Daily Affirming Women's Network (DAWN)

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

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.

🌿 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.

What Does My Worship Cost Me?

John 12:1–19

What does true worship actually look like—and what does it cost?

In this episode, we step into a powerful moment in Bethany where Mary pours out an extravagant offering at the feet of Jesus. While her act of devotion is deeply personal and sacrificial, it also exposes a tension in the room—revealing contrasting heart postures through the responses of Judas and the surrounding crowd.

We explore how worship is not just about what we give, but how we respond. From Mary’s surrender, to Judas’ critique, to the crowd’s expectations of Jesus as King, this passage invites us to examine our own posture and ask an honest question:

How am I responding to Jesus?

✨ In This Episode

The significance of Mary’s act of costly worship

The contrast between devotion and criticism (Mary vs. Judas)

How worship reveals what’s happening in our hearts

Lazarus as a living testimony of transformation

The crowd’s expectations of Jesus—and how they differ from His true mission

📖 Scripture

John 12:1–19

How am I responding to Jesus?

✨ In This Episode

The significance of Mary’s act of costly worship

The contrast between devotion and criticism (Mary vs. Judas)

How worship reveals what’s happening in our hearts

Lazarus as a living testimony of transformation

The crowd’s expectations of Jesus—and how they differ from His true mission

📖 Scripture

John 12:1–19

💭 Reflection Questions

What stands out to you about Mary’s act of worship?

Where might you be holding back in your devotion to Jesus?

Do you find yourself responding more like Mary, Judas, or the crowd?

What might it cost you to respond more fully to Jesus this week?

🤍 Key Takeaway

Worship isn’t just about what we offer—it reveals our heart.

Mary surrendered.Judas calculated.The crowd expected.

How are you responding to Jesus?

🌿 Stay Connected

Join us as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together in SALT and DAWN.

When the Miracle Creates Division

John 11:45–57

What happens after the miracle?

In this episode, we move beyond the raising of Lazarus and into the response it provoked. While some believed, others resisted—and the same moment that revealed Jesus’ power also exposed the condition of the human heart.

We take a closer look at Caiaphas, the high priest, and the striking reality that God used him to speak a prophetic truth he didn’t fully understand. His words pointed directly to the sacrifice of Jesus—reminding us that God’s purposes are unfolding even through opposition.

We also see Jesus withdraw—not out of fear, but with intention. He moves according to divine timing, not pressure. As the tension builds and people begin to wonder if He will show up for Passover, we’re invited to wrestle with our own trust in God’s timing.

✨ In This Episode

Why the same miracle led to belief in some and resistance in others

The role of fear, control, and self-preservation in spiritual blindness

The significance of Caiaphas’ statement—and how God used him prophetically

What this passage reveals about God’s sovereignty

Why Jesus withdrew and what it teaches us about timing and obedience

📖 Scripture

John 11:45–57

💭 Reflection Questions

How do you typically respond when God moves in unexpected ways?

Where might fear or control be shaping your response to Jesus?

What does this passage teach you about God’s sovereignty—even through opposition?

Where do you need to trust God’s timing right now?

🤍 Key Takeaway

The same Jesus…the same miracle…but different responses.

God’s work not only reveals His power—it reveals our hearts.

🌿 Stay Connected

Join us as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together in SALT and DAWN.

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Roll the Stone Away

John 11:38–44

What do you do when something in your life feels too far gone?

In this week’s devotional, we move from the waiting into the moment at the tomb—where Jesus doesn’t just feel deeply… He acts.

In John 11:38–44, Jesus invites those around Him to participate in the miracle before it happens. Before Lazarus is called out, the stone has to be moved. Before freedom is complete, someone has to help unbind him.

This passage reminds us that God is always at work—even in what feels final—and sometimes He invites us to trust Him through simple acts of obedience.

✨ In This Episode

Why Jesus was “deeply moved” again at the tomb

The significance of the command: “Take away the stone”

How we may unintentionally interfere with what God is doing

Obedience as part of the miracle

Why Lazarus still needed help being “unbound”

📖 Scripture

John 11:38–44

💭 Reflection Questions

What stands out to you most in this moment at the tomb?

Where have you felt like something was “too far gone”?

What “stone” might God be asking you to move?

How might you be unintentionally interfering with what God wants to do?

What does it mean to you that Lazarus needed help being “unbound”?

🤍 Closing Thought

Before the miracle, there was movement.Before resurrection, there was obedience.

What might God be asking you to move…so you can see what He’s about to do?

🌿 Stay Connected

Join us for our weekly DAWN & SALT sessions in-person or online, and on Substack as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together.

Title: When God Doesn’t Hurry

Description:What do you do when God doesn’t move the way you hoped?In this devotional from John 11, we explore the tension of delay, grief, and faith—and discover a Jesus who meets us not just in miracles, but in the waiting.

Scripture: John 11:1–44

Key Themes:

Trusting God in delay

Grief and faith coexisting

Jesus’ compassion and power

Hope beyond what we see

Title:

From Blindness to Belonging | John 9–10 Devotional

Episode Summary

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, we walk through John chapters 9 and 10, exploring the tension between healing, suffering, and trust in God.

Through the story of the man born blind and Jesus’ declaration as the Good Shepherd, we are invited to move beyond easy answers and into deeper relationship—learning to see spiritually, hear His voice, and rest securely in His care.

This episode also holds space for honest grief, asking difficult questions like:Why do some receive healing while others don’t?

Rather than offering simple explanations, we’re reminded that God’s work is often revealed in ways we don’t expect—but we are never outside of His reach.

Key Themes

Spiritual blindness vs. true sight

Suffering without blame

Trusting God without having all the answers

Jesus as the Good Shepherd who calls us by name

Being known, held, and secure in Him

Moving from rejection to belonging

Key Scriptures

John 9:1–3 – “That the works of God might be displayed…”

John 9:25 – “I was blind but now I see.”

John 10:3 – “He calls his own sheep by name…”

John 10:27–29 – “No one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Key Takeaway

You are safest not in explanations… but in His hands.

Reflection Questions

Where am I struggling to understand what God is doing?

What voices am I listening to—and are they leading me toward or away from Jesus?

What might it look like for me to trust the Good Shepherd more deeply this week?

For SALT & DAWN Groups

📖 Read: John 9–10💬 Come prepared to discuss spiritual sight, hearing God’s voice, and trusting Him in uncertain seasons.

Closing Encouragement

Jesus is still opening eyes.Still calling names.Still seeking those who feel cast out.

And even now…He is moving us from blindness to belonging.

Connect / Share

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need it this week 💛

🎙️ Episode Notes — John 8 Devotional: Caught in the Act

Title: John 8 — Caught in the Act Series: Gospel of John | DAWN Devotionals

Episode Summary

This episode explores John 8 — the moment a woman is dragged before Jesus, “caught in the act,” and used as bait in a trap meant to accuse Him. Instead of condemning her, Jesus dismantles the accusations, exposes the hypocrisy of the crowd, and reveals the heart of God: restoration over humiliation, freedom over shame, truth over performance.

We also look at Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world,” and how true discipleship is marked by abiding in His word, walking in the light, and receiving the freedom only He can give.

What You’ll Hear

A devotional reflection on the woman caught in adultery

How Jesus responds to accusation, shame, and religious pressure

Why Jesus’ words, “Neither do I condemn you,” still matter today

The meaning of Jesus as the Light of the World

The difference between ritual and relationship

A call to abide, believe, and walk in freedom

Guided reflection questions for personal or group study

Key Themes

Grace over accusation: Jesus frees rather than traps.

Light that restores: His light reveals truth and shows the way out.

True discipleship: Abiding in His word leads to freedom.

Shaken foundations: Jesus confronts false security in tradition and performance.

Identity in Christ: Freedom comes from relationship, not rituals.

Quotes

“Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” — John 8:7 “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” “I am the light of the world.” — John 8:12 “If you abide in My word… the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31–32 “Jesus does everything to justify us, not trap us.” “When you’re caught — what will you be caught doing?”

Reflection Questions

When I feel “caught,” where do I run — to Jesus or to shame?

What stones am I still holding toward others… or toward myself?

Where is Jesus inviting me to “go and sin no more” — not in fear, but in freedom?

Am I walking in the Light, or still hiding in shadows?

Do I want relationship with Jesus, or just the benefits of being near Him?

What foundation is God shaking in my life so I can see Him more clearly?

Scripture

John 8:1–59Key verses: John 8:7, 11, 12, 31–32

Theme

Jesus does not condemn — He restores, frees, and leads us into the light.

Affirmation

“I walk in the light of Jesus. I am not condemned. I am free.”

🎙️ Episode Notes — John 7 Devotional: Come to the Water

Title: John 7 — Come to the Water Series: Gospel of John | DAWN Devotionals

Episode Summary

In this episode, we step into John 7, where Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles — a celebration remembering God’s wilderness provision. In the middle of tension, division, and pressure, Jesus stands and cries out an invitation that still echoes today:

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”

This devotional explores what spiritual thirst looks like, why Jesus invites it, and how the Holy Spirit becomes rivers of living water flowing from within us. It’s a call to stop surviving dry and to return to the Source.

What You’ll Hear

A devotional reflection on Jesus’ timing

The tension surrounding Jesus at the Feast

The meaning of His invitation to the thirsty

A look at the difference between ritual and receiving

A gentle call to come to Jesus for living water

Guided pauses for reflection and prayer

Key Themes

Divine Timing: Jesus refuses to be rushed or pushed into visibility.

Spiritual Thirst: Thirst doesn’t always look desperate — sometimes it looks like irritability, numbness, or exhaustion.

The Invitation: Jesus doesn’t shame thirst; He invites it.

Living Water: The Holy Spirit as overflow, not scarcity.

Courage: Thirst makes us brave enough to come to Jesus openly.

Ritual vs. Receiving: Remembering God is not the same as drinking from Him.

Quotes

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” — John 7:37 “Thirst is not disqualification. It’s eligibility.” “You can be faithful and thirsty. Visible and dry. Strong and depleted.” “When the Spirit fills you, you don’t have to force impact. It flows.” “Rituals can remember God without receiving from Him.” “Thirst makes you brave.”

Reflection Questions

Use these for journaling, prayer, or your next SALT/DAWN gathering:

Where in my life do I feel dryness right now — emotionally, spiritually, or relationally?

What have I been drinking from that is not truly satisfying?

Am I trying to force something that may not be in God’s timing yet?

What would it look like for me to “come to Jesus” practically this week?

If living water flowed freely through me, who would be impacted?

What fear has kept my faith quiet — and how might thirst make me bold again?

Scripture

John 7:1–52Key verse: John 7:37–38

Theme

Jesus is not intimidated by your thirst — He is the answer to it.

Affirmation

“I come to Jesus with my thirst. I receive His living water. I live from overflow.”