Enthusiastically, Dawn

My original thought and intention was to do a brief blog post about a few serendipitous things that have interwoven themselves into my days of late, but then I just sort of got all hyperfocused on my One Word and the beauty of a moment when I shared Part One this week. Hence, here we have Part Two. And as providence would have it, I have added a few thoughts to my initial ideas, so maybe you should go grab a cuppa and come back? I’ll wait.

Where We Left Off

Because I have not shared my One Word here this year, I wanted to give a good update, which is why I digressed so readily. This prompted me to also set up a page on the blog for my One Word posts from each year since the first year I began. If you are still making resolutions, and feeling the need for a total reset for 2024 I think choosing One Word might help you find the fresh start you need. Lord knows it has been a helpful venture and adventure for this ADHD chick. I offer some do’s and don’ts about going about the task of choosing a word, as well as leaning into the subtle ways God whispers into the listening ear when it is inclined to His voice. You can see the list of words and linked posts by clicking here!

And Now Here’s Something We Hope You Really Like

Some Things Helping Me Finish 2023 Well

1. The Success Choice Planner (Thank you to Pamela Henrie and The Success Choice) – I will have an in-depth review of the system and the newest products offered in November, so stay tuned! A little bird told me there are new things coming you won’t want to miss hearing about for 2024! I am currently enjoying the Quarter Four spiral planner in the beautiful Natural Leather Cover I received. I can’t imagine a better way to plan the end of one year and the beginning of another! I am using two journals currently: A morning prayer journal (a blank notebook) and the beautiful Tartan notebook from Waverley Scotland (featuring a blank, and lined page alternating throughout) for everything else.
2. My love for my Church family – The Body of Christ is blossoming because of two specific things by God’s grace. One is the influence of a sweet woman I meet regularly, and the other is an amazing book written by Paul David Tripp called Sunday Matters. I have to say this book is just what The Great Physician ordered for such a time as this! Stay with me despite the biblical cliches, please. It started with my listening (see there is my One Word busy doing its work in me) to a Crossway podcast with Mr. Tripp and this bit: Individualism Is Defeated Every Sunday Morning– I love this perspective and am embracing it more and more. It’s taken so long. But I have chills when I listen to the short video as well as listen to the testimony of my dear sister in Christ by God’s design who I meet with regularly. I think the church needs this message desperately. And now. Every member needs this message so beautifully, gently, and exquisitely articulated by Paul David Tripp in these 52 Devotions. Anyhoo, I initially got the audible version, but shortly after (all in the same month!) purchased the book. My soul has no regrets. It has been life-changing and convicting in the best way. Here is the Podcast: Why Have So Many People Stopped Going to Church? (Paul Tripp) that got the ball rolling for me.
3. Prior to the Sunday Matters devotional discovery, I had even more serendipitously, stumbled upon an article and sermon– both in the same link by the late Jerry Bridges titled Four Essentials to Finishing Well through Desiring God (a ministry program I follow). In it, he gives four tips and these four tips have transformed my approach to quiet times and how I listen to the Lord. I think they are worth sharing, and then if you so feel led, the article and sermon are linked. I have listened to the sermon at least twice and also have embraced the four tips because I believe they sum up so well all that is needed to stay clear on God’s will and path and to maintain peace and godliness regardless of what comes your way. Maybe it was the timing, or who knows what- the slant of the moon, the spot on my heart…but whatever it was it caused me to have a needed quickening in my spiritual life. It refreshed and reset me in such a way, I haven’t been the same since. I am so grateful! Are you ready? Here you are: 1. Daily Time of Focuse personal communion with God. 2. Daily appropriation of the Gospel. 3. Daily commitment to God as a living sacrifice. 4. Firm belief in the sovereignty and love of God. I would recommend you read the article and listen to the sermon for supporting scripture and encouragement.
4. Deleting Social Media (for the most part)- Removing myself from Facebook and Instagram has allowed me to work through three drafts of the book I am in the process of writing. I am working on revisions and edits in the fourth draft now, after receiving feedback from the first reader (a fellow author and friend, by God’s grace. January 30th of this year I got up from my quiet time desk, went over to my writing desk, and started typing what is now a finished (unfinished!) manuscript. It has lots of work to go before it will be ready for public consumption, but doing the work has meant eliminating (culling) the worthless things. Has it been worth it? So much YES!
5. Choosing Well by Listening to God – God is not manipulative. I know that sounds odd, but I think it is important to say it. As one who is known by God and who also knows God, I can say with my whole heart that God is not a fan of manipulation, guilt-driven activity, and superficial worship. The God I worship is a God who is Holy and Just, Righteous and Liberating. By learning to listen well to him, I walk through the minefield of manipulative behaviors, potentially offensive comments and general rudeness experienced on this side of eternity both in and out of the church. I also receive the grace to walk shame-free when I am guilty of the same bad choices I fall victim to. By God’s saving and freeing grace I walk both humbly and victoriously, despite the challenges I have faced or will face in the days ahead. I am learning. He is faithful and patient…because this chick? A slow learner indeed. He is patient with me when I tell Him all my good ideas, and then when I am done, He undoes me with a Word. His Love through Jesus, the One who laid down His life that I might live. The One who makes anything and all things possible.

I think that’s everything I wanted to say – and then some! I have a Bible and Planner Review in the works and a giveaway to end the month! May you finish your 2023 well.

Thank you for being here.

Enthusiastically, Dawn