Dear Friends,
It is 70 degrees here in Columbia, SC today, on this 1st day of February! Pretty crazy, isn't it? However, in Jennifer's neck of the woods, they are having a real winter (in Colorado), of course. Though I certainly prefer some true winter weather before spring hits, I have decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, being thankful for beautiful sunny days, warm afternoon walks, and not having to grab a jacket every time we head out.
As I closed out the busiest year of ministry I have had in a while in 2011, I realized I was pretty weary...from the constant packing, unpacking, repacking, traveling, practicing, preparing for over 80 events last year, on top of running the ministry office, teaching 15 piano/voice students weekly, recording personalized lullabies for Kid Music, and being mom to my one sophomore in high school and a freshman in college, & managing our home. As we would say it here in the south, I was flat wore out!
So after prayerfully considering what the Lord would have me do, Jennifer and I agreed that I needed to purposefully take a break for the entire month of January from any traveling, speaking, or singing in my ministry. I continued to teach my students and record for Kid Music, as well as run the ministry office, of course. But to have been home for 6 straight weeks right after Christmas is just what the Dr. (actually, the Father) ordered. A true sabbatical was in order, and He has used it in my life to give me rest, refreshment in my times of reading and prayer, and just some good down time hanging out at home with my family on the weekends, especially. This past week Jennifer posted a song on facebook to me, saying it reminded her of me. "The Warrior is a Child" by Twila Paris has always been one of my favorites, and I was reminded yet again that we all have to take a break every now and then, as the words say:
Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
the warrior is a child
 To close out the month of January I was so excited to be able to attend my home church's women's conference featuring Angela Thomas, speaker/author. I had read her book My Single Mom Life back in 2008, and God greatly used it in my own personal life and journey as a single mom. To hear her in person was so much fun, as Hannah and I both enjoyed her so much. On Friday night, she spoke on Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." She spoke on how important taking a Sabbath every week is, as the Lord provided that for us as His gift of rest. Doesn't his timing in how He speaks to us right where we are just blow you away sometimes? It sure does me!
After being "on the road" for over 25 years in full-time ministry, being a single mom for the last 13 of those years, there have been many weeks, even months, when I have not had a day "off", much less a Sabbath. I work all week, then hit the road on the weekends, to come home and start another week all over again. That way of living will take its toll, as that is not how the Lord intended us to live. Even Jesus Himself would remove Himself from the crowds to rest and spend time with His Father. He set the example for us. After 6 great weeks of great worship in my home church, weekends at home, and Sundays around the dinner table, I am ready to once again get busy about the Father's business to which He has called me in my life. On Sunday afternoon, I took the gift of the Sabbath very seriously, took a 2-hour nap on the couch, took a walk with the dog in the beautiful sunshine, fixed a home-cooked breakfast for supper for my family, we lingered around the table in good conversation and laughter, and I knew the Lord had given me what I needed for what He has assigned me to do. In fact, I am so excited about what is ahead that I can hardly wait to get on the plane Friday morning and head to Arkansas. What a blessing each and every opportunity is to me, as I am deeply humbled, in fact to the point of being overwhelmed, at the grace of God in my life. That He would allow me to speak and sing on His behalf before countless people week after week, is astounding. And how I love getting to meet all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, making friends all across the country, and then staying in touch via facebook with many of them. What a privilege it is to be able to serve in this ministry while also being able to meet the needs of my family. What about you? Are you going non-stop 24/7? If so, remember that a gift can't be enjoyed unless we receive it. Receive God's provision for you, and rest in Him.
This month in ministry
I am looking forward to a trip to Magnolia, AR this weekend where I will have the privilege of sharing at a Ladies Conference and Sunday morning service at First Baptist Church. It's going to be a wonderful weekend. The day before Valentine's Day I am excited to be in Gaffney for a Ladies Night Out at Macedonia Baptist Church and then at the end of the month I am looking forward to returning to Oregon once more. I will get to see my dear friends at Salem Heights Church on February 27th for a ladies event, but am looking forward to being at Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center the weekend before and meeting new friends at Good Shepherd Community Church from Portland. They have invited me to speak/sing at their annual women's retreat and I am excited to see the Pacific Ocean for the 2nd time in my life. The rest of my schedule is, as always, regularly updated on my website at www.dawnsmithjordan.com.
On the Home Front:
This has been a big few days in our household, and I hope you won't mind letting this mama indulge for just a moment and share our excitement with you. Ross began playing on the Irmo Lacrosse JV team for the first time this year, and Monday night got in the car after practice and nonchalantly said, "Guess who's team captain?" Knowing he had wanted to be chosen, I wasn't sure, as he didn't sound too excited. "Who?" I asked. "Me!" was his reply. What an honor, as the player that fills this position is chosen by the coach. I'm so proud of him for the character and leadership skills he has shown on the field. And if that weren't enough, Hannah was home between classes while I was working in my office today when I heard her call from the hall, "Mom?" As I got up to meet her in the doorway, hearing something wrong in her voice, she met me in the doorway with tears in her eyes. "I just got an email that I have been accepted into Clemson University's Performing Arts School!" I had taken her to audition weekend before last, and she had said on the car ride home that she would probably cry if she did or didn't get in, wanting to go there next year so badly! So when I saw the tears, I didn't know what she was going to say. We both hugged and cried together. Out of @ 100 that audition every year for their program, they only accept 30 into the program annually, and so we knew of the competition as we left that day. However, my prayer has been and continues to be for God's perfect will in her life. (And yes, I know, I know, we ARE Gamecocks, but it looks like we are possibly going to have to be one of those houses divided!)
I am so thankful for the exciting opportunities of leadership that the Lord has afforded both of my children. As I was tucking Ross in last night (yes, I still do that, as does Angela Thomas with her 15-20 year-old children), I said, "Be sure and remember to thank the One that has allowed you this position of leadership, Ross." To which he said, "I already did that, Mom, first thing." Then as I saw Hannah's facebook post today about her news, she wrote at the end of her big announcement, "Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Yes, praise the Lord indeed.
Thank you for your priceless friendship, support, and prayers as I begin to be "on the road again." I pray you find rest for your weary soul in all that He has entrusted to you, as well.
Many blessings today,
Dawn
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