April | 2015 | Enthusiastically, Dawn

They Think They Know (Meditation on 1 John)

29 Apr 2015 12 Comments

by enthusiasticallydawn in Journal Keeping, Poetry, Random Journal Day, Writing Community, Writing Life Tags: 1 John, Christian Poetry, followers of Jesus, Holiness of God, Inspired Poetry, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Random Journal Day

This morning my Bible Reading led me to 1 John. 1 John is a book that continues to produce fruit in me with it’s strong admonitions and specific instruction. There is not a book which is more clear on our identity, relationship and calling out as followers of Jesus. This is a book which does not leave room for man’s opinion, but only for the Holiness of God and the Righteousness of Christ. This morning, I share straight away from my own current journal (may as well use this for Random Journal Day which is coming Friday!) my mind on paper as I penned this poem. May the words I write encourage you to examine this book for yourself today.

This striped journal survived a massive coffee spill, as evidenced on the pages. No worries, journals are for living in and reflecting all of life’s glorious messiness! It also is a bit small to last me long. I am just about finished with it. I do love the colors of this journal and the matching pen, and they both have served their purpose, receiving and releasing all of my thoughts, inspirations, ramblings.

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5

When the Cat Pukes on Your Planner

28 Apr 2015 3 Comments

by enthusiasticallydawn in Planner Love Tags: planner people, Planners, Planning, serendipity

I know what you’re probably thinking to yourself…EW- who would ever write about cat puke on anything, let alone their planner.

Well, friends, welcome to my world. It’s a place that is fun to visit, but if you are queasy, you do not want to live here with me. Quite honestly, I think God has unique ways of communicating with His children. I know that for me, when there is a point to be made or a lesson that I need to learn, God clearly shares when His ways and my ways are not in alignment. Sometimes this is a messy lesson for me.

Today, I am at my friend, Amelia’s blog sharing a few planner tips for my planner pals and anyone who enjoys gleaning messy life lessons from afar!

Amelia’s blog is called My ADHD Life – now you see why we are friends, right? Click on over and read my post there.

How to Fight (Daily) Discouragement @5MFF

24 Apr 2015 3 Comments

by enthusiasticallydawn in 5 MInutes for Faith, Spirituality, Writing Community Tags: 5 minutes for Faith, 5 Minutes for Mom, Christ, discouragement, faith

photo credit: A Father’s Joy via photopin (license)

There’s a saying about the little things in life. It’s the little things, so the saying goes that can end up being the big things. This can be true in relationships, careers, and attitudes. A teensy mouse can terrify a huge elephant, and so the story goes, one young man with the proper vision took down a giant who had defied armies. The unnoticed dripping faucet by day rings out like a maddening racket in the quietness of night, when one longs for quiet and sleep. It’s the little things we are thankful for, we rejoice in and the little things heaped upon us that can undo us in one moment.

It’s no wonder we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed when we deal with bits of discouragement daily. Who can avoid all negativity? It is impossible….

Finish reading and be encouraged at 5 Minutes for Faith- see you there!

Your Journaling Journey with Jesus begins May 4th (FLASH Giveaway)

24 Apr 2015 8 Comments

by enthusiasticallydawn in Journal Keeping, Writing Life Tags: Christian, faith, intimacy with Jesus, Jesus, journal keeping, Journaling with Jesus, spiritual journaling

Question: Have you been longing to journal but been having mixed results from your efforts?

Question: Do you wish you were more focused when you pray?

Question: Would you like to experience deeper intimacy with Jesus?

Question: Do you wish you knew what to write about that didn’t seem like meaningless rambling?

Question: Do you ever desire to sort out the things that lurk beneath the surface of your faith life; those big questions that resurface in the long watches of the night?

Well, I believe if you commit and join in this journaling journey you will:

1. Develop a consistent journaling habit which inspires all you do.

2. Discover the benefits of journaling as communication with the Lord.

3. Grow in intimacy in your relationship with Jesus.

4. Engage scripture, and scriptural writings- as we seek transparency before the Lord on the pages of our journals, connecting with our own unique voices and God’s affirming presence.

5. Strengthen your faith and confidence in God- as we offer our words to Him, and as we learn to sit quietly before Him, listening, available. We will practice stillness. We will meditate on His truth. We will seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior by basking in His loving presence with pen and paper.

I believe friends, you will be blessed as you explore your own Emmaus Road, walking with our Savior, journaling the journey and all that Jesus reveals to you along the way.

So, gather your pen and paper…be ready for whatever!

Subscribe to receive the posts directly in your inbox. To kick off this Journaling Journey I am giving away a Journal and my favorite Journaling pen. Ends Monday 12 AM. This is a FLASH giveaway to jump-start your writing adventure!

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Onward Christian Soldier (#LentChallenge Concluding Thoughts)

22 Apr 2015 2 Comments

by enthusiasticallydawn in Spirituality Tags: #LentChallenge, #readyourbible, Bible Reading, Christ Jesus, Christian, daily Bible reading, disciple, Gospels, Living Water, Scripture

photo credit: The Night Watch via photopin (license)

Here it is almost the end of April and I am just getting around to sharing a few thoughts on my latest journey which concluded Easter Sunday. Sort of (more on that in a second). I guess what I mean to say is, I am on a never-ending journey as a Christian. But, I have to say the #LentChallenge I participated in was a wonderful tool in resetting my eyes towards the One whose eyes are ever upon me.