Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

On a spring hike, I decided to walk a short portion of the trail to find a quiet space. The snowy steps were too slick for my tennis shoes, but I hiked on.  The sound of the roaring waterfall, the gentle breeze inspired the pines to sing, and a bluebird flew past as I exhaled.…

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When God changes the plan

I’d outlined my message for the interview, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Things podcast, with host, Nancy Bruscher. The topic of discussion was relationships and marriage from my book, Free to Receive. I’d prayed about my points and I was ready. I like unscripted, real conversations, but the morning of the interview, God changed the message. At first, I…

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I did it my way?

The soft golden hues of Cherokee Ranch and Castle illuminated the Frank Sinatra impersonator as he perform the classic songs I love so much: New York, New York Strangers in the Night Come Fly with Me I’ve Got You Under My Skin You Make Me Feel so Young Luck be a Lady And then he…

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Lent is not about giving something up

My spiritual director, Ruth, sent me a message yesterday. “Dawna, someone brought to my attention (and you may have seen this also) that the word Lent is in the word Valentine. I’m forwarding another opportunity for a daily devotional during Lent.” Yesterday, I read the introduction to the suggested 40 day devotional. I prayed and…

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When you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.

I leaned in closer to hear what David was saying in the cozy atmosphere of Tito’s Cantina Tequila Bar & Grille. “On Tito’s Facebook page, I saw a picture of Tito in a headlock by one of his customers.” “That’s so cool. If I meet him, I want a picture like that.” No longer had the…

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When you can’t see what’s ahead

When I drive at night, my headlights only allow me to see about sixty feet ahead. When I drive in the snow and fog, there are times when I can barely make out the front of my car. Many times, that’s how it is journeying with God—He only allows us to glimpse so far ahead.…

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Number my days

January is my birthday month. Today, I’m reflecting on Psalm 90:12 (NIV):  “Teach us to number our days,  that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I think about the time I’ve already lived. On Sunday, it will be 19,710 days.  That number surprises me. It in itself, doesn’t seem very large, but when I…

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Hijacked Christmas Presents

I chatted with my mom via FaceTime. Anticipation shone on her face. It was Christmas Eve and she was explaining what packages she’d received from me.  “I only sent one large envelope and one white box. Where’s the white box?” “I only have a white envelope and a manila envelope, but not a white box.”…

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The shortest day, the longest shadow.

It is the  astronomical winter solace, making it the shortest day of the year. Why in the world would a sun-lover like me be excited? Because tomorrow, the days only get longer. And eventually warmer.  At noon today, I will stand outside to see my longest cast shadow of the year. I expect questions to come to…

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Who is the God you know?

I’m listening to Emily P. Freeman’s The Quiet Collect for Advent. (You can download her app on your phone for free. The advent collection is for purchase). This morning, I listened to her devotional titled, “Magnificat,” which means, a canticle used in Christian liturgy, especially at vespers and evensong, the text being the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46–55). After Emily reads…

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