Last week Holley challenged us with these words:
Do one thing to move forward in your God-sized dream. You get extra credit if it’s simple, small and takes just a few minutes.
One thing. Seemed sort of challenging for a girl who isn’t really sure what her God-sized dream is. But I went back to the notes I made in my notebook back on day 1 of The “Do What You Can” Plan
This is what I wrote:
At the time, I was praying to reach that goal within two months. It seemed HUGE. But it was measurable and, with some hard work, doable.
I shared my desire with a few people who have been real encouragers and prayer warriors in my life. All of them believed my goal was attainable and they agreed to pray with me.
Y’all … two weeks after I scribbled those words in my “God Sized Dreams” journal, both of those goals are met! AND, after a phone call with another dear friend, I think I’ve finally crystallized in my mind what my God-sized dream is:
to equip and encourage women to live in the abundance God has promised us (John 10:10) through speaking and consulting.
I realized something after I finished my second consulting call last week—I LOVE to help other people reach their dreams. And I especially love helping them sort through the “junk” to find the path to those dreams. I love the opportunity to tell women it’s okay to say “no” to good so they can live in the very best. I find great satisfaction in dreaming with others and coming up with a plan for living in those dreams. I gain energy from using my skills and abilities to help others use theirs.
The thing is, I never could have sorted through all of this by myself. I needed friends and prayer warriors and other dreamers to walk with me, to listen, to encourage. We all do. We were made for connection, for relationship.
Yesterday my friend Jada shared this quote on Facebook:
What a perfect combination of my one word, listen, with my God-size dream … I love it!
I am a firm believer in the value of in real life, sometimes even in your face, friends. The kind who will laugh and cry with you, who will speak hard truth in your life, and who will walk with you as you chase the God-dream in your heart. It may be hard to find them, but it is so worth it!!
Who are the encouragers in your life? How have they helped you chase the dreams of your heart?
affiliate links included in this post
Teri Lynee – I think your finalized dream is just perfect! You are such a beacon of hope and goodness for all of us and I am blessed to know you and hopefully to be getting to know you even more. With Joy, Carey
Sweet Carey … you are one of those people who really helped me see myself in this light. That simple conversation in the midst of the (in)courage lounge at Allume … I’ve gone back to it time and again. Thank you, for being one of those people who has helped me find the dream … and for being one of my sweet friends too!! 🙂
How wonderful that you received affirmation so quickly!
Yes, though, as you know, it doesn’t feel like it came so quickly … amazing, isn’t it, that we work for years toward a goal and dream and then when the answers and affirmations come, we feel like it happened overnight!! 🙂
Thank you, dear friend … you are one of the encouragers in my life and have been for longer than either of would probably care to admit!! LOL
Glory to Him for His immediate abundant blessing of your dream! Our hearts are similar, desiring to use what He’s given to encourage others, and they will be wonderfully blessed by you as you pursue this God-sized dream.
Grace.
Thank you! I love that He gives us just what we need, exactly when we need it … in His timing, not ours. Such sweetness in serving a God who cares like that!! Praying for you as your chase the dream He’s placed deep in you as well.
Wow!!!! Go you! You have really come a long way already. Keep it up. God has great plans for you,
Thank you! And I’m looking forward to getting to know you more.
Awesome! Loved these words you wrote,
“I am a firm believer in the value of in real life, sometimes even in your face, friends. The kind who will laugh and cry with you, who will speak hard truth in your life, and who will walk with you as you chase the God-dream in your heart. It may be hard to find them, but it is so worth it!!”
Thanks for being one of my encouragers!
Love you, dear friend,
Jada
Thank you, Jada! And thank you for sharing that quote … it was an epiphany for me!! I’m so thankful that you are one of my real life, truth speaking,d ream chasing friends!
Thankful for your gift of listening and sharing with me as I work towards my God-sized dream. 🙂
I feel the same about you … cheering you on!!
Didn’t know you had started a new blog Teri-Lynne
Alyssa recently posted…My God Sized Dream
Well, not really a new blog … just a new design & name. Same URL and content! 🙂
You go girl!!!
Thank you!! xo
‘ it’s okay to say “no” to good so they can live in the very best.’
This statement just changed the way I look at life. I have really been feeling guilty about saying no when asked to serve in the nursery, children’s church or such but God has not called me to those areas. He has called me to minister to women and I will continue to follow Him and not let man’s opinion lead me. Thanks
Oh Amy! There is such freedom in NO isn’t there? You do what God has called you to do … Live in the YES of best!
Teri Lynne, I’m cheering you on with all my heart! I love how you encourage women {including me} and I’m so grateful to share this journey with you!
Jesus shines so bright through you, Holley! Thank you for reflecting Him well and inviting us to do the same.
{your kind words are like a sweetly wrapped gift on my doorstep today. thank you.}