Fingerprint Path… It’s a Dawna Day!

On May.03.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 10 )

Why do we fight who we are?

Why do we want to have other gifts, traits, looks, personalities? 
Why do we want other people’s lives/ paths? 
These questions came while watching a movie with my children one evening. They got into an argument because they were picking what character they were in the movie. No kidding, my middle daughter was mad because my oldest daughter had already chose the pretty, popular actress and she had to be the boring sidekick.
I’ll be honest, I got upset.
I did the mom thing and told them to stop and that neither of them were “her”, it’s a MOVIE girls! Besides that, what is wrong with being you? They gave me the exasperated scoff and turned back to the TV. I kept thinking about it, and it broke my heart to realize that they don’t think that who they are is “enough.”
It got me thinking…. what does God think when who he made is not “enough” for us?
Does it twist his heart to watch us struggle to be everyone but ourselves?
I believe we all struggle with finding ourselves, but looking back in my life, I admit to looking next to me more than I looked up for the answer. I would see the ballerina and fail miserably. I would see the “smart” girl and fall short. Everyone seemed to be someone I was not, which I thought was a bad thing. 

I let Satan and society convince me that the person God made was “lesser and boring.”
I’m easy going… I should be strong, bold, and independent.
I’m nurturing… I should use my brain not my heart.
I’m domestic… My strengths should be outside the house.
I genuinely like to serve others… Not normal; I am supposed to want to be served.
I like to study and teach… I should have a higher goals, travel, and excitement.
We all have a journey, a personal maze made by God. A journey not only to finish but a journey to enjoy.  I think of it as a racetrack. Gods Fingerprint made special for every individual. Only I can finish the race he has set before me with my unique combinations of qualities and I have found out when I try to jump track onto someone else’s journey I wreck! I look back and see His arm as my guardrail through life, always gently bumping me back on track.
You will now find me embracing what and who God has formed me to be. I am easy going– so what, I stand up for things that matter! God knew I would need domestic qualities with six kids, a husband, four Dogs, and two Lizards.
Thank God, I am nurturing, like learning, teaching, and serving. For my journey, they are the perfect tools.  I am learning to live life abundantly. I have learned to give it to Him.
Lord, I only desire to be who You see fit to make me. I am only able to be that which You molded me to be.  
My prayer for you, is that you’re able to honestly look in the mirror and praise God for the person staring back at you..
YOU are good enough!


Eucharisteo

On May.02.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 14 )

I’m sure you’ve heard of Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. Well, after seeing it everywhere and hearing about it from so many I finally decided to check it out for myself.

I’m so glad I did.
Right on the cover it says…
“A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are.” 
This alone is a challenge my heart leaps at the opportunity to discover.
The author has a beautiful and unique way of writing that draws me right into her world. But what has driven me to share this book with you today is her divine revelation on the term Eucharisteo.
She breaks it down like this…
The meaning of Eucharisteo is Thanksgiving.
The root word of Eucharisteo in the Greek is charis and means Grace.
The derivative of charis is the Greek word chara which means Joy.
Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy. 
She delicately and beautifully defines them…
“A triplet of stars, a constellation in the black.”

“A threefold cord that might… offer a way up into the fullest life.”
A few pages later she describes it in such a way that I am affected deeply with a desire to experience eucharisteo for myself…
“At Eucharist, Christ breaks His heart to heal ours – Christ, the complete accomplishment of our salvation. And the miracle of eucharisteo never ends: thanksgiving is what precedes the miracle of that salvation being full y worked out in our lives. Thanksgiving – giving thanks in everything – is what prepares the way for salvation’s whole restoration. Our salvation in Christ is real, yet the completeness of that salvation is not fully realized in a life until the life realizes the need to give thanks… in everything.”
She goes on to say, “I would never experience the fullness of my salvation until I expressed the fullness of my thanks every day, and eucharisteo is the elemental to living the saved life.”
She’s right.
But how? How are we to really give thanks in every-thing? And I mean beyond the blanket prayer… “thank you God for all that you give.”
The answer? Start somewhere. Anywhere. Just begin.
A friend of the author dares her to begin a list of gifts… one thousand gifts of gratitude to the Lord. And so she begins “naming” them as she calls it and as she does He changes her. She experiences real Grace, real Thanksgiving and real Joy.

I want that.
So I’ve decided to join her for multitudes on mondays, along with hundreds of other bloggers at A Holy Experience and begin “naming” my own list of one thousand gifts to the Lord.
His Grace covers me. I offer Him Thanks. And His Joy fills me…
1. sweet childhood memories: black, rubber tire swing… dark musky basement… creaky wooden rocking chair- with her in it: my grandma

2. watching her fly on eight wheels

3. freedom to watch them grow every moment of every day
4. doctors, medication, surgeries and recovery
5. husbands love despite me
6. bitter-sweetness of grandma anticipating heaven

7. little girls saying “yes” to Jesus

8. peace granted for midnight whispers of fear
9. warm hot tub on chilly Spring day

10. my depravity because it keeps me desperate for Him
I like “naming” my gifts… the things I might just let pass by without really acknowledging Him with gratitude in my heart. Ann Voskamp is not alone… I also smile and notice the Joy that putting pen to paper in Thanksgiving brings to my soul.
Ten down… only nine-hundred-ninety to go!
What are your thoughts on Eucharisteo?


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Congrats Goodrich Family!

On May.01.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 3 )

Ben and Christa Goodrich dedicated their baby girl, Anna Faith today. I took some sweet pictures of them and wanted to share them with you!

Anna Faith

Remember When?

On Apr.29.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 5 )

Hey girls in our Frazzled Female Bible Study Group…Do y’all remember a couple of weeks ago when I did the string demonstration? Here is the clip I got that from. Francis Chan does it way better than I did!:)

A Photo Journal ~ What Brings YOU Joy

On Apr.28.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 12 )
This post is in response to Bonnie Gray’s Faith Barista Jam on the topic of “What Brings YOU Joy?”
JOY ~ intense, ecstatic, or exultant happiness or pleasure. The Biblical Greek term from Paul’s spiritual ‘orchard’ in Galatians is chara: joy, cheer, gladness, or celebration. Joy runs deeper than mere ‘pleasure’, is more enduring than mere ‘fun’, and is more intense and thrilling than mere ‘happiness’. Especially in a spiritual context, joy runs deep into the core of us, and radiates throughout (see Spirit home.com).
For me, joy is…
…Walking down a stony path as fall leaves rustle and whirl with each hum of the wind.
…Watching your child place two crumpled one dollar bills in the offering plate as she whispers, “Mom, I want to give Jesus everything I have.”
…Experiencing the undeniable presence of the God of all comfort when the nurse fumbles over the words, “Your baby might not make it.”
…The sparkle behind my baby-girl’s eyes as she runs down the aisle, shakes the pastor’s hand, and says, “My bathing suit’s ready; I want to be baptized today!”
…Flipping on the bathroom light only to discover a Barbie marathon wrapped around the outskirts of my bathtub.

 
 
 

 

…Meeting a fellow Georgia girl who also lives in Reno; who prefers Coke over Pepsi, who delivers sweet tea and okra on my birthday, and who enjoys making crazy faces at the supper table.
…Snapping a picture of a puzzled potty training two-year-old with a kitten. Isn’t it hard enough sittin’ on that baby potty without the cat? 
…Returning to the Drive Thru Wedding Window where my husband and I got married. Total wedding expenses: $25.00.
…Serving with godly women at conferences, homeless shelters, Bible studies, and wherever God leads.
…Driving three hours to meet author/speaker Lysa Terkeurst. And yes, the driving was joyful for two stay at home mamas.
…Girlfriends you can call anytime for anything.
                   …Matching Easter dresses.
…Being in ministry with awesome women.
…Wiggly teeth, children singing, slow-moving moments, sleep-overs, movie nights, true love smiles, back rubs, giggles to go around, three year old phrases…
Thank you God for all the sweet blessings you have given me. Thank you for all the godly women I have met while serving you. Thank you for reviving my heart when I was simply going through the motions. You are an awesome God!

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Mama Knows Best

On Apr.26.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 11 )
As a mom, I feel desperate most of the time. Desperate for just the right tools to toss into my parenting toolbox. Different tools for different offenses. Different tools for tinkering around bad attitudes, lying, whining, leaving a mess, and acting disrespectfully.
I remember as a new mom, I read every book about parenting and discipline. Lisa Welchel wrote a book called “Creative Correction.” My personal copy is barely recognizable. It’s been earmarked, written in, and tagged with sticky notes. I thought if I read enough, somehow I’d be good enough.
I’ve listened to the best of advice.
“Breast-feeding is good; formula is bad;”

“Children should be potty-trained by age two;”

“Make sure you get on the pre-school waiting lists, they’re awfully long;”

“Don’t spank, time outs only.”

With all these “do’s” and “don’ts,” it’s amazing we mama’s know what to do and when to do it. No wonder our multi-taking, over-worked mama brains are on informational overload.
It’s confusing to a mom who just wants to get it right.
If we let him, God will re-direct our thoughts.
In the midst of highlighting line after line, page after page, God interrupted.
In the middle of pencil scribbles across the margins of the latest mom book, God re-directed. He spoke these words straight to my heart:
“There’s only one Book you should be reading. Stop listening to everyone else. You need to be right with me first. Then everything else will fall into place. Then, you will become the godly mom your children deserve.”
God didn’t create us to follow self help advice tucked inside well-meaning parenting toolboxes. We were made to follow Jesus. That’s it.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,” (Romans 12:2 (NIV).
As believers, we aren’t supposed to respond like everybody else to life’s typical situations. Instead, we are to be transformed as God renews, replenishes, and redeems us~ as he molds us into the image of Christ.
I’ve never been more desperate for Jesus than I am right now. Being a wife, mom, and child of God humbles me. I am humbled by how much I don’t know and by how much I need Him.
How does this apply to the ordinary stay-at-home mom’s life?
Well, when we’re drowning in laundry, child-rearing, and errands, we cry out to God, “I can’t do this on my own; guide me, strengthen me, show me what to do.” As we do this, we loosen our grip on worldly tools for success and courageously embrace the words and ways of God, “Follow me and walk in my paths,” (Ps. 81:13, NLT).
Lord, help me to follow your ways and nobody else’s. I am desperate for you. I need more of you. Please guide me down your path of righteousness. Amen.

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Embossed Jesus…….It’s a Dawna Day!

On Apr.25.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 5 )

This Easter weekend, I found one word echoing in my head- raised, raised, raised.

I admit this year Easter felt rushed. It felt like another holiday filled with expectations and commitments. I longed to get close to Jesus; I longed to experience him on his glorious day. After hearing “raised” so many times, and although I knew the meaning, I found myself looking up the definition and it was the synonym that brought me into his presence.
Embossed. The free-dictionary clearly states that the synonym for “raised” is “embossed.”
You may think okay, “On the third day Jesus was embossed from the dead?” Yes, I believe he was.
Embossed ~ Provided with something to increase it’s beauty or distinguish.
When Jesus entered the room after being crucified, I bet his disciples would tell you he never looked so good.
Close your eyes for a moment. Can you see your savior just days after being burdened unto death, days after beatings and scourging, days after defeating death/Satan, just hours after being reunited with the father? Yes indeed, he would be embossed with the glow of God. The Glory of his love blinding, shining, imagine the big smile spread across his face lovely touching everyone, hugging them, kissing them knowing It is done, love will reign forever and ever.
Yes his beauty increased to immeasurable heights that glorious day. Was he distinguishable among men? Well I don’t have to answer that. My prayer for you dear sister is that you hear the words of Paul in Colossians 3:1… Since then, you have been raised with Christ.

Should we not walk into rooms with the same smile and glow about us, rejoicing? We are alive, ALIVE, we were dead and now alive, raised with Christ! I don’t know about you, but when I meditate on this fact I am instantly brought into his presence, giddy with excitement, in awe of his sacrifice, my praises soar, his love knows no bounds, eternity with Christ awaits.
Embossed YES! Raised Halleluiah!!!

Are We Too Casual About Easter?

On Apr.21.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 10 )
The service is too long. I can’t worship with that kind of music. The building is too cold. The church programs don’t suite me. I’m sure you know people in your church who focus on things such as these.
This Easter weekend we have the privilege to walk through the doors of our churches and worship the way we want to. We can tuck a Bible underneath our arm without wondering if the police are coming to arrest us. We can fall to our knees, lift our hands, and sing praises to God for all he has done without one ounce of persecution.
Lately, I’ve been thinking, “A little persecution in my life might not be such a bad thing.” It would cut off a large supply of comfort in which I’ve grown accustom to. It would knock the wind out of me leaving me breathless and gasping for Jesus.
Do you need the wind knocked out of you today?
What exactly are you concerned about this Easter Sunday?
What dress to wear, what food to fix, which service to attend?
Whatever you’re concerned about doesn’t mean anything unless your concern is in alignment with the cross. Our thoughts should be on the One who was tortured just for us. Our focus should be on a Savior who cried out to God on our behalf. Our hearts delight should be in knowing He is alive!
Sometimes We Get Too Casual About Our Worship.
No matter what you are worshipping today, God WILL be worshipped. The Bible talks about people who became too casual in their worship of God. In Malachi 1, God basically says, If you don’t want to worship me with everything you’ve got, don’t do me any favors.
It doesn’t matter if the room is too cold, you didn’t get your favorite parking spot, or you didn’t like the music, you should be able to worship God anywhere, anytime, and anyplace.
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10 (New International Version).
This Easter let’s celebrate a God who says I WILL. I will be exalted. I will be worshipped. I will raise this temple on the third day. I will redeem you. No matter what is going on in your life right now, he WILL be exalted in it, through it, and because of it.
So when we’re dressed in our Sunday best and seated in a climate controlled room, instead of asking “Did I get anything out of my worship?” Maybe the question we should be asking is, “Did God get anything out of my worship?”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die,” John 11:25-26(NIV).

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This post is in response to Bonnie Gray’s Faith Barista Thursday Jam…

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GRACE, GRACE, GRACE

On Apr.21.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 7 )

God’s

Redemption

At

Christ’s

Expense

The word Grace is soothing. It’s easy on the ears. It’s a healing salve that spreads across a wounded heart.
It’s freely given ~ a gift that keeps on giving.
Grace breathes new life. It doesn’t keep a record of wrong. It promises never to look backwards.
It began on the gentle hill of Calvary’s mount where the lamb was sacrificed; His blood spilled.
For the believer, grace peacefully flows from the outer realms of heaven and pours into our wretched soul.
Grace waits for us. It longs for us. It waits to hear one small word… “yes.”
God’s Grace…
Is bigger than all our sin;

Pardons;

It exceeds our guilt;

Given at Christ’s expense;

Swapped for our unrighteousness;

Humbles us;

Justifies us;

Gives confident hope;

Our strength comes from it;

Basis of our eternal hope; and

Grace is the foundation for forgiveness.
Grace is unmerited favor towards us. We are undeserving of it but we receive it anyway. We stand firm in it (see 1 Peter 5:12). It overflows to us, the saint; and saves us, the sinner (see Eph. 2:5-8).
It enables us to live worthy of the call (2 Thess. 1:11).
Grace is marvelous, infinite, and matchless!
What does God’s grace mean to you today?
“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace,” (1 Cor. 15:10 NLT).

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Are You A Woman of Hope?

On Apr.19.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 8 )
It’s more than a sprinkle. More than a splash from folded hands clapping against the water. More than a squirt of pool water sprayed between wiggly teeth.
The feeling I’m describing is more like swiveling off a concrete edge. Tippy toes curl over a cracked surface unsure of where they are going. Fingers twiddle, knees bend, and eyes focus on drifting water.
Suddenly, a crisp breeze pushes ripples across a watery reflection of a hopeful woman who slowly disappears. Images of hope and promise swirl in a blur as she becomes immersed in dense waters of disappointment.
When moments, such as these, wash up on the outer-banks of our hearts, we have two options to consider:
We can belly-flop into crushing waves of despondency; or

We can dog-paddle to the only source of hope we know. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ~the only ledge of hope worth reaching for.

It seems harmless to sputter off the words, “I am disappointed,” but the reality is words like these provide fresh water to seedlings of discouragement waiting to sprout beneath the surface. Seeds of disappointment will ultimately shoot forth with buds of depression, discouragement, and despair. This will distract us from our faith…causing us to be focused on self rather than on God.
Have you ever known someone who said they were disappointed and then a few months later they were completely depressed? Their seed of disappointed grew into stalks of despair. Their spiritual growth stunted because of something that began as a simple distraction.
How do we stop the cycle? We Discipline Ourselves.
Discipline ~ means “training to ensure proper behavior.”
We can stop disappointment in its tracks by disciplining ourselves to stop, pause, and pray.
We stop ourselves from over-reacting;
We pause for logical thinking to rise above untamed emotions; and
We pray, pray, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to get us through something we cannot do in our own strength.
It’s difficult. It’s a pull up your sleeves and dig in your heels kind of work.
But, when we seek God’s face and intervention in our lives,
We become…
Women of hope,

Women of faith, and

Women of trust.

We become a woman who places her trust, her confidence, and her hope firmly in the sovereignty of an Almighty God. A woman who’s willing to release her plans so she is available to receive his plans.
Placing our hope in Jesus is what motivates us to cling to him when tumultuous waters rise. We cling, we grab, and we reach for Jesus as if He were the only life vest on a sinking ship. Whatever, whenever, however, we just get to him and we hold on for dear life.
Remember hope floats; disappointment sinks.
When you begin sinking, will you reach for Him?
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” Romans 5:5 (NLT).

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