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We’d Been Only Dating Six Months…The Birthday Present I’ll Never Forget #WhispersofRest

By Bonnie Gray • June 4, 2017 • 8 Comments

We’d been only dating 6 months when Eric gave me a birthday present. It wasn’t hard to guess that it was a book, but I was kind of nervous opening it because I’m super picky when it comes to books.

So I was telling myself as I was slowly unwrapping it, “Okay, whatever book it is, you’re gonna love it, because he gave it to you… you’re gonna love it.”

I was prepping myself. Eric was watching me really closely – waiting to see my reaction. So, I flashed a smile to put him at ease. “Oh, I know it’s a book!” I teased.

I searched my mind to see if I could remember mentioning a book I really wanted, but I drew a blank. I don’t think I did, did I?

I never in a million years would’ve guessed the book I’d find under the gift wrapping Eric so tightly taped shut. The book that I lifted, nestled out from tissue paper was “The Everything Get Published Book: everything and veryone you need to know to become a successfully published author.”

I stared at it speechless. “Didn’t you say you wanted to write a book?” Eric asked.

“Well, yeah…back when I was a little girl!” I chuckled. “I can’t write a book anymore.”

Then, tears began to well up in my throat, because I was already in my 30s and because of many life circumstances, I never got to pursue my dreams. I had put away that little girl dream and forgot about it.

That dream had died a long time ago, along with a lot of other things I left behind.

“Aw… that’s not true,”Eric said.”You can still write a book. You have so many stories to tell.”

He looked at me so innocently, I could only reply, “This is the best gift I have ever received in my whole entire life. Thank you.”

And then I hugged him tight, so he couldn’t see the tears that were falling, sorrow mixed with pure joy. I actually put that book away in the closet for many more years. Until 15 years later, His Everything book sits on the bookshelf today — and so does Whispers of Rest.

So don’t give up on love and don’t give up on your dreams. But even if you do, just like I did, God will never forget the prayers you pray.

Eric and I took a stroll with our sons Josh and Caleb last weekend downtown to Books Inc. in Mountain View (headquarters of Google), where I’ll be throwing a Book Signing Party on June 11 @2pm. Come by. I’d love to see you! 

Come on By! Book Signing Party

I’ll share some stories, read excerpts of Whispers of Rest, sign some copies, and chat with you and hear your story,

I would LOVE to meet some of my online friends in real life! I hope that if you’re in the area, you’ll mark your calendar for June 11th and stop by. Visit Books Inc.’s website for more info! 

Get The AudioBook – Whispers of Rest

If you enjoy audiobooks, you will enjoy the Whispers of Res  Audiobook as a daily audio devotional – as your daily prayer time. It took six 4-6 hour days for me to record it and music & I can’t wait for you to experience it with God. Here’s a sample to listen (just click on Audible Sample on Amazon) and guess what?!  You can get the Audiobook FREE on Amazon.comas an Audible trial

The Book Club starts TOMORROW Monday June 5th!

Sign up NOW to join the Free Book Club, friend!  We start tomorrow Monday June 5th! Sign up to do this together by clicking here ?http://whispersofrest.com

?This 6 Video Series Book Club includes Bonus Gifts: Private Facebook Group, Journaling Art page, Coloring pages, Small Group Guide + more! Order now or buy at Barnes & Nobles or Lifeway Bookstores and download the bonus gifts ?

* If you order the book, I can give you first five digital chapters so you can read, as you wait for your book to arrive. Just email Micayla Brewster at micaylanicolebrewster@gmail.com

_____
Will you come by the Book Signing Party? Or forward to a friend in the SF area!
When you look back on your story – What was YOUR favorite, most memorable birthday gift?
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So How Does a Little Girl Born In SF Chinatown Grow Up To Write #WhispersofRest?
Whispers of Rest Book Club Video 1 of 6: Embrace Your True Identity

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8 Comments

  • Reply Rebecca L Jones June 4, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    One year I got a broken ankle, but my most special gift was a blue wooly mammoth. Working at family daycare I mentioned it was my birthday to a little boy named Brandon whom I adored. I had known him since he was two weeks old. He took off his backpack and poured it on the floor. There he rummaged through his treasures and gave me a blue, plastic, wooly mammoth for my birthday. The fact that a sweet three year old that was a gift from God and like my own son since I had no children had picked me out someting special was a wonderful moment. He’s 22 now, and I still have wooly, I could not have refused a priceless gift of love.

    • Reply Nancy Ruegg June 6, 2017 at 9:13 am

      What a sweet story! As a former teacher, I can relate to the joy you experienced in receiving that very special wooly mammoth! It was indeed a love gift from God Himself, and it makes me smile to know you have kept it all these years.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray July 10, 2017 at 4:45 pm

      hi rebecca – thank yo so much for sharing this sweet story of this little boy who love dyou and gave you his wooly — it meant a great deal to his heart and his story – and God used you to be someone He could express his love. I’ve been busy in the private FB group leading the online #WhisprsofRest book club – but I wanted to circle back and say thank you for your kind blessings! love, bonnie

  • Reply Susan G. June 4, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Such a beautiful story! I see why your hubby turned into a keeper. 😉
    Bless you!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray July 10, 2017 at 4:46 pm

      aw… thank you, Susan! I hope yo’uve had a wnoderful summer! I’ve been busy in the private FB group leading the online book club – but I wanted to circle back and say thank you for your kind blessings! love, bonnie

  • Reply Nancy Ruegg June 6, 2017 at 9:15 am

    What heartwarming encouragement your story provides. Thank you, Bonnie! One of my dreams sits on a back burner. You’ve given me renewed hope that it could still happen!

  • Reply eileen June 6, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Dearest Bonnie, you are so blessed and I want to thank you for blessing and sharing your gift with others. You are a treasured friend and I appreciate your overflowing joy which is contagious. What a beautiful story. Love & Prayers.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray July 10, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      thanks eileen – it’s special to have friends here on the blog to share these stories! i hope you’re having a wonderful summer and full of #WhispersofRest!

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