Back on June 3 I wrote this post. I had planned to be done with Finding Spiritual Whitespace and write a review last week but- well- life happened and it didn't. Then, the more I tried to read it the more it just didn't seem to be "working" and I seemed to be forcing it. I finally put it down and read other books. Then came the review week- I really needed to buckle down and get going. I ended up having an "emergency" dr appt to go over some test results- which I was (and still am) extremely anxious about (but unable to discuss right now until I get more info). I was sitting there reading and all of a sudden came to chapter 16 "A Love Note". I felt as if I could have written the first part and then, I read the second part and knew that God wanted me to read it, in that moment, at that time. The chapter talks about the one word that God placed on your heart today- as I read the word that kept coming to mind was trust. Bonnie starts the section by saying "Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to hear God say something new. But there are seasons where one word is more than enough. Sometimes one word trickles into a series of soul conversations and takes us on a weeklong, monthlong, or yearlong journey to savor, cry over, and explores with Jesus." Trust- my heart whispered, simply trust. You don't know what is going on, you don't know where this journey is taking you BUT, I do. Lysa TerKeurst mentions in her book Made to Crave about the phrase "but God"- this is one of those times when it was a "but God" breathed into my heart, into my soul. While I am still seeking answers and waiting on phone calls- I am choosing to listen to that voice, to rest and find that whitespace with Him.
In this book Bonnie tells her story- her journey through her struggles and her freedom found in the resting. While I could not relate to her story, I could relate to the journey. Because, the bottom line is, we don't all have the same story nor the same journey but the rest and freedom found at the end of our story is the same, if we allow Christ to work through it. The book is divided into 6 parts and it's not meant to be hurried through- take your time, read each chapter, participate in the prompts at the end of the chapters and really find out what God is saying to you before moving on. The very last chapter Bonnie provides a menu of ways to "awaken your soul to rest". My plan is very simple- to go back through that last chapter and use her suggestions to "tell my story."
I want to leave you with two thoughts from Bonnie:
"We can move out of the gate because he goes before us. He'll carry us back when we fall. You and I were meant to go on new journeys, to pursue desires God plants in our hearts. Let's unearth the dreams we've long lost, buried."
and "Sometimes you have to suffer the pain of the past to realize who you truly belong to."
While traveling this past week I was listening to my music and put together a spiritual whitespace playlist- take a look, take a listen, and rest…
Oh, and as a way to put this book in your hands- I am going to be giving away a copy of the book- if you are interested in winning this please comment below answering the following question:
How/where do you find rest?
This giveaway will go on until Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 p.m. At that time I'll draw a name and contact the winner and get it sent out (I am personally sponsoring this giveaway because I believe that someone needs to read this book!)
3 comments:
I know what you are waiting on and it is easy to get anxious. You know I love you (and mom too) and we pray along with you. But we also trust the Father to lead you/us. As for the white space: I find it in various ways. Sometimes it is while riding my bike. My mind clears or will drift to a thought randomly and the answer comes. Sometimes I find it while reading or just relaxing. As for the contest: take me out of it if you have others comment. :)
Thank you so much for referring me to this Tami! It's always so good to connect with other people who are feeling the same things you are, or in a similar place in their lives. I know I follow you on Twitter, but I am looking forward to connecting with you more. I find rest by escaping my life - whether that be thru quiet time spent with God, just solitude, getting lost in a good book - just anything to take my mind away from the daily hustle and bustle. So thankful for your comment on my post today girl! XOXO
I don't know what you have going on girl, but I'm praying that God will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. My white space is definitely during naptime when I can pray and read scripture and allow God to speak to me.
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