If you were here, guess where I would take you?
So, I decided to record a special Advent Video Devotional For Your Soul on a trail I love to walk in the morning — and after hiking in a bit to my favorite oak tree to talk with you — it started raining! It was SO special. The video actually captured the first raindrops of the day. You can see them glimmering. And I believe it was God’s sweet presence blessing us that very moment. For just you and me (No one was on the trail then. Everyone had hurried down the mountain, as I was heading up!).
I didn’t care if I got wet, I missed you so much, I simply pressed “record”.
And if you’re encouraged by the video, please subscribe on Youtube and share the video with your friends. It encourages me to keep sharing my heart in this way.
So here it is — from my heart to yours. Thank you for all your support, prayers and kinship. With love, Bonnie
If You Prefer To Read Today’s Devotional…
Hi, this is Bonnie Gray and I’m saying hi to you from Northern California on a quiet trail I love to walk in the mornings.
Its’ the second week of Advent and I wanted to take a moment to share some words of reflection as we think about God’s love.
One thing about this trail is that even though I’ve walked it many times, it’s still unexpected. In fact, it’s starting to rain right now! Can you see the droplets or even hear it?
Well, I’m thinking about Mary and how she must have felt everyday ordinary, and yet, just like the trees standing still in the beauty, she has found that God is attentive to details.
God is attentive to you. And he chooses you and me — in the moments we least expect it.
Mary sure had a lot of questions — more than answers — and yet, she prayed,
“Let it be with me, just as you say.” Luke 1:38
I think behind that prayer is a belief that Mary whispered —
God as long as you love me, as long as you stay close to me,
then I will — let it be.
I will be.
I will be with you and you will be with me.
So, wherever you’re at, during this day — in your quietest moments — remember God loves you and He is attentive to you.
There’s also a verse that I love that I want to close out with, before it starts raining in a downpour. It’s from Psalm 18:35:
“Your right hand has held me up
and your gentleness has made me great.”
Palm 18:35
So whenever there’s a moment you feel the gentleness of God, his peace, his whispers of reassurance, remember that you are the greatest in that moment: You are beloved.
I hope you have a wonderful day and you’re able to stay dry — and even if you get wet — just remember.
You are loved and cherished. Just rest.
Okay, I’ll see you next time. Take care.
~~~~~~
Pull up a chair. It’s been awhile. Click to comment.
You know how much I cherish hearing your thoughts.
This is a quiet place for you and me.
~~~~~
23 Comments
It’s good to hear your voice again, Bonnie! You’ve been missed. May you have a restful and refreshing Advent season into a new year filled with excitement and joy over your latest endeavor. I am sure it will bless all who read it since it comes from God’s heart to yours. Merry Christmas!
hi esther, thanks for such a sweet encouragement. it’s a time of soul searching for me, as I just finished Book #2, turning in 60,000 words this week. I can’t wait to share it with you.So, I wanted to come spend some time here sharing my heart. and it’s so warms my heart to hear your welcoming voice.Merry Christmas!
Take care too Bonnie and may you be showered on with those unending raindrops of His love!
hi lynn, you’re have such a poetic way with words! “raindrops of His love” (love that) I hope you’re touched with inspiration today in whatever God’s placing on your heart.
Dear Bonnie,
I’m so glad you are doing this Advent series. I’ve always enjoyed your written work, but I was especially refreshed hearing your voice today (whatever the weather). It is actually snowing and quite cold where I am! So thanks for the warm welcome, and for blessing us today, both audibly and legibly, with your warm conversational style.
thanks, lisa. it helps to hear that you enjoy this – jumping in doing something new is not easy for me. but, hearing you are here enjoying it, i truly feel i’m among friends. and it encourages me to keep sharing. Snow sounds very lovely – I love how winter trees look in the snow! I haven’t spent time enjoying the snow since I became a mom — it’s been (ahem) 11 years now (Josh is 11 and Caleb is 7)! I’m wondering if this year or next, it’s time to take a roadtrip the boys to see the snow.
Thanks for the encouragement. So thankful that His LoVe never fails!
thanks for being here, Christine! May his love touch your heart today!
Bonnie, I enjoy your words very much. I seldom comment, but the verse in Psalm is so precious. God has such gentleness with His children, it is always a reminder to me to give away what God gives and gentleness is needed in our world. You do a great job in gentleness. Blessings
hi Mo, thanks for taking the time to comment. It makes writing here so much more real. I know that Psalm is so soothing to the soul and extra sweet knowing it’s special to you too. thanks for your encouraging words… my soul takes it in and I feel more beloved because of it. thank you for your gift of words. you’re beloved.
God is attentive to me, how wonderful when I feel like people sometimes aren’t. We really need to be attentive to Him also, and I love your verse. It looks like He pouedr out the Holy Spirit on you gently as well with a few drops of blessings.
i was so happy walking down the mountain, knowing we could experience those droplets together, Rebecca. it’s true, the world may overlook us, but God whispers, I am attentive to you. may feel as beloved as you truly are today.
Beautiful video Bonnie! I loved seeing the rain fall down as we don’t get much rain in Phoenix. I love the smell and sound of it. What a joy to listen to your message. God loves me! I love how you mentioned the details of our lives. Thank you Bonnie.
hi Debbie!! the sound and smell of it… yes! i’m experiencing it right there with you… in my heart. i’ve missed you and i hope you’re experiencing God’s loving presence in whatever you’re in the journey through.
Thank you for these sweet words. Balm for my weary heart. Love the rain as it made me smile. It is a whopping 20 degrees here in my neck of the woods. Have a blessed day.
oh, keep warm and cozy, Tammy. drink some tea and snuggle up.
I love that verse from Psalm 18! I am thankful for His gentleness towards me. Also, I am very excited to read your next book!!! When will it be published? Merry Christmas to you XO
Hi Bonnie, thank you for sharing how Mary must have felt. What courage she would have had! But you help me understand it was because she knew He was attentive to detail, and gentle. I’m amazed by this – that His gentleness makes us great. Particularly encouraged by your message today. We are never alone even when we feel it! Thanks ?
Yes and AMEN. How my soul needed to hear this! Yes – I can trust God because He loves me and is WITH ME. What a gift!
I’m in the middle of writing my story and I have had to get on medication after a year of praying and reading scripture and trying natural options. My fight is not over, but I cling to my hope in HIM.
If it were not for you sharing your story – that you wrote your first book while on meds (if I remember correctly), and that God used it to speak to so many- what a testament to God meeting us and using us RIGHT WHERE WE ARE!
I hunger and thirst for more of HIM. He is here. In every moment and space. AMEN
Hi Bonnie! Thanks for taking us out on the trail. I’ve loved the videos you’ve done on your walks, somehow they seem so personal, like we could be walking along together as you share your heart.
I’ve missed your smile, but I’m so looking forward to your next book.
This year, I’ve been remembering times when I didn’t feel loved or cherished during the holidays. I needed your words.
“As long as you love me, as long as you will stay close to me, then I will let it be”
These words remind me that Jesus knows everything Im going through. These words remind me of His gteat Paternal Protection.
These words connect me emotionally to His long arm and Great Love. They quiet the tempest.
Isn’t that a surprising verse, Psalm 18:35? How good God is to gently teach, guide, and strengthen each of us to become the greatest and best versions of ourselves — all because we’re beloved. Thank you, Bonnie, for your encouragement!
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