WELCOME!

Welcome to my blog! I hope to be a resource to help you in your walk with God. Now more than ever we need to get back to the basic fundamentals of moral living and take a stand for what is right and truthful with God as our ultimate authority. His Word is reliable and preserved and can be trusted, so that is the basis for my advice and teaching. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I look forward to sharing what God has placed on my heart. See my website at https://www.lovinggodministry.com/ for books and music I have written that will enrich your life!

Ezekiel 22:30: "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Let's stand in the gap together!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

CD Album "Beauty in Pain" to be released in 2014!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

I wrote 10 songs, 4 of them in the 1990's and 6 of them this year.  I am pleased to announce that Tate Music Group has contracted with me to publish an album with all 10 of these songs!  I will be working with professional musicians and producers to make this the best product it can be.  They are also going to do a music video in order to help promote the project.  I am really excited about this album because the songs are full of truth and comfort, and often the beauty of music can comfort the soul more than words alone.  The music is beautiful, the words are challenging, and they were written based on life experience and wisdom gained over the years on how to find beauty in pain, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.  The songs will challenge you to rise above your circumstances and give glory to the Lord through it all. They complement the books I have written.

I will keep you posted as milestones are reached.  Please pray for this project.  I am an ordinary person, and a testament that God uses ordinary people to do great things for Him!  Praise the Lord!

Fully Persuaded book to be published in 2014!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Praise the Lord, my 3rd book Fully Persuaded has been accepted by Tate Publishing, and will be published in 2014!  It's a book meant for inquiring minds, to answer the tough questions about Christianity.  Please pray for this book to touch many lives for the glory of God.  Following is the table of contents, which is subject to change as we go through editing:


Section 1 – ME
 TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “Beauty in Pain”
            Chapter 1 – Do I Matter?
            Chapter 2 – Should I Take A Chance?
            Chapter 3 – What Does It Mean To Be Fully Persuaded?
Chapter 4 – What Makes My Life Memorable?
Chapter 5 – How Do I Critically Think?
Section 2 – OTHERS
TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “Ministry Bliss”
Chapter 6 – How Do I Live Wisely and Make Good Decisions?
Chapter 7 – What Are Other Ethical Principles To Live By?
Chapter 8 – Does It Really Matter What I Do and Say?
Chapter 9 – What Does it Mean to Forgive?
Chapter 10 – What about Christians and Judging?
Chapter 11 – Who Has the Right to Judge Me?
Chapter 12 – Tolerance – Can We Agree to Disagree?
TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “The Tales of a Teenage Heart”
Section 3 – GOD
Chapter 13 – Can Truth be Known?
Chapter 14 – Where Did the World Come From?
            Chapter 15 – Who is the Designer of Life?
            Chapter 16 – Is There an Absolute Moral Authority?
            Chapter 17 – Shall We Take a Stroll Down the Atheist Hall of Fame?
            Chapter 18 – Does God Really Exist?
            Chapter 19 – Who is God and What is He Like? Part 1
Chapter 20 – Who is God and What is He Like? Part 2
Chapter 21 – What are the Attributes of God?
TIME OUT FOR A POEM –“Christmas Love”
Section 4 – THE BIBLE AND PRAYER
Chapter 22 – The Bible – Do We Have the Word of God Today?
Chapter 23 – The Manuscripts of the Bible – Do They All Agree?
Chapter 24 – The Preservation of Scripture – Can We Trust It?
            Chapter 25 – Studying the Bible – Where Do I Start?
            Chapter 26 – How Do I Understand the Content of the Bible?
            Chapter 27 – Prayer – Does It Really Change Things?
            TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “Feelings”
Section 5 – CHURCH 
            Chapter 28 – The World of Religion – How Do I Choose With So Many Options?
Chapter 29 – Secular World Views – Is Morality Relative?
Chapter 30 – Secular World Views – What is Determinism vs. Free Will, and Nihilism?
Chapter 31 – What is a Biblical Worldview?
Chapter 32 – Is Church Important?
Chapter 33 – What Makes Up a Winning Church?
Chapter 34 – What are the Doctrines of the Bible?
Chapter 35 – What Exactly is Separation of Church and State, and Do We Have A Christian Heritage?
TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “The Truth of the Matter”
Section 6 – CHRISTIAN LIFE
            Chapter 36 – What is Purity?
Chapter 37 – Why is our Culture Centered on Sexual Sin?
Chapter 38 – What Can I Do to Prevent Sexual Sin?
Chapter 39 – Homosexuality – What’s It All About?
Chapter 40 – Homosexuality – Are People Really Born This Way?
Chapter 41 – Homosexuality – How Does This Affect My World?
Chapter 42 – Abortion – What Are We Really Choosing?
            Chapter 43 – Defending My Faith – Am I Ready?
TIME OUT FOR A POEM – “Reflecting on God’s Love and Comfort”


Happy New Year!  May this upcoming year 2014 be the best yet!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

A great book for teens: "Do Hard Things" - see the interview!

My 17 year old daughter read this book for school.  She asked me if I would buy it for her. I said, "Didn't you already read it?"  She said she did, but she wants to OWN it!  It really inspired her to do the hard things as a teenager, and avoid the trap of wasting time in the teen years rather than doing great things and accomplishing much!  Teens are TOTALLY capable if they try! Our culture tends to encourage them to sell themselves short, as if they were destined to be trouble makers, lazy, slaves to their hormones and passions, alcoholics, and party animals rather than hard working young men and women actively preparing themselves for their futures.

I have not read this book, but from what my daughter has told me, and after listening to the interview, I can tell I really like this!  There is a sequel to it also. With the books that I have written and continue to write, as well as the 10 songs I have written, that is the common thread: don't sell yourself short!  You can do great things if you open up your heart in obedience to God. You will feel so fulfilled and thrilled with great purpose in your life. That brings hope and peace and joy. Getting our eyes off of ourselves and our problems allows us to spend our energy making a difference for good in other people's lives, thus making the world a better place for everyone.

Please take a few minutes to hear this great interview of these remarkable men who as teens decided to write a book by teens for teens, and really inspire teens all across the nation to do the hard things and enjoy the rewards of a job well done.

I looked it up, and it is available in many stores, including amazon (see link below). We just bought a copy today!


http://www.amazon.com/Do-Hard-Things-Rebellion-Expectations/dp/1601421125

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!




 

 Luke 2:14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



I would like to wish all those who follow my blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I really enjoy posting to a blog. I don't know who reads it, but I hope it is a blessing.  The challenge that I would like to leave you with this Christmas is three-fold.

First of all, Jesus came that we might have peace with God.  Some thought Jesus came to be a conquering King, but that comes later.  My Pastor recently read that wonderful poem about our greatest need, and that if our greatest need was entertainment, He would have sent an entertainer. If our greatest need was education, then He would have sent an educator. If our greatest need was technology, He would have sent a scientist.  If our greatest need was money, He would have sent an economist. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so He sent a Savior.  "...and on earth peace" refers to the forgiveness we can have through Christ, and the spiritual, inner peace we can have because we are made right with God.

The second challenge goes along with the first part of that verse. Please use your voice!  However you can proclaim glory to God, please do!  Freedom of speech is so important. Don't be silenced by those who claim to be offended. People will be offended by the cross, that's a guarantee.  If I told you there was a large piece of spinach between your two front teeth, you might be a little embarrased or even upset with me for pointing it out. You might think, "How rude!  I would never say anything to someone that would point out a flaw. It is better to mind my own business!"  However, if I have the right spirit and attitude about it, I will thank the person for telling me the truth, showing me something that I didn't see myself at first, but now I can clearly see so that I can remove the piece of spinach and return to the beautiful smile I was meant to have! So it is with our sin. We need to be truthful about who God is, our unworthiness and flaws, and yet our value in Christ. He loved us so much He came just as He promised and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. That deserves a grand declaration of praise to God Almighty for His unfailing love toward us.  We don't deserve it, but I'd rather not dwell on that but rather count my blessings!  Thank you, Jesus!

The third challenge is the third part of the verse. "Good will toward men"   God brought good will to mankind. When we accept God's gift of salvation, then it changes us, and we get along better with our fellow man. Because we now know what it is like to be loved and forgiven, we too can do the same, following His example.  Let's take a stand for what is right and true in 2014, and do it with a spirit of love and not frustration with others.

God bless you!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dawn Foss

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Beauty in Pain CD

I have made a collection of 10 songs that I would like to share with others. There are 4 songs that I wrote in the 90's, and 6 songs that I wrote this year.  I made songs out of the poems I wrote this year, but I shortened  most of them.  I'd like to make a CD entitled: "Beauty in Pain." I realized that most of the songs I wrote have to do with comforting those who are hurting, and speaking truth in love.  The songs compliment the books and manuscripts I have written.  

I'm going to submit them to Tate Music Group once I record them. The problem is that I'm only an average singer, and am not trying to make a name for myself anyway. I want the message of my songs to get out there.  That's the beauty of having an organization backing you.  However, at the very least, I can sing some of them in church, and even post them on You Tube. Please keep this project in prayer.  I have been enjoying using various means to proclaim the truth of God's Word - t-shirts, books, poems, magnetic cards, and now music.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Middletown Press article about Christmas Love!


http://www.middletownpress.com/general-news/20131209/local-authors-christmas-book-highlights-adoptive-families

Please see the above link to view an article that is in the 12/10 newspaper on my new book.  It also highlights my I Will Stand book.  It's a great article!  They did a nice job.  It was a blessing to have the newspaper contact me to announce the release of my book, and give some background information as to why I wrote it, and what it's all about.

God bless you, and Merry Christmas!  

Monday, December 9, 2013

A response to what the Pope said about Ideological Christians having an "illness"

Someone posted a comment to my last post, with a link to this article about what the Pope said about ideological Christians.  I was responding in the comment section, but then decided this deserved its own post, as it's important.  

"Pope Francis States Ideological Christians Have An 'Illness'" is the title of the article, which I just read.  I am not Catholic, and do not follow the Pope because he is not the Lord. I follow the Word of God. I do find it a sad state, tho, when someone who claims to be a Christian leader disregards high moral standards, calling them an illness.  This should cause people to pause and reflect about who they are going to follow.  The apostle Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11.1). If you are going to look up to someone, you don't want to follow anyone who is not in line with the Word of God.


For example, I recently spoke to a couple Catholics who never heard that Jesus had half brothers and sisters.  However, in the Word of God it says, "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matthew 13:55-56). 

Again, in Mark 6:3: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." People were familiar with Jesus' family, so they found it hard to believe that He could be the Son of God. Often people aren't accepted in their own home town. People tend to get more respect outside of their own communities, which is the point of those verses.  However, it does show that after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had other children. As a matter of fact, the book of James is believed to be written by the half brother of Jesus.  

Just because something is not taught by a particular church does not mean it is not true. Always search the Scriptures. 

Acts 17:10-12: "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few."

Getting back to the article, in reading the article one thing that I would agree with is that Jesus calls us to love, above all.  If we do everything right, and yet do it without love, then we are just like an annoying clang. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

But telling the truth is one of the highest form of love. To say that evil is not wrong is not doing anyone any favors. Isaiah 5:20: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  Ephesians 4:14-15: "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: "

We are all born in sin, whether the sin of fornication, lying, cheating, ungodly anger, jealousy, hating, killing - we are all sinners.  The WONDERFUL, amazing news of Christmas is that we have HOPE - the hope of spiritual healing and peace through what Jesus Christ did for us, in taking our punishment for sin on the cross by dying for us, paying the debt we could never pay ourselves, and offering life to us as a free gift. We sure know how to receive a gift from someone who loves and cares for us at Christmas time, and we do it with a heart of thanks.  How about Jesus' gift to you?  You need this gift more than anything else.  Can you accept His gift, too, with a heart of thanks?

When you do, the Holy Spirit guides you into all truth, and convicts you of sin, so you know when you are off track and doing wrong.  John 16:7-13: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

You don't go through this life alone anymore, and through reading the Word of God, the Bible, you then know principles to live by in order to prevent hurt, regret, pain, sorrow, and insecurity. You have a new strength, which will result in good character that will help you cope with all the things in life you cannot control. You can control what you do and how you respond, and do what is right with the help of the Holy Spirit. That is not ideological - that is fact.  You talk to a real Christian who is walking with God, and they'll testify of it.  Yes, people walk with God in 2013, and it's the best relationship you could ever know. I speak from experience.

Wherever you are, whoever you are, Jesus came for YOU!  He loves you!  That's great news!  That's what the word "gospel" means - good news.

My book Christmas Love shares the greatest love of all - the love of God toward mankind. We should celebrate it with all we have, as it is a truth that everyone can embrace and accept for eternal life with peace and hope and joy.  My book also celebrates all the people around us, including parents, soldiers, service personnel, church leaders, etc. who sacrifice of themselves every day to help those around them to make stronger families, which in turn creates stronger communities, which extends to the entire nation and the world.  Let it start with YOU! Make a difference for good in the world around you. Protect the innocent. Comfort the lonely. Do a random act of kindness. Live a clean life that counts, that doesn't end up discounting you for doing greater things down the road.  Get off the sidelines of life and run the race. Bring some Christmas cheer.  HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Ministry Bliss


Ministry Bliss
By Dawn Foss

What feeling can you label
When you know you’ve served the Lord,
Made a difference in a life,
Whether great or small?

It’s more than just emotional,
Your body feels it, too,
You fly high with excitement,
Your spirit feels renewed.

There’s nothing greater in this life
Than to help another soul,
Make that investment and you will find
Your own life will be whole.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Evolution vs. God

I'd like to share with you some great resources.  I just watched this video, "Evolution vs. God", and it's a great tool for getting you to think. This one is called, "Evolution vs. God."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0u3-2CGOMQ

This next one is called "180".  It addresses some powerful moral issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI


One last one is a testimony from Kirk Cameron (he played Mike Seaver on "Growing Pains" when he was a teenager, and still acts in movies today).  He was once an atheist, and gives his testimony about how he came to trust Jesus Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjVFcPBqOzc


I will let these speak for themselves.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

God Loves You

Those words, "God loves you", almost seems like a cliche, something so simple to say that it almost loses its meaning.  However, I have to say it has had more meaning to me lately as I have been watching reruns of a television series that played on CBS in the 1990's.  It's called, "Touched By An Angel."  Roma Downey and Della Reese star in it.  I really enjoy seeing the practical real life situations they find themselves in, and how people who are hurting, desperate, angry, depressed, struggling, etc. have renewed hope when they realize that God loves them.  God loves me.  That makes it more personal.  What a difference in perspective our troubles have when we realize 1) God exists, 2) God is not only capable of love but He is love, and 3) that perfect love is directed toward ME, and my little life here among the many humans on this earth.

I recently flew in a plane.  I had a hard time NOT staring out the window!  I had my eyes so glued on the landscapes below, amazed at the perspective, like looking at a map, only it was real life.  I could see rivers and lakes.  I could see beaches.  I could see building, houses, and highways. I could see cars at times, but I really could not see any people - we were too far away.  However, going 600 miles an hour overhead, we passed a lot of people in a short amount of time.  Mere specks that couldn't be seen with the naked eye when 34,000 feet up in the sky.


Think of all the people in the entire world, and doesn't it make you feel even smaller?  And yet God made Himself of no reputation to become as one of us, in human form, to join us specks. Philippians 2:7-8: "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."  He paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by dying on a tiny cross that satisfied the debt we all owed with our lives for eternity.  Yes, the law was that unless someone could pay the debt that sin brought upon us, we would remain spiritually dead for eternity. Jesus volunteered, and took our place since He was the only One qualified to do so.  All we have to do is accept Him and thank Him for His free gift.

Yet our stubborn pride gets in the way.  We forget the simple truth in all of this, the truth that is there once we clear out all the complexities and messiness of our lives: God really does love us. There is hope and peace for me. There is hope and peace for you. Makes no difference who you are, what you've done, what a mess you've made of your life, or what a mess others have made of your life. What's important is who Jesus is, what He's done, and the miraculous healing and order and peace He can bring to your life.  Yes, Jesus loves you. You can say with confidence, "Jesus loves me. God loves even me." Say it until you believe it.  It's true, and it's wonderful!

How will we know that we have truly embraced God's love? It will shine through us unto others. Be a blessing this Thanksgiving.  Not only thank God for His unconditional love, but show some forth to others God loves.  Who does that include? Who doesn't that include?

John 4:7-12:
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation [which means the turning away of the wrath of God by an offering] for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

God bless you!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Great booksigning day!

I had a great day today at my booksigning at ShopRite in Wallingford. I felt like an official greeter, saying hello to so many people passing by! I enjoy people watching, and the quietness of sitting or standing there for 3 hours. It's a nice break to my busy routine. I enjoy talking with people who stop by the table. One person said they bought my book, I Will Stand, and really liked it! That made my day! He remembered me from my last booksigning there.

My Fully Persuaded manuscript is almost ready to go to the publisher. Please pray for God to provide the money so that I can submit it. It's my 3rd book, and something that has the potential to be a real blessing.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Tales of a Teenage Heart

I just love teenagers.  I have two teenage girls.  Teens are very passionate souls.  My daughter has been struggling with decisions regarding college, facing conflicts between what she likes, what she needs, what she can afford, etc.  I asked her to tell me how she was feeling in 3-4 words, but her list was a page long, probably 15-20 words, all reflecting feeling overwhelmed, confused, hopeless, controlled, afraid, being judged, disappointed, lost, lonely, unable to see 2 ft. ahead of her, etc.  I decided with her permission to write a poem about it, something that I hoped would relate to and encourage a lot of teens who face the same types of frustrations.  Rebecca critiqued it until I got it right, and I hope it will be a blessing to you or a teenager you know.  My goal is to shorten it and put it to music.


 
The Tales of a Teenage Heart
By Dawn Foss
 
 
Sunny, blue skies, happy fun days
Suddenly change, gray clouds take them away.
All of your dreams seem to vanish from sight,
Reality hits like someone turned out the light.
 
These are the tales of a teenage heart,
Powerful thoughts, feelings tear you apart.
Tough choices now, what’s a poor teen to do?
Worry, despair keep the truth out of view.
 
Can’t see ahead on this lonely street,
Climbing a mountain that feels way too steep,
Tired and worn, disappointed and scared,
Feeling alone like nobody cares.
 
These are the fears of a teenage heart,
Losing control, working hard to be smart.
Wanting success, yet unsure what to do
Crying for help, lots of goals to pursue.
 
Parents had dreams of life simple and neat,
Bills that were paid, never missing a beat.
But something occurred, didn’t work as they planned,
Then shattered dreams slipped away from their hand.
 
These are the tales of a parent’s heart,
Reality changed, nothing’s left but a part
Of a great plan that never measured up,
Anxious and tired, but never giving up.
 
Sweet fellowship was what God had dreamed,
Then suddenly sin entered Adam and Eve,
All that was right, perfect and whole
Was stained with a curse, death shadowed man’s soul.
 
Jesus was judged, rejected and hated,
Falsely accused by those He created,
Misunderstood by the Ones that He loved,
He knows how it feels to be lonely and snubbed.
 
These are the pains of a Savior’s heart,
Wanting us back, He gave a brand new start
To a human race with no hope for repair,
Mercy brought life where there was only despair.
 
He had the strength to move on through His pain
To do what was needed, it was not done in vain;
He’ll help you, too, to move forward in spite
Of all of your conflict, to do what is right.
 
Dear teenage soul, life can be so unfair,
Struggles and fear come up everywhere.
Cast every care upon your loving Lord,
Tell Him each sorrow, fear and trembling word.
 
He knows exactly how you feel,
He knows that your pain is very real.
Look to God, He sees every tear,
His listening heart will comfort all your fear.
 
Most parents are trying, they’ve made their mistakes,
They struggle, too, to do what it takes
To guide you and lead you on to success
And trust in God, who works out all for your best.
 
These are the joys of a teenage heart,
Realizing God and you should not be apart,
Your journey of life is an adventure for two
Each step that you take, remember God loves you.
 
Your future is bright, take one step at a time,
Don’t get overwhelmed, it will all come in time.
Seeing two feet ahead is all that you need,
The next steps will come in just the right speed.
 
Your success will be grand when you keep Jesus first,
Glorify Him through the best and the worst.
He’ll make your paths straight, just as clear as can be,
So walk hand in hand with Him confidently.
 
Hebrews 4:15: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Please let me know if this has ministered to you. God bless you!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Reflecting on God's Love and Comfort

I recently took a trip to Pensacola, FL with my daughter to check out Pensacola Christian College (great college, by the way!).  I was so proud of myself that I got such a great "deal" on my hotel room.  The place turned out to be something scary - I will leave it at that!  I woke up very early and couldn't get back to sleep.  In the quietness of the moment, I read the Psalms for comfort as I was there all alone (my daughter stayed at the dorm) in a place that reminded me of a horror movie.  I felt a sense of failure that I didn't research the hotel out better before booking from home.  The comfort I received from praying and reading my Bible led me to write a poem. I originally called it "My Love Poem to Jesus."

Reflecting on God's Love and Comfort
by Dawn Foss

I sit alone on a quiet bed
Reflecting on my Lord,
And thinking of His promises
From His Holy Word.

I read the Psalms to calm my soul,
To soothe my troubled heart;
How safe, secure and loved I feel
As worries soon depart.

I’m not alone, tho it may seem
Like circumstances rule;
Jesus loves me, this I know,
To doubt I’d be a fool.

In all my life the hand of God
Works all things for my good;
This love and care makes me decide
To do things as I should.

Don’t get me wrong, I fail, I slide,
But love brings me right back;
God’s heart toward me forgives, restores,
He strengthens where I lack.

I couldn’t sleep, I wrote this poem
To You, my precious Lord,
To thank you for your endless love
No riches can afford.

I cannot pay you back for this,
I just accept with joy!
And give You all my love and say,
Praise you, Thank you, Lord.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Christmas Love song to be included in the audio book!

Great news!  I am excited to announce that my Christmas Love book will have a recording of me singing one of my newest songs I wrote called, "Christmas Love"!  Every Christmas Love book has an audio book included with it for free, so at the end, the song will be there.  The  narration is still being worked on, but once the audio book is released you'll be able to hear my poem put to music.  I hope you enjoy it!

Reminder: Christmas Love will be released to bookstores on 12/3/13.  You can buy a book now from Tate Publishing, if desired.  It's a great book for Christmas to remind us of the greatest gift of all - Christ's love that we can pass forward to the people God has placed in our lives!

Merry Christmas!

How to have faith...

I heard something great on the Christian Radio Station yesterday.  It was on "Discover the Word."  They were having a round table discussion about how to understand the concept of having faith.  They quoted someone named O'Brien, and he wrote something like this. I'm going by memory, but this was the basic concept:

If you know what it feels like to have faith in a promise, then you know how to have faith in God's Word.

If you know what if feels like to have faith in a remedy, then you know how to have faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.

If you know what it feels like to have faith in a surgeon, a lawyer, or a friend, then you know how to have faith in Jesus.

They gave some examples, particularly to the third one.  If you have a tumor in your throat, for example, you can either try to rip it out yourself, go home and forget about it and let it takes its course, or you can trust the surgeon to remove it.  You have the best chance at cure to trust the surgeon, especially when he knows what he is doing and is confident that his surgery will cure you.  Jesus has the remedy, the cure for your sin.  You can't take care of it in your own power.  Placing your life in the Surgeon's capable hands might be a little scary but is your best and only chance, and will have a positive result because He knows what He is doing.

If you are in a situation where you cannot defend yourself, and you have a very good lawyer that knows the ins and outs of the law, and is able to mediate for you and plead your case, then you are in good hands. Trusting that lawyer rather than representing yourself is a much better choice.  Jesus is our mediator between God and man, and understands you better than anyone.  He knows that He paid the price for your sin, so no matter what you have done, this Mediator can clear your name based on his own shed blood, and can pass on His righteousness on to you. Isn't that wonderfully amazing?  You can trust Him because His reasoning is based on truth. Your ransom has been paid...by HIM!

If you, for example, can't pay your college bill, and a friend who believes in you says he is going to pay your college bill because he really wants you to succeed, has the money, and would love to help you out, you would be inclined to accept.  He is your friend, after all, and you can't pay it yourself. He seems to really want to do it, and you know he is capable. If someone asks you if you got the first payment when he called, you'd say, "no, but I know he will come through."  You have faith in your friend because your friend is reliable.  So it is with Jesus.  You can trust His promises.  He is the friend who loves you with an eternal love, He sticks closer than a brother, and He gave His very life for you - is there any friend greater than that? What is really awesome is that He's alive, conquered death and the grave, and makes it possible for you to do the same.  What a friend we have in Jesus!!!

Does that help you to understand faith better?  It's trusting in something or someone that is beyond what you can do for yourself, beyond your own strength and capability.  The first step to having faith is to know and understand your need and your own limitations.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Feelings



I wrote this poem today because I was thinking about how many times we tend to let our feelings control us. We are not slaves to our emotions, or at least we don't have to be!  It's easy to act upon how we feel, but that's where we need to know truth, and the difference between right and wrong. How we treat others is important, and feelings of anxiety, bitterness, anger, depression, pain and hurt, attractions, obsessions, illness - you name it! - do not give us liberty to do what's wrong or mistreat others.  That only makes things worse. Yes, there's life beyond PMS and hormones!  We also need to be careful that we don't define who we are by our feelings. 

I'd like to encourage you (and myself, too!) to think before you act or speak, and when irritable or not feeling well or not feeling "yourself", still do the right thing. With God's help, you can be an overcomer.


Feelings

By Dawn Foss



One important thing in life
To know that really pays,
Is that feelings don’t determine
How you spend your days.

You have a choice, choose it well
When it comes to life,
Acting on one’s anger
Just leads to greater strife.

Feeling so emotional
Is not a good excuse
For treating others badly
And acting with abuse.

Anxiety can get you down
Yet you can choose to trust;
God will not forsake you,
But praying is a must.

Sadness and depression
Can lead you to despair,
But you can have both joy and peace,
Just go to God in prayer.

Attractions and obsessions
Can also steer you wrong;
How you feel does not mandate
Who you are at all.

Feelings can be transient,
Or even troublesome;
Flesh will want more pleasure,
Giving temporary fun.

Hearts can lead astray,
Pain leads to breaks and scars;
Decisions can be tainted
When left to bitter hearts.

People often bully
When there is deeper pain;
Acting mean and nasty
Just gives more hurt again.

Don’t rely on how you feel,
Make a better plan;
Drive your actions based how one
Should treat their fellow man.

God’s Word will never let you down,
It shows you what is right;
Act on that and you will find
Your future will be bright.

Set the example, take a stand
And you’ll find more and more,
Your feelings won’t control you
Like they once did before.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Christmas Love song

I wrote this poem, and will be making this into a song and putting an orchestration to it.  For now you can read it as a poem.  I hope you enjoy it! Before we know it, the Christmas season will be upon us! Yippee!  I love that time of year!


Christmas Love
By Dawn Foss

People try to silence Christmas
Saying it's not right,
But Christmas is a holiday
About a Savior's flight.

From heaven to earth to save the world,
He came just as He said,
He kept His promise, paid the price,
To bring life to the dead.

(chorus)

Christmas love, celebrate Christmas love,
There is no greater love to celebrate!
He came to earth to die;

To bring us life again

God’s mercy to forgive us,

Grace conquered all our sin

He saved us from our tragic fate,

Now that’s something to celebrate!

Hear the bells, smell the pine,
Ride a sleigh through snow;
Rejoice in all the season's fun,
And let the whole world know

There's hope and peace for everyone
Who trusts in Jesus Christ;
So roast some chestnuts, eat some pie,
Enjoy some family time!

Give some gifts and deck the halls,
Sing carols with your friends;
But don't forget to spread the love
That never, ever ends!

It's not a threat, it's awesome news!
Don't be ashamed to say:
"Merry Christmas! God bless you!"
Rejoice on Christmas Day!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Oh Army of God...arise!

Do you have a deep passion for anything?  I do.  I don't know exactly why, but I believe it is God-given. People have various passions of their hearts, and I get a sampling of that as I listen to missionaries, listen to the Christian radio station, watch TV, hear people tell of their ministries and labors of love. They're all wonderful!  One thing that rests heavy on my heart is the change I have seen over the years not only in our culture, but in our churches. Is it possible the change in our culture is due to the change in our churches, or is the change in the churches a result of bowing down to the changes in the culture?  I'm really not sure, nor does it really matter.  We are where we are.  But where is the candle of hope in the darkness?

Isaiah 59:14: "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."

Isaiah 1:21: "How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."

Missionary Jerry Collins from Mexico has been preaching at our missions conference this week.  Tonight he preached about Lot, and how he CHOSE his path in Genesis 13:11.  What a sad story about how this man who knew right from wrong chose a path that seemed in his judgment to be a good path, but never sought the Lord for wisdom and direction.  Instead of working out his problems, he escaped into what appeared to be a prosperous place to settle, and in the end he lost everything...his wealth, his family, his dignity and even his conscience. In chapter 19 he is calling the wicked people in the city his brethren, and in order to save his house guests, he offers up his two daughters to be abused by the men of the city. No, he didn't make a difference for good in his culture.  He became a part of it. His light died out. His daughters eventually slept with him, and justified their actions, but the end was a disaster. 

Doesn't it get easy to justify sin when we convince ourselves of our choices, rather than seeking God, and depending on His wisdom and guidance to direct us from His Word, the Bible?  His Word doesn't change, but we do.  The Word of God has been preserved and it's reliable.  However, there are those who justify changing the Bible to fit their agendas and ideas, churches justify homosexuality in an effort to blend in and not offend, we say that killing embryos is not a moral issue, we justify killing innocent children in the name of choice and convenience.  We abandon truth in the name of peace and tolerance. Kids are being told they can choose their gender, and wanting sex change operations. Rather than offering them counseling and help, we embrace it in the name of being supportive and open minded.  Where does it end?  The other guys are loud and bold and boisterous about what they believe, and we shrink under pressure. We become brethren with the world rather than bringing them into the fold of God. We need to stand!  We need to be salt and light, or else how are the lost going to find shelter, healing, hope and safety? 

Isaiah 59:15: "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."


CHOOSE your side! Use your voice! Wake up!  We are not helping when we are passive and vague when it comes to moral issues.  I'm not saying to show violence or be obtrusive.  Pray for your coworkers, give godly advice with a sincere caring heart when there's an opportunity, get out in the community and start a project that will shine the love of Jesus.  Share the love of Christ with someone struggling with homosexuality.  Stand up for righteousness and truth while speaking that truth in love.  Be faithful to your church and serve in ministry in some capacity (this takes courage, but it's a lot of fun once you get into it!).  Help out your local crisis pregnancy center, perhaps even by donating used baby clothes. Let people know about their choices, including adoption and having the baby with support from a pregnancy center if found with an unwanted pregnancy.  Volunteer at a nursing home or hospital or Christian radio station.  When asked the tough questions, be ready and be informative. Find what YOUR strengths and desires are that you can contribute, and contribute! Don't rely on the government or politicians. You be the one.  You answer the call. Shine the love of Jesus to those around you. Give with a cheerful heart. Don't worry - just get in there and be a blessing, and everything will work itself out.  

Oh Army of God...arise!  Keep a clean heart before God and follow HIS lead.  Together let's get BUSY for the glory of God to advance His kingdom.  Hey, we have the best news EVER! Let's share it while we still have time. Please be encouraged. Go forth!

Verses to meditate upon:


Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Deuteronomy 11:18: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes."  GREAT verse supporting memorizing Bible verses!

Proverbs 3:3: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:"



Joshua 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."