Those Beautiful Stars

Okay God....I am listening.  What are you trying to tell me or show me.  I am ready.  Yes Lord!

Changes & More Of The Same

The wrap up of summer ended with a fun camping trip to Chincoteague. It was so much fun spending time with family, seeing the wild ponies, eating roasted marshmallows, being outside...& just chillin!

Then it was the start of new seasons...Seth started his junior year in High School...yes I cried (I always do the first day)
Jordan left for California (cried too ~ but soooo happy for him), "helper boy" started Pre-K, and the "Princess" started with her toddler class.



As seasons change, it can be so hard for me to move into them. Both naturally, and the seasons of life. I am trying to enjoy each moment (thought I would have learned by now), and embrace the change. Expected and Unexpected. Trying to be STILL in the moment that God has me in. Trusting, pressing in, & like Brandon...NEVER GIVING UP. Sometimes I "get it"...most times, I don't. But non-the-less...I KNOW I am called to keep going, keep reaching for it, and always always always...Trusting and Loving the one who Loves me Most...after all...I am HIS FAVORITE! :-)

Thank you God

Last night Steve and I were at a meeting in Georgetown...surrounded by some new faces, and some friendly faces that we have had the privilege to meet over the last month (on the starts of this new adventure that God has for us). It was there in the midst of listening to the conversation, that I became so overwhelmed and flooded with memories (and they weren't memories that I like). I was really fighting hard to not cry, not to want to run out of the room, and to not want to have a big hissy fit...shocking I know...but I do have them ~ just ask Steve :-).

Anyway...because I couldn't do all of the above, I just started to pray. And God in his faithfulness calmed this anxious girls heart down, washed over me with his love, and then showed me those "special little signs" that are only from him. On the drive home, he continued to show me those things that are meant only for me. And then I was at PEACE again.

Thank you God for loving me so much, that even in a meeting...you see me, and want to heal me!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom Stephanie, to my mother-in-law Louise, my stepmother Karen, and to my sister and sister in law's that are mommas...Susan & Kelly, Shawn & Sherry.

Also, a very special Mother's Day hug to all the mommas whose children are not physically here. Whether they be far across the country (like Jordan) or in Heaven waiting (like Brandon)...OR...and I am gonna put this "out there"...like my daughter, son, or sibling group (who is out there and has yet to join our family).

I have always only wanted to be a mom, and it is the most rewarding job that I have been so privileged and honored that God gave me and put the desire in my heart. And because of that....I know it's all God!

Hope you all enjoy your day special mommas!
Love,
Dawn

And still striving to be this Proverbs Woman!

Proverbs: 30-31
10 -31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

BEAUTIFUL & FUN weekend

There is just so much to be smiling about :-)!!!

First, Steve & I are praying intently on what is in this envelope, and about to jump in with both feet! God has confirmed so many times, that I think he may be wanting to say..."Dawn...just how many times do you want me to confirm this already "! But he is so gentle and so patient, and his timing is the correct timing! Yaaay for that!

Second...Steve & I had a personal "Sozo" ~ greek ~ restore, to make whole, heal. And WOW...God really did some MAJOR work on me! And showed me some things, and confirmed others (one had to do with the envelope), and he also just showed me just how much he loves me. And seriously....anyone and everyone who reads this...I WANT THAT FOR YOU & SO DOES GOD! :-)

More stuff....my neice Brooke had her senior prom...so of course you know what that means...LOTS of pictures! This is my Brookie Cookie, who by the way was also crowned PROM QUEEN!Cousins, Brooke & MY SETH!


Then while taking Seth to a friends (that boy never stays home) we got to take the Chevelle out and DRIVE IT FAST! Oh YEAH! So much FUN


And then the weekend was capped of on Sunday with AWESOME PRAISE & WORSHIP ~ that my Seth was playing the drums on, and then a wonderful Bridal Brunch for my sister Katie who is getting married in June. It was so much fun getting to spend time with all of my sisters (Susan,Katie, & Linda) family, and celebrate my sister Katie
(she was the flower girl at my wedding) I just love her so much

So all in all....GREAT weekend and GREAT weather...for those who know me, you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE the hot weather! :-O. And we are on the countdown for when Jordan comes home from Seattle...just about 5 weeks!

Happy Daughter of the KING, Happy Mom, Happy Aunt, Happy Sister, Happy Wife = HAPPY LIFE

Promise of the Progress

See this beautiful Castle.




Well right about 5 mins after this, and about 20 mins before the pretty fireworks went off... the REAL fireworks of Steve & Dawn occurred!
And they weren't pretty. What started out as an innocent comment of "Dawn...your in the middle of the street", and me saying "okay" (moving over just a little, while fidgeting with my camera = distraction), then the 3rd time of innocent "Dawn your still in the street" and my reply.....turned into what Steve heard...

DING DING DING....in this corner weighing in at ###lbs is Steve Hastings, patient husband, but now irritated. And this is what I (Dawn) heard......."It's ON NOW"! So, because we were in Florida, and no one I knew was around, I really didn't care if we were standing in the middle of Disney World arguing. And in my furious state..I declared that I was leaving and heading back to the resort.....

CYA ~ BYE!

In my very fast moving pace of hustling to get to the exits, I heard the fireworks (one of my most favorite things to watch) going off, and lot's of oohs and aaahs, all the while thinking of how mad I was and I was actually so mad and I am at the

"HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH"

. Oh the irony of it!

Ya still with me? Now I am out on the bus platform, REFUSING to watch the fireworks (cause you know..it's all Steve's fault), and I realize I am at the wrong place(God was way ahead of me on this, or should I say I had gotten WAY ahead of him). So with an ever so polite voice and tone I ask someone..."Could you please tell me where I need to go to get back to my resort"? So after I get the needed info, I am still walking in my angry mode, and trying to hurry and get where I needed to be, and as I am about to board the correct bus...who do I see??? UUUUUUGH! Sure enough, there was Steve (he didn't look so happy either). So with an open seat next to him, I plopped down and we both sat in angry silence, while leaving "THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH".

Well, this is when I actually had the opportunity to hear God... "Dawn, you need to let this go and make things right"...."No God...it's all his fault that I didn't get to see the fireworks". You know how one sided that is not, right?...... Well so does God, and he just never lets up. So while working on me, he was also working on Steve. By the time we got back to the resort and got off the bus, we had purposed to "be okay", and not let 10 mins of ugliness ruin an entire day of so much F U N together. I PRAISE God that he never gives up or lets in, and that I have a husband that will listen to God speaking to his heart also. I PRAISE God that my heart is not so hard (even when I try to be hard) that his way, his love, and his words can still make their way in. So you see....we are still a work in progress. But I will always thank God for the PROMISE of the PROGRESS! And that what God wants for our marriage everyday is to be one of "THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH"

Ending with this scripture that really puts this situation into perspective for me!

I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15 NLT
Love,
Dawn

Roller Coaster ~ What's your ride?

That pretty much sums up the feelings that go on in this life of mine. Although it is a life I LOVE so much......there are the obvious that I would change.....BRANDON HERE instead of waiting for us in Heaven, more consistency in my life, more discipline with my precious time with God (I LOVE him so much for his Patience with me), and to ALWAYS keep that ETERNAL VIEW!

But even with all that said...I still have no real regrets. There are many people I can thank for that. First my Sweet husband Steve....I thank him that I have never had to work full time. That we were always in agreement with me being home with the kids. And all of those memories of them are so priceless. Especially in the here and now. 100 years would have never been enough with Brandon here on this earth, but the times we did have are irreplaceable! And being with Jordan and Seth still is so special to me. Even though they are at an age where they don't "need" me so much, but I'd like to think that they "want" me there (smile). And my mom for teaching me just how to LOVE my children, my sister for being my BEST friend, and my brother for letting me work for him but still be "bossy" with him (laugh), and all of my family and friends for always being there for me!

Emotions are so funny and perplexing....I have been in a struggle in the past few days. A little bit like one of the lyrics in that first song on my playlist that I can DEFINITELY relate to at times........"I have no fear of drowning, it's the breathing that's taking all this work". I have been missing Brandon, missing Jordan, and missing the "young" Seth. Missing all 3 of their baby times. Realizing that unless it is a vacation or summer break...Jordan will no longer really live full time with us. That can make me cry, even though I am so proud of him and know that this is a normal step. But still, it makes my heart sad.

And then there is today.....I am full of anticipation. Excitement for what is to come in my life. SUPER EXCITED that on the 18th we will be picking up Jordan from the airport and then head to Disney. I so can't wait to HUG & BUG him (smile)! Eager anticipation on what God has in store for me individually, for me and Steve together, and for his plans and purposes in my children's lives. I am so glad that God is LARGE and IN CHARGE......that he gave me my family, that he knows me from the inside out, that he knows the end from the beginning, and that through it all......HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME!

I LOVE YOU GOD!

So getting better....a little

Found this song (the first one on my playlist)...that I really LOVE! Still in the midst of one of those days, but God is always FAITHFUL! He loves me that much! I hope that does not sound conceited, but God tells us that & he proved that to us through Jesus. We all need to GRAB HOLD and accept that. And you know....just in typing this, well....feeling still a little better. The JOY of the LORD is MY STRENGTH & SONG! I LOVE my life!

~ On another, still not ready to share note....Steve & I are still intently praying on something that God spoke to my heart about this time last year. Just waiting for God to move in this, and to always direct us! I am just trying NOT to be inpatient, and for those of you who know me...you know that can be hard!