If you could have a morning, free from distractions and insecurities, what would you spend it doing?

A cup of coffee comes to mind.

A pastry of course is naturally next.

A journal with fresh pages.

Tucked into my purse along with a medium ball point pen.

I’d take a drive to a nearby arboretum of trees arrayed along easy walking paths.

I’d show you everything that makes my soul happy.

And hope it fills your soul with some delight too.

What will pour out between the coffee we sip and the stroll we take is a glimpse of your heart.

In real life.

My Biggest Hurts

My biggest hurts in life have come from being in community. During the times I felt betrayed and rejected, I felt the brunt of expectations. I withdrew from community.

Don’t get me wrong. I still went to church. I needed worship in music and song more than ever. I loved God’s word, so I still enjoyed taking Bible Study classes. I even joined the choir, playing my violin.

But, I did not attempt to move in any direction that would lure me back into the net of expectations. I kept my heart distant where it was most tender. But, there was a cost to my lack of community.

I grew insecure.  I lost touch with the real me. The Bonnie who was passionate, silly and spontaneous got lost in the Bonnie who was cautious and hidden.

There is a side effect to covering up parts of ourselves, even if it feels safe.  Our soul become muffled, unable to be loved when we are weak and accepted when we are afraid.

You see, community isn’t about belonging to a group.

Spiritual community starts with sharing your real self with others.

As followers of Jesus, we share in a kind of community that’s organic.

It grows out of living our lives in the open — because we’re learning to grow in grace and love. In other words, we trust that God is at work in each of us.

As we are.

Not as we wish we were.

Not as we once were.

As we are.

Deepest Healing

I was hurt by community, but God also healed me through community too.

Real life community.

It doesn’t happen in an instant. That’s superficial.

Community happens one conversation at a time.

One meet up at a time with –

No words. Just being together and accepting each other into the same space.

Few words. To laugh, chat about everyday life things. Like where to get fresh strawberries and how hard it is to fall sleep when the summer’s too hot.

Lots of words. One on one coffee chats that go crazy too long and the barista is giving you the evil eye.

Small get togethers. Girlfriends four to eight hanging out, swapping stories of our in-progress journeys. Usually nibbling on something sweet and holding something warm in our hands.

The ways of God are endless. He is creative.

He knows just how you need to be reached. And He has the people in mind who can move your heart out once again.

But, you have to take that risk.

You know your pace. But, you do have to venture out.

We weren’t made to be alone.

Free To Be Real

Over many years, God has made many significant connections to free me to joy once again.

Now, I have the joy of spiritual community.   I am free to be real.

I love being in real life with people.

It gives us the chance to offer each other the best gift possible.

Yourself.  As you are.

Life is a treasure trove of ups and downs, to support each other’s unique strengths and weaknesses.  We get to rejoice like crazy when happiness raindown like sheets of spring rain.  We can also comfort and encourage each other when times are tough.

“you are a letter of Christ…
written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God,
not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor. 3:3

An Invitation:  (In)RL

My friends who I write alongside at DaySpring (in)courage is that sort of community for women, but online.  Since we’re all spread out across the globe, we write to share real life stories of struggles and triumphs, as we are.

This year, (in)courage wants to take community one step further.

It’s called (in)RL — stands for “in real life”.

(in)courage is inviting us to have real life “meet ups” with others who live locally, right where we are.

(in)RL takes place on Saturday, April 27, 2012.

Click here to check out the (in)RL meet ups happening near you and register.  You can also host a gathering of your own.  You pick the guest size, the place and the time.

** We all have stories of real life community. ** 30 of us at (in)courage are sharing about real life community to inspire April’s (in)RL. Visit Lisa-Jo who kicked things off yesterday and be sure to catch Holley Gerth who will be serving up her words tomorrow.


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What are your stories of real life community?

Pull up a chair. I love having you here, inspiring community. Click to comment. Let’s encourage each other.

~~~~~

*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — LINK UP IN THE FAITH JAM ***

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – Every Thursday, I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post and link up.

Place the Faith Jam Badge in your post. It’s a welcome sign for our community. Grab the HTML Code. Thanks!

HTML Code For February’s Faith Jam Faith Fresh Badge

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Share your post by clicking the blue button below: “Add Your Link”. (Subscribers: click here to get there directly).

*Next Thursday’s 2/2/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on:: “real life” community. I have a feeling this is going to be a hot topic! Can’t wait to swap stories…

*This Thursday’s 2/9/12 Topic: * How are you Unwrapping Love?

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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When you’re pregnant with promise, don’t turn back. God will carry your faith to completion.

I had never been on the ski slopes before.

I was a newly working twenty-something having graduated from college. I finally was earning a salary, which meant I had money to go on a ski trip with my friends.

After taking a beginner’s lesson on the green slopes, my friends met up with me for chili at the ski lodge.

“Come on up with us to the blue runs!” my friends said, as we finished up our last bites of lunch.

“Really?  I don’t think I’m ready for that.”  I was skeptical to say the least.

“You’ll be fine.  That’s how you learn!”  My friends didn’t seem the least bit concerned and started suiting back up into their marshmallow get ups.

As I sat there, legs dangling on the swinging chair lift, carrying me high above the California Sierra mountain tops into white powder blowing against my goggles, my stomach tied up and my heart started pounding in my ears. 

I don’t want to go anymore!  Get me off of here!

No one told me there are no U-turns on ski lifts.  They just go up one way.  And you have to ski down the other.

No Turning Back

That’s how I felt was pregnant with my babies.

I was nauseous from week 6 all the way until the doctor welcomed them out.  Morning sickness lasted all day and all night.  Things that tasted one way turned completely yucky.  Nothing sounded good.  I still can’t believe I gave birth to healthy baby boys who moved the scale past eight lbs surviving on basically crackers, bread and water.

I remember being so crazy-out-of-my-mind happy when the home pregnancy test showed two lines.

But, I also remember how I wish I wasn’t pregnant when it was too late.  Life was growing in me.  There was no turning back.

Pregnant With Promise

When I invited you to share your One Words for 2012 this month, over a 100 of you submitted your comments and blog posts to share your soul resolutions ( I have been savoring every one of your words!).

When I counted up to a hundred, less than ten words were repeated.

The #1 most selected word was: adventure.

Like any adventure of faith, we begin breathless with excitement.  We discover we’re “pregnant with a promise”.  We don’t know exactly how it’s all going to go. But, that is part of the thrill.

New.

Different.

Growing.

Adventure.

But, as we take steps forward on our journeys, we may run into early pregnancy signs –

Hmm… Things don’t seem to fit quite right. We’re not sure how we feel about the changes.

On second thought, hold up a minute!  Maybe this was a mistake. The going gets rough.  And the rough gets rougher.

What do we do?  Is it too late to turn back?

A Dream and a Goliath

I know for many of us, it’s only the first month of the year.  But for me, I’ve been walking through the first trimester of…  writing the book-that-would-not-go-away.

I was living safe, low to the ground.  My voice reached only as far as a blog post.  After each publish, the words would slip back into the archives.

But, God remembered a dream I once buried.  A dream to share my heart through the written word.  It has been a steady companion, bringing me joy and healing my hurts.

Now, I’m three months into my manuscript. By the end of January, I will have finished a third of it.  It is a big milestone because quite simply:  writing this book is both my God-sized dream and my goliath in faith.

Every time I start to write, I ask myself,  Do I really want to open my heart in print? My words cannot be erased after it releases. And friends, I must confess.  It is scary to dangle my feet out here in mid-air.

Grow In You

Our faith adventures take us beyond our comfort zones.  We have to make changes we’ve never considered before.  There are no magic hours that suddenly appear.  We need to let go of something things in order to explore some new ones.

The faith adventure doesn’t come with cones of silence. There are still everyday issues and you know, the not-so-everyday ones love to surface too.  Family, friends, health, finances, and more.  They all make up our human frailties.

Even in the face uncertainty, we cannot turn back.

This is a good thing, friends. Because…

Psst…

I have something encouraging to share with you.

When you are pregnant with a promise, it’s a seed of faith that God plants.

When the time is right, the Holy Spirit will water that seed.

The seed of faith will grow in you —

to begin,

to search out,

to take one step forward,

to rest when it’s two steps back,

to battle through,

to fall apart in the arms of Jesus,

to rest in solitude and gain comfort among safe friends,

– and complete the soul work of shaping Christ in you.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6

Step forward.

We can’t turn back now friends.

You and I are pregnant with promise.

Some mornings, we will wake up wondering if we’re really up for this journey.

Rest easy. It’s the way of faith, dependance on God. The great thing about faith is that it doesn’t matter if we’re feeling inadequate. God is for us. We have what we need for the journey no matter what.

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32.

Jesus confidently assures us.  Nothing is impossible for God.  With faith as small as a mustard seed, we can say to this mountain, ‘Move.’  And it will move.” (Matthew 17:20)

Come on. Let’s keep going. God is faithful to the end.

Me mapping out the book: my heart on sticky notes.

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How are you pregnant with promise? Share your current adventure.

Pull up a chair. I love our community. Click to comment. Let’s encourage eachother.

~~~~~

*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — LINK UP IN THE FAITH JAM ***

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – Every Thursday, I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post and link up.

Place the Faith Jam Badge in your post. It’s a welcome sign for our community. Grab the HTML Code. Thanks!

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com/join-faith-barista-jam-thursdays/" target="blank"><img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/OneWord2012_Badge.jpg" alt="" title="OneWord2012_Badge" width="292" height="94" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-13782" /></a>

Share your post by clicking the blue button below: “Add Your Link”. (Subscribers: click here to get there directly).

*This Thursday’s 1/26/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Adventure. Adventure is the #1 of most selected One word in our community!

*Next Thursday’s 2/2/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on:: “real life” community. I have a feeling this is going to be a hot topic! Can’t wait to swap stories…

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Don't miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I'd like welcome you here.Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.

 
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Sometimes we approach joy as if we were taking a pop quiz. The art of joy requires more than one coat of paint.

When my son turned three, TJ graduated from the crib to an actual bed.

Solid wood beds cost a big chunk of money. Add in a super-hero boy, arms loaded with hotwheels and tinkertoy spears — and you’ve got a stressed out mom in the making.

So we settled on a lower cost, saner approach. We hauled a bed made out of “natural wood” upstairs and I was commissioned to hit Home Depot to pick out the perfect shade of honey.

In short order, I piled cans of wood stains into my cart, each promising tints in thumbnail images that looked menacingly alike. I was stuck on aisle 2 with a string of cans under my arms and in both hands, torn between too many colors.

My left brain would’ve probably self-imploded had it not been for the guy in a canvas store vest.

I walked out of the store semi-traumatized…

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…To read the rest of the story – click here to join me over at DaySpring’s (in)courage site, where today’s post is published.

Take a virtual coffee break together and share your thoughts. I’ve turned off comments here, so we can all meet up there!

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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — LINK UP YOUR POST IN THE FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – Every Thursday, I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post and link up. Let’s encourage each other. Add your voice. Swap our stories.

Join the Faith Jam by placing the Faith Jam Badge in your post. Thanks for helping build the community. Grab the HTML Code for the badge:

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Share your post by clicking the blue button below: “Add Your Link”. (Subscribers: click here to get there directly).

*Today’s 1/19/12 Topic*
Share your thoughts on the One Word: Joy. (This was one of the top 3 most chosen One Word for 2012!)

It’s not too late to share One Word God’s placed on your heart with the community here. (Click here to add your One Word for 2012.)

*Next Thursday’s 1/26/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Adventure. (Adventure is the #1 of most selected One word in our community!)

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Don't miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I'd like welcome you here.Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.

 
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putting on my hiking boots of faith

One crisp winter weekend last month, Hubby and I took the kids hiking to a nearby state park.

I know it sounds idyllic, but if you’ve ever been out with two little boys, you get it.

“Hiking” means you’re on the alert.

You don’t want the happily toddling two-year-old to tumble off the edge of a mountain trail, so you’re constantly herding like a sheepdog.

Meanwhile, the kindergartner is exploring, which means your nature hike becomes a tour de force of rock, dirt and sticks mixed with rapid fire Q&A.

We soon made it to a clearing.  A wide open field.

Our two young colts ran wild and free.  They laughed while they chased, from the back of their tonsils, down to their pinky toes.  They gathered together, branches and what-nots scattered here and there.  Piled them up and called it a fort.

I had so much fun watching them, I reminded myself.

This is what it means to be loved –

To run out in the open,

Free to gather and build with whatever is found,

While someone stands happy over you, simply watching you melt away the hour.

Make It Your Own

I’m learning to try on the word “delightful” this year and make it my own from God.  God’s calling me to run into new open places and I’m not sure how I feel about it.  But, He’s turning my gaze from the journey that’s led me here.  It’s been windy and treacherous at times.  And I can’t help but look back.

He’s pointing me to the here and now.  And He’s asking me to trust Him.  To gather what’s been scattered, even if it seems very little to me.

God’s telling us He wants us to build our little forts of joy, friends.  He wants us to laugh because it simply makes Him happy.

You know your one words for the New Year?  Dare to make it your own.

Run Into The Open

I’ve been reading your one words for the new year.  And I’m remembering what you’ve shared last Christmas.  Faith is a very practical adventure for us, isn’t it?

For those who haven’t shared your One Word for 2012 yet, I want you to feel free to rest where you’re at. I know some of you have expressed you’re hesitant to pick a one word.  That’s so okay. Maybe you feel pressured and it might feel like a bloggy trend.  God knows the word He is writing in you.  It’s the Word Himself and He’s alive in you.

If you’re looking to start some new things this year — or you’re continuing being just who you are where you’re at — maybe you’re like me, looking back, hesitant to just run into the open.

Let’s take one step at a time together.  But, let’s take that one step, as daughters of a Father who finds us delightful.  If we dare to believe, I’m trusting He’ll surprise us and say, “Yes!  I find you delightful.  I really do.”

It seems too good to be true, but we need to test it out for ourselves.  It’s not that we’re testing Him.

We’re simply putting our hearts into His hands.

His word says we are delightful. I’m praying we’ll surprise ourselves and take the dare…

To try something new — or simply rest where we’re at — being the Beloved.

”He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!” 2 Samuel 22:20

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How is God encouraging you to run out into the open — new — this year?

Share your thoughts on the word “delight”.

Pull up chair. We’re not alone. You inspire me to share. Click to share a comment. I’m all ears.

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** Don’t miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I’d like welcome you here.Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.

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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

*Today’s 1/12/12 Topic*
Share your thoughts on the One Word: Delight

It’s not too late to share One Word God is putting on your heart with the community here. (Click here to add your One Word for 2012.)

*Next Thursday’s 1/19/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Joy

(Interesting note: Out of the 81 One Words for 2011 shared, only **THREE** were the same! There’s so much richness in the One Words God’s put on your hearts! Next week’s writing prompt is one of the three that were selected by more than one person.)

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!

Grab the HTML Code For January’s Special Faith Jam Badge

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It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

When you make new year resolutions, do you think of who you are becoming more than what you want to be doing?

You wouldn’t think it’d be so difficult.

To choose one word. For the new year.

But, it is.

I’ve been trying on my one words for 2012, like a madwoman in a dressing room trying on clothes.  Right before summer.

Does this fit right?

Is it me?

How in the heck do you wear this thing?

My first thought was to stick with last year’s One Word:  confidence.  I definitely need a continuing refill on that.  But, is this what God wants me to wear new this year?

…Back to trying on more words.

A Soul Resolution

I flipped through my recent journals entries and looked at where my faith journey is pointing next.

I whittled it down to two.

Which one is it?

I made the decision to go with the one I feel least confident about.

The one that takes greater faith.

It’s not one I can easily do, but it’s one I wished was really true.

I call it my New Year’s “Soul Resolution“, because it’s more about living it out in my heart, rather than striving to accomplish a goal.

My One Word for 2012 is taken from Isaiah 62:4 –

“It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,”
nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”;
But you will be called, “My delight is in her,”…
For the Lord delights in you.“

His Answer

My One Word is:  Delightful.

I am Delightful?

I came across this word in my friend Holley Gerth’s book, God’s Heart For You.

I couldn’t even say that sentence out loud: “In God’s heart, I am delightful.”

Here’s what Holley said –

“I frequently ask…  What brings you joy? Delight, which is a synonym for joy, is powerful.

If you asked God the same question, what do you think He would say? As amazing as it may sound one of His answers would be “You”.

Not The Same

We’ve all got some mountains to climb this year, even though we all walk through different seasons of faith.

After an extended season of letting go, God is calling me to step out in new circles, friendships and adventures.

With each new beginning, I face my old giants again. Insecurities return. I feel the scar of the past.

It takes faith to walk out into the open fields again.

But, it’s different this time, God says.  You are not the same Bonnie.

Faith has rebuilt my heart.

God’s love has healed me and I know He is strong enough to carry me through.

I feel the joy of His goodness and He’s brought me faith friends who understand and encourage me.

This time through, I want Jesus to make me new this way –

Delightful.

A Faith Dare

Like my boys who toddled their walk with first steps, I am opening my heart to learn too.

I am daring to walk as a woman who God tenderly whispers, “You are my delight.”

How will this happen?  I am not sure, but I am confident He knows.

I am praying His word will settle deep in my soul and become a living part of me.

I’m asking myself how would I do life differently, if I really believed this were true?

I’ve begun brainstorming a list — A Faith Dare of Delight –

how I’d do things differently,

preferences I’d adopt,

what I’ll say no to,

what I’ll say yes,

things to enjoy, and

things to try.

Don’t worry.  I don’t plan to do them all. Maybe one or two?

Who knows what ups and downs the new year will bring?

It doesn’t really matter.

Because after all, in God’s heart — I am delightful.

So are you.

And that’s all that matters.

I’m curious what the year ahead has in store for us. Together, we can share the journey. We can encourage each other in our One Words for 2012 — our Faith Dares for the year.


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What is One Word God is placing on your heart for 2012?

Pull up chair. It’s been ages since we last shared.  Click to share a comment. I’m all ears.

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** Don’t miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I’d like welcome you here.Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.

~~~~~

*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

*Today’s 1/5/12 Topic*
Share one word God is putting on your heart for the new year. (Here are last year’s One Wordsfor 2011. Click here.)

*Next Thursday’s 1/12/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Delight

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!

Grab the HTML Code For January’s Special Faith Jam Badge

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It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

I didn’t think I’d end up where I am today.

I’m writing my first book.

And it’s harder than I thought.  There are so many ways to tell a story, to make a point.  Which way is best and what if I chose the wrong way?

How does a girl who was never given a voice think she could suddenly start writing anything beautiful or worthy of print?

These are voices from the past.  But, still they buzz around me, as I tap-tap-tap my way forward.

My search for God’s guidance really isn’t about a book after all.

Because every year, the journey to find direction and guidance is always present in each of us.

We may be traveling through different journeys — maybe through joblessness and disappointments or maybe through the excitement of new relationships or opportunities ahead.

We face the same obstacles:  which way should we go and what if this journey is too much for me?

The steps ahead aren’t clear, but we can’t stay put.  We sense God calling us to go.  We are compelled to move out and see.

We share one thing in common. It makes us sojourners: God keeps our hope alive.

When the Star Paused

I think of the wise men. How ecstatic they were to discover the star back home in the East!  What joy there was in the anticipation, as they made preparations, checklists and geared up for the adventure ahead.

But, I wonder how they felt when the star stopped above Jerusalem — when they met King Herod and no one in town even had an inkling of the good news.

The star was actually on pause.  But, they didn’t know it.

Are you finding yourself at a pause along the journey of faith — where you wonder too if where you are, is where God wants you?

Be assured.  God has not forgotten your way. Just like the star stopped at Jerusalem, until the wise men received new information, they stayed and waited. They had questions and yes, I imagine perhaps they considered turning back too. But, they didn’t.

God was faithful.

“After [the wise men] heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”Matthew 2:9-10

The grand finale of Christmas is the scene at the manger.  When the star finally moved out again to lead them to Bethlehem, the wise men eventually found what they were looking for.

According to Ian Strachan of Today in a Manager, the journey to find baby Jesus took the wise men one month.

They walked that journey one day at a time.

They didn’t know how long or where it would lead them.

They only knew one thing:  they had to follow.

And they followed in the dark.

We can only imagine what the everyday challenges and triumphs were.

As much as we’d prefer traveling by day when everything is crystal clear, we make our biggest strides in the walk of faith — at night.

No matter what, the wise men kept their gifts safe — and oh, this is my favorite part of the Christmas story this year.  They presented their gifts to the new King and I can imagine what joy there was to finally lay it at Jesus cute little feet.

A Royal Baby’s Registry

There’s a baby registry echo’ing in the Christmas story.  What gift are you keeping safe with you this year for Him?

Gold – a tribute of something you’ve received this year?

Frankincense – a special prayer to offer to Him?  (Frankincense was an incense used for worship. In Revelations 8:4, God tells us our prayers rise as fragrant incense to Him.)  ”And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Myrrh – a loss or sorrow you can share with Jesus.  This too is an offering to Him. It’s ultimately why Jesus became God-With-Us, taste pain so we can have hope beyond the dying.

As we walk these final days into Christmas, remember we have what it takes for the journey.

We have a beautiful star moving within us.  Jesus.

Keep following.  No matter where you find yourself on this journey.  It might not look the way you expected.  Faith still leads us.  We can keep walking ahead, friends.

Smile.  Jesus is our hope. And He is alive in us again this Christmas once again.

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As I wrestled with words this month, I realized the gift I can offer Him this year is my voice, come what may.  I may find myself waiting for guidance, but I have the final destination in mind: Jesus.  Together, we can unwrap Jesus this Christmas and encourage each other in the days ahead. Merry Christmas, friend!

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Where are you on the journey of faith this Christmas?

What gift will you offer to Him this year?

Pull up a chair. You know I love to swap stories. Click to share a comment

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A DaySpring Christmas Giveaway

DaySpring is running a Christmas clearance sale and is sponsoring today’s Christmas giveaway.

DaySpring is giving away a $50 Coupon Code to one Faith Barista winner!

Enter To Win:

1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Sunday 12/25/11.

For Extra Entries:

2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.

3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.

* CONGRATULATIONS TO * Our Inspired Art Giveaway winner: #48 PJ & to our 3 winners of Today In a Manger : #60 Christina Burrell, #63 Shannon, #30 melissa C. You’ll be contacted for mailing info!

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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Keep faith fresh with a faith prompt and add your voice to this community.

Today’s 12/22 topic: Which character in the Christmas story is speaking to you?

*Special Topic for January 6, 2012!*
Our next Faith Barista Jam will start up in the new year (Can you believe it?)

Share one word God is putting on your heart for the new year. (Read the One Words you chose for 2011. Click here.)

Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link”. You can also share directly by simply commenting below.

Keep a lookout for:

*1. Ways to celebrate Christmas simply.

*2. Inspiring moments that fill you with God’s love, joy, peace, or hope.

*3. Encouragement to see Christmas in a new way.

*4. A Fresh Take on the Gift of Jesus.

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!

Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com"> <img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge.jpg" alt="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" title="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" width="469" height="59" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-8847" /></a>

Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a special message you didn’t expect.

On second thought, if you take up the journey – I know you will.

Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Link back to Faith Barista or grab this month’s special Christmas Faith Barista Jam Badge to place in your post. Click here.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

~~~~~

StudioJRU inspired art nestled comfy with the family pics

I don’t have that much wall space.

I have to be picky.

Art decor for our home.

My husband often laughs at me when I say I like to go for the “minimalist look”.  Because seriously, I have a weak spot for anything inspirational, especially when it comes to integrating art with God’s word.

That is what Jennifer of StudioJRU is gifted to do: inspired art.

We each have a unique way of expressing God through us.  Jennifer does it through her fingers, hands, eyes — and most importantly — her soul.

God Speaks Through Art

When I was first drawn to Jennifer’s artwork, I had just begun writing for (in)courage.  I wanted to get a piece of art that would mark this special milestone — joining a sisterhood of writers, while earlier I had written solo.  I wanted to remember the moment with something visual.

As I browsed Jennifer’s art pieces, I immediately fell into a dilemma.  It felt like I was at the candy store again as a little girl, not knowing what to chose.  They just all looked so good.

But, you know what?  God speaks through art.  As I clicked and considered which piece to get, I saw it.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

I liked Jennifer’s layering technique.  It reminded me that serving my family is a mosaic of different pieces.  Writing — finding my voice — is one of the ways God fills my soul, so that I can give out to serve my family.

Everyone has a unique way of serving their family.  But at the time, I was struggling with how I wasn’t like some moms.  I wasn’t crafty enough or organized like others (weekly meal plans, oh my!). Until I realized I’m creative in other ways.  I love reading to my boys, unwrapping Jesus with them while out on adventures and meeting new people.  And you know what, I love opening the fridge and spontaneously cooking what’s available (I grew up stir-frying Chinese!).

What truly matters is where my heart is.  If my heart is focused on pleasing the Lord, then it won’t matter what it serving looks like — whether writing or being a mom.

That’s what I love about art.

It can inspire.

New Inspired Print Giveaway

Back in October, I introduced you to artist Jennifer and Studio JRU as Faith Barista’s 2011 Relevant Conference Sponsor.  Today, Studio JRU is back with a double treat.

Studio JRU has released a NEW “Inspirational Art” Print Collection, featuring 18 beautiful faith-inspired prints.  Jennifer is offering:

1.  A special 20% off Discount
(use: FAITHBARISTA20 at check out)

– PLUS –

2.  A StudioJRU Inspired Print Giveaway

One winner will be randomly selected and receive her pick of a print (value up to $30).
Click here to see the 18 pieces to select from!

Here’s a peek at four art prints in the collection –

“Me and My House” ($30.00)

“Believe” ($12.00)

“Among Us” ($17.00)

“Thank God For You” ($23.00) (You can personalize “Name”)

Click here to browse the 18 piece collection. Which print would you pick?

Pull up a chair and share. Click to tell us which piece — you’re automatically entered to win your pick.

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Do you enjoy inspired art decor?

StudioJRU sponsorship enabled me to join the community of Christian women bloggers at Relevant 2011, so if you’re looking for something special to mark a personal milestone or a faith-inspired gift, please stop by Studio JRU and shop. You can connect with Jennifer on the web, Facebook, blog and store.

ENTER TO WIN

*** CONGRATULATIONS TO the winner: #48 – PJ ***

1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Monday 12/19/11.

For Extra Entries:

2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.

3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.

~~~~~

Want Free Updates of Faith Barista delivered to you hot & fresh? Subscribe now via email (click here) or RSS (click here).

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Today’s brew is a sponsored post.

* Special "Advent" Giveaway * I'm giving away (3) copies of my favorite Christmas devotional Today In A Manger -- signed by author Ian Strachman! Enter the giveaway at the end of today's post!

Psst. It’s a week before Christmas.

The Christmas cards are trickling in.  Presents might be showing up on your doorstep.  The spam from stores sounding the countdown to shipping rates and shipping dates — for sure — are attacking you from your inbox.

Don’t be alarmed.

I have some good news for us.

It’s not too late.

We’re not prisoners strapped on a runaway Christmas train.

We can still do it.

We. can. slow. down.

What He Really Wants

Don’t get me wrong.   I’ve still got some things to do between now and then.

But, I’m not talking about what’s happening on the outside.

I’m talking about what’s happening on the inside.

I’m talking about the voices of expectations — from Christmas past, Christmas present and maybe for some, even from Christmas future and how you want it to be next year.

I’m talking about what Jesus said about Mary — when Martha was feeling the pressure to have everything turn out well.

Jesus smiles His words to me, as He did to Martha long ago –

Really, Bonnie.

It’s okay.

You can let go.

What I really want is you.

Here.

With me.

It’s not too late.

Even if the holiday inertia builds around me, I’m undeterred.

I know what I want.

Myself in His Story.

Find Yourself

There’s always a changing set of expectations every Christmas season.  Life continually offers up different dynamics, so how I slow down varies.  One thing is certain, no matter how many highs or how deep the lows, I want to dial down whatever it takes to make room for the story of Jesus’ birth.

Every year, my hope for Christmas is pretty simple.

I want to find myself in the Christmas story. Today.

One journey I take every December since my mid-twenties is this:  I hope to find a character in the story that God can step me into. I wonder whose robes God will have me don this year. It won’t be for a church or school play.

I meditate on His story, reading it through the different Gospels, switching shoes on different characters — to feel, see, touch, hear, and smell what they do. For a day or two.

This year is no different.

I’m asking God to bring me to a place where I can experience Him simply and get ready for a new year.

Ripple Effects

So much has changed this year for me. I dared to jump in on dream deferred and I said yes to God.

Whenever we step out in faith, our world shifts. We look in the mirror and we don’t quite recognize everything we see — in the world and ourselves. Ways we used to live by don’t fit us any more, while what’s up ahead is still unknown, as we’re still growing into it.

It’s the in-between time. It’s exciting to know things are changing, but it’s more exciting to know that God doesn’t change.

I don’t know what awaits me next year, but I need to make that journey to Bethlehem and return with something new.

I need the ripples to lead me back to where the story of Jesus first began.

~~~~~

I’m not going to try to pretend or make Christmas happen.

I will unwrap each new day in faith that His story will hit me where I live today.

We can find Jesus in our everyday realities. He will show us the way.

They will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

~~~~~
How are you a week before Christmas?

What can you dial down – or possibly skip – to enjoy Jesus in this season?

Pull up a chair. You know I love to swap stories. Click to share a comment

[ Psst. Next week 12/22:  Wanna share which character in the Christmas story is speaking to you?   That would be a treat!
If you blog, share a post on your "character". If not, just simply comment.) ]

~~~~~

A Special Advent Giveaway

You may think Christmas is around the corner, but it’s never too late to take in the Christmas Story.

It’s never too late for Advent — for “coming”.

Never.

I’ve been meditating and tremendously enjoying: Today In A Manger: Revisiting HIS Story. It’s been a simple yet profound walk through the Christmas story in the four Gospels. This mini book holds powerful punch, people.

Author Ian Strachan has graciously offered to give away signed copies of Today In A Manger to three (3) Faith Barista readers!

Enter To Win:

* CONGRATULATIONS TO * our 3 winners of Today In a Manger : #60 Christina Burrell, #63 Shannon, #30 melissa C. You’ll be contacted for mailing info!

1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Sunday 12/18/11.

For Extra Entries:

2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.

3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.

* CONGRATULATIONS TO * Our 5 winners of What’s In The Bible Christmas Giveaway: #69 Tanya, #53 Jenny YH, #71 Katy, #45 Melissa C #24 Mary Mauk. You’ll be contacted shortly for contact info!

~~~~~

*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Keep faith fresh with a faith prompt and add your voice to this community.

Today’s topic: Share your Unwrapping Jesus Discoveries

Next Thursday 12/22: Which character in the Christmas story is speaking to you?

Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link”. You can also share directly by simply commenting below.

Keep a lookout for:

*1. Ways to celebrate Christmas simply.

*2. Inspiring moments that fill you with God’s love, joy, peace, or hope.

*3. Encouragement to see Christmas in a new way.

*4. A Fresh Take on the Gift of Jesus.

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!

Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com"> <img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge.jpg" alt="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" title="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" width="469" height="59" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-8847" /></a>

Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a special message you didn’t expect.

On second thought, if you take up the journey – I know you will.

Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Link back to Faith Barista or grab this month’s special Christmas Faith Barista Jam Badge to place in your post. Click here.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

~~~~~

One of my fave Christmas treats of the season - Simple Rice Krispies a la extra marshmallows

“Too often, the Christmas story only impinges on the periphery of our lives.” ~ Ian Strachan, Today In a Manger

With so much Christmas to celebrate, the danger of the holidays isn’t stress. It’s complicating it so much, that we miss out on the story of Jesus, showing up in us today.

Christmas can get so complicated.

That’s because life doesn’t stand still. Neither do the commercials or the holiday spam.

There’s also the added pressure of expectations bubbling underneath.

I’m not talking about the expectations for presents sitting under a tree. 

Each of us is waiting for God in some area of uncertainty in our lives.

We’ve been on pause in our stories, watching for some sign of certainty to move ahead.

But we’re also not sure which way is best.

When doubt, fear or worry surround us, especially during the holidays, we wonder:

Can Christmas really change our stories?

How can one day make that big of a difference? …

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

…To read the rest of the story – click here to join me over at DaySpring’s (in)courage site, where today’s post is published.

As you know, I love hearing your thoughts. We get to take a virtual coffee break together. I’ve turned off comments here, so we can all meet up there. See you there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Special "What's The Meaning Of Christmas Gift Pack" Giveaway by VeggieTales Creator Phil Vischer * What's In The Bible? Jellyfish Labs is celebrating the true meaning of Christmas by giving away FIVE (5) special gift 2-pack bundles here on Faith Barista. Enter the giveaway at the end of today's post!

I wake up, wondering if anyone remembers.

It’s my special day.

It’s my birthday.

As I throw the covers off, I swing myself off the bed and into the morning routine: get dressed, get the kids ready for school and fix breakfast.

Just another regular day.

My birthday happens to land on a weekday this year, so the everyday routine makes me feel… ordinary.

Are you serious, girl? I say to myself.  You’re getting too old to need attention on your birthday.

As I shuffle my feet to make the morning cup of coffee, it strikes me.

Whether we are a child or a full grown adult, we all carry pictures of what it looks like to have a good birthday.

Do we do the same with Christmas?

What’s my version of a picture-perfect Christmas?

Christmas Dreams

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of –

A beautifully decorated home.

Lots of friends crowded in, laughing and just huggin’ on each other.

Extended family cheer, free of the undercurrent of drama and memories of hard conversations.

This and more were once etched into my heart, causing me to dread the holidays.

This picture of Christmas dreams changed every year as I grew up, whether I was single or married, student or working adult.

The truth is this:  what I really longed for was a deep craving for love.  To belong.

Jesus knows this ache well.

Outside of Perfect

On his very first birthday, Jesus didn’t even get half the attention He deserved.

It was far from picture perfect.

Jesus came quietly.   Pretty much flying as below the radar as you could imagine.

His Father God choose a cave instead of a palace for his delivery room.

And the birth announcement went out, it was one of a kind.  It was interactive.  Not just 3D.

A choir of angels blasting the sky. Live.

But, this big investment of angel-power was spent only on one recipient.  A bunch of shepherds.  The most ordinary folk you could’ve chosen in that day.

The supernatural announcement of Jesus’ birth didn’t even go to the family members back in Nazareth.  Don’t you think Mary and Joseph could’ve used the help, given the pre-marital pregnancy and everything?

Do you relate to all this picture perfect pressure during Christmas?

Maybe you’re waiting for something supernatural to just quell all the fears and uncertainties that are going on right now.

We all have them.

God knows this.

This is why He sent us Emmanuel.

God with us.

Outside of the picture perfect life we dream of, Jesus stands with us — making His home right where our imperfect lives have us feeling ordinary and hidden.

“Instead of taking power, this king will give up his power for us.
He became human like us,
turned his life upside down,
so he can take our mess ups.

I’ll never be alone,
cuz Jesus.. in God, I’ll find my home.“
from the video “Why Do We Call It Christmas”
by VeggieTales Creator Phil Vischer

Unwrap Jesus

In the coming weeks, the routine of holiday traditions may take the special out of Jesus’ birthday.  Maybe have us feeling it’s just an ordinary Christmas.  The opposite can also be true.  There may be mounting pressures building up for that picture perfect holiday.

Either way, we have a reason to let our picture perfect distractions go when we hit those patches.

Let’s unwrap Jesus, each of us, in the inner rooms of our hearts.

Where you’re celebrating,

Where you’re waiting for joy,

Where you’re hurting, but persevering,

Where you don’t have answers, but you are holding onto the One who does,

Where you’re thankful and giddy from the beauty of the life God’s blessed you with,

Breathe a smile to the Jesus — God who is with you — pouring His all into you.

Just like he did over 2000 years ago.

In an upcoming post, I’ll be sharing a special baby gift registry.

No, I’m not pregnant.

I would just love your ideas on how we can offer gifts for a Baby King’s birthday celebration.

It’s coming soon.

You know, Jesus’ birthday.


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** SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DVD GIFT GIVEAWAY! **

I was struck with today’s deeply comforting reflection in today’s post when I least expected it last week.

Hubby and I were watching a wonderful new Christmas DVD created by VeggieTales Creator Phil Vischer called “Why Do We Call It Christmas?” with our boys two-year-old CJ and six-year-old TJ.   It’s a heart-tugging and hilariously entertaining Christmas video that explains the history and biblical meaning behind a lot of the holiday traditions.

The Christmas DVD is part of a Muppets-like series called  “What’s In The Bible?”.  Our church uses it in Sunday School as a educational tool to teach grade school kids about each book of the Bible.  It delivers theology in a funny and memorable way.

Thanks to What’s In The Bible?, FIVE (5) Winners will be randomly selected to receive a Special Christmas Giveaway 2-pack Bundle:

1. The Christmas DVD “Why Do We Call It Christmas?”.

2. What’s In The Bible (Vol1) DVD. “In the Beginning: Genesis”

Psst… Special Christmas Pricing. TJ loved watching the videos so much at church, we got the DVDs for the Pentateuch – the first 5 books of the Bible – for home. If you’re interested, there’s a special Christmas Gift Bundle currently offered: 6 DVDs at $7.98 per DVD. Click on the ad below to view (subscribers can click here).

To Enter:

1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Monday 12/12/11.

For Extra Entries:

2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.

3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.

* CONGRATULATIONS TO * Our 5 winners of What’s In The Bible Christmas Giveaway: #69 Tanya, #53 Jenny YH, #71 Katy, #45 Melissa C #24 Mary Mauk. You’ll be contacted shortly for contact info!
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** Don’t miss a post in December’s Special Unwrapping Jesus Series! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I’d like welcome you here.Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.


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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***

** Special December Series: Unwrapping Jesus**
Next Thursday & every Thursday in December, our writing prompt is: Unwrapping Jesus

Take The Faith Barista Challenge: Unwrapping Jesus

If you’re looking to unwrap Jesus in a new way this month, join me and take the Faith Barista Challenge this month.

Keep a lookout for:

*1. Ways to celebrate Christmas simply.

*2. Inspiring moments that fill you with God’s love, joy, peace, or hope.

*3. Encouragement to see Christmas in a new way.

*4. A Fresh Take on the Gift of Jesus.

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.

Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!

Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com"> <img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge.jpg" alt="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" title="FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge" width="469" height="59" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-8847" /></a>

Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a special message you didn’t expect.

On second thought, if you take up the journey – I know you will.

It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

~~~~~