Flirting with candy & crayons (his fave: black licorice, my fave: malt balls)

“Love is the greatest refreshment in life.” ~ Pablo Picaso

Three different pharmacies. In less than an hour.

Two-year-old CJ caught a case of a bad cold this week, bordering on pneumonia. I was on the hunt, trying to get some over-the-counter remedy for the little guy.   Turns out they don’t sell what I was looking for anymore. But I found something else instead.

My search for medicine brought me walking through an explosion of Valentine cards, words and love-dovey products.  The celebration of love is in full swing.

As I passed by the greeting card aisle, I stopped to look over the Valentine’s Day cards.  The selection was thin. Most of the “Husband” cards talked about how hard the he worked and how daily life is so busy. 

I decided to check out the “Love” section.  These read much more romantic.

A Sign

Reading all the mushy gushy sentiments brought me back to those first dates with Hubby.  Romantic with never enough time to finish our conversations.  I was surprised by his attention and even more so by my attraction to him, since I seriously thought I had the gift of singleness.  It’s not that I didn’t want to fall in love. But, since I was blowing out thirty candles not having found “the one”, I had to practically consider the possibility. I made up my mind to be joyfully content and live the best single life possible.

Then one Friday night, he walked in as a visitor to our 30′s singles group at church. It’s often said that mature love grows and we mustn’t rely on our feelings.  But, you know what?  I have always been emotionally open and bare with God.  If I was gonna marry, I wanted someone who reflected this aspect of God.  I wasn’t going to settle for anything less than emotionally available and affectionate.

I played it very carefully because once I gave my heart away, I couldn’t do it piece-meal. 

I played it so safe, I over played it.

He thought I wanted to be just friends. 

Uh-oh. It was time.  I needed to give him a sign.

Guess what I did?  I went to a candy store, sampled the bins and made little packets of gummy bears, malt balls, yogurt covered pretzels, chocolate raisins and other sweet treats.  Then, I wrote a little note, drove over to his apartment and placed it on his doorstep.

I giggle now, remembering how I nervously waited for the phone to ring that evening.

Here I am, tired after a day of being koala wrapped by CJ, with an afternoon still left with both boys.  But, something curious happened as an idea hit me.

I wanted to flirt with remembrance. I escaped into a plan to unwrap love with Hubby — for no reason, other than “I like you.”

I gave the kids one more TV show than usual, got the place tidied up, got the kids fed earlier — for an earlier bedtime.

Remember…

When Hubby came home, he had had a tough day.  I was drained too.  But,  after Hubby and I put the kids to bed, I dashed off out, claiming I needed to do one last grocery run.

I bought a mix of candy, tip-toed into the kitchen, and quietly cut out a simple valentine — using a few squeezes of glue, a pair of scissors and a red crayon.  I poured it into a container and lit a candle next to it.

“Honey,” I mentioned as casually as I could. “I left something on the kitchen counter. Would you mind grabbing it for me?”

He came back with big boyish grin.

“Remember the candy I dropped off just for you?” I smiled.

We immediately went back in a time machine, just him and I.

Before the wrinkles from sleep deprivation.

Before we had to worry about the economy.

Before we had two little boys and parenting became an everyday reality.

Before there was love, we liked.

We flirted.

As the world counts down to hearts and roses this week — bring yourself back to the place where you were just his girl.

And he was just your guy.

What you say matters to him deeply.

Eve was cut out of Adam’s rib.  You have the amazing power to love that part of him that no one can reach.

Think back on how you smothered him with affection, that lets him know he is special.  No matter how crazy life gets — especially when I get stressed — I love escaping to that place of being the beloved. Where both him and I are safe.

I think of ways to invite Hubby to return there with me.  As wives, we can take the lead.

Do you remember how you first flirted or showered affection on your guy?

Everyone’s story is different.  Our love languages are unique too.

Touch — Did you hug and snuggle, linked hands as he drove, or encircled your arms around him?

Time – Or maybe you walked your way into his heart by spending time doing stuff your special guy loves?

Acts of Service — Are you the kind of girl that likes to bake or cook your affection?

Words of Affirmation – Did you write, email, or text him sweet nothings that would make your friends cringe?

Gifts – Did you buy him little somethings that let him know you were thinking of him?

One of my favorite books on marriage was given to us by our friends Mike and Sally, a godly couple who has enjoyed over 40 years of wedded bliss: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman.  He studied and followed over 600 newlywed couples since 1972 to find common ingredients in the successful marriages that avoided divorce.

You’d think things like “common interests” or “absence of conflict and arguments” topped the list.  They didn’t even make the list.

“Fondness and admiration can be fragile unless you remain aware of how crucial they are to the friendship… the core of any good marriage….The simple reason is that fondness and admiration are antidotes for contempt.”

Gottman found that 94 percent of the time that couples who put a positive spin on their marriage’s history were likely to have a happy future.

So, take the time to splurge on your guy.

Go ahead, flirt with remembrance.

This Valentine’s week, give both you and your spouse the gift of remembrance.

Don’t wait until the 14th.  Set the mood now.

Make it simple.

Bring him back to that place when your story as a couple first began.

My guess is that you’ll find yourself beloved there as well.

“Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man” Genesis 2:22

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Wanna venture out?  Share a sign you gave when your story as a couple began?

What are your ideas to flirt with remembrance to unwrap love?

Pull up a chair. We promise not to tell. Give us some ideas…. Click to share a comment..

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*** 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

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com/join-faith-barista-jam-thursdays/" target="blank"><img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FaithBarista_UnwrapLove_StackBadge.jpg"></a>

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

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

*This Thursday’s 2/16/12 Writing Prompt: * Vulnerable

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

It’s a jam session. Say hi & drop a comment and make a faith friend when you visit the community faith blends!


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One Word For 2012 - Created By The Faith Barista Community

Words are a dime a dozen in a social media saturated world. How can one word change anything?

Here it is. A picture of our One Word For 2012.

Can you find your one word in this collage of hopes, dreams and prayers?

God can.

Not only does He know your One Word, He also knows the others that keep you up and grip your heart, when you’re lost by a breath of uncertainty or discouragement.

He is faithful. Even if we’re not.

Your One Words Are Special

For our January Faith Barista Jam, I put out a prompt to share one word God has placed on your heart for the new year.

You came out in full force. The comments and blog posts you shared were phenomenal.

By the time I was halfway through, I had to stop and sit in awe of how personal our God is and how uniquely He speaks into our real-life stories.

I wanted you to see how special your words were. Your words come from a place deep inside — where we wrestle and dream with God.

Can you see the ones that look a little bigger? The words grow bigger if more people choose the same words.

Isn’t it beautiful — how we’re all so different and yet, we make up this community of faith, pregnant with promise?

I don’t know where these words will lead us in the coming months ahead.

One thing is for certain.

This journey requires putting our faith in Someone to guide us.

Someone who can change us.

God Heard

I don’t know how your week has been since you’ve shared your hopes for the new year.

More likely than not, other soul-harming words may be threatening to topple your one word from it’s rightful place.

Just like the serpent did long ago — after God just delivered Perfect Paradise words to Adam and Eve — he questions us today: “Did God really say… ?”

It’s been like that for me.

But, I’m putting my confidence in a few things.

- It doesn’t even matter whether we’re stumbling or succeeding.

- What matters is:

The God who guides us loves us.

“Absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”
~ Rom. 8:38-39

The God who loves us is faithful.

“If we are faithless, He is still faithful because he cannot deny himself.” 2 Tim. 2:13

Keep going. God heard your One Word prayers.

Unlike others who rely on new year resolutions, our One Words are not guiding us.

The God behind the One Words are.

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And may You shelter them,
That those who love Your Name may exult in You.” Psalm 5:11

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How are you doing in your new year?

Pull up a chair. Would love to hear… Click to share comment.

If you’d like to share your One Word for the new year, click here. Add your post or meet the friends behind our One Word Collage.

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Psst… I will be speaking at the Relevant Conference 2012 on October 25th-27th.  An exciting change being announced today. The Relevant Conference is now called: Allume Social.

Allume Social is the Christian women’s social media conference to spur women on to shine the Light that lives within them via the online space.

For more info, check out Allume Social’s website, Facebook, Twitter, or join the Allume Twitter Party (Tuesday 2/7) 9pm EST  #allume


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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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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

<a href="http://www.faithbarista.com/join-faith-barista-jam-thursdays/" target="blank"><img src="http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FaithBarista_UnwrapLove_StackBadge.jpg"></a>

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!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** 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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Photo courtesy of Photobucket.
 

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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Photo courtesy of Photobucket.
 

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:

<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).

*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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Photo courtesy of Photobucket.

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

<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>

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.


~~~~~

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.

~~~~~


** 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

<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>

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!

~~~~~

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!

~~~~~

*** 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!

~~~~~