Going on Hiatus
I see this reset as a way God is pruning things from my life to make room for all the new things He is going to bring into my life
the blog
Dawn Mann Sanders
More insights into how to align your life with God’s plan for you…
Naomi’s Family’s Names in the Book of Ruth
God knows your situation, He knows the terrain on the path He has you on, and He knows the good works He has prepared for you. He knows it all
Traveling in the Book of Ruth vs. Now
Letting go has a purpose beyond us and what we can see today, making room for all of the new things God has in store for us
Three Locations in the Book of Ruth
When faced with a gap, my study of Ruth has taught me that one response will never lead me wrong: Fill all gaps with God
What’s Important about Naomi’s Opening Situation in the Book of Ruth?
Things that speak to the condition and quality of our relationships with God are of the utmost importance to Him
The Meaning of the Land as Israel’s Possession
Tending and keeping the garden was Adam’s job. The land was his assignment. Today, it’s ours. Because of Adam’s sin, our jobs feel like work, but it’s work worth doing
Famine in the Community
Through my obedience, I can be an example to the community. I can be part of the remnant that God uses to save the community
The Differences Between Famines, Fasts and Feasts
God created us to know Him and His works, and to make our knowledge of them—Him and His works—known to Him and others through our praise and worship
Famines in the Bible
The effect God wants as the result of a famine is repentance, and with repentance comes the opportunity to create a new life
Who’s Ruling You? An Article about Submission
Submission is trusting God’s competence and adequacy—because the omnipotent, omniscient God I know and love is more than able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think
The Difference Between Felt Needs and Real Needs
The pain of immense trials, intense suffering, and devastating catastrophes can take our focus off of any possible spiritual attacks against us—our real needs
The Purpose of Chaos
And as God uses pruning and shaking to move us in new and different directions, we are to remain in Jesus and Jesus in us, so when God moves us, we move from one unshakable thing to the next—at least that’s God’s desire for us
The Freedom to Do You
Once I healed and began dreaming of what my new life could look like, I was free to embrace the possibilities of what it could be like again
How to Respond When Life Happens
A catastrophic event may have happened in your life, but it doesn’t have to be your whole story. God has so much more for us in the form of a new beginning
How Will Your Relationship End?
Every relationship in this life ends. Every relationship will end because all of our lives will one day end. Death is a certainty
Some Certainties We Have in This Life
If we determine God’s motives to be impure, He stops being good. Once we deem Him no longer good, we’ve changed who God is
Biblical Concepts of Time When Making Decisions
My struggle came from my view and understanding of time. In regards to my blog, I saw time as a calendar with dates and durations
How Morality Applies to Decision Making
I was created to experience only good—like virtue. You were created to experience only good—like excellence. We were created to only experience good—like righteousness
How Knowledge Plays in Decision Making
The enemy used the shooter’s misunderstanding God’s character, will, and word to deceive him. Had he gotten the facts straight, the enemy couldn’t have deceived him…
The Risks of Giving Into Temptation
We want to pay attention to the more noticeable boundaries where the exceptions are more clearly defined. We also need to pay attention to the other boundaries too because they can kill you—or your hopes and dreams—too, just slower
Five Freedoms When Creating a New Life
I have power, control, and influence without hindrance or interference allowing me to create great things in great amounts at no cost. Yes, I will shout about my God because these are praiseworthy things
What’s the Best Decision-Making Process for Creating New Lives?
Often the problem is we aren’t or weren’t making the best choices—and we’re missing opportunities as a result. We’re missing out on reaching our fullest potential
A Biblical Response to Strong Emotions
Yes, shifting to a new direction can be hard. For those of us who experienced a catastrophic event, it can be more than hard. It can hurt.
The Right Conditions for Rest
So, once I reconnected with my God-given position as Adam’s descendent, I could rest again. All I had to do was remember not to allow my circumstances to define me
The Order of Rest
None of us are born fully charged in the sense of fully developed and capable of performing our assignments. We have a lot of resting and growing to do before we can perform fully
A Habitat for Humanity
God’s original intention was for humanity not just to exist, but to flourish. We can enjoy our lives and be satisfied because of God’s favor
Fueling Your New Life
Just like Adam is to fuel his body from trees that get energy from the sun (S-U-N), we are to fuel our lives with activities that get their energy from the Son (S-O-N)
Getting to the Root
Catastrophic events are like potholes. Most are unexpected, seem to come out of nowhere, and can knock you off course if you aren’t careful
Choosing Wisely
The first question was: How will you make decisions? This first decision was foundational to our relationship—because all our future decisions would rest upon that decision
Good Help Is Hard to Find
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” This truth is followed by a list of fourteen
Tapping into the Power of Eternity
Even though you may have experienced a catastrophic event, your fruitfulness, your ability to bear much fruit also remains
Turning Our Imaginations into Reality
When God creates something new, it springs forth in the sense of a fountain bubbling up or a plant sprouting up from underground
If I Only Imagine
Imagining or forming a mental picture of yourself and your life gives you much-needed vision and direction. As any navigator will tell you, in order to chart a course, you need two things: a starting point and an ending point
When is the Right Time to Start Creating a New Life?
Six years ago, my upstairs neighbor’s water heater leaked into my bedroom and bathroom. The water damage resulted in stripping down the ceilings, walls, and
How Difficulty Plays in Creating a New Life
Though easy at first, hard work became Adam and Eve’s experience as well. But Adam and Eve didn’t stop in the face of hard work—and thankfully so. If they had, none of us would be here
The Benefit of NOT Being First
You’ve experienced a devastating, even catastrophic, event. Now, it feels like the end of the world as you know it. That’s because it did. The world as you knew it ended. But it isn’t the first time. The first happened, you guessed it, at the beginning.
Three Ways to Pursue What the Enemy Stole
Recently, I shared I was on a mission when Reggie approached me about beginning a relationship with a view towards marriage. The mission was the
Seven Steps to Get Back What the Enemy Stole
When I met Reggie, I wasn’t ready for my blessing. The enemy took advantage of my lack of preparation and sent a counterfeit to distract me from my purpose. His attack was brutal
Harvests & Attacks
I should have expected it—the attack. God had already spoken to me about being vigilant when I wrote about spiritual terrorism in response to remembering
Spiritual Terrorism
Creating a new life in the wake of a catastrophic event is hard. The event we went/are going through “involved or caused sudden great damage or suffering.” Just thinking about the damage and suffering we have endured can make us
Acceptance: The Pivotal Step to Looking Forward
Wherever you are on your journey, whatever God is challenging you to accept, I hope you are able to take a step. Whether your first step, your pivotal step, or your next step, I hope you take a step. If not today, one day soon
How I Remember 9/11: A Biblical Response to Remembering
My heart goes out to my fellow countrymen and women. We lost much that day. We lost fellow Americans—on 9/11 and in the months and years following, our sense of security
Seeing the Possible When Facing the Impossible
Once you change how you relate to your situation, you may be able to see the possible again. And seeing the possible is the first step to creating the possible in your life
How I Began to Create a New Life
I encourage you to embrace the truth that you don’t have to feel bad forever. The truth is you can enjoy your life because life can feel good again—even in the wake of your life-altering event
A Lost Art
What happened to the lost art of real, genuine brothers in the Body Of Christ? What happened to men who would look after their sisters-in-the-Lord
A Relationship with a View
“I would like us to get to know each other, become friends first, with a view towards marriage.” When Reggie approached me, he immediately let me know his intentions—short-term (to get to know each other as friends) and long-term (marriage)
Believe Them, The First Time
My grief taught me that the opinions of friends are nice, but what I think about this person is significant. So, when I see behavior that I do not feel comfortable with, I take pause
What Do You Believe?
All too many times, we go by what others say and even by what we see take place with others. This is true even in relationships. And this belief goes both ways
Share to Your Level of Comfort
Uncomfortable sharing some things with the person in your life? That’s okay. However, I would challenge you to find out why you are uncomfortable
Where Do You Stand?
As you progress through your life, whether alone or together, we hope that you have a clear understanding of where you are every step of your journey
What I Really Want
“May my next boyfriend love me to distraction.” That was a prayer of mine many, many years ago. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it
Does He See You? Relationship Pre-Screening Criteria
Truly seeing the other person is part of a successful relationship. We pray that you see and appreciate the people in your life, and that they do the same for you
A Little Advice on Gaining Freedom over Fear
My hope and prayer is that you will embrace today as an opportunity to take the next step and complete the next leg of your journey. Trust that you will do all things through Christ who strengthens you
Overcoming Trust Issues
So, I took that step into the unknown trusting God to show me the way. Trusting God that I could one day have a happy, healthy relationship and today I do. And you can too
Freeing Yourself from Past Pain
I hope that you will identify what triggers your pain, and with God’s help, release it. So, you can be free. Yes, it may hurt and it will require work, but I am living proof that it gets better—a better life with better relationships
Priorities: Pride vs. Relationship
“Do you want to be right or do you want to be married?” What are your priorities? The answer to these questions changed my relationships, especially my marriage
Tender Spots
Tender spots are sensitive issues in our lives, like wounds, fears, or other vulnerabilities. Tender spots are not weapons that we use against each other. Tender spots are opportunities to protect and support each other
Taking the Initiative
“Start out the way you want to end up.” This is a wonderful piece of advice that my mother gave me on relationships. It is also the first thing that comes to mind when women ask me who should make the first move in romantic relationships
From Reginald Sanders
The devil is about to find out that you are stronger than he thinks, and that any man that steps towards you will have to step correct and godly. God will send godly people to be of help and assistance to you. God will take wonderful care of you
Love: Want An(other) Extraordinary One?
If I was going to do it again, I needed it to be different. So, I needed to be different. My time alone with Him allowed God to heal me and change me
Rise Above: Changing Your Thinking
Instead of trying to change the other person (which you don’t really have the power to do), why not focus on the one person you can change—yourself? And not just with words, change yourself by changing your thinking
Rise & Shine in the Morning
No matter what time I wake up, I purpose to rise AND shine. Because starting my day off right is a crucial step in creating and living a life I love. That means I have to have a good morning
Miscarriage & Mother’s Day
Not every woman feels like celebrating or her joy is bittersweet. For many women who have experienced a miscarriage, Mother’s Day is a painful reminder of our losses—and most women suffer in silence
Are You Resisting a Rest?
I evaluated my fear of rest reducing my productivity and found it to be unfounded. Rest is part of the cycle—growth, productivity, and accomplishment have a beginning, a middle, and an end
More Reasons for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
When I don’t get enough sleep, parts of my body, some in my brain, are not working to their full potential. Getting a good night’s sleep increases our creativity, and thus, our ability to solve complex problems threefold
Stumbling Due to Your Personal Vision?
Does the prospect of creating God-honoring designs feel overwhelming? Are you stumbling around trying to create one? Maybe you need to have your vision checked. Your personal vision, that is
Sheets, a Magnet, Ministry and New Year’s?
What do sheets, a magnet, ministry and New Year’s have to do with each other? Well if you’re not following my logic… read on… there is a design connecting them together
Remembering Loved Ones During the Holidays
Remembering loved ones is another way of coping with grief during the holidays. By remembering your loved one, I mean intentionally including your loved ones in a holiday ritual or tradition
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
Most likely this holiday will be different than previous holidays, because you are different. So, don’t expect you or the holiday to be the same. Try to remember that different doesn’t have to mean ruined
How We Connected through Abstinence
Abstinence may sound counterintuitive when it comes to deepening your connection with your significant other, but trust me it works
Three Ways to Combat Loneliness
To combat loneliness, I did three things: renewed my existing relationships, nurtured other people, and did things I enjoyed with others who enjoyed them
Will Your Circumstances Define You?
It has been over four years and I am still rebuilding my life. I can’t say that my relationship with God and my definition of myself are the same, but I don’t think they are supposed to be
Mary Jane It Up
Referring to the main character of the BET series Being Mary Jane played by Gabrielle Union. Union’s character places yellow sticky notes all over her house, with positive affirmations and quotes that she reads every morning before going to work
An “Unexpected” Source of Help
These women came alongside me and walked with me as I walked with them—they showed me that we don’t have to allow adversity to be the ending to our stories
Want An(other) Extraordinary Life?
Here I am trusting God. My new extraordinary life (my next big thing) has not arrived yet, but I finally want it and believe it is on its way. I’m on a journey to find/create/build it because there is still hope
What a Difference A Change in Perspective Makes
A guest post from a breast cancer survivor—sharing her testimony with others in hopes that they will be advocates for their own health and rely on God when enduring adversity
The Key to Knowing What to Do
“I lost myself,” stated a former student of mine. That is easy to do following a life-altering event. We focus so much on the doing that the being gets lost. At least, that is what happened to me
Are You Ready? Part VI
These tips on growing spiritually have served my whole family well over the years. No matter where you are in your faith, Scripture is a weapon you can use to overcome a multitude of challenges
Are You Ready? Part V
Money is a tool, one I want in my toolbox. That way, I am ready to move when opportunity knocks. Having the money on hand makes it easier to not hesitate when God prompts
Are You Ready? Part IV
I wasn’t ready in the past and almost missed my blessing. I don’t want to put another blessing at risk. That is still my reason, but when it comes to physical health, it goes deeper than that
Are You Ready? Part III
As your emotional health improves, so will your life by making you a happier, healthier, more positive person—positive people are more likely to attract other positive people and things in their lives
Are You Ready? Part II
I encourage you to make improving your relationship skills, and ultimately, your relationships, an ongoing part of your self-improvement process whether you are waiting for a blessing or not
Are You Ready? Part I
Whatever my next blessing is, I want to be ready to receive it. Rather than focusing on what you are missing, focus on what you can do to prepare for your blessing when it arrives, be patient in waiting and avoid distractions
It’s Time to Come Out of the Shadow
That is what I sensed God saying to me during a retreat back in June. When I heard it in my spirit, I began to cry because being in the shadow is so foreign to me
What Does Beauty Look Like?
Widely held perceptions of beauty and perfection can have a deep and lasting cultural impact. Let’s better understand potentially unrealistic standards of beauty and to see how such pressures vary around the world
Who Else Wants to Live in a Beautiful Home?
When I moved into my home almost 25 years ago, I wanted to create a beautiful space in which I loved to live. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the resources or know enough about myself to do it
Here is the Method that is Helping Me Declutter My Closet—and My Life
I hold each individual item in my hands and ask myself, “Does this bring me joy?” If it doesn’t spark joy in me, it has to go.
Get Rid of Negative Self-Talk
People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder
What Everybody Ought to Know About Vulnerability
The ability to be vulnerable can deepen your connections and improve your relationships—don’t be afraid of how people in your life will judge you
Are You Treating the Symptom or the Disease?
My writer’s block was so severe I couldn’t even journal—but when I treated the disease, the symptoms naturally cleared up.
An Unexpected Benefit of the Unknown
No longer knowing who I am anymore, makes it difficult, if not impossible, to know what the future holds for me—but the blessing of a clean slate allows me to rewrite my ending, one glorious chapter at a time
Welcome to My Blog
My goal is to open a dialogue about how to navigate the challenges, struggles, and obstacles, we encounter in life, and ultimately, not allow these experiences to define us. I look forward to conversing with you as we navigate life together