MINIMIZE PERSPIRATION...MAXIMIZE INSPIRATION!
Dana is a lifelong lover of words with a passion for sharing stories of the heart—both her own and others. Her writings draw from her experiences as a woman, a writer, a wife, a mother of three, and a Bible-believing Jesus follower. She is a defender of truth, an avid proponent of common sense and a recovering (often relapsing) perfectionist still learning to lean in to grace. Her writing is an honest outpouring of her introverted heart, driven by a longing to inspire others to feel deeply, think critically and act compassionately. Dana shares her words as a monthly contributor at DoAhead Woman.
Well it happened again. Another bridal shower for another beautiful young bride…and someone asked, “Would you say a few words?”
That’s always…humbling. I feel completely unqualified. So I struggle and I pray through the process. And eventually I start to write out what I’ll say.
I never know how God will use those words in the lives of the ones who hear them. But I do know one thing…He never fails to use the process to speak deeply into my own heart and life. [Read more…]
Sometimes the hurt and the hard in this life just feel like too much. Am I right?
Sometimes we reach a point where emotional turmoil has continued for so long and runs so deep, it bleeds into a physical aching. We wear it on our faces. We carry it in our bodies. We reflect it in our choices.
Maybe that’s where you are right now. [Read more…]
Heavy eyes. Heavy heart.
It was the morning after a fitful night. An infection was waging war inside my body. But the physical struggle was outmatched by the wrestling between my mind and my heart.
I couldn’t stop the physical pain, and I couldn’t quiet emotional anguish. The only sleep that found me was filled with semi-conscious manifestations of frustration, fear, and sadness.
I’m not alone, am I? You’ve had nights like this, no doubt. [Read more…]
Love, love, love Dana’s words to her kids. She never fails to bless me in her wisdom and discernment as she navigates a very important DoAhead…godly parenting!
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Dear Kiddos,
It isn’t always easy, is it…to make the choices we make? As your parents we say no to things. And you obey.
But I know that the things we say no to and the things you choose to say no to get harder once you’re outside our doors. Once you are out in the world or among your friends.
I get it.
Your cheeks burn as they laugh…at you. Your eyes sting as they dismiss you. [Read more…]
When life slams us to the ground. When things are not the way they are “supposed to be.” When all our good intentions and plans and efforts turn to rubble at our feet.
When that thing or person or relationship we worked so hard toward, fought relentlessly for, vowed to never give up on…gives up on us, walks out on us, dies on us.
The hurt is so intense, it pulses with every heartbeat. The uncertainty so thick, every step is a blind stumble. The fear so raw, we swear we can feel our spirits bleed. [Read more…]
Love and marriage, love and marriage! (Did you sing that?)
Love is in the air this year! 2017 is the year of the wedding for our family, it seems. There are a few very special people in my life who are busy planning and preparing because they are goin’ to the chapel and they’re goin’ to get married. (Ha! Made you sing again!) [Read more…]
