As you know if you dropped by yesterday, I went on a bit about the awesome message I had to share with you. I understand it’s like a whole other Sermon and all, but I would not share it here, if I did not think it would bless you, right THERE…wherever YOU are.
I also had a few more randoms to share so I will carry on, and let’s pretend it’s one of our Monday random chats like the old days…OK? If you are new around here, it’s a bit like, listening to me ramble on after too much coffee. So here we go!
Well, as much as I am not one to get resolution crazy during the new year, I am all about second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings. Sounds a lot like grace to me, actually…and who couldn’t use a bit more grace?
Have you chosen a verse or word for 2014? If you have not, there is no judgement here, because I was not going to jump in, either, but when the word Renewal, popped up out of a scripture God laid on my heart, and then was confirmed by an owl-I succumbed. Check out My One Word and One Word 365 for more information on choosing a word, if you haven’t already.
So, as some of you may remember, on the first day of January, for the past couple of years, I have been foolish enough to venture into freezing cold water…for no good reason, I can think of, with a wonderful (and obviously, insane friend) and anyone else who is silly enough to join us. Here is how it looked going in and then out. This year my hubby joined in for the first time. He was brave and crazier than I imagined. Then again, he did marry me. Ahem.
 |
This is us running in… |
 |
This is me having that “what was I thinking”, moment… |
 |
| We came running out faster than we ran in, let me tell you! There’s a reason the sharks swim south for the Winter, friends. Brrr! |
 |
The New Year also brings opportunities for new Bible Reading practices and plans. I decided this year to make a book mark and track my daily Bible reading, as opposed to follow a specific rigid schedule. When I used to compete in bodybuilding this is how I tracked my training, and it gave me maximum flexibility for listening to my body, while making gains physically. It just seems to me that the same can hold true for my Bible reading. Paving my own trail, as the Spirit leads, but with the priority being on the daily habit and practice of reading scripture. This does not reflect my other devotional, or study reading, just my approaching quiet time and fellowship with My Savior and Friend, Jesus. The reason I like the tracking method, is because on days I have more time I can read more, and days I don’t, I just don’t. It’s guilt free. I think that is the way Jesus wants it to be. |
 |
| There’s no magic formula, but to be people of The Word, we must be reading the Word. |
 |
This year I want to read through Eugene Peterson’s, The Message. I loved reading the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs and wanted to read through the Old Testament as well. Last year I focused on the New King James version for most of my reading. |
 |
Here is the lovely RockYouWear, I received from Brandon as a thanks for sharing about his work. Isn’t it perfect? |
 |
Back in November, I mentioned possibly starting Beth Moore’s Whispers of Hope-10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer, while having a fireside chat with you…do you recall? Well, I am inviting you to join me for 70 Days of prayer with this beautifully laid out book. We will begin the book and exercises the first weekend of February (February 1) and finish the week before Good Friday (April 11). I will post each Sunday so we can meet together and share in the comments (if we feel led- no pressure), what God is doing along the journey. Would you like to join me? The book is available through all major booksellers. If you decide to buy it on kindle or non-hard copy, you will need a journal to utilize the spaces left for prayers. Take a peek at it and let me know if you want to join me February 1- April 11. Happy First Week of 2014. |
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
Ok I am officially exhausted! You do a lot of stuff girl! Of course compared to me, everyone does a lot! Ha! Susie
LikeLike
I'm so glad to see that you're starting the Whispers of Hope the first of February instead of January. I have the book, have read the introduction and skimmed through the book to see what it was like. I'm ready to start on it, but doing it with a group sounds even better. I'll be watching for more news on this in February — do I need to sign up somewhere?
LikeLike
Hey Dawn would you be up for a meeting regularly with local women, for Whispers of Hope in addition to the online group?
LikeLike
Yay! Well, I would say officially start on The Saturday if possible. I will post the last week of January as a prompt and reminder. Then SUnday (the 2nd) will be the 1st SUnday meet up, when I will post and we can say hello via comments- which will be the informal sign up. I will post each thereafter to help keep us accountable, encouraged and committed to stay the course! Look forward to sharing the journey with you.
LikeLike
For you? Anything.
LikeLike
You crack me up, Susie!
LikeLike
Love this! 🙂 You rock!
LikeLike
I was going to ditto what our friend Susie said above. I can tell you are younger and have a lot more energy than me. But you are an inspiration to me, and you keep me reaching out for more…more of God in my life. Thank you for being a true “life coach”, even when you don't realize that's what you are doing!
LikeLike
Beautiful, Dawn, truly.
LikeLike
I'm curious, Are you triplets? I'm like Susie, EXHAUSTED. But you have some good thoughts here.
LikeLike
Very impressive Dawn – I'm feeling a little sluggish after reading this! But still, thank you for sharing and being an inspiration, I bet if I really paid attention I could summarize my year similarly… I just don't have the energy 😉 Thank you for sharing with Cozy Reading Spot. Marissa
LikeLike