The dreams may lay hidden for a long time.
In looking back, I am not sure where I read that applications were being taken for the the God Sized Dream Team. It may have been on either Facebook or Twitter or in an email. The one thing I am certain is that I opened it and read it multiple times over the course of a few weeks.
No matter how I tried to push it out of my head, I kept returning to read it once again.
During a difficult transition in our lives several years ago, I felt led to start a journal – a blog – so that my children would one day know their mother’s thoughts and manner of processing. At first, I resisted the idea as I have always held my thoughts and feelings close.
Transparency and vulnerability, while my heart was yet raw, was a frightening thought.
One Sunday morning, the sermon was on Peter being called out of the boat to walk on water. I knew Jesus was always in the proverbial boat with me, stilling the storm and bringing His peace.
But me, out on the water with Jesus would require me to muster up a whole lot more courage.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
(Matthew 14: 29, NLT)
The writing was private as no one knew I was even doing so, but over the course of time, connections began. Connections that brought meaning to my writing, bringing a love of writing and for those who would read and comment.
It did not matter if the words would be read by only one as it was for the One that I was writing.
In following this urge to show up each morning and write, God has opened opportunities that were unknown and unexpected. I am discovering He knows the desires of our hearts even more so than we do.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you. (Psalm 37:4-5, NLT)
As I sat looking at the message to submit my name for consideration, something began to stir in my heart once again. Would I dig deep and go even further out on the water with Jesus? Could I follow Him where I had not ever been before?
The word which had been coming before me for several weeks was “Audacious” … “to be bold, brave, fearless, extremely original, without restriction to prior ideas, lively” (as I learned from dictionary.com).
Peter did not wait for perfect weather conditions to walk out to Jesus. He had to put one leg over the side, and then the other, while the rain was pelting, the wind blowing, and the waves were slapping against him.
But when Jesus bid him “Come”, he went and was able to do what he had not ever done before.
Here I am doing something I have not ever done before with a group of new friends. This is the unimaginable to me and yet, He had bid me, “Come.”
God knows the desires of our hearts for He Himself fashioned our hearts.
“Come, He bids. ” Listen carefully and you may find, He is uncovering the dream He knew was there from the beginning.
Shared by: Joanne Viola
Liz Giertz says
February 1, 2017 at 7:07 amYes, yes, YES! To all this! We are so on the same wavelength here, Joanne! I’m so glad you got out of the boat! Blessings!
Joanne Viola says
February 1, 2017 at 7:08 amMe too, Liz, me too! When He calls us out, we will not sink. May we not allow fear of the unknown to hold us back from all He has for us. Have a great Wednesday!
Dawn says
February 1, 2017 at 8:03 amI am so so glad you stepped out on the water, friend. And I never realized the reason you started writing, but I absolutely love the legacy building grace you have left for us to grow with. Your children will surely rise and call you blessed.💓
Blessings,
Dawn
Joanne Viola says
February 1, 2017 at 5:30 pmYes, I really started writing to leave a “journal” for my children and grandchildren. But the Lord had a little more in mind. May we be obedient to His call and step out as He goes before us. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Barbie Swihart says
February 1, 2017 at 10:25 amYou truly are a gifted writer and such an encouragement! This team is blessed to have you.
Joanne Viola says
February 1, 2017 at 5:31 pmBarbie, I always appreciate your encouraging words. I am grateful that God has brought so many new friends through blogging, including you. Blessings!
Michele Morin says
February 1, 2017 at 5:27 pmEverything! Everything about this post makes me thankful for you, my audacious friend.
Joanne Viola says
February 1, 2017 at 5:32 pmThank you so much, Michele. And I am thankful for your friendship.
Tracey Brewer says
February 2, 2017 at 8:12 amWhat a great reminder that God gifted me in ways that He knew would give me fulfillment and pleasure while bringing glory to Himself. Love the thought of audacious living! May we each embrace our calling and follow each path as He reveals it to us.
Joanne Viola says
February 2, 2017 at 10:12 amMay we keep reminding ourselves in the days ahead so that our lives bring Him much glory!
Kristin Hill Taylor says
February 2, 2017 at 10:06 amI love seeing you here with such sweet encouragement. xo
Joanne Viola says
February 2, 2017 at 10:13 amThank you so much, Kristin! I am humbled, excited, and looking forward to all God has for us all.
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
February 4, 2017 at 5:10 pmAlot of my devotional writing grew from journal entries made during or following my quiet time, so yes, journaling is often a great springboard for writing as we share our hearts and lives with others. Glad to see you here at GSD!
Joanne Viola says
February 6, 2017 at 8:16 amKathy, I now see how this can be. I cannot say I journaled regularly until I began blogging. Once my focus was on leaving my thoughts for my children, I became much more intentional. It has been amazing to me, the difference it all has made in my own life. Thank you for the welcome here!