Category: Spiritual

Healing, Inspirational, Spiritual, Support

Do not be afraid.

Pamela Dawn

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.

The words resonated as I looked at them on the page. I thought about Mary and pondered what must have been going through her mind. An angel had just visited her and announced, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Fear would have filled my heart as I reasoned that what he was about to say next could not possibly be good. The Bible tells us Mary was “greatly troubled.” Gabriel goes on to tell her not to be afraid. Oh, my, I think….this can’t be OK. It reminded me of the phone call I once received where the first words my child announced were, “Don’t worry, I’m OK!” I knew what he was about to say next was not something I wanted to hear.

What is so beautiful about our Father is He KNOWS. He knows our flesh is weak. He knows that sometimes in that weakness, everything we know to be true about Him goes right out the window the moment fear smacks us in the head. So He does what every good parent does….He reassures us, “It is going to be OK.”

The angel Gabriel explains to Mary what was about to happen and he concludes with more words of assurance…

For no word from God will ever fail.”

This is most certainly a message for today. Let’s be real. 2020 has been a difficult year for just about everyone. More than ever, people are weary, broken, fearful, and anxious. But God’s words are as true today as they were to Mary over 2000 years ago. For the believer, we know who the Savior is. The true message of Christmas is not wrapped up in giving gifts, making cookies, or decking the halls. The message here is to remember His words spoken by the angel, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Ever.

Romans 8:28 tells us, “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.” Mary knew this. And her response to Gabriel is shockingly brave.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

She didn’t bolt. She didn’t question. She put her trust in what God spoke to her through Gabriel that day. I encourage you to enter into this new year with the brave attitude of young Mary. We can only imagine the fear and uncertainty that must have been running through her mind. There were going to be many challenges in her journey. But she received simple truth. God’s word will never fail. She received reassurance and chose to move forward with grace and boldness.

So Father, I trust your message of reassurance as Mary did so many years ago. I am Your servant. Let it be to me according to Your word. Thank you Father for knowing me, loving me, and for giving me the gift of hope and for teaching me courage through the story of Mary, for I know you work ALL things for my good. I choose to not be afraid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas Friends,

In Christ-

Inspirational, Spiritual, Support

A New Normal.

Pamela Dawn

Not so long ago, what most of the world defined as “normal” was turned upside down. For most, just days before we felt rooted, in control, and optimistic. In just one day, everything we had put our faith in just stopped. It took a minute to find a footing and grasp this new reality. The words of the song ‘Waymaker’ resonated in my mind.

You are here moving in our midst….I worship you….You are here, working in this place….

This song has been played by worship teams all over the country, and I have heard it many times over the years, but something new stirred inside of me this season.

Way maker, Miracle worker, Promise keeper, Light in the darkness, My God, That is who you are…

I had momentarily shifted from a position of peace to a place of uncertainty. I caught myself, regained my balance, and focused. My ultimate trust never been founded in a job or in the government or in people. I have always managed to keep myself founded in Jesus and in how He has taught us to live. And every time I have been in a challenging season in my life, He has gotten me through. Every. Single. Time.

I really do believe God has been moving in our midst and making a new way. For those of you that believe you had it good, have you really? I realized that I had personally lost my focus. While life was seemingly going well, there were still unfinished tasks, forgotten ideas, and lost dreams. I had been depriving myself of a precious commodity – TIME. I began to take advantage of this new gift. My family has learned new recipes, crafted new treasures, created new spaces in our home, and worked together on projects outside. We are laughing more, sleeping better, and having more meaningful conversations. Each of us has taken time to do things we love to do. I see my daughters painting, creating, and helping each other with school projects. I have enjoyed writing and real phone conversations. I have worked on a new business and caught up with family and friends. I have learned my neighbors’ names and had sidewalk chats. I have cleaned closets and drawers and enjoyed the satisfaction of getting order in my home. I have discovered the therapeutic benefits of a simple deep inhale and long exhale as I sit outside with a cup of coffee and listed to the birds.

We hear a lot of talk about longing for things to be “normal again.” I have discovered I do not want to go back to what was “normal.” In my old normal I was stressed, tired and disconnected from family. In my old normal I longed for time to do things I enjoyed. In my old normal our family was running in several different directions every day, struggling just to make dinner happen. In my old normal, I saw my kids each doing their own thing, caught up in their own worlds. In the old normal, neighbors didn’t chat, wave, or smile. I don’t want that ‘normal’ life anymore. I like this new life we unwrapped.

As the world around us begins to open back up, we are tackling it with a new perspective. We have learned the value of laughter, rest, decompressing. We have rediscovered the healing effect of doing things that satisfy us and spark joy. We have repurposed our day to include more conversation, interaction, and interest in one another. Life is good. And I am thankful that we went through this season so we remember once again what life really is.

Cheers to your new normal!

undefined

Healing, Inspirational, Spiritual, Support

I see beauty everywhere.

Pamela Dawn

My first reaction was unease. I felt numb as I stared at the TV and listened to our leaders explain that schools would be closed, businesses closed, travel restricted, and life as we know it would to come to a sudden halt. My thoughts immediately shifted to how can I keep my family healthy, how are we going to pay the mortgage, how will I keep the kids occupied, who will care for the seniors and others living alone? WILL WE BE OK? It is easy when suddenly confronted with change to fear what is unknown and forget the peace we were just living in only moments before. But then I remembered.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Life has taught me to look past the obvious and to look a little deeper to see what God is doing. I have learned to hold on to peace in the midst of the storm. So I caught myself before I journeyed too far down that lane of fear. I made a decision that I was not going to allow our present situation with the covid-19 virus to change my thinking or to change what I already know. I would exercise wisdom, but I refused to let fear come in the door.

Life is busy. Despite the vast possibilities with technology, we have become a disconnected, material-driven, overwhelmed, and weary society. Our to-do lists have become longer than our dreams list. Families do not engage with one another and technology has replaced relationship. Neighbors don’t talk over the fence. Elderly sit home alone and stare at the phone that never rings. Social media swallows up inordinate amounts of time. Creating and reading have become lost arts. We forget the things that we were once passionate about. Dreams are put on hold or forgotten.

Perhaps it was time for change. I knew I was ready for a slow down. And so were many of you. I have been praying for the sick and for the separated families who cannot be there to comfort their loved ones. But I have also been praying for the families that are now finding themselves home, together, with an incredible opportunity to be family again. I have been celebrating the re-connections that parents are making with their children. I have been enjoying the creative means that people are using to re-engage. I am enjoying listening to families sitting outside in our neighborhood, laughing and talking. In the midst of our upside down world, I see beauty everywhere.

I love to peruse Facebook just to view the finished home projects, artist works, new music, and love being shared in unique, creative ways. Neighbors are talking over the fence offering help and swapping stories. People are reaching out to shut-ins and helping them with their shopping, errands and yard work. Siblings are playing together and crafting sidewalk chalk art. People are giving generously. Those that are not working are reaching out to help those on the front lines battling the illness in the hospitals and urgent cares. Gardens are getting planted, children are learning to cook, and new hobbies are being learned. We are creating a community in our neighborhoods and towns. People are caring. Lives matter. Love is here.

I sat outside this morning listening to the world wake up. The birds were chattering. The sky was a beautiful blue with streams of sunlight beaming overhead. It felt good to disconnect from the news, from the phone, and from the uncertainty. Yes, there is much to be concerned about. The majority of people on this earth have never seen anything like this. But I see good emerging. It is spring here where we live. Flowers are poking through the earth, trees are blossoming, and the breeze is blowing. There is new life all around. But it has also become “spring” in our homes. As I feel the world waking up around me, I realize that we are all in a new season where we are re-learning to celebrate one another. We are remembering what is important. We are living again. I am enjoying this fresh breath of life. I am enjoying my family around me each day as we connect. I am smiling again as I slow down and reflect on what really matters and learn new things and rediscover old passions. I encourage you to pause and look at the world through these new lenses. It’s time to experience living again. Beauty is everywhere. We just need to look.

Sending virtual hugs….until we can meet again.

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

Agape Love, Healing, Spiritual

Love them anyway.

Pamela Dawn

“Just love them anyway. I’ll sort ’em out later. God.”

When I read stories in the Bible, I find myself completely immersed, soaking in the atmosphere and experiencing the emotions. We all want to believe that somehow, we would have reacted with grace or better judgement, but really, how well would we have been able to control our own human response? Would we stand out or fall in line with the crowd?

“Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.”

I imagine the damp morning air as the woman was standing there in utter despair, gasping for breath as fear grips her chest and she gazes at her accusers, legs feeling weak. I imagined the loneliness and betrayal she must have experienced as she stood alone.

“In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.”

I can sense the dead silence in the heavy air as everyone around Him waits in anticipation. Actually, these men were not even interested in what happened to the woman. I can hear her heart pounding as she looks at Jesus in desperation, eyes crying out for mercy. 

“When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.”

I imagine the look of bewilderment on her face as the woman realized the gift of mercy that had been granted to her. Still frozen in terror, she was perhaps unsure how to process what was happening. I have witnessed this response in people. It is almost disbelief. Could this be real? The world does not love this way. I imagine the stunned faces of the men, who even then did not understand love, but were more concerned about self-preservation.

“When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.”

Have you ever experienced a moment like this when in an instant, every muscle in your body relaxes, you exhale, and you realize it’s over; it is going to be OK? Can you see her face – the tears flowing – as she gazes upon Jesus with relief, awe, amazement?

“Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”“No one, Lord,” she answered.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”

And there it is. LOVE. Self-less, beautiful, real.  The woman, in her darkest moment, received the most perfect gift we can give.  Pure, merciful love.  I can only imagine the shock mixed with joy as the woman looked into the eyes of Love Himself.  Incredible.

We are surrounded today by people similar to the individuals in this story.  There are some who are puffed up with entitlement, self-righteousness, and apathy.  Some are plagued with complacency.  It is difficult to discern true love or what it even means when Jesus says we are to love one another.  The word love itself has become so distorted.  And the act of love is treated as a commodity, withheld when someone does not agree with our agenda or we do not live up to their standards. We shut ourselves off from others out of entitlement, inconsiderate of the consequences.

But in this story, Jesus gives us a perfect example of what it means to love one another.  I remember praying one day and asking God to give me the ability to see others the way He sees them.  I wanted to look past their mistakes, their denomination, their political views or their family history.  Regardless of what we see on the outside, regardless of what one will admit, we all need the same thing this woman needed.  We need love and we need to be heard. We are created in His image. And He is love personified. And therefore, so are we.

Do everything in love. 1 Cor 16:14

It was as if the scales had fallen from my eyes. When I began to connect with people in a real way, I saw change.  When I spoke to them because they mattered, I saw light in their eyes.   Our world suffers from an epidemic of self.  In this world of “me first” we have forgotten how to love one another, empathize with our fellow human, and forgive.  In a dream one night, I clearly heard God say, “Love them anyway.”  Love them despite it all. The moment was so intense I was changed.  They need it.  And when I began loving them anyway, I felt a shift in my own heart.  Joy overcame despair.  Peace overcame fear.  Purpose overcame regret.

I know this is hard.  After all, people have hurt us.  I tell people, don’t do it for them, do it for YOU.  And as you do it for you, and YOU get free, others will see the change in you.  Your joy becomes contagious.  And one by one, in our own little corner of the world, we can invite change for the better.  Jesus did it. He still does it today.  And so should we. ♥♥♥

Passages taken from John 8: 1-11

Healing, Spiritual, Support

A new day.

Pamela Dawn

Our lives have been unexpectedly upended. We are certainly floating on uncharted waters, and I have been encouraging people to “find the good.” Media makes it easy for everyone to focus on the negative, opening doors for fear, anxiety, and worry. I have always found peace in Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”








Meditating on these words so often has given me the beautiful habit of looking at what others (including me) are not seeing.  Our flesh tends to focus on the natural.  We see others anxious, we become anxious.  We see others buying half a year of toilet tissue, off we trot to the store (smile now, it’s true).  But what is GOD doing?  What good things are being seeded into?  I see families finally sitting down together at a table over a shared meal.  I see moms and kids working together on a school art project.  I see garden beds being planted on time this year.  I see someone finally picking up that book they have wanted to read for a year.  I see people working in their garages, working on projects, or finally painting that guest room.  





I see smiles, I hear laughter, I smell cookies baking…. I see people taking TIME. 





God is all about you.  He is all in when He sees His children doing what they enjoy.  Yes, these days have hardship and most of us have been touched in some profound way.  As a nation and as people, we have been through a lot.  But the truth is, we WILL get through this.  Some day, this will be a story we all tell.  But my wish is to see people come out of this for the better.  My hope is that once we get a renewed sense of  living and of loving one another,  we won’t want to return the busy, distracted world full of disconnects and unfulfilled hearts.  












For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun!  Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.





Do you not see it?  Have you been in the wilderness, wandering back and forth aimlessly as you simply work to get through the next day?  A pathway has been created.  Our dry wastelands are beginning to flourish with fresh waters as we re-position, re-establish, restore, and reconnect.  Find the good in these days.  It’s time to live again.  Cheers to you…





Love in Christ,





Pamela











		


			
		
	






	
	

		Healing, Spiritual
Beauty in Brokenness
	


	

							

			 Pamela Dawn		
		
		

			


Like so many times before, I walked along the beach searching for little treasures. This day was different as my eye was drawn to beauty commonly overlooked. As the ocean waves retreated over my feet, I was fixed on the glistening objects that remained. I bent down to pick up what appeared to be a complete shell. I soon discovered it was flawed by the rough waters. Normally I would toss the shell back into the water, but today, the Lord chose to use this broken shell to speak to me.


He has made everything beautiful in its time… Ecclesiastes 3:11


In its time. This shell was once whole and perfect, serving a purpose. And now it is broken, flawed, and without any discernible use. Yet the scripture says it is made beautiful in its time. I thought, “Isn’t that like some of us?”


The early morning sun produced a beautiful glow on the shell in my hand. I began to look more closely at the intricate pattern, the rough-looking edges that were now smooth, and the possibilities with this small piece.




I began to see the beauty in its brokenness.




As I looked at the people around me I realized we are all the same. We begin life unmarred, whole, and hope-filled. In time, as we are tossed around in life’s sea, we become rough on the edges, imperfect. Sometimes the edges are sharp and they hurt others. Perhaps like this shell, we once were purposed, but the waters of life have changed us, and we no longer see ourselves as beautiful.


Some fall into the pit of regret. Others choose denial. Maybe we long for the days when life was full, when we felt victorious, powerful, loved, honored, useful.


You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. -Song of Solomon 4:7


Suddenly my eyes were opened and I saw the stunning beauty of this broken shell in my hand. The broken edges had been smoothed during its journey through the rough waters. The shell’s beauty was no longer defined by its wholeness. It is now defined by its brokenness. A new purpose has emerged as a result of going through the journey. If everyone had the perfect life surrounded by perfect people and perfect circumstances, we wouldn’t need a Savior. Jesus said, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” He came for the broken, not the whole. He came for me.


God reminded me that in our weakness, we are made strong in Him. New beauty emerges from the waters of life. Character develops that would be impossible if we never experienced those “rough waters.” At some point, we fix our gaze on the One who created us. We reach a point of brokenness before Him when we finally acknowledge we cannot do this without Him. And He gazes upon His altogether lovely one, and sees beauty in the brokenness. The I AM sees you. Like the shell, you are broken, yet very much whole. Your brokenness becomes your new platform. Your purpose is redefined, reshaped, and re-invented.


I took the shell home as a reminder. I re-purposed it and now have something beautiful to remind me…There is beauty in brokenness. I AM whole. I AM filled with purpose. And I AM beautiful to the I AM. I am His altogether lovely one.