Dawn's New Day

Love Me

2012-02-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens." Psalm 89:2 NLT

"I need someone to love me!" she shouts impatiently from her princess toddler bed.

"I'll be right there," Mama reassures her, "as soon as I lay your baby brother down."

Oh isn't that the cry of everyone's heart? Toddler princess or not, we selfishly desire love -an all-knowing, unfailing, soul-deep love. We crave attention, reassurance that our existence matters; that who we are in this great big world makes a difference to someone.

Mama finally arrives and kneels beside her bed.

"My heart is so full of love, Mama, so I need to love you," the toddler princess explains. "And, I need someone to love me."

Isn't that the way unfailing love cycles? Love fills and spills and fills again - without fail - without fear. Perfect love never fails.

Through reassuring whispers and gentle strokes, Mama's hands run through her hair until the princess toddler's breath falls into a peaceful rhythm. Mama's love expels her fears and sleep comes for perfect love casts out all fears.

"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear." 1 John 4:18

If Mama loves her little girl with such perfect love, how much more does our heavenly Father love us? How perfect is His love for us that casts out fears much greater than the monsters under our princess beds? How much more can he fill our hearts with an everlasting, unfailing love - a love that always satisfies, always fills to overflowing?

Heavenly Father,

Love me, today. Fill my heart with your perfect love. Fill my heart to overflowing that your love spills onto those around me. Become the object of my love, God, so that when I love, it's you they see, not me. Amen.

Nothing Separates Us

2012-02-06T06:00:00.003-05:00

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Romans 8: 35, 37

Time and again God proves his faithfulness to those who know and love him. Yet, when faced with our realities and challenges we need reminding. Why do we think God's failed us every time life gets hard?

Is it our lack of faith? Do we doubt God will or can triumph or is it more our stammering heart condition that thinks we're unworthy of God's love? Do we think our circumstances are beyond God's love and therefore we stand separated?

It's easier to lend encouragement to others experiencing hardships; to remind them of God's faithful and unfailing love. But when it comes to ourselves, we place such harsh restrictions on our own condition. We stumble over our circumstances - waste time skirting around God, covering up our heart-truth with "I'm fine" or "I've got this, God" until the truth weighs heavy and we fall flat on our faces.

We acquire what a favorite author calls "soul amnesia." We forget we are heirs to God's kingdom famly through Christ. That we have every right to ask God for help and that, like every loving father, will come running. We need reminding of God's promise that he will never leave us or forsake us. We need recall God is our Jehovah Jireh, the source and provider of all our needs.

So, how do we remember? How do we stand in faith with the confidence that God's got it all under control? How do we learn to trust him in the midst of our reality and encourage our hearts?

First, record past experiences where God provided in tangible ways.

Second, read accounts of God's faithfulness in scripture, especially Romans 8 and Hebrews 11. All these saints experienced long waiting periods but God proved himself faithful to His promises.

Third, place your hope and faith in God's ability to transcend your circumstances.

Fourth, pray with confidence that God's unfailing love will never leave you and that His will always prevails.

"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 8:38-39.

Unfailing Love

2012-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

"What a man desires is unfailing love." Proverbs 19:22

Unfailing love. It's all this heart ever dreamed of since she can remember. Isn't it what every little girl's heart craves -forever love that never fails - like it's woven into her DNA? I think so.

And so with every ounce of who she is, she searches the eyes of every man she encounters, beginning with Daddy. "Daddy, do you love me?" she asks. "Daddy, don't you think I'm beautiful?" she whispers. "Will you love me forever?" she pleads, even when he's walking out the door. Always searching. Always asking. Always needing unfailing love.

Beneath the bridal veil and lace her eyes rest upon her groom. They promise love, forever-unfailing love. And from that day forward her little girl eyes keep searching his. "Honey, do you love me?" she asks. "Darling, am I beautiful?" she whispers. "Will you love me forever?" she pleads, even many years later. Always searching. Always asking. Always needing unfailing love.

In the birthing room, she holds her little boy, her little girl and looks deep into their tiny faces. Her fingers trace lines that look like his and hers combined and holds them close. In their ears she whispers, "Baby, I love you." "Baby, you are beautiful." "Baby, I will love you forever." But even her love falters, fails sometimes.

And she wonders, is unfailing love possible this side of heaven?

Unfailing love is born only from perfection. Imperfect man cannot love unfailingly - only God can - because God is pure love. And out of love, God plants a longing for unfailing love deep within our souls; a desire so strong that we search until we find it. A desire that always leads us back to the source of love - to God himself. That's God's greatest desire.

Yes, unfailing love found in God - even this side of heaven - is possible. It is our greatest desire to know and be known and God's greatest desire that we know him. And who better to know us and love us than the One who created us - knit us in our mother's womb - and calls us by name? Oh, what a mystery that the God who holds this universe together in all it's wonder and beauty, knows us by name - desires us to know him the same.

This is unfailing love: that God first loved us and sent is one and only son, Jesus - not to condemn us - but to make a way for us; a way back to God and his unfailing love.

I'll leave you with this beautiful worship song by Chris Tomlin, Unfailing Love.

Unfailing Love

by Chris Tomlin

Enjoy God's unfailing love in your life today,

Dawn

Dance Above the Grave

2012-02-01T06:00:00.012-05:00

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave." Acts 2:26-27a

In a poignant moment, loved ones huddled together - the toughest moment in life this side of heaven - and lifted voices above the grave.

Just a closer walk with thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

And as the notes rang out, and tears choked, two great granddaughters danced innocently above the grave.

It's never an easy thing to lose a loved one, especially one who lived fully, laughed often, and loved unselfishly. One whose life - every part of it - built a legacy.

Her Maker's fingerprints were all over her - in her smile, her good humor, her touch, her voice, her embrace, her faith, and her worship. And these things - tangible and intangible - built a family legacy; an unshakable joy-filled faith, passed from one generation to the next.

And this unshakable joy-filled faith - mingled with mourning - could not be contained, even at the grave. For Jesus lived and died and overcame the grave - for her - for all of us. And in his death we find life and if we have life in Him and live in our Maker's presence for all eternity - even before death - what is not to celebrate?

Dancing above the grave? Oh yes! Oh...YES! Dance! Dance and dance and celebrate and embrace the life lived with Maker's fingerprints passed onto you and me! Celebrate life in the here and now and the here-after. For when we take our final breath we inhale heaven. And we stand face-to-face before our Jesus and meet our Maker...and dance!

In loving memory

{Clara} Bonnie Witham

11/14/1925 -1/24/2012

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Hymn
author unknown

I am weak, but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I’ll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Unveiled

2012-01-31T06:00:00.034-05:00

"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away."

2 Corinthians 3:16

Day old conversations replayed in my head. Spoken and imaginary words mulled over until I stewed, compared myself to others, questioned my identity and my worth. All lies that once held my heart captive resurfaced, triggered innocently enough, but there they were. And, the longer these thoughts simmered the truer they sounded.

I walked out of the cold and into the sanctuary thick with His Presence and a friend begged me to pray for her - said she knew God would send a friend to pray - the me believing lies.

Husband and I held her close, lifted her needs and prayed truth. And as we prayed for her, truth lifted the veil . All the Enemy's lies stood exposed. God's presence always does that - reveals the lies so we can see his truth.

Paul knew this and gave this advice:

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4b-5).

Knowing how easily our minds fool, the Enemy makes truth and lie indistinguishable - so he begins every spiritual battle there. Left unattended, his lies capture our thoughts, keep us in bondage and keeps God's truth distant. That's why Paul suggests discipline - take every thought captive and placing it under Christ's authority.

The stepping away from lies and into Truth takes discipline - conscious practice - a physical and spiritual stepping away from the negative lies and into God's captivating presence.

We step into God's presence through worship:

"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).

We replace lies with God's truth:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). This includes training and rebuking our thoughts.

We ask for deliverance from the hands of our Enemy:

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:13

~ Amen~

What lies pose themselves as truth to you? What does "taking every thought captive" look like to you?

As we go about the day, let's hold each other up in prayer, shall we?

When the Word Whispsers, "Let Go"

2012-01-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Warm winter rain tap, taps against my window.

Tap tap. Tap tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Slow, melodic awakenings bid my drowsy mind's attention.

Tap tap. Tap tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

They build, crescendo.

Tappity tap. Tappity tap. Tappity tap. Tappity tap. Tappity tap.

And slow.

Tap tap. Tap tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Nature's untimely lullaby.

Winter disguised as early spring.

We live within these unpredictable, uncontrollable forces and yet we try to reign them in - east to west, north to south. We study them, predict their next move, realign our lives in hopes they'll give in to our demands. And always, we stand bewildered against nature's ways-powerless and silent.

Then out of nowhere, a soft zephyr blows - whispers, "Let go."

Against our tugging hearts, we might concede, hand the ropes over to the One who whispered the words - the One known as the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1 NIV).

The Word that spoke everything into being with his voice:

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light...

And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water...

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.”

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation...

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth...”

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky...”

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds...

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image...

"And it was so" (excerpts from Genesis 1:1-30 NIV).

That Word who became flesh and lived among us still speaks, still whispers to our hearts, "Let go." But the choice is ours. We can tighten our grip - pretend not to hear or we can let go and let the Word - let God - speak life and order and peace.

Is life's unpredictability causing you to grip the riegns of your life tight? Can you hear the Word whispering, "Let go?" What will it take for you to loosen your grip on life and let God take control?

Dear God, search us and know our ways. Look deep into our souls and show us where you want us to let go, where we need to loosen our grip. We freely give you control and pray your peace and calm and order in the midst of our chaos and storm. Amen.

Thankful Thursday: A Loss For Words

2012-01-26T10:41:00.001-05:00

Wrestling images swirl where no one sees. Joy and sorrow mingle, riding winds through life's ordinary moments. This leaves me with a loss for words. Even so, thanksgiving comes.

Storm clouds cover and silent white flows down, a bit of heaven on the ground.

A few coins left to feed and somehow we're never left in need.

Oh death, where is thy sting? For life hid in Christ, in heaven she now sings.

Only hearts speak, today. God understands and send His words.

Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

Psalm 73: 23-26 NLT

Eternity Begins Today

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

"And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. " John 17:3

We Christians speak of eternity with Christ, living in God's presence like it's some futuristic event or an ultimate goal, not yet achievable. It's almost like we're living some fairytale waiting for the words "Happily Ever After" to scroll up onto the movie screen as we sit quietly in a dark theatre.

But take a closer look at Jesus' words in John 17:3:

"And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. " John 17:3

If eternity begins with the knowing, and if knowing begins when we surrender ourselves to Jesus, then doesn't eternity begin in the here and now?

Doesn't the knowing occur daily in our pausing, in the sitting in God's presence praying and listening to His voice speak love into our souls? And the more He speaks, the more we know Him, and the more we fall in love with Him who holds eternity. Isn't that living at the start of eternity?

And soon our daily knowing wells up inside until our hearts yearn to grasp His love in our physical hands and touch his face and we say we're yearning for eternity. But eternity is now. Isn't loving through His eyes and touching through His hands - all those He surrounds us with in this world - count as all eternity, right here, right now?

Eternity does not wait. No. Eternity is now. Whether an eternity with God or without him, eternity is still now. Eternity begins today. Eternity with God begins with our response to His invitation to know Him and the One - Jesus - whom He sent that we might get to know God in the flesh.

What say you? Will you say yes and spend today and all of eternity in God's presence or will your answer be no? Either way, forever starts now.

Unfading Beauty...Is it Possible?

2012-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

"Your beauty...should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1Peter 4:3-4

As a woman, I secretly wish for unfading beauty. When I dare look at my reflection in the mirror, I wonder, "Who's that woman staring back at me?" She lends me the not-so-subtle reminder that time ticks by faster than my twenty-year-old self thought it ever could.

I'm grateful when my husband whispers that I'm more beautiful now than when we first married (all together now..."awww") but I can't help but notice the wrinkles, the white hair, and oh yes, the double-digits on the tag of my jeans that creep higher and higher every year behind my back.

What a relief to know God doesn't care about all that! Well...sort of.

I wrestle with God all the time with that gentler, quieter self he's looking for. If that's what God desires of me, then why did he make me who I am...the not-so-quiet, not-so-gentle me?

So, I asked God about this today, "God, how do I cultivate this gentle, quiet spirit you desire?"

God said, "It's in the knowing Me better. It's all about knowing I Am...laying everything about you at the cross; crucify the self - your past, present and future - and consciously let it go. Relinquish control."

In a word, surrender.

It's all about surrendering to God because everything else holds us captive, strangles us until we can't breathe.

But when we breathe God in, He fills - fills us up with His light - and darkness flees. For light and darkness cannot exist in the same place. Light always overcomes the dark, especially the soul dark.

His light fills and softens the dark, makes our rough edges gentler to the touch. And the more we surrender to His light, breathe Him in, the more our bodies warm - soul deep. And when a body is soul-deep warm, it quiets.

And what's more attractive to a captive, smothering world spinning crazy than a gentle, quiet spirit?

So, I stare back at that unfamiliar woman in the mirror and smile.

If I cannot but help surrender my outer beauty to time, then I choose to surrender my inner self, my soul and the essence of who I am, to unfading beauty through God my Creator. I lay all that I am (past, present and future) at the foot of the cross and pray the longer I stay in His Presence, the quieter, gentler Him will shine through this fading beauty.

And the brighter He shines and spills over, maybe, just maybe the world will surrender, too. And maybe this world will warm - grow gentle and quiet.

Don't Rehearse Your Troubles

2012-01-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

"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." Joshua 1:9

Incredibly shy as a young girl, acting became my refuge; a place where I discarded my apprehensions and troubles, crawled into another shell quite unlike myself and safely expressed emotions the real me never could. But, I had to be careful. Rehearsals exhausted me, transformed me and it took hours before I found myself, the real me, again.

Sometimes we rehearse real life. A problem heads our way and immediately, we imagine all the possible negative scenarios. We turn those thoughts over in our minds - diligently rehearse our parts - until one day our minds transform the imaginary into reality. Our hearts no longer rest, but beat exhausted and anxious before trouble even comes.

Sarah Young puts it this way: "Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way!" (Jesus Calling, 2008, Thomas Nelson).

On the contrary, God says, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"(Joshua 1:5, 9). Relax. God's got it! He is with us and knows what's up ahead before we do. All he asks is that we seek his face with all our hearts. And when we do, he will fill us with his peace - an incomprehensible peace - even in the middle of our mess.

So, if we're to rehearse anything in this life, it is to be being fully reliant on God. Practice our faith until we're transformed into maturity in Christ.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Joshua 29:13

Lord, may we remember to seek you, not only during trouble, but every day; for this is how we mature in you. May we stop rehearsing our troubles and remember to just be ourselves with you, giving you everything and in thanksgiving, look forward to where you are. In doing this, fill us with your peace.

Thankful Thursday: A Few of My Favorite Things

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

"When the dog bites. When the bee stings. When I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad." Familiar lyrics from The Sound of Music. Remember?

And in a week full of needs, sickness and stress God surrounds me with a few of my favorite things, cheers my heart and restores my soul:

My family all gathered safe from distant lands
Warm lemon tea with honey and modern medicine to relieve and heal

Stacks of books

Portable laptop and writing by the fire
A story's first draft

Handwritten thank you from a dear friend
Electronic messages that encourage

A new writers group full of dreams and hope

These are a few of my favorite things. What are some of your favorite things that bring comfort and pleasure, especially when you're under the weather?

Do You Fan the Flame or Snuff it Out?

2012-01-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." 2 Timothy 1:6

I know disappointment of unrealized, childhood dreams. As a young girl growing up in a single-parent home, there wasn't much dreaming going on beyond my own head and heart. I learned a dream spoken met the breath of impossibility until all that was left was a smoldering wick. I thought keeping quiet and stuffing my dreams deep kept them safe and alive. Quite the opposite. It snuffed them out.

Then, I had kids of my own.

I'd sit for hours, like most new mothers, staring at my sleeping babies wondering, "Who are you? What will you become? What dreams will you dream?"

It was fun watching them grow, finding our similarities carried in their DNA, discovering their peculiarities and listening to their dreams - silly ones and serious ones. And, I allowed them room for BIG dreams - fostered their imaginations, encouraged them to follow that pull - taught them to stare-down impossibilities.

"If it's from God, make the decision and let God work out the details," is how we lived. We weren't fearless, but we trusted God's lead.

I remember standing with a few mothers outside the elementary school, waiting for our daughters, discussing life, the universe and everything. I'd just signed the permission slip for my thirteen-year-old son to travel overseas with a reputable youth organization that summer...with a bunch of strangers...alone...without me. These mothers gasped, "Aren't you afraid something will happen to him?" Well, of course I was afraid, but I had to trust the reputation of this long-lived organization, trust my son, trust God and allow his dream to outweigh the risks.

This trip was only the testing ground for this mother's heart.

My fifteen-year-old daughter returned home from summer camp with an insatiable desire for Ugandan missions. "I want to go, Mom. If I don't, who will?" For the first time, I considered snuffing the flame rather than fanning the flame. Uganda was not England. Uganda was dangerous, not friendly. She could face real danger. I might lose her. Travel to Uganda at fifteen? Over my dead body!

But then my own childhood memories, my own words reminded me that ALL things are possible and if God's in it, make the decision and let Him work out all the details. So, I relented and we set up boundaries. We prayed God lead us to a trustworthy Christian group with an established Ugandan ministry. Within two years, God answered that prayer and my daughter's now traveled to Uganda three times since with her husband and they're praying about long-term missions there.

Fanning the flame of our dreams (or someone else's), viewing life as God does is tricky. It means giving God ownership of those dreams, taking risks, trusting God, and growing faith. It means staring down impossibilities through prayer and giving up control. That's frightening. But, oh...the possibilities!

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at..." 1 Samuel 16:7b

Don't Think. Just Write.

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

"The LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen...'" Isaiah 8:1

From the beginning of time, God commanded his words be written down. He's hard-wired some of us for writing, but we struggle getting started.

Here's what worked for me:

The blank page stared me down, taunted me, challenged me to a duel. "Go ahead. I dare you! Strike this page with ink and scratch your thoughts upon these lines! I. Dare. You."

Early on, that's exactly how my writing practice started. A daily duel between me, my pen and the blank page. Then, I read Madeline L'Engle's memoir, A Rock That is Higher. She grabbed my attention with this tidbit of advice: "Don't think. Just write." She explains, if we think too much about our words while actually writing words, we stop the creative flow of story. As writers, she says, we're allowed to think before writing, think after writing, but never think while in the process of writing. According to L'Engle, over thinking our words deafens us to our inner voice, even God's whispers.

Following her advice transformed my writing process. Before I write anything, I read. I read Scripture, Christian devotionals, and inspirational books or blogs. Reading awakens my brain, feeds my heart and centers my thoughts on God. Here, I'm teachable, inquisitive, questioning, thinking. In the midst of reading, something inspires me, gets me mad, makes me question, starts a dialogue between me, the author and God.

Then, I write.

I. Just. Write. I don't focus on syntax, grammar, punctuation, or voice. It's a tough discipline, especially for perfectionists like me, who scour pages with red pens and cringe at every error. If that's you, too, there's hope. Just. Write.

When my inner voice grows silent, speaks it's last word, then I think, again.

I read and reread my free-hand scrawls searching for a nugget worth sharing. If I find one, my brain goes on high alert and editing begins. Words align into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, paragraphs into a blog entry, a speaking topic, a book chapter, or a children's story idea. I don't publish everything. Some words are best kept to myself. Others are private between God and me.

I. Just. Write. That's what I do. I'm hard-wired that way.

How has God hard-wired you? What form of expression do you find most comfortable?

Tension

2012-01-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope." Zechariah 9:12

It's invisible, yet palpable. One moment we stand empowered and motivated then collapse deflated and defeated the next. Our God-dream meets reality and somewhere in between tension builds, plays tug-o-war with our hearts and minds.

It showed up, forty feet high on the tapered pamper pole. Climbing was the easy part. Fully harnessed and tethered to my husband and trusted friends, my hands and feet grasped steel pegs all the way up. But once at the top, I had to let go and tension grew thick between me and the hanging trapeze just beyond my reach.

My reality - I stood swaying on a two foot square platform atop a forty feet high telephone pole, with only two ways down. One way: admit defeat, and climb backwards. The second: trust my friends, leap forward, grab the trapeze and swing down to a secured platform only a few short feet away.

My perspective deemed the leap impossible, even dangerous. The trapeze? Beyond my reach. The longer I waited, the stronger tension mounted and climbing backwards a welcomed choice.

Abraham knew this tension well - promised offspring more numerous than all the stars his reality shouted "Impossible!" Seventy-five years old and counting, Abraham (and his wife Sarah) partnered with God to transform this reality.

Scripture tells us, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him...Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised" (Romans 4: 18-22).

Abraham knew the facts: Twenty-five years passed since God first spoke his promise and nothing happened. His body and Sarah's were as good as dead - childbearing an impossibility. And even if the impossible became possible, fathering many nations was beyond his reach.

And still. Abraham believed.

Fully persuaded, Abraham believed God had the power to do exactly what he promised. He would father many nations.

Scared and paralyzed from fear, I stood swaying on that pamper pole. Finally, I focused on my husband's words, "I won't let you fall. I've got you! Trust me. Just reach out and jump. Don't think. Just do it."

And I jumped. (And obviously lived to tell about it)!

When our God-dream journey tarries and reality shouts, "Impossible!" we must return to our fortress - God's promise - focus on his words alone, anchor our God-dreams in the reality of God's power and nurture hope.

When we do this we partner with God - with his promises - and he transforms our reality into his reality, making all things new. What seems impossible becomes possible; the unreachable is within our grasp.

Do you trust him? Then, don't think. Just jump!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well " (Matthew 6:33).

Thankful Thursday: Dream. It's Your Turn!

2012-01-12T06:30:00.017-05:00

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

I know this topic of God dreams is timely. I've received emails from some of you, seen Facebook chatter on dreams, and our family has experienced much trouble this week.

On Monday, the first Wellspring Writers Group met. I expected 10 people. God exceeded my meager expectations and 18 people attended, five more were unable to attend. Electricity filled the room and flickering, distant dreams came alive.

Tuesday morning, I awoke with vertigo and nausea - a mystery until I remembered how hard I hit my head on the door frame of my car the night before. Suffering a concussion four years ago, I stayed in bed all day.

The same day, my daughter contracted food poisoning from eating tainted meat in Rwanda. Her condition was serious enough to consider flying home to the US for hospitalization. But, family and intercessors prayed and her condition stabilized within 24 hours.

Wednesday brought more news of ill health to our extended family.

By this time, I knew the Enemy was doling out distractions and trouble knowing that I was one step closer to my dream and more powerfully, releasing the God-dreams in others.

It's in these times of trouble, where we're called to prayer being ever watchful and thankful. Watchful for God in the midst of trouble - ready to move where he moves, for he promises to make good of any situation. Thankful for God's blessings and faithfulness in our lives in the past, the present and the future. For God never fails.

So, in the midst of trouble - on my way towards God's dream - I'm grateful for:

God-sized dreams
Opportunities to release God-dreams in others
Powerful prayers offered by intercessors
A living God who hears our cries
Health restored by a compassionate, powerful God
Battles already won
Readers willing to dream

As promised, today is for you. Have you enjoyed your time of God-dreaming? What dreams has God placed in your hearts?

You're invited to share with us, right here. And if you do, I'll covet to pray with you, that God would empower you with his strength, his vision, his hope until the very end.

Ready? Go!

Lord, thank you for infusing your dreams inside ready hearts. Protect those dreams, empower these precious children to carry your hope and follow your lead until you bring these dreams to completion. Amen.

When Dreams Seem Beyond Our Reach

2012-01-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

"For nothing is impossible for God." Luke 1:37

Walking toward our dreams, taking one faith-step at a time, proves exhilarating and exhausting, empowering and deflating, possible and impossible all at the same time. When our journey turns the corner from months to years, Doubt slithers around every bend serving up handfuls of discouragement, hardships and lies hoping we'll let it all go.

Here, confronted by Doubt, we have two choices: trust God's promises and hang on tight, keeping in step or believe Doubt's lies, let go and turn back home, convinced our dreams are simply unreachable.

Avoiding difficulties marks our humanity and Doubt plays that trump card every time. Traveling the straightest, smoothest, easiest road appeals to us most naturally - especially when we're afraid or weary - doesn't it?

Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble." Living in this broken world trouble is inevatalbe. But Jesus didn't leave his disciples (or us) hopeless. He continued, "But take heart! I [Jesus] have overcome the world." What a promise! If Jesus already overcame the world, what have we to fear? If he leads the way, we just need to follow him.

David puts it this way, "God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake their surging" (Psalm 46:1-3).

Here, in the witness of God's word that Hope replaces Doubt and we take hold of Trust. Our hearts rejuvinate and muster strength beyond ourselves until we fall in step with God's pace.

And here's the greatest promise as we journey together: "...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

Oh Lord, when Doubt creeps in with trouble, when our hearts are weary from the journey and our dreams seem unreachable, before we let go, remind us of your promises. Remind us that for you, God, nothing is impossible! Replace Doubt with Hope, fill us with your Truth and Life, rejuvinate your dream in us, help us hold on tight until we burn with desire to follow in your footsteps once again. Amen.

My Wishes vs God Dreams

2012-01-10T00:00:00.009-05:00

"For no word from God will ever fail." Luke 1:37

God is not a Genie in a lamp, huddling inside cramped quarters hoping for relief at the whim of our selfish wishes and a swipe of our hand across the shiny brass. Although, that's how we treat him.

Wired with his DNA to create (ideas, products, ministries, babies, solutions) we often we envision the outcomes of our situations, imagine the perfect solutions and approach God with our wishes. We wish for a better job, wish we lived in a nicer home, wish the pain subsided, wish for slender bodies, wish for financial stability, wish for __________.

Praying for these things isn't wrong, but these things are not dreams. Wishes don't give us hope, but rather disappointment (in God and in ourselves), when they don't work out according to our plans.

So, if we're supposed to have God-sized dreams, if God's planted his desires into our hearts from the beginning, how do we distinguish dreams from wishes?

Dreams are those ideas that just won't leave you alone. They're often given you during prayer, through a simple thought, a picture, a word spoken over you by someone else. Many times dreams coincide with your talents, your passions, and spiritual gifts. For instance, you may have a dream to reach children from broken homes - to bring them hope and healing - but, you're not sure how that looks. At first you think it's through youth ministry, but that doesn't work out. Years pass and you wonder if you've failed but all along, you've journaled your thoughts, envisioned these kids, experienced more brokenness, forgiveness and healing - spiritual growth. Then, God couples this dream with your talent and gives you an idea for a book. Even though you've never authored anything beyond an article in the church newsletter or the school newspaper, it works. The words flow and the dream-seed is nurtured.

Most often dreams are beyond our means whether in talent, finances, time, etc. This is where God is- wrapped in our impossibilities - unwrapping all his possibilities.

After Gabriel gave Mary the news that she was God's chosen vessel for Emmanuel, (Luke 1)she didn't wish for a different way to bring Jesus into the world, she didn't impose her wishes for a better way on God. Rather, she asked "How will this be since I am still a virgin?" Mary humbly accepted the impossibilities with faith that God's possibilities would bring good things; that he would accomplish this according to his promises, not according to her wishes (Henri Nouwen, Watch for the Light, 2001 Orbis Books).

So, how does that apply to us and our dreams? First, distinguish wishes from God's dreams. Second, relinquish control to God's lead. Third, step out in obedience with eyes and hearts wide open, waiting with faith and hope.

Lord, open our minds and our hearts and align our thoughts with your dreams, today. Teach us to distinguish our wishes from your dreams. Help us to humbly accept your call on our lives,even when the outcome seems full of impossibilities. May we relinquish control. Give us courage with each step of obedience.

Tomorrow we discuss when dreams are beyond our reach.

Dreaming God Style

2012-01-09T00:00:00.014-05:00

"To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory..." Ephesians 3:20-12

In my resolve to exercise more (or start) and eat less starches and sugar I've discovered another area of my life that needs attention: dreaming. I don't mean the unconscious dreams of sleep or the lazy summer cloud-watching day-dreamy thoughts, but rather the dreams hidden inside my heart.

I spend much of my day tasking - cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands- writing's even a task sometimes, no matter how much I love it. Then I read this verse in Ephesians:

"To him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine..."

Hmmm...imagining. When was the last time I stopped doing and imagined? When have I dreamed impossibilities rather than safe limited possibilities? Clinging to safe I've limited God's amazing power that he says is at work in me (and you).

So here's the deal: along with disciplining myself with exercise, eating less, writing more, I'm adding dreaming bigger, God-sized dreams; dreams that scare the pants off me. Not just to dream for the sake of dreaming or personal accolades but because I don't want to limit God in me.

God says he can do more, dream more and I want to participate in his dreams; I want to partner with God to bring about his purposes. God calls each of us to something for someone else. He wants to partner with humanity - with us - to bring His change, His healing, His life to others.

So here's the deal: Let's set this week aside to dream. Yea, I know. Sounds crazy, right? I don't mean ignoring everything cuz that's just not our reality. Take a half hour (or whatever time you have) of quiet and ask, "God, all things aside - where in this crazy world do you want to partner with me? What are your dreams for me, God? Where do I fit?" Take time to listen for God's whispers. Record what you hear. Then, get on with your day - listening with one ear, listening with your heart as you task. If something tugs at you, write it down.

At the end of the week, I'll set aside Thankful Thursday for you! Let's share the dreams God's called out of us right here under comments or contact me here if you'd like privacy. Let's encourage one another for God's kingdom purposes.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:4-6

Thankful Thursday: Chicken Noodle Soup for My Soul

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

"In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun...It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth."Psalm 19:4, 6

Winter's first cold nips my nose and I breathe refreshing air deep. Behind the steering wheel I drive east - away from town - towards the morning sun and winding country roads. Just me sipping coffee and my iPhone streaming worship.

I travel over hills, past the barren vineyard, empty, muddied cornfields, bright red barns with feeding cows huddled close and Dairy Farmer bundled in wool, topped with fur-lined cap and ear flaps atop his plow. My mind turns 'round every bend with memories of grape harvest, listening to winds blow through tall corn and stopping with my wee ones to watch the cows' tails switch.

This was the way to Grandmother's house - still is. But, today I travel the road alone - no grandchildren in tow - over the river, through the woods. Around every bend and turn I wonder how many times I've traveled there and how many more times will I travel?

The warmth inside her home rushes at me all at once and the reality of today comes with it. With every fold and tuck of the sheets, every swipe of the dust cloth, every push and pull of the vacuum I whisper, "Thank you, Jesus for my mom and dad. Thank you, Jesus for today and for however many tomorrows we can share."

And now I'm home from Grandmother's house, my soul wrapped in the warmth of today's new memory - the sweet conversations, Mom's homemade chicken noodle soup, Dad's hug, and a wave goodbye from the picture window.

On this Thankful Thursday, I'm grateful for

Days framed in love
Parents to enjoy
Hands to serve
Mom's chicken noodle soup
Dad's hugs
Country roads
Farmers wrapped in wool
Cows huddled close
Vineyards
Snapshot memories
Hot coffee

What's your framed-in-love kind of day look like?

New Beginnings

2012-01-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22b-23 (NIV).

Snow accumulates one beautiful snowflake at a time until the landscape shines with God's glory after the storm. He builds upon our life, one new experience at at time, to reveal his glory through us. I invite you to join me in the midst of these new experiences (not just as a reader but as a participant, if you'd like):

At {Re}fresh, a debut blog hosted by Wellspring Church, I'm writing on small beginings. God planted an abundance of writers in this congregation, for which I feel humbled and honored to join in worship each week. Today, a few of us step out in faith and obedience, sharing our words of encouragement with our fellow worshipers and curious readers.

{Re}fresh is a weekly blog, currently authored by four contributors. Our prayer is that our words penned in prayer may spur you toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

Hop over to Encouragement Cafe to read my guest post Deep Dark Waters: Take Heart! based on John 16:33, "Jesus says, 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Amen.

Finally, next Monday, January 9th, the Writers Group at Wellspring launches! If you live near central Connecticut and are a writer or aspiring writer, 18 years old or more, you're invited to join us at Wellspring Church, 222 Lincoln St., Berlin, CT from 7 pm to 9 pm. Please contact me for details by clicking here.

What new beginnings do you see on your horizon?

I Surrender

2012-01-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always"

Psalm 105:4 (NIV).

Tempted to list a bunch of resolutions for the new year, I ponder life's themes from 2011: small beginnings and confidence. I don't step into 2012 (or any year) with a clean slate. What I learned from last year, the year before that and the one before that, follows me. In fact, all life's lessons follow me like Peter Pan's shadow attached with needle and thread to the soles of my feet.

I can't separate the past from whom I am now or whom I want to become by the end of 2012, for the past shapes me and influences my future. I know what needs shedding, changing, and transforming: a few unwanted pounds, negative self-talk, doubting, unprecedented fear, to name a few. I know what's worth keeping and nurturing: daily solitude with my Lord, date nights, family time, a regular writing schedule and writing goals.

Generally, I know where I'm headed - the specifics that lie between the past and December 31, 2012 remain a mystery. It's this unknown territory that I must surrender and accept at the same time. No one can control or resolve to do better when life surprises us with the unexpected, never-before-experienced situations.

So, before it all happens, I surrender and pray that where I've been prepared me, my heart and my mind for what's ahead. One thing I know, the God who has been faithful to carry me through the difficulties of the past, filled me with peace, provided for all my needs will be faithful for whatever the new year holds.

"'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'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

What has your Peter Pan shadow attached to the souls of your feet? How has the past shaped your "now"? your future? Do you know the good that needs nurturing and the negative that needs shedding? Are you comfortable surrendering the unknown?

May we covet to pray for one another this year, as the Lord leads? I'd be honored to pray with you. Feel free to leave a comment, a prayer request or private message me at d.aldrich@snet.net or on Facebook.

God's richest blessings for 2012!

Dawn

Praise Gone Mute

2012-01-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’"

Mark 12:30

With no voice, how was I to praise? What sweet sound of worship could I offer? I stood in awkward silence amongst my family in a crowded sanctuary dressed in reds and greens, wanting with all my heart to lift my voice in praise. But the sacrifice had already been offered; my voice ̶ fallen victim to seasonal laryngitis.

“What do I have to offer you, my God and my King on this silent night?” I begged.
Clearing my throat, I squeaked out a string of monotone harmonies to which my concerned three-year-old granddaughter asked, “Grams? Why does your voice sound so funny?” If her ears cringed from my singing laryngitis, I knew it I’d better stop before those directly in front of us turned ‘round with pitiful smiles.

Again, I asked, “What do I have to offer you, my God? How do I praise you with muted voice?”

The choir stood close while we sat quiet ̶ listening. And then, His Spirit moved; swept over me and through the room swelling hearts until those seeking were filled with in audible praise. You could see it in our faces, read it in our movement, almost touch it-God with us.

Worship is more than singing, more than a song and a voice. God created us with bodies, minds, and spirits and asks us to worship Him with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and strength. And when we do, He draws near and we experience God with us.

When we find ourselves limited either physically, emotionally, or spiritually, God says, “I’m limitless. Find a way to worship me from where you are (even in silence) and I will meet you there.”

Christmas Moments: Did You Know?

2011-12-23T06:00:00.034-05:00

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

I heard the story of Joseph and Mary every year for the last thirty-two years, but never had I really examined Mary and what she must have been feeling and thinking on that long journey to Bethlehem. As I sat in church a few Sundays before Christmas, I listened to the beautiful words of the special, ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ and tears formed in my eyes. My hand unconsciously rubbed my belly, quite large with our fifth child due just weeks later, wondering if my little one I carried a boy or a girl?

Mary knew.

She knew her little One was a boy. The angel of the Lord had told her nine months before that she would have a Son, and she should call His name Immanuel. I let my mind drift back 2000 years before and put myself in Mary’s place.

Riding a donkey in her condition, bouncing along on the rough trail, feeling every jolt and muscle sway as the rocks rolled underfoot. Walking would have been better, had it not been for the constant tightening of the stomach every few minutes. The baby’s head was obviously dropping. In this strange and unfriendly town, who would attend to her labor and birth of this precious child? Who would know what to do when everyone else failed them?

Joseph knew.

Joseph knew what to do. His hands were strong and capable of catching the sweet babe as He made His entrance into the cold world. He knew how to bundle the little one with swaddling clothes and lay Him in the manger filled with sweet hay. As the cattle and sheep gently chewed their cud, they watched as their visitors settled down after their long ordeal and slept for a few minutes on the pile of fresh hay, covered with a soft blanket. Nobody else knew of the miraculous birth that occurred that night and nobody cared to come and see the newborn baby.

But the shepherds knew.

The angels appeared to them in the sky above, startling them from their usual quiet chatter as they watched their sheep. The sky lit up with a glorious light, almost blinding them as the angels sang overhead. “Glory to God in the highest!” Their angelic voices rang out with the most beautiful song, praising the Heavenly Father for the birth of God the Son. Only the shepherds heard that song of praise and now came to worship the King.

And today, we still worship our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Did you know that Jesus came to bring peace to His children and is still bringing that peace to us today? Rest in the truth that He will never change and He is the same as He was 2000 years ago. I can truly say I am glad that He chose to come to earth as a man and I know I am going to be with Him someday in Heaven.

How about you….do you know?

About the author:

Cara Simmons is a wife, mother of five, and an author of Christian YA adventure fiction. She's enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and telling them to whomever would listen. From monkey tales to stories of kidnappings, and orphans, Cara wove exciting adventures that thrilled her listeners. In 2007, Halo Publishing International published the first book of her trilogy, The Orphans of Mordecai's Castle: The Haven followed by book two, The Leviathan in 2009. Her final book is presently in the editing process and Simmons hopes to see it published by the end of 2012. To learn more about Cara and her books click here.

Christmas Moments: Come Let Us See

2011-12-22T06:30:00.017-05:00

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12

Every year after Christmas Eve service, Dad turned on the car radio so we could listen to the announcer track Santa's journey through the winter sky. I was so eager to get home, jump in bed and quickly fall asleep so Santa could come to our house. Sometimes, I tried to stay awake as long as I could, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Jolly Old Elf himself as he left gifts under our tree. How my little heart thrilled at the thought of catching that twinkle in Santa's eyes.

Oh, if only I could just catch a glimpse...

In Luke 2:8-20, we read the story of shepherds who caught more than a glimpse of the greatest gift ever given. While they were tending the sheep, angels appeared in the sky; and as frightened as they were, the shepherds were so convinced of the angels' news that they said, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened." When they arrived at their destination, they came face-to-face with Jesus. He wasn't left under a beautifully decorated tree. Instead, He was placed in a manger. He wasn't wrapped in a pretty package tied with a brightly colored bow. He was wrapped in strips of swaddling cloth.

When our boys were small, I couldn't wait to see their little faces as they opened their gifts. I anticipated that moment more than I looked forward to opening my own gifts. I wanted to see their eyes light up and hear their joyful squeals of delight over their new toys. Might this be what the Father had in mind when he gave us Jesus? Is it possible He greatly anticipated our response to His gift more than He wanted to receive from us? I think so, because it's more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

This year, as we reflect on the Christmas story, let us see Jesus. Let us unwrap the gift of the Savior and receive anew all that He has given us, and turn our faces toward heaven and offer to the Father our joyful praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

About the author:

Renee Rowell, lives in Elgin, SC with her husband David and their youngest son. Their eldest son is serving overseas in the U. S. Air force. For the past twenty-five years she and David have served shoulder-to-shoulder in worship ministry and presently minister at The Church of the Harvest in Lexington, SC. Renee's current projects are blogging at Life Outside the Margins and authoring a book, Loving Like Jesus Loves: Strengthening Your Heart for the Extra Mile. Renee welcomes visitors to her blog or facebook page.

Christmas Moments: A Humble Trust

2011-12-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Luke 2:6

I read the verse and had to pause for a second as I thought about what it said.
“…while they were there, the days were accomplished…” So many times I have seen movies or heard narratives about the two weary travelers arriving in Bethlehem, exhausted and worn out from their long journey. Mary, on the verge of giving birth, sits upon the back of a donkey, grimacing in pain as Joseph desperately knocks on door after door only to be turned away with the words, “We have no more rooms!”

With one last final attempt of finding lodging for his laboring wife, Joseph begs an innkeeper for a place to sleep. The innkeeper quietly tells him that they can rest in the stable out back. Joseph gladly accepts and gets his wife settled in. Not too long later, a little baby’s cry pierces the night as baby Jesus takes His first earthly breaths as He makes His bloody and watery entry into this earth.

Taking a look at this verse again, I cannot help but wonder just how long did Mary reside in that stable before actually giving birth to her Son? Assuming hundreds, maybe even thousands of people arrived in Bethlehem around the same time, the tax process would not have been completed overnight with that many people to count. Did Mary and Joseph have to wait in line, day after day, until it was their turn to be counted?

It is only speculation on my part, as with any of these stories that people have written about the birth, seeing that we only know a small part through what the Bible explains to us. Maybe God wanted Mary to learn something while she waited for her little one to arrive. She was already a humble girl, having meekly taken on the task of carrying God’s Son in her womb. She never questioned the angel’s words in any way, only to politely ask “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?” After the angel kindly answered her, Mary’s humble reply clearly said, “I am surrendered to do whatever God wants. My life is His.”

Whether it was that night, a day later, or even a week later when baby Jesus was born, God’s timing was perfect in the arrival of His Son. Everything worked out exactly to God’s plan, and through it all, God taught the chosen mother of His precious Son, that He was in control, and even though the circumstances and place may not have been her first choice, she could trust Him through it all. If she could learn that lesson before the birth, then she would be able to put all the unknowns of the future of this precious Baby at the feet of Jesus’s Father, and trust Him to see her through all the trials that lay ahead which would lead to Jesus’s ultimate reason for even entering the world….the cross.

About the author:

Cara Simmons is a wife, mother of five, and an author of Christian YA adventure fiction. She's enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and telling them to whomever would listen. From monkey tales to stories of kidnappings, and orphans, Cara wove exciting adventures that thrilled her listeners. In 2007, Halo Publishing International published the first book of her trilogy, The Orphans of Mordecai's Castle: The Haven followed by book two, The Leviathan in 2009. Her final book is presently in the editing process and Simmons hopes to see it published by the end of 2012. To learn more about Cara and her books click here.