God-sized Dreams

Where Dreams Set Sail

Sailing Beyond Your Class

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I grew up shy. Dutiful. Obedient. Friendly enough for a preacher’s daughter, as friendly as required, but shy without question. My father left us for another family before my eighth grade year; that didn’t do anything but deepen my insecurities and doubt.

Shyly I entered college, with a course long charted for medicine. My first B threw me into upheaval and, via a story far too long to share here, redirected me to instead study Pre-law. I majored in Political Science and minored in Speech. I hated speaking in public! I threw up before every speech. This continued on in to law school, but I continued to speak, with toothpaste always nearby.

Fifteen years after graduation, I find myself celebrating my 40th birthday on a ship I regularly feel is beyond my class, charted for a course I feel incapable of completing. Apparently, in this whole faith thing, being humanly incapable of achieving your dream is actually a good thing. Or so I’m learning.

Being humanly incapable of achieving your dream is actually a good thing.

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The course was not straight or easy.

The boat is not even the same one nor does it resemble my boats charted for dreams long gone by. I spent my early 20s fighting my faith. I spent my late 20s fighting men. I spent my early 30s fighting infertility. I spent my mid 30s fighting the pressures of “it all.”  Throughout these years, I fought to stay in control. To chart my OWN course. Even when I prayed, read scripture, and lead bible studies, I fought God for control.

This is what I’m learning. It’s not about the fight.

The fight that comes because of a struggle of wills. Your’s against God’s.

It’s about the surrendering.

Surrendering to the one true captain who knows no bounds, whose ship has no class restrictions, whose course has no limitations. I’ve learned that this dream in my heart, to serve people in need of God’s grace, looks different, but better, through His telescope. At least, what I’ve seen glimpses of thus far.

This is who I am. I am a woman who loves God, my husband of seven years, and my miraculous three children who were born sixty seconds apart four years ago. I am a full-time attorney for a global energy company. I love my work and do it well. I love to write – more than just about anything else besides my family and friends. I’ve written a blog for three years, which began as a chronicling of the triplets story. Then God turned it into a refreshing spot for working women of faith. I published my first book about leadership for women this summer, Learning to Lead. I have an incredible crew of girlfriends–God well knew I would need them to survive this dream He is revealing to me bit-by-bit. I am stubborn and opinionated and vocal; for over two decades I had no idea this existed in my spirit. I’m now learning how God can use it, if I will first let Him tame it.

Even all those shy insecure years ago, though, I was a dreamer.

I’ve always been a dreamer. I just never imagined where God would take me. Where He would drag me. Where He would allow me to sail. Despite His continued faithfulness, I do not always sail fearlessly. But I will stay on this boat. Confident that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)  And knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine, according to His power at work within me. (Ephesians 3:20)

Photo Credit: Patrick Nouhailler, Creative Commons

Shared by: Gindi Vincent

*This post has been edited from the archives, January 2, 2014.

5 Practical Tips to Realizing Your Dream

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5 Practical Tips to Realizing Your Dream

You said YES to the dream God placed in your heart. You might ask, “Now what?” It can be scary to take the first step, so here are 5 practical tips to achieving your dream.

Pray

Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

First, seeking God’s voice through prayer has to be at the center of your dream journey.

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Friend, when God made us in His image, He included that same creativity. We can be creative and dream big dreams because His spirit is within us. Have a conversation and brainstorm with God about where to start first. God didn’t give you this dream to send you off alone. Invite Him into the process by asking what He thinks!

As I began my dream, there were days when I felt crystal clear about my focus, but I noticed there were times when I felt confused. When those times came, I pressed in, prayed again, and sure enough God would open my eyes and remind me of the goal. Press in at every stage.

5 Practical Tips to Realizing Your Dream

Write it Down

Next, write down what you hear. What is God speaking to you as you pray over the dreams? What ideas do you have? Has He given specific instructions?

In Habakkuk 2:2-3, we are encouraged to write the vision and make it plain. I love The Message Translation and how it says that the dream can hardly wait, and that it speaks to what is coming. Even the dream itself is excited to be born!

We must trust God’s timing, for our dreams will often be a process, not a destination. Keep all of your ideas in one place so that you can review them later. Don’t dismiss anything; some things are for now, while others may be for later.

Not a journal person? Use a word document. Write post-it notes and stick them where you can see them. Create a vision board. Place it where you’ll see it often as a reminder to pray.

Build Community

A few months into starting my dream, I was feeling discouraged. I shared my heart with a friend, and she listened and even offered some suggestions. Her support was like a life preserver, and I was thankful for her encouragement.

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We were created for community, and our dreams are too! Surround yourself with people who encourage you and keep you accountable.

Another great tip for starting out is to follow like-minded people and organizations on social media so that you can shift your mindset. Listen to podcasts or take webinars on topics related to your dream. God will bring the right people at the right time to partner with you.

Take Action

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Teddy Roosevelt

Once you have prayed, built your dream community, and taken notes, it’s time to take the first step. Speak to that person. Apply for that grant. Create your website. Whatever it is, do it. God will give you the confidence and boldness to pursue your dream. Waiting on God’s timing is so important, but so is moving when he says GO.

Celebrate the Wins

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin… – ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Finally, celebrate the small wins and the big wins alike. Celebrate that moment when you first spoke your dream out loud, and for that first email subscriber. Nothing is too small to celebrate, because the truth is, you are doing an incredible thing, partnering with God to bring about this dream. God celebrates with you throughout the entire process, not just when you’ve “made it.”

Wherever you are on your dream journey, I pray the tips provided here are helpful as you work towards accomplishing your dream. What other great tips have you received? We would love to read them in the comments!

Shared by Stacy Jeffries.

Feature Image Photo Credit: CreateHer Stock.

Start Now: The Endless Possibilities of Dreaming

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“Start now. Start where you are.” This is one of my favorites quotes about beginning something new. It speaks to the courage it takes to pursue a God-Sized Dream. The author reminds us of the fears and doubts in our minds that will paralyze us, if we let them. It is a reminder to me that the perfect conditions may never exist for me to execute the dreams God has laid on my heart. So…I must start now.

This past summer was my “start now” moment. My life was turned upside down in so many areas, and I thought it was the worst time to start a business. I questioned God, saying surely not. But God saw differently. When we pursue what God has for us when situations are less than ideal, God’s majesty and power show up and He receives all the glory.

What I saw as less than ideal, He saw as an opportunity to grow my trust in Him and my dependence on Him. 

What our eyes see as less than ideal, God’s eyes see perfect timing and potential.

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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)

Prayer is a great way to engage with God about our God-Sized Dreams. When we pray, He helps us to see things with His eyes. He gives us wisdom and discernment on which way to go. God loves every detail of our lives and He wants to go on the journey with us. He is not sending us out alone but He is with us and He goes before us!

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV)

By walking through the open door of one dream, we receive greater freedom to dream other dreams too. In addition to my dream of starting my own business, I love to write. I’ve been journaling since middle school when my dad encouraged me to write about my experiences at an away-summer camp. I picked up a pen and I haven’t stopped writing since. Writing has become a safe space for me to process my thoughts and communicate with God.

Whether it’s through journaling, brainstorming business ideas, or sending encouraging words to those around me, God always shows up. I am excited to be part of the God-Sized Dream Team and share words of encouragement with you.

We may not know where all the dream journeys will lead us, but if we keep our eyes fixed on God, we know He will work all things together for our good and His glory. And we will have fun with Him along the way. Dreaming with God opens the door to endless possibilities.

Where might God be calling you to start now? What new beginning is waiting for you?

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Shared by: Stacy Jeffries

                                                           
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Beginning… Again & The #DreamTogether Linkup

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I feel like I begin often. If I’m honest, I’m a great starter-upper, but not such a great follow-througher. Maybe it’s that the follow through requires discipline that I don’t have, or maybe it’s that I never should have started whatever that thing was to begin with.

Whatever the reason, I’ve realized that while beginnings are great and shiny and wonderful, real dreams require the follow through to actually work.

Real dreams require the bravery to keep going when no one is there to cheer you on.

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This past year was another beginning, and another, and another.

It was the year I actually stopped counting which house move number it was because keeping track just seems so exhausting. After ten moves does it really matter? It could be eleven or eighty-seven, but the point is we began again. We started over in a new school district that seemed more promising for my son, who was diagnosed with learning disabilities earlier in the year.

It was the year I started a not-yet-successful connection ministry to help ladies connect with others. (Translation: help women find friends, because *I* needed friends, so surely others did too, right?)

It was the year I poured into and over and around for friends who were hurting and searching.

It was also the year that, after pouring out into everyone else’s encouragement bucket so much for so long, my own encouragement bucket seemed to spring a leak.

I walked into the Christian counselor’s office and cried for an hour about the person I thought I was. I mourned for the motivation I no longer had and the inspiring posts I no longer had the inspiration to write. Shamefully, I wondered what people would think if they knew I was sitting in her office. (An encourager needing encouragement – the horrors!)

I told her how, as hard as I tried, I didn’t know how to get that bucket-filling girl back, let alone do all the encouraging, inspiring things she had done. Frankly, I didn’t care to get her back. The vessel I’d used to fill the emotional buckets of everyone else (including myself) was shattered in a million tiny pieces.

An hour of blubbering later, she nodded and said, “Okay. Let’s meet again in a few weeks.”

I knew I was broken. I wanted a magic wand to fix me and put me back together again but all she gave me was a nod and a mint as I walked out. (So I could leave a peppermint-scented trail as I rode off on my broomstick?) I didn’t leave her office feeling better. In fact, I felt worse because I’m not a cryer. I am the one who pats everyone else on the back as they cry, and here I was in the office of a stranger, ugly crying and single-handedly keeping Kleenex in business.

Somewhere in the course of the next few days I was having a little talk with the Lord. Except it was mostly me doing all the talking, angrily kicking myself for losing my mojo while simultaneously asking God why He would even need [ahem] “my services” anymore, since I had nothing to offer.

I knew that He loved me. But to know He loved me wasn’t enough. I needed to know that He needed me.

My heart needed confirmation that even though all of my own goals had already been met, He still had more work for me to do. I needed to know there was something at the end of wait. I needed to know that He had goals for me beyond what I had for myself.

It was then that the whisper came right into my heart.

He who began a good work in you is faithful and just to complete it.

I was reminded ever so gently that God doesn’t start a project only to discard it and walk away in lieu of the next shiny thing. I may be an expert in beginnings. But not God. He is an expert in beginning, continuing, and finishing. He is faithful to keep working in us even when we’re ready to throw in the towel.

That simple truth – that He’s not done with us, and is continually working in and through us – allowed me to begin again, refreshed and renewed with the understanding that I am not only loved, but needed. It has given me the freedom to not only continue working on past projects, and prayerfully consider new projects, but to also wait for the next task, trusting that a restful period now does not mean God has nothing for my future.

If you, like me, have thought of throwing in the towel… don’t. God’s not done with you, even if you don’t have an assignment at the moment. Maybe the road has been rough and full of rejection and mocking and doubt and you’re not even sure you want to keep going. Think about this passage from Jeremiah 18 and remember, it’s okay to begin again.

So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Yes, the potter started. Yes, the potter started over when he saw the clay had strayed too far from his vision. But the beautiful thing is, the potter never took his hands off the clay. Even when he began again, the clay was never out of the potter’s grasp. Yes, we may have started a project or assignment and then stopped. Maybe that stoppage is just God redirecting us to something even more beautiful. But either way, He’ll never let you go.

You are loved… and needed.

XOXO,
Karen

Shared by: Karen Sipps

 

                                                                                                       

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Making Room

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And yet the heart of man, though small,
is big enough for Christ to live in,
if man will only make room for Him.
~Billy Graham

As we enter into the second week of Advent, I find myself longing for quiet in what is arguably the busiest as well as the most wonderful time of year.

Advent is a welcome daily invitation to step away from the hype of the holiday season and to reflect upon the glorious story of our salvation. It is a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ. I’m familiar with this.

As each of our six children was born, there was also a time of waiting and preparation. Even as the new baby took up increasingly more space and stretched the boundaries of my belly, I began to strategize how we’d make space in our home and schedule for his or her arrival. Bunk beds were assembled. We strategically rearranged and positioned toy boxes, dressers, and cribs. Considerations and decisions about schedules, bedtimes, and who would or wouldn’t keep who awake were made. We had to make room for the expected baby.

This season of Advent is a time to make room in our hearts, minds, and schedules for Christ. The commercialization of Christmas has one message, and it’s more—more activity, more food, and more stuff. But welcoming Christ inherently requires denying other things to make room for Him and the manifestation of His will in our lives.

Christmas and the invitation to focus and intentionally prepare our hearts and minds to receive and celebrate Christ again avails us of a very personal and unprecedented opportunity. He incarnates, becomes flesh, in us through the outworking of our obedience, relationships, and unique role in His body.

His incarnation in our lives is manifested in our dreams.

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This Advent season, take a few minutes to consider . . .

How are you preparing and making room for Jesus during this waiting time of Advent?

What might need to be rearranged or even gotten rid of to make space to more fully receive and embrace God’s will for your life?

What new God-sized dreams are gestating in your heart?

I’d love to hear your answers in the comments!

 

Shared by: Kim Hyland

                                                                 

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My Journey to Defining Joy

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God is able to do far more in your life then you could ever dream!%22heading

I was very honored to be asked to join the writers group here at God-sized Dreams as well as excited for the opportunity to share with you the incredible journey God has led me on over the last several years of pursuing my God-sized dream. My goal is to encourage you and help you to see that

God is able to do far more in your life then you could ever dream!

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Ephesians 3:20- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

My story began in 2014 with a huge blessing, an opportunity to travel for work to the country of New Zealand. I was extremely excited as this had been #1 on my dream board ever since I was a little girl. I had the opportunity to spend a few extra days exploring the area and decided this would be a perfect chance for my “Trip Alone.”

I had read years ago that once in your life you should take a trip by yourself slowing down, thinking and praying over what God has in store for your life. As I prepared for this trip I prayed that God would show me what His plan was for the next chapter of my journey and He sure did in a big way!

I had always been a huge fan of Holley Gerth’s books as her words always seemed to speak to me at the times in my life when I needed to hear them most. During this trip, I came across a blog post from Holley and as I read it I noticed a small box at the bottom that read “Would you like to see Holley Live?” As I clicked on the link it led me to a women’s retreat called Winsome in PA.

I remember thinking this all looked amazing but now was not the time as I was busy with my career traveling 90% of the time. I closed my laptop but for the next 3 days,

God spoke to my heart so clearly telling me that I was to trust Him

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and should attend the retreat that upcoming March. I booked my ticket not knowing what God had in store for me but knew I was meant to be there!

Holley Gerth was the Keynote along with so many other incredible speakers. Holley spoke on the topic of opening your heart to your God-sized dream. I remember leaving the session knowing that my life and career was about to be turned upside down. I remember hearing God say ” I have a different audience in mind for you.” I had spent the last 13 years doing work I loved as a Speaker, Trainer & Coach in the corporate world but I so desperately wanted to make a greater impact in the lives of women!

Over the course of that weekend, I prayed that God would open doors for me over the next year to pursue this dream. I realized quickly that God was not going to wait long to get things going, towards the end of the retreat, I met an incredible woman named Kim Hyland the Founder of Winsome Retreat. During a conversation, she expressed how much she loved hosting the retreat but spoke of common struggles most women face in leadership roles. I instantly felt God saying “offer to help!”

That September I flew back up to PA and started the process of coaching this amazing group of women.  God has opened up so many other doors this year to coach and work with other wonderful women.

In 2015 I left my corporate position and launched my own coaching company called Defining Your Joy LLC. We work with women all over the world helping them through the process of discovering and launching their God-sized Dreams. We are a team of Women with skill sets including Legal, Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Grant Writing & Nonprofits and so much more. We come alongside these women to help provide education and motivation along their journey.

My Journey has not been easy and has truly pushed me to grow!

In May God opened up the most amazing doors yet! I was asked to join a team of women that speak and teach on behalf of a volunteer organization called Wellspring Living in Atlanta, GA. They work to help rescue girls some as young as 9 years old that have recently been saved from situations of trafficking. Through my God-sized journey, I am currently able to spend a few hours each week teaching these girls a course on what it means to live a life with intention.  Helping them to see that they have the opportunity to write their own story. They are for the 1st time learning what it means to dream! 

Open your heart and trust…God has already done far more than I could ever imagined or dreamed! I can’t wait to hear what he has in store for you! 

Shared by: Natalie Joy

For the Young Dreamer

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Dear lovely young dreamer,

I wanted to drop you a message.  A few words of advice from your older sister in the faith.  I see your eyes shining with idealism and promise. I want to encourage you, and caution you, if I may be so bold.

I’ve loved and mentored some precious teens and 20-something women of promise and expectation, and I’ve seen how easily we can get lost on this journey.  I know firsthand how quickly you can lose your way – I spent years chasing the wrong things in my 20s.

A simple caution first: don’t ever let money be the reason for a decision.  I heard a young woman just this week say she wished her boyfriend had more money.  She looked at her friends and their pricey adventures and outings and longed for it herself.  She let the lure of what money could buy distract her from the precious gift she’d been given.

Second, but closely related, cheer instead of compare. I know it’s hard.  Heck, the entire country conspires to have us compare ourselves, so we’ll buy more and do more and work out more and spend our time yearning for more.  Even after decades, I look at other women and can find myself wanting their dream or parenting style or weight or career.  There is a specific purpose God has for you and ONLY you.  There are works that God has prepared in advance for you (Ephesians 2:10).  He knew exactly who you would be because He made you that way.  He needs your unique voice and body and style and passion and perspective.  It is okay, even useful, to admire others for achievements they have made – admire, not desire. When our eyes are on the Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2), then we can cheer others on instead of tear them down or compete against them.

Third, and last for this little note, would you guard your heart (and mind?) (and body?)?  I have watched with great heartbreak the destruction the enemy can wreak on the most promising young dreamers.  The devil knows if he can take you out early, he can keep hundreds or thousands of people from knowing who God is because he dimmed your light.  If you have run away, or if you are living with someone just to feel loved, or if you are suffering under addiction to drugs or alcohol, you can come back.  You can return to those who love you and believe in you.  You are welcome, day or night, in the arms of Father God.

There was a young man in the Bible who let the things of the world entice him away and when he finally realized he’d wandered too far, he came home to a waiting father:

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.  Luke 15

And for you who are fighting the fight against what your peers or the world or the talking heads say you should be doing, and you are listening to that still small voice guiding you in what feels like the babiest of baby steps, take heart (Psalm 31).  Do not be discouraged in what feels like rejection.  Do not give up when you step out in faith and what looks like failure looms. 

You are not only fulfilling your dreams and His purpose for your life, but you are planting seeds and laying the foundation for others who will come behind you.  Sit down and read Hebrews 10 through 12.  See that in the midst of that encouragement to persevere, the pillars of our faith were “commended” but “none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  (Hebrews 11:40)

It’s hard in a culture to see past the me, to the we, but the dream God has for his children is so much bigger than you or I.  It’s a bigger picture. We’re individually contributing to His masterpiece.

Do not be discouraged. Your sisters are so proud of you. We believe in you.

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Do not be discouraged.  Your sisters in this dreaming adventure are so proud of you.  We believe in you.  We are standing a little further up the course cheering you forward.

And if you found this and you have gotten lost along the way, we are praying for you today.  You are always welcome home.  It. Is. Never. Too. Late.

You are always welcome home. It. Is. Never. Too. Late.

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“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12)

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Love,

Your Dreaming (Older) Sisters

Art by Susanne Vincent

Shared by: Gindi Vincent

God-sized Dreams Require Confidence In Our God

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I can hardly believe that it’s already May! It seems as though we were just braving the cold and snow, although this is Michigan and we could still have a snowstorm tomorrow and 80 degrees the next day.

But typically May means warmer weather, spring showers, flowers sprouting, trees budding and grass growing greener (and longer) by the minute.

May also means Mother’s Day — a time to celebrate our moms and to be celebrated.

As a mom I know how blessed and how busy that day can be and this year was no different. My children and grandchildren visited, brought me gifts, cooked me dinner and loved on me — it was a beautiful day. I’m also blessed to have my husband’s mom living next door and was able to spend time with her and some extended family too.

But this year I was missing my mom. About a year ago she remarried and made a big move south and although she recently flew home for a visit, those trips are few and far between. Looking back I know now that I took for granted when she lived nearby and I could see her whenever I wanted.

But life was always busy and although I would attempt to squeeze in a little “extra” time to spend with her it wasn’t enough.

Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in busyness and forget to be present with the ones we love?

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My mom always encouraged me in whatever my dreams were. She was of course, my biggest fan and my greatest cheerleader and even had dreams of her own for me. In my late teens she insisted that I could be the local Free Fair Queen which I concluded would probably require grace, poise and some sort of talent — all of which I was sure that I didn’t possess. She had much more confidence in me than I did!

She worked harder than anyone I knew but was harder on herself than anyone too. She criticized and judged herself for all that she was and all that she wasn’t. I’ve adopted some of those same habits along the way but as I pursue my God-sized dreams I realize that I need some of the same confidence that my mom had in my gifts and abilities and also some of the same grace she extended to me too.

On her last trip home we were discussing my writing and as I began sharing some of my doubts (unsure whether I could measure up with other writers) she said “I don’t think you realize what a great writer you are.”

Sometimes we just need our mom’s approval.

And sometimes we just need our moms…

When I think about my thoughts towards my own children they are not unlike my mom’s thoughts towards me. I believe they possess so much talent , that they are so gifted and have so much potential. I believe in their God-sized dreams whatever they may be because I believe in the God who planted those dreams in their hearts and minds.

And if we, with all our flaws and failures, have those thoughts toward our children how much greater are God’s thoughts towards us?

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Psalm 40:5 (NASB)

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.

Shouldn’t that give us all the confidence we need?

Friends I hope that you are encouraged to pursue your God-sized dreams and remember that you are being cheered on!!

Shared by: Lanette Haskins

Get Over Yourself, Already…

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The "Do What You Can" Plan

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.(Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV))

Who knew where this dreaming journey would carry us. I look back on the three years that have elapsed since we set out together, and I marvel at God. As a group of dreamers, few of us are pursuing the dreams we thought God had for us. By the same token however, I believe every single one of us is pursuing a God-Sized Dream…and that is the way of the Kingdom. That takes me back to the beginning of this journey with my sisters, and inclines me to encourage you, again, never to give up.

You might want to give up on a dream, but don’t ever be tempted to give up on God.

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He’s never given up on you, and He never will.

This goes back about a couple of years. It hadn’t been a banner week. The flu virus moved into our house, contractors overtook our home for the week rebuilding and repairing the bathroom, and all of my usually boundless energy and motivation had evaporated. I found myself in the uncomfortable and unaccustomed position of feeling a little pathetic. It’s unfamiliar and I never like it.

At that moment, I was overwhelmed by the love, faith, and drive of the women chosen to walk this path with me-the women of God-sized Dreams. While I often spend my days writing, at other times I quiet my soul reading their stories here and elsewhere across the web. Just listening to God speak through these women and their dreams, I feel a stirring.

Never have I had a group of Christian women friends like these women. Not one to travel in a girl pack, I live my faith but I’m fairly private (I have a close circle of friends), and growing up PK (a pastor’s kid), I’ve seen so much in communities of faith that has disappointed me that I am disinclined to hang with church folk.

This is different. I have come to know and love women who amaze me daily. They are different from me, but we are joined in purpose and exist in a common state of Grace. When I start feeling all less than and out of sorts, Hebrews 12 calls out to me. Matthew Henry’s commentary describes this text as “An exhortation to be constant and persevere, the example of Christ is set forth, and the gracious design of God in all the sufferings believers endured.”

I receive the words as a reminder to get over myself. Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, women whose lives and whose stories and whose faith lift me out of my mire (which I remind myself are merely a series of inconveniences) that it’s time to dust myself off, throw off all that might hinder me, and persevere. That’s a lesson I encourage you to remember when things get rough. They will (get rough, I mean).

I have a great tool for that. Or actually, Holley Gerth does. She and God created this great tool, to which I return often, called, The Do What You Can Plan.

The Do What You Can Plan. It’s an instructional manual for eating the elephant (a bite at a time).

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You see, I never pull myself out of the mire of my life in a moment’s notice, so that’s where the plan comes in.

Her approach to eating the elephant is to (you should write this down…)

Decide on the minimum you’d like to accomplish in a particular area of your life over the next twenty-one days. Then divide that by about half.

Even at our lowest, we can take baby steps.

I’ve learned to remind myself to start where I am, and do what I can. And, in the company of my powerful praying sisters, when I am weary, I come to them and drink from the fount. I needn’t even confess my struggles there-there is a word someone needs to say that I need to hear. That is how it is with God. That is how it is with my sisters.

I read the words of my sisters, and I am encouraged. I read from Holley’s book, and am reminded how to eat the elephant.

God can handle the big. When you start out, it’s okay for your part to simply be the small.

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And that is all you need to throw off everything that hinders, along with the sin (in the form of fear, anxiety, doubt) that so easily entangles. Do not grow weary and lose heart. You might be down, you might even be broken, but that very brokenness will be the key to your healing.

And I’ve got all my sisters with me-we are your sisters too, and among them here is what I’ve learned.

Nothing can stop us.

Shared by: Chelle Wilson

The Coat Of Many Fears

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Coat of Fears

In Genesis 37 we find the story of Joseph  and his coat of many colors. His father had it made especially for him. It was beautiful, clean, and without saying a word, it told the other brothers how much more he was loved and adored than them.

I had a coat too. Except it wasn’t colorful and beautiful. No, it was striped with gray and a dingy white.

Oh, and it smelled a little funny.

It was my coat of many fears. I’d had it for so long I can’t remember not owning it.

Unlike Joseph’s coat which reminded him of how loved, accepted, and adored he was, each ugly gray streak of mine reminded me: I’d never be good enough. No.Matter.What.

And, it reminded me of the fears that have kept me firmly rooted in one spot. Afraid to step out, afraid of what others would think, afraid that if I did move, I would fail.

My coat whispered: “Stop trying to make your dreams a reality, you’re not smart enough, talented enough, or good enough for YOUR dreams to come true. Look at me, this isn’t the coat of a winner.”

No wonder I’ve spent most of my life going through the motions, and just getting through the day.

I’ve been sleepwalking through my own life.

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Finally, thank goodness, I had enough and threw the filthy rag into the garbage (I should have set fire to it for good measure).

I had grown tired of the weight of that coat, and gray really isn’t my color;). The dingy color, the foul smell, the unraveling seams were too much; I knew I was made for more.

I was ready for something different. God used His word, and His people, to show me I do have a purpose, and with this new knowledge; I put on a new coat.

I wish it wouldn’t have taken me so long to accept the new coat of God-confidence. But, once I did, and realized how much better I felt, and looked, clothed in His promises…not to mention it doesn’t smell…I never wanted to take it off.

My load now is light (Matthew 11:30). I no longer have my “coat of fears” to weigh me down.

God’s promises anchor me. They tell me I AM good enough, approved, loved, forgiven, talented, smart…

See for yourself:

Jeremiah 29:11,”For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 31:3, “The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued to extend faithful love to you.”

Psalm 139:14, “I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.”

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.”

So, you see, if God tells me He has plans for my life, that I am loved with an everlasting love, I’m wonderful, and He has work planned for my hands prepared before I was even born; then who am I to question Him?

I shudder to think how long I wore my coat of fears (or I shall I say lies?), when I could have been wearing something beautiful that fit me much better.

It’s time to take off the filthy coat of many fears.

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It’s time put on the new and clean coat of God-confidence.

What filthy lies/fears do you need to throw out and replace with the beautiful coat of God-confidence?

Shared by: Alecia Simersky