Dawna "Dreds" Duke

Since everyone keeps asking me, "How's #fUnemployment?" I want to take this blog post opportunity to share some of the things that I'm learning. 1. There is power in 10 minutes of intentional practice.   During long blocks of studying, I take intentional 10 minute breaks to practice different hobbies and skills I want to fine tune. I literally set a 10 minute timer and practice one of the skills on my list and even color a box for every time I invest 10 minutes in that particular activity.   “Mindset change is not about picking up a few pointers here and there. It's about seeing things in a new way. When people...change to a growth mindset, they change from a judge-and-be-judged framework to a learn-and-help-learn framework. Their commitment is to growth, and growth takes plenty of time, effort, and mutual support.” - Carol Dweck I have noticed that 10 minutes adds up, especially when the time is FOCUSED on something specific.  For example, instead of ju

In June of 2016, I embarked on my doctoral journey at SMU in Dallas, Texas.  When I got the acceptance call, I was personally committing to the following: Graduating in May of 2019 Completing ALL of my dissertation demands prior to graduation (Because I don't want to be another ABD statistic) Paying every semester in full (Because 70% of college graduates have student loans and honestly, I just don't want that life) In my first semester as a doctoral student, I was tasked with articulating my core values.  It is through the articulation of core values that individuals and organizations make a declaration to themselves and to others.  Essentially, the declaration of values says, "This is what I'm all about."  With this declaration, there is also an unspoken invitation, saying, "When you see misalignment between my actions and my values, tell me."  Keeping that in mind, here are the core values I submitted: Personal

Dreds and Company , formerly known as Dreds and Torpedo, just released the latest EP, Honor the Lord .  The album has 3 new, original songs about stewardship, status, and surrender. It sounds amazing and I am so thankful for talented musicians whose hearts are fixed on Jesus! Special thanks to: Producer - Adam Pickrell Co-producer/Song Writer - Tyler Fortenberry The Band - Troy Bruner , Robert Burroughs, and Rachel McMillan! Please visit the Dreds and Company online store to order a physical copy of the CD or the download . Back in 2012 at a Youth Retreat Summer Camp Tour 2015 In June and July, I am teaming up with Lydia Swanson, a friend that I taught with in Brasilia to lead over 40 days of camp! I am super pumped to be able to lead and teach so many kids this summer!  Our first camp starts on Saturday, June 6 in Huntsville and goes pretty continuously until July 31.  We are in great need of prayer! Please follow along on our schedule and pray for the following: 1

Saturday, December 20th I am about to embark on a new adventure to Cairo, Egypt!  Please pray for safe travels as I fly from Dallas, Texas to Dubai and then on to Cairo. Some great friends from Brazil, April and Travis Knutson, will be picking me up from the airport and hosting me for 2 weeks!  We taught together from 2011 - 2013 in Brasilia.  They have been living there for 2 years and I am so excited to spend time with them! I can't wait to see Egypt!  I recently taught about Joseph and Moses at First Baptist Dallas and am pumped to see those biblical texts that take place in Egypt come alive! April and Travis

Lunch Time Quotes "Miss Duke, I am so glad to be back at school... because now I get to eat." You never know where they are coming from, Or what their background is. I end the day offering the kids to choose between a high-five and a hug And, almost all of them choose hugs. I love these kids already. To the Police Officer... "Hey officer, will your bullet proof vest protect you against a rocket launcher?" - My student that reminds me of Russell from the movie Up . About the Tooth Fairy "What happens if your jaw comes out? Do you get one dollar or two?" -4th Grader #1 (She meant molar.) "Well... it depends on how clean it is. Cuz one time she let me a note that said, 'You gotta brush better.'" -4th Grader #2 "Ummmmm... that was your mom. Fairies don't write notes." - #1 4th Grader When You Have A Substitute... Last Friday, my partner teacher was absent. "Well, Ms. Jones is sick today. So, y

I feel overwhelmed at Wal-Mart. It's the cereal aisle. Gets me every time. All of the options and boxes. So, I have decided that I don't even like cereal much anymore. So many choices in America. That's why the prices are so low. But it's also why we spend 15 minutes picking out laundry detergent. And, then I get home and the container doesn't even fit in my pantry. Everyday, I feel guilty when I throw away my zip-loc baggies after lunch. My sandwiches are yummy, though. I was cleaner in Brazil. Two showers per day. I even learned not to go to bed dirty. But, something about US soil... made me go back to my old ways. I like eating cheese. I could eat it everyday. I miss driving a stick. But, I don't miss all of that car drama. And, appreciate God's provision each day that I drive my "new" used car.  Thanks Suzanne! Waking up in the morning to dark silence. It's quite odd. No more "bom dias" or oatme