Tag: faith

Christian

Stirring Up Hope for the Forsaken

Cindy Dawson

Chris G Thelen's avatar140 Character Christian

Wednesday Walk Though the Bible, Matthew 5:1-12 & 7:28-29 (NIV)

#WednesdayWalk, an occasional exploration of what unknown people might have seen or felt when they witnessed the events in the Bible. This post is from the perspective of a person who encounters Jesus teaching the Beatitudes.

It was another hot day. The dust swirled around my sandals as I hurried along the path. Small stones crunched under my feet as I walked on the barren dirt. My mouth was dry from the heat as sweat dripped down my forehead and back. I was focused on fetching the baskets my father needed when I caught a glimpse of a large crowd on a hillside. I stopped and noticed the people were gathered around a man. “Why would so many people stand and listen to this man in heat like this?” I asked myself.

I hesitated a moment, curious as to why…

View original post 409 more words

Christian

The Power of a Smile

Cindy Dawson

Never underestimate the value of a person who can make you smile. Smiles are powerful. They evoke happiness, hope, and well-being. When you smile, you instantly feel better. A smile is a powerful thing that that can completely turn your day around.

Let me tell you about someone who always made me smile.

Mr. Galloway was an older gentleman in my church, whose job was to sit at the information desk on Sunday morning. But, he did a lot more than provide information. I didn’t know him well, but I looked forward to seeing him every Sunday.

When I entered the doors, he would look me straight in the eye, his head always crooked a little to the side, and with enthusiasm and a big smile say, “What-a ya know?”

This would always start a conversation, and even if I was running late (which I usually was), I would stay there and talk to him for a while, unable to pull myself away from all this attention.

“How’s your daughter?” he would ask with enthusiasm and genuine interest.

I would tell him about my daughter’s latest adventures. After all, who doesn’t want to talk about their kids?!

After a few minutes, I would drag myself off to where I was supposed to be. He never failed to brighten my spirits and put a smile on my face.

One Sunday morning, I came through the doors and no one was sitting at the information desk. Later, I found out that Mr. Galloway had suddenly passed away. I was shocked.

I couldn’t believe that someone so full of life, was suddenly gone. Even though I barely knew him, I cried when I found out. There is no one sitting there now. I don’t think anyone will be able take his place entirely.

What part are you in the Body of Christ? Even if you think you are only a small and insignificant part, you are necessary for the body to function properly.

The Bible says, “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be …  Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” 1 Corinthians 12:18 & 22 NIV

I doubt that Mr. Galloway thought he was indispensable, but I did.

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog

Photo by Kyle Loftus on Unsplash

Christian

Nobody Knows Science Like God Does

Cindy Dawson

I discovered the most amazing fact reading my Bible this morning! At first, it didn’t make sense. Normally, I would just skip over it and keep reading, but today I didn’t. After rereading it several times, I searched Google.

I didn’t expect anything useful to turn up, but I gave it a try anyway. But alas, I’m putting the cart before the horse, so let’s start at the beginning. (Genesis 30, paraphrased)

Jacob worked diligently for Laban for 14 years in order to marry Rachel whom he dearly loved. For many years after that, he continued to toil for Laban with all his strength. Laban cheated Jacob many times. After twenty years, Jacob asked Laban to allow him to return to his homeland with his wives and children.

Laban pleaded with Jacob to stay because he had prospered while Jacob tended his flocks. Laban said, “Name your wages and I will pay them.”

So Jacob said, “I will go on tending your flocks if you let me remove from your flocks every speckled or spotted sheep and goat and every dark colored lamb. They will be my wages. Then we will know which are mine and which are yours.”

Laban agreed, but that same day, Laban removed all the spotted sheep and goats and dark colored lambs from his flock. He put them in the care of his sons and separated them from the herds under Jacob’s care.

That was shifty. Now how will Jacob obtain his wages? The spotted goats and sheep have all been removed from the herd.

Obviously, Laban didn’t understand genetics because animals born with a dominant trait (pure white) can still have alleles for the recessive trait, in this case spotted or speckled.

In other words, Jacob didn’t have any spotted animals, but the solid animals could still reproduce a spotted baby. This is where the phenomenon comes in!

“37 Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood of the branches. 38 Then he placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so that they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, 39 they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.” Genesis 30:37-39 NIV

Much like my (almost) 3-year old granddaughter, I kept asking, “Why? Why? Why would he do that?” How could the peeled branches affect the color of the offspring?

I asked Google and the answer astounded me.

Recent scientific discoveries reveal that what a parent eats can also affect their genes, and therefore will affect their offspring’s characteristics. It’s not up to genes alone, like we once thought.

For example, “a study published in August (2003) in Molecular and Cellular Biology by Dr. Waterland and Duke’s Randy Jirtle showed that in a particular strain of mice, fortifying the pregnant and nursing mother’s diet with four nutrients shifted babies’ coat color from yellow to brown.”¹

These baby mice were genetically identical, yet a change in the diet of the pregnant and nursing mothers is the reason for the color change in the offspring. Incredible!

One of the nutrients fed to the mice was vitamin B12 found in (you guessed it) almonds!

Jacob placed the almond and other branches in the water whenever the strongest animals were there. That way the strongest animals gave birth to spotted babies. In this way, Jacob grew wealthy and owned large flocks.

Bible scholars believe the book of Genesis was written by Moses between 1446 and 1406 B.C. Today, scientists are starting to understand how diet can affect the color of an animal’s offspring. That’s incredible!

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

Photo by Marguerite Rami on Unsplash

Sources:

¹Epigenetics may have many roles, BY SUE GOETNICK AMBROSE, Dallas Morning News 2 NOVEMBER 2003, Dallasnews.com

Genesis 29 and 30

Christian

You Know We’re Running a Race, Right?

Cindy Dawson

As I walked along the cornfield, it was as if the corn was alive. I watched the acres of leaves moving back and forth in the breeze and I was mesmerized. The beauty of nature often takes my thoughts to the Lord and His Word.

This particular morning I was walking Henry and Bella. I noticed how different they are. Bella meanders. She takes forever to walk to the end of the sidewalk. I’m convinced that if she actually attempted to go somewhere, she would eventually end up right where she started! (Remember this later.)

Bella
Bella, the Meanderer

Henry is another story. He runs everywhere he goes! He is one  determined pup!

It made me think about my commitment to God. How am I “running the race”?

The writer of Hebrews said, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us …” Hebrews 12:1

Am I meandering along like Bella, or am I running like Henry?

IMG_0481
Henry, the Runner

Paul said, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

This verse inspires me to earnestly embrace the mission (ministry) God has given me. (To run harder than anyone else!)

Whatever God calls us to do, it will require perseverance. Let’s start running!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

1st photo Naassom-Azevedo, Unsplash

Christian

It’s Just About Time – A True Story

Cindy Dawson

When my son was 6 years old, we moved from the quaint rural town of Auburn (population 1,300) to the basketball capital of the world – Lexington, Kentucky!

As a young adult, I had driven in heavy traffic in St. Louis, but apparently you can get rusty and I’ve never had a great sense of direction anyway. 

The city of Lexington, Ky has a highway design that can be confusing if you aren’t used to it (or don’t have a good sense of which way is up). It’s based on circles instead of perpendicular streets and looks like a wagon wheel (Whose idea was this?)

Whenever I drove around the main highway circle (They actually named it New Circle Road) and exited onto one of the “spokes” (other main highways), I had a tough time knowing weather to go left or right.

Considering the fact that there were at least 6 lanes to choose from on the exit, I didn’t want to mess up and head off in the wrong direction! I could be on that circle for a long time before I got back to where I wanted to go. (Are you confused yet?)

One day, clueless as to which lane I should get in, I desperately cried out to my “go-to” navigator, my very precocious 6 year old son Zack. (For reasons I don’t understand, he always knew  which way to go.)

“Zack! Which way do I go?” I cried out in panic!

I will never forget the answer I got after about the millionth time I asked him this.

“I think it’s just about time you figured this out for yourself”, he calmly replied in his sweet little southern accent.

Panicking even more since I had only nano-seconds to claim my lane, I yelled, “Just tell me!”

“That way!” he quickly responded.

Saved again!

I’m thankful my little boy could help me with directions, but I’m even more thankful that when I don’t know which way to turn in life, there is One who will always help me. God never tires of showing us the way. He is always ready to guide us and direct our path. All we need to do is ask Him.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you … the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him. (Psalm 32: 8 and 10)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

With Love, 

Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

Christian

A Dream Planted By God

Cindy Dawson

“When the dream in our heart is one that God has planted there, a strange happiness flowers into us. At that moment all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to help us. Our praying is then at one with the will of God and becomes a channel for the Creator’s always joyous, triumphant purposes for us and our world.” Catherine Marshall

Did you ever stop to think about this? That you are working and praying for something that God Himself put in your heart!

This is my desire, that my prayers would be at one with the will of God, and to know that I am praying according to His will.

“Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 TLB

What is your dream?

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

1st Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Christian

What’s Your Story?

Cindy Dawson

“Our stories matter … Your stories matter … for you just never know how much of a difference they make, and to whom …” Caroline Joy Adams

God teaches me through the many stories I read on WordPress. Recently, God showed me how easily I can misjudge someone. (Ouch!)

I made an assumption about a blogger, only to find out later that the exact opposite was true. How? By reading her story. This taught me something important about myself that I needed to know: Don’t think you can size someone up based on outward appearance.

Over the last year, God has been teaching me about judging others. We can not influence someone if we are judging them.

God’s Word says, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Thank you, Sue Love, for sharing your story.

As we share our hearts and our love for Christ through our blogs, may God use our words to bring encouragement and love to those who need it most.

This is Day 1 of my 3-Day Challenge. I would like to nominate Emeka Ofili. Emeka  shares inspiration, teaching, and music, but most importantly news stories about the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ that you won’t read about in the news.

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

photo credit: eye for ebony on unsplash

Christian

Don’t Give Out (Or Give Up!)

Cindy Dawson

I had been seeking the Lord for several long weeks about something very important. I wanted to quit what I had been doing for three years. I was someplace I believed God had sent me, but I didn’t really see any results from my hard work. I was tired of it! Stressed out! There were other things I’d rather do!

Finally, I realized God was saying, “No”.

For several days I felt really sad. What I thought I wanted and desperately needed was not to be, at least not right now.

Then yesterday, my daughter sent me a text that said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

It spoke directly into my life. I know God will give me the strength and enthusiasm I need to accomplish the task.

There are people all around us who need encouragement and support. They need inspiration and strength. Over the years,  people have sent me a note or said something that was so encouraging to me. It was just what I needed that day.

I believe these acts of encouragement are orchestrated by God. The sender may just feel a nudge from God or hear the still, quiet voice. It is often unknown to the sender just how vital the message really is.

You may need the same encouragement that I did. You may pray and work hard in your mission field without seeing the results you so deeply desire. But, God’s Word challenges us to not give up.

Yes, we want to see big things happen. We want to see revival in our midst! That can only be accomplished by God. Our part is to be obedient, pray, and study His Word..

God’s timing is flawless. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

mathew-schwartz-625805-unsplash

It is time for our hope and strength to be renewed. Remember! “… at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog 

Eagle Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

Raccoon Photo by Successfully Canadian on Unsplash

Christian

Can’t Sleep?

Cindy Dawson

One day, I was looking for a particular toy for my son. Stepping on my tippy toes, I blindly reached into a large box on a high shelf in my closet and scooped up a handful of small toys.

As I held it up to see if I had the desired toy, this is what I saw: Twined around the toys was a 3 foot-long snake skin! Startled and panic-stricken, I quickly threw it all into the air and screamed!

At this time in my life, I was terrified of snakes, mice, lizards, and all creepy creatures in general. I’m happy to report that 30 years later, not so much.

The problem was, I couldn’t sleep at night. What with (who knows how many) snakes loose in the house!

Now this happened during the days of heated waterbeds, and we slept in one. In my imagination, this would be the exact place a snake would slither into during the middle of the night.

What’s a waterbed, you ask? Well, you can google it. Now back to the story….

“Lucky” for me (tongue in cheek), I happened upon a Bible verse that set me free from this fear. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Every night when I went to bed, this was my prayer. I passionately thanked God for His promise and repeated it over and over until I went to sleep. I was putting my faith and trust in God and in His Word; it carried me through a very scary time.

This is why it is so important to make Bible study a priority. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart when I read this verse. God did keep me safe. I was able to sleep peacefully, and eventually we were able to move to a better house.

Wherever I go, and whatever comes my way, I will trust in God’s Word.

The more I study God’s Word, the more I trust in Him.

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Psalm 119:92

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105

“You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114

This is My Journey Unscripted.

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian

When Disaster Strikes, You Are Not Alone

Cindy Dawson

” … Then one day, my world was shattered.”

But wait. Let’s start at the beginning.

 I was blessed to spend 18 years as a stay-at-home mom. That was the desire of my heart. But my kids started growing up, so at age 47 I decided I would go back to school and become a special education teacher.    

My “ministry” became teaching children with disabilities. I prayed for my students and prayed that God would use me in the public school system.

I hung a starfish on my desk lamp to remind me that I might not be changing the world, but if I could help even one child, my prayer would be answered. (See “The Starfish Story” below.)

Then suddenly my world was falling apart. I lost my job because of lies that were told about me. These lies tarnished my record and eventually ended my career. With my emotions in high gear, I could not stop crying.  I was completely devastated and left with a long drive home.How could this happen? I thought I couldn’t go on. In an emotional state of mind, I made the decision to retire with only seventeen years of experience.

You can imagine the thoughts that went through my mind. I  doubted everything I had previously believed. (Surely teaching had not been God’s will. I should have never done this!  It was all in my head. I’m a failure. And worst of all: I never really helped anyone.)

Have you ever been there? Have you ever questioned everything? When you are hurt, you are vulnerable to the attacks of Satan and can begin to believe his lies. But God lifted me out of the valley of despair. This is what happened:

That very night, I met a friend for dinner, which had been planned several days before. She knew nothing about what happened to me that day, but she had a gift and a note from her son a  former student from 15 years before). The note thanked me for all I had done for him. The gift was a beautiful sparkling starfish on a silver chain.

When I saw that sparkling starfish, I was overwhelmed by God’s love and kindness. God was speaking loud and clear to my heart and mind, “I know what is going on. I know your heart is crushed, but I am with you and watching over you. You are not a failure.” 

I realize now that even if God had not sent me such a great encouragement, He would have been watching over me just the same. We must always remember that He is with us every single day and He knows our every care. Sometimes He will give us visible reassurance, but most of the time He wants us to believe His promises and stretch our faith.

The Starfish Story

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement. 

Continue reading “When Disaster Strikes, You Are Not Alone” →