Floundering or Fulfilled....

Is it possible to be both floundering and fulfilled at the same time? 

This the question, I have been wrestling with personally. My conclusion is yes it all depends on whose eyes we are looking through. When my Mom, one of my biggest cheerleader's looks at my life, she sees things I don't.  She sees a successful blogger, writer and photographer who has it all together (don't burst her bubble and tell her differently....lol) 

What about when we look through the eyes of a child? 

Boo capturing her "flags"...

Do we see the wonder of a leaf and the delight in chasing it across a tennis court? The fun in being outside partaking in God's playground for us? Unfortunately, our answer on most days is "No" because....(fill in the blank).

What about when we look through our "fleshly" eyes? When we lean on our own understanding.

"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5

When I look through my "fleshly" eyes. I see:

• An unfinished book
• Being overwhelmed by my critique group's suggestion for the parts of my book
• No prospects of any one being interested in publishing said unfinished book
• A blog that only a couple of people read
• A love for photography and a new business venture being stagnant
• My parent's not being back in their own home yet
• A house in another state with major decisions still needing to be made
• No church home after 18 months in a new state
• Battling health issues since August 2011

Does any of those sound familiar to you?

As I have read fellow bloggers recent post, it is clear my struggle with blogging and whether Dawn's Dialogue is reaching anyone or making a difference is not just how I feel? 

HOWEVER, when I look through God's eyes the view becomes:

• He is making my unfinished work in progress His work not mine
• A blog being written for Him...as Kelli Wommack says, "Writing for an Audience of One"
• God's timing in the business venture...HIS TIMING IS BEST
• My parent's being grateful for each day they have a temporary roof over their head
• Trusting God for the decisions on home in another state
• Relying on God to provide a church home for us...in the meantime, providing a great group of loving Christian Sisters in my life through various online sources
• Learning God is control of all aspects of my life even health isssues

Whether my life is Floundering or Fulfilled depends on whose eyes I am looking through? Maybe I need to become more diligent (remember this is My One Word for 2013) in seeing my world through God's eyes and less through my "fleshly" eyes? 

Whose eyes are you seeing through today?

 

Sharing Testimony...

 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Can I share a testimony with you? 

All of us need to look back periodically and see how God is moving in our lives. 

My encouragement today is...

“Don’t leave it there! Make sure you share the testimony (your testimony is more than your salvation story) God is giving you with others.”

Got praise? Share your testimony.

Struggling? Share your testimony.

Blessings? Share your testimony.

"Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever." Joshua 4:7  

Let’s pause here for a quick moment. Do you know the definition of blessing?

A blessing is anything that brings you closer to God.

Go back and read that definition, “anything that brings you closer to God”. 

This means, whether we think of it as a bad thing or a good thing, if it is bringing you closer to God than it qualifies as a blessing.

Okay! Now, that we have that clarified back to the testimony.

 Many of you readers and friends of this blog know that my Sweetie and I made a move last October (You can read more about that in past postings click here). After this move, God gave me a seasonal part-time job at a local Christian bookstore. This position continued on after the season and I became eligible to opt-in to their insurance program.

My Sweetie!!!

Do you realize how much of a praise it is for a part-time employee to have insurance available to them?

Well, the price was right and I opted in. Duh? It was a no-brainer… considering I have been uninsured for years. It is hard for a small business owner, which I am, to get affordable insurance. Little did I know what was on the horizon, but my loving Father did.

Long story short, the insurance became effective. Not long after, I started experiencing some health issues. Doctor visits and tests determined surgery would be needed. After all those years with no insurance…isn’t God's timing amazing. 

Don’t start the Hallelujahs just yet, I haven’t told you the truly amazing part.

My part-time job ended unexpectedly. Where did this leave my upcoming surgery? The doctor went forward with scheduling the surgery. We had no idea what was happening with the insurance from the part-time job. The company said my insurance would end on my last day of work in March. We knew that COBRA would be made available, but had no idea if we could even afford the payments.

Enter Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. 

We just got the COBRA enrollment information and the payment is about $10.00 more than I was paying while working.

Yes, you read that correctly it is only $10.00 more for me to keep the insurance for my surgery.

Are you shouting Hallelujah? We sure were.

"Hallelujah"
A sculpture by Ken Smith

 We understand the insurance is limited and we will most likely pay for part of my surgery. 

However, even having the insurance means the surgery should cost less. Why? 

Because when you have insurance, the doctor’s, hospitals, etc give discounted rates for their services.

Plus, I have a Savior who will take care of me no matter what.

Are you sharing your testimony with others? 

Share with others today, you an even do it in the comment section if you want.

Whatever it takes...

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen." Luke 8:17 & 18a

God will use anything it takes to get our attention. He will even use a fear if necessary. This is a lesson that I learned last year. God had been trying to get my attention for a period of time. Yet, once again in true fashion I was His stubborn child. 

While reading through this blog it is imperative for the reader, to know that I believe firmly that God is good and always right. He is sovereign. It is also important to know speaking and/or typing these words can be easier than actually walking in their Truth. 

God will let us go so far and then He will have His Way! Beth Moore once said, "We can bend our knee willingly or God will break our leg." Wonder, how many countless times a leg must be broke before one gains the knowledge of this lesson. 

I used to say, “Been to the wood shed too many times in my life therefore, obedient I will be…” For the younger generation, this was an adage to describe being whipped, paddled, spanked…insert your idea of discipline.

Have you ever said something and truly meant it when you first said it? However, without even realizing it the meaning of the saying lost its translation. This is exactly what happened to me. Over time, the “Been to the wood shed” statement’s significance lost its emphasis. Scary part is this happens so slowly it is usually not noticed. Think of the song, “Slow Fade” by Casting Crowns:

“People never crumble in a day”

God had been speaking to me about various issues and things in my life that required attention. Instead of being obedient, I argued my reasoning of why the issues and things were essential and crucial. After all, had He not called me to serve!

The slow fade had begun. It is easy to see this in hindsight.

Yes, I know it is not a shovel but it is a great representation of the concept.....

My loving Father permitted this for a time. On the other hand, the slow fade continued. A pit was being dug. Chilling part, I was the one doing the digging. 

In spite of the fact of who is doing the digging; Abba Daddy loves us so greatly, He will do whatever is necessary to get our attention. Even reveal a tremendous fear, which is exactly what He did in my life.

To put it bluntly, the fear definitely got my attention. Once God got my attention obedience followed.

Be aware…this is the wrong approach to obedience.

Life is so much sweeter when we give God IMMEDIATE obedience. No arguments, excuses or delays.  Once again, easier said than done particularly when in the middle of a slow fade.

The ultimate lesson:

We have to to comprehend; there is a great price for being an obstinate child who needs their leg broken before being obedient. The price? The other people hurt.

It is simple:

Disobedience doesn’t only hurt the disobedient one…it hurts anyone in their field of influence, friends, family, etc...

Have you been disobedient? Have you noticed you are holding the shovel and the pit is deeper? Drop the shovel …Cry out to Abba Daddy…He will hear you.




Title: Whatever It Takes
By: Dawn Whitmore

My next step with God....

Hallelujah statue by Ken Smith currently displayed at the defunct
Spirit of Freedom Garden in Fredericksburg, VA

I am taking my step next with God today. You will learn about it with the following letter, my only request is that each of you pray and follow God's leading.

Hello Family & Friends,

God has provided an opportunity for me this July to attend the She Speaks 2012 conference. This is a conference that focuses on writing & speaking.

The last 6 months have been an unusual time in our lives and I am taking a big step in sending this letter. Without boring you with all the details, just know that during this time God has reinforced in us that He is in control in all circumstances. Furthermore, I am trying my best to be obedient to my Loving Savior; because I have personally seen what disobedience can do.

The conference being at the end of July will have given me plenty of time to recover from my upcoming surgery. I have committed $100.00 to the conference fees. This $100.00 will not cover the complete $650.00 fee (the fee covers conference materials and lodging). The other $550.00 needs to be secured before May 15^th to hold my spot in the conference. I know that nothing is impossible with God.

The remainder of the fees is where God is giving you an opportunity to be a part of this endeavor. You can read my sponsorship letter by following this link.

No money is sent to me. As stated in the sponsorship letter, all monies are sent to Proverbs 31 ministries with the donor designating the funds to Dawn Whitmore.

My one word for 2012, given to me by God, is focus. I am trying to learn what God wants me to focus on. Yes, He wants me to focus on Him. Yet, through this focusing on Him, He is revealing to me many things. I share these in my blog on a regular basis…Dawn’s Dialogue.

My prayer is that each of you will pray and ask God if He wants you to be a part of this ministry opportunity.

In Christ,

Dawn Whitmore

P.S. All donations are tax-deductible. 

You can learn more about the She Speaks conference at their website: 

http://shespeaksconference.com/

I am back....

God has been stretching me. He wants me to rely totally on Him for all things. This became apparent in the last couple weeks as I have been working on projects and praying about things. A couple things on my heart have been the college & career Sunday morning class that I have been leading since 2009. It seems that the local students are dwindling. Why? Good question! That is what I have taken to the Father. Whereas, on the other hand it seems that the distance students are keeping up with the lessons online. What are you doing Father?

I have further been praying for the upcoming Ladies Retreat, College & Career Conference, and Pre-CBS of New Bern. All of this while working on the business each day, editing a 34 Chapter book, and trying to keep my house semi-presentable. Needless to say, this is why this blog keeps getting neglected.

I truly want to keep writing and this blog is a wonderful way. Time is the factor. God help me to be able to share your Word through this blog and touch lives.

The verse I have been hanging onto this week has been Galatians 6:9:

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart"

The sound that keeps running through my head is Sidewalk Prophets, "You can have me":

http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/discography/album/these-simple-truths/you-can-have-me

May the Father bless you tremendously this week and may your love be because of who He is and not what He does for you.

Huddle...

While at the park this morning I saw all the ducks grouped together from the night. It made me think do we support each other and protect each other like these ducks?

Each of the ducks everyday go out and do the life and business they are called to accomplish. Each one has a different calling. Just like each one of us, we all are called by God to accomplish different things. He is the one who does the work through us.

However, so many of us neglect the gathering together to provide encouragement, support and protection. Think of it as refueling. As we go about our lives and business we are being used by God. Yet, when we go to bible study, church or have lunch with a trusted brother or sister in Christ we are entering a time of refreshing and refueling. Have we made the commitment to be that source of encouragement and protection to our brothers and sisters? Do we show them love and protection?

God gave all of this to me while I spent five minutes at the park with Him this morning. I thank Him for showing me His handiwork and His love.

Please do not try to be like the bird in this last picture. You have to look really hard (he is the little speck at the top) but that is a lone bird on top of that pylon. This is not God's will He has created us to fellowship with one another. In this society of people claiming they do not have to attend church please remember what God said in Hebrews 10:25:

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near"

New Year....New Goals....

Everyone makes New Year's resolutions and most promptly break them on the 2nd of January if not sooner.

I have some goals for the whole year. Here they are for accountability:

First, I want to fall more in love with Jesus in 2009 so that when I look back on 2008, I say "How could that have even been considered love?"

Second is to be available to the clients God has given the business and to see them worship and lead others into worship throughout 2009 and beyond.

Third is to be ready to go when God says to go. To speak when He says speak. To be obedient to Him in all things.

They seem like simplistic goals but it is where my heart is....I want to be all about Jesus in everything I say and do and if that is simplistic than so be it.

Praise God!!!!

Yeah, Yeah I know I haven't blogged in forever and now two in one day.

I wanted to share a praise with you all. On Thursday, I met with a young teenager from our church. She wanted me to teach her how to study the bible. While I was praying before this meeting, God told me first thing to do was ask her to share her testimony. God explained teaching her the Bible would do no good to her if she didn't belong to Him.

This is a fairly good girl and she comes to church so being the stubborn gal I am I questioned God's directive but told Him yes. Upon getting together with this young person, I told her exactly what God had told me. Then asked her if she knew what a testimony was....she said you mean my salvation experience. After a few brief minutes of sharing a testimony can be so much more than sharing my own salvation experience with her...this sweet young lady told me she didn't think she was saved.

After talking for quite sometime and answering many questions, I assured her that it was not my job to beat her over the head into submission of saying a prayer. This young lady had said the "salvation prayer" numerously after watching a tv preacher but never felt any different or saw any difference in her life. So, when all her questions were answered and we had discussed a few other things I asked her if she had any more questions or anything else she wanted to discuss. She said she wanted to pray to accept Jesus as her Savior.

This young person shared her experience in a bible study class on Monday. After a sharing time, a young adult woman in the class (who everyone would have assumed was saved) shared she did not know Jesus as her Saviour.

Why share all this? Because first we want to PRAISE GOD!!! Second, because we are doing a great misservice to our God. We are assuming that if someone goes to church regularly and is a basic good person they must be saved. We shouldn't assume someone from a Muslim country is lost anymore than we should assume someone from America is saved.

Do you see wreckage or God?

Last night at our women's ministry meeting, a young woman from church gave her testimony and one statement she made has stuck with me. Here is her statement:

"Are we so wrapped up at looking in the wreckage that we our missing what God is doing in our lives?"

We all have stories of wreckage whether it be mentally, physically or spiritually, but the amazing thing is if we look for God we will see Him!

I have been through Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God" twice in my life and the one thing I walked away with the first time was that at times in our lives we can be so wrapped up in a situation....be it the pain or the disruption to the rest of our lives that we lose sight of where God is in all of it. At that time, I was walking through a tough situation with a close friend of mine and I did what Blackaby suggested in the study. Blackaby suggested we ask God to let us see the situation from His viewpoint and not ours. Doing that changed my view to God's view and my reaction to the whole situation.

Each of us has trials and tribulations in our lives..... But we must do be willing to ask the question posed to us last night...."Are we so busy looking at the wreckage that we miss God?"

Focus.....I can't find it......

This is almost laughable....I am writing a devotion on consistency and focus yet I can't get the focus to make this thing flow. See I said it was almost laughable :) :)

I have all this information all over the place and I am waiting for God to put it together. Tried to start writing it and it goes nowhere. Bad thing is someone is waiting for this devotion to send out as a weekly devotion.

Lord, help me to get this devotion written. Show me the key verse from Scripture you want me to use to pull it all together. Amen.

Welcome.....

Dawn's Dialogue is officially open.....

I have no idea what will transpire from this blog but God does.

To learn more about me for right now check out my website:

www.freewebs.com/dawnwhitmore

Have a blessed day!