Dawn's Early Light

2014 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 01:00:00 +0000

It's over. Christmas was yesterday. The countdown and hype has ceased. The advent calendar has no more windows to open. No more "fa-la-la-la's." We throw away the wrapping paper, un-trim the tree, and return to work. There's no more talk of Christmas for several hundred more days.
Is this why Christ came? For tinsel and lights, and gifts under the tree? For festivities that, quite frankly, take priority over fellowship with Him?
I'm no Scrooge. I love this holiday more than most folks. I anticipate and decorate with great gusto. I promise to keep my Savior "the reason for the season." But to be honest, I fall short. I look back over the weeks that have passed and realize festivities trumped fellowship on more than one occasion. Gift buying and giving clouded the Gift - Jesus, the Babe, whose purpose was to give His life a ransom for many, including me.
The Wise Men weren't present the day Christ was born. Their journey to Him was long and extended past the date on the calendar. My journey to Jesus is much the same. It extends past December 25th. It's a day by day experience. Christmas day brightens the joy of why He came, but isn't a disappointment the day after the birthday party. The celebration should never be anti-climactic. My prayer in the coming year is to embrace with anticipation what the Savior holds for me each and every day. I want the celebration to continue in the way I live life!
This past year had some extreme highs and lows. In a moment of darkness, I questioned God as to why I was even still on the planet. He didn't answer me with words. He just opened doors. He extended grace to this women whose doubt had hit an all time low. He carried me through the valleys and, if I'm not off track, laughed when He placed me on a television show, radio interviews, and helped me finish my first book (I am hoping 2015 includes its publishing!).
The year ahead has some great things already popping up on the calendar. A new granddaughter makes her arrival in February, joining her two precious sisters. Speaking engagements are lining up as well. I celebrate Jesus because He was born, died for all sins (including mine) and is very much alive and active in my life. I desire others to embrace and anticipate what He wants to do in their lives as well as yours! Keep the celebration going!

The Family Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:47:00 +0000

"And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ." Matthew 1:16

Are the "begats" really boring? I'm referring to those places in the Bible when so-and-so begat so-and-so and the names seem to drudge on endlessly. At first glance the reading seems to be dis-missable, so one can arrive at the juicy part of fruit. But if we we skim over or delete such pertinent information, we actually delete some of the best bites of the whole story.

As I re-read the birth of Jesus in the book of Matthew, I exhaled perusing those "begats." Then I decided to become an undercover agent and dig into those mysterious people who formed the family tree of my precious Lord and Savior. And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a host of misfits and depraved human beings. Abraham was ancient when God used him, Josiah - a mere child when he became king. Prostitutes are sprinkled along some of the family's branches, as well as foreigners, murderers, adulterers, and idolaters. Some of these folks were repentant for their sins and some died in their sinfulness. Many died holding fast to their faith, but not all.

What do all of these creatures of the Living God have in common? They are included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The ones who lied, deceived, prostituted, and murdered. The ones who fared well and those who failed miserably - all were used to create the story of the birth of our Messiah.

When reading the list of "begats" of Matthew, my eyes fall on the verse that culminates in "of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ." The Light of the world came from a long line of people who held darkness in their hearts. As descendants of the family tree that continued to grow, we are part of the ongoing story. He came to bring light and create us to be Light bearers.

This is the Christmas message, beginning before the birth of Christ and still ongoing. We are part of the story that still needs to be heard. The depravity of humanity needed divinity so we could spend eternity with Him.

Merry Christmas!

Torn Love

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 20:27:00 +0000

Hosea 2:23 ""I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, And I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they will say, 'You are my God!'"

"Torn between two lovers" - stinging lyrics from the seventies era, based on the story of Dr. Zhivago. How can anyone profess to hold two lovers with the same regard? Is this selfishness or something deeper?

God created us in His image. He also put within each soul a need for Him, to be loved by Him, and to love Him back. Because He is the author of love, He's endowed us with the capacity to love others. However, we'll miss the mark on loving others purely until we grasp God's love for us. Most of us love selfishly - to get needs met. How beautiful love is when it's only desire is to impart beauty and edification into another person. The desire to love outside the boundaries of a covenant relationship is idolatry. You may be thinking I meant to say adultery. Yes, it is adultery. And idolatry too. An overriding passion charges ahead in extreme measures to get satisfaction. It exalts pleasure over another person's well being, even to the point of destroying relationships. At the center of the pleasure is self.

When self needs are all consuming, they become idolatrous. "Me, myself, and I" gets the top priority of every decision and action. God is absent from consultations for advice. Anyone's effort to stop the passion and lust is met with arrogance and defiance - a recipe for disaster.

The Book of Hosea parallels the adulterous wife of Hosea the prophet, and the adulterous relationship Israel had with God. Just as Hosea's wife took other lovers while married, Israel worshipped other gods. She bowed to numerous idols and forsook the God who'd covenanted her as "His people, his children."

Eventually, God allowed great disaster to result from their idolatry. Neither Hosea nor God threw away the people they had covenanted to love. Hosea bought his bride off a slave block. God did the same for Israel. He wooed her back to Himself.

The same is true today. God paid for our slavery to sin and idolatry with the blood of His Son. He doesn't take lightly our idolatry or adultery. Yet, He's still in the business of wooing us back. Forgiveness and restoration are the essence of His being. Like Israel, we are idolaters and adulterers, but He is the Lover who won't let go.

Free Indeed

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
Sheer exhaustion and a navigation device led me and my husband to the nearest beach we could find recently. We typed in the address of our seaside hotel and let the navigating voice lead the way. While cruising down the interstate, the directions took us to an off beaten path. Straight off I-20, we headed down narrow country roads lined with rows of white cotton. A harvester was plowing through the fields as we passed. My mind raced back to pictures of slaves bent over in the hot sun, fingers bleeding, while sweat poured off their bodies. Thank heavens for the abolition of slavery and the invention of a cotton harvester.

After passing the cotton fields we headed straight through the downtown of a lightly populated city. It looked like a scene from an old western movie. A local hardware stood on one corner, and a general store across the street. What caught my eye next nearly slumped me over in my seat. Right in front of me emerged a white clapboard church, crowned with a steeple (minus the cross). The sign out front was not a sign depicting the name of a church. No, this neon sign boasted "Adult Entertainment."

Moments before I was thankful for the progression in men's hearts to abolish slavery and find a way to move civilization forward. Now I second guessed any progression in men's hearts. Slavery still exists - just not in the cotton fields a few miles back. Bondage that takes into captivity the hearts of men and women who slither the floors of a forsaken church is modern day slavery.

I ached to let these captives know there was One who paid a high price to set them free. Their nights no longer need persuade them to return to the place that drains the blood from their souls. They could walk away free, never to return to an evil master who lures with lies and pays with cruelty. The harvester of their souls shed sweat and blood so they could live in freedom.

Are you a slave to anything? Are there neon signs that draw you into forbidden places, or people that could destroy your heart? The cross is still alive with power to set men free.

Greater Than

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:21:00 +0000

2 Cor. 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Teaching math to a toddler requires creativity. If you wonder whether they can grasp the greater than- less than principle, try cookies. If Charlie’s sister gets three cookies and he gets two, he becomes unglued. He understands she got the greater amount and he was slighted. Sometimes adults act the same way when they feel slighted. We all want more of a good thing. We often fare better when we are given less than what we desire. We don’t always know our limitations. Ever watch diners at an all-you-can-eat buffet? My husband calls them human feeding troughs.

We can be gluttonous with more than just food. We consume too much social media, television, and a host of other distractions. We deceive ourselves into believing we can take in just one moment of a sidebar in life. Before we know it, we are engulfed by the distracter. Too much of anything becomes a bad thing.

Looking too long at a distraction wasn’t prosperous for Eve, King David, Achan and several other biblical characters. When their desire to feed the flesh was greater than what God had intended, and they ignored His commands, they suffered tragic consequences.

Often enough, I ignore God promptings. I hear that still small voice whisper, “Enough. Stop.” Later, I regret not heeding the voice of the One who knows me best, and my limitations. Yet, even when I ignore my Creator, He applies the greater than principle. His grace is greater than all my sin. His grace is greater than all my guilt and self condemnation. His grace is more than enough!

Running Blindly

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 19:06:00 +0000

"To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house." Isaiah 42:7

Every day he sat by the road begging. Blind people were confined to the side of dusty streets, just close enough to grab the attention of daily travelers. "Alms for the poor" was his mantra. Bartimaeus was his name and his very existence relied on the mercy of others. Pity was of no help. Compassion mingled with coins - his only hope of survival.

One particular day the streets were more crowded than normal. Word spread that Jesus was walking right in the path where Bartimaeus crouched for his next hopeful encounter. Money was what he routinely asked for, however, healing was the truest desire of his heart.

As the noise level increased, the blind man shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

In the hustle and bustle of the crowd, Jesus stops. He commands for the shouter to be brought to Him. Others regarded the blind man as a nuisance. Jesus saw a man in need. At the command of Jesus to come, the man jumps to his feet, running blindly toward the voice of the One who knew his greatest desire. The King of Kings asks the beggar an unfathomable question, "What do you want Me to do for you?" Without missing a beat Bartimaeus begs, not for money, but to be given the gift of sight.

In the twinkling of an eye, his eyes twinkled. And who was the first person he laid eyes on? Jesus. The scales were removed from the beggar's eyes because the scales had been removed from his heart. Bartimaeus had not only heard of Jesus, he believed Him to be the Son of David. Isaiah had prophesied Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles, open eyes that were blind, and release those sitting in darkness. Bartimaeus qualified on all accounts. And Jesus, He said the man's faith made him well.

Have circumstances blinded you? Shout. Jump. Run blindly to your Healer. He sees your greatest need.

Cured

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:40:00 +0000

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed." Hebrews 12:12-13

I once worked for a chiropractor. As a newly single mom, I grabbed the job out of sheer desperation. At first, I was skeptical of chiropractic care. My boss, Dr. Ben, schooled me in the foundations of this healing practice. Little by little my disbelief vanished. I observed people gnarled with pain, bent over and grimacing, straighten to their normal height. Eventually my whole family surrendered to what they had once mocked. How can anyone deny the relief which evolves from hurting to healing? We certainly believed.

People, who don’t understand our Lord as Healer, never benefit from the pain He takes and exchanges for the gift of true healing. Surrendering back breaking burdens at His feet, we leave with a straighter posture and position. He is the lifter of our heads and the healer of our hearts.

Can the burdens we carry in our minds and hearts affect our bodies? Doctors report many physical illnesses are the cause of internal stressors. When we hold onto hurt, anger, and un-forgiveness our bodies become prisons of pain. When a breakdown occurs emotionally and physically, we end up heading for either a doctor’s office or a counselor. I heard the fastest growing form of Christianity is Christian counseling. People flock to someone who can help uncover the source of mental or emotional anguish they are experiencing. Surrendering and uncovering past and present turmoil is a prescription for healing.

I am a proponent of Christian counseling. I am also an advocate of dropping at the feet of the One True Healer, Jesus. Often enough the position of being prostrate at His feet ensures a head held high posture. He lifts the damaged emotions and pain. He restores. He cures.

Too Late

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 17:30:00 +0000

"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Matthew 27:3-4 ESV

Judas - one minute an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, the next His traitor. Why would he do such a thing? Perhaps greed, power, anger. When these emotions were heightened by the surrounding events, Judas took one of the most magnanimous falls in history. From sitting at the table with Jesus to a secret meeting with the chief priests, Judas did the unthinkable. He handed over a life, then later, took his own.
Judas was impulsive. He spoke out of turn. His words advertised what his heart had been holding in secret. His sin became public display. His shame, grief, and guilt are a reminder what impulsiveness can lead to.
The prophet Isaiah referred to Jesus as "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." As I read the last days of Jesus' early life, I can see why he was sorrowful. He knew what was in the hearts of his followers, not just the ones who were with Him at the moment. He knew what the hearts of all who would ever follow Him were capable - and would carry out.
Judas, too, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. However, his was different than Jesus'. He was undone by his own sin. His regret was too late, or so he thought. Instead of repent, he replayed the course of his actions, and took his own life.
For the rest of us, it's never too late to repent. We can come to the feet of Jesus, the place Judas left, and confess the sin in our hearts, and the ones we have committed. It's never too late to come.

The Ping

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:35:00 +0000

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (ESV)

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing on March 8th. A space ship can land on the moon and come back to earth with no problems, yet we can't find a missing airplane. I've watched with millions of other onlookers in anticipation for the plane to be found. The aircraft and black box are important to the searchers. The bodies of loved ones are important to the families and friends. The nightly news elevates our attention as sounds of "pings" from the carrier's black box have been declared. The news of the pings is encouraging, but until the plane is found, hope is waning, despair and anger waxing. Lives have been lost and man's resources to recover the aircraft have been futile thus far.
As a society we weep for the souls now lost deep beneath the ocean's waters. Did we weep for the lost souls while they were alive and walking the streets of their home towns? Do we concern ourselves over the lost people in our families and circles of influence?
If the plane is found, the bodies may be recovered. Their souls however, left the plane the day it plunged into the ocean's deep. Where each person wound up for eternity was a choice they made before the flight's demise.
Every day we encounter people who've not given much attention to where they will spend eternity. They may be unaware of the consequences of "deciding not to decide" about eternal life. I observe folks and their carefree attitudes of waylaying the decision to settle the issue of an eternal live position.
Those of us who are secure in heaven as our final destination often get smug. We observe the lost and judge. Sometimes we pity. But just how often do we take the bold step to share the life giving hope of Christ? Concerned over being scoffed at, or rejected, trumps witnessing to one whose final destination extends far deeper than the ocean floor. Procrastination eases our consciences until we hear of the planes that go down and the unexpected heart attacks, the car accidents, and so on. Then our spirits are jolted into shock. We can be catalysts for sharing the news of eternal life. Caring enough to share before a person dies has to be paramount. After they've left the earth's surface, all the concern is a dated headline. It is past.
Today, will you join me in listening for the pings of lost souls? Let's be part of the search and recovery of those who are slipping into eternity never choosing heaven as their final destination!

The Edge

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 18:20:00 +0000

“Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.” 1 Chronicles 16:27

Sweat pouring off my face, heart pounding out of my chest – I am on the brink of collapse. Just when I think my body will keel over if I squat and jump one more time, my ears perk up. Words from the blaring music fill the exercise room. I hear something about being on the edge of glory. The instructor informs us we are all on the edge of glory as we pump the weights and tone the bodies. Is this what being “on the edge of glory” is all about?

As I listen further to the words of the song I realize the lyrics depict a night of debauchery and label it as being on the edge of glory. This is the furthest thing from the definition of glory. Curiosity sends me to search the Scriptures to understand what glory truly is. I notice the word is used 402 times. Pretty impressive. Glory originates from God and belongs only to Him. In its purest form it manifests the splendor and majesty of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As I comb the verses using the word glory, I discover we frail human beings have the capability, and command, to give God glory. If it originates and permeates the very essence of the Almighty, how do we give glory back to Him?

First I must draw near to Him and believe He is who He says He is. This is faith, and part of the giving glory journey. As my Abba Father, He bestows gifts on me. Around me. Even in and through me, He displays His glory. There’s a hitch here. I can’t keep any of the glory for myself. There’s no 10% commission for me on what belongs solely to the originator. Credit belongs where credit is due. As I behold Him, take Him in through His Word and worship, I am able to reflect Him. The Word assures me some people will observe my good works and glorify the Father who enabled me to do them (Mt.5:16). This is ascribing what is due to whom it belongs.

I want to live this life cycle of glory: from Him, for Him, to Him. To God be the glory…..

LET IT GO

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:56:00 +0000

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." Ephesians 4:31

The sermon grabbed me. I wanted to cover my ears as the preacher warned about the consequences of clutching onto anger. A hardened heart had served me well for quite some time. As a warm cloak on a chilly evening, un-forgiveness insulated my heart from the calculated cruelty of my enemy. To remain safe, I wrapped myself in the wrong kind of protection. The façade was evident to those who knew me best. My interior was crumbling and my exterior was catching up.

My ears perked up as a story was told about a father and son who held onto a grudge long after its expiration date. (A grudge not released ensnares its victims.) So the father decided the time had come to lay aside all differences and hurts. He took out an ad in the local newspaper which read, “Pablo, I forgive you. Meet me at the town square this Sunday. Love, Papa.” Much to Papa’s surprise, hundreds of Pablo’s flooded the square that day.

Hurt people flood the streets of every town in every country across the globe. A false theology soothes our consciences. “Build a wall so high, no one can crawl over to hurt you ever again.” Brick upon brick, sealed with the mortar of hurt and anger, the wall becomes a tower. This faulty religion is problematic. The person inside the wall holds himself hostage to his bitterness. Those outside the wall are suspect as potential threats. Loneliness is a strange bedfellow. Nights are long and the darkness perpetuates. The sun never really shines over this tower of protection.

Mentally I envision myself as Papa. I demolish the walls of the tower. I await the noon hour to see if my Pablo will come. I carry no grudges with me. A heart of forgiveness serves me well as I await my son, my only son. Will he release himself from his tower?

I wait…..

THE SHADOW

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:12:00 +0000

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

My morning started out rough. I woke up with dread in my heart and mind. I feared the worst. I once learned the acrostic for fear - false evidence appearing real. Nothing felt false in my gut. Real was what I was experiencing in the moment. I'd headed myself through the valley of the shadow of death. The death certificate hadn't been written. No obituary post in the paper. Yet I counted my desire as a loss. There was a lump the size of a grapefruit in my throat. I could barely speak without erupting into tears. So I fell to my knees in prayer. As I lifted up my "shadow of death" to God, He reminded me it was only a shadow - not the actual death.
An object blocking a source of light will cast a shadow. My object of fear was blocking the light of truth, creating a shadow of lies and doubts. My eyes were on the shadow, not the truth. I recently watched a video of a toddler running from its shadow, screaming in hysterics. The poor child thought the dark figure was chasing her to do harm. I was behaving as silly as the toddler, running through this valley of death's shadow, believing it to be real. The hysteria in my mind, if not surrendered for truth, would render me lifeless.
I had a choice to make - thoughts of life verses thoughts of death. I chose life. I don't have to run through the valley. I can walk. Shadows can't kill you. They aren't the actual death. My trust is in the source of Light. I am comforted.

I 40 West

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:21:00 +0000

The voice activated map system set on my phone was all set to direct me home. I was panting to listen to a praise and worship cd I’d received as a gift just moments before my pilgrimage began. Then, an odd thing happened. The phone map steered me to turn on I 40 West. “What? No I don’t want to go that way. I’ll never get home going in that direction.” I stopped and pulled up the map. Yes, this route would be the best way. I wanted to fight the voice directing commands but I surrendered.

There was a problem with me, not the map system. Because of a family struggle I was not welcome in the direction of I 40 West. The voice kept shouting the town where I needed to turn left, the very place which had become my “forbidden city.” Just the mention of the place made me weep. Then the revelation started unfolding. The words on the cd were blaring. “Be still. I will carry you. I will mount you up on wings of eagles, and bring you joy. Rest in My love.” Were these just words on a cd? No. God strategically planted the lyrics for that moment in time. I was heaving crying. In the depths of my soul I wanted to go I 40 West. I grieved because there was an imaginary sign flashing, “No Trespassing” in the direction I was being mapped to travel. Would life always hold this neon sign before me? Would I forever be kept from people I truly loved? The answers to these questions still remain a mystery. Yet the solution to my dilemma was wrapped up in the lyrics – words straight from Scripture.

God knows my plight. He’s familiar with the grief and longing in my heart to be close to those I love with every fiber of my being. I would lay down my life for them. However, right now they are out of my reach. My Deliverer whispers the words from the stereo sound. His Truth makes its way from my ears to the depths of my soul, my spirit.

My journey home routed me in the right direction, back into the arms of resting in my Beloved. I am still. Carried on the wings of an unseen eagle. I am home.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Mrs. Job

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:19:00 +0000

Job 2:9 "Then his wife said to him, 'Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.'”

We don't know her name. I'm referring to the wife of of the infamous suffer, Job. Even unchurched folk have heard of this Biblical character. People joke about experiencing a Job-like dilemma. Very few have ever come close to what Job endured. In a brief span of time he lost his children, livelihood, property, and perfect health. The only slice left of his earthly pie was a wife who suggested he curse God and die.
Job's first response to the priority mail his servants delivered - anguish and worship. He acknowledged God's power to give gifts AND to take them away. He blessed God's name. His mind was made up on the goodness of God, not the unfairness. Did Job waffle a bit as his story progressed? Yes. However, I want to camp out at his first response.
The most cherished possessions of Job were yanked from his open hands in a flash. He proclaimed God's prerogative to give and take away because he was living a surrendered life. His wife's response was to curse. Her clinched fist living made losing all she held onto as unbearable. I can identify with this nameless woman. I can put my name where hers belongs. I've not cursed God with words, but have insinuated His unfairness when he withdrew the valuables clutched in my tight-fisted palms. I've held pity parties and invited all my friends to attend. I've rejected the hideous wrapping paper of a gift enclosed with significant value. I chose to gaze only at the exterior, never imagining God had stored a priceless gift inside. Only later did I realize God's gift of suffering was purposed for my intimacy with Him, to reflect His glory in the way I opened my gift. Yes, suffering can be a gift.
My palms are open, ready to receive whatever is next.

Whiter than Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:45:00 +0000

Psalm 51:7 "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

In an hour and a half my world has turned white. Ice has blanketed the earth. No one going out, none coming in. Nature has posted a "Do not disturb" sign on my front door. God whispers to me, "Be still and know." Know what God? What are you trying to say to me? Had my quiet time - check. Prayed - check. Memory verse done - check.
Then the whisper's volume increases. He reveals my "ducks in a row" morning has produced a fine looking chart but left a heart feeling void. Duty has trumped humility. Pride drips off my off my spiritual check list. I am forced to back track. Where did I go wrong?
Obedience to do the right things got entangled with a wrong motive. The child within screams for God to notice I cleaned my room. Yet God takes me to my closet. There He uncovers what I tossed in to hide. All my dirty laundry (no longer on the floor of my room) has been discovered. My anger is in a wad in one corner; my self pity takes up space in another. He bids me to pick up all the soiled pieces and place them in His hands. He tosses them into the sea of forgiveness. He reminds me to not only be still, but to know He is God. He sees and uncovers, then covers me with grace. I experience white. White outside, white inside. He is God.

Sleeve Speaking

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 18:39:00 +0000

I wear my heart on my sleeves. I always have. My mom said when I was a small child I would walk into a room and she knew I had done something. She said my face was a reflector of everything I did or felt. My family has accused me of talking with my eyes and facial contortions. I have tried to restrict muscle movements my body wants to make but somehow that makes me even more of a spectacle.

Today I read in Genesis how Cain's feelings were evidenced on his face. After the brothers brought offerings to the Lord, Cain's was deemed unacceptable. Cain became angry and the Bible tells us his countenance fell. The Lord inquired of the fallen face and angry disposition. He reminded the young man sin was crouching at his door, desiring to rule over him. God knew the anger on the face spilled over from anger in the heart. He knew the depth of the fury was not a temporary feeling but a deep root that needed to be pulled up and cast out. Cain's Creator warned him of feelings that could destroy him if he would not surrender them.

Feelings are not unhealthy in themselves. What we do with the feelings and how we act on them can be sinful. In Cain's case, the feeling of anger overtook him. Murder sprung from the root of bitterness in his heart. How often does an emotion take over the mind and heart and will. Words are spilled - overflowing from a bucket of bitter poison. Cynical snorts and eyebrow liftings let the "cat out of the bag" so to speak. Everyone knows what is ticking in the heart chambers.

Cain was unable to keep his hurt and anger a secret because God knew the secrets of his heart. He knows mine - and yours too. Today I choose to pour everything out before Him in surrender. I want my sleeves to speak honor before God and others.

Flam Glam

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 21:14:00 +0000

Lifestyles of the rich and famous. We Americans eat this stuff up. Television shows inflate every move of anyone who even whiffs of notoriety. The tabloids and magazines share cropped and doctored photos to pique the curiosity of those far removed from the limelight. We gaze in wonderment of what life would be like at the top. Now I have ask myself “At the top of what?” I wonder who determines the pinnacle of success and trendsetting. Who is the mastermind behind the successes and “what’s hot and what’s not”? Should I allow today’s “fashionistas” to determine tomorrow’s shopping? All these questions can be guided by looking into Scripture.
The first fashion trend was designed by God –nakedness. There was no need to fancy up or cover up what God had made as beautiful. However, sin changed things. Man dissed not only God’s plan for living, but also His way for dressing. So, a second trend was unearthed. (Literally the plan came from the earth around them.) The foliage from the fig tree was man’s plan for hiding personal parts outside the body and the guilt and shame inside of the heart. God wasn’t impressed with the cover up of excuses as to the how and why the sin ever took place. He wasn’t wowed by the fig leaf cover up either. God set a whole new fashion trend both physically and spiritually. The blood of His own creation was spilled so the first man and woman would be covered. The tunics were made from creatures that God formed and called “good.” The Creator gave life, took life, only to give life back again. Man needed a sin covering. He still does. All of us cling to excuses for stepping away from God’s plan. All the excuses in the world can never wipe away guilt and shame. The ultimate sin and shame covering came in the form of God’s supreme sacrifice –His Son. His life was given for our sin, taken for sin, but given back so we could have eternal life. He was sent to be the trendsetter. The tunic of forgiveness looks great on every man.

God with Us

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Emmanuel. God with us. I listened to the words playing in my car. I thought about God's gift of forgiveness wrapped up in human flesh. Skeptics doubt this fact. Believers bank on this as truth. Martyrs die proclaiming this message. Sometimes we act as though Emmanuel was a nickname given to Christ before "Savior", "King of Kings", "Lord of Lords", and "Prince of Peace". We wallow in loneliness, drown in fear and hurt. We text and call anyone who will listen or help. Friends are great to bend an ear,or offer an extended hand. They may even be sent by God at certain times. However, what a friend cannot do is place within us a peace and comfort that stills the soul. To expect this of someone will drain them dry and leave us even more alone. Four times in the Book of John, Jesus mentioned when He left this place called earth, He would send a Comforter. Our Creator knew our need for companionship. He knew our longing for a God who would dwell in and among us. We are not alone. Emmanuel. Prince of Peace. Counselor. Comforter. God with us.

STUCK

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Rodents in your walls will drive you mad. Crazy mad. My husband bought every trap the big box home store sold. Our critter was smart and somehow bypassed the traps and scurried up pipes into the wall beside our bed. Each night she scampered back and forth repetitively. She was making trips from the outside of our house to the inside of our wall, nesting. One night I punched my husband and screamed, “Go get her!” He rushed to the basement and the known point of entry. There was a showdown. My brave warrior husband with flashlight and long stick and a squirrel caught in headlights, frozen with fear, the battle began. The squirrel mustered up enough courage to run but my husband’s stick was long. He speared her. (Sorry animal lovers, but two weeks of no sleep and the chance of a wall filled with rodents drive one to extreme measures.) To our dismay one of the sticky traps left out caught two baby sparrows. I managed to free one but the other fought my efforts. With every wiggle she glued down further. Then her legs broke. The beak and another wing went down in the unforgivable glue. I tried to free her. She breathed her last. I fought back tears and recalled that “His eye is on the sparrow.” I’ve met folks like the squirrel. They try to plant roots where they don’t belong. They run themselves crazy trying to be where they shouldn’t. Those closest to them get exhausted with the perpetual frantic panic that ensues. The end of their story doesn’t include, “And they lived happily, ever after.” Then there are the sparrows. These are the innocents who wonder off course out of curiosity. They get stuck in places, with people, or substances that trap them. The submissive ones yield to those who provide rescue. The stubborn ones resist. One is freed (never the less with a bit of glue that reminds them to stay away from danger). However, those who resist a graceful rescue, stay stuck. Until a willingness to get out of the clutching trap occurs, there is a war. We watch, wait, and pray. We can’t get them out of stuck. There is a death to self will that frees us from stuck and leads to living, to a life worth living. Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

The Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:50:00 +0000

Life is not about me. I didn't just have one of those palm to forehead moments. The moment of my birth all eyes in the room were on me. I commanded attention without even knowing it. My cries were monitored and attended to with rapid speed. In due time only certain "hootin' and hollerins'" I did even bleeped across my family's radar. Everyone had me figured out and knew my little tantrums were for attention. I was ignored and took the tantrums inside my body since all outward pleas went unnoticed. Emotions such as anger, resentment,and criticism began to fester. Little did I know I was building quite an arsenal to retaliate when my spotlight was dimmed or darkened by others. I wish I could tell you this behavior changed the moment I surrendered my life to Christ. To do so would make me a liar. I am so grateful God in His mercy has zoomed the spotlight on my negative emotions and behaviors. He has done this in private (of which I am thankful for) and also in public (where my biggest lessons were learned). I've come to realize on the stage of life not everyone can have the spotlight all the time nor do they deserve it - even moi! I am able to sit back and enjoy watching the gifts and talents of others. I can rest just in case I get another turn or help backstage so others lights shine even brighter when they get a turn and I don't. This has been humbling and a necessary life skill. The apostle Paul said he had learned to be content in whatever situation he was in. I can't say I've landed the plane on that runway yet. However, I am reading the manual to learn how to be okay with where God has me, on stage or off.

2012 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Isaiah 6 Ministries 2012 Newsletter “For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy President Kennedy was certainly right when he quoted that time does not stand still. How often we’ve heard the quote, “that time stands still for no man.” This has been a year of reckoning with that truth for me. My first born turned 30 and my husband turned 60. For some reason I have wondered how everyone around me could be getting so old so quickly. I need only to compare pictures from Christmas’ past to this year’s photos and see that I, along with the rest of the world, have continued in time and age. Time didn’t stand still for me. As I reflect on this past year I am glad that God kept the pages of the calendar moving. Last year at this time I had no idea what 2012 beheld. I found myself in a much more God dependent place in the midst of life’s changes. As the world turned in the Mooring house hold I have had a question mark in front of me and behind me. My nanny job of 2 & ½ years ended. My employer’s mom wanted to return to taking care of the grandbabies after a time of absence. Now what???? I have been looking for work and begging God to show me what, when and where. Many of my friends and family understand this question all too well. Mark has continued to work in his non-profit part time, continue as a part time insurance auditor, as well as raise support so that he can do Daybreak, his non-profit, full time. I have realized that my desires are still the same – to speak, teach, and write. Why? So that all may know that He is the Lord! God didn’t put me here to live an entertained life. He put me here (and He put you here) so that others may know Him through us. Mark and I work with the Young Singles at our church. The teacher is a 27 year old seminary graduate who loves teaching the Bible. One thing he has continued to teach is how the Savior is revealed through each book of the Bible. God continues to reveal Himself so that all will know His love, His grace, His mercy, and His plan for salvation. While the last word in the Bible was written many centuries ago, God is still at work. Our lives are for the continuance of the Gospel to be made known! Whatever I do in 2013 I want to make God known. My calendar is beginning to be marked with places to go and speak. I am currently working on my first book. I have written two Bible studies but never a book. I need prayer to be consistent in writing and to not give up when there seems to be no flow left in my thoughts. I need prayer to follow the Lord’s lead and not just grab the first job that opens its doors to me. So far they’ve all been shut or slammed in my face. I remind myself that God has a better plan when I get those rejection letters. I am thankful for the pride being stripped out of me. Pride looks good on no one. As I look to the future I do so knowing that my Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer already knows what the future beholds. He holds me in the palm of His hand and nothing or no one can rip me out of that secure place. Philippians 1:6 brings me great comfort, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” May this bring comfort to you as well. Approach 2013 with the confidence you are here to make Christ known!

Mind over Mouth

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:32:00 +0000

The Bible has much to say about our thinking and our speaking. I have been studying Scripture to understand the reason why my mouth often gets me into trouble. I know plenty of people who suffer from this malady as well. I, along with countless others, struggle to keep a bit on the mouth when doing so would be most beneficial. Nouns and verbs don't just assimilate themselves and randomy fly out our mouths. What we say stems from what we think and what we feel. In the Old Testament book of Numbers there is a repetition of instances when God put words into the mouths of people. God did so in order that these individuals would speak His thoughts and commands, not the mere fleshly thoughts of these less than perfect people. Oh how I wish I would wait on God to put words in my mouth. I know that often what I am thinking and feeling does not line up to what God thinks and feels about my dilemma. How many times I have opened my mouth before going to my Savior and asking Him to direct my conversations. Sadly enough I have given folks "a piece of my mind." This saying is an idiom that means to tell someone off. This is when you let your mouth spew the vomit that is churning in your mind. God doesn't speak verbal vomit. The words He puts in my mouth, your mouth, are for edifying others, correcting others, and imparting grace to others. Our mouth can expose us in the same way looking in a mirror can. A mirror reflects the image in front of it. The mouth reflects what one is thinking and what the heart's condition is. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts and minds. To not do so is a set up for disaster. However, by setting our minds on things above (Col. 3:2) and guarding our hearts (Prov.4:23) we can speak in a way that honors God. Our goal is to build up with our words- not tear down. Psalm 19:14,"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Enduring Temptation

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:38:00 +0000

How would you define temptation? Would you say it's the desire to go after things or experience you shouldn't? Perhaps it's going for the dessert when you're on a diet, late night websurfing on forbidden sites, flirting outside of your marriage, speeding to get where you want when you want... Certainly these are examples of going after what we shouldn't go after. What I know to be true as well, temptation is not going after something we should go after. Daily I get directives from God to send a note, make a call, put in the offering plate, love the unlovely BUT I don't. I don't go after what is best. I settle for laziness, procrastination, living in fear of risk... So temptation then can be either active or passive. Giving in to temptation either way yields poor endings. At age 55 I am still memorizing Scripture. I want to stay sharp both spiritually and mentally. Crossword puzzles may help my mind but not my spirit. I kill two birds with one stone. Right now I am attempting to take on James Chapter 1. My verse today, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation..." The word blessed means to be truly happy. To endure is to successively and victoriously survive a trial or testing. And temptation is that trial or testing. So when you put this altogether you have great words of wisdom. You will be the happiest when you go through a tempting time and don't give into it. Your choice to be active when God speaks or be passive when God speaks will determine your true level of happiness, success, and victory. Self denial doesn't get easier with age, or at least at 55 I am still struggling denying my fleshly desires. So today I ask myself this question,"Do I want the temporary happiness that temtation is flaunting me with, or the true happiness of endurance with success and victory that may take awhile?" Today I pray to endure!

The Unfamiliar

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 11:59:00 +0000

I received a newsletter from a missionary in an undisclosed location. Most of the letter was coded with initials and disguising words. The reason behind the secrecy is because the email newsletter could be intercepted and read by by government agencies. If any words referring to spiritual matters were found out our friends and their mission field would be in jeopardy. At the close of today's letter there was a prayer request for safety as our friends headed to an unfamiliar place full of unfamiliar faces. My first thought was how scary that trip would be. Then the Lord reminded me that daily I head into somewhat unfamiliar places with unfamiliar faces as well. So do you. We may walk into a new doctor's office, a new grocery store, car repair shop, etc. and encounter people we've never met. Without so much as giving our trip a thought we venture into the unfamiliar. If we were in a foreign country on a mission trip we'd view any encounter as a divine appointment set by God to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet on our own soil, new places with new faces can be deemed as time wasted interruptions slowing down our own purposes. How easily we are distracted by the mundane and lose sight of God's every day purposes for us. We lose sight of the spiritual condition of those we encounter. We even forget to ask our Creator and daily Guide for appointments to share the Good News. The unfamiliar faces where we make our starts and stops along the way are as needy as those on the other side of the globe. My heart breaks that I lose sight of the lost that are within inches of my face and hands. I look past them and to where I am headed next, not where they are headed for eternity. God forgive me, forgive us all. Isaiah 30:21 says, "Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." May these words challenge and encourage us in our unfamiliar.

Maps

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:31:00 +0000

My dad used to work for a large map making company. I remember him bringing home maps that were sold to use in classrooms. Remember the day when the teacher would pull down a huge map that covered most of the blackboard area? She would hold up a long wooden stick and point to various places. Often fear and trepidation would engulf me if I was called on to approach the map and find a certain city, state or country. Only if I knew the map well would I hop up with confidence as I proudly displayed my knowledge. In later years I really began to appreciate maps as I started traveling. I enjoyed viewing the distance from my starting destination to my arrival point. I found security in projecting estimated travel time, places I'd see along the way, or places to stop and visit while traveling. Globes have always fascinated me as well. They seem to put people, places, and distances in some sort of proper perspective. My life and your life both have road maps. God is the map maker not some company. He knows the destination points and has since before we were born. Many times we are like the frightened child called to the blackboard to point out certain places. We approach the throne of God not knowing just where He wants us to go. Sometimes we are clueless to the where, the when and the how we will get there. No problem for Him. He's been directing His children for ages. He told Abraham to leave his family and head to a place that He, God, would show him. God didn't give the place a name or how long it would take to get there. He just said to get up and go. Abraham obeyed with no questions asked. Oh to have that kind of faith and trust. Often you and I are not afforded the security of looking over the map to see if we like the destination, the route to get there, the expenses for travel.... We are just instructed to go. With question marks in our heads but our Creator and Mapmaker over our heads we can set out. The road may be long, frightening, and filled with mountains and valleys we never thought we could scale. Our Mapmaker has known all along what we are capable of and just where our correct destinations should be. So with one foot forward let's move forward to this day's destination. Joshua 23:14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed."