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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. Finding a quiet time and place is something that I struggle with, however, I am getting better at it. During Lent, instead of watching TV, I am reading God's words or another book and usually go to my room instead of the family room so that there won't be any distractions. I love what you share with us. It makes me realize that others have the same struggles and challenges I have.

    Mary

  3. I have such a hard time finding that quiet place because it seems all the noise follows me in my head. As a mother of almost grown kids I have plenty of time alone but can not seem to settle myself into that quiet peaceful place.

  4. My mother in law gave us a chaise lounge that we now have in the corner of our bedroom by a window. It has become 'our place' (mine and Jesus'). The window has a ledge (we have an old home with tons of character) and I place my coffee or tea there. I open the blinds to let a little light in and to sometimes look at the sky for a moment and watch a cloud or two before going back to reading. That corner has soaked up a lot of tears and heard peels of laughter and felt hearty sighs. My girls might walk in the room (they're 7 and 9) and know when I'm sitting there that mommy's talking to Jesus and needs privacy. Sometimes, though, they want to join us. They crawl into my lap as if to say "I want some quiet time with you and Jesus, too". Can't say no to that. It doesn't happen often but when it does, I am reminded that my girls are watching and learning how important it is to have a quiet corner with Him. That pleases me immensely and gives me great comfort since I know they will experience their own challenges and those challenges will get more difficult as they get older. I know they're learning the importance of resting in Jesus – from me.

  5. I usually have it in our bedroom in the corner where my computer is. But would like to change it from here to another place on different days…
    seeking for other places to spend time with HIM…maybe on porch when not too cold…
    I would like to have the Dark Roast coffee blend named"St George the Dragonslayer Blend"
    God Bless you Renee for all you do for HIM!!!

  6. I hide away with my Bible, journal, and worship music…With my kids still younger, I have time at night once they have gone to bed.

    Speaking of which, I really need some quiet time now:)

    Blessings! Heaven

  7. Actually, it is just about anywhere if my toddler and newborn are napping! Most often my couch in the living room or on my bed. For praying- in the shower or when I am nursing my littlest one in the middle of the night.

  8. It's interesting that you should write about 'taking time away' today. I'm doing just that this weekend. Off to a northern state I go tomorrow to visit a friend who, unlike me, does not have elementary school-aged children. As we were discussing and praying about what we could do when I arrived, I finally came to the conclusion that I really didn't want to DO anything. In other words, I don't want to HAVE to be anywhere. So we're really not making any plans but to watch movies and just hang out.

    I'm SO looking forward to my weekend long break away from the responsibilities of being a mother, wife, and homeschool teacher. A respite I desperately need and one that God will surely bless! :^)

    Tricia
    [email protected]

  9. My husband and I bought a special desk for the office (he works from home and has the larger desk) and I wa so excited. I hung crosses on the wall, have all my devotional books there, but acutally have not used it like I thought. I'm usually in bed when I read my Bible, study Lysa's book, and now reading 66 Love Letters. I pray throughout the day, and always talk to God while driving to work. Coffee and a good book go together like love and marriage. Bless you my friend!

  10. I have several special quiet places that I spend time with Jesus– sitting in bed to quiet my soul before I sleep (gets my heart and head in the resting mode with sweet thoughts), on my porch swing (when it's warm enough), down by the river (I'm so blessed to live just a stone's throw from a beautiful spot on the river), up stream at a swimming hole called The Natural Dam (I get there in the early morning before anyone else arrives), and– two more that are my all time favorites: in the car (when I'm driving alone — we live 15 miles from almost anywhere) and in the garden (that's where I can really get into some good talking and listening times with the Lord).
    I'm really blessed and have to remember that! God has given me sweet boundaries, and now that our nest is empty I can just about meet with Him anywhere I want or when I need to.
    It's truly my favorite thing to do and gives me the energy I need to meet my obligations. I call it "magic", that when I spend time with Jesus, my time is multiplied back. (Anyone else find that to be true?)

  11. Usually have my quiet time after my younger daughter – a special-needs student – leaves on the school bus. I just sit in a corner of the couch, near my reading lamp and pray and read. Right now, I'm using the devotional "Jesus Calling," by Sarah Young (love it!), and a daily Bible reading guide.

    Would love to try some of that Saints Coffee!

    Andrea
    [email protected]

  12. A cup of coffee will get me to do anything…haha
    Wow. I just blogged about finding some time with Jesus. Normally I do it in the morning before my daughter gets up. But as of late, I have been doing it while she starts her lessons. I homeschool her. The house is quiet and I am more awake and more apt to stay and listen for awhile.
    What a great present….coffee…tee hee

  13. He draws me beside the Still Waters to Restoreth my soul.. so I find myself being DRAWN to him along side the WATER.. there I ajm reminded of LIFE .. Transformed & Living. As water daily flows inward & outward. I also love gardens full of blossoms sitting in the shade of mighty oak trees. I look at nature and SEE JESUS.

  15. I definitely need to do this more often. I have a terrible time finding a quiet time with Jesus. Working full time ++, being a wife and mother of a 2 year old really takes his toll. I have been telling myself that I need this time and I just need to MAKE it!

    Thanks for the reminder.

  16. An awesome combination! Definately downloading the book copy and would love to try the Cinnamon Sticky Bun Regular/Ground!

    I love my quiet time and usually do enjoy my coffee with it! Have bookmarked Saints Coffee. I currently have been a Gevalia Coffee Club member for years and love their coffee, but his mission sounds wondeful!

    Wendy

  17. I have kinda been missing my quiet place as we have had a virus circling through our home…which means sweet people at home with me…which means it is not quiet. 🙂 But I know the extra time with them is something I need to treasure! Just as you said the other day…they grow so fast!

    I do love some quiet, though…quiet that includes a cup of coffee! You are sweet to share this with your readers! Hope you are getting to pull away for some quiet yourself!

    Love you,
    K

  19. When my five children were little, it was extremely hard to find some quietness for myself. I usually had to take the 10 or 15 minutes in the afternoon during nap time to get a little peace. That's what I encourage young moms with today- take the little bits of time and make the most of them. Now that the children are older, I get about an hour in the early morning for quiet time and once a year my husband sends me to a hotel by myself for one night. God will honor the faithfulness of our hearts to seek His Presence.

  20. So glad that verse blessed you and now you're blessing so many others with it! Jesus' sweetness in His invitation and promise of rest touches me. Thanks for sharing your heart! Love you! Samantha (from P31)

    p.s. please don't include me in the coffee give-away…I"d love someone else to find their quiet place with the Lord over a warm cup of coffee 🙂