We’ve been walking the path of God-sized dreams together for a few months now. Will you share an update with us about your dream? Let us know where you are with it–the happy and the hard. Tell us how we can pray for you and your dream too.
When I started this blog, I had no idea of what my God-sized dream was thinking I didn't even have a dream. I wasn't even sure that I belonged here with all these women who seemed to know exactly what they were going after and that God had put these wondrous dreams in their hearts. Felt like I was on the outside looking in at an exciting party.
I have made some very exciting discoveries by staying and searching. I have "met" some amazing women with awesome dreams and been able to watch their struggles and how they are dealing with them. I found out that I am not alone in these feelings that I struggle with each day. That others feel the same fears and struggles that I do. An amazing find for me.
One 'dreaming sister' gave me the thought of trying to come up with one word for the year and to search it out. The funny thing is that one word immediately popped into my head, KNOW. I wanted to KNOW God, not just know about Him but to know Him as I do my children or husband. What He likes, how he would do this or that. So I started to spend time with Him getting to know him better.
I have had some silly questions to ask Him, like what is your favorite color? Sounds silly I know but you know what I found out? He created the rainbow and every color is there. He is light. There is no darkness in Him. He created the blue sky, the rainy day and he wants me to see the beauty in all the wonderful colors he puts out there. Wow!!
I have also had days were I feel like I don't understand a thing He is trying to tell me. {kind of like listening to my children when they would say one thing and mean something entirely different} Some days I was way to "busy" to spend time trying to know Him better. What a wasted day.
He is making me more aware of himself during the day, not just in my prayer time. I am so thankful to the beautiful woman that suggested the one word for the year. I am also so grateful for all the women that are walking with me, the continual encouragement each week and the openness to share what is happening with their dreams.
I ask for your prayers that I will continue on and truly get to Know Him. Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Is it worth the risk?
What part of your dream feels the riskiest? Have you ever had people misunderstand or disagree with your dream? What do you do when your dream is scary or when others don’t support you?
The biggest risk of this journey of my God-sized dream was putting this out here for all to see! To share my heart and thoughts where they weren't able to be hidden in what my sweet husband calls "Maggie speak". This language is the one where I quickly weigh what I think the recipient wants to hear, and that is what I say! Since I can't weigh what all of you want to hear at once, I simply share what I long to say. You all have made it so much easier to state what is in my heart, as each of you is doing the same thing. Each time I read more of each of your lives and how you are on this journey with me gives me the freedom of speaking the "real" truth and putting the "Maggie speak" away for good.
You know the next part of the question for this week is probably the biggest shock of all. At least it was to me as I pondered it. I think the only one that has disagreed with my dream is ME. I was so sure at the beginning of this journey that I didn't have a dream or that I didn't dream any more. Then as I began to pray and see if there even was a dream for me, I was encouraged by so many of you and my sweet encourager I began to have that bud of a new dream. As quickly as it came the disagreement started within me. I was too old to dream, not able to accomplish things with the state of this body! All that silly stuff we tell ourselves {at least I tell myself silly stuff} when doubt creeps in.
As to the last part of this very thought provoking part of this week's blog, is how do I handle all of the above. I have found that sitting down and talking with the One that has given me this dream in the first place is such a wonderful place to start. I don't know if you have ever heard the song about this person going to a garden and taking a walk with God or not but it has such a vivid picture for me. To be in such a quiet, beautiful garden. There's a bench where it is perfect for two people to sit and enjoy the beauty, enjoy the sweet smell of the roses, and enjoy the companionship of the One who is always with you. I share my fears, my heartaches, and the successes that only He has made possible. He puts his arm on the back of the bench and whispers in my ear that He will never leave me or let me travel this path alone. I am filled with expectation and ready to face anything the day has to offer. It doesn't seem to matter who else is for me or against me just knowing that He is for me is enough!
The biggest risk of this journey of my God-sized dream was putting this out here for all to see! To share my heart and thoughts where they weren't able to be hidden in what my sweet husband calls "Maggie speak". This language is the one where I quickly weigh what I think the recipient wants to hear, and that is what I say! Since I can't weigh what all of you want to hear at once, I simply share what I long to say. You all have made it so much easier to state what is in my heart, as each of you is doing the same thing. Each time I read more of each of your lives and how you are on this journey with me gives me the freedom of speaking the "real" truth and putting the "Maggie speak" away for good.
You know the next part of the question for this week is probably the biggest shock of all. At least it was to me as I pondered it. I think the only one that has disagreed with my dream is ME. I was so sure at the beginning of this journey that I didn't have a dream or that I didn't dream any more. Then as I began to pray and see if there even was a dream for me, I was encouraged by so many of you and my sweet encourager I began to have that bud of a new dream. As quickly as it came the disagreement started within me. I was too old to dream, not able to accomplish things with the state of this body! All that silly stuff we tell ourselves {at least I tell myself silly stuff} when doubt creeps in.
As to the last part of this very thought provoking part of this week's blog, is how do I handle all of the above. I have found that sitting down and talking with the One that has given me this dream in the first place is such a wonderful place to start. I don't know if you have ever heard the song about this person going to a garden and taking a walk with God or not but it has such a vivid picture for me. To be in such a quiet, beautiful garden. There's a bench where it is perfect for two people to sit and enjoy the beauty, enjoy the sweet smell of the roses, and enjoy the companionship of the One who is always with you. I share my fears, my heartaches, and the successes that only He has made possible. He puts his arm on the back of the bench and whispers in my ear that He will never leave me or let me travel this path alone. I am filled with expectation and ready to face anything the day has to offer. It doesn't seem to matter who else is for me or against me just knowing that He is for me is enough!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Greater Sin?
Share about your favorite nonprofit organization. They are all God-sized dreams in action. How have they inspired you?
I need to share something I have been struggling with for the last month to share today's topic. Seems like a long way around but hopefully it will make sense when I am done.
I read in John 19:11
Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.
This is where Jesus was talking with Pilate. The part that hit me was the word GREATER. Did sin come in different levels? I thought sin was sin! I struggled with this on my own for a while. I found in a commentary that he was speaking of Caiaphas because he knew the truth and decided that it would be best for Jesus to die for the good of others. Pilate, however didn't know Jesus and therefore had the lesser sin. Both however, sinned.
Then I went to trusted friends that knew the Bible better than I did. They also began to search about this sin problem. They sent emails that quoted Bible verses that stated there were different levels of sin. The story where there were 2 debtors one great on small. Luke 7:41-47. I was starting to understand. However when I went to the Pastor of my church to see if he could shed some light on this. He agreed with me that sin is sin however, there are different consequences that must be accompanied. He went on to say that if you are going 5 miles over the speed limit there is a consequence to pay and if you are going 50 miles over the speed limit there is a greater consequence to pay. Both are wrong but one has a greater penalty. Ahh something I really understand.
So I said all this to help you understand the nonprofit organization that has touched my heart. The group is Pregnancy Centers. Just as sin is sin, there are greater consequences for those of us that know the truth and have seen the light. We simply can't sit back and do nothing. These centers are striving to help women to see the light that we know. They are striving to show the love of God and help women make difficult decisions. They are also helping women that have made wrong choices to come to a peace that only God can give.
There are a faithful group of women that are struggling to get a center off the ground here where I live. Please pray that God will advance their struggle and get a foothold to help these women find God's love.
I need to share something I have been struggling with for the last month to share today's topic. Seems like a long way around but hopefully it will make sense when I am done.
I read in John 19:11
Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.
This is where Jesus was talking with Pilate. The part that hit me was the word GREATER. Did sin come in different levels? I thought sin was sin! I struggled with this on my own for a while. I found in a commentary that he was speaking of Caiaphas because he knew the truth and decided that it would be best for Jesus to die for the good of others. Pilate, however didn't know Jesus and therefore had the lesser sin. Both however, sinned.
Then I went to trusted friends that knew the Bible better than I did. They also began to search about this sin problem. They sent emails that quoted Bible verses that stated there were different levels of sin. The story where there were 2 debtors one great on small. Luke 7:41-47. I was starting to understand. However when I went to the Pastor of my church to see if he could shed some light on this. He agreed with me that sin is sin however, there are different consequences that must be accompanied. He went on to say that if you are going 5 miles over the speed limit there is a consequence to pay and if you are going 50 miles over the speed limit there is a greater consequence to pay. Both are wrong but one has a greater penalty. Ahh something I really understand.
So I said all this to help you understand the nonprofit organization that has touched my heart. The group is Pregnancy Centers. Just as sin is sin, there are greater consequences for those of us that know the truth and have seen the light. We simply can't sit back and do nothing. These centers are striving to help women to see the light that we know. They are striving to show the love of God and help women make difficult decisions. They are also helping women that have made wrong choices to come to a peace that only God can give.
There are a faithful group of women that are struggling to get a center off the ground here where I live. Please pray that God will advance their struggle and get a foothold to help these women find God's love.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Pay it Forward
Find a way to pay it forward. You’ve been encouraged in your God-sized dreams by your sisters here the last few months. How can you spread that encouragement forward by investing in other dreamers? It can be small and simple or BIG and wild. Ask God what you can do and get creative.
I just love how God coordinates things in my life! As I thought about this new blog direction I wasn't sure just what I was going to do. I prayed and thought and nothing seemed to jump out at me. I should know by now that God is never late {though I must admit in my life He seems to just squeak in at the last moment sometimes!}
On Sunday at church we had a woman, a huge God-sized dreamer, come and share her dream. She was a MK {missionary kid} and also a Missionary herself and knows first hand the intensity and hours of full-time service and the great need for a little time to recharge her batteries. So she has dreamed the God-sized dream and created a place for Missionaries, pastors and their families to rest and renew their spirits, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
She has taken the gift God has blessed her with, hospitality, and used it to serve the servants of the Lord so they can return to their mission field renewed. What a dreamer! Her place is located in Vrbovce, Slovakia, she shared pictures of before and after of the house where she offers a retreat.
I just love how God coordinates things in my life! As I thought about this new blog direction I wasn't sure just what I was going to do. I prayed and thought and nothing seemed to jump out at me. I should know by now that God is never late {though I must admit in my life He seems to just squeak in at the last moment sometimes!}
On Sunday at church we had a woman, a huge God-sized dreamer, come and share her dream. She was a MK {missionary kid} and also a Missionary herself and knows first hand the intensity and hours of full-time service and the great need for a little time to recharge her batteries. So she has dreamed the God-sized dream and created a place for Missionaries, pastors and their families to rest and renew their spirits, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
She has taken the gift God has blessed her with, hospitality, and used it to serve the servants of the Lord so they can return to their mission field renewed. What a dreamer! Her place is located in Vrbovce, Slovakia, she shared pictures of before and after of the house where she offers a retreat.
This is the wonderful sister dreamer Amber Stark. The website is here. My husband and I are so excited to come along side and be "silent partners". There are so many ways to "encourage" her. We can send books {they have a hard time getting books in English there}, we can send care packages {chocolate chips are a huge hit as she bakes cookies} and we can also support her for a day by sending funds. We are so excited that we are choosing a couple of ways to help her to continue on with her dream.
God is so good that he allows us to help another dreamer continue dreaming, and along the way we are blessed also.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
My Sweet Friend
Our blog for this week is Write a letter of encouragement to another dreamer in your life.
My dearest friend Anita,
I can't tell you how much I miss you and how your life speaks to me. I can still remember the first time we met, I was not sure we were in the right place but God sent you straight to us and you sat down and welcomed us and then proceeded to want to know, really know about us. I will always remember your sweet and kind ways. You didn't stop there you became my dearest friend.
I had so many walls of protection built around me that it was a fortress. You very gently and persistently helped me remove the walls ,brick by brick, so that I was allowed to be the real me with you. I didn't have to worry about what I said, or go home a fret about our conversation, did I say too much, did I reveal too much, how will she take the words I said. Nope, you gave me the freedom to be the real me! What a new and refreshing experience for me. A bit scary but wonderful. Now I don't think there is anything I can't tell you or share my deepest fears, hurts, or dreams.
You are such a Barnabus! {His name even means encourager.} You are a God-sized dreamer yourself. Your desire to reach out to other women that are hurting or alone is just awesome. I know that the women in your group are blessed just as I was. You make it so easy to talk to you. You are not judging them but hearing their hearts. You understand the hurts and the loneliness they are going through and you aren't afraid to share your heart with them. I know you couldn't do the things you do alone, but you see, God shines through you so brightly that we can't miss it.
You are the skin that shows us what our Father is like. You are the arms that surround us when we hurt or the listening ear that is so needed to tell all our woes to. God has used you so greatly in my life. You have given me verses from the Bible so often that are just perfect to my longing heart. You continually make me want to give to others what you have given to me, that longing to fall in love with my Savior and share Him with all I meet and sharing those special verses that seem to be perfect in times of pain and fear.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and praise to God for placing you in my life. I will meet you at our "table".
My dearest friend Anita,
I can't tell you how much I miss you and how your life speaks to me. I can still remember the first time we met, I was not sure we were in the right place but God sent you straight to us and you sat down and welcomed us and then proceeded to want to know, really know about us. I will always remember your sweet and kind ways. You didn't stop there you became my dearest friend.
I had so many walls of protection built around me that it was a fortress. You very gently and persistently helped me remove the walls ,brick by brick, so that I was allowed to be the real me with you. I didn't have to worry about what I said, or go home a fret about our conversation, did I say too much, did I reveal too much, how will she take the words I said. Nope, you gave me the freedom to be the real me! What a new and refreshing experience for me. A bit scary but wonderful. Now I don't think there is anything I can't tell you or share my deepest fears, hurts, or dreams.
You are such a Barnabus! {His name even means encourager.} You are a God-sized dreamer yourself. Your desire to reach out to other women that are hurting or alone is just awesome. I know that the women in your group are blessed just as I was. You make it so easy to talk to you. You are not judging them but hearing their hearts. You understand the hurts and the loneliness they are going through and you aren't afraid to share your heart with them. I know you couldn't do the things you do alone, but you see, God shines through you so brightly that we can't miss it.
You are the skin that shows us what our Father is like. You are the arms that surround us when we hurt or the listening ear that is so needed to tell all our woes to. God has used you so greatly in my life. You have given me verses from the Bible so often that are just perfect to my longing heart. You continually make me want to give to others what you have given to me, that longing to fall in love with my Savior and share Him with all I meet and sharing those special verses that seem to be perfect in times of pain and fear.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and praise to God for placing you in my life. I will meet you at our "table".
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
New Concept . . . FUN
Take some time to play
These words take on a whole new meaning when you get a little older. What I wouldn't give to be able to run and twirl like a little girl. To take absolute joy in running as fast as I can! However that is not play now. I looked at the list of things Holley mentioned to get an idea of what I might do to "play".
Pintrest, hmmm perhaps that would be fun. So I set up an account. Not fun like I remember more stress than fun as I am not sure what the directions are telling me and why this is to be fun. Let's move on to something else.
Read a book. Now that is an easy one. I have a Kindle and read all the time. Not different enough to be called fun.
Make a craft. I love to do that. So that is the idea that energizes me. Have you seen those "bouquets" in the grocery stores that are made of candy instead of flowers? Well, I decided to give a try for one of those. I go to a gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to keep what mobility I have. I don't do the treadmill or the weights but I do aerobics in the pool. It is just me and the lifeguards most days. They are college students for the most part. They are very faithful sitting in the chair with their life float at hand. They will be the object of my craft attempt! How fun.
So I set out to plan this gift. If I put it in a vase the glass is not good for pool area so I get a child's sand bucket. I need something to attach the candy to so get some skewers. Hmm how to make it so they stand up in the bottom of the bucket? I go to the floral section and get a half circle Styrofoam. Now for the candy. Awesome! Hershey bars are on sale and to cover the half circle a bag of Starburst. I have counted the pictures of the lifeguards and have enough candy bars for each one and one extra just in case. I write a thank you on the shovel. Pretty cool! I take it and it is received with great joy. Now that was great fun and I think it qualifies as "Play".
It did just what Holley suggested, it was better than twirling until I fell down giggling. It has left a smile on my face for days. Thanks Holley for reminding us life is not just working away but having fun!
These words take on a whole new meaning when you get a little older. What I wouldn't give to be able to run and twirl like a little girl. To take absolute joy in running as fast as I can! However that is not play now. I looked at the list of things Holley mentioned to get an idea of what I might do to "play".
Pintrest, hmmm perhaps that would be fun. So I set up an account. Not fun like I remember more stress than fun as I am not sure what the directions are telling me and why this is to be fun. Let's move on to something else.
Read a book. Now that is an easy one. I have a Kindle and read all the time. Not different enough to be called fun.
Make a craft. I love to do that. So that is the idea that energizes me. Have you seen those "bouquets" in the grocery stores that are made of candy instead of flowers? Well, I decided to give a try for one of those. I go to a gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to keep what mobility I have. I don't do the treadmill or the weights but I do aerobics in the pool. It is just me and the lifeguards most days. They are college students for the most part. They are very faithful sitting in the chair with their life float at hand. They will be the object of my craft attempt! How fun.
So I set out to plan this gift. If I put it in a vase the glass is not good for pool area so I get a child's sand bucket. I need something to attach the candy to so get some skewers. Hmm how to make it so they stand up in the bottom of the bucket? I go to the floral section and get a half circle Styrofoam. Now for the candy. Awesome! Hershey bars are on sale and to cover the half circle a bag of Starburst. I have counted the pictures of the lifeguards and have enough candy bars for each one and one extra just in case. I write a thank you on the shovel. Pretty cool! I take it and it is received with great joy. Now that was great fun and I think it qualifies as "Play".
It did just what Holley suggested, it was better than twirling until I fell down giggling. It has left a smile on my face for days. Thanks Holley for reminding us life is not just working away but having fun!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Be Still and KNOW. . .
Set aside a particular time this week to be with Him–to pray, journal, take a walk or simply sit quietly and listen. Write a post sharing what your heart hears or receives .
Being still is not something I do well, at least my mind finds it hard to be still. I have all the best intentions but no cooperation. As I thought about this post I decided to give it my very best effort. Little did I know this would turn out to be the biggest challenge I have had in a long while.
This has been a very difficult week with the people I love, my family. Many times I found myself in tears not knowing what to do to do right. My stillness was no where to be found. I was in the "fix it" mode but there was no fixing these problems.
As I sat in my quiet time with God, {not so quiet as I was fretting over my family situation}I finally became very still. My mind traveled to when the angels broke into song at the birth of the King of kings. I wondered what that must have sounded like. Then I started to think about what it would be like to join that "choir" of awesome praise. I know that we are made to praise God. I just didn't feel too much like breaking into singing right then. But the more I sat there in quiet contemplation I realized that I can choose to wallow in something I have absolutely no control over or praise God for what he is going to do. So with tears streaming down my face I, timidly at first, praised God for him being right there with me. Hmm, that wasn't so hard! Then I thought of my favorite songs and picked out lines that were so uplifting and said them to my companion and He in turn started to fill my heart with a sweet peace. As I continued to think of things to thank Him for He continued to lift up my entire spirit until I was at such peace it was amazing. My tears were gone replaced by a calmness and peace that He was in control and He would bring us all through this.
I have since let go of trying to be in control {at least for this situation}and figure out the outcome on my own.{Not happening anyway} The peace continues, He has moved us through this and the outcome looks so much brighter. Perhaps I can sing with that heavenly host and blend my thanksgivings with theirs after all.
We all have a choice, wallowing in "what ifs" or praise God for His hand on our shoulder leading the way through to victory. Why do I always choose the wrong one first? Lord help me to remember this quiet time with you so the next time I choose to praise you first!
Being still is not something I do well, at least my mind finds it hard to be still. I have all the best intentions but no cooperation. As I thought about this post I decided to give it my very best effort. Little did I know this would turn out to be the biggest challenge I have had in a long while.
This has been a very difficult week with the people I love, my family. Many times I found myself in tears not knowing what to do to do right. My stillness was no where to be found. I was in the "fix it" mode but there was no fixing these problems.
As I sat in my quiet time with God, {not so quiet as I was fretting over my family situation}I finally became very still. My mind traveled to when the angels broke into song at the birth of the King of kings. I wondered what that must have sounded like. Then I started to think about what it would be like to join that "choir" of awesome praise. I know that we are made to praise God. I just didn't feel too much like breaking into singing right then. But the more I sat there in quiet contemplation I realized that I can choose to wallow in something I have absolutely no control over or praise God for what he is going to do. So with tears streaming down my face I, timidly at first, praised God for him being right there with me. Hmm, that wasn't so hard! Then I thought of my favorite songs and picked out lines that were so uplifting and said them to my companion and He in turn started to fill my heart with a sweet peace. As I continued to think of things to thank Him for He continued to lift up my entire spirit until I was at such peace it was amazing. My tears were gone replaced by a calmness and peace that He was in control and He would bring us all through this.
I have since let go of trying to be in control {at least for this situation}and figure out the outcome on my own.{Not happening anyway} The peace continues, He has moved us through this and the outcome looks so much brighter. Perhaps I can sing with that heavenly host and blend my thanksgivings with theirs after all.
We all have a choice, wallowing in "what ifs" or praise God for His hand on our shoulder leading the way through to victory. Why do I always choose the wrong one first? Lord help me to remember this quiet time with you so the next time I choose to praise you first!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)