Farewell to 2011

As I look back over this year, I have to say it’s been great!!  However, it didn’t start out that way!  The New Year brought sickness to me and my family – a stomach bug that seemed to go on for weeks!  Then I pulled my back in February and couldn’t sleep in a bed for 5 months (although it seemed longer!)  All that aside…there’s a lot of good things that happened too!  In March, Lisa and I did the Daniel Fast for the WHOLE month!  If you’ve never done it, you should try it.  We managed to stick it out a whole month…wasn’t easy, but we prevailed.  April brought the threat of a Fed Gov’t shutdown (AGAIN) and NASA celebrated the 30^th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Program.  In May, I got to see Space Shuttle, Atlantis, roll out to the launch pad for the last time.  It was also Lisa’s 50^th birthday, so we got to live it up in Hershey at the Chocolate Spa!  It was wonderful!! I was able to see Space Shuttle Endeavour land safely for the last time in June.  My good friend Shannon Dove and her family came home from Costa Rica on a medical furlough in July.  So glad she’s home now, but we’re still praying for answers and resolutions to Rick’s illness!  I also saw Atlantis take her last flight in July – very bittersweet and so ends the Shuttle Program!  My uncle passed away in July as well, so we made a quick trip to Alabama and enjoyed time with family amid the sad circumstances.  I experienced my first, and hopefully last, earthquake in August.  We also survived my birthday weekend amid the impact of Hurricane Irene!  I was able to visit the Glenn Research Center for the first time in September.  And then October brought one of the best vacations I’ve ever had thanks to God, Lisa, Melinda, and Sallie! J  Melinda came for a visit in November for Thanksgiving!  And here we are in December again…in spite of Lisa cracking her foot, we made it through all the extra rehearsals for the Christmas program at church! 

It truly has been a GREAT year and I’m very thankful for every part…not just the good parts, but the hard parts too.  The tough parts keep us depending on God and just when I need Him, He is near!  Can’t wait to see what next year has in store!! 

Blessings,

Dawn

Christmas Time's A-Comin'!!

Christmas is my favorite time of year!!  I love all the lights and decorations – they just make me smile!!

When we were growing up, we went to a fairly small church.  We always had a Christmas play and Lisa and I always got the most lines.  I wonder why?  At any rate, it was the same routine every Saturday up until the play…we would go to the church for practice with curlers in our hair (so our hair would look good for church the next day) and go over all the songs, poems, and lines of the play.  Then, the night of the performance came…yikes!  I remember it very vividly – I was in the 7^th grade and had been playing the clarinet for over a year.  I was asked to play Silent Night for the program.  Everything was going well, until I got to the part “all is calm; all is bright” and then I squeaked!  I just wanted to die right here on the platform!!  I tried to recover and stop, but the more I tried, the worse it got!  Someone behind the scenes asked Lisa, “Why is she making that noise?”  Well, it wasn’t a noise I WANTED to make – believe me!!  I can’t remember if I played another verse or not, but that song seemed to last an eternity!! I finished the song and was so very thankful it was over!  To this day, Silent Night is NOT on my list of favorite Christmas carols!  LOL

Dying to Live

In order to live for Christ, we must die to sin and self daily.  Easier said than done!  This was in my devotions a few days ago and was a real blessing to me.  Enjoy!!

“A Christian has died to sin. Sin has no control over a corpse. Temptation can present itself enticingly and persistently, yet a corpse will not succumb! Before you were a Christian you were keenly susceptible to sin. Sin held you in its grip. When you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20). Sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a corpse. You have died to sin. You can still sin, but you are no longer in sin’s power. If you choose to succumb to temptation, you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death.

God’s grace is a further motivation for us to resist sin. It was God’s grace that enabled Jesus to endure mocking, beating, and crucifixion at the hands of those whom He had come to save. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him. It is this same grace that God expresses toward us each time we sin against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin (Rom. 6:1–2). We cannot presume upon God’s forgiveness by committing further offenses.

You are no longer the helpless victim of your sin. The victory has already been won. God does not have to win a victory over your sin; He already has! You only need to apply His victory to each area of your life. If there is a sinful habit, an ungodly attitude, or an unrighteous relationship that you need to put to death, claim the victory of Christ’s resurrection today. Then you will be free to experience the abundant life that God intends for you.” ~Blackaby

So are you living to die or dying to live??  It's your choice!

I Believe...

I read this today and it was an encouragement to me...hope it will be to you as well!!

I believe today will be a good day because God made it.
{Psalm 118:24}
I believe I have all I need to accomplish His purpose in my life.
{2 Peter 1:3}
I believe nothing is too difficult for me because nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me.
{Philippians 4:13}
I believe even the biggest challenges in my life can be redeemed for my good and His glory.
{Romans 8:28}
I believe I am loved just as I am and called to become even more like Jesus every day.
{Hebrews 10:14}
I believe that He isn't finished with me yet and is able to complete the good work begun in me.
{Philippians 1:6}
I believe I am an overcomer, more than a conqueror, and nothing will keep God from carrying out His plans!
{Romans 8:32-39}
Can I get an "amen" or a "yoo-hoo"?
--Holley Gerth

About my sissy…

Well, it’s Lisa’s birthday weekend…although she has dubbed this: “the year of Lisa!”  I just wanted to tell you a little bit about her for those who don’t know her very well.

What can I say?  She’s 5 years older than me…yes, she’s older, although most people think I am.  I don’t know what to think about that!!  Hmmmm - Is it because I act more mature?  Ha, yea right!  She didn’t like me when I was a baby.  She couldn’t play with me like one of her dolls and I was getting most of the attention.  So after a few days of having me for a little sister, she was ready to take me back to the hospital – where Mom got me!  She picked on me all the time and beat me up!  But, if others tried to pick a fight or hurt me, she’d be the first to defend me.  You see, SHE could beat me up, but no one else better even try!  And even though she did things to get into trouble, I would usually confess so we both didn’t have to suffer the wrath of mom!  I have no idea why, and I question it now…lol!

There are many memories of growing up in church and interesting things that happened!  Like going to Christmas play practice on Saturdays when we were kids with rollers in our hair, playing “Silent Night” on my clarinet when I was in the 6^th grade and it sounded horrible, singing together with those horrible Easter hats on one year in the early 80’s, having Halloween parties and progressive dinners at our house, and spending much time at our youth leaders’ house. 

We were always friends, but not as close as we are now.  Since I was younger, I didn’t hang out with her or her friends much.  And I used to think other people were WAY more cool than my sister.  But eventually, we learned to like each other and become best friends!  I don’t think it was until after our dad passed that we became closer.  

Lisa is the one of the kindest people I know!  She will give you the shirt off her back if you need it!  She doesn’t like to see or hear of anyone in need or trouble because she will go right to work to help them – whether it be materially or financially!

The glass is always half-full with Lisa!  She is always so positive.  When I’m negative, she smashes my face (as only she can) and helps me look at the bright side.  She always says, “We have a lot!  We have no reason to complain about anything!” And she’s right!!

We have more fun than anyone I know!  We are always laughing and having a good time!  Of course there are sad times too…and if anyone knows Lisa, you know she can cry at the drop of a hat! 

She has always encouraged and pushed me to do and be better than I am!  I am very blessed to have her in my life!!  I love her very much and am so glad she’s MY BESTEST FRIEND!!  Happy Birthday to my favorite sister!! J

Wisdom from Mom

WOW!  It’s been awhile since I’ve written!  Guess life happens and the things you want to do, you don’t have time for.  Sigh!

With that said, since Mother’s Day was yesterday, I thought I’d write a little about my mom!  Of course, I think she’s the best, but I know most children think the same! 

While growing up, our house was always filled with a lot of love and a lot of people…whether it was kids she babysat, dinner parties she threw, or having church at our house (yes, we did that in a tiny apartment every Wednesday night for awhile before we got a building of our own), there were always people there!  People loved to come to our house…and still do!  I believe a big reason for that is MOM! 

One of the many things I have always appreciated about her is that she didn’t tell you she would do something unless she followed through.  And we, of course, thought the whole world operated that way.  We were in for a rude awakening when we found out they didn’t! 

She was very consistent with us…meaning, she was the same at home as she was in church.  We saw a lot of church kids whose parents were different at home than at church and we were very disappointed.  As we got older, we had to understand that people are human and you can’t change them, nor can you put them on a pedestal and think they will never fail you.  There’s only one perfect One and He is the “same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Also, she didn’t tell us a hundred times “if you don’t stop that, you’re gonna be in real trouble!”  She gave us plenty of chances to do right, but there was punishment when we chose not to.  Every kid needs boundaries!  Every kid needs discipline!  If you don’t show your kids who’s in charge, they’ll show you!  I’ve seen it happen time and time again! The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.  It’s so true!

I have found this to be very true: the older I get, the smarter SHE gets!  J

Well, that’s just a little about my mom!  I love her very much and am so thankful she’s mine!!

Dawn

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I thought I’d start posting some items that I like and I thought you might too…

One thing I discovered last year is an eyeshadow that’s in a powder format.  It’s from Avon called, Beyond Color, Radiant Lifting Eyeshadow.  I put it on under my regular color eyeshadow.  It works as both a highlighter for your brow, but also keeps your eyeshadow from creasing – ALL DAY!  This is a major plus…I’ve had issues with this for years and this product which costs $4.99 took care of everything!!  YAY!!

Oh yes...I remember it well!!

I found a picture on a friend of mine’s FB page.  It was of our Woodbridge Senior High School Marching Band!  I have no idea where I am in this picture, but who cares?? I loved being in the marching band!  It was so much fun!

I’ve also been able to reconnect with a friend of mine from years gone by – Mary Margaret!  We went to elementary school together right on up through HS.  It’s been a lot of fun reminiscing about old times.  We know lots of fun/cool secrets about each other, but I won’t go into that lest I should incriminate myself!  LOL

I always tell kids to enjoy your “growing up years” while you can!!  It’s a whole different world when mom and dad aren’t paying for things anymore.  And while I would like to go back and re-live some of the good memories…I wouldn’t like to re-live the bad ones.  Life goes on, whether we want it to or not! 

Enjoy today while it's today!  Live your life to the fullest!!

So exciting...and yet so sad!

I was in FL last week with the STS-133 launch!  I'm so glad it finally got off the ground!  This launch had been delayed since last November.  This was Discovery's final flight...sniff, sniff!!  As they say, all good things must come to an end eventually.  I guess it's time to look forward and in a new direction.  Only 2 more Shuttle flights and that's it...the end of the Space Shuttle Program!!  It's a very hard and emotional time here at NASA.  Hoping for the best in all this budget nightmare mess on Capitol Hill!

On a good note - I got to see and meet with my NASA Center/Contractor Panel members.  And as always, I have a great time hanging out with my good friend Sallie!  We always have a blast!  We stayed at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimee!  Love it there...we call it our "home away from home" as we've been there so many times!!  They even have a Brighton store in the hotel!  That makes it so much better!  And, of course, the hotel is accessible to Sonic, Steak & Shake, and the Cheesecake Factory!  Gotta love it!  :-)

It's was a rocky/bumpy flight home with all the horrible wind, but I kept singing the lyrics to this song to myself, "I know the Master of the wind, I know the Maker of the rain.  He can calm your storm, make the sun shine again; I know the Master of the wind."  The Lord came through one more time!!!  He's so good!!!

Things I Have Learned

I've learned -
that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is
be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.

I've learned -
that no matter how much I care,
some people just don't care back.

I've learned -
that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned -
that it's not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned -
that you can get by on charm
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned -
that you shouldn't compare
yourself to the best others can do
but to the best you can do.

I've learned -
that it's not what happens to people
that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned -
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned -
that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.

I've learned -
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I've learned -
that it's a lot easier
to react than it is to think.

I've learned -
that you should always leave
loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned -
that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.

I've learned -
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I've learned -
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I've learned -
that regardless of how hot and steamy
a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had better be
something else to take its place.

I've learned -
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I've learned -
that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned -
that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned -
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned -
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned -
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned -
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I've learned -
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I've learned -
that just because someone doesn't love you
the way you want them to doesn't mean
they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned -
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned _
that you should never tell a child
their dreams are unlikely or outlandish.
Few things are more humiliating, and
what a tragedy it would be
if they believed it.

I've learned -
that your family won't always
be there for you. It may seem funny,
but people you aren't related to
can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.
Families aren't biological.

I've learned -
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you
every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned -
that it isn't always enough
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
to forgive yourself.

I've learned -
that no matter how bad
your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned -
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned -
that sometimes when my friends fight,
I'm forced to choose sides
even when I don't want to.

I've learned -
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned -
that sometimes you have to put
the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned -
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I've learned -
that you shouldn't be so
eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I've learned -
that two people can look
at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I've learned -
that no matter how you try to protect
your children, they will eventually get hurt
and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned -
that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves
get farther in life.

I've learned -
that no matter how many friends you have,
if you are their pillar you will feel lonely
and lost at the times you need them most.

I've learned -
that your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned -
that even when you think
you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I've learned -
that writing, as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.

I've learned -
that the paradigm we live in
is not all that is offered to us.

I've learned -
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned -
that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.

I've learned -
that although the word "love"
can have many different meanings,
it loses value when overly used.

I've learned -
that it's hard to determine
where to draw the line
between being nice and
not hurting people's feelings
and standing up for what you believe.

© Kathy Kane Hansen

Deny Yourself

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Sin causes us to be self-centered, shifting our hearts from God to self. The essence of salvation is an about-face from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. The Christian must spend a lifetime denying self. Our great temptation will be to affirm ourselves while we follow Jesus. James and John did this when they chose to follow Jesus but asked for the two most prominent positions in Jesus' kingdom (Mark 10:35-37). James and John wanted a discipleship that would not impede their personal desires and aspirations. Like them, we say, "Lord, I want to be pleasing to you, but I want to stay where I am." ~Blackaby

Wow – this really hit home to me in my devotions today!  How many times during the day do I actually deny myself anything?  Yet, in order to be like Christ, and be His true disciple, I must do this daily.  We never get to the point where we’ve arrived and know it all.  I fall so short and yet, He SO loves!!  Guess I need to get started…how about you?

Friends

Found this card while cleaning out my work cubicle this week!  It’s from my friend Gretchen from back in 2005!  She’s the one I mentioned on my last blog…how cool is that??  I hope this card is also true of me to all of my friends! J

Changes

Did you ever hear the song, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold”?  Well, for myself, I don’t make new friends easily.  Most people think I’m very outgoing, and I am, but not initially.  It usually takes me awhile to warm up to people.  I’ve had several friends who were close at one point, but then moved away and we lost touch.  That’s one of the reasons why I like Facebook.  It allows you to connect with a whole bunch of people – new and old.

Last Friday, Mom and I had lunch with a friend of mine that I used to go to church with.  She got married back in 1997 and I was in her wedding.  A lot has changed since that time – she now has 3 boys and I am still single and searching!  LOL!  I always tell people – I could have been married at least twice, but it would have been to the wrong person.  It wasn’t the Lord’s will.  So, I’d rather be single and happy than married and miserable.  Hopefully it’s still in God’s plans for me to marry, but who knows??

Anyway, back to my friend…we used to hang out all the time together.  We worked together, went to church together, we had slumber parties, road trips…all things fun!  But when she got married, much of that changed.  In fact, most of that changed.  Although I was happy for her getting married, I was sad too because I didn’t have that friend to go places with or to do things with anymore. 

Changes – our life is full of them!!  Sometimes good and sometimes not so good.  About the only thing that is constant in our lives is CHANGE.  I’m a process-oriented person, so it takes me awhile to adapt to change.  You would think I’d be more used to it though, as I’ve had several things in my life that have been sudden changes, ie., My dad dying with a sudden heart attack and our house burning down. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I do like change too!  I get bored very easily, so sometimes change is exactly what I need.  Like a new hairdo, car, job, promotion, clothing, jewelry...all things good.  But, life is a series of emotions - peaks and valleys.  We're not always going to be up and we're not always going to be down.  But, with Christ as our Savior, we have a constant Friend to help us face those changes and rough times!

I’m so glad that I have a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.  He won’t disappoint or leave me.  He will always be there when I need Him.  He’s as close as the mention of His name!!  I’m so thankful that Jesus is always the same – He NEVER changes and NEVER will!  “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Ten Things About Me

In Facebook, I'm doing a 30-day Photo Challenge.  On the first day, I was supposed to tell 10 facts about myself.  For those of you who aren't on Facebook, here you go!!

1. My middle name is Michelle.
2. I was saved when I was 5 yrs old.
3. I love to sing!
4. Southern Gospel Music is my all time favorite!
5. My sister Lisa is my bestest friend!
6. I have worked for NASA since 1991.
7. I traveled and sang in a Southern Gospel Trio for 3 ½ years.
8. Everyone in my family was born in AL except for me.
9. My favorite candy bar is Snickers.
10. My first trip overseas was to London, England in July 2007.

Promises

We all make them, but how many of them do we actually keep?  While we were growing up, Mom always kept her promises to us.  She didn’t tell us she’d do something or that we could go somewhere if she didn’t intend to do it.  So unless there was an emergency situation, Mom always kept her promises (and still does).  We grew up with this mentality and expected other people to abide by it too.  Unfortunately, the world didn’t have my Mom for their Mom.  I try my best to live by this and to treat others the same way I want to be treated.  Remember that the next time you make a promise to someone – especially your kids.  Don’t tell them you’ll do something unless you intend to do it!

I heard this song last week for the first time.  Dottie Rambo wrote this song a long time ago, but the message still rings true today.  We have one Whose name is Jesus and He’ll never go back on one of His promises to us!  If God’s Word says it, we can count on it!!

Promises

Written by Dottie Rambo

He didn't promise that I would never stumble,
But He did say He'd be there if I fall
He didn't tell me He'd hear complaints I whispered,
But He did say He'd hear me if I call.

Chorus:
Promises, promises, and all of them true.
He's done exactly what He said He would do.
He didn't promise my heart would not be broken,
But He did say He'd mend it again.

He didn't promise my cross would not be heavy,
But He did say that He my load would bear,
He didn't tell me He'd grant my hopes and wishes,
But He did say He'd hear my earnest prayer.

There’s no business like SNOW business!!

Well, I guess the weathermen finally got a snowstorm prediction right around here.  It’s about time!  I took the day off yesterday!  Yay me! 

As you can see from the picture above, Lacie isn’t fond of the snow!  She’s so funny!!  She doesn’t mind the rain, but she DOES NOT like the snow!  It’s snowing again right now…who knows how long it will last or how long it will be be before Lacie HAS to go out today!  LOL

Learning how to SLEEP again!!!

As most of you know, I injured my back last week.  I wish I had an exciting story to tell you of how I hurt it, but alas – I don’t.  All I did was bend over, and that was it!  I’ve had lower back problems before, but nothing this excruciatingly painful!!  About 15 years ago, Lisa began to have problems with her back to the point where she was out of work for about 2 weeks because of the pain.  She’s been going to the chiropractor once a month ever since.  I’ve had problems off and on, but never like this!!  WOW!!  Lisa took off last Tuesday to take me to the chiropractor – she’s such a good sissy…and handy too!  The Dr. had closed his office that day because of the ice.  Lisa had his emergency number and asked him to make a special trip in just for me!  Talk about service!!

Since I hurt my back, I’ve been sleeping in a recliner which has worked well.  Last night, I tried to sleep in my own bed…unsuccessfully, I might add.  I was up like every hour on the hour.  See - I’m a stomach sleeper – have been for years.  I am told that it is the worst position to sleep in for your back.  I won’t be able to sleep like that anymore.  So, now I have to learn to sleep all over again on my side or on my back.  I may have to get a pillow like that in the picture above!  J  However, until my back pain eases, I think I’m going to go back to the recliner.  Hopefully by then, I’ll be able to adjust better! 

In 1Thessalonians 5:18, the Bible says:  “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  So, that’s what I’m going to do – BE THANKFUL!!  After all, it could be worse.  I am on the mend and that is definitely something to be thankful for!!!

Reflections on January 14, 1990

I remember it like it was yesterday!  21 years ago today, my dad passed away from a sudden heart attack.  He had been sick with a cold, but nothing could have prepared us for this.  As I was reflecting back on that day, I have so much to be thankful for!  You see, just about 10 minutes before he collapsed, daddy was driving the car, and Mom, Lisa, and I were all with him.   I didn’t realize it at the time, but God was taking care of us and meeting our needs even then.  When things like this happen suddenly, you don’t have a lot of time to think rationally.  You do things and make decisions the best you can.  We had a memorial service for him at our church in Fairfax the Tuesday after he passed.  That morning while reading my Bible, the Lord gave me exactly what I needed.  My devotion was from Matthew 6 – God was telling me not to worry about tomorrow, because He had it all under control.  While I was getting ready that morning, I was humming a song from Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  The Pastor used that very same scripture during the service that day.  Coincidence?  NO!  Once again, the Lord was assuring me that HE indeed was taking everything – and he ALWAYS will!!

I remember good times and bad times too.  When I was 5 years old, our apartment burned down.  Daddy took care of relocating us and made sure we had everything we needed.

He worked for the Washington Post.  In the mid-70’s, the paper went on strike.  Throughout the whole strike (6-7 months), he was only given ½ of his salary.  He and mom went without – Lisa and I never did!  

He loved decorating the house for Christmas…well maybe he didn’t LOVE it, but we never knew the difference.  He wanted us to enjoy it and I believe he had some fun too!  He and mom would stay up for hours after we went to bed and put together toys and dolls just to make it special for us.  Oh, and we always had a “live” tree – none of that fake stuff for us! ;-)

Mom was the disciplinarian in the house.  Daddy worked nights and shift work.  Mom was around more than he was.  When we would ask to go somewhere, if mom told us no, we would go to dad.  He would always say, “what did your mother say?”  He always backed her up – that’s very important!  He never spanked Lisa, but he did spank me once.  I NEVER forgot it!  And, I never jumped on the bed again after that!  Lol!!  There were folks who criticized mom for spanking us and being hard on us, but it didn’t hurt us or scar us for life!  I think we turned out pretty good!  (wink)

When I graduated from high school, he wrote me a letter.   I remember one line in particular, “Keep God first in your life and you will conquer the impossible.”  He was right!

When I wanted to go to college, he went to the bank and took out a loan to ensure I could go.  I remember being very burdened for his soul, especially while I was away and in college.  He went to my school band concerts and to church with us on special occasions, ie: Christmas or Easter programs, but he didn’t go regularly.  When I would ask him about his salvation and if he would go to heaven when he died, he would always say, “I don’t think you can know until you get there.”  So, I wrote him a letter and gave him verses all kinds of verses on salvation and how we CAN know for sure we are saved.  Mom said he got the letter and read it over and over – weeping.  Every Saturday, they would call and talk to me.  I asked him if he got the letter.  All he said was “yes”, and never mentioned it again.  He kept the letter in the top drawer of his dresser.  It was still there when he died.  I never had confirmation on whether he had accepted Christ as Savior, but I know he had heard enough of the Gospel throughout the years to know the truth.  His mom said that he got saved as a young boy – I still wonder…

While my parents weren’t perfect, they did what they thought was right.  Though I didn’t always agree with them, they did was they thought was best for us.  I loved and respected them and I wanted to please them!

Daddy – I still love and miss you!!

Love,

Dawn

Experiencing God

At the beginning of each year, for the last 5-6 years, I've started doing a daily journal along with my devotions.  The first one I did was called Experiencing God - devotional and journal.  I'm telling you - it's awesome!  It's a devotional that allows you space to write down your thoughts on what you've read or any prayer requests you may have.  You can use it however you want.  For me - it's both a prayer and reflective- thought journal.  It's fun to go back and look at what God was doing in my life then and see where He's brought me from; how He's answered prayers and changed my life. 

Since I was a teenager, I've been doing personal, daily devotions.  I highly encourage you to have your "be still" time with God every day!  For me, the best time is in the morning.  If I don't do it then, it most likely won't happen.  I've learned if I start the day with the Lord, in His Word and in prayer, my day goes a WHOLE lot better!  I read in an issue of "Our Daily Bread" one time to "never start your day with the face of your soul unwashed."  I've NEVER forgotten that!!

I began this year using the Experiencing God devotional/journal again.  I just love how God can take His Word and make it fresh and new everytime you read it!  I look forward to my morning time with God!  As much as we love to hear from Him, He longs to hear from us. 

Have you had your "be still" time with God today? 

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

What a Weekend!

I had a great weekend! On Friday, Mom and I met the Doggetts (minus Brett) for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. While the kids played we talked and fellowshipped! What a blessing to be able to fellowship with other believers!! After that, it was a trip to the grocery store - fun, fun! ;-) I so wish Giant would deliver to our house!!! It would be worth every penny!!

Saturday was pretty non-eventful! As you can see from the picture above, Lacie has found a new favorite spot - right in front of the space heater! Ed got it because Mom is ALWAYS cold, but it seems as though Lacie has taken it over. She even slept in front of it all night on Saturday night - that dog! Saturday evening, Michael and Rachel came over to chit and/or chat and to practice songs for the Missions Conference which started yesterday. How cool is it that we have a piano in the house now! And Lisa is doing a great job with her lessons. She said she wants to get as good as Rachel so she can accompany me when I sing! (smile)

Dr. Creed preached in the Sunday School hour as well as the morning church service! He's always so practical and of course...always good!! The stories he tells are REAL stories...they're not made up, but real stories of real occasions when God met needs and there was no other way to explain it!! I love it when that happens!! Mike and Terri Clark, who are starting the Legacy Baptist Church in Pittsburg, PA, were also in service with us all day yesterday. What a blessing they were to us!

I'm praying especially for my friend Jeanie's Mom today who will be having tests; praying for NO cancer!!

All for now...looking forward to Ron Titus preaching tonight. Asking God for an extra special week and extra grace and strength for these late nights!

Blessings,
Dawn