🌿 Dying to Live & Walking in the Light

Waiting Well: What If God Is Doing More Than You Can See?

DAWN Conversations – Episode 3 Show Notes Waiting Well: Faith, Finances & Learning to Rest with Melissa Cranon Host: PD SueGuest: Melissa Cranon Episode Summary What do you do when life doesn't unfold the way you expected? In this heartfelt episode of DAWN Conversations, PD Sue welcomes Melissa Cranon—a Chief Financial Officer, author of Go Figure, wife, mother, and bonus mom—for an honest conversation about faith through life's unexpected seasons. Melissa shares her powerful testimony of surviving a difficult first marriage, navigating 17 years as a single mother, overcoming the pressure to "prove herself," and discovering that God wasn't simply calling her to survive—but to wait well. Together, PD Sue and Melissa explore the difference between striving and abiding, the importance of learning to hear God's voice, trusting Him as our ultimate Provider, stewarding finances wisely, and allowing Him to prepare us for every new season. Whether you're waiting for healing, provision, marriage, direction, or simply longing for deeper rest in Christ, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope. In This Episode Melissa's journey from a sheltered upbringing to making her faith her own Learning to hear God's voice through quietness instead of constant striving Walking through divorce and choosing peace over a toxic relationship Seventeen years of single motherhood and God's faithful provision The difference between simply waiting and waiting well Why God is our Source—not our job, paycheck, or relationships Overcoming insecurity, comparison, and the need to prove ourselves Practical biblical principles for financial stewardship Preparing for marriage by first learning to submit to God Learning to rest in Christ instead of living in survival mode Key Takeaways "Waiting isn't wasted when God is shaping you." "God is your Source. Everything else is a resource." "Waiting well means staying connected, staying aligned, and trusting God's process." "You don't have to prove yourself when your identity is secure in Christ." "Some victories don't require fighting—they require trusting." Scripture Focus Matthew 11:28–30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... and you will find rest for your souls." Mentioned in This Episode Go Figure By Melissa Cranon A practical resource offering six tools to help women steward their finances with wisdom, confidence, and biblical principles. Book Purchase Link [https://a.co/d/0fyTEfoa] Reflection Questions Where am I striving instead of abiding? What fear has been driving my decisions lately? Am I talking to God more than I'm listening? What does "waiting well" look like in my current season? Do I truly believe that God is my Source? Challenge for the Week Spend time each day in Matthew 11:28–30. Rather than beginning your prayer time with a list of requests, begin with silence. Ask: "Lord, what do You want to say to me today?" Practice listening before speaking. Connect with Melissa Cranon 📖 Book: Go Figure 📷 Instagram: (Add Melissa's handle) 📘 Facebook: (Add Facebook page) 🌐 Website: (Add website if applicable) Connect with DAWN 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/vCqZcj1ApQs [https://youtu.be/vCqZcj1ApQs] Thank you for joining us for another episode of DAWN Conversations. If today's conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman who may be walking through a season of waiting. Music Credit Music featured in this episode was created using licensed audio available through CapCut. Follow DAWN Conversations Join us as we continue our ABIDE summer series, where we're learning to be with Jesus before doing for Jesus. Until next time… stay rooted, stay encouraged, and keep abiding. Connect with Melissa 📖 Book: Go Figure [https://a.co/d/0fyTEfoa] 📷 Instagram: @melycole 📘 Facebook: Melissa Coles Cranon Watch the Full Conversation 🎥 YouTube: If this episode encouraged you, would you consider sharing it with another woman who may be walking through a waiting season? You never know how God may use one conversation to remind someone that they have not been forgotten. Until next time... Stay rooted. Stay encouraged. Keep abiding. Grace and peace, PD Sue Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Abiding in the In-Between

DAWN Conversations | Episode 2 Abiding in the In-Between | Pastor Suzette Williams | DAWN Conversations Ep. 2 What do you do when God has given you a promise, but the fulfillment hasn't yet arrived? In this episode of DAWN Conversations, PD Sue sits down with Pastor Suzette Williams—Worship Pastor at Deeper Church, counselor, mother, leader, and twin sister—to discuss what it means to abide in Christ during the "in-between" season: the space between promise and fulfillment. Together, they explore: • Trusting God in seasons of waiting • Why the "in-between" is often where God does His deepest work • Healing and forgiveness as a process • Women in ministry and leadership • Building while you wait • Practical ways to abide in Christ daily • God's faithfulness in every season Whether you're in a planting season, a waiting season, or an "almost there" season, this conversation will encourage you to trust God's timing and remain connected to the Vine. Key Scriptures 📖 John 15:4 📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 📖 Habakkuk 2:3 📖 Psalm 119 In This Episode 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – What does "the in-between" season mean? 10:30 – Trusting God while waiting for the promise 20:15 – Healing, forgiveness, and emotional restoration 31:00 – Women in ministry and leadership 40:00 – Practical ways to abide daily 50:00 – Encouragement for women in their waiting season Memorable Quote "The in-between is often where God does His deepest work." Connect with DAWN YouTube: Deeper Church Instagram: @deeperchurchdallas Facebook: Deeper Church Website: www.deeperchurch.tv [http://www.deeperchurch.tv] If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who may be navigating her own waiting season. Grace and peace, PD Sue Host, DAWN Conversations Learning to be with Jesus before doing for Jesus. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Legacy of Love

Father's Day has always been a meaningful celebration in our family. It was a joy to sit down with Pastor Rohan—not only as a pastor, but as my husband and the father of our three sons—and reflect on the lessons we've learned through marriage, parenting, and ministry. I pray this conversation encourages you wherever you find yourself today. Happy Father's Day! ❤️ Show Notes: Father's Day Special: Abiding Together with Pastor Rohan Thompson In this special Father's Day episode of DAWN Conversations, I sit down with my husband, Pastor Rohan Thompson, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, faith, family, marriage, and ministry. As parents of three sons and partners in life and ministry for more than 21 years, we've experienced many seasons of growth, challenge, joy, and learning. Together, we reflect on the lessons fatherhood has taught us, the importance of building strong family relationships, and why abiding in Christ is essential for leading well at home and in ministry. Pastor Rohan shares openly about his upbringing, how his relationship with his father has evolved over the years, and his desire to cultivate a different kind of relationship with our sons—one marked by trust, communication, love, and intentional presence. Whether you're a father, celebrating a father, remembering a father, or simply seeking wisdom for your own relationships, I pray this conversation encourages and strengthens you. In This Episode Growing up with strict discipline and the lessons learned from it How fatherhood changes and matures over time Why relationship matters more than rule-keeping Creating a safe and open environment for your children What parenting reveals about your own character Leading at home before leading in ministry The connection between healthy families and healthy churches What it means to abide in Christ as a husband, father, and pastor The legacy every father should strive to leave Key Takeaways Fatherhood Requires the Fruit of the Spirit Love, patience, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control aren't just Christian virtues—they are essential tools for effective parenting. Relationship Builds Trust Children are more likely to receive correction when they know they are deeply loved. Healthy relationships create space for honest conversations and lasting influence. Parenting Changes with Every Season The role of a father evolves from disciplinarian to coach, mentor, encourager, and trusted guide. Healthy Homes Build Healthy Churches Strong ministry begins with strong families. Authentic leadership flows from a healthy personal life and a Christ-centered home. Abiding Comes Before Fruitfulness Effective leadership, healthy marriages, strong parenting, and spiritual growth all flow from remaining connected to Christ. Memorable Quotes "Relationship makes discipline effective." "Healthy homes produce healthy churches." "Abiding isn't something we do occasionally—it's a lifestyle." "At the end of the day, I want my sons to know they were loved." Scripture References John 15:4-5 Galatians 5:22-23 Psalm 127 Proverbs 22:6 Reflection Question What is one lesson you've learned from a father, father figure, mentor, or spiritual father that continues to shape your life today? Connect With Us Thank you for listening to DAWN Conversations. DAWN (Daily Affirming Women's Network) exists to encourage women to grow deeper in faith, discover purpose, build meaningful relationships, and abide in Christ through every season of life. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and join the conversation in the comments. Grace and peace, PD Sue Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

What is Ministry, Really?

Abide Series Podcast Episode 1: What Is Ministry? So many of us use the phrase "my ministry," but what if ministry was never meant to be something we own? In this opening episode of the Abide Series, PD Sue explores the difference between viewing ministry as a platform and understanding ministry as service. Drawing from the example of Jesus and the story of Mary and Martha, this conversation challenges us to move from striving to abiding, from building our own agendas to joining God in His. Ministry does not begin with what we do—it begins with who we are becoming in Christ. As we learn to sit at Jesus' feet, listen for His voice, and follow His leading, we discover that true ministry flows from abiding in Him. In This Episode Why the phrase "my ministry" can sometimes lead us astray The biblical meaning of ministry and what it means to be a servant How Jesus modeled ministry through humility and obedience The connection between abiding and serving Why ministry starts at Jesus' feet before it ever reaches a platform Letting go of outcomes and trusting God to bring the increase Key Scriptures Mark 10:45 Luke 10:38–42 John 8:28 John 15:4–5 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 Reflection Questions Do I see ministry as something I own or something I steward? Am I asking God to bless my plans, or am I seeking His plans? What would it look like for me to begin each day at Jesus' feet before serving others? Where might God be inviting me to trust Him with the outcomes? Prayer Father, teach me to abide before I act, to listen before I lead, and to serve without seeking recognition. Help me remember that ministry belongs to You and that my role is simply to remain connected to the Vine. May my life make Jesus known and bring glory to Your name. Amen. Connect If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing to the Abide Series and sharing it with a friend. Together, let's learn what it means to remain in Christ and bear lasting fruit. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

🌿 Dying to Live & Walking in the Light

🌿 Dying to Live & Walking in the Light John 12:20–50 In this episode, we continue through John 12 as Jesus begins revealing the deeper meaning behind His mission, His coming death, and the cost of truly following Him. Through powerful moments like: the Greeks seeking Jesus, the grain of wheat illustration, the voice from heaven, and Jesus’ call to walk in the light, we’re invited to reflect on surrender, spiritual sensitivity, and what it means to continually respond to Jesus with openness and trust. This episode explores how growth often comes through release, how hearts can slowly become resistant to God, and why walking in the light requires daily response—not perfection. ✨ In This Episode Why “we wish to see Jesus” still matters today The meaning behind the grain of wheat metaphor Jesus’ humanity and emotional honesty Why miracles alone do not guarantee belief Walking in the light before the heart grows numb The connection between surrender and spiritual fruit 📖 Scripture John 12:20–50 💭 Reflection Questions What stood out to you most from this passage and why? What might God be asking you to release or surrender in this season? Have you ever experienced growth that only came after loss, change, or discomfort? In what ways can a heart slowly become resistant or numb to God? What does “walking in the light” practically look like in your life right now? What is one area where you sense God asking for a deeper “yes” from you? 🤍 Key Takeaway Spiritual growth often requires surrender. Jesus reminds us that fruit comes through release, transformation happens in the light, and a soft heart still matters deeply to God. 🌿 Stay Connected Continue walking through the Gospel of John with us during SALT and DAWN Women’s Gatherings as we grow together in faith, reflection, and response to Jesus. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]