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6 Keys To Overcome Dead Ends and Discouragement — A Blog Anniversary

By Bonnie Gray • August 4, 2011 • 137 Comments
FAITH BARISTA'S BLOG ANNIVERSARY IS HERE !
** BY GRACE ALONE NECKLACE GIVEAWAY **
To celebrate, I'm giving away Lisa Leonard Designs Necklace
This beautiful silver sterling necklace features a pendant
with the engraved words:  by grace alone. 
Enter the By Grace Alone Giveway At The End Of Today's Post !

I’ve poured you a fresh cup of java, with a view. Pull up a chair?

How do you overcome discouragement when you run into one dead end after another?

Anniversaries provide a wonderful moment to reflect on where we’ve been and the spot we’re standing today.  As I step into this month of August, Faith Barista’s blog anniversary, I’m thankful to see you’ve stopped by for break.

Sit down.  Take a load off your feet.

I know you only have a few minutes.  Let me pour you a fresh cup of coffee, just like the virtual ones we’ve shared throughout this year.

You know, people sometimes say God is silent because He wants to teach us a lesson.  I know they mean well, but I have discovered what God does best in the dark isn’t hiding. It’s not so much about instruction, but it’s all about relationship.

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency of setting my heart to the side, to get through my days as best as I can. Days turn into weeks and before you know it, it’s not too clear what has happened between yesterday and today.

Where there is whitespace and my words comes to a drip, Jesus enters.

Can I come in?

He quietly knocks.

In a moment of intimacy, He assures me.

I know what your heart longs for.

I know what you need.

Just when I think He can’t, God surprises me.  I go deeper with Him — and I find friends along the same journey of faith.  Our paths all look different, but our goal is the same.

Jesus.

Your faith is like that first sip of caffeine in the morning.  It stirs my heart.

I see Jesus in our stories: our pauses, our joys, the questions equally as intriguing as the answers.

I taste God’s grace.

How did Faith Barista first start, you ask?

Let me share a Faith Barista Anniversary reflection with you today.  But, before I do, I want to say this –

Thank you, Jesus, for your grace that has brought me here.

Thank you, faith friends, for the stories you share,
as we look to find God fresh in our everyday lives,
and offer our journeys to each other as gifts.

As to how Faith Barista began, I’m remembering a story, told once upon a time…

Once Upon A Time

IMG_2160

Iron gates in a garden where I often go for whitespace

If you’ve ever house sat or been volunteered to water your friend’s plants or feed her cat while she was away on vacation, you know how important the keys are.

After you’ve pawed under the mat or turned over the flower pot and come up empty, you figure she forgot to put the key out.  The thought of shriveled ferns and a dried out feline drives you to hit the panic button.

You dial your friend’s number.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, you confess you can’t to find the keys.

You’re so sorry, but could the keys be somewhere else?

O, yeah. Your friend chuckles.  I forgot.   The keys are hanging on a nail. Behind the downspout. Near the back door.

Does this scene sound familiar?

I’m not simply talking about the keys to a house.

I’m talking about the keys to God’s plans for you.

You’ve prayed, read your Bible, and done everything you could possibly think of — to the best of your strengths and even to the detriment of your weaknesses.

But, the keys to your questions can’t seem to be found —

— that opportunity you’ve been knocking down doors to open

— that breakthrough you’ve been waiting for, hanging by a thread

— that big problem you’ve been trying to solve, failure instead of success.

What can you do?

Shock and Loss

I was processing a stack of mail when I pulled it out.  It was an official looking envelope from the State of California.  It’s the kind of letter you open right away.

Reminder:  Your business state taxes are due by the end of the month.

I started a business and became a statistic.

In less than two years, I closed up shop and liquidated all inventory.

It was a shock to me and our bank account because it was the last thing I expected.

I crunched the numbers and accepted the risk.  I became a entrepreneur because I believed God was in it 100%.

My needs were real. I was a new mom who needed a job with flexible hours and a greater desire to stay home with baby.

My priorities were godly. Motherhood and family.  Slam dunk, right?

My prayers were answered. I prayed and sought God’s guidance for a year, as I did the market research, built a business plan, and prototype.  At every intersection along the process, I saw God confirm prayers.

My due diligence. I sought wise counsel and applied my expertise from a career of releasing products for high tech corporations.

Business opened and sales looked promising.  I was hopefully optimistic.

Then, the market crashed.

I Never Would’ve Guessed

What happened?

Why would He lead me down a path that He knew would not only be fruitless, but a loss?

The answers to this question merits a book, which I’d love to write one day.

But, I’m telling you this story because I sit here in the red years later, with a business closed and the door to a lifelong passion opened:  my writing.

To market my product, I created a company blog.

I have always longed to pursue writing. But it passed me by like the midnight train to Georgia.

I faced one dead end after another. I gave up hope and resigned my writing life to an underground pursuit behind closed doors and a motley crew of notebooks.

Then, my business died, along with the company blog.

But, I didn’t want to stop writing.

If I blogged for a product, why can’t I blog for purpose?

What if I wrote about all this stuff in my journals and published it online?

Would anybody read it?

I would’ve never guessed in a thousand years I’d be here to celebrate the birth of Faith Barista Blog with you today.

My disbelief didn’t change God’s plans for me. 

Yours won’t change His plans for you either.

The Doors We Cannot Open

Do you have a plan for your life that hasn’t gone the way you expected?

Are you confused to why God’s led you down one path and not another?

We can try to engineer the perfect solution, with sincerity and by faith.

But there are some doors that we cannot open.

6 Keys To Overcome Dead Ends and Discouragement

If you find yourself discouraged, remember the 6 Keys To Overcome Dead Ends and Discouragement:

1.  God has the keys to your life and purpose.

2.  God hasn’t forgotten to tell you where they are and you aren’t left out in the cold.

3.  In His time and wisdom, God will open the doors of opportunity for you. No matter what.

4.  No hardship or personal failure can keep that door from opening.  No matter how late you think it is.

5.  Stay faithful in unchanging situations, while God aligns the needed sequence of events with your heart.

6.  If it is time to make changes, set them in motion.

Nothing is wasted.  Everything done by faith that is unseen is visible and useful to God.

It may seem door after door is shutting closed in front of you, but God has his hand on the special ones reserved. Just for you.

At the right time, you will walk through them, with a smile on your face and amazement in your eyes.

“These are the words of him who is holy and true,
who holds the key of David.

What he opens no one can shut, and

what he shuts no one can open.
”
Revelations 3:7

~~~~~

What are your thoughts on today’s post?

Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment or subscribe by email.

Because, as you know, I love to read each and every one of them.

~~~~~

**  By Grace Alone Necklace Giveaway **

To celebrate Faith Barist’a blog anniversary, I’ve lined up some goodies this month to usher in a new year of friendship!  I’m kicking off the festivities by giving away a Lisa Leonard Designs necklace to ONE RANDOMLY SELECTED WINNER.

** Winner Update ** * Congratulations to By Grace Alone Giveaway winner #114 – Jeri T.!*

I purchased this same necklace after Faith Barista went live, to remind me how I can dare to be who God made me: by grace alone.

To Enter:

1.  Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Wed 8/10/11.

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 an extra comment letting me know.

 

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


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

This Thursday’s Topic 8/4:
Whitespace topic: Share a moment you felt close to God recently.

Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link” or just comment directly.

Next Thurday’s Topic 8/11:
The gift of hospitality.

Approach it any way you feel inspired!
Only required ingredient: keep it real. Thanks for serving your personal brews!

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


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

~~~~~

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~~~~~

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137 Comments

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Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

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137 Comments

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:01 am

    I loved all of the advice you offered Bonnie. You’re so encouraging.

    Happy Blogoversary to you!

    I’m glad we have connected through the blogosphere and I look forward to meeting you in heaven someday. :o)

    Ok, here is my FIRST entry for the necklace. (Which is lovely!)

    Bless you today!
    Beth

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:01 am

    I follow you — SECOND entry for necklace. :o)

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:04 am

    Third entry! I tweeted this: Giveaway to celebrate Faith Barista’s blogoversary! http://bit.ly/rnEMDx #blogfrog #Blogher #Mamavation #SITSgirls #Wordpress #sahm #wahm

    And … I’m sharing on Facebook!

    Have a wonderful day!
    Beth

  • Reply Kristine August 4, 2011 at 3:18 am

    I know exactly how this feels – with all those doors shutting. But it is even more exciting and (can I say it?) scary when new doors start appearing. New opportunities that you never expected or dreamed of. And even more surprising when He starts leading you toward the most unexpected of them all.

    Happy Anniversary, Faith Barista! and as it happens August is my blog anniversary too(but I had to look it up).

  • Reply Erin August 4, 2011 at 3:21 am

    I really enjoy your blog, and I’d love to win!

  • Reply Erin August 4, 2011 at 3:22 am

    I subscribe to the blog.

  • Reply Erin August 4, 2011 at 3:22 am

    I shared on Twitter.

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:24 am

    This is such an encouraging post!! There have been times in my life where I have felt alone and forgotten–even though I know that God is always with me. And yet, I still wondered–where is He?

    It was not God that had forgotten me, but me forgetting to seek Him first–always seek His kingdom, His desires for me, and trust, trust, trust….

    Beth

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:25 am

    I also followed you!! Second entry!!

    Beth

  • Reply Beth August 4, 2011 at 3:41 am

    Forgot to add…I’ll be joining in on the ‘Faith Jam’ when I come home this evening….time to leave for work!!

  • Reply Fiona August 4, 2011 at 3:41 am

    Loved, just loved this post. God has a plan for us all, and knows the best for us. Don’t despair when doors shut, and plans have to be shelved. He loves us and is guiding us gently along the road He has made for us.
    I would love to win this Giveaway!

  • Reply Fiona August 4, 2011 at 3:42 am

    I subscribe to Faith Barista, and LOVE it!

  • Reply Angi August 4, 2011 at 3:47 am

    Love this imagery of the keys to the door of God’s purposes for me…the tips were so succinct and useful.
    And I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to hear of your business failure (sorry, don’t know how to put it less baldly) in spite of God’s leading – so often we think that things ‘should’ work out but God has greater plans. It is so good to hear how you see God opening the door to your writing – probably of more blessing to us all and many more than your business! Bless you!

  • Reply CHERYL August 4, 2011 at 4:06 am

    Thank you for this post! Right now I’ve had a door close, but I also know that God is in control and he will open that door again in His own time and not mine. Hope I win the necklace.

  • Reply Kathy in IN August 4, 2011 at 4:29 am

    Happy Anniversary!

  • Reply Kathy in IN August 4, 2011 at 4:31 am

    I subscribe to your blog.

  • Reply jackie August 4, 2011 at 4:42 am

    I have certainly entertained the question lately, as to why God would lead us to do something that it seems very likely is going to result in loss. I have even wondered did we misunderstand and make a wrong choice. I have to keep reminding myself that God’s ways are not my ways. Thanks for the encouragement.

  • Reply jackie August 4, 2011 at 4:43 am

    I am a subcriber.

  • Reply Jackie Sill August 4, 2011 at 4:46 am

    Okay, I want the necklace, so I definitely want to be entered. Aside from that, I felt like you were telling stories from my last 18 months. Different, unique…but so similar. And identical in the nature of God. I love being a part of this hop. I think through the week about how to approach the subject matter and how to keep it real for my followers. Thank you for hosting.

  • Reply Jackie Sill August 4, 2011 at 4:47 am

    Oh, and I am a subscriber. Anything for free java!

  • Reply Jackie Sill August 4, 2011 at 4:50 am

    And I tweeted you 🙂
    I said “6 Keys To Overcome Dead Ends and Discouragement — A Blog Anniversary http://j.mp/poHwuA via @AddToAny” Have a great day. Be back in a bit to link up 🙂

  • Reply Nikole Hahn August 4, 2011 at 5:14 am

    I’ve always dreamed of opening a coffee shop thus named The Hahn Hunting Lodge where we serve up brews and sandwiches made from wild game with a big community board of local hunters and their adventures. Then, I look at the reality of business taxes and how much you need in cash to keep going for the first two years…I think I’ll keep my virtual lodge and write instead and pursue writing…less capital.

  • Reply Christine August 4, 2011 at 5:31 am

    Happy anniversary to Faith Barista blog! May the Good Lord continue to bless you, Bonnie & inspire you in yr writing to bring encouragement & help to needy people around the world.

    From yr blog I learn about what is whitespace & try to put it into practice. I like the pictures & photos you shared in yr whitspace.

    I received tremendous encouragement from your sharing especially on today’s topic. I tried to save my marriage but always encountered road blocked. And my husband had file for divorce. I seek the Lord in prayer but God seems to be silent & seems like the relationship with my husband is getting worse off & looked so hopeless for

    By God’s grace & mercy may His will be done on earth as it is heaven.

    He is an All knowing God & He is there & is not silent.

    May God continue to show His favor upon you, Bonnie & bless you & yr family.

    Happy anniversary!

  • Reply Julie August 4, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Your blog always lands in my inbox with the most perfect timing. Today you delivered Hope to a heart that is shrouded in heavy fog. Thank you….

  • Reply Danielle August 4, 2011 at 5:54 am

    I subscribe via email!

  • Reply Monica Sharman August 4, 2011 at 5:59 am

    Thank you for sharing your story, Bonnie—especially as our family is stepping into something new, too. Your reminder that “Nothing is wasted”…so encouraging!

  • Reply April August 4, 2011 at 6:03 am

    It’s funny that you wrote about letting God in today. I am going through a mess with my ex right now regarding my son and I’m tired and upset, etc. and thought I’m not discounting God in this and though I know He has my back, I need to rely on Him even more right now. Thanks for the reminder!

    Oh, I am a follower and I am sharing this message via Twitter and FB

  • Reply Sonya August 4, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Happy blogoversary!

    Those doors are shutting for me in one particular part of my life and I wonder if any door will ever open. I feel like God gave me a promise a year ago, but now I question if I heard or felt right. I’m staying faithful, not perfect, but faithful.

  • Reply Debbie August 4, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Bonnie, I am touched by your story. I started blogging over four years ago to help my husband’s business. We needed to learn more about social media. In the process, I rediscovered my love for writing and engaging people.

    I’m so glad you continued blogging since I wouldn’t have ‘met’ you otherwise.

    I love Lisa Leonard jewelry and this piece is awesome. I posted this on my Facebook wall.

    I hope to write a post later today and link up too.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

  • Reply Debbie August 4, 2011 at 6:12 am

    I already follow you but I tweeted about this too.

  • Reply Megan Willome August 4, 2011 at 6:13 am

    IMHO, I think disappointments and discouragements aren’t supposed to be overcome. They’re like a cup of strong, black coffee that you pour every single morning, and for weeks the bitterness is hard to take. Then, one morning, the bitterness tastes sweet, and you think, “Man, that’s one good cup of coffee!”

  • Reply Elosia August 4, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I am a new Faithe Barista reader and I have enjoyed your work. Today’s message was something I really needed to hear and I plan to pass it on to others I know that are in the same place.

    Thanks Bonnie

  • Reply Lisa Freeman August 4, 2011 at 6:24 am

    Happy Anniversary!
    I always look forward to updates on your blog. You have been given a beautiful gift from God and I thank you for sharing your gift. I am in my late 40’s. Gave up my college education at senior level because life got way to hard and I could not afford it. Then I became a care giver to my mother for 9 years. I am now going back to school after working as a paralegal for 15 years. So here I am in college, the oldest in my class. But I know that this is God. I have quit my job and my husband has taken on an extra second job, for he believes in Gods Plan for me. I have heard the discouraging words and have been faced with some trials. For example my husband works for a NASA contractor….. will we have a job in the next months?? But God overcomes those thoughts and sends me forward. Gods plan does overcome everything. We do have to focus on His Face and not look away, for it is the only way to overcome. Thank you so much Bonnie for who you are and hearing God in the silence. Sincerely Lisa Freeman

  • Reply Kristine August 4, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I also posted on Facebook and Twitter.

  • Reply Holley Gerth August 4, 2011 at 6:30 am

    Happy bloggy anniversary, my beautiful friend! So thankful this world of words and the Word brought us together!

  • Reply hannah August 4, 2011 at 6:53 am

    It’s about the one year anniversary of when I started reading your blog. Thanks for serving up faith so beautifully for the last year.

  • Reply Laura August 4, 2011 at 7:18 am

    Wow…I know of a few young ladies I can pass this article on to. They are really struggling right now and this will be encouraging to them.

  • Reply Laura August 4, 2011 at 7:20 am

    I shared on facebook!

  • Reply Laura August 4, 2011 at 7:20 am

    I subscribe in Google reader

  • Reply Tammy August 4, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Happy 1st anniversary! Thank you so much for your encouragement. The last 2 years have been a series of one discouragement and dead end after another for myself and my family. I know God has been working on us and is with us. Today’s blogpost is definitely timely. Thank you for your ministry! 🙂

  • Reply Tammy August 4, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I am a subscriber through email as well as RSS feed. 🙂

  • Reply Kaylie August 4, 2011 at 7:43 am

    It never fails to amaze me how well God provides. This is what I needed to read today. Thank you!

  • Reply Pam August 4, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Thank you for this post, my husband and I are in the middle of a faith process and it is easy to become discouraged and weighed down with worry. It is a relief to remember that God’s silence does not mean we are forgotten or unimportant.

  • Reply Kaylie August 4, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Also, I’m a subscriber 🙂

  • Reply Diane Yuhas August 4, 2011 at 7:50 am

    I just wanted to say, “Great minds think alike!” I had just written on this topic, albeit from a somewhat different angle: http://bit.ly/pPY8ME More important, I wanted to tell you how encouraging is this post. Happy Anniversary!

  • Reply Tammy August 4, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Shared the link on Facebook 🙂

  • Reply Melanie August 4, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I’ve had many roadblocks in my path the last 9.5 years. One thing I spent a lot of time at first, crying to God, asking him what I was supposed to “Do”. His still small voice got louder and louder as he repeated reminded me to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart…. and love others.” I’ve come to understand that nothing – NOTHING can take those two keys to perfect life from me. No circumstance or loss can hinder my pouring all my love out to God and considering how I can love others.

    Thank you for the reminder again today Bonnie. Though I KNOW this… every roadblock makes me go back and review it.

    ~Melanie

  • Reply Melanie August 4, 2011 at 8:09 am

    I shared on FB and Tweeted!

  • Reply Melanie August 4, 2011 at 8:09 am

    I also subscribe to emails

  • Reply Teresa August 4, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Happy Blogoversary! I love your blog. I am inspired by your words and comforted by the fact that I am not alone on this journey.
    Thank you.

  • Reply Kristine McGuire August 4, 2011 at 8:17 am

    A beautiful post, my friend. 🙂

    BTW…I have liked The Faith Barista page and shared this post on Facebook. I also shared it on Twitter.

  • Reply Katie Hubbard August 4, 2011 at 8:20 am

    “Stay faithful in unchanging situations, while God aligns the needed sequence of events with your heart.” Wow….prone to wonder Lord, I feel it. I have a tendency to connect God answering the way I want Him to with His deep love for me. He IS teaching me to stay faithful, no matter the outcome. Thank you for this reminder today.

  • Reply David Rupert August 4, 2011 at 8:26 am

    I like the idea that “It’s never too late.”
    Bonnie, too many of us look back at the wasted years and figure, “Why try now.” But no matter what, you can always turn around and find your way home

  • Reply Melissa Brotherton August 4, 2011 at 8:47 am

    Your words are so poignant for me today, Bonnie. I am in the middle of a major transition, and in the past month I have felt forgotten, discouraged and rejected. Thank you for sharing your story, and for the gentle reminder that God is always working. Your blog is such an encouragement and I celebrate with you on your blogiversary. 🙂 Keep following God’s direction in your life and taking us along for the ride!

  • Reply Feeling Close to God August 4, 2011 at 8:49 am

    […] […]

  • Reply Kristin August 4, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Thank you so much for your specific keys to overcome discouragement. It is so helpful to have a focus on what to think about and work on while in moments of waiting.
    For some reason I think to the verse…”The Lord God is my strength, and he has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19 and Psalms 18:33) This for me paves a picture of my Lord setting me upon a journey to higher places that I would have never gone on my own. Sometimes our circumstances send us there, and sometimes He just picks us up, and before we know it, we are looking down on the valley we left behind, breathing in the sweet smell of a fresh mountainous air.
    Thank you for pursuing your writing and for allowing the Lord to speak through you. It truelly blesses me.
    Kristin

  • Reply Valerie August 4, 2011 at 9:55 am

    God bless you on your Blog-iversary and always! Thanks for all you do!

  • Reply Christina Burrell August 4, 2011 at 10:23 am

    It helps me to overcome discouragement by remembering Godsvpast faithfulness in my life.

  • Reply Christina Burrell August 4, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Email follower of yours

  • Reply Sherry August 4, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I’d LOVE to win!!!!

  • Reply irene August 4, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Thanks Bonnie. Gives me much hope at a much needed time.

  • Reply dunlizzie August 4, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I haven’t been able to link up with you in a while because things have been really busy for me, but just wanted to say congrats on the anniversary. Your blog and the community it has created has been a real blessing and getting to be a part is a real joy. Keep up the good work, friend 🙂

  • Reply Jason Stasyszen August 4, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Happy blog anniversary, Bonnie! Your analogy with the keys is so true. We look and do and search where we know and what has worked in the past, but we forget it’s not about finding the answer, it’s about finding Him. Thanks for the great encouragement! Blessings…

  • Reply Kelly Sauer August 4, 2011 at 11:12 am

    You are one of the only people I can read who bullet-points things. I hate bullets as a general rule, but you have a unique gift of cutting through the static overdone with truth, simply put. I LOVE your blog, and I am so glad to know you, Bonnie!

  • Reply Victoria August 4, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Wow! I feel like you have spoken into my life. We have gone down a path (that we felt God led us to) that has come to failure, heartbreak, unemployment, and shattered dreams. Door after door after door continues to shut and I am left wondering. Thank you for sharing your story and encouragement. I’m sorry for your loss and so grateful for your gain.
    Happy Anniversary!

  • Reply Cynthia @ The Hippie Housewife August 4, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Happy blogiversary! I look forward to many more years of reading your encouraging words.

  • Reply Peggy August 4, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Thank you for encouraging us in our faith walk! God bless!

  • Reply Melodie B August 4, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    You are always so encouraging. And you are right on with God wanting your best. He doesn’t leave you in the dark for spite. 🙂

  • Reply Melodie B August 4, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    and I subscribe with an RSS reader.

  • Reply Lisa notes... August 4, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    So glad he knows what our heart longs for, what we need. And surprises us.

    I’m so glad he led you to blog for purpose. We are all blessed. Nothing is wasted. Thanks, Bonnie!

  • Reply Rachel {the science of music} August 4, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    My thought on this post? When you wrote, “people sometimes say God is silent because He wants to teach us a lesson.”

    I immediately said to myself that’s wrong. God is silent because He’s too busy working behind the scenes, orchestrating something grand for our lives.

    And here I am, wondering what God has in store for me. Cause He’s sure seemed quiet lately. =)

  • Reply Rambling Heather August 4, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    How fun! Happy Anniversary! I love coming here and being refreshed by your words.

  • Reply Rambling Heather August 4, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    I subscribe via google reader 🙂

  • Reply Cherry August 4, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks, Bonnie – this was so good! So good to be reminded about closed doors, and open doors. And trusting God with every step, and every door. I needed to read this today.

  • Reply Lisa August 4, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    Great words of encouragement, Bonnie, and happy anniversary! I just keep reminding myself that God always has a plan.

  • Reply Lisa August 4, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I also shared this post and giveaway on Facebook. 🙂

  • Reply Caroline August 4, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I’ve been sick this week, so I wasn’t able to have a post ready to link up this week, but I’m join in next week hopefully.

    Your posts always include encouragement, and that truth is much appreciated, Bonnie. I have to remind myself that God’s plans are better than my plans, and His timing is not the same as my timing. When I remember how great He is, I’m reminded that I can trust Him with my plans and ask for my will to follow His will.

    Thanks for hosting us each week. And happy blog anniversary!

  • Reply Caroline August 4, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I tweeted about this post and giveaway, too. (I’m @Keep_Tha_Faith) Thanks for the kind giveaway opportunity!

  • Reply Jennifer August 4, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Bonnie, this post could not have come at a more appropriate time for me. I’m almost to tears reading it. Today another door has seemed to crack open only to let me look inside and to be aware it may never open. I feel like I could explode with passion, but have no direction on where to use this passion. I’m working hard to surrender my plans to Him and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3). Sometimes that’s harder than other times. Thank you so much for the encouragement. It is always appreciated! Happy Anniversary!!! 🙂

  • Reply Angi August 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    hi Bonnie, I have shared this on facebook and subscribe to your blog.

  • Reply Jenifer August 4, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Happy Blog-iversary!! Your ministry is such a blessing to me. Thank you for your encouragements/.

  • Reply Jenifer August 4, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I Facebooked your giveaway! 🙂

  • Reply katy August 4, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Oh how I LOVE this post. I totally get it and it’s so true that in hindsight the doors seem to be clearer and the place where the key is hidden becomes unveiled and even when it seems like we’ve been trying path after path. I’m definitely living out a similar, but different story now and being like “wha? god, really?” yet I am also clearly seeing His hand guiding and preparing with glimpses as well as surprises yet to come. Thank you again for sharing. Love you!

  • Reply katy August 4, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    shared on twitter and facebook too—because i love this =)

  • Reply Bev McDougal August 4, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Too often we look at failure as God’s punishment, instead, as you are pointing out, God’s gift. Just like any present, we should be excited about opening it, and cherish it with gratitude. Thanks, Bonnie–And Happy Anniversary

  • Reply shana August 4, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    beautiful necklace, count me in please!
    blessings,
    shana

  • Reply shana August 4, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    i subscribe to your blog by email, so i’ll take another entry please.
    thanks,
    shana

  • Reply Beth Werner Lee August 4, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Thank you for this post. Yes, so many things either don’t look like I thought they would, or the steps are slow and I lose track, or I submerge the dream for years. Yet God be praised, he made who we are and he knows best! His timing is perfect and his love is never ending. Ah, to remember this.

  • Reply He Washes Over Me August 4, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    […] I am linking up with the Faith Barista who has asked that we share a time recently where we’ve felt close to […]

  • Reply Lisa August 4, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Thank you so much…this is exactly where I am at. Your blog was encouraging and is such confirmation that God will breakthrough and open doors in His perfect timing.
    Blessings! Lisa

  • Reply Lisa August 4, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    Subscribed to your blog too…another entry..yay!

  • Reply Lisa August 4, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    And shared on Twitter..I am sure many will be encouraged!!

  • Reply Barbie August 4, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    I have linked up my post! I am so thankful for you Bonnie, and for this community here. Happy blog anniversary! May God continue to bless your ministry to others. You are a treasure!

  • Reply Barbie August 4, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    I subscribe through Google Reader!

  • Reply Barbie August 4, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    I shared on Facebook!

  • Reply Elaine August 4, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I am a subscriber and I love your perspective on life.
    It seems like everywhere I turn lately there has been the thought of “an open door before you”. I’m actively looking now. Thanks, Bonnie!
    Elaine

  • Reply Katie August 4, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    I am ever so grateful of God closing your door so you could pursue your writing! I would never have gotten to know and cherish you otherwise. I know we have never met, but I feel like you are a friend and encouragement to me!!!!!!!!!

    I know I haven’t shared much in the jam session for the last several weeks, so much has happened to keep me away from my writing.

    Love you and Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!

  • Reply Katie August 4, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    Shared on FB!

  • Reply Jennifer August 4, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    I thought sure I left you a comment already. Apparently not. 😉 Bonnie, this post came to me at just the right time. I was almost in tears reading it. My heart was so heavy today with an opportunity that may or may not happen. It’s a scary, beautiful thing trusting God when His ways are unknown. Thanks, Bonnie! Happy Anniversary!!! Your writings through this little spot in the blogging world has spoken so much truth into my life!

    • Reply Jennifer August 4, 2011 at 6:59 pm

      It was my computer, not my lack of posting. I think I need to go to bed. 😉

  • Reply Through and Through Life: Gleaning in the Stones « Sandra Heska King August 4, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    […] today with Faith Barista Bonnie as she asks us to “share a moment you felt close to God recently.” It happens every […]

  • Reply Sandra Heska King August 4, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Words that have stayed with me for years: God works everything for good–when all the pieces are together.

    I lose my keys all the time. I’m glad He never does. That He’s got it all under control.

    Wonderful post, Bonnie. Happy Blog Anniversary. And I just realized I was two years old last month!

  • Reply Donnajnew August 4, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    I follow your blog now.

  • Reply Donnajnew August 4, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    I posted your blog on Twitter

  • Reply Donnajnew August 4, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    I’ve had a couple of times, more than a couple actually when the Lord abruptly changed my path. One happened four years ago. So now I’m starting to do items that I love, like writing a blog, scrapbooking, and I’m going to begin writing a book thats been on my heart for a few years. I’m 53 and i’m enjoying my life. The important thing though is that the Lord uses me in people’s lives. Otherwise my enjoyment is clanging brass.

  • Reply Roxana Ileana August 5, 2011 at 2:25 am

    Dear Bonnie,

    thank you for sharing your experience and the lessons you learned – you can now encourage others so much.

    I don’t own a blog, and I don’t read many either 🙂 but from time to time I check on some – and yours, along with Holley’s and incourage is one of them.

    Thanks to you, Bonnie and I am grateful to my Lord who is always in time with leading, guiding, and words of encouragement – using you and other of His children.

    Love in Christ our Savior and Lord,

    Roxana Ileana

  • Reply HisFireFly August 5, 2011 at 8:52 am

    It seems so hard for us to wait on His timing. Thanks for words that encourage weary hearts.

    You have been and continue to be a blessing to many lives, Bonnie, and we all thank God for you!

  • Reply HisFireFly August 5, 2011 at 8:53 am

    I am already a subscriber! Have been for a long time 🙂

  • Reply HisFireFly August 5, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Just shared this post on Facebook – and again, Happy Anniversary you mighty woman of God!

  • Reply Jessi August 5, 2011 at 9:26 am

    I can so relate to this post. After 6 long and frustrating years of leading a church plant with my husband, I feel like we have had nothing but one door after another slam in our faces. But now a new one seems to be opening. One we would never have expected or probably even considered for a long time is now opening and we are utterly amazed and excited. God is really, really good. Thanks for the encouragement!!

  • Reply Closing the Gap {How to Really be Intimate with God} « Alyssa Santos – Rocks.Roots.Wings. August 5, 2011 at 10:35 am

    […] to someone? Is it physical presence, a soul connection or a sure and solid love for each other? The Bonnie Gray at Faith Barista asks the question this week: Tell of a time you felt close to God recently. This got me thinking […]

  • Reply Alyssa Santos August 5, 2011 at 10:39 am

    So the death of one thing led to the birth of another — God works life into our failures. I love the keys. I would like to print them out and stick them in front of my desk! bless you, Aly

  • Reply Nancy August 5, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Congratulations, Bonnie, on your blogoversary. You have been such an encouragement to so many of us, here in your space. As I was reading your post, i was reminded of Pilgrim’s Progress. Pilgrim was trapped in Doubting Castle, not realizing he had the key in his pocket. And the name of the key was “Promise.” One of these days, I’m going to get a necklace with a key on it to remind me that God’s promise is the key to unlock my doubts. Until then, I would be delighted to win this one! Blessings.

  • Reply Nancy August 5, 2011 at 11:20 am

    Tweeted your giveaway!

  • Reply Irma August 5, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Happy Blog Anniversary!!
    Dropping by is always such a pleasure.
    My heart actually pounded on reading these words today:
    “My disbelief didn’t change God’s plans for me.
    Yours won’t change His plans for you either.”
    Thanks for everything.
    May God bless you abundantly!

  • Reply rjb August 5, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Happy anniversary! Such a timely place for us..we’ve been in waiting (at times discouraging b/c every prospective lead comes when we’ve settled in and then doesn’t pan out) mode for a couple of years…So refreshing to hear a positive story and remember He sees and knows what we don’t 🙂

  • Reply rjb August 5, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    subscribed 🙂

  • Reply rjb August 5, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    shared 🙂

  • Reply Jeri T. August 5, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    At 46 I’m just beginning. New dreams, new doors. His timing brings new adventure and new discoveries. Been a crazy past 6 years. 2010 until now has been amazing even in the craziness knowing He’s close.

    • Reply Jeri T. August 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm

      shared on twitter

      shared on FB

      already subscribed last year 😀

  • Reply linky links and seven on saturday « B'ahava August 5, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    […] do love this little story about dead ends, disappointment, and the ways God turns our pathway. I’ve seen it in my life […]

  • Reply Vickie August 6, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Always thought provoking – thank you!

  • Reply Vickie August 6, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Just became a subscriber!

  • Reply Patricia August 6, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    You have a fresh happy blog ~ love the way you try to make us feel at home when we visit on here…When discouragement tries to jump in and take over and I feel I’m drowning in sorrow, all I have to do is go on my favourite blogs (your’s is one of them) and they seem to lift my spirits. One usually touches me right where I am and I am forever grateful for it.

  • Reply Patricia August 6, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    I shared on FB ~ for an extra entry

  • Reply Patricia August 6, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    I’m already a subscriber ~ ;-}

  • Reply Bonnie Stokes August 6, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    Congratulations on your blog anniversary! Your entry was so timely for me. I would love to win your give away. Keep your insightful thoughts coming, please.

  • Reply kMarie August 8, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    I always enjoy reading this blog. I’ve been subscribed for over a year now, and as others have said, the timing of the subjects in your posts are often exactly what I’ve been silently pondering on my own! I love how God works like that.
    I’d like to be entered for the necklace… but more importantly I’d like to say THANK YOU for writing! 😀

  • Reply hannamay August 9, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Thank you for sharing this post Bonnie, I really enjoy reading your article, hope more will come..

  • Reply Patricia August 9, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Love the freshness of your blog!! I’d love to win Lisa’s necklace..Thanks for this offer

  • Reply Emily Joyce August 10, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    I’ve been wondering what will happen after I finish college this year, and feeling a little like God forgot to tell me where the keys are…thanks for this post today.

  • Reply Shaunie Friday August 10, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Hey Bonnie,
    I’ve had this post open on my desktop for almost a week wanting to have a chance to read it–FINALLY!! You have hit on some truly encouraging and practical truths here that feel right on time (even if I am a week late!) =) Thank you so much for all you do to spur us on to greater faith!

  • Reply Genevieve @ Turquoise Gates August 12, 2011 at 9:37 am

    I feel as though I am in a long, dark hall, trying all the doors and trying to find my way home. I appreciated some of the tips in this post.

    oh, and please enter me for the drawing. 🙂

    Genevieve

  • Reply Genevieve @ Turquoise Gates August 12, 2011 at 9:43 am

    tweeted and facebooked. 🙂

  • Reply Dawn August 14, 2011 at 1:41 am

    Very, very encouraging. Needed to hear this today. Please enter me in the drawing for the lovely necklace.

  • Reply Dawn August 14, 2011 at 1:45 am

    Subscribed via email.

  • Reply stephen October 19, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    hi what can i say about my dark times i guess they drive me into the secret place seek me till i come sayeth the lord
    acts 2.26 my flesh abide in hope no mater how bad things get reach out your anchor into eternity ground it in the rock
    spiritual purification listen to derek prince on casting out demons on youtube tell discorudment to go and deppression we have hope beyond this world. bless you all

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