The Book That Would Not Go Away
A journal in my hand.
I’ve been writing here at Faith Barista, talking to you usually in the dark — in the morning before the birds start chirping, at night when the children are no longer up.
In the quiet, my fingers cradle a pen over a journal. I rest them over a keyboard to type my words out.
Writing is where I’ve always found freedom.
I find my voice.
I hear God’s.
And I am no longer alone.
It’s always been that way growing up as a little girl.
But, when I started this blog — writing in the open — things changed.
Something Personal
My journey with words led me to something new.
Writing led me to the gift of community.
Creating Faith Barista led me to you.
So, it feels surreal what I am about to tell you.
Today, I have something personal to share with you. I say it is personal because my first instinct was to not share it just yet.
Keep it close. Until later down the line.
For those of you who have been regulars at Faith Barista for years, you know that I’d been wounded in community previously — for a such a long season, it once threatened to define me.
So, I wanted to fall back into my default mode of keeping quiet. But, here is why I’m writing you today.
God has used you –
your kindred spirit
your real-life stories
your quiet companionship
…to inspire me — to write a book about the journey of faith.
The Book That Would Not Go Away
Like a pebble in my shoe, the book would not go away. It kept me up at night, whispering in my ear throughout the day.
When I ate, as I drove, wherever I turned, in conversations — the stories I wanted to share would not go away.
So last year, I started a book proposal, to see if God wanted to take my writing to print. To make a long story short, this was my second book proposal. I wrote the first one seven years ago. It was the second one that got picked up by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Two weeks ago, I got the book contract in the mail.
I signed on the dotted line later that week.
The manuscript is due next year. The book will be released in the summer of 2013.
This book isn’t a memoir, but I will be telling my story as I always do to serve up encouragement in the journey of faith.
I am speechless at the turn of events… absolutely joy-filled at such a gift.
But, I am also terrified. This means God wants me to step back into community in a public way and He’s calling me to write more boldly and freely than I have ever done.
This is why I am grateful for you.
My First Steps
You have made this a safe journey for me.
So, here is where I begin my first steps onto an untraveled path ahead.
Together, we will keep faith fresh. (If you are interested in the writing process, I’d be happy to encourage you in future posts too.)
I’m so excited. I can’t wait to share this book with you.
We were never made to do life alone. I’ve always believed that by faith. But, God has brought you into my life, in this season, to let me know this is true for me now.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Your voices.
Your faith — Your stories are God’s gifts to me.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
~ Philippians 1:3, 4
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What gift has God slipped into your life recently?
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Today’s Thursday’s Topic 11/2: A gift you’ve received recently from God.“
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Trackbacks & Pingbacks
- Receiving Permission to Unplug | :: in.a.mirror.dimly ::
- The Gift
- When You Say Yes To God: Warfare, Freedom & Faith | Faith Barista
- Pregnant With a Promise: Why You Can’t Turn Back | Faith Barista
- » Relevant Gifts Out of My Alleged Mind
- Why I’ve Been Away & Why I Must Write Today | Faith Barista
- Never Been Kissed: Will I Ever Find True Love?
Sheryl on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Vikki Sapp on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Vicky on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Debbie on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Katy on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Bonnie, this is such exciting news! I’m so happy for you! At the same time, I understand the fear. I believe that, when the Lord leads us to step outside our comfort zones, He equips us with all we need. And you know that you have us when you need us, too!
Melissa´s last [type] ..Gifts from God
Melissa, thanks for blessing me with your words. Grateful for you.
Bonnie! I’m so so excited for you. Praise God! Patiently, I have been waiting for you to write a book.
What an honor that we get to walk through all the this with you. And I would love to read posts about the process.
Oh, and just a side note, make sure you schedule a book signing in Georgia!
Jennifer´s last [type] ..The Gift of Freedom
Aw, Jennifer! I would love to do a book signing in Georgia! Now, you’re visioning with me. What a friend.
Yay, Bonnie! Congratulations!
Glynn´s last [type] ..Great Gifts, Small Packages
Thanks, Glynn for being part of the inspiring community who loves God and loves words. Grateful for your leadership.
I am SO not surprised that God is asking from you your gift of offering life-giving words from your intimate walk with Him in the form of a book. I have no doubt whatsoever that He will write it for you and through you, and that many will find out who He really is through reading it.
Interesting that the very gift that God has slipped into my stormy world in the past few weeks has been A BOOK. I picked it up from a cluttered table in a discount store……one that I rarely shop at. And I cannot tell you how perfectly the message of that book spoke into my brokenness. Every chapter made me realize that God is fully aware of my pain, because He was being so intentional in offering me healing through those pages.
God has a message that only you can write.
And yes, anyone can share and expound on God and His word, but the message He wants to bring through you will be filtered through the story He has written with YOUR life…..and only you can write that book.
Julie….now you have us all wondering: “What is that book YOU’VE been reading???”
LOL…….It’s called The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh, with chapters like; Confidence/ I Can’t See God’s Plan in This Pain
Grace/ I Have Failed
Strength/ I Feel Things Are Crashing Around Me
Hope/ I’m Broken
Home/ I Have A Future
Just to name a few!
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Cor. 1:20
Love it!!
Julie….grabbed that book at Women of Faith in Hartford this past weekend, based on your recommendation. I am really enjoying it….thanks….and, I was a couple of rows away from Sheila herself!!!
Glad you picked it up! I am reading it through for the second time because there was so much in there that spoke directly to the crisis I am finding myself in right now.
I have never been to a Women of Faith conference. Did you get special seats? I am a new fan of Sheila Walsh but I don’t know much about her or her story.
I attended a Beth Moore Living Proof Live in Baltimore last month. Last year I made a connection with a woman at one of Beth’s conferences and we have continued an online friendship. I had no idea she travels with Beth to all of her events and is the leader for all of the altar calls.
Anyways, when I told my friend I was hoping to see her at the upcoming LPL in Baltimore, she emailed me back and said she reserved special seats for me! What an incredible gift….no waiting in line! Then she told me that she shared my story with Beth Moore and that I should sit on the end of the row where she had me reserved. I was so nervous the entire two days of that conference, afraid that Beth was going to single me out like she does with people in the audience sometimes. I mean, I like attention, but not quite THAT much.
But she didn’t call me out. She mentioned me and my son’s battle with cancer during her last session, but didn’t use my name.
Sorry for the eternal reply! Love you!
Julie, thanks for your encouraging words! It’s my deepest heart’s desire to write a book where others can find encouragement in the journey of faith!
Bonnie, so excited for you. I knew one was coming. I could feel it in my spirit when I read your post. Praying for you as you walk through this journey!!
Love you,
Cherie
Hi Cherie, I cherish your prayers. Thnx for sharing this moment in the journey. May God bless you right where you at in yours, friend!
I am so so excited for you Bonnie! Will be praying for you!
Amy Nabors´s last [type] ..What are Your Strategies?
Thanks so much, Amy!
Bonnie, congratulations on the book! What a joy and a challenge. Excited to follow along with you in the journey!
Sarah — Inspiration-Driven Life´s last [type] ..the gift of questions
Hi Sarah! It’s wonderful to share the journey together. Love your words and how you write for Jesus!
Happy for you Bonnie. Gotta love that contract. “Author: Bonnie Gray”
Cheering you on
David Rupert´s last [type] ..None of that stuff matters
Thanks, David! It’s a encouragement to have a community to share the moment!
I knew this was just a matter of time, not because I know so much about writing but because your writing ministry is so powerful. This is a wonderful milestone and I hope you take some mental snapshots that you can always turn back to. I’ll never forget the fancy dinner that my wife and I had to celebrate my first book deal. It was a great moment!
ed cyzewski´s last [type] ..Redefining the Prosperity Gospel
Thanks, Ed! May God continue to inspire this community to share real stories of faith being lived, to draw us all closer to Jesus.
I am so thrilled for you! The excitement of that contract is amazing because there it is–in black and white–it’s no longer a dream. I rejoice in this gift God has given to you (and the many readers who will be blessed and encouraged through your words).
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..Will God Forgive Me?
Kristine, it’s a blessing to have faith friends to share this moment with. Thank you for your encouragement!
Congratulations!!! And you’re right…we should never do life alone!!!
Deb Martell´s last [type] ..Annie Sloan Chalk Paint To The Rescue!
Thanks for being here, Deb!
OH! How wonderful!!!! I can not wait to read it!!!
My gift has been you and your writing. It always encourages me because it is real. Thank you friend.
Katie´s last [type] ..Day 2 – Grace Challenge
That just makes me smile from ear to ear. Of course, you know that. Hugs to you, Katie!
Congratulations Bonnie!!! Your writing has ministered to me ever so often because of our similar experiences and approaches to life. Let me wish you all the very best as you move forward and be ALL God has ‘purposed’ you to be!!! God Bless!!
Liza! Thank you so much! How special it is to find a kindred spirit!
What an incredible blessing and opportunity! Richly deserved. God will honor your obedience.
Diane Yuhas´s last [type] ..Thanking God
Thanks SO much, Diane! You bless my heart!
Bonnie, this so awesome! I read your email and then to you read this again… So excited for you! God does some wonderful healing miracles in the midst of community as we trust Him. What a gracious God we serve.
Blessings!
JasonS´s last [type] ..Seasons Change (And So Must We)
Jason, you’ve been there early on. It’s a blessing to encourage each other in the journey. Thanks, brother!
Congratulations!! This is such awesome news. I’m so glad you are willing to be used by God. It takes a lot of courage to step into the deep waters! I can’t wait to read what God lays on your heart!
Blessings!
Becki
I am so thrilled for you! Congratulations! I’ll have to get that one. Would you write a guest post for my blog at the time of your book’s release? I know that’s way down the line, but I want to put in a word first so I can help promote someone who has been so encouraging to me.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..The Gift of An Isolated Moment
So happy for you, Bonnie! Will look forward to hearing from you all through the process. Thanking God for YOU and the gift of encouragement through words that He has given you. Thanks for sharing this gift with us here on this blog, and now we will look forward to a book, as well! All because of Him.
Love & prayers for you …
Cherry´s last [type] ..Three-month Menu Planning
cool.
Lisa Colón DeLay´s last [type] ..Teaming Up with Beacon Ads
Wow! Congratulations on the book! I’ll be watching for its release!
Stacy´s last [type] ..In the Throes of Doubt
Oh, Bonnie. I’m doing Snoopy spins for you. Sharing your joy. Counting it a privilege to pray. xoxo
Sandra Heska King´s last [type] ..Cashmere Comforter
Snoopy spins! Sandra, you nut!
Nancy´s last [type] ..The Heart and Voice of a Friend
Dance with me, Nancy!
Sandra Heska King´s last [type] ..Gifted in Grief
How exciting! I can’t wait for it to come out!
you are a gift to us!
So excited for you, Bonnie! Looking forward to seeing what God does in and through your words. Love seeing the photo of the contract because, as we all know, if it’s on the internet it’s got to be true, right?
Nancy´s last [type] ..The Heart and Voice of a Friend
you have shown your vulnerability in your writing. you have been transparent. that’s where we meet the scary parts of our lives with the healing. It feels so threatening to walk out into the bright light of transparency. But God’s reality is usually the opposite of what we feel —-we want to hide in the darkness thinking we’re safe. Thank you for your coming out into the bright light of Him. May we all find encouragement from one another to walk in transparency even amidst the lying fear.
Bonnie- I absolutely loved reading today’s post! I hope, and pray, and feel in my spirit that somewhere, someday, I’m going to be able to write the same kind of post. (in fact, I may copy and paste yours when that day comes cuz you did it so beautifully lol). I’m thrilled for you! What a gift you have been given, because of the gift He has given you – to write.
I have one technical/writing question – the book proposal – this is done before the book is written? (that sounds like a dumb question but oh well). Book proposals can be presented with just the idea for a book, and then the manuscript gets underway? Thanks for your help in this…..
Beth´s last [type] ..getting real
Praying for you Bonnie as you travel this road that God has paved for you. High Five on saying Yes to Him!!
Thank you, Bonnie. I love the community here; God has done a good work in you to bring it together.
And I am SO excited about your book! That is great news. I pray that it will touch many with the love of Christ. You are a gift to us and a special servant in the Kingdom.
Lisa notes´s last [type] ..Gifts at a funeral
So…you’re telling me I’m supposed to wait over a year for this?
Monica Sharman´s last [type] ..Singing with Yasuko
This is wonderful news! I’m excited to travel down this road with you!
Lisa
Oh, I am so excited for you!! I look forward to see your words revealed in this medium!
Was SO great to meet you this past weekend! You blessed me so much!!
Lindsey van Niekerk´s last [type] ..The End from the Beginning
Congratulations! I look forward to reading your book some day.
Karenee´s last [type] ..Broken for Purpose
Lisa, it’s your raw honesty that has given me freedom in my own living that way. And I am so excited to have *met* you in this way, as I also am head over heels with Grace found through community. I only write what I do because He has guided me to people who have affirmed that He really does speak to our hearts!
I’m so excited to be on this journey with you and to hear about your delight!!!
Rich blessings as His Grace-for-you rains down on your living.
Amy Hunt´s last [type] ..living gratefully :: community
Bonnie, I am so excited for you you! I know that your words are going to touch the lives of many.
Barbie´s last [type] ..Enter His Courts With Praise!
Oh, I’m thrilled for you! Looking forward to 2013…
Congratulations! Looking forward to the journey ahead for you!
Wendy´s last [type] ..Odd search keywords provide a good laugh
Faith B.
Great encouraging news for one of the greatest encouragers I know. Your gift has made room for you – and I think it’s gonna be a BIG room!
Doug Spurling´s last [type] ..It’s a ghost!
Bonnie, I am so excited for you! I know this will be an adventure of both great and difficult, but I know that God will bless you for following His will in your life!
April´s last [type] ..Baggage
Bonnie, I may not have been here long, but I have been touched by you and your writing and your shots of faith continually since starting to frequent your site. I am so excited for you to start this journey and cannot wait to see how God is going to continue to use you! And you give me hope, as someone who has watched those she loves be burned by community, that with time and love and patience, you can – perhaps tentatively at first – reenter it and once again be enriched by those around you! AMAZING!
Thank you for (again, some more) sharing your heart, your journey, your joys and fears. It all enriches my life.
WAAAWHOOOO! I’m so happy the news is out, Bonnie! With a cartwheel and a herky I say WELL DONE! Patting your back and holding your hand through the process, sweet friend! I love you to pieces!! You BLESS.
Kristen@Chasing Blue Skeis´s last [type] ..For When You’re Tired of Trying to Make Friends
Congratulations, Bonnie! May the reach of your words extend into the hands and hearts of those who don’t take time to read online, as your book becomes something tangible to tuck into a purse or book bag or briefcase.
You do good work.
Ann Kroeker´s last [type] ..Curiosity Journal: November 2, 2011
Congratulations Bonnie! I am thrilled to hear this. In using the gift of writing God has given you, you will be giving a gift of enouragement to many even as you have been doing all along. It is a journey of faith, and I am glad to see you have some concrete steps ahead of you. God bless you, friend!
dunlizzie´s last [type] ..Book Review: The Mountains Bow Down, Sibella Giorello
I’m so excited for you, my friend! I love you and I’m so glad we can share this journey!
Holley Gerth´s last [type] ..What are you bringing?
Oh, Bonnie! So glad the word is out! What a joy it was to be with you when you heard the news. And now I can celebrate right along with everyone else and tell you just how happy I am for you! Congratulations, girlfriend!
Deidra´s last [type] ..Which Translation Are You Using?
You are the second writer in my life who has heard good news from a publisher this week. God is awesome. God has been inching me towards a book of healing that won’t go away. I don’t know if will ever be published, but I do know He wants it written. The blog I started with encouragers like you, Mary Demuth, and Holley Gerth that God strategically placed in my life at just the right times have been a stretch for my voice,but I have found I can’t shut up now. So thank you for using yuor voice for those like me who have gleaned from your faith trail. So happy for you!
PS I havn’t written in a week. Been sick. Glad the Faith Jam is today!
Melinda´s last [type] ..Wise Up Wednesday
whooooo hooo! Yaaaaay Bonnie
So very excited for you 
Jenny´s last [type] ..Shades of Autumn | Purple
How exciting! Congratulations!
Amy´s last [type] ..God’s Freedom
Delighted for you, Bonnie, and for those who will read your words and see God’s grace in them. He will walk with you through this journey of putting your faith on the page, and He will place these stories in the hands of those they are meant to reach. May you taste His joy and pleasure every step of the way.
Love,
Jeanne
Jeanne Damoff´s last [type] ..The Flower and the Thorn
I am so excited for you and glad you shared this with us. I hope you do share more as you write. I will keep you in my prayers!
Jean Wise´s last [type] ..Thoughts On Being an Ordinary Pencil
i love your candid post and i hope to get to read your faith filled book when it comes out 2013-u have an amazing gift of writing and making your words come alive and “jump” out of the pages and into our hearts so I thank God for you, for your gift, for strnegthening you and giving you hope and faith to open your heart again and write for all of us to enjoy and God speak to us!
Tossing confetti! Cheering loudly! Clapping and turning cartwheels! Wonderful news, Bonnie. You have a powerfully convicting way with words and you bless so many with your voice and stories. So glad you can cast the net further with a book in print.
{and what a blessing it was to meet you in person at Relevant}.
Michelle DeRusha´s last [type] ..The Hear It, Use It Weekly Round-Up