God-sized Dreams

Where Dreams Set Sail

Being Rebuilt As We Dare To Dream

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At the age of 8, I wrote my first song…and little did I know of the journey music would soon take me on. At age 11, I performed my song, “Lost In My Future”, for the first time ever in a school talent show, and it was after I came off of the stage that night, hands still shaking and face still red with a rush of nervous excitement, that I knew I was called to be a performing artist and songwriter.

Although the dream came early and the music came passionately, stage fright and the fear of being misunderstood still gripped me. During my first few years of pursuing music, I experienced bullying in school like I never had before. I sat alone at the lunch table, was uninvited to gatherings of my peers, and was set apart for being “different” and “weird” because I was “too” focused on my music career. Still, amid all of the pain, I found solace in my songwriting, my family, my growing faith, and a few close friends.

As the years passed by and I grew in age as well as artistry, playing more and more shows and meeting many unique people along the way, I began to realize that what I had found in music was truly a gift from God.

The moment I realized the impact and beauty that music, words, and sharing your heart could have was after playing a show at Due South Coffee Roasters in Taylors, South Carolina. One of the baristas came up to me and said that he had been listening to one of my songs, “Promised Myself”, and that it was the first time he’d ever truly felt like someone understood him. He didn’t feel so alone after listening to my song. This inspired me in such a deep way that I wanted to connect with and help more people. I started a school program called “Dare To Dream”, sharing my story of being bullied, pursuing my dream, and hoping to inspire other young people in middle school and high school to embrace their uniqueness. 

My faith drove this new venture.

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On New Year’s Day in 2016, as I was watching a sermon online from Elevation Church, I felt the intense desire to know God more take root in my heart.  I had been baptized two years previous and believed in God my whole life, but for the first time I decided to take up my own cross. Not only was a whole new heart being revealed in me, His love growing in my spirit, but I was being prepared to face one of my biggest battles yet.

As 2016 came to a close, 2017 opened up a difficult chapter for me. It started out with an exciting new album, a budding new relationship, and a string of trips planned to write and tour. These were all things that should have and could have brought joy to my life, yet I found myself growing anxious. I repeated that this was just a “busy season” to people when they asked how I was doing as I tried to remain calm in the midst of an increasing amount of stress. The behind the scenes toll of the day-to-day checklists that weren’t being completed, the pressure of perfectionism I put on myself, the lack of rest, the hours of traveling, the relationship that was suffering, the intrusive negative thoughts that seemed consuming, all added to my depleting strength. In July of 2017 I found myself at an all-time-low.

It was during this confusing, tense, and dark time that I clung to the hope I had found in Jesus.

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For months my cry out was a beg to God that my mind could return to the confident, strong, faith-filled, passionate woman I knew I used to be. My cry out was that I would just make it through the day without being consumed by sadness. My cry out was that He would fill me with his strength, and my declaration was that He did not give me a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and sound mind. At first these moments of anguish stripped my confidence and tainted my belief in myself and my talent, but I would gladly endure the trials again for the joy that was set before me in Jesus.

 To this day I am currently being rebuilt by God stronger and more resilient than before.

In the past few weeks alone, God has given me new freedom and a new vision for my future in my career and personal life. It is because of Him that I have been inspired again, have forgiven myself, and am able to love so much deeper.

I am a singer, writer, speaker, pianist, and believer…running after Jesus. My story will not be defined by bullies, setbacks, anxiety, stress, or depression. When I trip, as I will, Jesus is right there lifting me up and helping me continue running. So to whoever is reading this, wherever you are at on your dream journey, I encourage you…the darkness doesn’t even stand a chance as long as we are running after God with Jesus at our side.

Kylie Odetta is a 20 year old independent artist/writer.
You can find her at her website and on Instagram and YouTube.

Take a Step Forward

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On Wednesdays, we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Elizabeth Livingston to God-sized Dreams. She shares the important reminder of walking in obedience to God when He calls us to do something. Thanks so much for sharing your words with us today, Elizabeth!

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A few days back I was going through my diary of 2017 and reflecting on my life during the past year. There were many challenges trying to block my way, but God led me faithfully through, in His grace and strength.

I also was identifying the achievements I had last year. One of the biggest achievements was my blog. I still can’t believe I have begun to write. I definitely can’t come into the category of writers yet, but blogging has given me a platform to share God’s Word and its principles with others. It gives me immense joy to see my life become a source of blessing through it.

The blogging idea was actually given to me by a friend, and I didn’t take it much seriously in the beginning. I could see more impossibilities than possibilities of having my own blog. But after praying and thinking much about it, I began to write. And to my surprise, I have written more than 35 articles in the past years which became channels of blessing and encouragement for others.

It’s not about pride but about thankfulness to God, Who found me as a worthy vessel.

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Many of my articles were written in the midst of my deepest pain and intense frustrations. At times I faced limitations of good English phrases, and my writings didn’t sound professional. Often, I felt disqualified, inadequate and criticised in my attempts to be a blogger. There were even times when I thought that I was stuck by my circumstances and there was no other escape except quitting. My mood swings, family issues and health issues didn’t allow me to feel like writing.

But all these adverse situations actually allowed me to rely on God completely rather than on my own understanding and strength. God brought people into my life who helped me with proofreading, shared their ideas and suggestions to improve my blog, and supported me with their prayers so I that I could continue my writing.

In my attempt to write, what I have learned along the way is that God doesn’t want perfection from us; He wants us to be willing to answer His call. When He puts something in your heart or uses people to tell you what He wants to do through you, it’s very important that we take a step forward with willingness, despite our limitations. He knows our shortcomings, our inabilities and our fears. This is where He strengthens us for His work.

He never calls the perfect, but He perfects the called.

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And over the last couple of years, I can see how much I have grown in my understanding of His love and grace. As I wrote the blog for the encouragement of others, I myself was encouraged and blessed.

Is God calling you to do something for His glory today? Do you feel you aren’t skilled or capable to do that work? Do you think you might fail in your attempt? Do you even think that you will be mocked or criticised by people?

I want to encourage you to take a step forward. God isn’t looking for perfection from us, but He is looking for our obedience and willingness. Don’t focus on your limitations, but let God work on them as you do what He has asked you to do.

Allow His strength to become perfect in your weaknesses.

The work He wants to begin in you, He is faithful to complete it. What matters is that you do the work to your best ability and trust God with the rest.

Nobody is perfect except God, so don’t worry…go ahead and accomplish what He has purposed for your life!

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

Elizabeth Livingston writes to encourage others through God’s Word and her life experiences. She writes to point people to the hope and love of Jesus in the midst of their trials. She believes God has unique plans for each one of our lives and when we embrace His promises and His plans, we can live a life which brings glory to His name. She is a wife, mother and a budding writer who wants to reflect God’s love, truth, and grace through her words. She lives in Trivandrum, Kerala, India with her husband, Nevin, and children Asher and Athalie. You can connect with her at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

The Real Relationship

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God is working ALL things out for my good.

On Wednesdays, we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome back Maria Drayton to God-sized Dreams. She shares how God opened her eyes to His love for each of His children. Thanks for being here today, Maria!

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It was almost impossible for me to understand the love of God before I became a parent. Even in that struggle to know Him, it became even more difficult because my father was not present in my life growing up. For many years I sought out the affection of men to fill the need I had for love and affection. I wish I could say that I had a great example in my mother in what to look for in men, but I didn’t. Not only was my father not in my life, the next male figure I had was my sister’s father who was not only abusive to my mother but to me also.

After many years of watching her searching for the love of a man, and many years of watching her fail at those relationships, I really had no clear representation of a true male figure in my life. After many years of beating my own head against the wall with failed relationships, I had come to the end of myself…the end of everything I had been taught or shown and I was desperate. Desperate to know Him because I had nowhere else to go but up.

But when the Lord came knocking on the door of my heart, I did not trust Him. I trusted no man. And I definitely couldn’t trust or love God.

Trust took a couple of decades for Him to build inside my heart. I remember in the beginning of my seeking Him, all He would say if I asked Him anything was, “Trust me.” Now again this took years for me to recognize His voice. I remember at one point I realized it was easiest for me to recognize His voice because it was almost always opposite from my own. During those years, the Holy Spirit was my teacher. He taught me, “Mine is the first voice you will always hear; anything after is not from Me.”

So I was learning to trust Him, but it was a struggle and wasn’t easy. All my life I had been taught to believe what I saw, not what I could not see. But the years passed; the trials came, the tears fell, the victories were few and far between but still they came. I believe He made it that way so that I would learn to simply “trust Him.”

My daily mantra became, “I don’t care what it looks like; it’s all working for my good.”

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It wasn’t until I had my son that I truly begin to see things thru God’s eyes. Oh, the love I had for this child. It was immediate. He didn’t have to work for it, I just gave it freely. It didn’t matter what he did, I had mercy and grace to cover it. But one day the Lord showed me something else. He showed me how heart-broken He was when His children don’t want a relationship with Him.

Although He gave His love freely and was ever-merciful and patient, there was no relationship. That’s what He truly longs for…a relationship. He showed me with my own son one day thru an analogy.

“What if after having your son, loving him, taking care of him, and training him, one day he decided that he was going to leave your home and never call, never stop by to visit, never send pictures, never share his world with you (his life challenges, dreams, friends), how would you feel? This is what is happening in the world today.”

I was heartbroken.  I understood.  All He wants is a relationship.  Jesus spoke of this often in parables,

Matthew 25:11-13 tells us, “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’  “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

May we desire to simply know Him. To honestly seek Him, talk to Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him and ultimately be lifted up by Him. That is my prayer, for us to grow up in the knowledge of Him.

1 Peter 2:1-3: “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.  Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”

Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash

 

Maria Drayton, originally from Seattle, Washington is a graduate of Washington State University and has a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Communications. Maria has traveled all over the United States but currently resides in Deptford, New Jersey, with her husband and son. With a passion for the Lord, she has been serving and walking with Him since 1990 and desires to bring a young, fresh, new look into intimacy with God. Since 2001, she has attended Bethel Deliverance Church and desires to begin a women’s ministry for young women to learn to apply God’s Word in their daily lives.

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Do you have a God-sized Dream story to tell? We’d love to have you share your journey with us!
Visit our Guest Post Submissions page to learn more!

When God’s Calling Makes No Sense

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When God's Calling Makes No Sense

On Wednesdays, we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Edie Emory to God-sized Dreams. She shares how we can trust God even if His calling doesn’t make sense to us. Thanks for sharing your story here today, Edie!

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God didn’t ask me what I thought. He gave no indication that He cared about my comfort at all.

I knew my faith had grown stagnant. I was settled into my life with my job, my family, that steady income that always paid the bills. Sure, I went to church, participated in various ministries, even had a quiet time in the morning.

But I was too comfortable.

So He made me uncomfortable.

The job I had loved became something I dreaded.

Leaving my child for nine hours of daycare got harder.

All the things I had enjoyed about my day-to-day life no longer gave me joy.

Misery was my new companion. Unhappiness was my most frequent emotion.

I wanted to be home with my son and to start using the gift of writing that God had given me. I didn’t mind working a part-time job to make it happen, but on paper, a part-time job wouldn’t cut it to meet our needs. I thought maybe something more flexible might work, so I began to apply for other jobs that were fewer hours and had more flexibility. The interviews I had were great but never panned out.

God spoke to me almost as if we were sitting face-to-face. He told me to stop trying to find a solution on my own and just trust Him. He told me to put in a notice at my job and prepare to come home to my son. And leave the details to Him.

Now, I have to tell you that I need security in every aspect of my life and nowhere is this truer than in my finances. I really thought I must have misheard Him. After all, we were already pushing the budget to its limits with the two full-time incomes we had.

But the more I went on, the more I realized that He was telling me to leave my job, with its security and the steady paycheck. Not only that, but He wanted me to write.

So I started a blog, thinking that would be the money-maker that would replace that income. But it didn’t.

I checked out some remote work opportunities thinking that they would bring the money in to placate my fears. But none of them did that.

My husband was presented with a possible opportunity to move up in his job. Surely this was it! But he didn’t get the job.

So the date that I had set to leave my job came and went and I still saw no way that we would be able to make ends meet. But I kept on trusting, even when it didn’t make sense.

June was okay. We had some leftover income from my full-time job and it would be tight but we would be fine.

But when I started to look at July’s budget…yikes.

I honestly did not know how our bills would be paid. We were several hundred dollars in the hole. So I took that deficit and put it in an income category on our budget worksheet called “God.” Although I knew He provided all of our income, I knew He was going to have to do something extraordinary to make that extra income we needed happen.

So maybe He would give me a great work-at-home job that would pay it.

Nope.

Maybe my husband would get a big bonus for the month that would cover it.

Nope.

Perhaps a long lost relative would send us a big, fat check.

Nope.

Honestly, at the end of the month, I don’t know how He provided. He just did. All I know is that we went from several hundred dollars in the hole at the beginning of July to have a surplus at the end of July. And we didn’t even have to use any savings.

That’s God.

When His calling doesn’t seem to make any sense at all, He has a higher purpose.

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And when He works, He doesn’t do it in the ways that seem the most reasonable to us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

If we had achieved our budget through the means I thought was best, we might have taken some credit. But He did it in ways that would only allow us to point to Him as our sustenance and provider.

There are still days when I’m not sure quite how we will make it. And honestly, there are days when I question this place to which He has led us. But one thing I do know:

“if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

 Thankfully, His faithfulness does not depend on our fluctuations between worry and trust. I know He will continue to provide.

His faithfulness does not depend on our fluctuations between worry and trust.

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Even when it doesn’t make sense to me.

Photo by Mika Matin on Unsplash

 

Edie Emory is a wife, mom, and daughter of the King from South Carolina. After years in a traditional work environment, she has come home to be with her young son and pursue her passion for ministry through writing. She also enjoys spending time with her family, singing, reading, baking, watching sports, and serving in her church. You can connect with Edie on her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, IG and Pinterest.

 

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Do you have a God-sized Dream story to tell? We’d love to have you share your journey with us!
Visit our Guest Post Submissions page to learn more!

What I Wish I’d Known

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Isabella Morganthal to God-sized Dreams. She shares some things she wishes she had known when she first began chasing her dreams. Thanks for sharing your story here today, Isabella!

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I was born a dreamer.

My personality is naturally extroverted and I’ve always been that enthusiastic, outgoing (sometimes crazy), believer-in-the-impossible. All I had to do was imagine a new idea and I would go after it wholeheartedly, even if it wasn’t guaranteed to succeed. Thankfully, not all of my childhood ideas did succeed.

Growing up, I dreamed of writing. I dreamed of serving Jesus in the foreign mission field. I dreamed of changing my world.

When I look back on the girl I used to be, I can’t help but smile. Even so, there are many things I wish I had known then that I know now. So many things I wish I could tell my twelve-year-old self.

But since I can’t, my hope is that somehow I can encourage you with the things I’ve learned over the years, and that somehow they’ll help you in your own wonderful adventure of dreaming.

Pursuing your dreams means risking failure. I’ve always been a little bit of a perfectionist. Okay, maybe I’m a lot of a perfectionist. Either way, I hate failing. And because of this I almost didn’t publish my first book.

Writing was my life and being published was my deepest dream. But the honest truth was that I was terrified of failing. I was so scared that no one would like my book that I almost didn’t publish at all.

Looking back, I would’ve missed out on such a wonderful adventure if I had let my fear of failure hold me back from the dream God had for me.

Pursuing your God-given dream means risking failure.

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You might not know how it’s going to turn out, and that’s okay. He knows. He knows exactly how everything is going to turn out, and trust me…that is enough.

Not all dreams are meant to come true. Maybe the hardest part of dreaming is knowing that our dreams might never happen.

I still remember a season of my life where I held onto a dream I’d had for a long time. It seemed silly to some, but to me it was everything I’d hoped for. And then one day…it was gone. Circumstances in my life prevented my dream from coming true. I was devastated as I asked God why. My dream was good, so why did You take it away? I questioned.

Friend, sometimes our dreams don’t come true because God has a much better dream in mind. His dreams are always better in the end. The death of our dreams hurts. But what I had to learn during that difficult season of my life was that we cannot embrace the new dreams God has for us unless we allow some of our old dreams to be buried.

God’s got something better coming for you.

You’re never too young and never too old to dream. When I was fourteen, I used to dream that someday I would change the world. I wanted my life to count. But the problem was that I considered myself to be too young.

Sometimes I think as dreamers we put age limits on our dreams. “Well, I’m not this certain age yet so I couldn’t do that dream.” Or, “I’m too old to pursue this dream now, so I might as well give it up.”

Those are lies.

God’s dreams for your life do not have an age limit.

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You are never too old or too young to pursue God’s dreams for your life. Think about Esther. She was most likely a young teenager when she became queen, and God did great things through her. Maybe this is your “for such a time as this” moment. Embrace it.

Friend, if you’re pursuing your God-given dream, keep going. Go after the dream God has placed in your heart. It won’t always be easy and sometimes your dreams may have to die before you reach the end of your journey. But it’s worth it in the end.

I promise.


Isabella Morganthal is a twenty-year-old writer, dreamer, and daughter of the King. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and has loved every minute of it. She founded her magazine ministry when she was fifteen and has self-published four books. She’d love to connect with you at her little corner of the internet that she calls Worth it All or at her Instagram. To God be the glory!

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Do you have a God-sized Dream story to tell? We’d love to have you share your journey with us!
Visit our Guest Post Submissions page to learn more!

 

Butterfly

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Janae Mercier to God-sized Dreams. She reminds us that, though life can often bring challenges, our Creator has a special purpose for each of us. Thanks for sharing your story here today, Janae!

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Long ago, there was a little butterfly who had emerged from her cocoon. She found that she was not like the rest of the world. There were obstacles that threatened to bring her down. She prevailed and grew to become beautiful in the eyes of her Creator…

My name is Janae, which means a gift from God. I was born almost thirty years ago to parents who had no idea how they would be changed and transformed by the challenges it has taken to raise me to the woman I am today.

There were complications right from the beginning.  Before I was born, the doctors knew that something was not right.

I was born with a kidney that was not functioning the way that it was supposed to and was hospitalized many times because of this as an infant and as a child. At the age of two, I had surgery to remove the kidney that had failed. I can still remember the popsicle that I received after the surgery was finished. Prior to the surgery, I can recall seeing a little girl who was fighting a very different battle than my own. At the time, I had no understanding of what illness she had, but I now recognize it as leukemia. I could not comprehend why I was in the hospital. This was the beginning of the life that God had created for me alone to walk.

Many years went by until I was nine years old and in grade four. My parents started to notice that I could not keep up with the other children at school as we learned new concepts. Grade four was a pivotal age…I started to fall through the cracks. My parents had seen me fall behind before but had not thought anything of it.

I had trouble learning to speak. My mom and brother were the only ones who could understand me when I talked, and I was referred to a speech therapist for a few years before kindergarten.

I also had difficulty catching a ball, learning to ride my bike without the training wheels and understanding the concept of basketball when my parents thought I should try a team sport activity.

At precisely the right time on December 31, 1997; my mom made an appointment with a receptionist to see a children’s psychologist. She had only come to briefly clean her desk and decided to answer the phone during the holiday season.

Shortly after, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome by the psychologist.

Fast forward to today; I have had many ups and downs. I am still facing the trials that come with a higher functioning disability that is not understood by the general population of the world. It is a disability not attributed to be physically seen and uncommon in girls. I am learning that I do have barriers as an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome which include anxiety and fear when facing changes in my life.

But, I have overcome and succeeded in many areas of my life.

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I have learned to drive, traveled the world, attended Capernwray Hall Bible school in England and been on mission trips to Zambia, Italy and Mexico. I have found community in my church and lifelong friends who strengthen my faith in Jesus. I have become a prayer warrior, learned to serve and seen healing take place in my own life.

I used to be ashamed that God created me with Asperger’s Syndrome but He has transformed my life to accept what I cannot change. I desire to share my story and to create a ministry that will go beyond what I can imagine as I step into the calling that God has created for me.

I am the butterfly in God’s story and will walk in obedience to His whispers.

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“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit…”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

Janae Mercier was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and still calls it home and is a Northern girl at heart. She loves all things Disney – especially Disneyland, the colour pink, traveling the world, horses, country music, and her two dogs Ben and Sammy. As a single woman, she is active in serving within her church, city, and occasionally the world through short term missions and is inspired by the story of Corrie ten Boom in following God’s calling for her life. You can find her at her blog, The Little Things of Life, or on Instagram.

Dreams of Old, Next Steps of New

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome back our friend Julie Dibble to God-sized Dreams. She is sharing how God has transformed her dreams! Thanks for being here today, Julie!

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God can transform anything.

He parted seas, healed the blind and empowered one smallish lad to beat down a giant. Reshaping and Christ-like-molding are His specialties. Why wouldn’t He change my dreams?

In my Godless days, I was restless, searching for something to excite my deadpan soul. Upon return from a weekend trip or as the new job lost its luster, I crashed. Any elevation in my mood dwindled, like when a full balloon pops and wildly sails until it lands lifeless and flat.

In those days, being resourceful and creating solutions to my less-than fulfilling life sustained me. Never did I fear of making a change, whether large or small. The tenacity and perseverance were blessings from above, though I had no awareness of that. In vain, I pursued ways to increase my serotonin against the gray backdrop of my life.

People saw the Julie who dreamed of moving, improved careers, and new relationships.

Yes, I fulfilled those dreams on the outside while I crumbled on the inside.

Over the last four years with following Jesus, my dreams have minimized like the screen we save on the computer. His call on my life is specific: I am to write and speak for His glory. He commissioned me to share life stories that reveal His power. It is such a privilege to be part of His Kingdom work that I cannot imagine doing anything else.

You may think the latter sounds like BIG dreams being actualized by His Highest through me.

However, these were not my dreams to start, they were His commands to follow.

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I credit Jesus with preparing me for public speaking in my prior careers before I knew Him. And as a child I wanted to be an author, no doubt a seed He planted in my embryo’s heart.

Now is the time I answer His call.

If you love me, keep my commands.
John 14:15 (NIV)

Humbled, I follow Him. He orchestrated my attendance at two speaking and two writing conferences in the past three years. Publications, minor and major, have confirmed I am doing as He has asked. In the second half of this year, several speaking doors have opened. Through each door I will go, armed with prayer and my Lord’s sword of truth and light.

What’s next? I ask myself. My ministry is growing. It needs a name. That is one next step, one lighted block for me to do. Yet, I refuse to accomplish this alone. With a prayer team and meditating on Scripture, I will arrive at a decision with Him. (stay tuned for the ministry and website reveal!).

After my history of reaching prideful goals and fanciful dances away from stress, I believe Jesus has whittled away the ever-tempting dreaming compartments in my soul. Spiritual lessons to surrender have eradicated the old meandering and avoidant behavior.

Take heart, friends, I still have dreams. Dreams to draw closer to Him.

With a willing soul, I thirst for His wisdom…His touch…the intimacy of abiding with Him.

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God is everywhere, so experiencing Him can be anywhere. My neighborhood walks, phone conversations with a friend, a couch-snuggle with my husband, cupping my son’s freckled cheeks, checking on my planted pumpkins. The list goes on and on just like His love for us.

As I lean in, I look forward to experiencing more of God as I step out I faith. I am still surprised when I consider His work thus far in me…from the girl who couldn’t sit still in her miserable life to the obedient woman of God who chases only Jesus.

Embrace His amazing power in your any-size dreams. The possibilities are endless.

Julie Dibble, MA is a Christian Speaker and Author who is passionate about sharing Jesus’ love and truth. Immersing herself in her fourteenth year of marriage and mothering two boys, Julie drinks only strong coffee. Each day, she collects words to speak and write for His glory. She has two published articles in Purpose Magazine and is working on her first book.  Connect with Julie’s writing at her blog and follow her speaking on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

He Never Gives Up

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Maria Drayton to God-sized Dreams. She shares some encouragement and wisdom for those times we are facing trials. Thanks for being here today, Maria!

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We had just celebrated Labor Day. The weather was still hot and humid. My mom had called and asked me to stop by for a visit after church. She lived in Delaware and I stayed in Pennsylvania but because my move to PA had been recent, I still hadn’t found a new church and still drove to Delaware on Sundays for service. Often I stopped by my mother’s after church service so I did not think it was odd that she had requested the same this Sunday.

Service was exuberating as usual. I still was on my natural high of spending time in the Lord’s presence as I drove the two minutes to my mother’s house. When I walked in I noticed quickly she had been crying. I found that odd considering it was Sunday and I knew what a devoted Christian woman she was. Hadn’t she gone to church today? I thought to myself. All I noticed is that she was visibly upset. She asked me to come downstairs so that she could talk to me.

As she talked, my world began to close in around me. It seemed like the room was shrinking in size as she spoke quietly and explained to me that she had been diagnosed with Stage VI Colon Cancer. The condition was terminal. The rest of that day was a blur that I can’t remember even though I’ve tried.

After her diagnosis, I had resolved in my spirit that “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4.

So, I committed myself to her and her daily needs of doctor’s appointments, cooking, cleaning, going to the pharmacy…whatever she needed, I did. I posted Scriptures of healing all over her house and hospital room when she stayed there.

I was standing on God’s Word and believed He would heal my mother.

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That was my belief and I was unwavering. I knew He would heal her and I waited for it.

Well, He didn’t heal her. She passed. It was only five months later that she was gone.

My whole world seemed to change in just six months. Only months before, things were great. I was learning all about the love of God, praising Him, walking with Him and just growing in His truths.

Now, I was mad.  I wasn’t just mad but angry, hurt, disappointed, and depressed. I felt like God abandoned me and all my hopes were gone. She had been my best friend, my mother, my father, my everything.

How could I believe God anymore? How could I trust Him after this?

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I had believed, I had prayed, I had my Pastor go and pray over her, and still she died. My faith had been shaken. I wasn’t sure what to believe anymore…all I knew is that I was angry. Angry at God.

I wish I had more paper and time to fully explain everything The Lord did for me in the months after and the years to come. He literally carried me through the following years. My faith had been shattered, my hope was all gone, and I had given up. But God didn’t give up on me. The Holy Spirit ensured me that if I got out of bed, He would do the rest. And He did.

Today it is fourteen years after that day. Today, I love Jesus more than before. Not because of what He did for me but who He has been to me. He has been my mother, father, sister, friend, husband, doctor, lawyer, mechanic, decorator, and builder, just everything. Scripture has become alive for me. He carried me for many years after until I was able to walk on my own again. He blessed me with a son a year after my mother died. I named him after my mom. I am also married now…another answered prayer.

Today I want to encourage the reader of this story. I don’t believe in coincidence, and if you are reading this, it was meant for you.

Wherever you are in life, please know that He has not forgotten you, knows where you are and will bring you to an expected end in Him. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (KJV)

God has truly given me beauty for ashes.

Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for The spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Maria Drayton, originally from Seattle, Washington is a graduate of Washington State University and has a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Communications.  Maria has traveled all over the United States but currently resides in Deptford, New Jersey with her husband and son. With a passion for the Lord, she has been serving and walking with Him since 1990 and desires to bring a young, fresh, new look into intimacy with God.  Since 2001, she attends Bethel Deliverance Church and desires to begin a women’s ministry for young women to learn to apply God’s Word in their daily lives.

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Do you have a God-sized Dream story to tell? We’d love to have you share your journey with us!
Visit our Guest Post Submissions page to learn more!

China Calling

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Giana Hesterberg to God-sized Dreams. She reminds us of the importance of obedience in each step of our journey as we live out what God has called us to do. Thanks for being here today, Giana!

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In order to understand present-day circumstances, sometimes we need to go back to where they all began. In the summer of 2001, I packed a small suitcase and backpack and ventured to Ningxia University in Yinchuan, China. Together with a group of students and leaders from Central College (my alma mater) and Drake University, China became our home for the next six weeks.

While there, we became Chinese. At least, that’s what it felt like in our souls. We lived, ate with, bathed with (read: communal showering equals social time, typically about two hours), laughed and cried with, and loved our Asian peers. Eating spicy noodles at the night market and drinking warm tea on a hot summer day became the norm.

Our schedules consisted of our Asian counterparts teaching us about Chinese culture and language, and we in turn taught them about American life. I was in charge of the lesson on American Literature, and checked out a few books from the library before going abroad. The day of our English lesson, I talked about Dr. Seuss and his influence on children’s literature. When I was done, I read aloud his book, What Was I Scared Of?, to the auditorium full of college students and adults.

In the style of my childhood teachers, I turned the book around and showed the audience pictures after every couple of pages. About halfway through the reading, I looked out into the crowd and they were completely silent—captivated by this children’s story! I looked around and immediately thought, “This is it. This is what I am meant to do with the rest of my life.”

On the flight back to the U.S., I decided I would declare my major that fall semester of my sophomore year: education.

I sensed the undeniable call of the Lord on my life, and the thrilling possibilities!

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I spent seven years in the public school system, teaching 5th, 6th and 7th grade. Though some years were more memorable than others, I never doubted I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

About 8 months after my firstborn son arrived, I resigned from teaching in order to stay home with him. My husband and I had decided towards the beginning of our courtship that I would stay home with our children when the time came. The reactions from my co-workers ranged from “Good for you!” to “Are you crazy?!”

Though being a full-time wife and mother took some adjustment, I never once regretted my decision. The past five years since resigning have been full of joy, gratitude, learning curves, frugality and plenty of milestones as I have spent every day, 24/7, with my three children. I also worked part-time, giving piano lessons and working for a local magazine. I thoroughly enjoyed both jobs and the supplemental income they brought in.

I knew the day would come when I would return to the classroom, but I was unsure when that would be, or what it would look like. Ever striving to keep the Lord and then my family first, I simply continued what I was called to do during that particular season of life.

Just this past Sunday, July 31st, the answer became clear. Our pastor began teaching a series on 2 Timothy, and encouraged us to “fan into flame the spiritual gifts God gave us,” (2 Timothy 1:6). The previous Sunday, when we were talking about calling, I had written on my comment card that “I’m called to speak, teach and write.”

Later that week, I was published on a major website for the first time! And yesterday, I was hired by VIPkid to teach ESL to Chinese students online! I would have never imagined another opportunity to work closely with the country and people I grew to love so much, long ago.  But, praise be to “God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

My challenge to you is simple: live your calling or get back on board.

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The Lord knows why he has placed you where you’re at “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14b)

Photo Credit: Unsplash

                                                 

Giana Gallardo Hesterberg is happily married to an amazing Man of God (who happens to be a pastor), and is the mother of three wonderful children. She is a teacher for VIPkid, a company that trains American educators in teaching ESL to Chinese students online. She makes her home, “On the Border, By the Sea,” in Brownsville, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, gardening, baking and connecting with other people. You can connect with Giana on her blog, Stories by the Seashore.

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Do you have a God-sized Dream story to tell? We’d love to have you share your journey with us!
Visit our Guest Post Submissions page to learn more!

God-Centered Dreams

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On Wednesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Vicki Cottingham to God-sized Dreams! She shares the important reminder that, even as distractions and frustrations can often happen when we dream, it’s so important to keep our dreams centered on God. Thank you for being here today, Vicki!

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Do you have a dream, a desire, something that you believe God has planted deep in your soul? It’s often something that would seem to be impossible to accomplish in your own strength. Something way beyond your own abilities and giftings. And it’s something you know will only be fulfilled if God does it through you.

The dream God has sown in my life is to serve Him through my writing and my ministry to women.

However, as is often the case, there is always a time gap between the promises God gives and the fulfillment of those promises.

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And waiting is so hard.

Over time, God has been showing me I’ve been holding too tightly to the dreams He’s given me. When I hold them too tightly, I find I compare myself with others. I see them living out their dream, and I want it for myself, too. I become jealous and envious, frustrated that my dream has not yet become my reality. I then become dissatisfied and discontented with the life God has given me.

So, God is teaching me not to hold my dreams too tightly. He’s not telling me to give up on my dreams, but He is telling me to give them over to Him. He wants me to hold onto them with open hands.

God is showing me that my focus needs to change so that rather than being so taken up with what I don’t yet have and comparing my life with others, I am taken up with my relationship with God…with having Him at the centre of my life and making sure my dreams are God-centred.

When my perspective is God-ward rather than toward others, I see just what he Has done and is doing in my life. I see that whilst my dreams may not yet be fulfilled in the way I long for them to be, I am still able to live them out to some degree. With God’s help, I use the gift of writing He has given me to serve others. With His help, I recognise and appreciate that in small ways, I do have opportunities to minister to other women.

I am learning to give my dreams over to God.

When my dreams are placed back in God’s hands and under his control I know they are in far better hands than mine.

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I am learning to find true contentment in my relationship with God. My contentment is found in making myself available and obedient to Him.

I long to get to the place where I can say with Paul,

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)


Vicki Cottingham lives in the South East of England.  She has a love for God’s Word, studying it and sharing it with others through the written and spoken word.  Her joy of writing led her to writing a regular devotional blog called Hope for Today. Last year one of her dreams became real when she self-published her devotional book: “Dear Friend…52 Weekly Devotions to Encourage, Challenge and Inspire”, available here, which is based on her devotional blogs.