It is almost impossible to believe that just a few days ago, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season was at its all-time high! Yesterday was kind of a "downer" as the Christmas season came to an end. Gary and I even took our tree down, along with all the other Christmas decor. It amazes me how quickly it comes and goes.
Here we are looking at 2012 just around the corner as a new year begins again. This is the time I evaluate how the previous year went, if I met my goals and what my new goals are. I remember last January, I wanted to take a more active role in my health, and I have done that. Turns out, I had a thyroid issue that is now under control with natural medicine. I worked out for awhile, and as usual, my enthusiasm for working out faded fairly quickly. Although, Gary and I ordered the Tony Horton (P90X) 10 Minute Work-out! I've done it a few times and I must say, I can be huffing and puffing in as little as 10 minutes! (That's not a good sign.)
One goal I am closer to now than ever is the completion of my book. It is currently with the editor, then I will write the final chapter, then it will go back for the last edit and then off to be published! I never imagined getting this close after working on the Introduction for three years! I realized that while writing about my childhood, over and over, God softened the ground of my heart in order for Him to pull every weed that had taken up root. As I continued to write, the book took the form of a Memoir, which is not exactly how I wanted it to read. So, when I got to the Editor/Publisher, Dee Burks, we re-worked about 35% of the book. (Reworked=Rewrote)...It was a daunting task at first, but with her guidance, the book has taken a new form...more like a "self-help" book. I write about common issues that I believe others will relate to, such as, codependency, unforgiveness, waiting for Mr. Right (Wells), and most importantly, falling in love with Jesus! Anyway, I am just a little excited to be this close to publishing the book and will certainly keep you posted.
Gary and I realize without a doubt how very blessed we are to have each other, our health, our family and friends and of course, our two dogs, Shorty and Lovey. Yes, Shorty celebrated her 14th birthday in August and continues to amaze me by how spry she is.
I haven't really decided on any new resolutions for 2012, except to walk more. With the help of a new pedometer, I believe that will happen...I've become obsessed with how many steps I take in a day.
I pray that 2012 is even more blessed than 2011 was. God is the Giver of all good gifts and I believe He has so much in store for all His children, we need only ask.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Who Would You Be?
Earlier today I caught a glimpse of a triumphant Tiger Woods as he sunk a putt in a tournament that landed him his first victory in two years. His signature "fist pump" was his immediate reaction. It was obvious, he was more than elated to have a win under his belt after a long, dry season with no victories and tons of negative publicity.
They showed previous images of Tiger after losing tournament after tournament with a down-trodden face, no smiling and definitely no fist-pumping. It was then, that I thought to myself, "Who would you be Tiger, if you NEVER won again?" Then my thought went even further to all of Hollywood for a brief second....who would any of those people be if they weren't movie stars?
Then the thought occurred to me, "Who would I be if everything was taken away?" That is a scary thought and not one that I want to ponder on too long, but it did make me evaluate the question. If all my "securities" were taken away, who would I be? Do I ever get my identity from people and things that surround me? Do I get my identity by my works? My husband? Anything or anyone, other than Christ? Not that I wasn't already aware of it, but those thoughts drove home just how very important it is to KNOW who I am in Christ in fullness and in leanness.
Although it's not a thought I want to linger with forever, 'who would I be?' IS a thought I want to keep nearby because I never want to forget who I am. Apart from God, I have no good thing. Apart from God, I am nothing. So if everything else is taken away, one thing remains: Who I am in Christ.
They showed previous images of Tiger after losing tournament after tournament with a down-trodden face, no smiling and definitely no fist-pumping. It was then, that I thought to myself, "Who would you be Tiger, if you NEVER won again?" Then my thought went even further to all of Hollywood for a brief second....who would any of those people be if they weren't movie stars?
Then the thought occurred to me, "Who would I be if everything was taken away?" That is a scary thought and not one that I want to ponder on too long, but it did make me evaluate the question. If all my "securities" were taken away, who would I be? Do I ever get my identity from people and things that surround me? Do I get my identity by my works? My husband? Anything or anyone, other than Christ? Not that I wasn't already aware of it, but those thoughts drove home just how very important it is to KNOW who I am in Christ in fullness and in leanness.
Although it's not a thought I want to linger with forever, 'who would I be?' IS a thought I want to keep nearby because I never want to forget who I am. Apart from God, I have no good thing. Apart from God, I am nothing. So if everything else is taken away, one thing remains: Who I am in Christ.
"O my soul, you have said to the LORD, You are my LORD,
my goodness is nothing apart from You."
Psalm 16:2 NKJV
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Taking My Land Back from the Enemy
A sure thing: when you experience a victory, the enemy is right there waiting to snatch it away from you! He comes to steal, kill and destroy. He is relentless.
Exactly one week after the Samaritan Luncheon when I gave my testimony, we had another function to attend. It was the opening of the Jatawn Wells' Prayer Garden at the Medical Center League House. This has been in the making for almost seven years. It finally came to fruition last Thursday. Gary was on the committee the entire time during planning and building. The garden came together beautifully, much to our surprise after the first viewing earlier this summer. The entire evening was a tribute to Jatawn and Bree delivered an amazing speech depicting who Jatawn was to her.
Here comes the vulnerable part: It was a difficult night for me. God, in all His faithfulness, has given me the grace to handle delicate situations like this. However, one issue I have battled since my dad died and I moved in with an aunt and uncle is feeling "less than, second best, and never able to measure up." The enemy has tortured me with those thoughts for many years. I work on the issue and it goes away for a while, but sure enough, satan throws those lies at me again and again. He's quite clever, you know?
So, after hearing this amazing tribute to Gary's first wife, Jatawn, the enemy does his favorite thing and begins to tell me those same lies. Off and on, during our marriage, the enemy has condemned me with these accusations: "You're Gary's SECOND wife, not his first wife...you're second best. You're even sloppy seconds because look where all you've been! You could never measure up, never! So don't even try." Having an attitude of defeat wouldn't surprise anyone after listening to those lies, huh? He came in hard and heavy and a spirit of oppression and defeat was left on me in the wake of his destruction. He had me convinced for about two days that I didn't have the right to stand up for myself to him and I had to live with his encroachment for the duration of our marriage! He was actually setting up camp in MY marriage and convincing me he could!
Until today, when I finally took the advice of my sister, Terri, and plugged in my IPod and listened to Jimmy Evan's message on See Me Defeated. I certainly felt defeated, so the message was more than appropriate. The revelation that came from that message was this: Satan has been encroaching upon the land of my marriage since the beginning with all his lies about me being second best and never able to measure up. In my defeat, I gave up my land to him, believing I didn't have a right to it anyway. I am Gary's second wife, after all. (Satan always comes with a morsel of truth to get us to listen, then he distorts it to complete his scheme against us.) I knew one thing for sure: God gave me to Gary as a gift and He gave Gary to me as a gift. Anything God gives me IS rightfully mine! I do have the right to this marriage, but satan is going to attack it from every angle. My job is to FIGHT him off MY land! Jimmy used the illustration of the Year of Jubilee, when everything-entire inheritances, were restored to the rightful owner. THIS is my year (season) of Jubilee. My marriage to Gary has been the best thing to ever happen to me. In more ways than one, we have redeemed each other, taught each other how to live again, and healed many wounds, all while having a great time! I've never had that before in my life and through this marriage, God has gifted me my inheritance back that the enemy stole many years ago.
I have a new energy, confidence and desire to fight satan OFF my land! He will NOT take what is rightfully mine and I will not give in to him again. I will not give him one inch of my land!
What is satan trying to steal from you? God gave you an abundant inheritance when you first believed and received Jesus to be your Savior. Has satan tried to steal your inheritance and made you believe you weren't the rightful owner? Its time for you to stand up and fight for what IS rightfully yours! I'm with you all the way!
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
"With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 60:12 NIV
Exactly one week after the Samaritan Luncheon when I gave my testimony, we had another function to attend. It was the opening of the Jatawn Wells' Prayer Garden at the Medical Center League House. This has been in the making for almost seven years. It finally came to fruition last Thursday. Gary was on the committee the entire time during planning and building. The garden came together beautifully, much to our surprise after the first viewing earlier this summer. The entire evening was a tribute to Jatawn and Bree delivered an amazing speech depicting who Jatawn was to her.
Here comes the vulnerable part: It was a difficult night for me. God, in all His faithfulness, has given me the grace to handle delicate situations like this. However, one issue I have battled since my dad died and I moved in with an aunt and uncle is feeling "less than, second best, and never able to measure up." The enemy has tortured me with those thoughts for many years. I work on the issue and it goes away for a while, but sure enough, satan throws those lies at me again and again. He's quite clever, you know?
So, after hearing this amazing tribute to Gary's first wife, Jatawn, the enemy does his favorite thing and begins to tell me those same lies. Off and on, during our marriage, the enemy has condemned me with these accusations: "You're Gary's SECOND wife, not his first wife...you're second best. You're even sloppy seconds because look where all you've been! You could never measure up, never! So don't even try." Having an attitude of defeat wouldn't surprise anyone after listening to those lies, huh? He came in hard and heavy and a spirit of oppression and defeat was left on me in the wake of his destruction. He had me convinced for about two days that I didn't have the right to stand up for myself to him and I had to live with his encroachment for the duration of our marriage! He was actually setting up camp in MY marriage and convincing me he could!
Until today, when I finally took the advice of my sister, Terri, and plugged in my IPod and listened to Jimmy Evan's message on See Me Defeated. I certainly felt defeated, so the message was more than appropriate. The revelation that came from that message was this: Satan has been encroaching upon the land of my marriage since the beginning with all his lies about me being second best and never able to measure up. In my defeat, I gave up my land to him, believing I didn't have a right to it anyway. I am Gary's second wife, after all. (Satan always comes with a morsel of truth to get us to listen, then he distorts it to complete his scheme against us.) I knew one thing for sure: God gave me to Gary as a gift and He gave Gary to me as a gift. Anything God gives me IS rightfully mine! I do have the right to this marriage, but satan is going to attack it from every angle. My job is to FIGHT him off MY land! Jimmy used the illustration of the Year of Jubilee, when everything-entire inheritances, were restored to the rightful owner. THIS is my year (season) of Jubilee. My marriage to Gary has been the best thing to ever happen to me. In more ways than one, we have redeemed each other, taught each other how to live again, and healed many wounds, all while having a great time! I've never had that before in my life and through this marriage, God has gifted me my inheritance back that the enemy stole many years ago.
I have a new energy, confidence and desire to fight satan OFF my land! He will NOT take what is rightfully mine and I will not give in to him again. I will not give him one inch of my land!
What is satan trying to steal from you? God gave you an abundant inheritance when you first believed and received Jesus to be your Savior. Has satan tried to steal your inheritance and made you believe you weren't the rightful owner? Its time for you to stand up and fight for what IS rightfully yours! I'm with you all the way!
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
"With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 60:12 NIV
Friday, October 14, 2011
Another Level of Healing
Yesterday, I had the blessing and opportunity to share my testimony as a keynote speaker for Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center of Amarillo. Although God has given me several opportunities in the past to share what an amazing transformation He did in my life, I'd never been a "keynote speaker" and I'd never given my testimony before Norm's family. Karen and Kyle were there yesterday and I knew it was going to be difficult to get through the part when Norm died before the wedding.
The day before, during rehearsal, I broke down when I got to that part. I thought, "Oh no, this is bad. I can't "lose it" up there in front of 300 people!" As a speaker, the one thing I desire in my flesh is to remain in control while delivering the message. I feel it makes the audience nervous when a speaker really loses it and can't regain control of their emotions. Twilla, the Executive Director of Samaritan, and my dear friend, prayed that God would use this opportunity to take me to a new level of healing. As always, God was faithful to her prayer.
Yesterday morning, I awoke praising and worshiping God in a bold way! I turned my music up loud and grabbed my Sword off the wall and began proclaiming the Word over me and the event. A Source of power erupted in my Spirit and a new confidence came over me like never before. All the issues of "people pleasing, approval seeking and delivering a perfect speech" fell off of me like autumn leaves falling from a tree as the wind blows through its branches.
I asked many people to pray for calmness, a heart rate below 70 and that I would get through the difficult part without losing it. All of those prayers were answered abundantly. After about the first minute or so of speaking, a calmness came over me like I'd never felt while giving my testimony. It was surreal. When I got to the part about Norm's death, I did cry, because it still hurts me that he's not here, but I didn't "lose it." Holy Spirit was there on that stage with me and He comforted me in all the areas I needed.
Afterward, Bree came up to me and we hugged tightly and she whispered words in my ear that felt like a soothing balm covering every inch of my Spirit and soul. Although I can't recall exactly what she said as there were many people around us talking, I do remember the word "anointed," that the message I gave was anointed, I believe. Her words to me were anointed because they brought healing to me. God knew the exact words I needed to hear at that moment and He used Bree to deliver them. What a blessing all in itself!
What seemed like a treacherous trial the day before, turned into a glorious victory the day of! God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or think....He Is FAITHFUL!
The day before, during rehearsal, I broke down when I got to that part. I thought, "Oh no, this is bad. I can't "lose it" up there in front of 300 people!" As a speaker, the one thing I desire in my flesh is to remain in control while delivering the message. I feel it makes the audience nervous when a speaker really loses it and can't regain control of their emotions. Twilla, the Executive Director of Samaritan, and my dear friend, prayed that God would use this opportunity to take me to a new level of healing. As always, God was faithful to her prayer.
Yesterday morning, I awoke praising and worshiping God in a bold way! I turned my music up loud and grabbed my Sword off the wall and began proclaiming the Word over me and the event. A Source of power erupted in my Spirit and a new confidence came over me like never before. All the issues of "people pleasing, approval seeking and delivering a perfect speech" fell off of me like autumn leaves falling from a tree as the wind blows through its branches.
I asked many people to pray for calmness, a heart rate below 70 and that I would get through the difficult part without losing it. All of those prayers were answered abundantly. After about the first minute or so of speaking, a calmness came over me like I'd never felt while giving my testimony. It was surreal. When I got to the part about Norm's death, I did cry, because it still hurts me that he's not here, but I didn't "lose it." Holy Spirit was there on that stage with me and He comforted me in all the areas I needed.
Afterward, Bree came up to me and we hugged tightly and she whispered words in my ear that felt like a soothing balm covering every inch of my Spirit and soul. Although I can't recall exactly what she said as there were many people around us talking, I do remember the word "anointed," that the message I gave was anointed, I believe. Her words to me were anointed because they brought healing to me. God knew the exact words I needed to hear at that moment and He used Bree to deliver them. What a blessing all in itself!
What seemed like a treacherous trial the day before, turned into a glorious victory the day of! God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or think....He Is FAITHFUL!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Can One Love a Dog Too Much?
 |
| Shorty Danielle |
Now, let me explain why I'm even writing about this. Shorty turned 14 on August 28 of this year. (That's 70 to you and me.) Despite her hearing loss and cataracts, she is one of the most spry 14 year old dogs I've seen. That's a good thing, because, God knows I desire deeply for her to live to be at least 25 years old. Shorty has been with me through thick and thin. She has stuck closer to me through some of my darkest days and some of the brightest. The thought of losing her is almost unbearable for me and I realize that is probably not normal. (I have never claimed to be normal, by the way.)
Today, I am so thankful that her ailment was just a leg that went to sleep and that God showed me that so quickly. I also realize that God knows when she will join Him in Heaven, but I'm praying that's not for many more years. Many.
So, I ask again: Can one love a dog too much? Never, I say.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
I Chronicles 16:34 NIV
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A New Blog Design
Well, I had to try out a new blog design. It's like clothes, after a while, you just get tired of seeing and wearing the same thing over and over...which of course, should not matter one bit, but if we're honest...we know we get a little bored with our clothes at times. Same thing with my blog design.
Anyway, I'm going to leave this design on for a while and see if I like it, if not, I'll change it out again.
I would like to be more diligent in posting because the quick, 10 minute posts are great "jump starts" for writing. I am about 3/4 of the way through with my first draft of my first (and probably last) book. This has been a five year endeavor that began in February 2006 with a whisper from God. Today, there is no more whispering; He is actually TELLING me to finish the book.
Since I was young, I've had difficulty "following through" with major projects and I think there are a myriad of reasons. The most blatant one is the fear of failure. If I never finish it, it can never be a failure-in the eyes of others anyway...since they will never see it. Nevertheless, as I've prayed and cried out to God to help me finish it, He's gently said, "Dawn, don't write the book for anyone else but Me. Write it for an Audience of One. I will never reject it and it will never be a failure in My eyes. I'm the One Who asked you to write it in the first place!" Love, God
God is always so precious to give me the answer I need for that moment. Writing this book has become an act of obedience and as I know all too well, when I am out of obedience, there is no internal rest at all. So, with that, I commit to finishing this book and believing God to bring me the perfect Editor to help me polish it up. It has certainly been a labor of love and I feel as if I've been pregnant for five years and I am MORE than ready to have this "baby!" (I've actually never been pregnant, but I relate that story from all the women who have been and tell me what it feels like.)
So, with that, I will adjourn my post tonight. I hope you are basking in God's grace that transforms any and all of us! :)
Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Anyway, I'm going to leave this design on for a while and see if I like it, if not, I'll change it out again.
I would like to be more diligent in posting because the quick, 10 minute posts are great "jump starts" for writing. I am about 3/4 of the way through with my first draft of my first (and probably last) book. This has been a five year endeavor that began in February 2006 with a whisper from God. Today, there is no more whispering; He is actually TELLING me to finish the book.
Since I was young, I've had difficulty "following through" with major projects and I think there are a myriad of reasons. The most blatant one is the fear of failure. If I never finish it, it can never be a failure-in the eyes of others anyway...since they will never see it. Nevertheless, as I've prayed and cried out to God to help me finish it, He's gently said, "Dawn, don't write the book for anyone else but Me. Write it for an Audience of One. I will never reject it and it will never be a failure in My eyes. I'm the One Who asked you to write it in the first place!" Love, God
God is always so precious to give me the answer I need for that moment. Writing this book has become an act of obedience and as I know all too well, when I am out of obedience, there is no internal rest at all. So, with that, I commit to finishing this book and believing God to bring me the perfect Editor to help me polish it up. It has certainly been a labor of love and I feel as if I've been pregnant for five years and I am MORE than ready to have this "baby!" (I've actually never been pregnant, but I relate that story from all the women who have been and tell me what it feels like.)
So, with that, I will adjourn my post tonight. I hope you are basking in God's grace that transforms any and all of us! :)
Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
FAITH. . .What does that look like to you?
Well, hello there again! It's been a while since I last sat down and tended to my blog. My best excuse is that I've been diligently writing "The Book"....you know, The Book I started five years ago because I heard God say, "I want you to write a book about getting off the fence and surrendering your life to Me." So, I would say I am 3/4 of the way finished with the first draft, which in itself, will be a great accomplishment, to say the least. But that's another post for another time...
This semester, in Bible Study, we are covering Hebrews right now and the issue of "Faith" has come up. Faith? What does that look like to you? In Hebrews 11:6 it says,
"Without faith it is impossible to please God! You must believe He is God and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." KJV
One word that really screams at me from this verse is: "Impossible." It is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith! For me, faith is believing, even though I can't see. Believing what? Believing God's word is Truth and Life and Absolute. Believing God's promises are true, even for a redeemed wretch such as myself. Believing I am an heir with Jesus Christ and have eternal salvation with Him in Heaven. Believing that God is working all things out for my good, even though I can't SEE Him doing anything.
Since my conversion in 2003, I have wanted nothing more than to please God. Without faith, that is impossible. The truth is, as a Believer, I don't have a choice. I must have faith if I am going to please the One who saved me.
Faith is the opposite of Doubt. Faith is the opposite of Worry. Faith is the opposite of needless Fear. (False Evidence Appearing Real-type Fear.) So, suffice it to say, that when I am doubting, worrying, or fearing something....I am not pleasing God. I want to be a beautiful fragrance to the Lord. I want to make Him smile every time He thinks of me. I must exercise my FAITH to be pleasing to God...the same God who has given me Life, not death. I don't think that's asking too much, do you?
So, think about it. . .what does your faith look like? It's definitely something to keep at the forefront of our mind if we want to please our wonderful God in Heaven, huh? :)
This semester, in Bible Study, we are covering Hebrews right now and the issue of "Faith" has come up. Faith? What does that look like to you? In Hebrews 11:6 it says,
"Without faith it is impossible to please God! You must believe He is God and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." KJV
One word that really screams at me from this verse is: "Impossible." It is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith! For me, faith is believing, even though I can't see. Believing what? Believing God's word is Truth and Life and Absolute. Believing God's promises are true, even for a redeemed wretch such as myself. Believing I am an heir with Jesus Christ and have eternal salvation with Him in Heaven. Believing that God is working all things out for my good, even though I can't SEE Him doing anything.
Since my conversion in 2003, I have wanted nothing more than to please God. Without faith, that is impossible. The truth is, as a Believer, I don't have a choice. I must have faith if I am going to please the One who saved me.
Faith is the opposite of Doubt. Faith is the opposite of Worry. Faith is the opposite of needless Fear. (False Evidence Appearing Real-type Fear.) So, suffice it to say, that when I am doubting, worrying, or fearing something....I am not pleasing God. I want to be a beautiful fragrance to the Lord. I want to make Him smile every time He thinks of me. I must exercise my FAITH to be pleasing to God...the same God who has given me Life, not death. I don't think that's asking too much, do you?
So, think about it. . .what does your faith look like? It's definitely something to keep at the forefront of our mind if we want to please our wonderful God in Heaven, huh? :)
Friday, August 5, 2011
Watch What You Say. . .
Currently, I'm reading and re-reading a book titled God's Creative Power by Charles Capps. My dear friend, Tammy, gave me this book last Christmas and although I didn't take to it immediately, once I sat down and read through it, I realized what a treasure it was. Since then, I've given it to many others in hopes they too, would find it such a wonderful treasure.
The author explains, quite convincingly, how powerful our words are. I believed that already, but this book explains it in much more depth than the verse in Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
That is a fairly bold statement, isn't it? Life and death in our words? Really? I believe the Bible is the absolute truth and God cannot lie, so this verse is just as true as all scripture. I haven't always taken this verse so seriously, though. No, many words flew out of my mouth in casual conversation that I do believe now, opened doors for the enemy to attack me. Such as, "Oh! That traffic drives me crazy!" How many times have we heard that statement? Too many to count. Well, if our words, even idle words such as that statement have the power to bring life and death, why would that statement be held to a different standard?
Mr. Capps states, "Spoken words program your spirit (heart) either to success or defeat. Words are containers. They carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." That statement lines up directly with the Proverbs 18:21 verse, in my opinion. This book has completely changed how I speak, what I speak and even where I let my thoughts go. The enemy is always on the prowl, looking to whom he can devour. The last thing I want to do is give him an open door through my spoken words!
Try this: Closely examine ALL the words that come out of your mouth on a daily basis, even hourly. See if there are places you've allowed the enemy to attack by the words you speak. If you're like me, there were many, but I was unaware until I really began to pay attention. When you catch yourself, ask for forgiveness and rebuke the enemy in Jesus' Name to close that door tight! He flees at the sound of "Jesus." Here's an even bolder statement:
The author explains, quite convincingly, how powerful our words are. I believed that already, but this book explains it in much more depth than the verse in Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
That is a fairly bold statement, isn't it? Life and death in our words? Really? I believe the Bible is the absolute truth and God cannot lie, so this verse is just as true as all scripture. I haven't always taken this verse so seriously, though. No, many words flew out of my mouth in casual conversation that I do believe now, opened doors for the enemy to attack me. Such as, "Oh! That traffic drives me crazy!" How many times have we heard that statement? Too many to count. Well, if our words, even idle words such as that statement have the power to bring life and death, why would that statement be held to a different standard?
Mr. Capps states, "Spoken words program your spirit (heart) either to success or defeat. Words are containers. They carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." That statement lines up directly with the Proverbs 18:21 verse, in my opinion. This book has completely changed how I speak, what I speak and even where I let my thoughts go. The enemy is always on the prowl, looking to whom he can devour. The last thing I want to do is give him an open door through my spoken words!
Try this: Closely examine ALL the words that come out of your mouth on a daily basis, even hourly. See if there are places you've allowed the enemy to attack by the words you speak. If you're like me, there were many, but I was unaware until I really began to pay attention. When you catch yourself, ask for forgiveness and rebuke the enemy in Jesus' Name to close that door tight! He flees at the sound of "Jesus." Here's an even bolder statement:
But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36-37 NIV
Monday, May 30, 2011
He Makes All Things New
Finally, our 5th Anniversary arrived. I have literally been anxiously awaiting it since the day we married, May 28, 2006. Literally. As most know, the precious man who became like a Father-Figure to me, Norm Saunders, passed away the night before our wedding. He didn't get to walk me down the aisle. Needless to say, our wedding day 5 years ago was one of the saddest days I've lived. The entire ceremony was a blur through all my salty tears. I cried for the first three days of our honeymoon, in beautiful Hawaii. In fact, I cannot remember one wonderful thing about my wedding day. That's sad for any bride.
So, when the tears finally stopped flowing, I decided I wanted a "do-over" on our 5th anniversary. A bigger diamond, another ceremony...the whole nine yards! But, as time inched along, the pain started to slowly dissipate for the long-lost wedding ceremony. Within six months of our 5th anniversary, I'd decided a new diamond and a Vow Renewal ceremony would be enough to suffice in order to have a joyful memory instead of a sad memory.
I've been planning our Vow Renewal for 6 months. It all came together this past weekend and I must say, HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW! God is so faithful to give us the desires of our hearts as we delight ourselves in Him.
New Diamond? Check
New Wedding Dress? Check
New Veil? Check
New Location? Check
New Vows? Check . . .
New Joyful Memory? Check!
I am so thankful to have a husband who "gets me" and understands why this was so important. He was on board with every aspect, (and he was pleasantly surprised to see me walk down the stairs in that dress!) I can say that I have a new, joyful memory to replace the sad memory of five years ago.
We plan to have a Vow Renewal Ceremony on every 5th year. And when I get to Heaven. . .I will get Norm to walk me down the aisle!
So, when the tears finally stopped flowing, I decided I wanted a "do-over" on our 5th anniversary. A bigger diamond, another ceremony...the whole nine yards! But, as time inched along, the pain started to slowly dissipate for the long-lost wedding ceremony. Within six months of our 5th anniversary, I'd decided a new diamond and a Vow Renewal ceremony would be enough to suffice in order to have a joyful memory instead of a sad memory.
I've been planning our Vow Renewal for 6 months. It all came together this past weekend and I must say, HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW! God is so faithful to give us the desires of our hearts as we delight ourselves in Him.
New Diamond? Check
New Wedding Dress? Check
New Veil? Check
New Location? Check
New Vows? Check . . .
New Joyful Memory? Check!
I am so thankful to have a husband who "gets me" and understands why this was so important. He was on board with every aspect, (and he was pleasantly surprised to see me walk down the stairs in that dress!) I can say that I have a new, joyful memory to replace the sad memory of five years ago.
We plan to have a Vow Renewal Ceremony on every 5th year. And when I get to Heaven. . .I will get Norm to walk me down the aisle!
And the One sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then He said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."
Revelation 21:5 NLT
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A Birthday and a Funeral
Yesterday, I got the privilege of celebrating one more year of life on Earth! Yes, it was my 46th birthday and I enjoyed every minute of it! If I've never mentioned it before, now would be a good time...I LOVE my birthday! Beginning on April 1st, I start celebrating "Birthday Month"...it works out great since my birthday is at the latter end. I've just about got Gary trained to begin celebrating (with gifts or cards) on April 1st as well. Birthdays aren't quite as special to him as they are to me....but he's learning.
So, with all the early celebrating going on...by the time my actual birthday arrives, I am beyond excited! I remember when I was very young, maybe 6 or so, and the neighborhood kids came over for my birthday and I had a Barbie Doll birthday cake! You know, the one where her very full dress skirt is the cake and the Barbie stands in the middle? yep! That's the one! I loved that cake and I continue to LOVE birthday cake now! So, yesterday I enjoyed a fabulous lunch with a great friend, who gave me chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate and cinnamon covered apples! Fabulous! Then, I bought me a birthday blouse, (gift to self). . .then I went and had my toe nails painted bright red, my solar nails filled AND a few doors down from the nail shop was this fabulous Cupcakery! Yes!!! How on earth did this Cupcakery go into business without my knowing? It was pure elation when I walked in and smelled the warm, sweet little cakes with all that icing on top! I had to have one....the red velvet, please! And then, at the register, I see these icing covered cookies! Oh! I must have one of those, too....but here's the most unbelievable part...I ate both of them from 34th and Coulter to Soncy!!! Oh my goodness, they were beyond delicious! I had to ask God to forgive me for my gluttony....I arrived at the hair salon and had my hair washed and styled...nice treat when you have ridiculously thick hair like mine.
Then I ran home, changed clothes and made my way to the Civic Center for the Happy State Bank Annual Stockholder's meeting...yes, 850 of my closest friends were there to greet me...but not for my birthday, although, I felt like it was a really big party because inside me, there was a party going on! I don't mind turning a year older, at all. I celebrate another year, whatever the number may be, knowing that if I'm still celebrating, I still have a mission. Otherwise, my celebrating would be in Heaven and not here on Earth.
Which leads me to the "funeral" part of my post. Today, I attended a funeral of a dear person, Bud Townsend. What a guy! I met him in my former life and met up with him again in my new life. He treated me the same each time. He truly loved Jesus and it showed...always. He smiled so big you might have thought his cheeks would crack! He was a jolly, joyful guy all the time. He and his best friend, Steve Covington, came to see me the day I had the kidney surgery while in Lubbock. I believe they were in Lubbock for work, but Bud wanted to stop by and say hello. I'll never forget his kindness.
Anytime I attend a funeral, I review my own life and wonder what might be said when I pass and people gather to pay their last respects. I also ponder how I want my service conducted, what music to be sung, what Scriptures to be read and what pictures on the power point for all to see. One thing I know for sure is this, I hope I am remembered as a woman after God's own heart. I hope people know how much I love Jesus and want others, who don't know Him, to find out how much He loves them. I don't always go about that in the best way, but I certainly pray God will give me opportunities to share His Good News with those who haven't heard. I am a walking billboard of God's grace, mercy and forgiveness and I don't take that lightly. There are "Divine Appointments" every day...waiting to hear the Good News, from me and from others. I pray my funeral is a celebration of my attempts to do just that. Live each day as if it's your last....we never know the hour God will take us home. My dear friend, Bud, is dancing with the Angels, while in the presence of Jesus Christ! What a glorious day it will be when we meet our Maker and Savior!! Hallelujah!!
P.S. I'm still celebrating my birthday month...I had another great dinner with a dear friend and Tiramisu for dessert...Lord, forgive me!
So, with all the early celebrating going on...by the time my actual birthday arrives, I am beyond excited! I remember when I was very young, maybe 6 or so, and the neighborhood kids came over for my birthday and I had a Barbie Doll birthday cake! You know, the one where her very full dress skirt is the cake and the Barbie stands in the middle? yep! That's the one! I loved that cake and I continue to LOVE birthday cake now! So, yesterday I enjoyed a fabulous lunch with a great friend, who gave me chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate and cinnamon covered apples! Fabulous! Then, I bought me a birthday blouse, (gift to self). . .then I went and had my toe nails painted bright red, my solar nails filled AND a few doors down from the nail shop was this fabulous Cupcakery! Yes!!! How on earth did this Cupcakery go into business without my knowing? It was pure elation when I walked in and smelled the warm, sweet little cakes with all that icing on top! I had to have one....the red velvet, please! And then, at the register, I see these icing covered cookies! Oh! I must have one of those, too....but here's the most unbelievable part...I ate both of them from 34th and Coulter to Soncy!!! Oh my goodness, they were beyond delicious! I had to ask God to forgive me for my gluttony....I arrived at the hair salon and had my hair washed and styled...nice treat when you have ridiculously thick hair like mine.
Then I ran home, changed clothes and made my way to the Civic Center for the Happy State Bank Annual Stockholder's meeting...yes, 850 of my closest friends were there to greet me...but not for my birthday, although, I felt like it was a really big party because inside me, there was a party going on! I don't mind turning a year older, at all. I celebrate another year, whatever the number may be, knowing that if I'm still celebrating, I still have a mission. Otherwise, my celebrating would be in Heaven and not here on Earth.
Which leads me to the "funeral" part of my post. Today, I attended a funeral of a dear person, Bud Townsend. What a guy! I met him in my former life and met up with him again in my new life. He treated me the same each time. He truly loved Jesus and it showed...always. He smiled so big you might have thought his cheeks would crack! He was a jolly, joyful guy all the time. He and his best friend, Steve Covington, came to see me the day I had the kidney surgery while in Lubbock. I believe they were in Lubbock for work, but Bud wanted to stop by and say hello. I'll never forget his kindness.
Anytime I attend a funeral, I review my own life and wonder what might be said when I pass and people gather to pay their last respects. I also ponder how I want my service conducted, what music to be sung, what Scriptures to be read and what pictures on the power point for all to see. One thing I know for sure is this, I hope I am remembered as a woman after God's own heart. I hope people know how much I love Jesus and want others, who don't know Him, to find out how much He loves them. I don't always go about that in the best way, but I certainly pray God will give me opportunities to share His Good News with those who haven't heard. I am a walking billboard of God's grace, mercy and forgiveness and I don't take that lightly. There are "Divine Appointments" every day...waiting to hear the Good News, from me and from others. I pray my funeral is a celebration of my attempts to do just that. Live each day as if it's your last....we never know the hour God will take us home. My dear friend, Bud, is dancing with the Angels, while in the presence of Jesus Christ! What a glorious day it will be when we meet our Maker and Savior!! Hallelujah!!
P.S. I'm still celebrating my birthday month...I had another great dinner with a dear friend and Tiramisu for dessert...Lord, forgive me!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
REDEEMER of My Time
I don't know about you, but I can probably guess....you too, feel there just aren't enough minutes in a day to get everything accomplished you'd like. I have many days like that. I have a "to do" list that keeps morphing into a novel! What I don't accomplish on Monday, I move to my Tuesday list and so on and so on. You get my drift?
Jesus Christ has redeemed me from so much: loneliness, abandonment, fear, insecurities, shame, guilt, condemnation, being lost, my past as a whole, and the list goes on and on. :) One day, while praying, it dawned on me that if Jesus has redeemed me from all of those things listed, and more, why couldn't He redeem my time? That seemed logical to me. So I asked Him that day, "Lord, I need You to redeem my time today, every single minute of this day, Lord. I want to accomplish what You have set before me to do in an effort to be in Your will. Please protect every minute of this day from the enemy who desires to steal, kill and destroy my time so I won't accomplish Your will today. Please be the Redeemer of my time. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Done. Just like that, with a simple prayer, the Lord has become the Redeemer of my time. My day still has only 24 hours in it, just as before, but now, the enemy has no authority to steal minutes from my day. Now, I feel like I have time left over at the end of the day! Is that amazing? Because I prayed a prayer that lines up with God's will, He will honor it. If I happen to have a morning where I'm running late and don't say this prayer....Oh! will I ever pay! I know immediately what has taken place. So, I stop where I am, and say this little prayer. From it, I get big results!
What has Jesus redeemed you from? Is your list long like mine? Well, add one more item to your list: TIME. Let me know how this prayer works for you. I pray your time will be redeemed for Him. :)
Jesus Christ has redeemed me from so much: loneliness, abandonment, fear, insecurities, shame, guilt, condemnation, being lost, my past as a whole, and the list goes on and on. :) One day, while praying, it dawned on me that if Jesus has redeemed me from all of those things listed, and more, why couldn't He redeem my time? That seemed logical to me. So I asked Him that day, "Lord, I need You to redeem my time today, every single minute of this day, Lord. I want to accomplish what You have set before me to do in an effort to be in Your will. Please protect every minute of this day from the enemy who desires to steal, kill and destroy my time so I won't accomplish Your will today. Please be the Redeemer of my time. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Done. Just like that, with a simple prayer, the Lord has become the Redeemer of my time. My day still has only 24 hours in it, just as before, but now, the enemy has no authority to steal minutes from my day. Now, I feel like I have time left over at the end of the day! Is that amazing? Because I prayed a prayer that lines up with God's will, He will honor it. If I happen to have a morning where I'm running late and don't say this prayer....Oh! will I ever pay! I know immediately what has taken place. So, I stop where I am, and say this little prayer. From it, I get big results!
What has Jesus redeemed you from? Is your list long like mine? Well, add one more item to your list: TIME. Let me know how this prayer works for you. I pray your time will be redeemed for Him. :)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
When God says, "No."
I thoroughly enjoy Beth Moore's Bible Studies...all of them. I continue to be amazed at how this woman of God can take Scripture and stories we've heard for many years about characters in the Bible and make them literally come to life before my eyes! She is truly anointed as a teacher and I am thankful for the blessing of studying the Word with her.
A couple of weeks ago, Beth was winding down her hour long video after talking about the different "levels" of relationship Jesus had with others and how we are to model our relationships after Him. Imagine five circles, each getting smaller and smaller. The smallest circle in the middle depicted the relationship of Jesus to God. His innermost relationship of all relationships. Jesus had his 12 disciples that he took with him, but sometimes, he took just his three closest disciples, Peter, James and John. But even still, there were times when he asked them to pray for Him and He went further still, with God and God alone. There are times when even our closest friend or spouse is not what we need-we need to go closer inward with God...all by ourselves.
Have you ever had God say "no" to something you prayed for fervently? Have you ever begged God to heal someone and He said, "no?" I imagine we all have. For the past five years, I have wondered "why?" to the death of Norm, the night before my wedding. Norm, in case you didn't know, became like a father figure to me after the Lord put us together so I could give Norm a kidney. He needed a kidney and I needed a father figure. It was an amazing miracle of sorts and he was an amazing man. Sadly, he started to reject the kidney about two weeks before our wedding. His kidney had already stopped working for him a few months before and he was back on dialysis, which was a heartbreak all in itself. But to remove a kidney was routine and the doctors felt it best since his body was rejecting it. After the surgery, his arteries and veins began to bleed and the doctors had to go in several different times to repair them and stop the bleeding. His condition was up and down literally from day to day. At first, I believed he would get well and be home in a few days and would certainly be able to walk me down the aisle as we'd planned. After a few days went by and his condition never stabilized, my prayers changed to, "Lord, please heal him and allow him to come home and attend the wedding, if even in a wheelchair." As the days inched closer to our wedding, and Norm's condition continued to deteriorate, my prayers turned to desperation..."Lord, please let Norm live and make it through this!"
It was not to be. We lost Norm the evening before our wedding, May 27, 2006. God's answer was "no." There was no bargaining, no exceptions...just an emphatic, "no." Guilt, that my kidney failed Norm, set in. The enemy was quick to pounce on an already wounded heart. Devastation doesn't even begin to describe the way I felt. I wondered if I was being punished for my past sins; I wondered if I was not supposed to get married the next day; I wondered "why?" for a very long time. Years, in fact.
Two weeks ago in Bible Study, the Lord gently spoke to me using Beth Moore as a mouthpiece. She said, "When God says no, it's because in that "no" is your greater purpose in life. Something that God says "no" to will change your life forever and THAT is part of the greater purpose of your life." That sounds so simplistic, but to me, it was beautiful music to my ears. Having had the opportunities to share my testimony with others in the past year, I realize that the "no" God handed me the day before my wedding has caused me to search for Him more intently...desire Him more....and know Him more deeply.
I can't explain why that simple statement gave me such peace about the years of wondering "why?" but it did. It's effect was immediate and it penetrated deeply to my Spirit. It was a Word, I believe, from God to me. I thank God and Beth Moore for delivering it because it has given me freedom in some unbelievable ways!
So, remember. . .when God says "no," -- after the suffering of the "no," go to God in search of your greater purpose from that "no." Don't let the enemy shut you down like he did me. Get up after the grieving and ask God what His purpose is through that "no". . .He will be delighted to tell you.
A couple of weeks ago, Beth was winding down her hour long video after talking about the different "levels" of relationship Jesus had with others and how we are to model our relationships after Him. Imagine five circles, each getting smaller and smaller. The smallest circle in the middle depicted the relationship of Jesus to God. His innermost relationship of all relationships. Jesus had his 12 disciples that he took with him, but sometimes, he took just his three closest disciples, Peter, James and John. But even still, there were times when he asked them to pray for Him and He went further still, with God and God alone. There are times when even our closest friend or spouse is not what we need-we need to go closer inward with God...all by ourselves.
Have you ever had God say "no" to something you prayed for fervently? Have you ever begged God to heal someone and He said, "no?" I imagine we all have. For the past five years, I have wondered "why?" to the death of Norm, the night before my wedding. Norm, in case you didn't know, became like a father figure to me after the Lord put us together so I could give Norm a kidney. He needed a kidney and I needed a father figure. It was an amazing miracle of sorts and he was an amazing man. Sadly, he started to reject the kidney about two weeks before our wedding. His kidney had already stopped working for him a few months before and he was back on dialysis, which was a heartbreak all in itself. But to remove a kidney was routine and the doctors felt it best since his body was rejecting it. After the surgery, his arteries and veins began to bleed and the doctors had to go in several different times to repair them and stop the bleeding. His condition was up and down literally from day to day. At first, I believed he would get well and be home in a few days and would certainly be able to walk me down the aisle as we'd planned. After a few days went by and his condition never stabilized, my prayers changed to, "Lord, please heal him and allow him to come home and attend the wedding, if even in a wheelchair." As the days inched closer to our wedding, and Norm's condition continued to deteriorate, my prayers turned to desperation..."Lord, please let Norm live and make it through this!"
It was not to be. We lost Norm the evening before our wedding, May 27, 2006. God's answer was "no." There was no bargaining, no exceptions...just an emphatic, "no." Guilt, that my kidney failed Norm, set in. The enemy was quick to pounce on an already wounded heart. Devastation doesn't even begin to describe the way I felt. I wondered if I was being punished for my past sins; I wondered if I was not supposed to get married the next day; I wondered "why?" for a very long time. Years, in fact.
Two weeks ago in Bible Study, the Lord gently spoke to me using Beth Moore as a mouthpiece. She said, "When God says no, it's because in that "no" is your greater purpose in life. Something that God says "no" to will change your life forever and THAT is part of the greater purpose of your life." That sounds so simplistic, but to me, it was beautiful music to my ears. Having had the opportunities to share my testimony with others in the past year, I realize that the "no" God handed me the day before my wedding has caused me to search for Him more intently...desire Him more....and know Him more deeply.
I can't explain why that simple statement gave me such peace about the years of wondering "why?" but it did. It's effect was immediate and it penetrated deeply to my Spirit. It was a Word, I believe, from God to me. I thank God and Beth Moore for delivering it because it has given me freedom in some unbelievable ways!
So, remember. . .when God says "no," -- after the suffering of the "no," go to God in search of your greater purpose from that "no." Don't let the enemy shut you down like he did me. Get up after the grieving and ask God what His purpose is through that "no". . .He will be delighted to tell you.
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11
Thursday, February 10, 2011
RADICAL by David Platt
Have you ever read a book that really messed with you? I'm in the middle of one right now, Radical by David Platt..."Taking Back My Faith from the American Dream"....
Sometimes the word "radical" has such a negative connotation that we don't want to use it, especially associated with religion, but if we read the Bible and accept it as absolute Truth...we realize, IT IS RADICAL! For instance, in Mark 10:17-31, when a rich, young man asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life...Jesus tells him about the commandments to keep-do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your mother and father. . . and the young man says he has done all these things since he was a boy, (so far, it's looking pretty good for this guy to go to Heaven), however, Jesus then says, "One thing you lack, go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven, then come follow Me." Uh oh, that's where the young man turned away sad....this young man had acquired great wealth and apparently, the thought of giving up all that to follow Jesus and have eternal life was just too much for him to bear. Ouch. Big O' American Ouch!
If you think about it, the American Dream does not line up with the Gospel. Many times, Jesus tells people to leave their home, their family, their possessions and take up their cross and follow Him. When I think of people that do that, they fall in the "missionary" category, but not in the everyday people category, which is where I land.
Two years prior to going on a mission trip to Nicaragua in June, 2008, I had been "jokingly" telling Gary that "we should sell everything and move to Costa Rica and become missionaries." I said this in an effort to run from the "rat race" we seemed to be in over here. After our mission trip, I knew deeply in my heart that we, here in America, were somehow, "missing the mark" of what God wanted for His children. I didn't believe God wanted His children to be stressed day in and day out, to not sleep at night, to constantly wonder if what we were doing was what we were supposed to be doing...but it's difficult to NOT get caught up in the American Rat Race...its a phenomenon, to say the least.
What I saw over there changed my heart. I knew I wanted to stay involved with Savior's Tear Ministry in some capacity from then on. When I'd been back in America for some time, slowly, but surely, the severity of what I saw diminished in my memory. It became clouded and veiled by all that goes on over here in America...such as, total immersion in "wanting more" by seeing or hearing thousands of commercials a week, whether on radio, TV, billboards, you name it. Or by trying to keep up with the Joneses. I am guilty of it all, and most definitely, ashamed of myself.
One scene that has never left my memory from the horrific dump grounds of Managua, Nicaragua was a young little boy, dirty from head to toe, but smiling from ear to ear. I thought to myself, "Lord, what on Earth does this little boy have to be smiling about while running around in this horrible dump ground?" Do you know what the Lord replied? He said, "Dawn, this little boy has everything he needs for today. He doesn't know to want more because he hasn't seen "more." His needs are being met today and he is perfectly content and full of joy." Another big Ouch!
Reading the book Radical has taken me back to that place in my heart that I felt while in Nicaragua. I loved that place, although heart-breaking at times, it was motivating to me. I want to be motivated any way I can be to help the poor. We, over here in America, are filthy rich compared to the rest of the world. Why is it so unbalanced, God?. . . God says to me rhetorically, "I don't know, Dawn, why is it?"
I want to be a Radical, Jesus Freak, who makes a difference in this world. I can't sit idly by hoping someone else will do something. I have been blessed beyond belief. Why? To give generously to the poor and bring glory to God's name. Pretty simple calling, huh? Want to join me? Read the book Radical and join us for a discussion at Leal's Restaurant on Thursday, March 10th at 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome . . .I hope to see you there!
Sometimes the word "radical" has such a negative connotation that we don't want to use it, especially associated with religion, but if we read the Bible and accept it as absolute Truth...we realize, IT IS RADICAL! For instance, in Mark 10:17-31, when a rich, young man asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life...Jesus tells him about the commandments to keep-do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your mother and father. . . and the young man says he has done all these things since he was a boy, (so far, it's looking pretty good for this guy to go to Heaven), however, Jesus then says, "One thing you lack, go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven, then come follow Me." Uh oh, that's where the young man turned away sad....this young man had acquired great wealth and apparently, the thought of giving up all that to follow Jesus and have eternal life was just too much for him to bear. Ouch. Big O' American Ouch!
If you think about it, the American Dream does not line up with the Gospel. Many times, Jesus tells people to leave their home, their family, their possessions and take up their cross and follow Him. When I think of people that do that, they fall in the "missionary" category, but not in the everyday people category, which is where I land.
Two years prior to going on a mission trip to Nicaragua in June, 2008, I had been "jokingly" telling Gary that "we should sell everything and move to Costa Rica and become missionaries." I said this in an effort to run from the "rat race" we seemed to be in over here. After our mission trip, I knew deeply in my heart that we, here in America, were somehow, "missing the mark" of what God wanted for His children. I didn't believe God wanted His children to be stressed day in and day out, to not sleep at night, to constantly wonder if what we were doing was what we were supposed to be doing...but it's difficult to NOT get caught up in the American Rat Race...its a phenomenon, to say the least.
What I saw over there changed my heart. I knew I wanted to stay involved with Savior's Tear Ministry in some capacity from then on. When I'd been back in America for some time, slowly, but surely, the severity of what I saw diminished in my memory. It became clouded and veiled by all that goes on over here in America...such as, total immersion in "wanting more" by seeing or hearing thousands of commercials a week, whether on radio, TV, billboards, you name it. Or by trying to keep up with the Joneses. I am guilty of it all, and most definitely, ashamed of myself.
One scene that has never left my memory from the horrific dump grounds of Managua, Nicaragua was a young little boy, dirty from head to toe, but smiling from ear to ear. I thought to myself, "Lord, what on Earth does this little boy have to be smiling about while running around in this horrible dump ground?" Do you know what the Lord replied? He said, "Dawn, this little boy has everything he needs for today. He doesn't know to want more because he hasn't seen "more." His needs are being met today and he is perfectly content and full of joy." Another big Ouch!
Reading the book Radical has taken me back to that place in my heart that I felt while in Nicaragua. I loved that place, although heart-breaking at times, it was motivating to me. I want to be motivated any way I can be to help the poor. We, over here in America, are filthy rich compared to the rest of the world. Why is it so unbalanced, God?. . . God says to me rhetorically, "I don't know, Dawn, why is it?"
I want to be a Radical, Jesus Freak, who makes a difference in this world. I can't sit idly by hoping someone else will do something. I have been blessed beyond belief. Why? To give generously to the poor and bring glory to God's name. Pretty simple calling, huh? Want to join me? Read the book Radical and join us for a discussion at Leal's Restaurant on Thursday, March 10th at 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome . . .I hope to see you there!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
God. . .Alone
I just finished Session 3 of Beth Moore's study on David. Bam!!! Did God speak right to my heart using Beth's mouth! Before Bible Study tonight, as I was getting ready...an issue rose up in my mind and I began playing it out....you know, when you have a conversation with a person you need to address and you have the conversation out loud? Yea, one of those. lol.... During my "one-person" conversation, everything I was saying was right on...I was pleading my case and winning! lol! So, by the time I left for Bible Study, it was resolved. I was right and they would have to live with that....
Then Beth starts her spill about this VERY issue...asking us, the audience if anyone has ever done that? You know, you get this obsessive thought and you analyze it every which way and you win when it's all said and done...? Yep, God was calling me out right there as I sat on the couch at Bible study.
Here's the bottom line and what I learned tonight: GOD ALONE will defend me. GOD ALONE will defend my honor. I don't have to fight for it, He will do it for me.
Have you ever felt you had to defend your position because you knew deep down you were right? Did you take matters into your own hands trying to defend that position? I know I've done this countless times. Next time, I'm going to allow God to be my Defender.
Then Beth starts her spill about this VERY issue...asking us, the audience if anyone has ever done that? You know, you get this obsessive thought and you analyze it every which way and you win when it's all said and done...? Yep, God was calling me out right there as I sat on the couch at Bible study.
Here's the bottom line and what I learned tonight: GOD ALONE will defend me. GOD ALONE will defend my honor. I don't have to fight for it, He will do it for me.
Have you ever felt you had to defend your position because you knew deep down you were right? Did you take matters into your own hands trying to defend that position? I know I've done this countless times. Next time, I'm going to allow God to be my Defender.
My victory and my honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
Psalm 62:7
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Knowledge is power. . .
Knowledge IS power! I am so happy to say that as I take a more proactive role in my health, I feel much more EMPOWERED! I love that! In an earlier post, I noted that I wanted to get my body fat down to 25% by March. So far, I've lost 5 pounds and about 1.5% body fat. Well, what I didn't mention in that earlier post is that for the past 5 years, I've been a natural laxative addict! :) (You might want to stop reading this if you're uncomfortable with body-speak.) lol!
Okay, so without too many details, one of the aspects of my health I knew I needed to address in this new year is this addiction to natural Senna...which is a laxative. All of this addiction started after my surgery in 2004...my colon just went to sleep and couldn't "wake-up", so a doctor prescribed a medication to get my colon to wake up and get moving...however, I didn't want to become dependent on the prescription med, so I began taking a "natural laxative, i.e. Senna" via tea. It worked! However, the longer I took it, the more I needed....then I added Senna tablets at night along with the tea, then more tablets and more, until I was up to FIVE a night, PLUS the tea! Oh my goodness, an addiction had been born! So, on the suggestions of two dear friends, Tammy and Kathy, I decided to visit
ICAM (Integrated Complementary Alternative Medicine) www.icamamarillo.com
468-4616
ICAM (Integrated Complementary Alternative Medicine) www.icamamarillo.com
468-4616
For many years, I believe that I have been putting toxins into my body through, chemicals, tobacco, alcohol, processed foods, sugar (lots), my beloved diet cokes, fake sugar, medications, etc. etc.... Many years ago, when my mom was being treated for breast cancer with chemo, I saw how sick she was during her treatments and thought to myself, "how could something so toxic be good for her?" It didn't make sense. I know chemotherapy has come a LONG way since the mid '80's and I'm so thankful for that, but it is still a toxin.
So, back to the reason I went to ICAM and the reason for the title of this post: Knowing that my odds go up to contract breast cancer because my mom had it and it was found when she about 48 years old, I decided I wanted to take a MUCH MORE proactive role in my health and well-being NOW, and thwart the possibility of that dreaded disease from manifesting in my body. The first action was to find out what my levels of Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone are. With depression and profound PMS symptoms, I figured that would be a great place to start. I learned (gathering more knowledge), that the actual levels of those hormones cannot accurately be determined just through a blood test. A saliva test was needed to give the most accurate level of those particular hormones. Excessive Estrogen has been linked to breast cancer....hmm? I need to know NOW if my Estrogen level is too high. That would be very pertinent information for a daughter who's mother died of breast cancer at the age of 51, wouldn't it? However, conventional medical professionals have never explained to me that information OR that a saliva test is needed to accurately test the level of that hormone. Maybe they disagree with that information. Who knows?
Next, I gave 10 vials of blood away Monday to be tested for just about everything under the sun, literally. I go back to ICAM on January 24th to find out all the results of these tests and I am very excited to hear, BECAUSE, with all that information, I will learn what condition my body is in-- in just about every area. I will learn what vitamins, minerals, and foods, (that God created), I need to maintain a healthy body that is capable of fighting off disease.
So why would I be sharing all this information on a blog post? Because I know women read this post. When I posted about depression, I got many response emails and I suspect many woman have had similar problems/symptoms as I have. I share this information with you to encourage YOU to take a proactive role in your health as well. God created the Earth and I am beginning to understand that the fruits, vegetables and plants He created were for us to be nourished and healthy and disease-free! He's a perfect God, Who created a perfect Earth....it is Man who messed it up. The less man processes His stuff, the better it is for us... He is a wonderful Creator, isn't He?
As for the problem I mentioned earlier in my post, things are moving along much better. :)
And what union can there be between God's temple and idols?
For WE ARE the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them
and walk among them. I will be their God and they will be My people."
2 Corinthians 6:16 NLT
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year. . .
So, 2011 came in quietly and without event. Gary had contracted the dreaded "junk" that was being passed around his office and felt crummy, although he stayed awake with me to watch the ball drop in NYC! (Even though it was only 11:00, I appreciated his effort tremendously.)
My last post reads sad at first, then gradually gets better. It's always so astounding to me as I go back and read a post from weeks before. I'm amazed at where I can be on one day, and where I might be three weeks later. I better not ponder that thought too long...my analytical mind will have me diagnosed with ALL kinds of things! lol!
I've never been one to make many New Year's resolutions...probably because I was never good at keeping them and I didn't like the feeling of "defeat" I got from not being able to keep them. So, as 2011 rolls in, I'm just going to proclaim a few things, in the Name of Jesus:
1) I proclaim to learn and know who I am in Christ, without any doubts-EVER! (I am seriously getting so tired of this back and forth battle with the enemy. I'm going to let him have it this year!)
2) I proclaim to stop worrying so much about others and letting people be responsible for themselves. (I mean this in a good way :)
3) I proclaim to be authentic, honest, and loving to myself and others...whatever the cost. (I apologize in advance if my honesty is ever too brutal. I intend to do honesty in love.)
4) I proclaim to take a proactive role in my health and well-being- physically, mentally and spiritually. And I intend to learn much more about natural medicine and homeopathic healing. ( I also intend to get my body fat to 25% by March 15, 2011.)
I've only mentioned a few of my "proclamations", but these are the first ones that come to mind. I believe with all my heart that 2011 will be a year of revelation, freedom and sincerity. I look forward to God's revelations, His purposes for Gary and me and for His love in everything.
God has blessed me beyond belief and I owe all the praise and honor and glory to Him. He IS the God of the Universe!
Oh and Get ready! He's coming back!
Happy New Year Blessings to You!
My last post reads sad at first, then gradually gets better. It's always so astounding to me as I go back and read a post from weeks before. I'm amazed at where I can be on one day, and where I might be three weeks later. I better not ponder that thought too long...my analytical mind will have me diagnosed with ALL kinds of things! lol!
I've never been one to make many New Year's resolutions...probably because I was never good at keeping them and I didn't like the feeling of "defeat" I got from not being able to keep them. So, as 2011 rolls in, I'm just going to proclaim a few things, in the Name of Jesus:
1) I proclaim to learn and know who I am in Christ, without any doubts-EVER! (I am seriously getting so tired of this back and forth battle with the enemy. I'm going to let him have it this year!)
2) I proclaim to stop worrying so much about others and letting people be responsible for themselves. (I mean this in a good way :)
3) I proclaim to be authentic, honest, and loving to myself and others...whatever the cost. (I apologize in advance if my honesty is ever too brutal. I intend to do honesty in love.)
4) I proclaim to take a proactive role in my health and well-being- physically, mentally and spiritually. And I intend to learn much more about natural medicine and homeopathic healing. ( I also intend to get my body fat to 25% by March 15, 2011.)
I've only mentioned a few of my "proclamations", but these are the first ones that come to mind. I believe with all my heart that 2011 will be a year of revelation, freedom and sincerity. I look forward to God's revelations, His purposes for Gary and me and for His love in everything.
God has blessed me beyond belief and I owe all the praise and honor and glory to Him. He IS the God of the Universe!
Oh and Get ready! He's coming back!
Happy New Year Blessings to You!
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