About Bonnie
My name is Bonnie Gray and I’m the Christian writer behind Faith Barista.
I’m a native Californian living in the heart of Silicon Valley. I love hanging out with my best friend Hubby and wrangling our two boys on the homestead.
Rain or shine, I live for the moments I get to write, hovering over my keyboard, fascinated by a passion to find faith in everyday life.
I am the blogger behind Faith Barista, syndicated by Crosswalk.com and Revelife, and featured writer for DaySpring’s (In)Courage website. I am currently working on my debut book, due to release in Summer 2014 by Revell Books.
As a speaker, I love exploring how faith shows up in everyday life, inspiring audiences to discover faith behind the daily grind. As a writer, my articles have been published nationally by McClatchy-Tribune and featured in newsletters by Christianity Today and DaySpring.
Walking By Faith
I’ve crossed a variety of transitions in life. I used to think God’s calling was found in church ministry, overseas missions, or even in the workplace, as an engineering and marketing manager in high tech. I was continually searching to figure it out.
It turns out I was already living out God’s calling — walking by faith in everyday life.
To others, it might look ordinary.
To God, the inner life is where real life happens. One day at a time.
LIFE is the ultimate full-time ministry
Even though I’ve had opportunities to serve God in different ministry roles, they are nothing compared to the most meaningful ministry we are called to: LIFE.
If people were to just look at our everyday lives, we might seem insignificant. Thank goodness, that’s not how God sees us.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor. 4:7
This hidden life — this life lived in Christ — is what I’d love to tap into. Will you share yours with me? I will share mine with you.
The 411
So, why did you start this blog?
Faith is a topic that is my sold-out passion. It’s been many moons since I first became a Christian. Even though I’ve got some mileage on me (you see the wrinkles?), I am still fascinated by the challenge to keep faith hot and fresh.
I’m continually asking, “Why is it that some Christians are hot on fire for God, always growing and full of life?”
I want to know how people keep that fire of faith lit when it’s a flickering wick, how to fan it into a bonfire, and how to feed it when it’s embers are quietly burning.
I started this blog to share my faith experience, and in the process, find others to learn about theirs.
[ Find out what FaithBarista's all about. Read Why FaithBarista? ]
Why did you choose the name “Faith Barista”?
I love the idea that I can be a “barista of faith”, because we are all apprentices, learning the skill and art of walking by faith. We learn from the master craftsman of faith, Jesus Christ, who serves up just what we need for each day’s journey.
In turn, we can be a priesthood of faith baristas, offering one another encouragement to live out our faith. Now, that’s exciting!
What do you do when you’re not writing at Faith Barista?
If you were to knock on my door, you’d find me:
1) Hanging out with my best friend, Hubby, love of my life. Hubby and I are both from the 80′s, love John Candy, OMD, stuffing ourselves with popcorn at the movies, hitting the beach and having coffee with pastries.
2) Wrangling my two boys, TJ and CJ. TJ’s my five year old son who fires up a bazillion question per hour and steals my heart everyday. CJ is my 2 year old cutie who can wiggle a dance and flash a smile that turns even macho guys into girlie men.
On top of my dresser, you’d see:
Piles of books, non-fiction mostly about spirituality, God, the Bible, parenting, marriage and relationship, and magazines. Thank you cards to write and water bottles to keep me hydrated.
On the weekends, you can catch me:
Doing family and friends stuff like hanging out at coffee shops, parks, kids bday parties, breakfast joints and sandwich shops, running errands, going to Safeway, Target or trying to get rid of junk (I’m a recovering pack rat!).
So, are you a “legit” Christian blogger?
I’ve always been passionate about studying the Bible and bringing believers together for community. It’s all about experiencing life together that has made being a Christian continually new.
Ministries I’ve had the joy of serving in: Leading student ministries as the Executive Committee Chairperson for West Coast Chinese Christan Conference (WCCCC), working as an overseas missionary in Hong Kong, teaching Bible Study and Small Group Training workshops, graduating from Peninsula Bible Church’s Pastoral Ministry Intern Program and launching PrimeTime, a ministry for singles in their 3o’s (this is where I met Hubby and got married. I swear, that is NOT why I started it!).
[ Find out what FaithBarista's all about. Read Why FaithBarista? ]
What I Believe
Probably the best way to understand what I believe is to see how I live. Hopefully, reading FaithBarista will give you a good idea of what that looks like.
But, to put it succinctly into words, I’ll point you to my local church’s statement of faith.
I am a member of the body of believers of Jesus Christ all over the world. But, my church family is The Highway Community, Mountain View, CA.
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Good morning, Bonnie.
I found you through SVMoms Blog and checked out your Faith Barista page. I think I will follow your blog
I am the mom of a three year old little girl. We are members at WestGate church in Saratoga and I met my husband on a Christmas in April volunteer project through the River Church Community when it was still in Sunnyvale.
My faith walk as a mom has been much different than it was before I became a parent. Before becoming a mom, I led Bible studies, small groups for engaged couples, divorce care groups (with my husband), and summer Bible camps for kids. I served on the committee to develop curriculum for our public school after-school Kid’s Club program and led some of the groups there.
I have since learned that my greatest ministry in this season of my life is my family and the other moms I come into contact with on a daily basis. My husband and my daughter are the place where God grows my faith, tests my patience, and allows me to show His love most consistently.
We are going through a tough time in our family right now, on a number of very important issues, but we know that God has a plan and that our faith in Christ is sufficient to see us through. That said, it is nice to read another LOCAL mom who shares my faith.
I am glad you have found your passion through writing FaithBarista. Nice to “meet” you and I am looking forward to reading more about your journey and growth through Christ.
Catherine
“I have since learned that my greatest ministry in this season of my life is my family and the other moms I come into contact with on a daily basis.”
Amen, Catherine — my fellow faithbarista, sistah! (virtual high five)
“My husband and my daughter are the place where God grows my faith, tests my patience, and allows me to show His love most consistently.”
What a ministry it is! Harder than any work prior, don’t you think? And most impactful in God’s eyes.
“Nice to “meet” you and I am looking forward to reading more about your journey and growth through Christ.”
How awesome to meet a kindred soul! Sounds like we were living parallel lives in the pre-motherhood & post-motherhood eras, here in the Silicon Valley!
“We are going through a tough time in our family right now..”
I will be thinking of you.. just did a breath prayer for you.
I love this page. I learned so much about you by reading it. It seems we have much in common: books, coffee, a desire to write, and a passion for our faith. So excited to be new blog friends!
Bonnie, what an inspiration you are! Keep on writing and inspiring!
A beautiful testimony from a beautiful heart. Keep Jesus close to your heart and the family he has blessed you with. And keep blessing others with the blessings you have received. It was nice to meet you via your writing, of course.
Blessings and hugs,
Gladwell
I found your blog today through Twitter and am so glad that I did! I’m subscribed and can’t wait to read more. I just looked up as many verses that included the word “Crown,” as I could find. I have never been completely fond of my name, until today. Thank you sharing your daily walk with us. I agree wholeheartedly that the greatest and sometimes hardest ministry is reaching others in the day to day life. God bless your walk!
cool website !
Bonnie,
Thank you for your passion in writing and sharing your faith. It comes across so clearly.
Blessings as you continue to share your love for Jesus.
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I just found your blog from the incourage page. I really enjoy your writings. We have many things in common. My blog is simple and in the process of development but I would be honored if you spent a few minutes getting to know me through my writings. Blessings to you as you seek to bless others through your life.
I always appreciate your articles. I discovered you from my sister’s recommendation in May? June? You see faith as natural as breathing, and that is the way it is as it grows. The embers lessen at times, but grow again when tended. I’ve been through a quiet season the last few years–if you want you can see my journey on my blog also. Have a great day, and God bless your sharing even more.
Hi Bonnie – Love love your writing and blog. God bless you!!
Bonnie, it is great to read about you and to read about your passion for faith and for life. As one who also loves to write, I am in awe of your ability, your honesty and the ease with which you bear your deepest thoughts. God has truly given you a gift; thank you for listening to His Calling!
By the time I got my courage up to reply the comments were closed for writing a letter to your younger self. I think I am still in the mode of figuring out how to carve out time for myself and not feel guilty. So after the work day and after the fight with my son and after I finally settled down to eat(its already 10:00 plus) I looked at your blog. So I guess my letter will just be for me this time and I am okay with that. I am still trying to put feelings and words on my grief. I can relate to the lonliness and being one of a sprinkling of african american students. Or the only one in my classes. I salute your progess in your healing. It looks like you have a precious family. I would wish to have another opportunity if possible to post a comment related to a letter to my younger self. Thank you for your writing it encourages me also and reminds me I don’t have to pretend everything is okay. I just have to relax and allow God to examine and heal my wounds. I appreciate you.
Hi bonnie:-) I am pleased to be part of Ur group. I am the mother of a 34yr old son that took a long time growing up. However praise god he made it and we r very close. Unfortunately he now lives in another city. I am divorced& have been remarried for 15 years
lori
now to a very loving and different kind of man. My prior husband divorced me after I became a christian. I have several chronic illnesses, two of which cause me Lots of daily pain. I have a 14 yr. Old daughter who unfortunately also suffers from two chronic pain illnesses. Sometimes it is a real struggle. Fortunately I have my faith and family. Without my faith I cld not make it. I am struggling right now w lots of pain. Thank u for being hear to listen. I will say this…god has been faithful& I am grateful for that as well vas my very loving family. As well as the family I have mentioned, I have 2beautiful granddaughters