Category:

Co-Laborers in Ministry...

7/27/2015

"He who walks with wise men will be wise"
~Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)

"Ten years ago God birthed in me a vision for a ministry..."

One aspect of the ministry of Costly Oil began as a weekly email to a small and intimate group of friends in Christ. The emails title, "Make Monday Matter," were simple, but the messages were great : Be Encouraged; Have Faith and Confidence in God; Walk in His Promises and His plan; Trust His Way and His Leading; Accomplish ALL that He has Destined and Designed! I have always felt a burning desire to connect with, encourage, and coach women with my words and gift of exhortation. These simple, short, emails were just another way for me to do that. Well those emails developed over time, and for the past three plus years, they have been published as this weekly blog. This final week of July, I give honor to a group of women who have helped make the dream of this blog a reality.

This last group of friends I am humbled and honored to give honor to, are certainly not the least by any measure. They are Women of God who have generously allowed God to use their voice, words, wisdom, and experience to help thousands of readers who visit this site each week. These women have poured such divine and unique insight into their writings, and willingly shared it with us on subjects such as : The Armor of God, Fear of Man, Gossip, Healthy Living, Guarding our Heart, Prayer, Home Organization, Following our Dreams, Priorities, leadership, and many, many others. Their wisdom and love for God and His people shine through in every word; and, I am grateful beyond words...beyond grateful...for how they have joined me to minister to others through this blog.

Ladies I thank you and honor you for your vision, passion, integrity, and wisdom! Your gifts have helped make me better at what God has inspired me to do! Many, many blessings to you Angela, Nikhol, Yolande, Lakeisha, Toca, and Sara! I call you Sisters!

Humbly,
Dawn~

"Treasure in Earthen Vessels"
Taken from unpublished, "The Road to Humility"
Chapter Three titled, "2005 - Costly Oil"
"Jesus You are my King! You are my savior and Lord! I offer you the sacrifice of a clean heart and an upright spirit! I lay my hopes and dreams at your feet, and I offer my works as a sweet smelling savor to you. Father let my ways be pleasing and acceptable to you. I will obey and go forth! I will speak and not withhold myself from your service! I call you Lord not because of what you have done, because King and Savior and Lord only begin to define who you are. And you are worthy of much more. My words fail!!!! My heart runs dry because of you!!!! I am empty to give you that which you deserve!!!!! Help me!! Interpret my groaning and my tears and receive the little that I have to offer! Continue to lead me and enlighten my path. Give me the words for your precious vessels, and then water and bring forth abundance of fruit from the labor of love and passion. Father get the glory and raise up many more after me in Your likeness!

Now bless my sisters who are your vessels. I love them and desire great things for them. Use them and speak through them. Fill them with great treasures that can not be imagined. Let their treasure overflow to every one around them. Thank you for them, in Christ Jesus, amen!"

~Pouring My Life Out in Worship, Like Costly Oil~
~dlb~

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Friends of Costly Oil

7/20/2015

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"Two people are better off than one,
for they can help each other succeed."
~Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

Over the past ten years, there have been a select few friends of the ministry who have not only seen the Hand of God working, but have also partnered with me selflessly and generously to further my growth. Today, on the 10th Anniversary of the incorporation of Costly Oil, I am deeply honored to call these friends mentors, sisters, brothers, and colleagues. Please honor them with me!

Andrea Bailey is my biological cousin, but a true Sister in the Faith. She is the second person confided my vision to, and one who has always supported the vision with opportunities and her influence.

Dave Wiseman has been a friend, mentor, investor, and business trainer. His unwavering support for me and the visions God has placed in my heart simply amazes me! No matter the time or distance, he always steps right in to support what I believe God is doing, and to encourage me to NEVER GIVE UP!

Stephanie Thomas has been a tremendous contribution to my personal growth as a speaker by giving me the opportunity to co-host an internet radio show on her network for a year. The year of her encouragement and support cultivated a confidence in me that I never, ever thought I could achieve! It's true that when you hang around eagles, you learn to soar!

I simply can not say enough about the impact my friendship with Klarque Garrison has been on my life. After Jesus Christ, Klarque was my very first mentor. He assumed this role without me asking, and without knowing how long I had been praying for someone to pour their wisdom, experience, knowledge, and faith into my career. From the moment we met, he was relentless in his effort to "put me out there." He urged (and sometimes threatened) me to show up for my destiny. He included me, when I was the least of everyone in his network. He "dropped my name" when I wasn't around, and made opportunities for me where none existed, and when I didn't even know I needed them. I am amazed by the humility and service to others I have seen in his life over the past six years.

THANK YOU to each of you my friends, mentors, and supporters! You have been the hands, heart, and hope of Jesus in my life. May many, many blessings continue to flow your way!

Dawn~

"The Last, He calls Friends"
Taken from unpublished, "The Road to Humility"
Chapter Three titled, "2005 - Costly Oil"
"In a world full of rejectors and snobs and those who don’t want to be around those of us who have been: abused and neglected; worn out and broken; used up and discarded, God and Jesus never turns away. He forever declares His love and acceptance for us. He rushes to claim us as His own. He freely gives us His hand and His name. He wants us for who we are and not what we can offer. And then He transforms us into something precious and priceless. Our value increases 100%. We become one of a kind."

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R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

7/6/2015

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"A woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil...she broke the flask and poured it on His head." ~Mark 14:3 (NKJV)

First Giving Honor to God...

"...who is the head of my life."

Remember that old cliché? Man! Those words drove me crazy many hot, late, mid-week, church nights! That was when "Testimony Service" took place. Well here I am, starting this special month off with a deep, heartfelt, truly appreciative.....first giving honor to God who is the head of my life! God has truly been good to me in more ways than I can list, but I specifically want to thank Him for birthing and sustaining the ministry you see before you on this website, for ten years!

Ten years ago God birthed in me a vision for a ministry that was unlike anything I had ever encountered. It was unique and out of the box because the term "Life-Coach" was just coming to be. But it was certainly not yet in the realm of Christian ministry. Even today, Christian-life coaching is still seen as taboo, and not fully accepted in many traditional church circles. But the truth is that Jesus was the very first Christian-life coach that there ever was. He was a disciple-maker, and that is what we do, plain and simple. We make and strengthen the walks of Christian Disciples for the Kingdom of God. It is what He commanded His own disciples to do via the great commission, "Go and make disciples..." We have somehow changed the look of The Great Commission to be more reflective of making converts instead of disciples. Converts only require convincing; disciples require a coach. But I digress, I don't need to defend my vision...

Ten years ago this month, Costly Oil was officially established, and has been an amazing journey. Since then, I too have been a work in progress to reflect exactly what Christ has desired to birth from and through this vision. What started out as a great, and extremely humbling vision, has remained so, and expanded to include many avenues of ministry and service whereby Christian women can be encouraged and grounded in their walk with God, and their individual God-breathed visions. I write these words with humble amazement and joy as I think back ten years ago. I recall the days of writing the vision and making it plain just like it was just last year. All the great and wonderful plans God dropped in my heart...all the sweet, sweet assurances of lives being touched...all the much needed confirmations amid extreme lack and inadequacies...all the late nights of fervent prayers and much writing...they are all still so vivid. And I am thankful that His Grace has kept them all alive these ten years later. So back to my introductory statement, first, giving honor to God...it is for Him and through Him that I and this vision exist. THANK YOU LORD!!!

Please stay with me, right here at Make Mondays Matter as I continue to celebrate this joyous occasion. I will be introducing you to a few names and faces who are also deserving of honor for being instrumental in my journey in some way. Finally, I will be sharing some of my writings and stories from along the way. Please celebrate with me!

With Much Gratitude,
Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~

A reminder about Purpose from the Archives
"My purpose and passion in life is to encourage and inspire women to live a life of purpose using my gifts of mercy, teaching, writing, and my words of wisdom and exhortation. I was redeemed from a walk of shame and a life of guilt and regret when I discovered my purpose was more than escaping hell fire. I will never be able to write enough words to express my gratitude to God for the gift of purpose! But purpose without power to impact lives and effect change is a waste; and, power belongs to GOD! So not only must we make sure that He is working WITH us, but we must work with the complete understanding that the results lay in His capable hands and providential timing. We should never allow ourselves to carry the burden of thinking that our doing is what makes our work successful."

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R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

6/1/2015

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My Relationship With My Words/Writing

"Here I am
Here I stand
Lord, my life is in your hands
Lord, I'm longing to see
Your desires revealed in me
Take my heart

Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands
My life is not my own
To you I belong

I give myself, I give myself to you"

~I Give Myself Away by William McDowell

Please do me a favor before reading any further. I never do anything like this, but I really want to make a point with this post today. I don't want today to be just another blog post, or "Like." Please do me a favor and listen to the above song, every word and syllable, all the way to the very end. If you are not in a place to listen, please don't read any further until you have the opportunity. This means a lot to me. Thank you!

~ ~ ~ ~

I try really hard to avoid including personal experiences online, but this one really bothered me. I want to address it because I'm concerned about how people view what I do, and my motivation. I need to be clear about both. A week ago someone made a comment that was so shocking that I felt cold water had been dumped on me. They said, "I was looking for a scripture or something to post on social media, because you know that's what good Christians do." I wish I could say that I understand what this person was trying to say, but the truth is that I don't. I have no concept of doing something, anything, just because I'm a good Christian and it's what good Christians do.

As I said, I need to be clear about what my motivations on social media and the use of other communication tools. I really hate that some Believers have become so jaded or common where Christian principles are concerned, but I am not that person. It breaks my heart and brings me to tears even as I type. Costly Oil, and every word I share is just that, the costly oil that has been stored up from my work and worship, like the sinful woman and the five wise virgins alike, and poured out for The Master's use. Every word typed is a sacrificial work of obedience and Love for The Lord and those whom He may send to read it. This ministry is not common or habitual or ritualistic for me. It is worship pure and simple.....

Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~
"But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy." ~Philippians 2:17 (NLT)

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Beware of the Dream Stealers

4/6/2015

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"Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more." ~Genesis 37:5 (ESV)

Costly Oil LP didn't start out as a "dream" per se. It was a burning desire for ministry that started long before the name, mission statement, and incorporation came about in July of 2005. Wow. I can't believe that it has really been 10 years already. At that time, I wasn't planning 10 years out. I was, and still am, trusting and obeying God day by day...and that is the biggest "Dream" I have for this ministry: That I, and all those who are touched by what comes through this vision, will live a life of surrendered obedience.

From the moment ministry began burning in my heart, I've had to fight the dream stealers. Many time dream stealers came in the form of others who were unsuportive, dismissive, apathetic, negative, or doubtful. Like Joseph, I've had colleagues who I thought were "sisters" in the work, turn into dead weight when they saw the dream being realized or going to the next level. I realized that not every "supporter" would rejoice at the blessing of The Lord. But the worst were the "realists" who could see nothing but why I didn't have what it took to make it last. What these realists forgot was that it was never up to me to make it last. As I looked to Christ, and obeyed His leading, the work of my hands would begin, cease, and continue according to HIS will and design. They failed to recognize that this was not my work, but His.

But the greatest of all the dream stealers came from the battles in my own heart and mind. The discouragement, distractions, and doubt that come as a result of obedience are ever waging war. There is always another reason to quit. There is always another disappointment. Always another let down or betrayal. Always another lack or challenge that is seemingly too great to overcome. Always weariness..... BUT GOD! He is faithful. In Him we always overcome and always come through! Beware of the dream stealers, but moreso, be AWARE of the dream stealers. Be aware that whether in others or within, they never truly or completely go away. So keep your eyes on Christ, and be ever careful to hear and obey. That is how we truly succeed, in spite of the dream stealers!

I'm thankful to God for showing me 10 years of faithfulness in this passion He placed in my heart. I don't know how many more He has planned for Costly Oil, but I celebrate this great milestone with joy and anticipation! And with surrender once again, I give it and all my plans back to Him. Thank you Lord!

Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~

Beware of the Dream Stealers
By Dr. Denis Waitley

Although your own internal measurements are the most important, you will occasionally need to seek external feedback on your progress toward your goals. When you do, be sure it is from people who are truly interested in seeing you succeed. Don't seek feedback from fair-weather friends, competitive peers, or any person who doesn't have your best interests at heart. Neutral doesn't count. Get feedback from someone who is on your side but will still be objective and honest with you.

I've observed time and again that misery truly does love company. Jealousy creates some of the most miserable people I know. Surpass the achievements of your particular social crowd or your business colleagues, and look out for the slings and arrows of those who wish you were back where they are. You have to dodge the snide remarks and catty comments.

Let them roll right off you. Don't internalize them.

Only pay attention to feedback from those who have similar goals or who are working actively alongside you to achieve goals of their own. Motives and fears run deep. Study them in others. The sympathetic fair-weather friend who supports you and comforts you when you're down, may like you best when you are in just that state: down and dependent.

Ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your life but you. Nobody else is accountable for your actions but you. Therefore, nobody's expectations for you and opinions about you are as important as your own. So make sure those take precedence in your mind over all others, and if you do need to consult with someone else, think very carefully before you choose exactly who.

Equally important, be prepared to sell your ideas to an indifferent world. As passionate as you are about your business and the fact that your products and services will have positive, life-changing benefits to everyone you meet, you are going to find resistance every time you tellyour story.

People are most interested in their own dreams and goals. They have difficulty believing that you have found a better way than they have to reach them. They are suspicious and guarded when anyone tries to sell them or change their minds. Rather than have others steal your dreams by raining on them, ask questions and find out about their dreams before you launch into your sermon. People buy what they want first, then what they need. Find what turns them on. It may not be what turns you on. By helping others get what they want, you'll get what you want too!

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About "Costly Oil..."

12/30/2013

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The foundational scripture for Costly Oil is,

Mark 14:3: "And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head." (nkjv)

We often get caught up in the hows and whys of what God has gifted others with. Anything that is not in line with main stream ministry and tradition can easily be brought under fire and strongly resisted. It is so easy to criticize what we don't understand.

So it was with the woman who poured her very costly oil on Jesus' head and washed his feet with her tears. Her gift was quickly brought under fire as wasteful or being used inappropriately. She may not have been learned or wise. She may not have been a respectable business woman. And she may not have been much use outside of this one act of worship. But what those who were supposedly closest to Jesus failed, or refused, to understand was that she was doing what no one else was willing or capable of doing. Jesus later in the text rebuked His disciples and said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me...." Just like His confidants, she had a life change from the Master and she had a need: a passionate desire to offer her most treasured possession to his service. That passion and gift unintentionally provided her Christ with what everyone surrounding Jesus refused Him. No matter how many times He spoke of His eminent betrayal and death, His disciples refused to HEAR. After His death they were so discouraged by their dashed expectations (despite His prophetic words), that they went back to their old habits assuming the path of Jesus was flawed in some way. Because their King's story did not appeal to their understanding, they were frustrated if not content to leave His body on a cross, untended.

I understand this. My passion has always been consistent, even as a high school-er, but I only knew one way to minister. Finding my gift only in what I knew frustrated me. I had in all of my being this treasure but had no avenue for releasing it, at least not in Biblically or practically appropriate ways that jelled with my need [to make a deeply PERSONAL impact in the lives of women struggling in their walk with Christ, and in life in general]. But one day almost 10 years ago, I read a business card that had the words "Life Coach" and I knew, every fiber of my being knew that those words described the marriage of my gift and calling, just as much as Dawn described the name my mother gave me. That was who I was! Since embracing the call I have never been more fulfilled. Learning how to tap into that treasure, that Costly Oil stored within this fragile clay vessel, has been the outlet to Passion and Purpose. I have never been wealthier since learning to release the passion and Love for my Savior to all who need Him!

What about you my friends? What unique treasure will you find hidden in your bosom, waiting to flow freely to all you meet? Today is the last Monday of 2013. Why not make 2014 your year to break your alabaster box DAILY and give back to God what He has so freely given to you? Why not seek unique and creative ways to let your light shine? In 2014, why not make it a point to reject the status quo and serve our Lord and His people with reckless abandon, and burning passion???

Nothing we give back to God is wasted.....it is only poured out to exalt our Savior, and secure our legacy.....or as some would say, "for His Glory, and our good!"

Thank you for helping us Make Monday Matter in such a grand way in 2013! We look forward to doing it again each and every week next year!

God Bless,
Dawn
~Pouring my life out in Worship like Costly Oil~

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Co-Laborers in Ministry...

Friends of Costly Oil

R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

First Giving Honor to God...

R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

My Relationship With My Words/Writing

Beware of the Dream Stealers

About "Costly Oil..."

Make Mondays Matter

~dlb~
dawnlbedingfield

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Categories

Co-Laborers in Ministry...

Friends of Costly Oil

R.E.A.L.* Moment ﻿Monday

First Giving ﻿Hono﻿r to God...

R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

My Relationship With My Words/Writing

Beware of the Dream Stealers

About "Costly Oil..."

Make Mondays Matter

~dlb~dawnlbedingfield

Archives

Categories

R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

First Giving Honor to God...

~dlb~
dawnlbedingfield