God-sized Dreams

Where Dreams Set Sail

Trusting Even in the Unknown

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The past several weeks have been a true walking out of my faith for me. I often can encourage others well, offer prayer, and support when someone is struggling. But when it comes time for me to listen to my own advice, I falter.

In September I was having some weird medical issues that brought me into my doctor’s office. A cyst was discovered on my only remaining ovary and it was determined that because of its abnormal walls, it needed to come out.

I spent a few awful weeks waiting for the surgery and essentially banned myself from Google because I was having mini panic attacks over all of the possibilities. I had stopped taking my fears to God and instead decided to turn to the wise-old internet to give me the answers I was seeking. It wasn’t comforting and I was wound up tight.

I realized that I had not stopped in all of the craziness to ask God to calm my spirit. Have you ever been there? Stuck in the crazy cycle of trying to manage your life and it just seems to be spinning further and further out of control?

It isn’t a fun place to be!

But, oh the peace that came when I stopped trying to control and anticipate the future and really opened my hands and my heart up and gave my fears over to God. I started by taking time each morning to write out my prayers in a prayer journal. It is something that I had done before but had stopped for a season. It was time to start again.

Writing out my prayers has always been good for me because it helps keep me focused and I can look back and see all the ways God has answered those prayers! Taking even 10 minutes out of my morning to spend time with God in this way was the perfect way to start my day.

In doing that simple practice and continually turning things back over to God, sometimes hour by hour, something started to change in my spirit.

Initially there was talk of possible hormone replacement therapy, which I was not fond of at age 42. So I started turning that over to God. I couldn’t control it if HRT was required…why worry about it now?!

Then when it looked as if there was a smaller possibility that the abnormal walls of the cyst could be indicative of cancer…I had something new to worry about. But once again I turned that worry over. We prayed openly as a family about the surgery and reminded our kids that God would take care of me, no matter what, so they didn’t need to worry.

The night before the surgery I felt such peace. I had no idea what the outcome would be, and honestly, I had steeled myself for the worst possible outcome, and in spite of that I was at peace about whatever would happen. I knew God would be walking with me. Hebrews 6:19 is one of my favorite verses… “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

God has been my anchor my whole life…I just haven’t chosen to acknowledge it at all times.

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There are times I think that I need to be my own anchor, my own support. When this happens I find myself worried and stressed and cranky!! But when I let go of control, I find peace and contentment knowing God ‘s got this.

When I woke up from the surgery I discovered that everything went better than expected. The cyst was normal and it was able to be drained and removed without taking my ovary. All of the fears I could have held on to were unnecessary.

There are so many situations in my life where I have tried to be my own “boss.” I let God have some things, but not everything. I have done it where my dreaming journey is concerned as well. These past few weeks have been a reminder to me that there is a better way.

Trials will come. Whether it is in your personal life or your dream journey, it will never be smooth sailing. How we enter into those trials and walk through them is our choice. We can choose to have peace because God has an abundant supply of peace to offer us, or we can choose to white knuckle it through, pretending that we have it all under control.

I won’t always get it right, I know that. But I am hoping that when the next difficulty comes I will remember this situation and be ready to more quickly hand over control to God.

Are there some things in your life right now that you are trying to manage on your own? May I encourage you to open your hands and your hearts to turning those things over to God?

He is your anchor.

Shared by: Kristin Smith

Photo Credit: Sunny_ravin

Seeing the Possibilities?

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I live in Southwest Minnesota. Beautiful farm country. A few hours north of us you will find an abundance of trees, but here in our area you will find mostly flat ground, corn and soybean fields.

Earlier this spring I was driving out of town and looking across these vast fields on either side of me. I knew that many of the fields had recently been planted, but on that morning no growth could be seen.

To those unfamiliar with farming, their eyes may focus on the barren field. But for some reason that morning I focused on the possibilities I saw. The growth that I knew would come after a few good rainy days and some warmer temperatures.

It wasn’t until more recently that I even had an understanding of all the things that a farmer has to deal with.

When the ground is frozen over the winter and then thaws, rocks deep in the soil push up to the surface of the fields. One of the first things the farmers have to do before they plant their crops is to pick rocks so that those rocks don’t damage their equipment.

The seeds have to be planted at the right time for them to germinate. If the seeds are planted when the ground temperature is too cold they won’t germinate properly and the seeds won’t grow. If they’re planted when it is too wet, the seeds will rot and they won’t grow. If the farmer plants when the conditions aren’t right they may find themselves having to replant so that they will have a harvest in the fall.

There are many factors that the farmers have to consider so that they have the greatest possibility of a successful harvest.

And yet, there are unexpected things that have the potential to ruin a good crop. Just last week a storm brewed a few miles from our community and brought large hail with it. 40 area farmers saw significant damage to their crops, forcing them to determine if there was enough damage or time to warrant a replant.

I have often thought that the farmer must be a bit of a dreamer. They have a resilience that you don’t often see. They have discovered how to weather a storm. They push forward even through difficult times and they see the possibilities with each new growing season.

I was struck with how farming can mirror our own dreaming journey.

In my life, I can see that the seed has been planted but the growth isn’t necessarily seen yet.

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Can I still see the possibilities?

In our own journey, we too may have obstacles in our way. Maybe it’s a sin in our life that is keeping us from our full potential. Maybe it is a doubt or a fear that causes us to remain stuck. We must ask ourselves how we will handle these bumps in the road, or will they be our excuse to just give up?

We may be hit with unexpected blows. This world can be a dark place and I have seen many a dreamer struck with circumstances that knock them down. Will we take these times to reevaluate, to prayerfully ask God if we need to press on or let go?

There may be times when we look across the field of our life and just see the barren ground. We need to remember that there are seeds planted under the surface waiting to grow. And in God’s perfect timing, and His season, one day we’ll be able to look over our lives and we’ll see the fruitful harvest that has grown.

I don’t know where you are in your dreaming season sisters, but can I just encourage you to remain strong?! Trust God with each step, prayerfully ask for direction and guidance and walk forward in faith. Ask any farmer and they will tell you that there are seasons with abundant harvest and times when the crop comes up short. But they know that with each year comes new possibilities and they walk faithfully forward with anticipation of what each new season will bring. I want to be like that in my own life as well, don’t you?!

Photo Credit: Alternative Heat

Shared by: Kristin Smith

 

Working Through Your Life Story

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My husband and I were invited to participate in a leadership training class through our church this past fall. Since September we have been meeting every Monday night at the home of our Pastor and his wife. They serve us a wonderful meal and then we all gather together to discuss the previous week’s homework, reading etc. There are 12 of us in the group and we come from all ages and stages of life.

The first several months we studied Systematic Theology. Deep stuff. Many of the topics we discussed challenged me to discern what I believed based on what the Bible actually says or what I have learned or heard from others. My husband is incredibly bright and he can read this difficult material and then adequately discuss his questions. Me…not so much.

We have now moved out of those topics and are now looking at leadership and determining how the pieces of our life story have molded and shaped us.

Part of the process will be sharing our stories and how God has worked and moved in our lives with the members of our small group. I love stories. I want to hear others’ stories, they connect people.

Stories are like the bridge that connects one person to another.

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Our Pastor encouraged us to come up with some sort of theme, we could even bring a visual aid if we wanted. I wasn’t sure what I was going to go with at first and then on the night that our Pastor was sharing his story, it came to me.

Quilting.

Ok for those that know me, just take a moment and laugh at that a little…it’s ok! ……..Done? Good!

I have not ever used a sewing machine and while I would love to have that talent, I just don’t. But there was something about it that struck a chord in me. So I went home that night and looked up the basic steps to quilting.

Planning, cutting and piecing, quilting (the process where you put the top squares and the backing together) and finally binding. I knew that my life had followed similar steps and so my “quilted” journey began.

Planning:

For my purposes, this was God’s hand in my life. For a quilter this is the step where they decide what they want the quilt to look like, what colors and fabrics they will use. God formed me, He had a plan for my life. I have a calling and a purpose that He has predestined for me. Today in my life and in my dreaming journey, and with His help, I seek to walk in that calling.

Cutting and Piecing:

One of the most time-consuming parts of quilting is the cutting and piecing together of all the quilt squares. This is how the design of the quilt really comes together. And so it has been with my life. Each moment, learning experience, hurt and joy have been another piece of the quilt. Some of those pieces are not how I wished them to be. Others I wish I didn’t have to include in my final masterpiece. But even among the squares I would change there are things to learn. As I look back on the pieces of my story I can see how each moment has shaped me into who I am today. There have been times that I have had to struggle through, but they made me more resilient. Even my biggest failures have taught me about forgiveness and grace. Nothing is wasted.

Quilting:

It is in the quilting step that the top layer and the bottom layer are sewn together with the batting that goes in between. When considering my life story, I saw this as my refining period. Most recently it was through some very hard heart work, Christian counseling and time with a wonderful mentor from my church, that my faith and life was refined. I am by no means perfect, even though I still find myself striving to be at times….but in this time of my life, God has allowed refinement so that my true character, the one defined in His image, is starting to show.

Binding:

The finishing step in making a quilt is the binding. This encases all the raw edges of the quilt and makes it look like a polished work. God continues to love me and refine me. He guides me on His path for my life and over and over again I can see that I am redeemed by His grace. I believe that the final quilt of my life with the beautiful-edged binding will not be complete this side of heaven. But some day, because of God’s grace and mercy it will be.

The process of writing out my life story thus far has been an interesting one. I was able to look back and see the many places where God put specific people in my life to guide me. I saw how different experiences molded me and shaped me into the woman I am today. I recognized that I still hold onto some of the ugly of my past. And while I am slowly seeing redemption from many of those things….all the pieces are not there yet. But I have faith that they will come. Because God is quilting me together piece by piece.

And hearing the others in our group share their stories has been so powerful.

We all have different stories to share. On some things I can relate and others maybe not. But I am reminded that the process is so valuable. I see grace in my own life because someone else shared their story of grace. I remember a time that a tough situation turned good because I heard you tell me your story first. There is shared laughter and shared tears as we become vulnerable with one another. But we all walk away changed in the process.

So if you haven’t taken some time to ever work through your story, I encourage you to. There may be someone you come in contact with that needs to hear about how God worked in your life so that their eyes can be opened to it in their own journey. It is a tough process no doubt, but one that I am so glad I walked through.

What’s keeping you from sharing your story? Would you be vulnerable with me in the comments and I will be praying over you today!

Shared by: Kristin Smith

We have a fun announcement to share with you…if you follow us on Facebook or Instagram you’re already in the loop! After much prayer and contemplation and waiting to have all the right people in place to run it, we’ve opened a God-sized Dreams private Facebook group! The need was there, we were waiting on the timing. So, join us in the group if you want a more private space to give voice to your dreams and prayers. We will see you there!

                                     

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When a Dream Comes Out of Nowhere

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We are in the final days of another year and it is a time to look back at all God has brought us through. I have said it before that this dreaming journey is often crazy and unexpected. We think we know where we are headed and then God veers us off onto a new path, one that He has planned.

That is what happened to me this past year.

I was hoping that 2016 would be easy. I had come off a pretty difficult 2015 and was ready to be done with the “fire.” I knew that there was refinement that needed to take place in my heart, but I was so very weary from the journey that I wanted to quit. But I persisted and continued forward. God had some more work to do in me and I wanted health and healing in my life so it was important to see it through.

While the process was necessary, it left me feeling as though there wasn’t much left in the way of a dream for me. I felt as though I was walking in that wilderness area. I had stepped away from many of my passions and didn’t really know what I was supposed to do.

At the time I was involved in a bible study at my church with some amazing women. These ladies walked with me through some of my darkest moments. They loved and encouraged me. They challenged my view of God, they helped me to seek and find truth. A truth I so desperately needed. We were doing a study on Elijah, the story of how God helped him triumph and then fear pushed him to flee when times got scary. But God met him, even in his lack of faith, and provided for him.

I realized that I was Elijah.

I had run from different things I had once been called to and found myself under my own broom tree, telling God that I was done. And just like God provided for Elijah the nourishment he needed, God did the same with me. It was in a different way than in the story you will find in 1 Kings 19, but nourishment none the less.

My passion for writing was rekindled and my fear over the process was pushed aside.

Late in the spring we started talking about what we wanted to study next and someone in the group mentioned the book Fervent. I had read it through 3 times and it had really changed my perspective on prayer. I was excited about the prospect of reading through it again…I had no idea that God would stir in me a passion to write a companion study for the book.

But that’s just what happened. Early the next morning I woke up and just started writing. Within a very short amount of time, I had typed out 5 of the 12 studies. This was crazy! I don’t write book/bible studies! The book is so well written that it was easy, but this was new territory for me! Before the fear could creep back in I quickly emailed the leaders of the group. This is what I wrote:

I picked up my Fervent book again after we talked about it at Bible study on Tuesday and Wednesday morning when I woke up I just started writing. There are 10 strategies that she writes about and 2 intro chapters. Both of which are full of great information – so this would be a good 12 week study.
I started breaking it down into a week at a time and have written 5 weeks so far. This could be used as a guide and companion to the book. I haven’t ever done anything like this before so I have no idea if it is acceptable…and I don’t want to step on any toes either! 🙂 But if we decide to read this book I am willing to prepare something for each weeks study.

They responded with such grace and encouragement and so I set to writing out the additional weeks materials and in the summer led the women in my bible study through the book.

It was an honor to be used in that way. I learned so much during that time but thought that would be it. But as the study wrapped up I felt that stirring once again and one morning I mapped out the outline for a 31 Days series on Fervent Prayer . By the end of August I had over half of my posts written for the October series.

Going through the book a fourth and fifth time added more insight, sharing it with women I respected gave new meaning and depth to what I had already learned. In October I launched my new series. It wasn’t a series that went viral, I didn’t gain new readership or followers because of it…but I found some once lost confidence in the process. A deep passion for prayer was stirred in me that I didn’t expect and again I found myself humbled that God could and would use me to share my experiences on such an incredible topic.

I am finishing out this year grateful. Grateful to have grown. Grateful to have found one of my loves again in writing. I have absolutely no idea what the new year will bring. I have hopes that I might turn my series into an e-book. I am going forward cautiously so that I am certain it is God-led and not Kristin-driven.

This dream of mine was unexpected and came out of nowhere. I want to make sure that I am honoring God in the process because I believe He is the One who brought me to this place.

Friends, I don’t know where you find yourself today, but maybe you too are walking a path that seems unexpected? If you are, I encourage you to be in fervent prayer. Asking God for guidance and direction. He WILL make your paths straight. If we are seeking Him we will be able to align our thoughts and dreams and ideas with His perfect plans for us.

Look back on the last 11 1/2 months and recount all the ways God has been faithful and pray with hope and expectation for what He has in store. I can’t wait to hear about all God will do in you and through you!

Seek God, align your thoughts and dreams with His plans for you!

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Original Photo Credit prior to modification: via

Shared By: Kristin Smith

 

                                                                              

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When the Path Isn’t What You Expected

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In June, our family vacationed in northern Wisconsin for a week. It was beautiful country, and we enjoyed a couple of fun hikes on one of the days we were out. Well, maybe “fun” is a relative term. In the beginning I was excited about the prospect of seeing the waterfall that was supposed to be only a short walk away. I would say I am fairly active, but once we started down the seemingly easy path, the road got a little rocky.

I could feel my spirit starting to grumble.

It wasn’t supposed to be a difficult hike, I really didn’t want to have to work hard to get to the destination. So much for enjoying the journey huh?!

Then I came across this sign as we headed down the steepest part of the path.

Hike GSD

I am a person who often gives up when things get too hard and I considered it for a brief moment, but then decided the allure of the waterfall was enough to keep me going.

I kept along the path, my boys far ahead of me, and I thought about how much this path was like my dreaming journey.

When I started to uncover what I thought my God-sized Dream was, I believed that because I was excited and ambitious to move ahead, the road would be smooth sailing. I walked along seeing the beauty all around me and I felt joy at the discovery of God’s plans for me.

Journey

It is easy to be grateful and full of joy when things seem to go your way, isn’t it? I have always said that one of my biggest struggles is trusting God and finding happiness when life gets tough.

Because if you have been on this dreaming journey for any length of time, you have likely run into some unfavorable territory.

Maybe it is a roadblock, or a complete capsize of your dream. Maybe it is a closed door or even a no, not now. The longer I have been a part of this team, and read your beautiful stories, the more I am convinced that we are going to face disappointment and hardship at some point.

Uphill climb

We will face an uphill climb; the journey will be less desirable than we had hoped. But that doesn’t mean we should give up and turn around! Some of my biggest regrets are those times that I gave up too soon. I wasn’t willing to stick out the hard to find the beauty that was around the corner. Or, I grumbled my way through it all and failed to stop and see that there are blessings along the way.

Throughout my time here, I have been so overwhelmed at the detailed way my God loves me.

When I started this journey I hoped for a platform (yes, ashamedly it’s true) and maybe a book deal. I thought I knew what God had in store for me and was a little shocked when things didn’t go as expected.

But God knew what my heart really needed. And it was you.

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Because of you, my sweet dreamer sisters, I have found encouragement, prayer, cheers and laughter.

I have walked through dark times and known, without a doubt, that you were praying me through. I have made life-long friendships that I wasn’t aware I so desperately needed. I gained confidence in who I am in Christ, book deal or no.

My road hasn’t been as I anticipated when I started, but the beauty that has unfolded along the way is unforgettable.

Waterfall GSD

And if I could do it all over again? Well I know it sounds a bit cliche, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thank you for being a part of my story. I consider you each a gift and am praying that wherever you find yourself on the journey today, you will know without a doubt that you are not alone!

 

Shared by: Kristin Smith

 

Why Your Stories Matter {And a Fun Giveaway}

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Letterpress Blocks Dayspring

We have been sharing stories here at God-sized Dreams since early 2014. As a team we knew little about running a website. The technical difficulties of getting it up and running were immense and I remember Christine saying one day she wasn’t sure she could press forward. But she did, we all did, and what came of that hard work and determination was a place where we could come and be encouraged.

I have always loved Christine’s words when she said “We believe one of the ways we see God’s glory is in community. And where better to nurture those callings God has laid on our hearts than in a community of God-sized dreamers? Whether you’re excited and ready to charge full speed ahead or terrified and looking for a bed to hide under — or maybe even somewhere in between — everyone is welcome!”

We always wanted this to be a place of community, because we knew that going it alone…well that just was too much to handle. But together, as a body of believers, we could walk forward knowing we were not alone.

Some of us have set sail on some exciting adventures, and new waters. Others of us have just faithfully walked the path God has called us to even if it didn’t feel big enough or good enough. Did we question Him? Of course! But through the sharing of stories we have found support and laughter, encouragement and even a shoulder to cry on.

We knew that stepping out in faith on our God-sized dreams would require hard work, faith and trust.

One of our favorite parts about this journey has been hearing your stories.

Dreamers from all over the world have submitted pieces for consideration and it has been an honor to be entrusted with your words.

There have been times along my path that I didn’t think I had much to offer, and then one of you, sweet sisters, would send in a post with words that were just the balm my weary soul needed. I think many of us could say that we have been touched by one of the women who have shared here over the past few years.

Thank you.

Seriously, thank you for believing in our site, for sharing our words, and some of your own. For being a cheerleader to many as we all try to navigate this road.

Your words, your stories, matter so much to us.

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Our friends over at DaySpring understand just how important words are and have created a line of products that celebrates just that!

The Letterpress Inspirational Words set was created so that you can fill your home with some of your favorite, encouraging words. I have “Blessed” in my home already, a constant reminder whenever I see it that I have so very much to be thankful for.

This Inspirational Words set comes with 15 different letters and the ability to make 11 inspirational words!

Some of my favorites?

Glory – It makes me think of our own Jenn Hand. A word she uses to describe all the ways she sees God’s hand at work in her life.

Letterpress Glory Dayspring

Hope – Reminds me of our sweet Holley Gerth, the original writer of God-sized Dreams and the one who gave hope to us all as she launched her book out into the world.

Letterpress Hope Dayspring

Joy –  Makes me think of one of our newest team additions, Natalie Joy, who is helping women discover and find their joy in the journey of their God-sized Dreams.

Letterpress Joy Dayspring

Light – Embodies what we hope to do here each week. Be a light to one another. Help others find their way to their God-sized Dream. We don’t claim to have it all together here but we do feel called to be a light to a dark world. Each of you is a part of that light and it is what makes our community so special!

Letterpress Joy and Light Dayspring

They also have a second set of Everyday Words that include words like, Dream On, Soar and Family. It is hard to choose which set I like better!

The letters come in different shapes and are easily put together with these metal clips on the back. Just clip together at each letter seam and hang up or stand on a shelf! Easy peasy! The kits also come with some easy instructions that include tips and trick to lining them up and hanging them.

Right now Dayspring is featuring both sets at a more than 50% off discount, and a cost of only $50 each through August 18th!! And with every $50 order, Dayspring ships for free! These are high quality, heavy pieces and worth the investment! What I love most is that you can constantly change your word to fit your life. Maybe “Faith” is your word of the year for 2016, and in 2017 it might be “Live!” What a neat way to celebrate the one word that motivates you towards your God-sized Dream! Also Check out this fun article over at Dayspring that gives ideas on several ways you can use your Letterpress sets!

 

A few tips I discovered putting together the Letterpress Blocks:

  • When placing the letters together with the backs facing up, put together backwards otherwise when you turn it over it will look like this! Oops!! 🙂

Letterpress Glory Backwards Dayspring

  • As a part of the set you will receive a box of clips. They recommend that you use 2 clips per side. Having put together several I would agree. You can make 1 work, but when standing the letters up on a shelf they will not be as solid as when you use 2!

Letterpress Back Dayspring

 

  • Figure out which letter(s) in your word will be your base. This is less important if you are hanging it on the wall, but if you plan to stand it on a shelf you need to make sure that one or more of the letters will balance your entire word!
  • Finally if you have to take the letters apart it is easiest to remove the clips using a long, thin metal tool. I used a staple remover and it worked beautifully. The clips go on and come off tightly. But this is good because you want the words to be sturdy when you are displaying them!

 

I LOVE these sets, and only wished that I had more letters so that I could make even more words. Yes, this is the perfect product that embraces the idea that our words DO matter!

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Today we celebrate each of you and while it would be much more fun to throw a big party and have cupcakes and share hugs and laughter in person, we do want to say thank you for being a faithful reader and want to give away one of Holley Gerth’s Devotionals! This 40 day devotional is just what a dreamer needs for encouragement and hope as you journey on! Leave a comment below sharing a word that embodies your journey right now for a chance to win! Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for additional changes to win. Please leave a separate comment for each share. Winner will be chosen on August 18th.

And if you have a story YOU would like to share, we’d love to hear it! We have openings for guest posts starting in late October. If you are interested in learning more please email me at kristin@therichesofhislove.com. 

I received the Letterpress set as a free gift from our friends at Dayspring to help promote their new product line. All opinions expressed are my own. Affiliate links are present within the post and a click and purchase would mean a small benefit back to us here, at no extra cost to you, so that we can keep things running smoothly from month to month! 🙂

 

Establishing your Tribe

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If there is anything that I have learned about walking this dreaming journey, it would be that you MUST have a tribe to help you along the way.

Who is in our Tribe may differ for each of us.

For me, I have found a wonderful support system of women who are also on a similar journey. Brought together initially by the God-sized Dream Team, I found myself surrounded by women who seemed to “get” me.

The only negative? We all live so far away! 🙂

Thankfully we live in an age where technology helps the miles seem less of a hindrance, and things like Google Hangouts and Voxer easily connect us as often as we wish.

We can’t walk this road alone. It is too easy to be discouraged, and we need to surround ourselves with faithful friends who can be honest with us, and yet know just the right ways to encourage us. So how do you go about establishing a tribe?

The first step is often the most scary. Connecting.

I am an introvert through and through. I don’t trust people easily, but once I know you, I am all in. So how does one connect? For me it happened through the online experience of joining a book launch team. I would encourage you to first start in your local community, if you can. One on one time is so valuable, being able to connect with someone in your hometown or at your church is such a gift. At the time in 2012 I was new to my community, and way too scared to reach out in person. That’s why initially the online experience worked for me!

Now, several years later, I am also involved in a local bible study at my church and through that have established some friendships with women I can trust. So know that no way is perfect and you need to find what works best for you. The important point is to look for opportunities to connect.

Second, and also scary, is we need to be willing to be vulnerable.

When I first”met” the women on our book launch team I was cautious. I shared only what was necessary. I didn’t feel safe enough to be vulnerable. But at some point I realized that my need for community was greater than the fear I felt about being “found out.” I wanted everyone to think that I had it all together….but the reality was I didn’t. As we connect with others and begin to build friendships we become ready to drop the facades and start being real.

There is freedom in reaching that point. The place where you can be honest, and you find women who circle around you and encourage you despite your failures.

It didn’t come immediately for me, and it really was a result of my unwillingness to go there. But today I have a group of women that I can be honest with and they love me regardless of my mistakes. What a gift that has proven to be.

So you have found some women to connect with, started to be vulnerable….what’s next? Establish a prayer group.

I can’t emphasize enough how important prayer is in the dreaming journey.

I am reading through the book Fervent again for the 4th time. If you haven’t read it you need to. In the book it outlines ways to be more strategic about your prayer life. There are so many areas that we need prayer in as we chase God’s dreams for our lives. And we can’t do it alone.

I have a group of 3 other women that I have a “Prayer Voxer Chain” with. We mostly share the “big” prayers on this chain. Things that come up that seem extra urgent. When a message comes through we can trust that at least one other woman has seen the vox and will be in immediate prayer over the situation. Often times I don’t talk with these women except to share requests, offer prayer for their requests and celebrate the answered prayers we see as they come, but I would count them as some of my closest friends. We live in all parts of the country, but we unite in a common mission. To support and encourage one another in prayer.

Finally find that one person that you can really be encouraged by and be an encouragement to.

One of the biggest gifts of establishing a tribe has been a friendship that has developed with one of my dreamer sisters. While we live miles apart, we stay connected every day. She is the person that I can go to when life is feeling crazy. When I need advice, she will offer it. But always with the preface that I should pray about it and ultimately seek God’s direction. And she has spoken truth in love over me in those moments when I am choosing a path that isn’t God’s.

We genuinely celebrate each other’s accomplishments and support our respective dreams. She has become a safe place for me and I strive to do the same for her. Her friendship is invaluable to me and has developed over the years because I connected, became willing to be vulnerable and trusted her with my prayer requests. It is one of the many gifts that my tribe has been in my life.

God created us to be in relationship with one another.

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Walking the path of a dreamer can be a lonely place, but it doesn’t have to be. Committing to seeking and finding a tribe that can support you throughout your journey is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. And the rewards you will gain in the process will be greater than you had ever hoped or imagined.

Shared By: Kristin Smith

Photo Credit: Allume Fun 2013

Overwhelmed

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He Has Risen!

I was on my way to church extra early on Easter morning. I had to be there for worship team practice, my first time singing in over 6 months. As I made my way to the highway I was caught breathless by the stunning sunrise that was just occurring.

The beauty of these types of sunrises can only be seen for a brief moment. One minute the sun was exploding in brilliant orange across the sky. An orb so large it reminded me of the fall harvest moons. And the next minute it was hidden behind a cloud bank, bright, yes, but not nearly so beautiful.

I wanted to capture it on my phone to remember it forever but the reality was it’s beauty and magnificence was lost in the small screen. So instead I paused for a time to just drink it all in. It felt like a love letter just for me that morning. A reminder of His significance, of that day’s significance.

We held our Easter service at a local high school auditorium. A neutral place where we encouraged the community to gather. It was my first time being on a stage like that in a long time. I believe God has gifted me with a voice to sing and lead worship, but at times walking in that calling can be overwhelming.

I can easily let fear hold me down and tell me I will fail.

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Surprisingly, this morning I was calm. I  was leading a verse on one song on my own and also doing a reading. I expected nerves, a sick stomach, but I just felt peace. I later learned that a dear friend had awoken early that morning for no reason and felt called to pray specifically for me. Her prayers were heard and felt even though I was unaware until after the service that she had interceded on my behalf.

We sang through “In Christ Alone” and the words were such a celebration of the immense sacrifice Christ had made on our behalf, on mine…

Then it came time for the scripture reading I had been assigned. I had read through it to my kids, out loud and in practice and I guess in those times they were just words. But in that moment of true worship the words of the angel sunk deep into my spirit and I started to cry.

Matthew 28:1-8 “Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

He is not here, for He has risen, as He said.

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Just as he had spoken to his 12 beloved disciples, to the men and women who clamored to just get close to this miracle man…He told them the truth and the truth had come to pass. Just as He said.

I struggle with doubt in so many areas of my life. My role as a wife and mother, my calling and my dreams…secretly I wonder to myself if what He says is true. I believe the promise of grace for all of you but I have failed to make it truly personal to myself.

Until that moment.

It was as if I was hearing the magnitude of those words for the first time for myself. He has risen! He has defeated the grave, just as He said he would. He took on the punishment of sin for my sake, but the grave wasn’t the end of the story.

It is overwhelming isn’t it?

This incredible grace that has been poured out on us. Despite all of my failings, I am considered one of His children. I can’t hardly grasp it most days, but that morning the real presence of the Holy Spirit was evident, God’s love was felt and His promises rang true.

Our day to day lives can feel like too much, we get worn out and discouraged. But may I encourage you to spend some time seeking out the beauty of His creation, reading His word or spending time in worship?! My prayer is that you would be overwhelmed by His grace and love for you.

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Shared By: Kristin Smith

Original Photo Credit: opie0429

 

                                   

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Dealing with Criticism

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Boxing Gloves

I am the type of girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. Some may say I am oversensitive because I can take everything personally…even when it isn’t personal.

Have you been there? Worried about what someone might be thinking, if you’ve messed up, said or done something wrong? Positive that the negative comment on a blog or FB post was a direct reflection of you…and the image you see before you is a failure?

Criticism. It can be heartbreaking. And if we aren’t careful it can bring out the ugly in us.

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I once found myself in this very situation. Something that I had written upset a reader. I felt they responded in a harsh way and I was hurt.

Immediately, I got defensive. Did they read the entire post? Why couldn’t they see my heart behind it?! I wanted to respond and, if I’m honest, I wanted to retaliate. To defend my honor (I may be just a touch melodramatic)!

But I knew those feelings weren’t of God and so I stepped back for a moment. I paused.

I shared my hurts with a few close friends, women whom I could trust. These are women who I can go to and be honest with. Women who know my heart but also will speak truth to me as well. Women who give me constructive criticism when I need it.

And you know what?

Not a single woman said anything negative about the commenter. It can be easy to surround ourselves with people that will “trash talk” with us, bolster our negative attitudes…but these women? These women had hearts that modeled the love of Christ.

Instead of being critical, the response was one of prayer. We lifted up the person who had left the comment in prayer. And we prayed for our own hearts as well. We prayed that we would always be seeking God’s plan even if that means it results in some criticism. We prayed that our hearts would be open to receiving criticism when necessary and that we would not take things personally, but instead find ways to grow because of them.

This isn’t easy to do. Like I said my natural response is to fight back, to defend.

But God has been showing me that He will defend my honor when needed. Instead of fighting a fight that is not mine, I need to be seeking Him. I need to develop that auto response that is Christ-like.

Jesus was criticized all the time. But his response wasn’t one of defense, it was one of love.

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People will not always agree with us…Shocking, I know! 😉 but we are called to love regardless.

So what should you do next time you find yourself being criticized?

Pray! Bring your hurts, your questions, your concerns to God and ask for wisdom and clarification. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong and seek to offer grace when you have been wrongfully accused.

Love like Christ and you can walk away from any situation stronger. Misunderstood at times? Yep, probably, but when we respond in love we can walk in confidence, knowing that our actions are pleasing to God. We never know the hurts, the past, somebody else might be dealing with…So Love first.

Shared By: Kristin Smith

Original Photo Credit before edited: KWDesigns

Who We Are in Christ

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Identity in Christ

The office of my old high school was a wall of windows and gave those that passed by a glimpse to what was happening inside. And no day was more full of activity than Valentine’s Day. Flowers lined the desk and balloons swayed back and forth, the colors and fragrances beckoned all who walked by.

If you were one of the lucky recipients, the office staff would announce your name over the loud speaker so you would know there was something for you to pick up. As a teenager I wanted nothing more than to have my name called. Because those flowers and such were an indication that you meant something to someone else.

When the call didn’t come for me I translated it to mean that I didn’t have any value at all. Period.

Big leap I know, but it was one that I made time and time again.

Not invited to the party, can’t make the cheerleading squad, don’t have a boyfriend…all signs to me that I was a failure and I didn’t fit in.

I have shared here before that I have carried those lies and misperceptions about myself around with me for years. It is hard to walk in the dreams that God has for me when I can’t see myself for anything more than a continual failure.

I hadn’t realized just how much those lies I had believed had followed me into adulthood. How they had blanketed me with shame and kept me bound in fear. I had played the role of victim for so many years, believing I wasn’t good enough for God.

But friends, I need you to hear me on this…it isn’t true. And this is not the way that God wants us to live!

Shrouded in fear and failure…that isn’t abundant living!

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In John 10:10 Jesus says this “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

I wonder today what the enemy has stolen from you?

What dreams have been locked away, God-given gifts gone unused, because the lies of the enemy have become truth for you?

I came to the realization recently that I was holding tightly to what I believed were truths about myself and how God saw me, and the reality was that they were lies. It is an interesting place to come to, an undoing of sorts. A relearning or rebirth of my identity.

Slowly I have been discovering who I am in God. Who I am to God, who I can be for God.

It hasn’t been easy because the lies had infiltrated deep into my spirit, the only way I could counteract them was with His Word. My prayer today as you read the following verses would be that you would begin to let them sink in deep, and you would discover the beautiful creation you are in Christ. Sisters this is who we are in Christ, may we not be deceived by the enemies lies again.

We are Chosen

2 Peter 9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

We are His Children

John 1: 12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

There is no condemnation

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.“

God choose us and appointed us!

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” 

God sacrificed His Son so we could be with Him in eternity!

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

I believe that the enemy wants to keep us dreamers bound in chains. When walking in the truth of who we are in Christ we are a force to be reckoned with! So use these few verses as a starting point in your own journey of discovering who you are in Christ.

And when we start walking in those truths and shining for His glory?? Oh girls, let me just say, watch out world because here we come!

Shared By; Kristin Smith

Original Photo Credit: via modified for GSD