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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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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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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What’s going right

The reclaimed wood caught my eye, the saying captured my heart. It whispered a different kind of prayer; one that I already knew how to do, but often forget. Prayers of gratitude. Daily I give thanks to God, but I do have a lot of requests. As I studied this art, the gentle words brought…

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A different kind of performance 

Readying for the holiday season, I decided that a “Magical Cirque Christmas” performance was in order. It was a different kind than I had seen before—not the typical Cirque du Soleil, where various acts happen at once. This show unfolded one performer at a time. I thought, This is strange—just watching one solo artist do her contortionist…

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