God-sized Dream = a desire in your heart for more of what God has for you.
photo by horia varlan
Yesterday we kicked off our God-sized dreams journey together. It’s a new year and there’s so much in store for us. As I thought about what’s ahead, I couldn’t help thinking about what’s behind too.
We all have a back story.
You do.
I do too.
I don’t talk about mine much. But I thought as we get started together I should tell you a few things. Because it might be tempting to come here and think that the road to where I am now has been easy. Or that I have it all together. Or that all have my God-sized dreams have happened. But none of those are true.
In reality, I’ve struggled off an on with depression and social anxiety most of my life.
My husband and I have walked through many, many years of infertility and we have a baby in heaven.
God asked me to leave a job with people I loved and take a step of faith without having any idea what would happen.
I still have days when I feel crazy and wonder what in the world I’m doing and the fear doesn’t just knock but BANGS on the door of my heart.
You see, God-sized dreams aren’t about being perfect. Or getting what we want. Or things working out the way we plan.
I can tell you this, on your God-sized dreams journey…
You will feel fear.
You will fail at some point.
And you may even find that you have to let a dream go.
But I can also tell you, on your God-sized dreams journey…
You will become more courageous.
You will have victories you never through possible.
And you will be filled up with what you really need, which is less of you and more of Jesus in your life.
God-sized dreaming isn’t for wimps.
But at the same time it’s really only for wimps.
Because we all are exactly that. We’re weak and broken and afraid. And we’re also strong and whole and filled with the resurrection power of Christ.
We are living paradoxes and nothing will show you that more than a God-sized dream.
If you’re looking at all this God-sized dreams stuff with a bit of skepticism can I just whisper, “It’s okay to feel that way. But dare to come with us anyway. Not because of where you will go but because of where this journey will take you…and that’s closer to the heart of God.”
Dare to turn the page on your back story.
It’s time for a new beginning.
Not sure where to begin? Start with The “Do What You Can” Plan: 21 Days to Making Any Area of Your Life Better
Thanks for you honesty and openness. I’ve followed you for about two years. Your words are very encouraging to me. I share your posts often. My husband and I struggle with infertility also. We have a two year old daughter that we adopted. We always felt called to adopt and knew that we would one day. Praise The Lord that he put that desire in our hearts from the beginning! That was his plan for us all along. Though we love that we have the ability to adopt, it doesn’t quite take the pain of infertility away. I have resigned to the fact that The Lord wants me to deal with this in this life so I cling to him. If this us my lot to suffer, then I accept it. For His name and His renown are the desire of my soul.
Bless you, my sister in Christ!
I just love you so much, Holley! Thank you for sharing your heart, for cheering for us and for believing in us.
“Living paradoxes.” So true!! My back story includes many starts and stops toward my dreams. Your words give me hope, and I thank you.
Grace.
Thank you for turning the page on your back story and vulnerably encouraging the rest of us!
What a great article to kick off this new year. Thanks for openly sharing some of the things you have gone through and most of all for now taking this step to encourage others, myself included, in seeking out our God sized dream in 2013.
Thank you for your steps of courage. I am encouraged to keep walking forward. So grateful for new beginnings!! =)
Dearest Holly,
You are so precious and so are your words…. they are so true of everyone of us…Your honesty and transparency are such a blessing as we can so easily identify with your struggles… I too struggle with depression and those kinds of thoughts from time to time… It’s so wonderful to know we are not alone in it … Yes we have Jesus, His Words & comforter as well but the icing on the cake of life is knowing Jesus with “skin on”, in humanity here and now…. You are such a delight Sweet Pea… Can hardly wait to meet you someday and just give you the biggest Hug…’til then Lord have someone close to Holly give her a big hug today and let her know it’s from me…. You are Loved Precious!!
I love reading people’s back stories – not because I like see that people have had hardships, but they that they have OVERCOME them. It’s of great inspiration to me. Sometimes, in moments of pure pity party (triple p), it’s so easy to think to yourself, “Why me? Nobody else has a life like that! Nobody else has struggles. Just look at them!!”
The truth is, EVERYONE has struggles, but only the BRAVE are willing to teach others by showing them where they have been.
Thank you for being brave and sharing your back story, Holley.
(just subscribing to this thread)
Thank you. This was encouraging dear Holley. I felt like a whimp at times, many times in fact. Yet within the paradoxes, God takes us where we’re at and makes us new whatever the back story. Thanks again for speaking your heart as it is descriptive of mine, of how I feel and what I’d like to say, words that are quiet come to the fore, all of a sudden.
Blessings to you for words of courage and encouragement!
(Don;t have kindle, and site says email receiving is already closed by publisher. How may I receive your 21 days book?)
Your words today fit perfectly with God’s plan. He woke me up early with thought I was to give a favorite tiny book to a friend: “The Prayer of Jabez”. I had just enough time to reread it before the friend came by, and I gave it. It again is life-changing, as your words will be also.\
Thank you
You can get The “Do What You Can” Plan on your computer too (you just need to download the free app)! http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771
Holley,
I so agree with what you said in your post. God-size dreaming is definitely NOT for wimps and yet at the same time is so much ONLY for wimps….wimps who know that they desperately need the Lord’s help. Through the years God has brought me some wonderful successes (spiritually speaking) and some hard-to-accept failures, too. But, always, His aim has been to move me closer to Jesus, which is just exactly where I need to be….clinging desperately to the hand of my Savior for dear life! As I begin 2013, that’s right where I am now (due to a very long-lasting unknown, as-yet-unable-to-be diagnosed illness). Although I’m hoping that this incapacitating illness that’s plagued me for over a year will disappear (or be healed by Jesus) in 2013, I’m also praying that I won’t let go of His hand ever, even when my need for Him might not be so very obvious to all.
Hi Holley!
We are blessed that YOU are faithful in the enormity of God. Dare to brag on your perceived failure and tragedies, but always look to Him – because Jesus never allows a dificulty to go un-used or wasted. Rather, He uses everything, every tear shed, every hurt, all the things that pain us to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. Paul tells us to share in the fellowship of Christ’s suffereings. Something to remember when my emotions get hurt and there is pain. Jesus did no less for us, He gave all.
Thank you for your honesty and openness, Holley. You are a precious sister in Christ. My husband and I came up with this acronym (I think that is the right word) for “wimp.”
Women Infilled With Much Power! A good confession, and only by the grace of Jesus, the great and deep love of our Father, and the help of the Holy Spirit to walk it out.
If one doesn’t have a Kindle, can we still get “The Do What You Can Plan…?” If so, please let me know how. I look forward to our Tuesdays together aiming to make some areas in our lives better. God bless you richly!
I love that acronym and YES you can still get The “Do What You Can” Plan on any computer.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771
Hi, I have been trying to down load this on my PC but it is not allowing me…do you have any suggestions.
Thank you so much for your transparency! You are right, we all have a backstory that if we let it can affect us negatively as we try to accomplish the fullness of life that God has for us. I enjoyed it so much and feel that is has “reset” my thinking to be able to “dream a little”…LOL! God bless you and your Dreams!
Thanks for this. What a confirmation of where God is leading me. See yesterday I spent a lot of time thinking about my goals for 2013 & thinking about a name for the year a la Ann Voskamp. It occurred to me that I spend an awful lot of time thinking about the past – conversations, situation, etc, etc & how I could have handled them better. I think about my backstory – & how it has affected me. I spend a lot of energy & valuable time on this. As I was praying, Phil 3:13-14 came to mind “forget what lies behind & strain forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ”. So – I named 2013 The Year of Moving Forward. So – I am turning the page on my back story along with you. I am pressing on toward the goal – on mustard seed at a time with you!!
Thank You Holley … for shareN the truth and pain of your backstory … You are a blessing.
Good Morning Holley,
Iam sitting at my desk with the sun shining in my face reading “The Do What You Can Plan”,I received a nook for Christmas and have downloaded the 21 day you mentioned.
I so appreciate your sharing of things in your life, sometimes I feel like I dont measure up to the Christians at our church,however I have been a Christian for a long time,enjoy lots of bible study and great sermons at our church. Iam almost 62 in 11 days,and I just feel I need to do more to help others however Iam fearful myself. Over the years I have been through a ruff divorce(being the daughter of a minister and no one in my family had ever been) was very difficult with God’s help everything through lots of prayers I have managed. It was difficult accepting it all my with God,family and church family I survived!!! Now I need revived,Iam very anxious to pursue this step with you. Iam a WIMP!!! Need Help!!!! Thanks Holley
Thank you. Thank you for your candor and your gift of sharing. I have struggled with anxiety off and on for many years. You know what is worse than the anxiety? Thinking you’re crazy because you feel anxious! When others are honest that they struggle with this as well, it makes it seem less, well, crazy.
These two are a few of my life quotes that really help when I feel afraid:
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Mandela
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” – Radmacher
Be blessed.
I would never have believed you had gone through so much. You seem so strong and capable. Maybe that is where your strength comes from, the trials. I am going through depression, social anxiety, anxiety, lack of confidence to do just about anything, and have been off work for 2 years now after having a “bully boss” for 3 years. I am such a chicken. But it looks like I am not the only one. I need God’s strength and guidance to get through this. God willing, maybe 2013 will be the year. I don’t know… God knows.
Thank you so much for all the beautiful writings and for helping everyone in so many ways. I look forward to the readings very much. YOU SO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL GIFT. KATHY FASCETTI
I get so tired of waiting for my dream that i feel i’m banging my head against the wall…just saying….
Thank you for your candidness and honesty. Yes, life can be extremely difficult. Some times I wonder if I will make it or if it is even worth it. But I know with certainty that the Lord is always with me. Why He would do the things for me that He does still awes and amazes me. Without Him I would not survive and I would be nothing.
If it helps you … I want to kiss JESUS more this year 2013. More than last year. Sorry to hear about your baby. That is sad. And the other two. JESUS can heal you by HIS Presence every single moment of your life.
I needed this today! We are part of a new and struggling church and there are rifts and it is driving me crazy … I know God has a plan and I am struggling with looking to Him and not the naysayers and trouble-makers. Or am I the trouble-maker?! God-sized dreams .. I love that! II always feel people think I’m a little silly for looking at things that way. It’s encouraging to have others who are on the same page. Looking forward to starting your book. Thank you!!
Holley, thank you for peeling back the mask and pretenses for us to see the beautiful scars of a life surrendered. And you are beautiful for giving us words that point is to moving forward past our fears. Thank you, thank you.
My blog has been quiet for a few months while I completed my manuscript, and I did!!!! But I’m thrilled to slip back in this New Year with BIG dreams from a BIG God.
Love you!
I know some of those struggles and know how intensely God uses them. I posted a couple weeks ago a excerpt from Jesus Calling which said, “Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My power and Glory perform most brilliantly.” Isn’t it true? That’s the way people see God through us? Ann Voskamp calls them the cracks through which we see His glory. Beautiful post.
Hi! – thanks Holley for the e-book, I’m enjoying it…
also for the many ways you/your blog is a blessing to me & many. Thanks for being open and encouraging about your life. God is so good that He loves us with an everlasting love, restores, heals and gives us friends along the way. I love the part in your book, am just thinking about it, where you write about being discerning about who to confide in and when. I so agree about being selective and choosing someone(s) who points you to Jesus etc, who is not critical and fault finding.
xox Happy 2013! in Christ,
Nancy
Thank you, Holly, for all your encouragement. You are a blessing to each of us. I feel like I am not alone after reading your story. Your daily devotions are certainly heart warming. May God Bless You and that we all can have a God size dreams in 2013.
Holley,
You touch my heart and soul with your authenticity, honestly, and insights. THANK YOU for saying Yes to your God Sized Dream and allowing us to journey on ours with you. You are a gift. Happy New Year! Love ya!
Thank you for sharing your heart via a great inspirational post for the New Year…timely and an uplifting message for those of us dragging a little of last year’s baggage into this brand New Year. Your words are an encouragement toward openness to God. ♥
Thank you so much for your sweet grace wrapping around my heart this morning and your encouragement for my journey. I love y’all and I’m so grateful that we can be in this place together!
Holley -thank you for such a powerful encouragement to go after my God-size dream. It is nice to know I’m not the only one nervous but excited about the journey. God may be calling me to leave my job that I love to follow this God size dream which is really scary to me. I am worried what people will say because my God size dream is in another career field. Isn’t funny how that is even a concern. Anyway thank you again for your honesty it makes me breathe a sigh of relief knowing I’m not alone.
Holley you are a gift and a breath of fresh air! Your thoughts and writings give me courage to continue on my path towards a God given dream. I too have struggled with depression and social anxiety. Depression was one of the catalysts that broke up my marriage years ago. Social anxiety has kept me from going after goals or doing activities I would so love to do, but but but…I never could find the support or anyone who could even remotely understand what I was going through until now…
Since 2008 when I was laid off and subsequently not able (and still not able) to find a full-time job I decided to go after a dream – one that I sort of considered but never thought possible. I believe God has led me to the path that I am on today. One that is extraordinary and truly God sized because half the time I have no idea if what I am even doing is correct – that as a writer and conservationist. In retrospect I see that my life’s itinerary was headed in this direction, and the Lord had this all planned out from the get go. God’s timing is remarkable – your ebook surfaced at the time I really need it – to give me the faith and trust to finish my first novel. Thank you! and many blessings!
I’ve just quite a job I had for nine years. Iloved it but my body didn’t. I prayed for months about it and finally just before Christmas I worked my last day. I’m old, my skills are limited and I have very little money. What was I thinking leaving a secure job?! I’m trusting God. So here I go….plunging into this God sized dream! Every day I sink to what feels like the bottom of a pool and I can’t swim!! I’m drowning, gasping for air. Then suddenly His hand is there and my fear subsides as I breath in His peace. This is were I need to be right now, with Holley and all of you, who are also wading into the pool of your own God sized dream. Thank You Holley for your words of encouragement and this journey of 21 days. I am excited for us all.
Infertility is part of my story too. And I whole heartedly believe all our stories, even the hard ones, are important to our journey. Thanks for being honest about yours and for all the encouragement your words have given me.
Truth?
So thank you for letting us know ‘just another child of G-d doing the best she can do with the circumstances given’.
I’da been a bit irritated with the Big Guy had you told us all you’d been fed your grace and strength from a silver spoon.
Seriously…..thank you. It takes your integrity with others to a whole different level!
I’m very clear WE can do what *I* cannot–and in disclosing our own back stories we open doors and are given opportunities to be of service to G-d and others.
Innit amazing and awesome!
Holley,
God is using you in such amazing ways and the talent He has blessed you with for encouragement and inspiration to sisters in Christ is AMAZING!!
You are lighting up and touching SO MANY lives!! And bringing people to Him.
I’d say He’s taken one of His children and moulded her into the beautiful woman she always was for all of us to see.
Xoxoxox
THANK YOU for being Holley
Thanks for opening up a bit Holley, esp. about the Depression and Anxiety…that it something I can so relate to esp. lately. May God bless you on your journey and thanks for the encouragment!
I would like to do this but feel I need to work on my past more and get a grasp on some of my struggles before working on those God-sized dreams. Thank you for your honesty Holley and admitting your struggles. Some day that might be easy for me!
Thank you Holley for your transparency and integrity! What a joy to journey with a sister who trusts God to keep it all together for her, rather than feeling she has to do that herself!
I am so thankful for your honesty and openness. I am blown away by your humbleness and grace. May the Lord continue his good work in you until completion! Thank you again for being so encouraging, uplifting and focused on HIM!
Wow. What an incredible post. You inspire me more than you’ll ever know! I love your raw, open heart. It’s simply beautiful. Thank you for being such a source of strength to those around you!
Dear Holly,
I am so thankful for your devotions. The Lord has placed some God-sized dreams into my heart. Through many disappointments I thought that I should just give up. But God knew my heart and lead me to your website. And now as I read your devotions I have begun to hope and dream again. I want to also thank you for your testimony. It shows that we can bless others through our own pain. You are truly a blessing and I look forward to journey with you on the God-sized Dreams Journey together.
Holly, I have learned that to identify with hurting and uncertain women that we have to be willing to expose our stuff! Thanks for opening the door of your heart so that we can see the real you! New Year blessings!
Hi holly i love your posts and ii want you to know im very sorry about your baby in heaven and you not haveing a baby but god is good and your posts got me throgh this year and god so again om sorry i pray god wiill bless you soon hang in there we will all make istruggel with bipoler and anxity and more but god has blessed me so much i have 4 grown kids i love with all my heart and allof them have been haveing strugels we all do my point as a mother you never stop worreing about them i have a lot off faith in god and thank him every day for what i have even the pain any way happy new year god bless you always phyllis
Dearest Holley,
Thank you so much for your candidness and your encouragement. It’s like you are holding all of our hands as we step out into our God-sized dreams.
Holley, what powerful, tender, real, life-giving words. Sharing your story makes me braver! Thank you.
Thank you so much Holley for your transparency in your backstory! Throughout 2012 your words have brought so much comfort to me – along with quite a few tears – but that’s okay! I’m grateful for your ministry, and happy to be along for this God-sized dream ride!
Holley,
Thank you for your transparency. I have had a God-sized dream before. I left my job to pursue what it was that I felt God leading me to do. It did not turn out the way I expected, and I was very discouraged. I am at a place where I am not sure what my dreams are anymore, and I just live for each day. Now, I just support the dreams of others. I am not sure, but maybe I am a little afraid of dreaming anymore.
Hi Holley,
I have been thinking of you. So good to hear from you. Did you have a good Christmas ? Thank you for being so transparent, true and sincere. I love your heart and you always, always make me feel better because your words always hit home. I thank God for you, Holley and I am so happy that we are sisters in Christ!
I am looking forward to seeing my God-sized dream unfold in the days to come. I have always enjoyed so many simple things in life. This year I would like to “experiment” I would like to try not to shop for clothes for the whole year as I have many clothes and some still have tags. I am not really a shopper and I only buy what’s on sale, but I want to be frugal so that I can just work part-time and pursue my dream of writing a children’s book and have a business of my own. It is scary and I don’t know how to start, but I will start by praying and exploring by asking ideas and through online resources. My husband and I would also like to adopt this year. Oh, I have so many God-sized dreams I don’t know where to start. I am glad you are there to share this journey with me.
much love and thanks,
Yvonne
Thank you for sharing some of your back story with us. We all do have one and it helps to know a little of someone else’s. Blessings upon you.
Lily
Thanks Holly for your posts. I always love receiving them and especially excited about “The God sized dream” journey. This is SOOO what God is calling me too this year. Have just finished reading “The cause within you”by Matthew Barnett. Then your post came……………….OK God I’m listening
Thank you for sharing your back story Holley. I am very encouraged by your post today. It’s so easy to assume that when God leads the road will be all smooth and pretty (I often think that way) but He is all about the process. You are a blessing to me again and again : ) Denese
Holley, you are so inspiring. Your story fills me with hope because I still feel like I’m trapped at the bottom looking up at everyone who can communicate so seemingly effortlessly while I can’t even usually communicate enough to excuse myself to the restroom at work…my coworkers praise me when I can verbally ask them to move so I can reach something…Your life shows me it’s possible to one day be able to function normally in everyday life.
I started reading “The Do What You Can Plan” yesterday. My original goal was to answer all the interview questions confidently (at my school we have to pass an interview to move on from second year to third year…and in an interview situation I am in danger of completely shutting down and being unable to speak). My realistic goal became to answer most of the questions loudly enough to be heard with some effort. I’m praying that my reputation as a good student will help the interviewers to pass me if I can at least make it through…my counselor had me come up with a plan in case I fail, but really all I want to do is finish getting my degree at the school I’m already at.
Thank you for your “confessions,” Holly! I am now more connected to you and your plan because we are alike.
Holly, thank you so much for your openness and your challenge. After having given up on many dreams, your article has been used by God to help me understand that He wants to work in me in 2013. Thank you for taking time and effort to write your articles.
Thank you for this. So much of this made me think, “Really??!! You too?” I downloaded the Do-What-You-Can Plan ebook and look forward to working through it. Much grace and peace to you as *you* walk forward into your God-sized dreams.
Dear Holley,
Thank you so much for sharing your back story. I started reading your e-book and am trying to figure out my small mustard seed goal…listed a couple of options.
Praying God continues to encourage you and use you in a great way.
Blessings,
Dolly
Thank you for sharing your backstory with me. I started following you last year after I picked up a couple of your cards by Day Spring in Hobby Lobby. I suffer from Depression and anxiety also, but it has gotten so much better since I renewed my relationship with God a few years back. I found my Faith again and it has worked miracles in my life and I count my blessings everyday. I also have Infertility issues and 2 very early miscarriages in the last 15 years. One was just last year and the hardest for me . I really relate to a lot of what you write and now I know why. We have alot in common and I love reading your blog every day. I don’t always comment, but I felt compelled to do so after reading this. God Bless you Holley and thank you .
I’m so grateful to read all of your heartfelt and encouraging words here, sisters! Thanks for loving on me.
This post made me cry. Party because it is just perfect, and partly because I love you so much.
Happy New Year, dear friend! xoxo
Holley and friends!!
MY Backstory (and confessions)
I love your gracious transparency. My heart is so often exposed as a surgical procedure of laying open in operation for all to see. Invasive. Painful. Humiliating. Humbling.
I inherited dreaming from a long line of dreamers. Gifted family members: signers of the Jamestown Compact. the first elected Governor of South Carolina, town Founders (Smithfield, NC), Congressmen, Plantation owners, Preachers, Musicians…….
From the beginning of my 31 1/2 years plus of marriage (and counting) to a career U. S. Air Force serviceman, I consistently battled with the echoes of my family saying that I was giving up everything to follow HIS career, HIS dream. You have too much to offer. You are smart, gifted, special. I left college, packed my bags and was content to love, serve and enjoy my life of blessing with my husband and two children over seven different moves through our wonderful military journey. It was and continues to be an honor to be a servant, not only my family but my country. The sacrifices were all honorable but truly challenging. We, as a family unit, were all we had. We learned a true and earnest dependance on the Lord and each other. I am the woman that I am today because of every person that invested in my journey! For the first 20 years of our marriage, I quietly dreamed, served in church, was on church staff as a volunteer and paid member. I purposefully honored the Lord in my home & life, learned to study God’s Word, apply it and teach others the truths that set my heart free. I was not sure of my life’s mission statement then because I was so very busy living out a sincere pursuit of Jesus Christ, that I never made the time, nor thought to write it out.
The years have flown by. Our children are grown. Our son a successful businessman and our daughter a wife, new mom and Pediatric Oncology Nurse. My husband has retired from the Air Force and and I am currently living my dream of full-time service to the Lord together and alongside of my husband. I served him and now the offices have changed as the plaques, medals and trophies have been taken from the Air Force walls. Now he is following and serving alongside of me. I have the office. My dreams, after 20 years of marriage, have been affirmed and we are in love with the community of men, women, children and families that we have been called to serve.
The journey to our destination has not always one paved with joy, smiles and bliss. It has taken me to many dark and difficult places in body, mind and spirit but in every situation I have found redemption in the Father’s love, leading and plan.
My friend, 50 plus years of living has led me to a faith in a trustworthy and true God. I rejoice that in Him ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!! Hold on to your dreams. Holley, you are correct. The ease of today does not come without a road paved with a call, hard work, perseverance, victory, defeat, dark days, difficult moments and yes, some that we would rather change. They define our journey but not what God is doing, can do and being the author of dreams…..will do!!
I LOVE sharing His story of redemption in my life. I is never too late to start. To be faithful. To believe. To Dream. God continues to quietly call to us, drawing us closer and speaking to the Spirit of God alive and active in our hearts.
I am a dreamer……Still dreaming, still believing, still trusting and becoming more like Him……for His glory, honor and praise!!!
Living simply~Simply Living alongside of some special ladies……I still doubt my value in the Kingdom of God. Praying that the Lord will find me (us) faithful….for His Kingdom come…..His will be done!!
Mel
Thanks for sharing. I saw your blog in my friend´s facebook sites
I have struggled anxiety for 12 years. Your thoughts were encouraging
- Karoliina from Finland -
Dear Holley,
Thank you for urging us to dream; thank you also for sharing your struggles. At 78 years
old, I am probably one of your older dreamers. I have been endowed with the mental
illness called bipolar (manic-depression) and so I can easily relate to your periods
of deep depression.
After the loss of my husband 7 years ago, I leaned on God and became more dependent on
Him than ever before. He has been so good and has provided many good friends. My
favorite Bible verse is 11Cor. 12:9.
My dream is to win several non-Christian friends to Christ.
Velma
Holley, I too have a blog, it’s called IT’S ME!!!, where I TRY to share God’s love!!! Please check it out, and maybe even some of your subscribers will too!!!
This article strikes a chord in me! May we all surge forward, armed with a God sized dream that He has put in our heart ….Be Dreamers of God….
Holley, so many times your posts your thoughts seem to just “get me” which seems strange to me because you are so much younger than I – Interesting how we all seem to struggle in the same ways so much of the time. I’m excited and scared about this journey re: my God-sized dream as I often wonder if I even have one. Hoping to discover it through this journey with you. I got the e-book “Do What You Can” Plan – thank you for making this available – and yesterday had just finished Day 2. Then this morning I was reading today’s devotion in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young and it seemed to relate so well so what I got out of Day 2 in the following: True dependence on God is not simply asking Him to bless what we have decided to do but it is going to Him with an open mind and heart and inviting Him to plant His desires in my heart. Because I can’t achieve my “goals” on my own, this leads to a journey of reliance on Him. It will not be a path of continual successes but of many failures. But the failures will be followed by growth spurts when I rely on Him. I pray that I can be open, courageous and trusting to Him guiding me to and in my God-sized dream!!
I felt like you were speaking for me. I have just underwent a valley in my life. I am a teacher, who enjoys being around young people of any age. At this time I have been placed in a job with such an overload people make comments to me all the time about how I am doing? The only reason why they’ve noticed is because it is showing in my countenance. I was broken by administration at an end of day meeting in November, this lead to ideas in the classroom…my students and I are going to write a book. Why? I am the math teacher and I am in no way eloquent with words. At that meeting, I was so broken that only God could have picked me up. My livelihood was dangled in front of me and my colleagues and criticisms were thrown upon my co-workers and I felt so overwhelmed. It had been coming; I had already had a meeting with administration about 7 months ago (at the end of the school year) and pleaded that “if it was going to be this stressful next year to please place me in another position. They didn’t and the stress got even bigger. I was the team leader, working on my Master’s and teaching 6 classes a day with 4 preps, on the Pre-AP team in a middle school. After sharing my heart with my boss; he received that we were to write a book, but by the end of the weekend, he had e-mailed a nasty note telling me to NOT text or e-mail parents or co-workers. The tone and unkind words were the “straw that broke the camels back”. I ended up having a nervous breakdown the next week; was hospitalized for 6 days and was not allowed to return to work until after the New Year. In the midst of it all, a God-sized dream began to form and I am so excited despite still being in the current stressful position. My God-sized dream became to write not work with numbers. I had always been about numbers. God has told me “all about numbers” is okay, but NOW you will be all about letters, words, essays, books, etc. As a result of my breakdown, I have written my first article for the local paper and am being encouraged to write for other sources as well. I am still in the same job, but am trying to move into another position that has become open. (Please pray that my boss will see that this is the position for me.) I need less stress. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in addition to being bi-polar. I am in my 40′s and this has blown me away. ..I have always been somewhat of an introvert but the anxiety and mood swings that I have are so not the norm for me.
Thank you for sharing that you made a life change without knowing what was ahead. 3 years ago we movies from KS to NJ and even though we are doing fine at times I feel lost and confused as to what I should do with my life. I know there is more out there but how to move forward is lost on me. With finding my God sized dream I know it will help fill the void I feel with the move.
Oh mine definitely has a back story and I feel like I have gone two steps forward and 10 back. I am at the point where I’m not sure what to do next.
Thank-you, for your story. I know how you feel, I have a little angle in heaven. God did let me have a little precious daughter after losing one. But was never able to have another. Years later, I feel I know why,My first marriage was not a good one. Thank God he gave me a great husband that worships with me. We work together in our church and he had 3 children so I have 2 boys 2 girls and we all get along good. Only God knows our future. He has blessed me to be able to grow up with parents who took me to church. They taught me to love God and depend each and every day on the only one who can love me and take care of me in everything. Without God I just can’t imagine where I would be.Thank you for letting God use you. Praying for you and your ministry.
This has been in my e-mail for some time now.
But just for today I wanted to write. I needed to write.
I recently have had a mild stroke and of course I”m
wondering what does God want me to do.
Today I believe just one day at a time.
Your words encourage my heart and soul.
Thanks