about me
Motto: Encouragement to rest in God's Word while facing the complexities of life.
Hello I’m Bonnie Kirby, Founder and Co-Creator of The REST Complex. I am a saved, sanctified, single again, mother, Librarian of 20+ years, Certified Christian Life Coach, and Messenger of REST. I'm a two time graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Public Affairs and a Master's in Library Science. I am also a Finance Specialist veteran of the United States Army.
Being the sum of all these women, I bring years of life experiences to my coaching practice along with unbiased and non-judgmental compassion and consideration for the challenges or crossroads you are presently facing. I know my journey has often had me feeling overburdened, overwhelmed and overshadowed but through the power of faith, release, resiliency and rest, I have found restoration and now I want to serve you with this new found empowerment that will help you achieve your desired results. During each coaching session, I will listen attentively, meet you where you are, help you gain awareness, and then coach you to your expected end.
I do this through the acronym of R.E.S.T. (Release Everything to the Savior Today). Through this ministry, I’m assigned to encourage you to rest in God’s word as you face head on and handle the complexities of life. Life gets complex indeed but learning to REST will help you navigate life in a way that helps you reach your final destination with grace, peace and joy.
During your time with me … What are we going to do? Release. What are you going to release? Everything (not serving you well). Who are you going to release it to? The Savior. When are you going to do it? Today! Don’t let your heart be hardened. Open it up to a new way of being, thinking, doing and resting and experience positive outcomes in all areas of your life!
I’m ready if you are! Schedule a discovery session today to learn more!
Messenger of REST
The back story
Conception of R.E.S.T.
As a young woman, I fell in love with the Word of God. My junior year in college, I began to read my Bible that I had been toting unopened since freshman year. But when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I read regularly, sometimes every night with determination and excitement! I read the King James Version. No multiple online versions available to me...ha ha. I read and read and loved the stories. I didn't let what I didn't understand stop me. Fast forward... the words in this best book ever written has brought hope when I felt hopeless, has kept me up when I felt down, and had me walk by faith when I felt nothing but fear. But mostly it has shown me that we have a Heavenly Father that cares for and loves us and hears us when we cry out to him. One night watching television, the news told of a woman driving her children into water to drown them, then I heard a story about a baby being abandoned in a dumpster, then there was a story of a woman who was addicted to prescription pain killers. Tearfully, I cried out "Lord, if these women could just get some rest from these stressful situations they could make better decisions." I searched the scriptures for an answer and came upon "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) These words gave me so much comfort that I knew at that moment "rest" would be the message that my Heavenly Father wanted me to share. I have tossed and turned and toiled many years over this trying to get everything "perfect" before presenting and sharing this message. Guess what? It never happened. So here I am finally pushing through, in spite of the storms, the mountains, the mudslides, and the valleys. Although I didn't find perfection, I was able to gather many ideas, questions, thoughts and stories to encourage you. This is a shared journey for you and I to R.E.S.T. ~ Release Everything to the Savior Today!
AS WE PRAY, WE RELEASE.
more of the story
R.E.S.T. LOGO
This beautiful, Spirit designed logo was given to me by God. I woke one morning to a shadow on the wall. I did a double take to see a cross on the wall. I had just prayed about it hoping that God would help me create a logo because my artistic attempts hadn't come up with anything good enough. I had thought to hire someone but a limited budget and trusting someone to create a meaningful image were concerns for me. It was a sure sign! The sun was shining through the blinds as usual on a bright, sunny, Saturday morning. It was shining on a license plate tag that my daughter had made for me with the formative name of REST on it. How ironic! I had never put it on my car because I didn't have the little holes for it on the front of my car so I leaned it against the wall, in the corner, on top of my dresser. When I woke to this image on the wall, I knew right away that it was my logo and I beamed with joy! "Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord!", I shouted and praised! I looked at it in awe and then quickly grabbed my cell phone to capture the image. I watched it off and on until the sun moved and it went away. I believe I tried to recreate it the next morning but I couldn't. It's simplicity is so powerful. When I look at it, I see an anchor. I feel the burden of carrying the cross. I see me at a cross road and trying to put a band-aid over whatever is ailing me. Lastly, I see The Glory of God and an answered prayer. I just love it. What do you see? How does it make you feel? ~ Release Everything to the Savior Today! Update: This is now the shell of my new logo. Check it out on the HOME page. I chose more pink because it's my favorite and I've read that pink represents approachability, friendship, affection, harmony, and inner peace, as well as universal love of oneself and of others. I think that matches our voice and vibe perfectly! Release Everything to the Savior Today!
And he that taketh not his cross , and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38
