Top

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.”

Discover more from Renee Swope

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

  1. I need quite time with Jesus, going through a really tough time in my marriage and health, nothing is better than a good book and a cup of coffee and quiet time with my Father!! Love me some quite time with Jesus!!

    Blessings to all!!

  2. Naptime! Oh, there are days when a shower or a nap for me trump my time with Jesus- but I truly believe He knows my needs- and delights in giving me good gifts!

    But an oasis? A quiet place? Living with in-laws, brother-in-law, and grandmom in-law… has made this quite a challenge! I'm still trying to figure it out!

  3. Quiet time is in my big chair gazing out the window. It is also my husband's favorite pleace, so we compete for it, sometimes we have a cozy quiet time together squished sided by side. *sweet*. I read the novel scarred, really changed me forever for the good.
    Thanks!
    Heather Nelson
    [email protected]
    Jacksonville Florida

  4. Thank you for reminding us that down time can be good thing! It's in that down time that I'm strengthened and truly enjoy all the wonder around me – including my family!

    We're not coffee drinkers, but would be happy to share it with guests in our home!

  6. For me, the prairie is my most therapeutic place to walk and feel His presence. Something about the way the wind blows over the wheat calms me like ocean waves lapping up on the shore.

    Unfortunately, we moved from the west to the east and now live in the foothills of Kentucky……far from both the prairie and the beach, so I've learned to find Him in the hills………….

    That's the GREAT thing about quiet time with God………..it's anywhere we are, because He is there!!:)

    Love you. Miss you.

    Tammy

  8. Oh, I wish I had a quiet place! Our house is so small and everyone has a crazy schedule; there doesn't seem to be a quiet time for me.

    I love to read and I love coffee! My ideal things to do!

    [email protected]

  10. My quiet place is in the still calm peace of the early morning before anyone else is up. I just get comfortable on my couch with my bible and mug of coffee, I'm happy.

  11. My quiet place is on my front porch swing or on my screened in porch. Of course when its cold its in my living room when the kids are sound asleep. 🙂

    Jennifer
    [email protected]

  12. I have my regular quiet time on our bathroom floor! Really, it is just a great place where I can lock the door and be assured of some time alone before the kids wake up.

    If I could choose another place, I would love to get away to the mountains to have some time alone with God. As a child, I always loved being in the Colorado mountains. I just felt close to God.

    Julie LeFevre
    [email protected]
    blog: sydjackraehawks.blogspot.com

  13. Hey Renee…coffee sounds good!Especially as I watch snow from my window..this southern VA girl can't handle anymore snow!

    I still struggle with having a consistent quiet time. But I am doing better. I have a comfy chair with a pretty table and lamp on it that just has my Bible, devotionals, etc..that is where I sit to study, pray and read.
    Sometimes I just like to stay in my bed for that too!
    And the BEST place….the BEACH!

    Blessings~
    Alyce
    [email protected]

  14. I'll say it again, Amen to "down time" with our Lord and Savior. Let the peace of the Lord be your blanket.

  16. Hi Renee,

    First, I want to thank you for praying for my marriage a couple of months ago. Things are much better and I know the prayers are responsible for the change of heart that took place.

    I have read your blog and the one that has stayed on my mind that you wirte about is the way you go to spend time with God. I never do this! Instead, I squeeze Him in giving my busy schedule the preference He deserves. I have to make some changes in this area of my life. I have too! My husband and I host a small group at our home on Sunday nights where we do eat (of course) and do bible study. I am notorious for doing what I call marathon devotionals! I catch up on Sunday afternoons and do like, 3, 4 or somtimes all 5 weekly devotionals. It's terrible. My head is spinning and I can't absorb all that I need to. And the number one issue in our small group is folks say they don't have time to do the devotionals. I have to step up and be an example to the others. I am going to come with a game plan today! Thanks for you encouraging, motivating words this week!

    I also want to download the book! Thanks for doing that for us! Great idea! And I like coffee!

    Love ya,
    Nanci

  17. Hi Renee,

    I'm so enjoying your blog!

    I usually don't enter contests, but in the last while I've entered a few of them through P31 blogs – it's embarrasing cause it feels a little greedy! The things that you guys are giving away though are items that are close to my heart.

    Today I was excited to see that the author of the book that you are giving away is ministering to the orphans in Russia. I don't hear about missions in Russia very often, and I'm excited that something is happening. I have a heart for them, and hope that someday I will be able to minister to them in some way – in whatever way God has planned for me.

    My quiet time with Jesus is in the morning. It's a time I struggle with though, as I'm finding it hard to have the close connection that I want and desire. The times that I most connect with Him are the unexpected times where He just shows up in the middle of the day and says something to my heart (I wish that happened daily!), or if I'm pouring out my heart to Him while hiding out on my knees in the bathroom.

    Blessings!
    Connie, Winnipeg- Canada
    [email protected]

  18. I find that after supper, while my husband and son are playing or right after our son goes to bed is a good time. That allows my husband to watch whatever he wants on TV without my complaints and I get to spend time with God. On weekends, my son's nap time is the best time!

  19. Hi, Renee
    Keep doing what your doing. Serving GOD with all your heart.
    As for quiet time with GOD. I am very blessed that I can do this at work in my office, at noon when all are at work or school, and at times in the evening right before bed.

    Please enter me in your drawing.

    Take care.

    Sara Sanchez
    [email protected]