Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

The Book That Would Not Go Away

By Bonnie Gray • November 3, 2011 • 103 Comments

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

~~~~~

What gift has God slipped into your life recently?

Pull up a chair. This is what I savor — your thoughts and your stories. Click to share a comment.

~~~~~

** 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! ***


FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

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.

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

Today’s Thursday’s Topic 11/2: A gift you’ve received recently from God.”
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


FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

Next Thursday’s Topic 11/10: How Is God Currently Calling You To Walk By Faith?

An InLinkz Link-up


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

~~~~~

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

103 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

Feed Your Soul :: { Day 31 } You Are At Home All The Way
Never Too Late For Joy

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

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

You Might Also Like

  • Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You’ll Ever Find “The One”

  • How to Choose Joy When Joy Seems Easy for Others But Hard for You

  • What A Vet Taught Me About My Personal Battles (10 Lessons From Vietnam)

  • If You’re Stressed About The Election: God’s 5 Powerful Promises To Encourage You

103 Comments

  • Reply Melissa November 3, 2011 at 3:16 am

    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!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 3:48 pm

      Melissa, thanks for blessing me with your words. Grateful for you.

  • Reply Jennifer November 3, 2011 at 3:54 am

    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! 😉

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 3:49 pm

      Aw, Jennifer! I would love to do a book signing in Georgia! Now, you’re visioning with me. What a friend. 🙂

  • Reply Glynn November 3, 2011 at 4:08 am

    Yay, Bonnie! Congratulations!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 3:50 pm

      Thanks, Glynn for being part of the inspiring community who loves God and loves words. Grateful for your leadership.

  • Reply Julie November 3, 2011 at 4:14 am

    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.

    • Reply Tara November 3, 2011 at 2:33 pm

      Julie….now you have us all wondering: “What is that book YOU’VE been reading???”

      • Reply Julie November 3, 2011 at 3:05 pm

        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!!

        • Reply Tara November 14, 2011 at 6:42 am

          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!!!

          • Julie November 14, 2011 at 7:18 am

            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!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 3:52 pm

      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!

  • Reply Cherie Zack November 3, 2011 at 4:18 am

    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

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      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!

  • Reply Amy Nabors November 3, 2011 at 4:38 am

    I am so so excited for you Bonnie! Will be praying for you!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks so much, Amy!

  • Reply Sarah -- Inspiration-Driven Life November 3, 2011 at 4:57 am

    Bonnie, congratulations on the book! What a joy and a challenge. Excited to follow along with you in the journey!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Sarah! It’s wonderful to share the journey together. Love your words and how you write for Jesus!

  • Reply David Rupert November 3, 2011 at 5:07 am

    Happy for you Bonnie. Gotta love that contract. “Author: Bonnie Gray”
    Cheering you on

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks, David! It’s a encouragement to have a community to share the moment!

  • Reply ed cyzewski November 3, 2011 at 5:09 am

    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!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks, Ed! May God continue to inspire this community to share real stories of faith being lived, to draw us all closer to Jesus.

  • Reply Receiving Permission to Unplug | :: in.a.mirror.dimly :: November 3, 2011 at 5:15 am

    […] more posts about God’s gifts today at Faith Barista: The Book that Would Not Go Away var fbShare = {url: 'http://inamirrordimly.com/2011/11/03/receiving-permission-to-unplug/',size: […]

  • Reply Kristine McGuire November 3, 2011 at 5:39 am

    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).

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:19 pm

      Kristine, it’s a blessing to have faith friends to share this moment with. Thank you for your encouragement!

  • Reply Deb Martell November 3, 2011 at 5:51 am

    Congratulations!!! And you’re right…we should never do life alone!!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:19 pm

      Thanks for being here, Deb!

  • Reply Katie November 3, 2011 at 6:00 am

    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.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      That just makes me smile from ear to ear. Of course, you know that. Hugs to you, Katie!

  • Reply Liza November 3, 2011 at 6:00 am

    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!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      Liza! Thank you so much! How special it is to find a kindred spirit!

  • Reply Diane Yuhas November 3, 2011 at 6:15 am

    What an incredible blessing and opportunity! Richly deserved. God will honor your obedience.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks SO much, Diane! You bless my heart!

  • Reply JasonS November 3, 2011 at 6:16 am

    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!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray November 10, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      Jason, you’ve been there early on. It’s a blessing to encourage each other in the journey. Thanks, brother!

  • Reply Becki Woodsmall November 3, 2011 at 6:30 am

    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

  • Reply Nikole Hahn November 3, 2011 at 6:47 am

    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.

  • Reply Cherry November 3, 2011 at 6:48 am

    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 …

  • Reply Lisa Colón DeLay November 3, 2011 at 6:54 am

    cool.

  • Reply Stacy November 3, 2011 at 7:01 am

    Wow! Congratulations on the book! I’ll be watching for its release!

  • Reply Sandra Heska King November 3, 2011 at 7:04 am

    Oh, Bonnie. I’m doing Snoopy spins for you. Sharing your joy. Counting it a privilege to pray. xoxo

    • Reply Nancy November 3, 2011 at 7:34 am

      Snoopy spins! Sandra, you nut!

      • Reply Sandra Heska King November 3, 2011 at 11:50 am

        Dance with me, Nancy!

  • Reply Susan November 3, 2011 at 7:34 am

    How exciting! I can’t wait for it to come out!

    you are a gift to us!

  • Reply Nancy November 3, 2011 at 7:35 am

    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?

  • Reply Cheryl November 3, 2011 at 7:53 am

    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.

  • Reply Beth November 3, 2011 at 7:55 am

    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…..

  • Reply Tracey November 3, 2011 at 7:56 am

    Praying for you Bonnie as you travel this road that God has paved for you. High Five on saying Yes to Him!!

  • Reply Lisa notes November 3, 2011 at 8:11 am

    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.

  • Reply Monica Sharman November 3, 2011 at 8:14 am

    So…you’re telling me I’m supposed to wait over a year for this? 🙂

  • Reply Lisa H November 3, 2011 at 8:26 am

    This is wonderful news! I’m excited to travel down this road with you!
    Lisa

  • Reply Lindsey van Niekerk November 3, 2011 at 8:33 am

    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!!

  • Reply Karenee November 3, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Congratulations! I look forward to reading your book some day.

  • Reply Amy Hunt November 3, 2011 at 8:40 am

    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.

  • Reply Barbie November 3, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Bonnie, I am so excited for you you! I know that your words are going to touch the lives of many.

  • Reply Rachel {the science of music} November 3, 2011 at 8:45 am

    Oh, I’m thrilled for you! Looking forward to 2013…

  • Reply Wendy November 3, 2011 at 8:49 am

    Congratulations! Looking forward to the journey ahead for you!

  • Reply Doug Spurling November 3, 2011 at 8:55 am

    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!

  • Reply April November 3, 2011 at 8:58 am

    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!

  • Reply Jessica November 3, 2011 at 9:07 am

    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. 🙂

  • Reply Kristen@Chasing Blue Skeis November 3, 2011 at 9:56 am

    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.

  • Reply Ann Kroeker November 3, 2011 at 10:02 am

    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.

  • Reply dunlizzie November 3, 2011 at 10:06 am

    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!

  • Reply Holley Gerth November 3, 2011 at 10:06 am

    I’m so excited for you, my friend! I love you and I’m so glad we can share this journey! 🙂

  • Reply Deidra November 3, 2011 at 10:10 am

    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!

  • Reply Melinda November 3, 2011 at 10:12 am

    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!

  • Reply Jenny November 3, 2011 at 10:12 am

    whooooo hooo! Yaaaaay Bonnie 🙂 So very excited for you 🙂

  • Reply Amy November 3, 2011 at 10:41 am

    How exciting! Congratulations!

  • Reply The Gift November 3, 2011 at 10:50 am

    […] Share this:ShareEmailPrintFacebook Filed Under: Life Stuff […]

  • Reply Jeanne Damoff November 3, 2011 at 10:51 am

    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

  • Reply Jean Wise November 3, 2011 at 10:52 am

    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!

  • Reply Adaykis November 3, 2011 at 11:11 am

    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!

  • Reply Michelle DeRusha November 3, 2011 at 11:19 am

    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}.

  • Reply Courtney November 3, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Yay!!! Congratulations, Bonnie! This is wonderful news and I look forward to you sharing more about this journey with us. Thank you for being brave. You are an inspiration.

  • Reply Emily November 3, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I’m new to your blog, but noticed your gift with words and your gracious spirit seeking God’s heart. You’ve been an encouraging and I am not surprised by the book contract. Bless you! and thank you for inspiring the community.

  • Reply Caroline November 3, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    How awesome, Bonnie! Congratulations! And praise Him! I look forward to reading the book and reading about your thoughts along the way. Thanks for sharing the good news with us!

  • Reply tinuviel November 3, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Hearty congratulations to you! Good for you, finding courage in God to write that proposal and not to give up after the first one. I look forward to sharing your journey.

  • Reply Kevin McMahan November 3, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve only been following FB for about a week, but have been truly inspired. Thank you for your ministry. Today’s post speaks directly to a friend’s situation and I couldn’t wait to tell him about it. Keeping you and your ministry in my daily prayers.

  • Reply Tara November 3, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    YAY! Can’t wait! Reserve me a copy!!!

  • Reply Jenny November 3, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    As you see from these comments, Bonnie, so many of us are totally with you all the way. There are hundreds who won’t post here but also believe in you.
    I’ll buy your first edition… or if you want me too, I’ll read the unfinished script and write a recommendation, as I love the way you express yourself and believe that you have a heart full of creative inspiration for all of us to grow from. You put into words what we wish we could say, besides introducing new thoughts and concepts for us to eat from and be satisfied.

  • Reply PJ November 3, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    I just read your happy news and wanted to say “Congratulations!” I am happy that you are feeling redeemed and validated all over again, firstly. Because while I don’t know what happened, I so understand that feeling of not…and I am happy that you got a book deal, because in a different way, that validates you and what you think and do, doesn’t it? Happy, happy for you!

    Sincerely,
    PJ

  • Reply DangGad November 3, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Ain’t God COOL????? Congratulations!!!

  • Reply ~ linda November 3, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I am rather new here, yet find this news absolutely wonderful and am about as excited for you as some of these 63 previous followers have expressed in their comments. May God watch over your shoulder, guide your hands as you type away and share your journey of faith.
    Yes, I find this community to be such a blessing as we open our hearts to one another. I am glad you have opened your heart in honest thanks to all who have followed you for these years. I find this a joy-filled post.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

  • Reply Jeri T. November 3, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    Bonnie, I’m so excited for you as you embark on this part of your awesome adventure. Especially with what’s going on in mine right now as I step into my dreams.

    Congratulations! I’m so encouraged by you.

  • Reply heidi November 3, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    Bonnie, I am so thrilled to hear this news. Your blog is a daily source of inspiration an refreshment to me, and I look forward to the book’s release. You will be great!

    Similarly, God has recently rekindled my passion for writing, and for this I am so thankful.

    Best of luck!

  • Reply Jennifer November 3, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Oh, wow, Bonnie! Congratulations!!! So wonderful to meet you last weekend (and to learn we live minutes away from each other!) 🙂

  • Reply Julie Sunne November 3, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Congratulations, Bonnie! I am so excited for you! I can’t wait to hear more. God is calling me to write a book as well. I am supposed to be working on a proposal but am feeling a little overwhelmed.
    Praying that all will go well for you in bringing your proposal to print and that God’s inspired words will fill the pages.

  • Reply Debbie November 4, 2011 at 5:26 am

    Congratulations Bonnie! I am so very excited for you. God would not allow you to keep the gift He gave you silent. And I for one am so thankful to simply encourage you along the journey.

    I also want to say that you have encouraged me in my faith and in my writing. As you find your voice, you are helping me to find mine too. So thank you for that. 🙂

    In the midst of trials and testing, I am learning that God is good and God is so faithful. Trust has always been such a huge challenge for me. And yet even with continued seemingly huge obstacles, I’m learning day by day that He is trustworthy and He has a plan. I may not understand it all now but I am giving thanks in all things. I am growing in my faith even when I don’t see the future. I’m learning to rest in Him and He will guide the way.

    God bless you Bonnie!

    Love,
    Debbie

  • Reply Jake November 4, 2011 at 5:56 am

    Bonnie, I’m so excited for you and entirely unsurprised. I’ve been waiting for this news for a long time now. Congratulations and WAY TO BE! Keep me posted on the process and I’ll definitely be praying for you!

  • Reply Irma November 4, 2011 at 8:16 am

    So happy for you Bonnie. Can’t wait to have it in hands.
    I’m sure it’s gonna touch and bless many as your words have always have here on Faithbarista for me.

  • Reply Carol November 4, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Congratulations Bonnie– and may God be with you as you write. May He give you fulfillment in communicating encouragement. And thank-you for hosting this Faith Jam.

  • Reply Stacey November 4, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    This is the best sort of news for all us dreamers!

    Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement to me at Relevant. I mentioned you today, and more specifically this coming Monday. You will never know how much it meant!

    Thank you and may God make your pen fly across the page!

  • Reply Katy November 4, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Yay–congratulations! What wonderful news! May the Lord always be with you in this journey you’re about to embark on!

  • Reply messymarriage November 7, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Wow! That’s so exciting! I will pray for you as you continue on this amazing journey. We will be blessed to learn more about faith from your faithful hand and heart.

  • Reply When You Say Yes To God: Warfare, Freedom & Faith | Faith Barista November 10, 2011 at 12:12 am

    […] decision to silence the whispers of The-Book-That-Would-Not-Go-Away set off a battle of words in the privacy of my […]

  • Reply Patty December 3, 2011 at 7:54 am

    You may never get to the end of all these wonderful encouragements to read this, but I wanted to let you know I am so excited for you. I too know what it is like to be pregnant with a book (my experience) and to feel God give birth to it within you. What a blessing to be given an avenue, by Him, in His timing for His purposes. He will use this to bless others, you can be sure. He does His work in us, and we are called to testify of that work. He calls us (and leads us) to encourage other believers. I pray He will continue to inspire you and to use even this book writing process to help you grow in dependence upon Him. When the words and thoughts flow like water from a spring, praise Him. When you are dry and the thoughts seem muddled and stuck in your heart without proper expression, praise Him. Fix your eyes on Him, not on deadlines, not on readers — on Him. He Who begun this marvelous work in you will complete it. Thank you for your example of courageous obedience to your call in stepping past fears of rejection to let your gifts be used by Him. No doubt this will be a blessed endeavor.

  • Reply Pregnant With a Promise: Why You Can’t Turn Back | Faith Barista January 26, 2012 at 12:20 am

    […] 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. […]

  • Reply sharon Hughes April 1, 2012 at 6:51 am

    Congratulations!! I would like to write. Maybe getting on this site will help me get back on track. There seems to be lots of inspiration.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 20, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks, Sharon! Blessings on your journey of expressing faith through writing!

  • Reply » Relevant Gifts Out of My Alleged Mind April 19, 2012 at 11:06 am

    […] Linking with Bonnie and high-fiving her on the news of her new book contract! […]

  • Reply Why I’ve Been Away & Why I Must Write Today | Faith Barista July 19, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    […] was in that place of freedom, God planted in my heart, the Book-That-Would-Not-Go-Away.  To my surprise, a childhood passion to write took the form of a God-sized dream to publish a […]

  • Reply Never Been Kissed: Will I Ever Find True Love? April 5, 2013 at 8:19 am

    […] writer for Hallmark subsidiary DaySpring’s(in)Courage. Bonnie is currently working on her debut book, to be published by Revell Books. Bonnie is a native Californian living in the heart of Silicon […]

  • Reply Finding Spiritual Whitespace June 28, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    […] in 2011, Bonnie announced she had scored a book contract with Revell. I was so thrilled for her! As time went by Bonnie backed away from the blog a bit so […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact