When it comes to making changes in the new year, there can be a lot of pressure to make changes happen right away. But is that really how real beauty and change take shape?

But, first – before I share today’s encouragement with you – I have something important to tell you, that unexpectedly happened last week. It’s prompted me to do something I’ve never done before: I am inviting you to join me to have coffee together LIVE on my Facebook Page!

Last Friday, I wrote a blog post on (in)courage about “Three Soul Care Practices To Lower Anxiety and Experience More Peace“ and my inbox got flooded with questions from the blog post.

I got a big nudge from God through readers’ questions to do a Facebook LIVE and talk more about anxiety and give more practical tips on how we restore calm and experience healing — and also big time encouragement from the Scriptures!!

As an inspirational speaker, as I’ve traveled across the country to speak and meet thousands of women to talk about finding rest, I’ve encountered a lot of hot topics and questions about how to experience more joy and peace and the practical challenges that feel taboo to talk about them.  So, I’m going to do my first FACEBOOK LIVE Just Between Us next Wednesday 1/18 12:30pm EST!  Please get the word out and invite your friends! Pray for me! I’m nervous. I’ve not done one before. But, I’m also passionate to talk about the powerful encouragement that can change our lives and give us hope — while being HONEST about the realities of stress and anxiety!

So, mark your calendars, invite your friends and join me! I don’t want to be there by myself!! lol

Now, Back to Today’s Video Devotional…

Every year, during the in-between time – after Christmas and before the New Year – Eric and I began a new rhythm with our boys Josh and Caleb the year I first experienced panic attacks in 2012 (I’ve healed since then and wrote all about it in my first book Finding Spiritual Whitespace).

So, we get out of dodge and do a local getaway to enjoy spiritual whitespace as a family for 4-5 days. This year, while we were in Muir Woods, I was feeling unsure about what will happen this year – with my new Book #2 releasing. There is always uncertainty whenever we step out of safety and move towards change.

As I walked by the creek trickling in early morning light, God gently reassured me through the quiet, lasting beauty of the Redwood trees in Muir Woods with His whispers in Psalm 1:2-3.

So, I stopped and recorded today’s Video Devotional For The Soul: Why You Will Flourish, Come What May.

Wherever you may be, may you feel the reassuring voice of God’s love for you through the encouragement in this video. It was taken a little-over-a-week ago, before the California storm and floods hit our state. Hear the water and see the peace of morning light.

Click to watch below.  And yes, please share how today’s video devotional speaks to you in the comments. It sparks a topic or conversation for next time! Plus, it just makes me happy to hear your voice! 🙂 Please pass on to encourage a friend!

If You Prefer To Read Today’s Devotional

Hi, this is Bonnie Gray!

And I’m saying hello to you here from John Muir Woods in California. And it’s so quiet. It’s kind of low light right now because the sun has just started to rise. Just early in the morning. But it’s beautiful here, as we are right by the creek. You can hear the water trickling. I want to share some words of encouragement.

It’s from Psalm 1:2-3 —

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord
and on his law, he meditates day and night.

He will be like a tree,
firmly planted by streams of water,
which yields fruit in due season,
whose leaves do not wither.”
Psalm 1:2-3a

And I think stepping into the new year, there can be a lot of pressure to make changes happen right away.

But we can hear God’s whispers.

But we can just pause. And remember — we are already planted in God’s love.

And because we are with Him
and He is with us  —

Over time this year, day by day, his love is going to wash over us
and He’ll bring about the changes that bears real fruit.
Fruit that is within our hearts.

And I love how this passage ends,
because it says,

“In whatever he does, he prospers.”
Psalm 1:3b

And I think what is going to prosper isn’t just about what we’re going to do or accomplish.

It’s about who we are.

The word prosper is like the word flourish –– just God bringing life to refresh our hearts.

And that’s what’s more important is that we take time to just know that we are loved. And bring rest into our souls. And just refresh ourselves.

So, I hope that as you go throughout this day, remember —

You’re loved and you’re cherished. Just rest.

Okay, have a great day – and I’ll see you next time! Bye!

~~~~~
Pull up a chair. Click to comment. How is God encouraging you this week?

* Who can you share today’s encouragement with?

**Psst. Thanks for entering the One Word 2017 GIVEAWAY!

I LOVED reading your One Words and the stories behind them. It’s inspiring me to share encouragement for your One Words!  I will post the winner on the GIVEAWAY Post on Friday 1/13 !**