Sojourn to Transformation

Moving to MandyDawson.Com

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 20:42:00 -0400

Please visit my new home on the web....mandydawson.com. There you will find a public blog, information about me, my songs, my ministry, as well as partnership information. A cool thing for those who partner with me and the vision of dedicating my life to intercession at the House of Prayer is a private password accessed partner blog and forum. Very Cool! I am looking forward to this new community.

This blog has been wonderful! I have truly loved writing here. I imagine the summer might be a little sparse even at mandydawson.com/blog, but come fall--I might have A LOT to say!

Bless you all and see you over there.
Love,
Mandy

Come to the Waters

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sat, 27 May 2006 00:14:00 -0400

God is so good. He has been strengthening me even in this 21 Day Prayer. It has been wonderful!

I am meeting new people, and really making some strong relationships in the Spirit. It is so exciting.

I've met a small intercession group that meets once per week. Precious group of people. Many grandmotherly ladies who have spent years and years interceeding for the city of Indianapolis and for a generation of abandoned young people. At the meeting this week, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for the hours and hours sowed into the secret place. I felt that the fruition of the ground they broke is upon us, and many will see the benefits of what took place in secret. Glory to the Father because He sees them in the secret and will reward them here and in the kingdom to come.

I felt it was appropriate to extend a blessing from my generation to theirs. And then, Holy Spirit poured out verse and bridge lyrics to a chorus that was birthed in spontaneous worship a few months ago. Amazing. It happened right there on paper in a matter of 5 minutes, and Holy Spirit kept prompting me to sing and play it over them. I waited and waited, and FINALLY asked to minister to them in this song. I didn't even have a melody for the verse, but when I started playing it just flowed out. AMAZING! This kind of thing had never happend before... Anyway, I recorded the song, tonight. May it minister to you as it has to me.

Come to the Waters

ps...opening note is a little off, but i thought the rest was okay, so...grace, please:)

New Season for Me

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Fri, 19 May 2006 15:38:00 -0400

We (City HOP) are doing a 21 Day Prayer Watch for the President, the Nation and the City that started May 14th and will end on the Day of Pentecost-June 4th. Every evening we are having a 7pm meeting. This follows our first City-Wide Prayer Gathering on Saturday, May 13th. Word is spreading across the city, and we have had great turn out each evening. After doing 9 months of 2-8 people prayer meetings, it is exciting to see 10-15 or even 20! There is more of a corporate cry, which is wonderful.

Big-Big things are happening in the city of Indianapolis. Big breakthroughs. Divine connections. Revival has started, and it will sweep the city!

Doing 21 evening meetings is big undertaking for me personally, as we only have 1 team of people, and I am the leader. I have felt God strengthening me during our sessions, though. It is really a joy to sing and pray. Today, I slept off and on until noon. I had a long bath and then did some cleaning. Currently, I am at Starbucks listening to Misty on the IHOP webcast, blogging and having an iced chai latte. Its been a long, long time:) Feels good!

Matt Sorger Meeting

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sun, 14 May 2006 10:07:00 -0400

So, last Sunday, Matt Sorger was gracious enough to speak at our humble abode. We were blown away when he said yes. During one of the conference sessions, he said he will go anywhere to minister to hungry people.

Matt has been indued with great gifts and power from the Holy Spirit. He operates in a revivalist anointing as well as healing. He ministers with much authority, but at the same time a graciousness and kindness that was suprising to me. The fruit of the Spirit was so evident in his life. Its hard to explain this without seeing for yourself, but he is surely (one of) God's messenger for this hour. He awakened hearts as the Glory of God descended upon us, and then brought forth solid teaching rooted and grounded in the Word. Most of all, he demonstrated meekness and humility.

His mother was there ministering with him. She blew me away. Such strength and beauty. You could see God radiating from within her. Amazing. I love them both. Not like I love ice cream, but like I love my mother, my brother, or my friend in Christ... Its this deep God love because my eyes and Spirit could see and feel God's heart for them. Isn't hard to explain how you could love someone you don't know really, but you know them by the Spirit? Its like you just do, or you just know.

So, we are gonna go to any meetings he is doing that are anywhere near us, and have already begun the process of hosting him again. If you ever have the opportunity to be ministered to by him...do it. He leaves an impartation of increased passion and burning desire in you. He gives you tools to become equipped. He is the REAL DEAL. Really Christ inside.

A Great Healing

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Thu, 11 May 2006 09:40:00 -0400

How timely this account of great healing, you will see.

So, I sang with the worship team for this Elijah list sponsored conference in Indianapolis. The first night, I felt a little ackward on stage holding a microphone. I haven't sang without playing an instrument for 4 years or so! That first night was tough--for all of us. The enemy was stirred up trying to prevent breakthrough for the city of Indianapolis. The next morning, their was a release in the Spirit. Worship flowed freely. Prophetic oracles went forth. It was 180 degrees from the evening before. We rejoiced in the greatness of God. We danced and warred for breaking down of strongholds in Indy. We beseeched God to open the Heavens and let His Glory descend upon us.

At this point, we were all spontaneously singing together, and I was singing "Let me see your Glory, God." Over and over I sang, "Let me see your Glory, God." As I watched from the stage, the people worshipping and praising our God, I was immediatley taken by the faces of two people. I felt so strongly Holy Spirit directed me to see. I didn't hear Holy Spirit speak, but I just knew, "There it is. There is the Glory of God upon their face. Pure, Holy, Shining." I was overcome with emotion. It was as if I felt God's emotion--His great love for these two people. (Of course, these were not the only two pure and loving people in the crowd , but for some reason, Holy Spirit highlighted these two to me.)

Later that day as I encountered one of the people Holy Spirit highlighted to me, a grandmotherly woman, she stopped me to speak. She spoke of my singing, and I told her of seeing God's glory upon her. It was a short, but wonderful exchange.

From that point forward during worship, I would feel this woman's eyes upon me. I would look her way, and our eyes would meet in brief moments. We would smile. I felt this loving connection with her.

Skip forward to Saturday morning. A dynamic young speaker, Justin Bradley, followed the leading of Holy Spirit and asked hurt intercessors to stand for ministry--in the middle of his speaking. Many, many people stood for prayer, and others gathered around just ministering God's love an healing to them. I prayed with a woman standing near me. ( I was in the back) When I finished, I looked all the way in the front, and I saw the grandmotherly woman standing and people gathered around her praying. They finished and she sat. There was an open chair next to her, so I went and sat.

She reached for my hand and we just sat hands grasped together. Neither of us said a word. She held my hand and I began to cry tears streaming down. Overwhelmed with compassion, love and appreciation for her light, her strength, her wisdom, I sat in silence tears washing my face.

The worship team was called to the stage, so I hugged her and said, "I appreciate you" and she said, "Thank you for your tears. They ministered to me".

I went to the stage, grabbed my mic and tried to sing, but I became undone with emotion. So, I left the stage, went all the way to the back wall (most everyone was in the front). The emotions swirling inside of me were grief and sorrow, and a little anger. So unexplainable. I was overwhelmed. I sat down and I wept. I wept for the loss of my grandparents. I wept for the gaping hole in my spirit. I felt what I wouldn't allow myself to feel.
(The same emotions crept up at my grandpa's funeral, but I held them back. No way did I want to feel that right there in front of my family who were weeping for what they were losing at that moment. I was angry, then, too. I looked around and saw my cousins crying, and I thought, "Its not fair. You have no idea. I lost him so long ago.")
I felt a divine invitation from Holy Spirit to feel and be healed. So, I wept. I grieved. I coughed and cried. I felt it so deep. The depth astonishing and frightening. The release came from the very core of my being.

Awesome God. Passionate Jesus. Gentle Holy Spirit. Healing me. I was filled with His love, and it came in human form from the grandmotherly woman. I was unshakeable in knowing that this woman loved me with the pure, holy love of God and that she was proud of me as a grandmother would be proud of her grandchild.

At the end of the conference, I decided to share how God used her. Her back was turned and I walked towards her, but she kept going around the seats, so I turned to go the other way. Maybe catch her near the back, I was thinkng. There were a couple people with her, and she got stopped periodically along the way never seeing me waiting in the distance. She walked through the doors and down the hallway. I started to follow her, but I got nervous. I felt like my 13 year old needy self following after teachers and ladies at church. I haven't felt that feeling for years. Then, I thought I'd better chase her down, so there were no regrets, and I went running down the hallway after her!

I shared how I felt her love when she took my hand, and how Holy Spirit healed me from grief and anger. And she looked at me and said, "I'm so proud of you. Just like a grandmother would be." I looked back and said, "I knew it!" I knew it by the Spirit. I knew it! I felt it! What a miracle! She doesn't even know my name, yet she allowed herself to love me and be proud of me, and God used her to help set me free from the pain of the past. And you know what? My heart is more tender. The barriers and walls came down, and the emotions of God flooded my soul.

I thank you, Faithful God who has a master plan. How You orchestrated my involvement with the conference. I thought it was about ministry and City HOP, and it was, but how good you are to release healing and love to me. You are so good. You are abounding in loving kindness. You are worthy of all praise, Holy God who was and is to come. How wonderful, how glorious You are.

Matthew 19:29 (New King James Version) 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

Where I've Been!

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:22:00 -0400

Hey! Its good to be back. I have been swamped-swamped-swamped since my Papa's death. This past weekend being the culmination of two months work, prayer and anticipation.

Back in March, someone called me out of the blue asking if I knew of anyone who might sing with a worship team for an upcoming Indianapolis conference in May. I stated that I would be interested and sent this couple a copy of my demo CD. So, in April, we had 4 practices in Cincinnati preparing for the conference which was last week. The folks putting this conference together were so wonderful. Very loving, kind an gracious. They gave me lead parts to sing, and allowed me to sing prophetic oracles. They just took me in as one of their own.

The conference featured Matt Sorger as the main speaker. In April, Bev (the woman administrating the conference) called me to see if I could help her find a place in Indianpolis for Matt to speak on Sunday following the conference. She had called lots of large churches, but it was too short notice for all of them. I said we could host him at City HOP. We have a small, small group, so it seemed far-fetched that he would come. Anyway, we said we would do whatever it took to have him come, and gather people together for a meeting. He said he would come! He did come, and it was WONDERFUL.

There is a lot to tell about the conference including huge props to Matt Sorger, his mom, and the account of a dramatic healing I experienced.

More to come....
:Love:
Mandy

Searching to fill the void...

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 12:07:00 -0400

It was difficult growing up without my grandparents. I didn't always understand at the time, but things are clearer, now, as I look back. When I was around 11, I remember two women who came to our church. One was the mother of our pastor's wife. Lovely lady. Small with snow white hair, smooth face, and warm smile. I adored her. She visited several times each year, and I would hang on every word she said and follow her around like a lost puppy. I sat with her in church and enjoyed hearing the sound of our voices singing together. She sang harmony, and I was proud that I could sing along with her. I asked for her address and sent her letters when she was away. I don't remember what I would say, but she wrote back often. How kind of her. Then , a new lady came to our church who played the organ. She was not quite as old as our pastor's mother. She had short brown hair and a very sweet presence about her. Maybe she was shy or maybe I was shy, but we never really spoke. Instead, I would write her little notes and leave them in her pew. I thought it was a secret that I admired her so much. Of course, she knew those notes were from me the whole time. I rarley tell this part of the story, but it demonstrates the depth of the hole in my life. I used to write her name on stuff (I'll give her a fictional name--Jill Daisytree). "I heart Jill Daisytree", I would write--and I would think. I wondered why do I have these feelings, these longings for a relationship with this woman I barely knew? Still, "I heart Jill Daisytree" I would write and feel. Soon, my girl friends saw these writings, and questioned me. I was embarrassed. I couldn't explain why I would write such a thing about a grandmotherly lady. So, I stopped writing notes and stopped writing "I heart Jill Daisytree" and I stopped feeling things. It was a conscious decision. For years, I would look back at that time and wonder what in the world was wrong with me. Seems simple, now to see the longing for a grandmother to love me.
After that, there was one other woman who had a great impact on my life. I loved her just like the pastor's wife. She was my teacher, and I did everything I could to please her. She was kind and recognized the searching in my life. She probably didn't know the details, but she loved me and took me under her wing. She left our school when I was 16, but I continued correspondence with her until a few years ago. Even now, I occasionally feel a desire to email her. Maybe someday I will tell her what I know now that I didn't know then, that God used her to fill a space in me that was so empty.

The Long Story

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:25:00 -0400

My Papa's funeral proceedings were wonderfully smooth. My dad's family is in a volatile state, and has been for many years. Thanks for all of the prayers. God released peace and healing--for sure a process that is just beginning.

Its a long story... the single most defining moment of my childhood.

My dad was raised in a works based church. Lots of good people hoping that they were good enough to make it to heaven were, in reality, terrified and feeling hopeless. At least that is how my dad sometimes felt. He is a seeker of Truth, so he has always devoured the Bible and all kinds of other writings. When I was 7, my dad got saved. He was fired up about the Truth of coming to Christ by faith, and boldly confronted the elders and leaders in his church. Basically, we got kicked out. Next, he boldy confronted his family.

It was the night that is forever embossed upon my tiny, 7 year old spirit and soul. My grandmother and grandfather (I call them Meme and Papa) whom I had lived next door to since I was born, and adored like no others left our home after much shouting, vowing to never see us again. A promise that they surely kept until I was 18. Thinking back, there are 3 instances from that time on that I saw them. All of them equally painful and ackward. Not only did they eliminate us from their lives, but we were also blacklisted from my dad's siblings...5 total... No Christmas. No Thanksgiving. No Easter. No birthday's. Just one wedding, one funeral, and one time that we thought Papa was dying, so they let us see him.

Then, when I was 18, my grandparents moved back to Indiana from Arkansas. Suddenly, we were invited to a cousin's graduation, and from there on out were included in every family get together. No questions asked. No apologies offered. It just happened with nary a word.

Interestingly enough I've only ever thought about this from my 7 year old grandchild perspective. Following my Papa's death, I realized that my dad was 29 years old--one year older than I am right-- when his entire family rejected him...

*I will tell this story in whole, and I am happy to say, although it doesn't have a storybook ending, God is loving and merciful and there has been much resolution as reflected upon in my poem gift of resolution.

Quick Update

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 09:03:00 -0400

What a week it has been. I've been helping my parents move since yesterday; a big move which has been planned for 2 months, now. My brother lives with them, as well their 2 granchildren off and on! They also have a home office, so there is a lot to move! Today is the big day with the box truck and six or seven men to help with heavy furniture.

One good thing about moving is the opportunity to pare down on unnecessary belongings! Its amazing the stuff that we find that never gets used and has very little purpose.

Anyway, I gotta go 'cause I hear them calling for me! I'm about to get in trouble:)
...I'd rather be blogging!

Issues of Death

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 10:17:00 -0400

Death is odd. Mainly in the fact that someone ceases to exist on this earth, but continues to exist in the spirit. I'm thinking about how truth will be so easy to comprehend with out the confines of our mind and flesh.

Today we have calling hours at the funeral home, and the funeral tomorrow.

Mighty God would your presence rest upon us today as we honor Papa. I pray that you would lead us to forgiveness, restoration and peace that passes understanding. I ask that you be glorified. That your name would go forth in power and authority. Save souls as You reveal Yourself. Use me to speak words of peace in the flesh and words of war in the spirit. This is my prayer.

gift of resolution

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:17:00 -0400

a miracle from God. testament of His power, His love.
that a man long shrouded in fear, gripped by religion
would the day before death experience deliverance.
scoffers shake their head in unbelief.
no miracle took place in this family.
no, the effects of death and medication explain away
this gift of God He gave that day.
not a gift? not a miracle? how is it you say?
did you not hear? did you not see?
that day this man lie dying--lungs barely breathing, heart barely beating,
family hovering, believing it is the end.
on that day, this man coughed, raised his head and said
i need more time with my children the day before i'm dead.
"come my child, come my son, a time of rejoicing has begun.
come join me in my bed.
lay beside me. hug and kiss me. smile pretty for this memory.
come closer here i will tell you a secret.
a secret long hidden by shrouds of fear, grip of religion.
i love you, my child. i love you, my son.
i'm proud of you; who you've become
i made mistakes. i have regrets. now is the time for us to forget
the pain of the past. in the future remember
this secret long hidden.
i love you, my child, i love you, my son.
i'm proud of you; who you've become."
the gift of resolution.
scoff if you will. shake your head in unbelief.
for me, i know my God, Powerful; who reigns Supreme
looked down upon me. He saw my grief.
He heard me cry Father, have mercy. Extend Your hand in healing.
Show Your glory to my family, though even my faith is weak.
The answer came merciful, glorious, miraculous.
Strongholds shattered. Fear cowered. Demons fled
at the light of His presence glorious, shining.
no longer bound, truth surfaced from deep within
i love you, my child, i love you, my son.
i'm proud of you; who you've become."
the gift of resolution
so given by Father in Heaven,
peace, for him in dying. peace, for me in living.

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:43:00 -0400

Well, my Papa died just now. My parents called me a minute ago. I'm not suprised, though after a day like today.

Can you imagine meeting Jesus face to face on resurrection day?

There is No God Like You

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:06:00 -0400

Here is a link to my newest song. I wrote the beginning part about 4 months ago, but the rest of just came together 3 weeks ago. So far, this is one of my favorites.
There is No God Like You

God Reigns

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 08:43:00 -0400

Just want to share some quick news about my grandfather. Two days in a row, my dad has got the call to come over because Papa was unresponsive, and his vitals were dropping. Friday night, he and my brother prayed on the 45 minute trip over. They called me, and I was also praying. When they got there, my dad began to pray over his dad. He prayed for healing and peace, and also rebuked spirit of fear and so forth. Papa was telling Dad that he was afraid, and dad quoted Scripture and prayed about that. Then, Papa began to say in agreement that there is no fear in Jesus. His countenance changed and his vitals improved. He actually ate a little and took some liquids as well. He became very loving, and interacted with his children--hugging them, telling them he was proud. Then, they gathered and sang hymns about Jesus, His blood, and His love.

Yesterday was very similar. Papa had been unresponsive for about 8 hours, and his pulse had dropped dramatically. Dad and mom prayed on the way over, and just sat with him quietley praying in the Spirit. Soon, Papa coughed loudly and began to improve. He ate and drank again, and interacted with his children. They told stories and took pictures, and sang hymns.

My dad says that even some sores on Papas legs that were not healing have begun to heal since Friday night. I believe that my dad recieved power and boldness from the Holy Spirit to minister to his dad. Not to go into lots of details, but there is a history of religous spirit in our family, and much unfinished business. At Thanksgiving, the Lord released a word about forgiveness bringing healing. What a tremendous battle...we kind of thought it was too late, but God--He is so powerful. It is never too late. He wants a breakthrough. He wants to be glorified in life and in death.

I'm going over today with my mom and dad. Again, we will press in for peace and healing, knowing that God will have His way. There has already been great healing in the past two days. There can be healing and miracles even if Papa dies. Healing of the Spirit. Healing of the family. There can be an ushering into the Presence of God in peace leaving restoration in its wake.

Increase our faith, Lord, for Your Glory to go forth; for Your power to break-in and heal our family. You are Sovereign God, the Holy One of Israel who Was and Is and Is to Come. You are Magnificent in Your Glory and Awesome in Your Splendor. You work wonders in our midst. Even in our weakness, You are Strong. You are the Mighty One who can do all things; who makes all things new. Restore us unto You.
May Your name be glorified in all we do.

My Grandfather is Dying

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 11:23:00 -0400

I went to see my Papa yesterday. I had not been since Christmas. It is quite shocking and overwhelming--the realities of death. He struggles with breathing. He can only walk a few steps at a time, maybe a few more on good days. He has trouble sleeping at night.

The end is inevitable. He was diagnosed with cancer in May 2005, but has not had treatment since sometime last summer. Right now, he is still living at home. Family assist with his care with the help of Hospice which provides medical equipment and some nursing supervision (not much). What a treasure for him to die in the comfort of his own home, but this takes an extreme sacrifice from his caregivers. It became apparent to me, yesterday, that soon he will require care from more than family members.

My emotions are somewhat clouded at this point, and it is a long story. One that should be told, but I am unsure of the timing. Maybe soon.

I believe Papa has peace to die, so I pray that he goes without much more pain and suffering than he has already endured. For those of us that are left behind, I pray for healing, forgiveness and family unity as we all will be more aware of the fleetingness of this life.

Good Breakfast!

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Fri, 7 Apr 2006 23:05:00 -0400

Okay...this is soooo goofy, but hilarious to me. I have wanted to do this for a long time, so here it is---a step by step pictorial for BAGEL-EGG SANDWICH.

Forgiven

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Fri, 7 Apr 2006 20:52:00 -0400

Two Words

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 5 Apr 2006 19:50:00 -0400

Spring Fever

Revival Painting

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Tue, 4 Apr 2006 16:34:00 -0400

I did this painting last week during our time at City HOP.

My Heart Knows

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Mon, 3 Apr 2006 18:46:00 -0400

I want to say that I wasn't very sensitive today to the fact that 27 people lost their lives yesterday in the storms. While it is good that God is helping me overcome fear of tornadoes, the reality is that they are deadly, destructive, and terrifying.

I've been there. Standing outside alone in the pouring down rain looking at the remains of your home. I've spent those days in shock not knowing exactly what to do or where to begin picking up the pieces. I've had many sleepless nights while thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. I've thought, "God, please, not again" while sirens screamed warning. More important than my own personal progress is having compassion and empathy for storm victims.

God, comfort the hurting. Strengthen the weak. Lift the heads of the weary. May You be a light in the darkness. May You give abiding hope and peace. Calm our fears, God. You are a good God. You are a merciful God. You are slow to anger and abounding in love.
Be near. Be Soverieign. Be Powerful. Be Loving. Be Peace. Be Light. Be Strength. Be Love. Be Mercy. Be Compassion. Be God.

Tornadoes

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Mon, 3 Apr 2006 08:37:00 -0400

September 20, 2002--a day thats been hard to forget.

We bought a new house May 10th, 2002. It was a bank repo and in need of much repair. We spent the whole summer tearing off, tearing down and building back up. By September 10th or so, we were becoming settled having replaced the roof, hung drywall where there was panelling,
gutted the bathroom and remodled it from bare walls. We also repainted every wall in the house and recovered every floor.

September 20th rolled around, and I was busy hanging my black and white NYC photos in my 0room of white wall, white carpet and white furnishings. A tornado watch was issued around 11:00am, and at 12:45pm a tornado warning. The sirens went off. My mom is calling. We're trying to locate my younger brother. I'm kind of scrambling around unsure of what to do. On. TV, local weather anchors have interupted regular programming. One keeps saying, "We are really concerned about this cell heading directly for Martinsville." But, its unclear if there is a spotted tornado. Then, at 12:57pm, the weather guy says, "We have confirmed reports of a tornado on the ground and it will be arriving in Martinsville in 2 minutes 45 seconds." I gaze out the window, and am struck by what I see--literally nothing. It was calm, the sky was bright. I saw nothing. Still they said 2 minutes 45 seconds, so I scramble around--unplug the computer, grab Daisy, look for the cat (I can't find her), step into the garage to tell Dave (who was finishing some repairs outside) that they are saying a tornado is on the ground and does he want to come to the basement? He says he'll stay in the garage. I say, "I'll be in the basement. Feel free to come down if it gets bad." I know surreal.
I go to the basement and kneel down against the interior wall. About 15 seconds later, I hear the worst roaring. My ears begin to pop. The pressure squeezes my head. Windows are shaking. I hear pounding against the house. I feel terrified. Dave comes running down the basement stairs. He tells me there is considerable damage and he almost waited too late to come down. A few minutes later, we decided to survey the damage.

Sure enough, there was major damage to our home, every home on our street, throughout our town. Following that were hours of rain, complications with Dan getting home from work. Trying to board up and tarp over the damage. Terrible day.

We had a F3 tornado that stayed on the ground for 112 miles. No one was killed although several people were injured.

Insurance came through. We repaired our house. The emotional scar took a little while longer to heal. Tornado season was tough for the next year or two. I couldn't sleep during even the smallest storm. I checked the weather constantly. I got weather alerts texted to my cell phone.
Really, the only thing in the natural that made me feel less anxious was being prepared. Knowing ahead of time to expect severe weather. Being alerted. Checking the radar before leaving home. Preparedness. Helps.
I do find myself less anxious as I learn to be led by the Holy Spirit. He's helping me overcome a spirit of fear. A prophet recently told me God has posted a gaurd of angels around me--protecting me. Maybe everyone has a gaurd of anges around them. I don't know, but I do feel an ease of fear since she said that. Confidence in God. Helps.

I am reminded of how far I've come since that fateful September day. Last night we had a tornado warning in Indy. We came down to our basement, and tuned into the weather coverage. We were in our bedroom, which is in the basement, but has one window (our basement is half in the ground). It got a little scary sounding, so we went into our closet and waited. This morning, we can see major damage to a high rise building about 3 blocks from our condo. They will know today if it is from tornado or straight line wind damage.

Damage very near our home. We went to the closet. I remained calm. I slept soundly last night. Peace that passes understanding.

Need Some Help Here...

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 22:17:00 -0500

Wondering if some IHOP people could help me with a small dilemma. I started singing this little diddy tonight during our closing song, and I think I may have heard an IHOP team singing something the same or extremely similar sometime last fall.

I recorded the basic chorus and verse, but the chorus..."Break me open God like the alabaster box" is the part I'm wondering about.

If you guys can check it out and let me know if you have heard it before that would be great!

Break Me Open

in the silence

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 09:31:00 -0500

emotional lately
feeling tired
anxious, sometimes.
hard 2 fall asleep
mind racing
heart awakened
spirit hearing
in the silence--only quiet.
His heart infused to mine.
"I love you. You are precious. You are beautiful. Awake.
My heart is inside you. Love.
I have called you. I have chosen you. My plan for you is good. Arise.
My Spirit is inside you. Purifying you. Transforming you. Hear.
My word is inside you. Sound the alarm. Speak.
My beauty is inside you. Create.
My song is inside you. Sing.
My way is inside you. Walk.
I will lead you. I will guide you. Listen.
You are forever mine. Rest."

Afghan Case Dismissed

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 09:52:00 -0500

Today, the Afghanistan court dismissed the case agaisnt Abdul Rahman for becoming a Christian! Breaking News Story

Man on Trial for Converting to Christianity

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Mandy Dawson) — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 09:49:00 -0500

Dave Slicker from IHOP-KC brought a this to attention at the 4pm intercession set, yesterday. (I was watching the live feed.) As he put it, this is a precident setting case in Afghanistan, and will set the course for religious freedom. So, we will pray for God's justice and righteousness. We also will pray for this man, Abdul Rahman. So, gatekeepers and intercessors...lets spread the word.

Afghanistan says fate of convert up to the court

By Sayed Salahuddin

Under mounting international pressure over the case of a man facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity, Afghanistan said on Wednesday the judiciary would decide the case.

An Afghan judge said this week a man named Abdur Rahman had been jailed for converting from Islam to Christianity and could face the death penalty if he refused to become a Muslim again.

Sharia, or Islamic law, stipulates death for apostasy. Afghanistan's legal system is based on a mixture of civil and sharia law.

"We in Afghanistan have the prosecutor who observes the law and the court that executes it. Whatever the court orders will be executed as the court is independent," said Mahaiuddin Baluch, an adviser on religious affairs to President Hamid Karzai.

The case has raised alarm overseas and the United States and three other NATO allies with troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday urged respect for religious freedom.

The case is also sensitive for Karzai who depends on foreign troops to battle Taliban and al Qaeda militants, and foreign aid to support the economy, but also has to take into consideration the views of conservative proponents of Islamic law.

Asked about the international outcry, Baluch said: "Everybody has the right to express their view."

Rahman, 40, became a Christian while he was living abroad, a judicial official said earlier. Among the countries he has lived in were Pakistan and Germany, the official said.
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