For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
God speaks to us. His words have purpose and life and they are unchanging truth. Our part is to listen and be obedient. So simple, but not always easy. The enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy, and that includes the words that God speaks. The devil plants seeds of doubt to choke the seeds of life that God plants when He speaks to us. It only takes one question from the enemy, "Did God really say?", to make us doubt the words of God. How easily we are deceived into letting go of our Father's words of life and love.
It happened to me last week. Our dog is 14 and a half years old and she is fighting lymphoma. God had spoken to me years ago about the length of her life, knowing way back then that I would need His word to stand on. I know that she has not fulfilled the days that God ordained for her, but last Tuesday, she appeared to be giving up on life. I released her into God's hands, fully believing that her time had come. By Tuesday evening, it was obvious that KC was choosing life and we agreed with her choice. God asked me, "Do you remember the word I spoke to you?" Yes, Lord, I remember. Forgive me for doubting.
God reminded me of other words that He has spoken to me...the lifelines that I cling to when fear and anxiety rear their ugly heads. Words of life and hope that are as true today as they were on the day He spoke them to my spirit. Words that will not return to my Father without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent them. I will continue to listen and trust and follow my Good Shepherd. I will embrace God's words, for they are life to me!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Saturday, November 19, 2016
grace
I spent my life learning to live with knots in my stomach, until 2 years ago when God set me free from the clutches of fear and anxiety. But, work seems to be the place where my former companions, now enemies, lurk, waiting to jump on my back and paralyze me again.
Today, I said to God, "I need Your truth and I need a breakthrough once and for all!" God responded immediately, speaking to me about grace.
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God knows I'm imperfect. He sent Jesus as His gift of grace to save me! His grace is sufficient for me in EVERY situation. I need not live in fear of making mistakes. I will make mistakes, but God's grace is enough for me. Even if people do not give me grace and forgiveness, God's strength will be made perfect in my weakness and imperfection.
I am learning to stand against fear and anxiety. They have no power over me! I am being trained and strengthened in God's perfect and all-sufficient grace!
Today, I said to God, "I need Your truth and I need a breakthrough once and for all!" God responded immediately, speaking to me about grace.
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God knows I'm imperfect. He sent Jesus as His gift of grace to save me! His grace is sufficient for me in EVERY situation. I need not live in fear of making mistakes. I will make mistakes, but God's grace is enough for me. Even if people do not give me grace and forgiveness, God's strength will be made perfect in my weakness and imperfection.
I am learning to stand against fear and anxiety. They have no power over me! I am being trained and strengthened in God's perfect and all-sufficient grace!
Sunday, November 13, 2016
strength
I've been feeling everything but strong lately. And the funny thing is that people think I am a strong person. As I ran yesterday, I said to God, "I'm so tired and anxious. Would you please just speak to me?" And He did, of course.
God said, "You can do everything through Christ who gives you strength." (Philippians 4:13)
God said, "You are clothed with strength and dignity, and you can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)
God said, "Lift up your eyes to the hills - where does your help come from? Your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
There was the truth my heart needed. Once again, the enemy used my feelings against me, and I fell for his deception until I sought the Truth.
This morning, my pastor preached on Ephesians 6:10 which says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."
I do live and love with my whole heart 24/7. And it is exhausting to live that way sometimes, but God has called me and created me to live and love 100%. I can't live this life on my own; it's up to me to choose to be strong in HIM. Today, I choose to do everything through Christ who gives me strength. I choose to wear strength and dignity, and to laugh at the days to come. I choose to lift my eyes to the hills and receive help from the Maker of heaven and earth. I choose to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Maybe the strength that people see in me isn't really just me. I hope it is the strength of Jesus in me!
God said, "You can do everything through Christ who gives you strength." (Philippians 4:13)
God said, "You are clothed with strength and dignity, and you can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)
God said, "Lift up your eyes to the hills - where does your help come from? Your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
There was the truth my heart needed. Once again, the enemy used my feelings against me, and I fell for his deception until I sought the Truth.
This morning, my pastor preached on Ephesians 6:10 which says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."
I do live and love with my whole heart 24/7. And it is exhausting to live that way sometimes, but God has called me and created me to live and love 100%. I can't live this life on my own; it's up to me to choose to be strong in HIM. Today, I choose to do everything through Christ who gives me strength. I choose to wear strength and dignity, and to laugh at the days to come. I choose to lift my eyes to the hills and receive help from the Maker of heaven and earth. I choose to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Maybe the strength that people see in me isn't really just me. I hope it is the strength of Jesus in me!
Sunday, October 16, 2016
be a leaf
I am captivated by the colors of autumn leaves. I could spend hours looking up from underneath trees decorated in red, orange, and gold with the amazing Colorado blue sky peeking through the leaves. If I was an artist, every painting would be an attempt to capture the vibrant colors. (I do take a ridiculous number of leaf pictures!) But, I am a biologist and a Jesus-girl (Thank you Lysa Terkeurst for that term!) and an amateur writer...the perfect trifecta for what you are about to read! :)
During spring and summer, deciduous leaves are green with the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the dominant and very necessary pigment in plants that allows them to store the energy of sunlight in carbohydrates so that we animals can use the energy. When the hours of darkness began to increase in the fall, chlorophyll degrades, allowing the other pigments present to shine forth. Those pigments are already there, but they are hidden by the chlorophyll. Quick biology lesson there...now the Jesus-girl speaks.
We humans can be like leaves. The chlorophyll represents our sinful human nature. If we let it, our human nature will hide the Jesus in us. I could write pages listing my human flaws, but that is not my point. Galatians 2:20 says I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Ephesians 3:17-19 says that Christ dwells in my heart through faith and I am filled to the measure of all the fullness of God with His love. Colossians 1:27 says that Christ in me is the hope of glory.
I will allow Jesus to break down the "chlorophyll" in me so that He shows through. I want more of the vibrant colors of Jesus (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to shine in my life. I want my actions and my words and my life to display the love of Jesus through the fabric of Dawn that God carefully and intentionally wove. I want to be an autumn leaf!
During spring and summer, deciduous leaves are green with the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the dominant and very necessary pigment in plants that allows them to store the energy of sunlight in carbohydrates so that we animals can use the energy. When the hours of darkness began to increase in the fall, chlorophyll degrades, allowing the other pigments present to shine forth. Those pigments are already there, but they are hidden by the chlorophyll. Quick biology lesson there...now the Jesus-girl speaks.
We humans can be like leaves. The chlorophyll represents our sinful human nature. If we let it, our human nature will hide the Jesus in us. I could write pages listing my human flaws, but that is not my point. Galatians 2:20 says I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Ephesians 3:17-19 says that Christ dwells in my heart through faith and I am filled to the measure of all the fullness of God with His love. Colossians 1:27 says that Christ in me is the hope of glory.
I will allow Jesus to break down the "chlorophyll" in me so that He shows through. I want more of the vibrant colors of Jesus (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to shine in my life. I want my actions and my words and my life to display the love of Jesus through the fabric of Dawn that God carefully and intentionally wove. I want to be an autumn leaf!
Sunday, September 18, 2016
broken but beautiful
Friday found me at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. It is a glorious beach and I thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down its length scrutinizing the sand and searching for treasures. I picked up a piece of shell whose colors caught my eye. Varying shades of yellow and gold striped across a shell worn smooth by waves and sand. When I saw that it was a broken piece of shell, I dropped it back to the beach. And then God spoke to my heart, "broken but beautiful". That's me. That's you. That's every one of us. The hardships and hurts of life break us down. They leave us with sharp edges that can do their own wounding. They make us fragments of the people that God created us to be.
God will lovingly smooth our sharp edges if we will allow His grace and love and mercy to work in us. Where the world sees failure and faults and imperfections, God sees possibility. He sees an opportunity to be strong in our weaknesses. God sees a chance to make us beautiful in spite of our brokenness.
That shell, an amazing work of art, now sits on my dresser as a daily reminder to me that God sees my brokenness, but He calls me beautiful.
God will lovingly smooth our sharp edges if we will allow His grace and love and mercy to work in us. Where the world sees failure and faults and imperfections, God sees possibility. He sees an opportunity to be strong in our weaknesses. God sees a chance to make us beautiful in spite of our brokenness.
That shell, an amazing work of art, now sits on my dresser as a daily reminder to me that God sees my brokenness, but He calls me beautiful.
oceans of love, waves of blessing
God always speaks to me when I am near the ocean. Or, maybe I listen better. No distractions...just God, and me, and the crashing waves. I've been in both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans in the past 3 months, and both times God has used the ocean to speak to me.
As I traveled across the Pacific Ocean in June, God asked me, "Can you see the edge of the ocean to the north, or south, or east, or west? Can you see to the bottom?" Of course, my answer was no. That's one of the things I love about the ocean...it's enormity and grandeur. God spoke to my heart, "That is how big my love is for you. You cannot see or comprehend its width or breadth or depth." I'm going to spend the rest of my life experiencing that love beyond anything I can imagine!
Two days ago, I stood in the Atlantic Ocean and watched as wave after wave came in over my feet and my legs. God reminded me of His great love for His children. And then God spoke to my heart, "My love and blessings will continually wash over you like the waves of the ocean, if you will stand in Me." The waves of the ocean never cease; they come in to the shore one after another. Depositing unexpected treasures on the sand. Washing away the footprints of the past and leaving a blank slate.
That is God's grace and His love and His mercy. Wiping away the past and giving us new opportunities. Bringing every good and perfect gift as an unexpected blessing at the exact time we need it. I'm choosing to stand there...in God's ocean of love and waves of blessing.
As I traveled across the Pacific Ocean in June, God asked me, "Can you see the edge of the ocean to the north, or south, or east, or west? Can you see to the bottom?" Of course, my answer was no. That's one of the things I love about the ocean...it's enormity and grandeur. God spoke to my heart, "That is how big my love is for you. You cannot see or comprehend its width or breadth or depth." I'm going to spend the rest of my life experiencing that love beyond anything I can imagine!
Two days ago, I stood in the Atlantic Ocean and watched as wave after wave came in over my feet and my legs. God reminded me of His great love for His children. And then God spoke to my heart, "My love and blessings will continually wash over you like the waves of the ocean, if you will stand in Me." The waves of the ocean never cease; they come in to the shore one after another. Depositing unexpected treasures on the sand. Washing away the footprints of the past and leaving a blank slate.
That is God's grace and His love and His mercy. Wiping away the past and giving us new opportunities. Bringing every good and perfect gift as an unexpected blessing at the exact time we need it. I'm choosing to stand there...in God's ocean of love and waves of blessing.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Jesus Christ has set me free
I will rise from waters deep, into the saving arms of God.
I will sing salvation songs, Jesus Christ has set me free!
-What the Lord Has Done in Me, Hillsong Worship
I've started 2 blog posts in the last month that never made it to publishing. Even though revelations from God were so meaningful to me, I was stopped in my writing tracks by the fear that my words would be meaningless to anyone else. Held hostage. The blessing that should have kept flowing from God to me to you, and anyone who happened to read my blog, was stopped short by fear.
This morning at church we sang some of my favorites...every one declaring freedom in Jesus. When we sang the last verse of What the Lord Has Done in Me, I nearly shouted, "Jesus Christ has set me free!" Free from fear, free from the need to please people, free from the darkness and deception of the enemy, free from the box of my own expectations! And of course, free from sin and death! Hallelujah!
I haven't been living like I'm free. I've been more concerned about what people think of me than what God thinks of me. I've been held in bondage by whispered deception, doubts and fears planted in my mind by the enemy of my spirit. And I've listened to them and almost believed them. But, my Father God speaks the truth to my spirit minute by minute. He chose ME, adopted ME, redeemed ME, loves ME, and blesses ME with everything I need! Not because I have proven myself worthy, but because of His grace! Again I say, hallelujah!
Look out world! I'm living like the free child of God that I am! Free to love extravagantly and to be loved! Free to speak words of love, life, and hope! Free to follow Jesus every minute of every day! Free to live enthusiastically and joyfully the life that God has created just for me! Free to be the best Dawn that I can be!
I will sing salvation songs, Jesus Christ has set me free!
-What the Lord Has Done in Me, Hillsong Worship
I've started 2 blog posts in the last month that never made it to publishing. Even though revelations from God were so meaningful to me, I was stopped in my writing tracks by the fear that my words would be meaningless to anyone else. Held hostage. The blessing that should have kept flowing from God to me to you, and anyone who happened to read my blog, was stopped short by fear.
This morning at church we sang some of my favorites...every one declaring freedom in Jesus. When we sang the last verse of What the Lord Has Done in Me, I nearly shouted, "Jesus Christ has set me free!" Free from fear, free from the need to please people, free from the darkness and deception of the enemy, free from the box of my own expectations! And of course, free from sin and death! Hallelujah!
I haven't been living like I'm free. I've been more concerned about what people think of me than what God thinks of me. I've been held in bondage by whispered deception, doubts and fears planted in my mind by the enemy of my spirit. And I've listened to them and almost believed them. But, my Father God speaks the truth to my spirit minute by minute. He chose ME, adopted ME, redeemed ME, loves ME, and blesses ME with everything I need! Not because I have proven myself worthy, but because of His grace! Again I say, hallelujah!
Look out world! I'm living like the free child of God that I am! Free to love extravagantly and to be loved! Free to speak words of love, life, and hope! Free to follow Jesus every minute of every day! Free to live enthusiastically and joyfully the life that God has created just for me! Free to be the best Dawn that I can be!
Saturday, August 27, 2016
every place where you set your foot
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:3
Back in the early 90's, I was fresh out of college, a reluctant teacher, and assistant coordinator of the children's ministry at my church. A pastor from another church came to minister at my church, and he spoke Joshua 1:3 over me in regards to my classroom.
Fast forward almost 25 years. I'm a grownup, a joyful teacher, and my "territory" has expanded. Joshua 1:3 has stayed with me all these years. I've walked the halls and classrooms of several schools; always with Joshua 1:3 in my heart. Wherever I go, Jesus goes too. Wherever I set my feet, God can use me to fulfill His purpose and reach the world.
When I run in my neighborhood, I pray. When I walk around the block that holds my school, I pray for my people...my friends/colleagues, my students, the board of directors, etc. When I walk the halls and classrooms of my school, Jesus goes there with me, and I pray. It's my mission field and the place where I set my feet.
In the last 2 or 3 years, I've taken lots of pictures of my Chaco-feet in different places. I do love my Chacos, but those pictures are much more significant. They keep record of the places that God has taken me. And of course, they are literally the places where I have set my feet. My favorite of those pictures is a recent one. Right foot in the northern hemisphere, left foot in the southern hemisphere, and the equator running between them. So symbolic to me...taking Jesus to the center of the earth.
Joshua 1:3 is woven into the fabric of my life, programmed into my DNA, and embedded deeply in my heart, but it is recorded in the Bible for all Christians. It is truth for all of us. God will give us every place where we set our feet for His purpose and His glory.
Back in the early 90's, I was fresh out of college, a reluctant teacher, and assistant coordinator of the children's ministry at my church. A pastor from another church came to minister at my church, and he spoke Joshua 1:3 over me in regards to my classroom.
Fast forward almost 25 years. I'm a grownup, a joyful teacher, and my "territory" has expanded. Joshua 1:3 has stayed with me all these years. I've walked the halls and classrooms of several schools; always with Joshua 1:3 in my heart. Wherever I go, Jesus goes too. Wherever I set my feet, God can use me to fulfill His purpose and reach the world.
When I run in my neighborhood, I pray. When I walk around the block that holds my school, I pray for my people...my friends/colleagues, my students, the board of directors, etc. When I walk the halls and classrooms of my school, Jesus goes there with me, and I pray. It's my mission field and the place where I set my feet.
In the last 2 or 3 years, I've taken lots of pictures of my Chaco-feet in different places. I do love my Chacos, but those pictures are much more significant. They keep record of the places that God has taken me. And of course, they are literally the places where I have set my feet. My favorite of those pictures is a recent one. Right foot in the northern hemisphere, left foot in the southern hemisphere, and the equator running between them. So symbolic to me...taking Jesus to the center of the earth.
Joshua 1:3 is woven into the fabric of my life, programmed into my DNA, and embedded deeply in my heart, but it is recorded in the Bible for all Christians. It is truth for all of us. God will give us every place where we set our feet for His purpose and His glory.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Isaiah 55:8-11
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:8-11
My Bible opened to these precious words that are underlined and marked with a sticky-note this morning. I was discouraged and anxious yesterday. I listened to the lies of the enemy whose purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. This morning, I am listening to my loving Father whose words bring life, and hope, and possibility into impossible situations. God does not speak empty words. He speaks words of substance and importance. He speaks words that we need to hold on to and stand on and fight for. The enemy will do everything he can to convince us to let go and give up. He whispers to me, "Did God really say...?" And suddenly, my thoughts and my feelings and the things I see around me become larger than God's thoughts and God's words and God's ways.
John 10:27 says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me." Today, I'm choosing again to listen to the voice of my Shepherd, convinced that His thoughts and His ways are higher than mine and convinced that His word will accomplish what He desires and will achieve the purpose for which He sent it!
My Bible opened to these precious words that are underlined and marked with a sticky-note this morning. I was discouraged and anxious yesterday. I listened to the lies of the enemy whose purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. This morning, I am listening to my loving Father whose words bring life, and hope, and possibility into impossible situations. God does not speak empty words. He speaks words of substance and importance. He speaks words that we need to hold on to and stand on and fight for. The enemy will do everything he can to convince us to let go and give up. He whispers to me, "Did God really say...?" And suddenly, my thoughts and my feelings and the things I see around me become larger than God's thoughts and God's words and God's ways.
John 10:27 says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me." Today, I'm choosing again to listen to the voice of my Shepherd, convinced that His thoughts and His ways are higher than mine and convinced that His word will accomplish what He desires and will achieve the purpose for which He sent it!
Monday, July 25, 2016
surrender
Surrender: a verb meaning to yield (something) to the possession or power of another.
This is just one definition of surrender, but it's the one I want to focus on. All summer, God has been asking me to surrender specific things to Him. Two out of the last three blogs that I've written have had to do with trust and surrender. God is working in my heart and my mind to train me to trust Him, instead of struggling and stressing to control situations. It's been an opportunity for me to live some of my favorite Bible verses. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Let me give you an example. MY plan for the summer was to do miles of early morning running and train for a September half marathon. The week after I returned from Ecuador and Galapagos, I was out the door at 4:30 in the morning for an hour of running each day. By Friday, my heel hurt so badly that I hobbled the last mile of my "run". I was hoping for a quick fix. I iced and stayed off my foot as much as possible to no avail. I knew it wasn't really my foot causing problems, and I remembered that I had severely bruised my calf in Galapagos. That would do it...the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is connected to the Achilles' tendon which is connected to the calcaneus bone (heel). My friend, Mara, has been using Rossiter to help loosen up my calf and tendons and I thought that was going to be the quick fix I was looking for. I'm still on the road to recovery a month later, but definitely seeing improvement each day. I'm hoping to start running again soon, but there is no way that I'm going to be ready for 13.1 miles in September.
Somewhere in this past month, I had a choice to make. 1) I could fret and mope and complain that life isn't fair because I'm losing my summer of awesome running. Or 2) I could surrender the whole thing to God and trust that He is working in this crazy situation for my good. Door #1 would have lead to a miserable summer. A bad attitude would have affected every part of my life. But, Door #2 has given me so much to be grateful for. I'm learning to trust God deeply and quickly surrender everything to Him. I have time to talk with Mara while she is "torturing" me. I'm already grateful for the time when I will once again walk and run without pain! The summer has been restful and fun. And the gratitude list continues.
This same choice has presented itself to me in a myriad of other situations this summer. Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen worry and anxiety. In those times, the Holy Spirit whispered, "trust" and "surrender" and "give it to Jesus". I had the opportunity to choose again. And the next time I chose wisely. God can only give me His peace that passes understanding when I surrender to Him. God can only work in all things for my good if I will surrender ALL THINGS to Him. I can only live a life of gratitude and joy and peace when I surrender everything to God. When I surrender to Him, He gives His best back to me!
This is just one definition of surrender, but it's the one I want to focus on. All summer, God has been asking me to surrender specific things to Him. Two out of the last three blogs that I've written have had to do with trust and surrender. God is working in my heart and my mind to train me to trust Him, instead of struggling and stressing to control situations. It's been an opportunity for me to live some of my favorite Bible verses. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Let me give you an example. MY plan for the summer was to do miles of early morning running and train for a September half marathon. The week after I returned from Ecuador and Galapagos, I was out the door at 4:30 in the morning for an hour of running each day. By Friday, my heel hurt so badly that I hobbled the last mile of my "run". I was hoping for a quick fix. I iced and stayed off my foot as much as possible to no avail. I knew it wasn't really my foot causing problems, and I remembered that I had severely bruised my calf in Galapagos. That would do it...the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is connected to the Achilles' tendon which is connected to the calcaneus bone (heel). My friend, Mara, has been using Rossiter to help loosen up my calf and tendons and I thought that was going to be the quick fix I was looking for. I'm still on the road to recovery a month later, but definitely seeing improvement each day. I'm hoping to start running again soon, but there is no way that I'm going to be ready for 13.1 miles in September.
Somewhere in this past month, I had a choice to make. 1) I could fret and mope and complain that life isn't fair because I'm losing my summer of awesome running. Or 2) I could surrender the whole thing to God and trust that He is working in this crazy situation for my good. Door #1 would have lead to a miserable summer. A bad attitude would have affected every part of my life. But, Door #2 has given me so much to be grateful for. I'm learning to trust God deeply and quickly surrender everything to Him. I have time to talk with Mara while she is "torturing" me. I'm already grateful for the time when I will once again walk and run without pain! The summer has been restful and fun. And the gratitude list continues.
This same choice has presented itself to me in a myriad of other situations this summer. Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen worry and anxiety. In those times, the Holy Spirit whispered, "trust" and "surrender" and "give it to Jesus". I had the opportunity to choose again. And the next time I chose wisely. God can only give me His peace that passes understanding when I surrender to Him. God can only work in all things for my good if I will surrender ALL THINGS to Him. I can only live a life of gratitude and joy and peace when I surrender everything to God. When I surrender to Him, He gives His best back to me!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
truth, facts, and feelings
What is the truth? I often ask myself this question. My perception of facts and feelings is not always accurate, especially when it's about me. As a scientist, I am trained to observe and record facts and data and to believe that they are true. In reality, some "facts" aren't truth. The numbers that display when I stand on the scale are facts, but they aren't the truth about me...they don't make me more or less valuable. It's taken nearly 47 years, but I am finally starting to recognize when facts and feelings are are lying to me.
A friend said to me recently, "When I'm with people I don't know, I assume that they aren't going to like me." Something clicked in my brain at that moment. I feel the same way. And suddenly I realized that this feeling is not truth for me any more than it is for my friend. Both of us are surrounded by family and friends who love us, but we fall for the lies that the devil whispers to us trying to shut us down. If we shut down, we don't fulfill God's purpose and plan, and the enemy wins.
Last spring I wrote in my journal, "My feelings are NOT truth. They are real, but they are heavily influenced by my perception of the world and the people around me. The enemy uses deception to muddy my perception and influence my feelings about myself. It has become a matter of life and death for me to fill myself with God's truth - the only truth! Everything else is just details!"
My feelings often lie to me. "You are an inconvenience. You are more trouble than you are worth. You are in the way." I used to listen to the lies and even worse, believe them. But, now I know the truth! God's truth! He says I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) He says He loves me so much that He sent His Only Son to die on a cross so that He could have relationship with me! (John 3:16) He says I have a purpose and He has good plans for me! (Jeremiah 29:11)
The Bible is filled with God's truth about me. The only way to keep facts and feelings in perspective is to fill my heart and my mind with THE TRUTH. It's still a battle for me. I still have to choose every day to fill myself up with God's truth and live in it. I must choose to believe the truth and deny power to false facts and feelings. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." I must choose to let my brain think on things that are true...and not on the lies, no matter how real they seem.
God's truth is the same for each of us. He made us in His image! He loves us! He has good plans for us! He gives us good gifts! I choose God's truth and I pray that you will too!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
trust THE Guide
I recently returned from a 9 day trip to Ecuador and Galapagos with a group of students and adults from my school. It was an amazing trip with all travel arrangements made by EF Tours...a company specializing in educational, student tours. We spent quite a bit of time traveling in boats from island to island in the Galapagos archipelago. I realized when I returned home and had time to process all that I had seen and done, that I never questioned the ability of the boat captains to transport us safely from one island to another in 2 hours. I never questioned whether they knew where we were supposed to end up or how to get there. As long as our EF guide, Juan Carlos, was with us, I simply trusted that we were safe and in the right place at the right time. What could have been a terrifying situation for someone who finds security in knowing the details of how and when things are going to happen (that's me, by the way), turned into an amazing adventure. The magnitude of unknowns on this trip might have maxed out my anxiety-meter, but I made a decision as we flew out of DIA.
I chose to trust God in ALL things. Leaving Joe and Christopher for the first time. Being forced to check my carry on bag from Denver all the way to Quito. Speaking minimal Spanish. Sharing a room with someone whom I had only met once before. Traveling by bus and boat and airplane. There were so many more situations that could have lead to stress and anxiety, but I realized early on that I needed to let go. I obviously had no control over anything that happened. Numerous times each day, I would quietly pray, "God, I trust you with..."
And now, I am home. Safe and secure. But, I developed the most amazing habit while traveling. Whenever I feel anxious about something, I simply whisper, "God, I trust you with..." It isn't always easy, but I remind myself that if I can trust Juan Carlos, I surely can trust God! After all, God made me, and loves me, and knows me better than anyone else. He sees from the beginning to the end of time and His plans for me are only for good! I will continue to trust THE Guide, my Guide, because I know that a great adventure awaits me if I follow after Him!
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
tie-dye and surrender and trust
We tie-dyed shirts on Sunday. It has been years since the last time I did it, and I had forgotten how unpredictable the end result can be. After folding, rubber banding, and applying the dye, I was convinced that I had successfully created the ugliest tie-dye shirt ever made! There wasn't anything I could do about it, so I walked away and waited. The next evening, I rinsed and unfolded our shirts, and to my amazement, they were beautiful! Each one unique, colorful, and gorgeous!
The shirts reminded me of God-lessons in surrender and trust. When situations that seem hopeless and beyond repair are placed in the hands of our loving Father, He can redeem them. He can work in ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28 one of my very favorite truths!) I've seen God do it over and over in my life when I finally surrender and trust Him to work as only He can.
The surrendering is the hard part for me. What if God's best for me isn't my plan for me? What if God's plan requires letting go and walking away? Does God really know and want what is best for me? Hard questions. Questions that I have wrestled with so many times.
Whenever doubt gets in the way of surrender, I have to return to the truth of God's Word. I open my Bible and find verse after verse that tells me how much God loves me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." He has plans for me, good plans! Plans beyond anything I can think or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20) How can I question the great love my Good Shepherd? Psalm 23 says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." He knows what I need, and He knows the desires of my heart, and He knows what is best for me.
It all comes down to trust. Trusting an omniscient, omnipotent God who loves me and has plans to give me hope and a future. Trusting God to take the lumps of coal in my life and turn them into dazzling diamonds. Choosing each day, sometimes minute by minute, to surrender it all to my Father and to trust Him to make something beautiful!
The shirts reminded me of God-lessons in surrender and trust. When situations that seem hopeless and beyond repair are placed in the hands of our loving Father, He can redeem them. He can work in ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28 one of my very favorite truths!) I've seen God do it over and over in my life when I finally surrender and trust Him to work as only He can.
The surrendering is the hard part for me. What if God's best for me isn't my plan for me? What if God's plan requires letting go and walking away? Does God really know and want what is best for me? Hard questions. Questions that I have wrestled with so many times.
Whenever doubt gets in the way of surrender, I have to return to the truth of God's Word. I open my Bible and find verse after verse that tells me how much God loves me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." He has plans for me, good plans! Plans beyond anything I can think or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20) How can I question the great love my Good Shepherd? Psalm 23 says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." He knows what I need, and He knows the desires of my heart, and He knows what is best for me.
It all comes down to trust. Trusting an omniscient, omnipotent God who loves me and has plans to give me hope and a future. Trusting God to take the lumps of coal in my life and turn them into dazzling diamonds. Choosing each day, sometimes minute by minute, to surrender it all to my Father and to trust Him to make something beautiful!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
in search of incredible
That is the slogan of Asus computers. Every time I turn on my laptop, I see...in search of incredible. It should be the slogan of my life. I feel like I've spent my whole life in search of incredible. Have you ever looked for something that's in plain sight and missed it? That's what I've done in my quest for the incredible. It's been there all along, but I haven't seen it, because my perspective is off. Allow me to explain.
I've always wanted to do something that would make people say, "Wow! Incredible!" I have my own list of things that might count, and maybe I will actually accomplish a few of them someday. Until then, I still live an incredible life! I'm learning to look at myself and my life from God's perspective, not from my own perspective or even what I think might be the perspective of other people.
God sees me and my life in the context of eternity. Not in the context of what people think of me. Not in the context of the amazing things other people do and post on Facebook. Not in the context of my resume or my list of accomplishments. I am so grateful that God doesn't see me the way I see me, in my human context. God sees me in His context, living the life He has planned for me.
God sees me loving and worshiping Him. God sees me being obedient to Him, even when no one else knows. God sees me taking His love wherever I go and sharing it with the people in my life. God hears me quietly praying throughout the day. None of that seems particularly incredible from my human perspective, but the Bible says that God sees me (and you) as incredible! See Psalm 139:13-14 if you don't believe it. In fact, the entire Bible is filled with the truth about how God sees us. From His perspective, we are INCREDIBLE! We need to stop searching for the incredible, and start seeking our incredible and loving Father God!
I've always wanted to do something that would make people say, "Wow! Incredible!" I have my own list of things that might count, and maybe I will actually accomplish a few of them someday. Until then, I still live an incredible life! I'm learning to look at myself and my life from God's perspective, not from my own perspective or even what I think might be the perspective of other people.
God sees me and my life in the context of eternity. Not in the context of what people think of me. Not in the context of the amazing things other people do and post on Facebook. Not in the context of my resume or my list of accomplishments. I am so grateful that God doesn't see me the way I see me, in my human context. God sees me in His context, living the life He has planned for me.
God sees me loving and worshiping Him. God sees me being obedient to Him, even when no one else knows. God sees me taking His love wherever I go and sharing it with the people in my life. God hears me quietly praying throughout the day. None of that seems particularly incredible from my human perspective, but the Bible says that God sees me (and you) as incredible! See Psalm 139:13-14 if you don't believe it. In fact, the entire Bible is filled with the truth about how God sees us. From His perspective, we are INCREDIBLE! We need to stop searching for the incredible, and start seeking our incredible and loving Father God!
Saturday, April 9, 2016
push beyond
When I hit 3.1 miles on my run today, I had a choice to make. I could head for home (just a few blocks away) or I could take a detour and go a bit further. I was tired and ready to head home, but a voice inside me said, "push beyond what you think you can do!" So I did, and I actually ran past my house and then back so that I could get 4.1 miles in. :)
In that last mile, God and I were talking about what it means to push beyond. I know what I am capable of in my own strength physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I am the one who puts limits on what I do because I forget that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me! (Romans 8:11) And I forget that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I limit myself in my relationships when I say, "I just can't give anymore." I limit myself in my job when I say, "I'm just not smart enough." I limit myself in my relationship with God when I say, "There just isn't enough time for me to sit and pray." I limit myself in ministry and the things God has called me to do when I say, "What if people think I'm crazy, or don't understand, or don't accept me?" And those are just a few examples of the places that I restrict what God can do in and through me.
This afternoon, I read Hebrews 11-the faith hall of fame. I would venture to guess that all of those heroes of the faith had their doubts about whether they could do what God had called them to do. The Bible is filled with examples of people who argued with God when He spoke to them. Jonah tried to run away. Some even denied and hid from their callings. In the end, though, each one of them was obedient and fulfilled God's purposes.
Hebrews 12:1-3 follows the faith hall of fame saying: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I'm convicted. Everything that hinders includes my doubts and fears and the limitations that I've set for myself. I need to put it all aside and run with perseverance the race that God has marked out for me. It looks hard and tiring and painful, but that's why the very next sentence of Hebrews 12 says, "let us fix our eyes on Jesus." When my eyes are fixed on Jesus, nothing else matters. Only Jesus. And verse 3 promises that if I fix my eyes on Jesus, I will not grow weary and lose heart. Such an incredible and amazing promise!
Today, I choose to push beyond what I think I am capable of doing, because Jesus is in me! I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus and to do what He has called me to do. I believe that the Lord will guide me always; He will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen my frame. I will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11) I will not grow weary and lose heart! I will push beyond!
In that last mile, God and I were talking about what it means to push beyond. I know what I am capable of in my own strength physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I am the one who puts limits on what I do because I forget that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me! (Romans 8:11) And I forget that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I limit myself in my relationships when I say, "I just can't give anymore." I limit myself in my job when I say, "I'm just not smart enough." I limit myself in my relationship with God when I say, "There just isn't enough time for me to sit and pray." I limit myself in ministry and the things God has called me to do when I say, "What if people think I'm crazy, or don't understand, or don't accept me?" And those are just a few examples of the places that I restrict what God can do in and through me.
This afternoon, I read Hebrews 11-the faith hall of fame. I would venture to guess that all of those heroes of the faith had their doubts about whether they could do what God had called them to do. The Bible is filled with examples of people who argued with God when He spoke to them. Jonah tried to run away. Some even denied and hid from their callings. In the end, though, each one of them was obedient and fulfilled God's purposes.
Hebrews 12:1-3 follows the faith hall of fame saying: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I'm convicted. Everything that hinders includes my doubts and fears and the limitations that I've set for myself. I need to put it all aside and run with perseverance the race that God has marked out for me. It looks hard and tiring and painful, but that's why the very next sentence of Hebrews 12 says, "let us fix our eyes on Jesus." When my eyes are fixed on Jesus, nothing else matters. Only Jesus. And verse 3 promises that if I fix my eyes on Jesus, I will not grow weary and lose heart. Such an incredible and amazing promise!
Today, I choose to push beyond what I think I am capable of doing, because Jesus is in me! I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus and to do what He has called me to do. I believe that the Lord will guide me always; He will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen my frame. I will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11) I will not grow weary and lose heart! I will push beyond!
Friday, March 25, 2016
Resurrection...temporary battle, eternal victory
This year more than any other, I've been meditating on Holy Week. Studying and thinking about all that Jesus lived through before the crucifixion. I know it by heart, but I've never wanted to dwell there. Never wanted to think deeply about the pain and the suffering willingly felt out of love for me. The devil wanted to steal, kill, and destroy. That's been his tactic from the beginning of time. This last week of Jesus' life on earth was Satan's final, furious attempt to stop God's amazing plan for us. The devil aimed at all of Jesus' weak human spots. Betrayal by people with whom He loved and lived. Mockery of His identity and calling. Physical torture. Crucifixion...the most painful way to die. Separation from God, His Father. Emotional, physical, and spiritual attacks were launched against Jesus.
Jesus knew what was coming. He prayed and sweat drops of blood on the Mount of Olives as He prepared with Father God for the days ahead. He submitted. He was obedient. He set His face toward eternal victory, knowing that the battle and the wounds were temporary.
The same is true for us who are Christians. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) The devil's tactics have not changed. He is still trying to steal, kill, and destroy. He lies to us saying that the battle will go on forever and that we will lose. He is the father of lies...and the exact opposite is the truth. The battle is temporary and the victory is eternal! Jesus won the victory at the cross. The victory is His. The victory is ours when we have Jesus in our hearts. The victory was for then, and for now, and for all time.
We will struggle and battle in the human life, but Jesus made a way for us to stand, confident in the victory that is already ours. He gave us armor and weapons to use as we stand our ground with our eyes on the eternal victory. (See Ephesians 6.) Our battles are momentary! The victory is assured! Jesus wins forever!
Jesus knew what was coming. He prayed and sweat drops of blood on the Mount of Olives as He prepared with Father God for the days ahead. He submitted. He was obedient. He set His face toward eternal victory, knowing that the battle and the wounds were temporary.
The same is true for us who are Christians. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) The devil's tactics have not changed. He is still trying to steal, kill, and destroy. He lies to us saying that the battle will go on forever and that we will lose. He is the father of lies...and the exact opposite is the truth. The battle is temporary and the victory is eternal! Jesus won the victory at the cross. The victory is His. The victory is ours when we have Jesus in our hearts. The victory was for then, and for now, and for all time.
We will struggle and battle in the human life, but Jesus made a way for us to stand, confident in the victory that is already ours. He gave us armor and weapons to use as we stand our ground with our eyes on the eternal victory. (See Ephesians 6.) Our battles are momentary! The victory is assured! Jesus wins forever!
Friday, March 18, 2016
just ask
I had lunch with a friend this week and we were talking about a hard time that she had been through. The words she said really made me think, "You were the only person who noticed that my sparkle was gone." I find that hard to believe, but it is possible that I was the only person who said anything to her about my observations.
The conversation stuck with me and spurred another conversation with a different friend. She is a deep relationship person like I am and we speculated about reasons that I was the only person who said something. Not everyone sees, not everyone wants to know, not everyone wants deep connection. There is nothing wrong with that, but I'm not wired that way. I am always going to ask if things are ok when I see and hear things that lead me to believe otherwise.
We are living in a world filled with darkness and deception. Every single one of us has had times when the darkness overwhelms our sparkle and it dims. We all need people in our lives who will notice and ask. I am very intentional about having those kinds of people in my life. Those of us with Jesus in our hearts need to take His light and shine it in the dark places and share Him with those who have lost their sparkle. There is our true calling.
We have nothing to lose by just asking. It could save a friend's life for eternity.
The conversation stuck with me and spurred another conversation with a different friend. She is a deep relationship person like I am and we speculated about reasons that I was the only person who said something. Not everyone sees, not everyone wants to know, not everyone wants deep connection. There is nothing wrong with that, but I'm not wired that way. I am always going to ask if things are ok when I see and hear things that lead me to believe otherwise.
We are living in a world filled with darkness and deception. Every single one of us has had times when the darkness overwhelms our sparkle and it dims. We all need people in our lives who will notice and ask. I am very intentional about having those kinds of people in my life. Those of us with Jesus in our hearts need to take His light and shine it in the dark places and share Him with those who have lost their sparkle. There is our true calling.
We have nothing to lose by just asking. It could save a friend's life for eternity.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
abundant life...celebrating 5 years
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
On April 4, 2011, my life changed. I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. Four days later, I had surgery to remove the tumor and part of my colon. April 8 became "survivor day" and began the journey that would be the next 5 years of my life and beyond. There have been many lessons learned in the last 5 years. Some of them are documented in this blog, and that is why I started writing, to record the lessons I learned from cancer. Some of them are too personal to even be written in my journal and they are carried in my heart. At any rate, in classic Dawn style, as I prepare to celebrate 5 years without cancer, I am looking back so that I can move forward to live an abundant life!
The devil's goal has always been to steal from me, kill me, and destroy me. He tried with cancer. He tried again three years later to convince me that my life was purposeless and full of failure. He tried to paralyze me with fear. Over and over he has tried to shut me down so that I cannot fulfill God's plan for me. But, God and I win! God wins every time!
I could fill books with the things that God has taught me in the last 5 years and someday maybe I will. For now, I will write here about the strength that has come from the struggles. Gratitude has been woven into the fabric of my life. I know that my life has value and purpose simply because God loves me. I've learned to dig into the Bible for the truth that exposes the lies of the enemy. My relationship with God is 24/7 because my life depends on Him! I am fully convinced that Jesus loves me and I can share that love with the people around me. My life here on Earth is temporary and I can fix my eyes on things that are eternal. Meanwhile, I will continue to be obedient to my Father God. I will fulfill His purpose for me. I will live an abundant life!
On April 4, 2011, my life changed. I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. Four days later, I had surgery to remove the tumor and part of my colon. April 8 became "survivor day" and began the journey that would be the next 5 years of my life and beyond. There have been many lessons learned in the last 5 years. Some of them are documented in this blog, and that is why I started writing, to record the lessons I learned from cancer. Some of them are too personal to even be written in my journal and they are carried in my heart. At any rate, in classic Dawn style, as I prepare to celebrate 5 years without cancer, I am looking back so that I can move forward to live an abundant life!
The devil's goal has always been to steal from me, kill me, and destroy me. He tried with cancer. He tried again three years later to convince me that my life was purposeless and full of failure. He tried to paralyze me with fear. Over and over he has tried to shut me down so that I cannot fulfill God's plan for me. But, God and I win! God wins every time!
I could fill books with the things that God has taught me in the last 5 years and someday maybe I will. For now, I will write here about the strength that has come from the struggles. Gratitude has been woven into the fabric of my life. I know that my life has value and purpose simply because God loves me. I've learned to dig into the Bible for the truth that exposes the lies of the enemy. My relationship with God is 24/7 because my life depends on Him! I am fully convinced that Jesus loves me and I can share that love with the people around me. My life here on Earth is temporary and I can fix my eyes on things that are eternal. Meanwhile, I will continue to be obedient to my Father God. I will fulfill His purpose for me. I will live an abundant life!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
grace
[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:8-9
If my physical body showed the marks of me beating myself up, I would be battered and bruised. It happened today. As I drove home this afternoon, the Spirit of God whispered to my heart...grace. I am going to mess up in this life. I am human and imperfect. God knows that better than anyone. But, He made a way. He offered me salvation, a free gift of grace. I only had to accept it and receive it. There is no way for me to earn salvation and there is no way for me to earn God's grace. God gives grace freely and abundantly, but I can refuse it and beat myself up. Or, I can receive the grace of God and have faith that He can and will work in all things for my good. Even when I mess up. He is a God of grace!
If my physical body showed the marks of me beating myself up, I would be battered and bruised. It happened today. As I drove home this afternoon, the Spirit of God whispered to my heart...grace. I am going to mess up in this life. I am human and imperfect. God knows that better than anyone. But, He made a way. He offered me salvation, a free gift of grace. I only had to accept it and receive it. There is no way for me to earn salvation and there is no way for me to earn God's grace. God gives grace freely and abundantly, but I can refuse it and beat myself up. Or, I can receive the grace of God and have faith that He can and will work in all things for my good. Even when I mess up. He is a God of grace!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
rebel
It all started with a daith piercing. I got it pierced a week ago after seeing stories about how it has helped some people suffering from migraines and headaches. (No headaches for me since I did it!) Getting a daith piercing awakened what I call my "rebellious side". Rebel is the last word that anyone, including me, would use to describe me. I like the security of my routines. I don't mind being predictable. I am a rule follower and a people-pleaser. I've always been a "nice girl" who does the right thing. Piercing or not, I'm still Dawn. I will continue to stick to my routines and be predictable. I will always choose to act with integrity and responsibility.
However, the word rebel has been bouncing around in my head for the last week. I asked God why I couldn't let go of it. He responded, "Jesus was a rebel." I never thought about that. Jesus did what His Father told Him to do. It didn't matter to Jesus what people thought of Him. He was obedient to God. The Bible talks over and over about the Pharisees being disgruntled with Him...eventually so much that they killed Him. Jesus was a rebel in the world, but He was obedient to His Father in heaven.
That's the kind of rebel I want to be. I want to be a Christian who is obedient to her Heavenly Father so that He can use me to change the world...or at least my little part of it...even if people don't understand me. I want to do things that are unexpected...loving unconditionally (the way God loves me), stopping in the middle of my routine to pray or encourage or hug someone, listening with undivided attention, acting and speaking with kindness, serving others and putting their needs before mine.
I want so desperately to be more like Jesus and I am grateful that God is doing a good work in me! I want to bring His light and His love to a dark and hurting world. I guess there is a rebel inside me!
However, the word rebel has been bouncing around in my head for the last week. I asked God why I couldn't let go of it. He responded, "Jesus was a rebel." I never thought about that. Jesus did what His Father told Him to do. It didn't matter to Jesus what people thought of Him. He was obedient to God. The Bible talks over and over about the Pharisees being disgruntled with Him...eventually so much that they killed Him. Jesus was a rebel in the world, but He was obedient to His Father in heaven.
That's the kind of rebel I want to be. I want to be a Christian who is obedient to her Heavenly Father so that He can use me to change the world...or at least my little part of it...even if people don't understand me. I want to do things that are unexpected...loving unconditionally (the way God loves me), stopping in the middle of my routine to pray or encourage or hug someone, listening with undivided attention, acting and speaking with kindness, serving others and putting their needs before mine.
I want so desperately to be more like Jesus and I am grateful that God is doing a good work in me! I want to bring His light and His love to a dark and hurting world. I guess there is a rebel inside me!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
every good and perfect gift is from above
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
I was awake before anyone else in my house this morning. Rare and precious moments of solitude were mine. I poured a cup of coffee and settled into my favorite chair with my fuzzy blanket. My heart content, my mind quiet, my spirit seeking God. My heart heard a quiet whisper, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Truth.
God only gives good and perfect gifts! He does not bring hardship, pain, suffering, disease, injury, loss, or any other yucky thing into our lives. None of those things are a part of Him and He can't give what He doesn't have! The devil is the one whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. He tries over and over again to separate us from God, trying to convince us that God is the one hurting us. IMPOSSIBLE!
The Bible says God is love, and not just love, but perfect love! God is a good, good Father! (Thanks, Chris Tomlin, for an amazing song!) The Apostle Paul wrote, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19) God will meet ALL of our needs...that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, financial. God has EVERYTHING we need! And He willingly gives good and perfect gifts to us.
So often, I waste my time and energy trying to figure out how to get what I think I need. God already knows which of His good and perfect gifts will fill my need, and He lovingly gives them when I am willing and ready to receive from Him instead of looking for my own ways to meet my needs. I make it so complicated. God's way is simple and Philippians 4:6 tells me exactly what to do. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Simple truth!
Every good and perfect gift is from above! I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2)
I was awake before anyone else in my house this morning. Rare and precious moments of solitude were mine. I poured a cup of coffee and settled into my favorite chair with my fuzzy blanket. My heart content, my mind quiet, my spirit seeking God. My heart heard a quiet whisper, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Truth.
God only gives good and perfect gifts! He does not bring hardship, pain, suffering, disease, injury, loss, or any other yucky thing into our lives. None of those things are a part of Him and He can't give what He doesn't have! The devil is the one whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. He tries over and over again to separate us from God, trying to convince us that God is the one hurting us. IMPOSSIBLE!
The Bible says God is love, and not just love, but perfect love! God is a good, good Father! (Thanks, Chris Tomlin, for an amazing song!) The Apostle Paul wrote, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19) God will meet ALL of our needs...that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, financial. God has EVERYTHING we need! And He willingly gives good and perfect gifts to us.
So often, I waste my time and energy trying to figure out how to get what I think I need. God already knows which of His good and perfect gifts will fill my need, and He lovingly gives them when I am willing and ready to receive from Him instead of looking for my own ways to meet my needs. I make it so complicated. God's way is simple and Philippians 4:6 tells me exactly what to do. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Simple truth!
Every good and perfect gift is from above! I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2)
Saturday, February 13, 2016
the truth about me
I heard myself say, "I'm not smart enough" this week. And not just once...several times on at least 2 different days. And then I ignored the red lights and alarms that went off in my head in response...my built in lie detector. Spoken words are so powerful for me, but when they come out of my own mouth they pack even more punch. They go straight from my ears to my brain and then lodge deeply in my heart. And before I know it, the lies that I speak about myself have become "truth".
Truth is a difficult concept for me to grasp about myself. It isn't necessarily about numbers or measurable quantities. It definitely is not about my feelings or my perceptions. Truth is not always what appears to be real or factual. What is true is always true regardless of my feelings, regardless of how people respond to me, regardless of my IQ or my weight.
Here's an example. I'm a runner...that is truth. The numerical facts are that I haven't run more than 4 miles at a time in months and I have never run a mile in 10 minutes or less. The reality is that I often need quick walk breaks during my runs. I have never run more than a 10K. Do any of those observable facts mean I'm not really a runner? No! I am a runner!
The devil lies to me all the time, telling me that my feelings and my perceptions are truth! He traps me in comparisons of myself with my very talented friends. There is a reason the Bible calls him the father of lies! I'm learning to pay attention to the warning lights and sirens...they work again! I'm learning to fill my brain and my heart with the truth about me...what God thinks about me.
And the truth is that God loves me! I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do! (Ephesians 2:10) I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) God gave me gifts that He chose specifically for me. I am unique combination of abilities found in no one else! There is no one else on the planet who is like Dawn Marie Dow Karr! And THAT is the truth about me!
Truth is a difficult concept for me to grasp about myself. It isn't necessarily about numbers or measurable quantities. It definitely is not about my feelings or my perceptions. Truth is not always what appears to be real or factual. What is true is always true regardless of my feelings, regardless of how people respond to me, regardless of my IQ or my weight.
Here's an example. I'm a runner...that is truth. The numerical facts are that I haven't run more than 4 miles at a time in months and I have never run a mile in 10 minutes or less. The reality is that I often need quick walk breaks during my runs. I have never run more than a 10K. Do any of those observable facts mean I'm not really a runner? No! I am a runner!
The devil lies to me all the time, telling me that my feelings and my perceptions are truth! He traps me in comparisons of myself with my very talented friends. There is a reason the Bible calls him the father of lies! I'm learning to pay attention to the warning lights and sirens...they work again! I'm learning to fill my brain and my heart with the truth about me...what God thinks about me.
And the truth is that God loves me! I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do! (Ephesians 2:10) I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) God gave me gifts that He chose specifically for me. I am unique combination of abilities found in no one else! There is no one else on the planet who is like Dawn Marie Dow Karr! And THAT is the truth about me!
Saturday, January 30, 2016
against the wind
There is a storm coming in and it was windy today. I really dislike wind, but I needed to run. Running in the wind is hard for me...I feel like I'm getting nowhere very slowly. It's discouraging and I never feel like I've had a good run when it's windy. There are times in life that feel this way to me...I give it everything I've got, but I just can't get anywhere. This past week was like that. And today, I have Bob Seger singing in my head...against the wind...
God reminded me today that I had written about wind in my journal this summer. Here is what I found when I went back to read it...
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes [or wind]; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Yesterday, I walked past clumps of ornamental grasses that were taller than I was. They were blowing in the breeze. God said to me...this is you. You are firmly rooted. The winds will come and shake you, but you will not break or be uprooted.
May the winds of change make me beautiful as I sway and dance along. Lord, keep me rooted and grounded so that I will not break or bend or come completely undone."
I ran past those same clumps of grass today and watched them move in the wind as I passed by. But I kept going. And even when I could have cut my run short and headed home, I didn't. I kept going knowing that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I had to stop and walk more than I would have liked. And the truth is that when the wind blows in my life, sometimes all I can do is stand and watch things change around me. I guess that's the part I really hate...the wind moves things around and changes them.
My head is filled with thoughts that threaten to paralyze me with fear if I let them take over. Time to evict them and fill my head with truth.
Jeremiah 29:11...For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Joshua 1:9...have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Romans 8:28...and we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Philippians 4:6-7...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
That's where my thoughts are going to dwell...on the truth. No matter what changes around me, God will work for my good. Me worrying about things that might or might not happen doesn't change anything...it just gives me a headache. God has plans to prosper me; plans to give me a hope and a future. I can give all my worries to Jesus...and in return He will give me peace. I can stand strong against the wind and keep moving forward!
God reminded me today that I had written about wind in my journal this summer. Here is what I found when I went back to read it...
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes [or wind]; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Yesterday, I walked past clumps of ornamental grasses that were taller than I was. They were blowing in the breeze. God said to me...this is you. You are firmly rooted. The winds will come and shake you, but you will not break or be uprooted.
May the winds of change make me beautiful as I sway and dance along. Lord, keep me rooted and grounded so that I will not break or bend or come completely undone."
I ran past those same clumps of grass today and watched them move in the wind as I passed by. But I kept going. And even when I could have cut my run short and headed home, I didn't. I kept going knowing that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I had to stop and walk more than I would have liked. And the truth is that when the wind blows in my life, sometimes all I can do is stand and watch things change around me. I guess that's the part I really hate...the wind moves things around and changes them.
My head is filled with thoughts that threaten to paralyze me with fear if I let them take over. Time to evict them and fill my head with truth.
Jeremiah 29:11...For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Joshua 1:9...have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Romans 8:28...and we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Philippians 4:6-7...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
That's where my thoughts are going to dwell...on the truth. No matter what changes around me, God will work for my good. Me worrying about things that might or might not happen doesn't change anything...it just gives me a headache. God has plans to prosper me; plans to give me a hope and a future. I can give all my worries to Jesus...and in return He will give me peace. I can stand strong against the wind and keep moving forward!
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Love and people
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Over and over in the New Testament, we are told to love each other. To think of others before ourselves. To encourage each other. To forgive each other. It's an impossible task on our own. Our human tendency is to look out for ourselves...to try to get what we need from other people before we give to them. It's a desperate situation! But, there is hope! God loved us first! He is love! And when we allow Him to fill us, there is an abundance of love and encouragement and forgiveness and service to give!
So our first priority is loving God and allowing Him to fill us with His overflowing love. (My blog post "God is love" is all about that.) Second priority is loving each other...easier said than done for many reasons.
Sometimes people are hard to love. They hurt our feelings. They shut us out. They run away. I've discovered that people who respond that way have walls around their hearts. They have deep hurts that only God can heal. They have been hurt by people so many times that they are unwilling to let anyone close. God still calls us to love. When we are filled with His love, we can love without expectations of love being returned. We can continue to love and give and forgive and serve because we are confident in God's love for us.
My prayer lately has been that God would show me how to love the people in my life the way they need to be loved. That He would teach me His way to love. And that I would be willing and obedient to be used by Him. He is a good, good Father! And I am loved by Him!
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Over and over in the New Testament, we are told to love each other. To think of others before ourselves. To encourage each other. To forgive each other. It's an impossible task on our own. Our human tendency is to look out for ourselves...to try to get what we need from other people before we give to them. It's a desperate situation! But, there is hope! God loved us first! He is love! And when we allow Him to fill us, there is an abundance of love and encouragement and forgiveness and service to give!
So our first priority is loving God and allowing Him to fill us with His overflowing love. (My blog post "God is love" is all about that.) Second priority is loving each other...easier said than done for many reasons.
Sometimes people are hard to love. They hurt our feelings. They shut us out. They run away. I've discovered that people who respond that way have walls around their hearts. They have deep hurts that only God can heal. They have been hurt by people so many times that they are unwilling to let anyone close. God still calls us to love. When we are filled with His love, we can love without expectations of love being returned. We can continue to love and give and forgive and serve because we are confident in God's love for us.
My prayer lately has been that God would show me how to love the people in my life the way they need to be loved. That He would teach me His way to love. And that I would be willing and obedient to be used by Him. He is a good, good Father! And I am loved by Him!
God is love
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
It is so simple. God loves us and He wants us to love Him. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." We make being a Christian so complicated...a list of do's and don'ts. But, the bottom line is this...God loves us and we love Him...end of story. What a great relationship!
We have an enemy who wants to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us. He hates our love relationship with God and will do anything to separate us. Much of the time, we make it easy for him. We believe the lies and the deception that he throws at us trying to convince us that we aren't good enough for God to love us.
Here's the TRUTH...
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
The devil doesn't have to power to separate us from God unless we let him. We get to choose. I choose to believe the truth...God is love and He loves me!
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
imperfect journey
Three years ago this month (January 19, 2013 to be exact), I started running. Have I gotten faster? No! Have I lost weight? No! Have I won any races? No! Why do I keep running? That's easy, I love it! I love the way my feet sound when they hit the sidewalk. I love the way my ponytail swings on the back of my head. I love the way I feel when I hit my stride and when I arrive home after running. I've had my ups and downs...times when I felt like I could run forever and times when I couldn't even drag myself out the door to run. It's been an imperfect journey. When I started running 3 years ago, my only goal was to love it! Somewhere along the line, I started setting other goals...mile splits, distance, speed. And I lost the joy in the journey. Tonight, I braved the ice and darkness and cold, and I ran (and walked across the icy spots). And I felt amazing. God reminded me that I started on this running adventure simply to love it...and here I was, loving every minute of my run. I had a new revelation of joy in the journey. A turning point. A defining moment.
I have always been a dreamer and a goal setter. The journey of life has had one purpose...get to the finish line...whatever that might be at the time. When that is the only goal, there is stress...get to the destination as quickly and successfully as possible. I've lived my life that way...with my eyes on the goal and missing the out on the joy along the way.
I've been in search of things that bring joy to my heart. I am so blessed with a wonderful family, amazing friends, and a job that I love. They all fill my heart, but I discovered that I need some things just for me. We all do.
I've been taking piano lessons off and on for the past 3 years. I'm convinced that my affinity for music is programmed into my DNA. I always wanted to be able to play piano, and now I'm doing something about it. It has been an imperfect journey. Time to practice is hard to come by. But, today at my lesson, I felt the same way that I do when I run. Joy in that imperfect journey. I sat at the piano, fingers fumbling, but rejoicing when beautiful chords emerged every now and then. My teacher and dear friend, Elizabeth, rejoices with me in each tiny step forward.
I started blogging about the same time I started running and learning piano. I am not a good judge of my own writing. I write words from my heart, but I have no idea who reads them. Maybe no one, but I keep at it. I love to write about the lessons I'm learning in life. It helps me process my thoughts whether I put them here or just in my journal. This blog...words I want to live by...has been an imperfect journey. Expressing frustrations, sharing joys, working through changes. It's all part of the journey and I love every minute of it!
I've found more than just hobbies. I am passionate about running, making music, and writing. I am not perfect at any of them, and I never will be, but from this moment forward, I am going to enjoy every step of the imperfect journey!
I have always been a dreamer and a goal setter. The journey of life has had one purpose...get to the finish line...whatever that might be at the time. When that is the only goal, there is stress...get to the destination as quickly and successfully as possible. I've lived my life that way...with my eyes on the goal and missing the out on the joy along the way.
I've been in search of things that bring joy to my heart. I am so blessed with a wonderful family, amazing friends, and a job that I love. They all fill my heart, but I discovered that I need some things just for me. We all do.
I've been taking piano lessons off and on for the past 3 years. I'm convinced that my affinity for music is programmed into my DNA. I always wanted to be able to play piano, and now I'm doing something about it. It has been an imperfect journey. Time to practice is hard to come by. But, today at my lesson, I felt the same way that I do when I run. Joy in that imperfect journey. I sat at the piano, fingers fumbling, but rejoicing when beautiful chords emerged every now and then. My teacher and dear friend, Elizabeth, rejoices with me in each tiny step forward.
I started blogging about the same time I started running and learning piano. I am not a good judge of my own writing. I write words from my heart, but I have no idea who reads them. Maybe no one, but I keep at it. I love to write about the lessons I'm learning in life. It helps me process my thoughts whether I put them here or just in my journal. This blog...words I want to live by...has been an imperfect journey. Expressing frustrations, sharing joys, working through changes. It's all part of the journey and I love every minute of it!
I've found more than just hobbies. I am passionate about running, making music, and writing. I am not perfect at any of them, and I never will be, but from this moment forward, I am going to enjoy every step of the imperfect journey!
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