Oblivious

The restaurant was hopping. The waiter was on the move from table to table—checking on his customers. I settled into my seat, back to the wall, observing my surroundings.    Various conversations about business, Florida’s recent hurricanes, holiday parties…all which were interesting to my party of one. A man at the table across from me…

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Make a wish

I sold a property called, “The Dandelion House,” adorned with the theme throughout and even a dandelion painted accent wall.  Upon seeing it, my clients decided to write a contract. Before leaving, mom and two little girls closed their eyes, made the wish (that this would be their new home) and blew on the wall.…

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Who told you that?

My friend shared a story about feeling unloved and unaccepted. After thirty years of struggling with not enough, she saw a store clerk and thought she was beautiful.  As my friend was leaving the store, God told her to go compliment this woman. Reluctantly, she did as God instructed. The woman replied, “Thank you. And so…

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I’m learning to do this

The air smelled fresh with possibilities. The wind joined the rain making music, while I playfully twirled under the safety of the covering. A mist brought goose bumps and I felt alive, and, present in the moment. I’m learning to do this…to stay present.   Neatly folded schedules get dumped out, crumpled, and sometimes rained on.…

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Receiving gratitude or running from it?

My Seller had just finished signing the closing documents. He stood up, walked toward me and thanked me. “You bet,” I said, as I went to give him a hug. But he stopped me. Taking a hold of my shoulders, he looked into my eyes and said. “Look at me. Truly, thank you for helping…

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Seeking your wisdom and direction

Many of you know Sally Smith from our Overwhelmed Conferences. She’s been a speaker, MC, and healer of broken hearts. Her story has resonated with many. Sally and I have shared a lot of life together, bravely walking through the dark valleys in hopes of scaling joyful summits. We believe that safe and trusted women…

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Campfire

I’ve taken a girls trip with my best friend, Julieann (AKA Buddy), for seven years and counting.  We’ve seen some beautiful places, sharing belly laughs, tears, and simply sitting in the wonder of God’s beauty. It was our last night in South Dakota. Although our days had been packed with adventure, this special night centered…

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It is what it is

I’ve despised this statement my whole life.  So when I hear someone say, “Well, it is what it is,” I translate it into passivity. I’m a doer and I bring change. However, through my trials over the last few years, I’ve given in to the lie that nothing is changeable; and slowly started accepting it. …

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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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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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