Hello again everyone! I know it's been awhile a new blog post has appeared from me (since Christmas Day to be exact) but I'm back. I've found my writing voice again. I'm kicking off this new season with a book review from the lovely Bonnie Gray. I read her book Finding Spiritual Whitespace and reviewed it a few years ago. As always with her style, she is showing/instructing readers how to find that space for God to speak into your life. This new book, Whispers of Rest is unique because it is a 40-day journey. Each day there is a Scripture reading, prayer prompt, and journal prompt. I find journaling a great release of my feelings. I'm not very vocally articulate of my feelings because most of the times my natural reactions are instant anger. Only after a while of thinking and reflecting am I able to process the true feelings underneath. The journal prompts allow you do this!!
Bonnie has left such great nuggets of Truth in each "Day" (chapter) of the book. I'm going to share one of my favorites from the very first day:
"Jesus wants you to say YES to surrendering your heart, rather than putting your safety into executing a plan"
If you know me at all (or even followed me for awhile) you know that I loveeee plans. I mean I am a teacher after all so I do make plans every day. Actually through teaching and through God I have learned that my plans may not always be the best ones, in fact rarely in my life are they the best because I can't see the whole picture. I'm not sovereign like God. In teaching, sometimes you have to adapt to add in extra review days or standardized testing.
When it comes to my spiritual life, slowly and surely I am learning and trusting that surrendering my heart to Jesus is the best action I can take. I mean my heart is in the safest place on Earth. It's in the hands that hold the whole world and it's in the hands that were nailed to the cross to take my punishment. Why wouldn't I surrender it?!
Since I started reading Whispers of Rest, I am truly starting to feel my soul become revitalized waking up, ready to share what I have learned the past few years that I've been silent. Join me in the rest that we all crave!! Order the book here: http://thebonniegray.com/whispersofrest/. There are lots of free bonuses for ordering. In addition there will be a Summer Book Club starting up!! Let me know if you are in!!
Hope you enjoy!!
In His Love,
A
Amanda, what a beautiful way to connect with each other - on the journey to rest and refresh! I'm so happy to know God's whispers are breathing fresh breath in this devotional! thank you for celebrating the big day together! so excited for this journey to rest & refresh together!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info about Whispers of Rest. I must admit I was intrigued by your blog title. I just watched a video on patient endurance I found on this site and thought I would share it. Enjoy! http://www.homerlesandwandaring.com/patient-endurance
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