About the Author

Bonnie Gray is the author of Sweet Like Jasmine, Whispers of Rest, wife, and mom to two boys. An inspirational speaker featured by Relevant Magazine and Christianity Today, she’s guided thousands to detox stress and experience God’s love through soul care, encouragement, and prayer. She loves refreshing your soul at...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. What a blessing to hear these words today! I used to “what if” myself to death. Now that I know my Father in Heaven has a plan for my life I do much better. This was a great reminder, and when I feel the worry begin to tug at me, I will step outside into the sunlight to remind myself to cast my cares!

    • Rajean, I too, tend to live in “the Land of What-If’s!” But a young friend gave me some very profound advice this week. Instead of “What-If,” we can say, “Even-If,” because we know WHO loves us and is in charge of our every moment!

    • Hi Rajean, it’s soul freeing to hear how God is taking your what-ifs and placing his hands into yours — as he lovingly whispers to you, “I have a plan for you.” Enjoy that touch of sunshine today, friend. 🙂

    • Pearl, it’s so amazing to hear how God touched your heart. thnx for sharing your moment this morning, friend. may you continue to feel tender whispers of God’s care for you today.

  2. I am simply in awe of the intimacy that God provides and wants for us! The reading in the Jesus calling book or Jesus for today -I forget what it’s called… Talked about this very thing about staying in the now of today and enjoying the gift of today because so often we miss the blessing because we are so worried about tomorrow or hung up on yesterday. For me, I get so consumed with all of the things I would like to change moving forward to live a life that’s better pleasing to God and He’s saying to me -child it’s enough to be who you are today, just do the best with what I’ve given you today! He is so good to me despite my past failures and mistakes!

    • Tracy, it is amazing when those intimate moments touch our heart. Love Jesus Calling – and how God is whispering so gently to your soul, His beloved daughter, all beautiful to Him. Always.

  3. Sometimes the to-do list is so long, I just feel paralyzed. There is too much to do in any ONE day. But, when I decide what my priorities for THAT DAY are, it becomes so much more manageable in my mind. What needs to be done hasn’t changed, but my mindset HAS! Thank you for your writing, Bonnie. I always find wisdom in it.

    • Sweet Kim, I love how you put it – as you express what happens inwardly – the moment your soul is freed as it decides “what my priorities for THAT DAY are”… love how you listen and hear God’s whispers and that moment releases you. beautiful!

  4. Thank you so much Bonnie for sharing this beautiful devotion. It was truly hand crafted for me. I really needed this! God’s bless you!

  5. With all the work, doctor appointment, housekeeping (that isn’t getting done), and just life for us at the moment, it had become necessary to say “is this a today problem?” If it is then deal with it. If not it gets put off. Thank you for the reminder dear friend. Love you lots Bonnie!!!

  6. I don’t think God ever wants us to be overwhelmed except by His love. We have to take it a step at the time, and His love warms us like the sun. It’s a great lesson to teach your son to be calm, sometimes I think Jesus is the only one who reallly can calm me down.

  7. I long to get out in nature and feel the sun but it is already cold, rainy and gray where I live, and winter will be worse and drag on for months. Besides taking vitamin D I don’t know how to help myself get the benefits that come with time outdoors. Any ideas for those of us who live in the far north?

    • Angel,

      Here is an idea: Find a painting or photo of the outdoors that you absolutely love and hang it up on the wall. Place a chair directly across from it. Begin each morning gazing at that beautiful image.

  8. I am tired today, yet feeling like I ought to tackle a couple of items on the to-do list this evening. Then I read your post, especially: “We need to give ourselves permission to just breathe. And simply focus on what we can do today. And nothing beyond that.” Now I’m thinking there might be more benefit in a bit of restful “breathing” tonight! Your words (and your appropriate reminders from scripture) gave me permission to do that! 🙂 Thank you, Bonnie.

  9. I *love* this article, Bonnie! Puts into perspective how to “deal with” the problems of others. I feel this is a weak point in me … reaching others with comfort and kind direction of thought. When people come to us (sheesh, when I go to someone) to sort of vent, they usually are NOT looking for preachy directive … but rather a listening ear and an understanding heart. I appreciate you bringing this to light today. ♡ tina

    • P.S. my main struggle with this has not been that I WANT to preach, but that I don’t know WHAT to say or do & sometimes think I’m *supposed* to preach …. except I don’t know HOW! This article, therefore, brings me great comfort! A listening ear, I *do* have. And a kind heart that at least *tries* to understand! ♡ Thanks again. t.

      • Tina,

        Sometimes the best thing you can do for friends is just be there. Be the willing shoulder they can cry on. Let them vent their problems to you and just listen. No words are necessary. A gentle support is all some people need.

        Blessings 🙂

  10. Bonnie, I so missed you! I love your words today. How timely to my heart – hubby in a bit of predicament and we are both about 1,000 miles apart. I was feeling helpless and blah and saw your post. It hugged me and reminded me to breathe and that all we can do is what we can do right now and let God handle the rest. Thanks so much friend. xoxoxox

  11. Bonnie,

    Yes. Refocusing my attention from myself & problems to God & His creation helps me to deal with life. For today I will do what I can & not worry about tomorrow. Such wise advice for your son.

    ‘The falling leaves remind us that God has season for everything in our lives.’ Yes and that can be hard to remember. Some times it feels like life is just passing you by and everyone is moving forward but you. I must remind myself daily WHO is in control of all this and that He has my back!!

    Blessings 🙂

  12. Thank you for this Bonnie!! sometimes I forget to give myself permission instead of looking for it from others. I am a personal trainer by trade; a person who does not sit still or inside well! I had a foot injury almost 3 weeks ago, very minor, but has taken me off my schedule, put me mostly indoors and my attitude has been dragging. Sunshine is exactly what I need!! To remember something so simple to fix an attitude issue/emotional shift that can become very out of control so quickly!! I have taken extra time and soaked with My Savior, and it has been wonderful.. but my endorphins have been lagging… sunshine! what a simple answer to so many bigger issues! Isn’t it amazing what God has put here on the earth, supplied our every need way ahead of time for all those things He knew we would need! the simple confound the wise… and the simple can solve the complex! Thanks again! so glad to see you writing again!!! I”m still writing; but it’s not taking shape… sigh…. blessings!!!