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Sometimes, you know you’re called to do one thing. But, you run in the opposite direction.
That’s been me this month of August.
I’ve been like Jonah, paying for a one-way ticket away from the thing I felt God’s called me to do. To try and forget what God’s inspired me to do. I’ve been like Jonah, trying to hide from my heart and just fall asleep in the bottom of the boat.
I’ve been putting my heart to sleep, by trying to forget what God’s inspired me to do.
I’ve been distracting myself with other things. If I were to simply say YES, I don’t know where that flame of inspiration would take me. And that scares me. My flame is small. I can’t see very far ahead. What if my little light goes out while I’m on the journey?
That’s when I just stay put where I am. It might seem like I haven’t moved, snuggled safe.
But, the truth is my heart isn’t really here. I’m not really present.
My heart has bought a ticket — sailing far, far away from where God’s whispers have been pointing me to go. Sticking to what I know, rather than venturing out into what’s unknown.
Just like Jonah did, falling asleep, at the bottom of the boat.
But, you know what?
It’s a heavy burden to try and keep running away — from who God’s called you to be. We can never run away from our hearts, because God’s love always calls us back.
Our hearts were never created to stay asleep.
It’s time to set our hearts free and run in the direction of God’s love.
It’s time to give ourselves permission to Say Yes to His Voice. His calling for you.
What I’ve Been Avoiding
Saying Yes.
I’ve been avoiding sharing what I want to saying yes to. Because that would make things real. If I just stay quiet, I can hide and procrastinate. I’ve been struggling over deciding what to write for my second book. I’ve been overanalyzing for months, since we finished our Online Book Club for Finding Spiritual Whitespace. Since the beginning of summer.
I realize now I’ll probably never write my second book if I keep waiting to settle on the “right” idea. Deep down I really want to choose the vulnerable book my heart wants to write — rather than the book my head tells me is safer and expected. But, I’m afraid it won’t be good enough.
I’ve been waiting for God to bring me “peace” about the decision. But, I realize what I really want isn’t peace. I want risk-free and doubt-free journey. And well, that’s not the peace that comes by faith.
Peace that comes by faith is setting your heart free to say yes — to be who God created you to be, even if you’re afraid.
Is there something you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting until all your doubts are quieted?
It’s time to set your heart free. It’s time for you to say yes to God.
But, in order say yes, we may also need to say no — to other things. For a season.
Saying No.
The kids are back in school now, so I’m going to begin working on the book proposal.
But, these first chapters are the hardest. Writing at this point is more discovery than bullet-point execution.
So I’ll need to take a break from hosting Beloved Brews Thursday Linkup for awhile, until I get some runway on writing the first chapters. I love reading your stories — they inspire conversations from my heart that I want to wrap them in a book now for you! So, thank you for sharing your heart.
It’s scary to make space for something unknown. What if the words don’t come? What if people don’t like it. What if it gets rejected. What if… what if..
But, I believe that taking journey by faith to say yes is more important than trying to figure out a fail-proof plan.
I also criticize myself for not being able to multi-task doing everything & writing the proposal (that way there’s no “loss” in risking this adventure).
But, I need to embrace that’s how God’s made me (I like to throw my whole self into the world of my book when I write), rather than comparing myself with others. I need to accept myself, as God accepts me. Or else, I’ll never write this second book.
If critical voices are holding you back, Listen to God’s whispers of love for you and say yes, anyways.
Is God calling you to be vulnerable and place your hand in His — and venture out on a new journey together?
Make your mark in this world. Simply as His beloved. Make the space to say Yes to what God’s put on your heart.
Let’s say Yes to God and say no to fear.
“I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32
~~~~~
Let’s say yes together. How is God calling you to say YES? What’s holding you back? How can you make space by saying no to other things?
Pull up a chair. Share a comment. I’d love to pray with you. Pray for me too, as God brings me to mind? love, Bonnie
Who can you share today’s encouragement with?
For more words of encouragement, order a copy of my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace.
Set Your Heart Free {PRINTABLE}
I love visually seeing Scripture speak to my heart in my home, to inspire me hear God’s whispers of love & say YES. I hope it inspires you to say YES too!
Click to download today’s Set Your Heart Free Printable and say YES to all God has for you. A special thank-you goes to reader & friend Kelly Ishmael mindingmynest who hand-lettered and lovingly created it as a gift to our community.
37 Comments
For me, Bonnie, sometimes when I have a success it makes it harder to do the next part because the adversarial part of my brain says that success can’t happen again…or that I have to work harder or differently bc now I’m a “success”. As you start out on this journey, I’m reminded of the story of your last book, of how it was the book of your heart that got written instead of your risk measuring mind–and what a gift that book has been to all of us. I don’t know what internal and external pressures are surrounding book 2, and while those are real, God is real too. The whispers that you share from Him have been balm to my heart and others I’m sure, and wondering if you can see yourself as a humbly sharing His whispers with us through your heart and soul as you write this book? Though I love your writing, I want most for you to live your life in a way that makes you feel glad (not with every written word) but by choosing to follow. Prayers for your journey.for being brave and quieting of fear.
Dear Jane, i’m reminded of the verse “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”1 Peter 5:8 thank you for encouraging my heart!
Gosh Bonnie, I don’t know what to ask prayers for… I’m just late summer parenting a 3 year old (and a 7 year old) mama tired. Right now, I’m praying to keep choosing joy in the tired until preschool opening….but I guess after that I’m rereading your section on clutter…prayers that I can clear the detris in my house and my mind enough to give space for actually hearing God’s whispers.
Bonnie, I am thrilled to hear of you writing a new book. I loved Spiritual Whitespace the first time when it was first released. I loaned it to a friend and it had huge impact on her in good ways. I reread the kindle copy recently and was blessed again. You have a gift of writing words of truth in a gentle way without lectures. I will pray for you as you begin writing again. Bless you! I cannot wait to read the next book.
Dear Catherine, I am so thankful for your encouragement.! And it really emboldens my to know FSW has spoken to you — and it’s now connected me to your friend and her heart. means so much to me. I’m grateful for your kinship and support. How can I pray with you on your yes?
Bonnie, Thanks for being honest, your vulnerability is beautiful. My husband just left a secure ministry position of 16 years to set his heart free to lead worship and to be available to speak. He is just finishing his first devotional book and is beginning to write music again! It’s beautiful to watch as he has sought the Lord to go into this season of the unknown. God is and will continue to be faithful, even when we can’t see it! Bless you on your journey!
Dear Pam, I’m so grateful to know I have support from kindreds like you. I love hearing about how your husband said yes! and how it’s brought him to a new season of ministry. thank you for your encouragement. blessings you & your husband as God continues to lead you both!
My personal yes is to not be fearful of speaking life to others. I have a voice and God is and will use me to speak for Him into the lives of others! The enemy has tried to silence me, but no more!
hi patty – this is a hard one. speaking up is always vulnerable. keep listening and being prompted… !
Thank you Bonnie for this lovely post! Just yesterday I was so convicted of not doing what God has placed on my heart to do. As I raised my hands up in surrender and started doing that very thing I have been avoiding, such a wave of peace came over me. Sure, I am still a little scared moving forward, but I know God is holding me. Like you said, it is like my heart that has been sleeping has been set free. Prayers and best wishes for starting your new book!
Hi Stephanie, I’m exhaling and taking a deep breath with you — as you described it like a “wave of peace” coming over you. How beautiful that image is — what a sweet and deep surrender! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll pray for you on your yes, as I pray for myself too. thank you!
Bonnie, this is exactly where I am. Just this past Saturday, God impressed upon me that I need to stop running. To be still and take his hand in trust. And what is our church’s September sermon series/Sunday School theme? Jonah!
Wow!! that’s so amazing Kim! … I guess God is lovingly grabbing a hold of your heart — just like He’s lovingly grabbing a hold of mine too! 🙂 let’s pray with each other. let’s get up and go to where God calls us to go… let’s journey one step at a time, friend!
Oh Bonnie, I’m right where you are! Just last night, my husband asked me when I was going to FINISH my book. I have to admit I got a bit indignant. After all, I’m working full time as a preschool teacher to 2.75 year old children at the age of 62. And I had no break all summer as I was the Director of our school’s summer camp. And then of course, there are the weekends. Time to do errands and laundry and cleaning and visiting family, etc. I told him I couldn’t finish my book in one hour time frames. I needed more extended time and I just don’t have it. But then Greg offered to help with some of the chores and asked me how he could help. Just finish it! And so it means I must say no to some other things that I enjoy. Because if I listen deep in my heart, I want to say YES to what God is calling me to do. Thank you Bonnie.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
oh, Debbie. Here we are, on the journey again together, hearing the whispers of God — that won’t go away! 🙂 I’m cheering for you as I read each line. Thank you for sharing your YES! You can do it and God’s heart is with you. Praise God for Greg! Bake that hubby some yummy chocolate cookies… what an encourager! 🙂
Bonnie, I love what you said about peace being in facing the fear in trust and not running from it. I’ve found this also to be true in facing my doubts, rather than fleeing from them and choosing to only give a part of my heart instead of all of my heart to God (“You can come this far and no further!”). May God bless your new journey and may you feel Him holding your hand all the way. Your first book was such a blessing to me (and my Dad): it felt like God was speaking through your words.
May this Scripture bless you, as it has me as well:
John 16:13-14
But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said.
Dear Anna, I love what you share about giving part of your heart (“you can come this far & no further..” i know that voice. 😉 ) — so you know it means the world to me to hear how FSW has spoken to your heart and your dad and encourages me to journey farther with this second book. I stopped to look up John 16:13-14 – and wow. It’s like I saw it for the first time. thank you! how can i pray with you, sweet kindred?
It’s funny because I was looking up another verse for you, but turned my Bible to this one and felt led to post it instead…and in doing so God has impressed it upon my heart again too. And as I ran I felt Him ask me: “Anna, are you still enough to hear my voice. Be still and listen. I’m in the quietness.” So easy to keep ourselves busy, isn’t it? There’s a fear of the quietness.
Thank you for your offer to pray. I would love your prayers for me to lean not on my own or others’ understanding, but on my Lord and Saviour in heart, mind and soul.
I take-up this challenge because I like to challenge myself at times. I woke-up this morning, thinking what God has in store for me today. Anyhow your article open
the door for me to share some thoughts with you. I think when you are focused,
the lord is with you. As a result you can`t go wrong. I think today is a special day
for me/family, HE has promised never to leave us alone so long as our mind is set
on HIM. As a result I will continue to PRAY that HE will continue to take-up the
cause of America and It`s peoples so that the Devil and his agents will not get
the benefits of their actions against us. I PRAY God`s Victory over the devil
and his agents. Amen/Amen.
Bonnie, I am glad to hear you are writing another book. I just finished reading, Finding Your Spiritual Whitespace. It was moving and inspiring. I loved the way you wrote it. Keep on using your gift. Over the years I have had struggles moving into those areas God called me to when I didn’t feel worthy or I was afraid others might think, “Who does she think she is to do such and such?” Writing has been one of the scariest. I think for the ones it encourages it is worth the sacrifice. Besides it is often me speaking to me. 🙂 Blessings on the new adventure! Julie
Excited for this new phase of your life’s adventure, Bonnie. It really hit home with me when you said that what we’re really waiting for is for it to be risk-free. But we can’t wait for that. We just have to say yes to God and launch out in faith. Yes, I so agree. Thank you for setting that example. Blessings to you, friend!
Thanks for sharing, Bonnie. The Scripture verse is beautiful. I will be praying for you and other writers who need quiet, inspired time to commune with God to create more beauty in His Name.
Thank you for this. I LOVE that verse! It was repeated in my head and heart during the past couple of years. God is setting me free from fear, regret, guilt, and shame as a Mama who lost it far too often with her children.
This past week I’ve stopped hiding from what God is calling me to do: write a memoir. And I’ve started actually putting words to paper. Yesterday, while I was writing it felt like the words were dropping holy on the paper. Yes, I have a long way to go, but it was an encouraging beginning.
I appreciate your encouragement and your example.
I had been avoiding writing my memoir which God says will help others. I finally stepped away from a full time job to take a position as a traveler. So I went from Greenville, NC to Tyler, Texas for my work. I packed up my cat and headed west. I think it boosted my confidence and helped me along my road of nurturing myself. I found some inexpensive books on writing and finally created the start of a blog but yes I am afraid and God is here for me and I am learning lots more about trusting him. I do appreciate you Bonnie you are a source of encouragement and strength to me. Keep doing what you are doing it’s helping others. Thank you.
Bonnie, I love your vulnerability. It makes me feel less alone. This really speaks to me:
“If critical voices are holding you back, Listen to God’s whispers of love for you and say yes, anyways.
Is God calling you to be vulnerable and place your hand in His — and venture out on a new journey together?”
Sometimes I feel like I’m holding back from something God wants me to do. But I’m not really sure what. I once felt I needed to write a book, but I gave it up as I felt like I’m not a good enough writer. And I struggle with – What could I ever offer that another person hasn’t written about already? I’m just not sure if I need to work on a book again or if it’s something else God is pressing me with. I keep asking God to show me, but I’m still confused. Maybe I’m listening too much to critical voices instead of God’s whispers.
Bonnie, your book has helped so many, including myself. I’m thinking I need to read it again. There is just so much in it that it’s hard to retain in one reading. I know God can give you the help you need to write another one. I pray Jesus will hold you close to His beating heart of love and give you peace and wisdom. That He will help you embrace who you really are in Him. Hugs!
Again, Bonnie, your words speak to my heart. . .and somehow echo what is in my heart, too. No coincidence, I’m sure. For some time now God has used you and your words mightily to minister and continually encourage me. I’ve let fear hold me back far too long. Fear is not from God and I have to turn away and run in freedom – God’s freedom!
You are in my prayers, Bonnie; and I’m certain that you will follow God’s lead where ever He guides you!
Thank you for praying for me, too, as I write what God has placed in my heart and mind . . .and finally take the dive off the edge of the diving board on which I’ve been perched far too long!
With much gratitude and prayers for your next venture. . .
Oh boy. Yep. Teaching is one of my gifts, one of my delights, one of my fears. What if I say something that is ‘t scriptural lay true? What if I lead people on the wrong direction? What if I sound totally dumb? What if no one comes back next week?! I’m being challenged to teach at a gathering of women from local communities at our church. I’ve been avoiding it but people have been challenged bring me to think differently and I’m wondering if God might be pulling me in in order to trust him more…
Bonnie,
I think you already wrote the toughest book ever!!! You exposed your inner most anguish and God got the glory!! Just be still before our precious Lord whatever he has for you to write will come from a place of love and honesty . May the Lord grant you PEACE during this time of listening to the book that is to be birth from the Holy Spirit .
Blessings,
Miriam
Thanks, Bonnie, for sharing your heart with us. Again. And thanks for being brave to be YOU, just the way God made you. Even in the way you need to take a break from your linkup post for awhile, to focus on writing. We pray that He will lead you clearly, and give you great freedom to share what are uniquely the words He wants others to hear, through you. Love and prayers …
Praying, Bonnie! I wonder, wonder, wonder if we are synced like with FSW, and all your posts this year being spot on with my one word: rest.
Next is Jubilee.
I’m turning 50 in December, and we moved to a lovely one year rental house where my hubby is taking sabbatical to write and pastor our start-up church. Guess what, after all these years of my blogging and his ignoring it, he is now blogging for the church website! (Princeofpeacesantabarbara.org) His yes? Pastor and write. My yes? Write and start seminary! My no is a bit harder, but it really helps to be an hour away from the busy of the past and just commute in three times a week. So that’s how you can pray (my writing projects are a screenplay and critical work on Villette, by Charlotte Bronte). Thanks ever so much!
I just stumbled upon your blog today…I guess I should not say stumbled, because this was a message God so wanted me to hear. I have been leading a fitness ministry in my community for 4 years. I have wanted to grow & expand it and my heart has wanted it so much. For 4 years I have thought of different ideas from blogging, speaking engagements, and going to the streets to share this message BUT I don’t know what that looks like, so I have just sat quietly. My fear is holding me back. I can really relate to what you are saying & I will pray for you. We cannot let our fears paralyze us. I know I need to trust in him & realize that I just need to GO. To DO. He will be there. It may not be perfect, but that is part of HIS plan. Thank you for your words. I look forward to following you along the way 🙂 Blessings & Cheers!
This is surely a confirmation. I have been waiting for “no doubts or anxieties ” regarding writing my book called “Delivered from torment: One womans story of recovery from mental illness.” Now I realise it’s my story….peace comes by trust and commiting my ways to Him. I must write this book and to hell with the consequences. People need to know they can recover from mental abuse, neglect and trauma. They need to know God has done that in my life and he will do it for them.
I took my manuscript out and read it through today for the first time in a year. I realised I’d been holding back the truth. I need to vulnerable as you describe and tell my truth. No one else can and my truth will help others. It doesn’t matter who I offend (I’ve changed names), it only matters that I testify of what Jesus has done for me!!!!!
So thrilled at the timing of this article. I will run in His commands for he has set my heart free!!!
Thanks so much for this printable. My husband is a runner and a pastor and this is what I pray for him, a LOT!
Bonnie,
Just going back through old posts and re read this one. Write away, sister! Your own testimony and that of countless others who’ve responded to the message released from your heart bear witness to its fruitfulness. Don’t be afraid or ashamed. Your heart is beautiful in all its confident insecurity. 😉
Esther
hi esther – it’s great to hear how God speaks fresh and new ways to us. He is always close to us .. and I’m blessed to hear how he’s speaking to you. thanks for your encouragement!
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