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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Finding a Quiet Place, a free book & coffee to go with it!

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” ~Mark 6:31

I love Jesus’ invitation. He gives me permission to pull away from the needs that pull on me. I thirst for time alone with Him. I know I need the gift of rest He offers, but I’m not always in a place to receive it. I have to get intentional or it won’t ever happen.

I noticed today that Jesus invited his disciples in Mark 6 to change locations physically so that they could find refreshment and restoration spiritually and mentally. It’s easier for me to rest when I pull away from the demands of life and my daily setting. What about you? Do you ever go somewhere without distractions and noises to spend time with Jesus? Sometimes this is my devotional time but sometimes it is just the chance to enjoy down time.

One of my favorites things to do is pull away to a quiet place with a cup of coffee, my journal and a great book. Sometimes I’ll read my Bible, other times I’ll read a novel that stirs my heart and reveals God’s truth in a new and creative context.

With today’s key verse in mind and some things God is teaching me about not expecting so much of myself but giving myself permission to pull away, I wanted to share with you two give-aways that include an excuse to do the same for yourself – coffee and a good read!!

First, through this Friday, you can download a free copy of the novel “Scared” (More details at the end of this post.) Author, Tom Davis, along with David C. Cook Publishers is graciously offering this to our P31 family of readers and friends through Proverbs 31 Ministries’ She Reads site.

Second, I have the perfect thing to go with this compelling book – a pound of delicious coffee! Tom Davis is not only an amazing author, he’s got a huge giving heart!He’s also the co-founder of Saints Coffee (www.saintscoffee.com). His company gives 1/3 of their net profits to care for orphans in Africa and Russia. And he’s offered to give me a pound of free coffee. I’ve decided to give it to one of you! If your name is picked, you can visit www.saintscoffee.com and let me know what roast and flavor you’d like and I’ll send your request to him.

To enter to win a pound of coffee for you (or a friend), click on the word “comments” below and type in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, click anonymous. Please include your name, your email and let me know…(and if you don’t like coffee, I’d still love to hear your thoughts).

Where do you find that quiet place with Jesus where He promises rest?

Then visit my friends at She Reads where you can download yourFREE COPY OF Tom’s NOVEL, “Scared.”

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Comments

  2. Reading this today was just what I needed. I am a mother of an infant and a toddler and often feel like I just don't have enough "gas" to keep going. Finding time to rest and recharge is essential, I know, but hard to do. Reading a good book with some good coffee would sure help!

  3. My quietest time of day is in the morning right after I wake up. That's generally when I have my quiet time with Jesus. Sometimes I take some time (for extra Bible study) in the afternoon after the children are done with school. After the kids go to bed I like to read a good book (if I have one available) and relax in the evening.

    Renee, I absolutely enjoy your blog and all the encouraging things you have to say. I'm kind of where you were a few weeks ago. I'm waiting on a biopsy at the end of March for a thyroid nodule. I had a biopsy in December, but am in the "lesion of undetermined signifigance" category. I'm learning to be patient this year. It's hard not knowing if it's benign or malignant. Sorry this is so long!
    In Christ,
    Emily

  4. My quiet time – which I LOVE! – comes at the kitchen table after our 5 kids get on the school bus in the mornings.

    I read, pray through journaling, and drink my yummy (strong!) cup of coffee.

    I was really concerned when our youngest started school about how I'd do, being all alone after being with our kids 24/7 (nursing, homeschooling, no babysitters, no pre-school, always with me!).

    But I am lovin it! And it's all because of that special time in the morning with the Lord.

    (Yes, I miss my kids tons, and am always eager for holidays when they're home. But God is just letting me enjoy each stage of their "growing up" so much.)

    Lisa (@imgarysgirl)

    http://www.ourwayswithourkids.blogspot.com
    http://www.osothankful.blogspot.com

  5. I love spending time with Jesus at his feet. I especially like it when his feet are at the beach. However; when they are not, I like to sit in my comfy chairs in the kitchen by the windows and fireplace. I can read and listen to what he has to say, in the mornings, with no distractions.

    Thanks,
    Lynn
    [email protected]

  6. My "quiet place" is pretty much anywhere, being that I'm single. My problem is not retreating to my quiet place enough. I love to read and I love to journal, but I let the cares of this world and other unimportant things get in the way, which is probably why I need that "rest" and to be quiet.

  7. The best space I've found is an overstuffed chair near a window. I have one now in my office at work, and I use my lunch to "get away" and find peace during my day.

  8. I love retreating to my bedroom for some alone time with Jesus. While there I read my bible, journal or simply sit quietly, waiting to hear from Him. (That's the hardest one for me!)

    -Amy V.

    ***If I'm the winner I will send you my email if you post my name on your blog. 🙂

  9. My "quiet place" is a pond behind my campus. You have to walk about 5-10 minutes out in the woods to get there, but it's beautiful. During the winter months, I usually just go to the basement of my campus library (which, honestly, is filled with God's presence) or just my bedroom early in the morning.
    ~Alicia
    [email protected]

  10. My routine is similar every morning; waking to KLove, putting on my robe and slippers and walking to the shower… passing the coffee pot (to make sure it's starting to brew) on the way. I learned in college that the shower is a great place to start my day with the Lord and ask him to ensure I get my quiet time before the sun goes down. Some mornings that is the 15 minutes after my shower, with my coffee and devotional book, before my husband and dog wake up. Other days, it's during my lunch hour. I'll lock my computer, grab my lunch (and the 2nd cup of coffee) and my book and spend time with God. Other days (which I consider treat days) I get to go to one of my favorite coffee shops and snuggle in their comfy chairs with my favorite drink. Oh, I could stay there for hours! Coffee in hand with a good book is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; one of the best inventions God made. Grabbing a cup of coffee instinctively helps me find QUIET somewhere. TRY IT!!

    Becca
    [email protected]

  12. Wow, thanks for the website. I started a ministry for orphans, and hope to go nationwide! We are building/buying homes for couples to live in and adopt waiting children. They can rent on a sliding fee scale. This will give them adequate space, and be license ready! I have a dream to add a coffee/tea shop to the community center someday! OK, off to check out the website!
    Shannon

  14. First…let me just say…this site is awesome!

    My quiet place begins while laying in bed. Each morning as I awake I whisper I love you Lord, and I'm listening. Help me to find you in every step I take and every decision I make. I then have the wonderful privilege of getting my kids off to school. Once they are gone, I walk up the stairs to my office and sit quietly at my computer, pausing, worshiping, and silently listening from God. Each day He meets with me…each day He gives me something to write.

    I write what He tells me to write. I've chosen to use my blog to encourage, empower, and equip believers to discover, develop, and do their passion…and in the process each day; God feeds my spirit.

    What a joy it is to serve Him.

    His Love Extended:
    Julie Gorman
    http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com

  15. Oh yes! The perfect ingredients for a time of rest. I get away on warm days on my patio and on cold days like today I sit on my sofa near the window when the kids and hubby are away or still tucked in their beds.
    Thanks for sharing your journey wiht us Renee and encouraging us to find that quiet space 🙂

  16. I find my quiet time during the day while the kids are at school – I sit on the couch facing the backyard, cover my head with a light blanket, and I seek him. No one is home and I pray aloud and read the Bible, asking him to show me what the words mean for me. This connection leaves me refreshed, and I find that I crave that time with him.

    This is a relatively new plan since my children are now in school, but I believe that God has a plan for me to use this extended time in worship and how I am to go forward.

  17. Embarrassed to say…but it is in the potty! Everyone knows when the door is closed, don't come a knocking, or say Mommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

    I get my seasalts, essential oils, and my book and spend tranquil time with Jesus.

  18. Angela Walker
    ourwalkerfamilyof5.blogspot.com
    [email protected]

    I have really just now started looking for a REAL quiet place. Right now it has become a corner at work upstairs that no one is in during my lunch break. It's warm up there with lots of windows and quiet. I sit down at the table facing the windows and open God's Word and read and pray. May quiet place may change but right now it's working. Have a sweetly blessed day.
    In Christ,
    Angela

  19. A free book and coffee to drink while reading… sounds exactly what I need for a relaxing time for me… I know that my husband would be more than happy to give me the necessary me time – he is really good about that:)
    Plus I am always up for a great book:)
    Thanks for sharing what God is doing in your life/heart.

    Chrissy

  20. I'm having trouble finding a quiet space to spend time alone with Jesus. Very hard time. If I get up early in the morning, more often than not, one of my babies will hear me and want up, too. If I wait until night time, then I'm often too exhausted. About the only time I can do it (though there are interruptions), is during my lunch hour; however, our offices are consolidating next month, so I'll go from having an office to sharing a cubicle. I know my Jesus will provide a time and space for me though!

    I do "get away" with a good novel read while we are winding down for the night. With reading a novel, I don't have to necessarily focus like I would if I were reading the Bible and allowing God's Word to sink into my heart.

    Prayers and blessings,
    Rebecca