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

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

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photo credit: Kelly Ishmael