awards – Drawing Closer to Christ

The Barnabas Award – 1

I thank you to my sister in Christ Lisa for nominating me for The Barnabas Award!! This is my first time receiving this award and I’m super excited! 🎉🎉🎉🎉.

Lisa, I always enjoy reading your posts because they motivate and encourage me to not give up on my quest to know Jesus better. You help me to keep growing in my faith through your writings.

It’s amazing that you’re an ordained minister! Thanks for the work you and your husband do in the body of Christ. May God continue to bless you, and your family with more of Himself and His many abundant blessings. 💕

Check out Lisa’s Blog at:

WordPress13730Faith2Faith

This award is meant to encourage those who receive it.

You have been chosen for this recognition because of the encouragement and inspiration you bring to your readers.

The way this works:

😊Thank the person who nominated you, and share their blog.

😊Think of five bloggers that encourage and inspire you and nominate them.

😊List five things about yourself.

😊Lastly, ask your nominees five questions. Why five? Because it is the number that signifies grace.

5 Things About Dawn ❤️

1. I visited South Korea on a military assignment.

2. I’ve lived in Florida for almost 4 years.

3. My dream job is to work in counseling.

4. My favorite vegetable is brussel sprouts.

5. I got to see Mars and Jupiter in the night sky with help from NASA (they told me when and where to look in an email lol.)

🙏🏼 These are the questions to me:

1. What do you do when trials come your way? I pray, read the Bible, listen to online sermons and talk to those closest to me.

2. Who is your favorite author? Joyce Meyer

3. In what or where do you find joy? True lasting joy is a gift from God. He’s the One that allows me to have joy regardless of my circumstances. So my greatest joy is found in knowing Him. One of the ways He blesses me to experience joy is through writing.

4. Where is your favorite place to write? I don’t have a favorite place. I write in many different places. Whenever inspiration comes to me, I start writing things down.

5. What is your favorite writing genre?Christianity

There is no pressure to participate, but I’m looking forward to reading your answers if you choose too. Thanks for the inspiration I receive from your blogs. 😊

I nominate the following:

Gleanings from the Master

Laura Bon

Bukola Orry

Trophy of Grace

HHHigh

Questions for nominees:

1. What is something you are most thankful for?

2. What is an important lesson you have learned in life?

3. What is your favorite place to write?

4. What do you do when trials come your way?

5. What do you like most about writing?

Liebster Award

Thank you Jacquie at Joy Cottage for nominating me for the Liebster Award!! This is my 1st time receiving this award!😁I think it’s great that you and your husband Ken work together to mentor the young generation and share the love of Jesus Christ with them. Congrats on over 40 years of marriage! 🎉🎉🎉

Your blog posts are always filled with the truth of scripture and help me greatly because they are very encouraging. I’m thankful that we’re connected. ❤️☀️

Check out Jacquie’s blog at:

Joy Cottage

The Rules:

1. Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you.

2. Share 11 facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions the blogger(s) asked you.

4. Nominate 11 bloggers and make them happy!!

5. Make up to 11 questions and ask them to your nominees!

6. Notify your 11 nominees.

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11 Facts About Dawn:

1. I accepted Christ into my life and was baptized when I was 9.

2. I have 1 daughter who is 22.

3. I was born and raised in Virginia.

4. My favorite make of car is Toyota.

5. I was in the U.S. Army for 4 years.

6. I work as an accountant, and have been in the accounting field for 15 years.

7. I have 2 older sisters.

8. I love astronomy, and can spend hours reading about things out there in space.

9. One of my favorite volunteer experiences was at Abigail Ministries a pregnancy crisis center. I worked as overnight support and in transportation.

10. Another one of my favorite volunteer experiences was at Sandcastles, a grief support group for children and their families. I worked as a group facilitator in the teen room.

11. My favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.

11 Questions Jacquie Asked Me:

1. Have you read the Bible? Do you have a favorite foundational Scripture?

Yes I try and read the Bible daily. I have read it the whole way through twice. My favorite verse is John 3:16. I memorized it when I was little.

2. If you could live in a different time/age, what/where would it be?

I’m not sure. But I’d go back to a time where things seemed simpler and were not as fast paced as they are nowadays.

3. What is your favorite place to be or to visit?

I love the park. It’s one of my favorite places to go. I enjoy talking with the Lord, meditating, and enjoying nature as I walk. My favorite park was in Michigan and is called Riverbends. (I lived in Michigan for 11 years.)

4. Do you have a pet? If so, what is/are their name(s)?

I do not have a pet. But growing up we had a dog named Toi for about 9 years. She was a Papillon.

5. Do you have a role-model? If so, who is it?

I admire many of the women in my family who are older than me who have set a great example for me. My mom, sister, Aunt Eloise and cousins Shirley, Rose, Bertha, Sylvia, and Belinda to name some.

6. Do you believe in prayer? Why?

I do believe in prayer. I’ve seen how it has worked in my life and the lives of others. I’ve seen God answer prayers and I have felt His peace through prayer.

7. Do you have a favorite childhood memory or activity?

I always enjoyed the school field trips during my grade school years. Two of my favorites were Colonial Williamsburg in the 6th grade, and Safety Town in kindergarten.

8. What type(s) of music do you like?

I mostly listen to praise and worship.

9. With whom do you enjoy spending time?

My daughter and I have a nice time together.

10. What or Who inspires you to write?

The Word of God, experiences I’ve had, people, the things around me, and my fellow bloggers.

11. Do you have a favorite style/genre of writing?

Christianity

I nominate the following bloggers and my questions are below if you choose to participate. 🤗❤️

God’s Whispers of Truth

Plantings Seeds in God’s Growing Garden

Fiez

Musings of a Wanderer

My Questions to the nominees:

1. Who would you want to have dinner with and why?

2. What inspired you to start writing a blog?

3. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

4. What is an important lesson you’ve learned in life?

5. What is your favorite food?

6. What is your favorite memory?

7. What is your favorite color and why?

8. Do you have a role-model? If so, who is it?

9. With whom do you enjoy spending time?

10. Do you prefer cold or hot weather?

Awesome Blogger Award

Thank you to my sister in Christ Eileen for nominating me for The Awesome Blogger Award. I am truly grateful that you thought of me. Your writings always inspire me and help me to draw closer to Christ.

You can read Eileen’s writings at:

Quiet Moments With God

Rules:

– Thank the blogger who nominated you.

– Tag your post with #awesomebloggeraward.

– Answer the questions given to you.

– Nominate and inform at least 5 bloggers.

– Give them 10 new questions to answer.

Eileen’s Questions for me:

1. Why did you start writing a blog?

To help inspire others in their walk with Christ. Also to connect with other people. 💻 👩🏿‍🦳👱🏼‍♂️🧕🏼👲🏻👨🏿‍⚕️👱🏽‍♀️

2. Do you have a favorite Scripture?

Yes, it’s always been John 3:16 ever since I was little. This is also the first verse I memorized.📖

3. Famous singer?

Shirley Caesar 🎼

4. Favorite time of the year?

Spring. Beautiful flowers and a refreshing time of year. Things come back to life after winter. 🌞🌹🌸🌼

5.What blessings can you share?

If I could share something that would bless people, it would be to let them know they have a unique purpose in Christ. They don’t have to compete with others, in Him they can be themselves and follow His plans for their lives.❤️

6. Any pets in your family?

No. But we used to have a dog named Toi years ago. She was a Papillon. 🐶

7. Any favorite TV program?

I don’t watch many TV shows. The TV is usually off during the week. Right now I just watch movies on Netflix on the weekends. 📺

8. Do you prefer to write a letter, text someone,call someone, or spend the day with them.

I like all of these, it just depends on the situation. 📱 ✍️

9. If you can talk face to face with Christ what would you ask Him?

What areas does He want me to improve on most as a Christian. 💒

10. If you only had one day more to live here on earth what would you do?

Probably spend time with family and post one final blog to share about salvation. ✝️

My nominees:

Sandmoos

My Thought Bubble

Social Impactor

The Little Miss Encourager

Ime’s Diaries

My questions for you:

1. If you only had one day more to live here on earth what would you do?

2. If you can talk face to face with Christ what would you ask Him?

3. Do you have a favorite Scripture?

4. What has been your favorite vacation?

5. Who is Your favorite actor or actress?

6. Do you prefer a plane ride or a road trip?

7. What’s your favorite color?

8. Why did you start your blog?

9. What’s your favorite food?

10. Who do you admire most?

Thanks for participating (if you choose to), and Inspiring me with your blogs. 🌺

Mom’s Making A Difference Award

Thank you Matt at Jesusluvsall Blog for creating and nominating me for the Mom’s Making A Difference Award. I feel very thankful and honored to have the privilege to share my thoughts with others on motherhood.

I invite anyone reading this post to visit Matt’s blog at: Jesusluvsall Blog

Although Matt struggles with chronic illness, it’s always inspiring to see how he keeps on pursuing Christ. He is answering God’s call on his life to help and encourage people from different cultures. You’ll be blessed by his writings!

My daughter Shalenah is 22, and a recent college graduate. I’m in awe at how fast the years have flown by. She has blossomed into a beautiful and intelligent young lady. I am very blessed and proud to be her mom.

Although I have been a single parent for most of her life, I have never felt alone in my parenting. My mom has been with us every step of the way loving us, supporting us and diligently praying for us. We have also had the love, support and prayers of many other family members and friends.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned about being a mom, is the importance of prayer. I know that may seem obvious, but with the busyness of life, it can be easy to neglect to pray. I also know that as moms, we tend to try and fix everything ourselves, but we don’t have to. We can just place the challenges of parenting safely in God’s hands. He knows the exact purpose He has for our kids.

Through every stage of our children’s lives we must learn to trust God. I’ve enjoyed being a college mom for the last four years, but now I have to transition into another phase. I have to trust God to guide my daughters steps as she pursues her “after college” adult life.

When my daughter was about 11, I signed up for a parenting class at church called, “Growing Kids God’s Way”. One week in particular we learned about a concept called, “Couch Time”. The purpose of Couch Time for the married couples in the class, was to remind the children that the priority relationship in the home was the one between Mom and Dad. During the fifteen minutes of Couch Time, the children were to play or work on whatever activity their parents gave them. While the kids were occupied, Mom and Dad had to spend uninterrupted time together talking on the couch where the kids could see them. This small but important routine assured kids that everything would be alright, because everything was alright between Mom and Dad.

For myself and the other single parent in the class, we had to spend our time on the couch with God while reading our Bible. It always seemed my daughter had so much joy during this time. She would occasionally glance over at the couch, to ensure that I was still there spending time with God. Couch Time was so powerful for me because it taught me that God was the head of my home. He is my Husband (Isaiah 54:5). In my heart, it reinforced that God was faithfully watching over my daughter and I and providing for us.

That Couch Time lesson was years ago, but God’s grace has remained the same. He has taken good care of me and my daughter, and loved us unconditionally. Although she is a young adult now and entering a new phase of her life, I can look back and see how God has directed our paths. This gives me strength to keep trusting Him in the future. I’m so thankful for His presence in our lives.

I nominate the following Moms for the Mom’s Making A Difference Award:

Deandra at: Imago Dei

Crystal at: Devotions of Grace

Renee at: Heart Tokens

Rules:

1- Please share a post about being a mom.

2- Please pass it on to another mom or other moms.

Sunshine Blogger Award – 2

Thank you Stuart for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I have been enjoying your post. They are very intentional and address a variety of issues which is very helpful. It’s inspiring that you don’t mind tackling the tough topics.

Check out Stu’s blog:

Something to Stu Over

Here are the rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.

• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post/or on your blog.

Here are the questions for me:

1. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten or should I say attempted to eat? Chitterlings

2. What is the hardest thing you have overcome? Lack of self confidence. I am still working this!

3. What is the one thing you have to have every day? A banana at breakfast

4. Why do you think it is so hard for most men to share their true feelings with the ones they love? Because men are usually taught to be “tough” and that includes not showing too many emotions.

5. If you are married, what do you treasure the most about your spouse?

If dating, what about the one you are seeing? If single, what are you looking for?

As a single person I am content and thankful I have had this time as a single to grow in Christ. I’m not really looking. If God wants me married He’ll send the right person. But He would have to have true godly character.

6. Where did the term, without using Google or any other search engine, by the skin of my teeth come from? I have no idea! I would need to google it. Lol.

7. What are you passionate about and why?

I am passionate about encouraging people, and helping them to know and understand that they are valuable in God’s eyes. They don’t have to compete with others because God has a special unique plan for each person.

8. What topics, if any, have you wanted to write about but haven’t because you feel your “fan base” would not approve?

I don’t necessarily think people would not approve but sometimes I think about racism. Living in South Florida it is so multi cultural (which is great) but there is much racial tension and other negative things to go along with the diversity. It gets tiring at times that people can’t just realize we are all human regardless of what country you came from.

9. Someone who has hurt you deeply in the past reaches out to you. They have done so to make ammends because the Lord told them to. Do you forgive or do you tell them to bugger off? I forgive them.

10. Now, let’s flip that question a little. The Lord tells you to reach out to someone you hurt in the past. Do you do so or do you ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit out of fear?

You do it! I have actually reached out to someone from my past before because I hurt them. I would just advise people to pray for God to give them the right timing to approach them and the right words to say. Timing is everything.

11. Oh gosh, you are running late for work, grab a quick cup of coffee, get dressed quickly, slip on a pair of shoes and jet. When you arrive at work people snicker when you walk in because you slipped on two different pairs of shoes. What do you do?

I laugh with them! This actually happened to my coworker some years ago. She laughed at herself. We all laughed with her. Lol

I am nominating the following for this award:

Lamar Gibbs

https://thoughtsofredemption.com/2019/04/04/nationalpoetrymonth/

You Are Awesome

https://hhhigh.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/i-wait-for-the-lord/

Silent Songs of Sonsnow

https://sonsnow.home.blog/2019/04/27/a-home/

Reflections of a storyteller

https://reflectionsofastoryteller.com/2019/04/16/a-heart-of-gratitude/

Michael Ogazie’s Blog

https://ogaziestheory.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/a-weekend-tip/

A Writer’s Touch

https://awriterstouchonline.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/a-weekend-tip/

Everything is Hack!

https://everythingishack.com/2019/05/01/the-problem-with-getting-experience-after-graduating/

Grace and Pink

https://graceandpink.home.blog/2019/04/07/epiphany/

Humanity Lives On

https://humanityliveson.home.blog/2019/05/01/time-too-is-money-give-just-that/

Rooted In Faith

https://rootedinfaith.blog/2019/04/12/20-the-sweet-fragrance-of-christ/

Saem’s Blog

https://samsparking.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/avail-able-to-be/

Here are my questions to you:

Stuart’s questions were great and very thought provoking so please answer the same 11 questions.

Remember participation is optional. But thanks for your blog. You are an inspiration to me! 🌺🌞

Sunshine Blogger Award – 1

Renee at Heart Tokens has nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thanks Renee! I really appreciate you for thinking of me. I am always encouraged and inspired when I read your posts. They are very honest and transparent, which is so helpful to me.

Check out Renee’s blog at:

Heart Tokens

Here are the rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.

• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post/or on your blog.

Questions for me to answer:

1. Are you the type of person that has to check email during vacation? Yes

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Not 100% sure, but hopefully doing something where I can work more with people.

3. What is your biggest weakness? Procrastination

4. What is your best talent? I’m pretty good at listening to people.

5. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Vegetable

6. Who inspires you the most? My mom

7. Are you super talkative? No.

8. What is the yummiest desert you’ve ever eaten? Sweet Potato Pie

9. Do you enjoy exercising? I enjoy walking

10. What book do you recommend everybody to read? I have read so many books, but anything you read by Joyce Meyer will be great. She is my favorite author.

11. What motivates you? Reading the Bible and writing.

I now nominate the following:

Anomalous Darlings

https://anomalousdarlings.wordpress.com/2019/05/03/not-a-fixer/

Danceinmyshoes

https://beautyinmylanguage.wordpress.com/2019/05/01/love-rejoices/

Preciousone

https://deandrahurst.com/2019/05/02/the-victim-mentality/

God’s Love

https://godscourage.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/god-is-my-strength/

Intheriver

https://intheriverblog.com/2019/04/01/women-are-to-be-silent-in-church/