thank you for sharing such a tender whisper from God’s heart to yours.such poetry, and intimate. He is so gently holding you and taking care of you. we are blessed by having read this prayer from your heart! you are beautifully His!

  • Reply Susan G December 26, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Thanks Bonnie.
    Your sweet encouraging words are always so refreshing to my spirit and soul.
    I pray you had a wonderfully blessed Christmas with your family (It certainly sounds like you did. 😉 )
    May He continue to bless you right into and through 2017!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:54 am

      thanks for your kind prayer for a blessed Christmas, susan! i hope God is blessing you still in this Christmas kissed in-between time before the new year begins. What a great encourager and blesser you are! Christmas is always surprising to me, the power of a moment God uses to speak straight into our hearts.!

  • Reply Lisa December 28, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Thanks for the good words, and sweet sentiments to you and yours too, as 2016 turns into 2017. Happy New Year!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:54 am

      Happy New Year, Lisa!! thanks for blessing my Christmas with your sweet hello!

  • Reply Nancy Ruegg December 28, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    Love that Henry Nouwen quote. It speaks to that quiet, inner connection between close friends–a connection that requires no verbal communication. Jesus is that kind of friend (which your notes indicate) as we stay and rest awhile in his presence. Words unnecessary. Congratulations for completing Book #2, Bonnie! Thrilled for you that 2017 promises to be an exciting year!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 29, 2016 at 12:55 am

      thanks, Nancy for your encouraging words! so heartwarming to know friends are with me in spirit – can’t wait to take you on a new journey to experience something beautiful toether through Book #2!!

  • Reply Lisamarie January 3, 2017 at 12:50 am

    As always Bonnie your words have encouraged me. I look forward to your next book and am forever grateful to know you. The difference you have made in my life in immeasurable. I cherish you more than you know.
    Lisamarie

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