It's time to dream… again.

Lately, God has been "kicking up" some of the dreams in my heart. You know… the deep ones-- ones that I usually only talk to him about and very few people really know. You know those things that you really, really, really hope that God will do through your life, but you are afraid to admit to anyone out of fear that they will think you are prideful or crazy? Well, I have a few of these myself-- and I have totally pushed them out of my mind for 2 reasons…  #1.. "being faithful" with where I am… and #2…being afraid of dissapointment and being "wrong"...

I have been sensing the Lord doing this "kicking up" over the last 6 weeks or so-- but, in the last week I have felt those dreams really pressing on me.  Last weekend I went to the "Women of Faith" conference in Dallas, and was completely overwhelmed, to tears, in watching Kari Jobe lead us into intimacy with the Lord through worship… and listening to Priscilla Shirer speak. Of course I was overwhelmed by God's presence, BUT, honestly... I was more overwhelmed by being in the presence of regular, ordinary women… who were walking out their destiny, purpose and desire!!! Its like, they were all doing what they were born to do! That alone-- tears. 

Then, this past Thursday, I had lunch with a new favorite of mine, Donna… and my heart was really expectant!! We sat down and one of the first things that she asked me was "...what would you want to do as your job, if you could do anything… if money was no object… what is in your heart...". It was like she was giving me permission to dream… she was giving me an opportunity to go to a place in my heart that I normally shut off. As I began to tell her my dreams...and the things that I am afraid are "too big" for me to do and be… she lit up!!! She spoke life into my dreams… she spoke courage and hope into my dreams…. and she affirmed the gifts that God has given me!!! I could not have been more thankful for that time with her! It did something in me… in my heart… 

I would love to say that I have "arrived" and know exactly what feel like I was born to do… but, really it is just the beginning of the journey for me. So… here is what I have found myself doing in order to get a better idea of what is really in my heart to do, and be, and live...

… I am making a mental list of the things that I am natrually good at-- which are normally things that make other people feel overwhelmed. It is simple things like, figuring things out or making sense of chaos. 

… I am praying and asking God for more opportunities to use these gifts. Giving myself to him in a new way and pretty much saying to him, "here I am…"

...I am actively looking for places to start the "doing" part of walking out my dreams. 

For me, on the practical side… this looks like starting a small group at my house-- and leading volunteers at my church. In my heart, this is the way that I am moving in the direction of my dreams… and trusting God to do the rest!

My question is, how many of us really dream? Or do we just accept the status quo and reason away the things that God has put on our hearts? Do we really desire to see God pour through our lives in a way that stretches our faith, fills our hearts and brings life to those around us? Or, instead-- do we talk about all the reasons why we cant do things? Are we trying to make sure we are SURE of our dreams before stepping out? Or do we step out, and walk on water?

Lets dream again! Lets take the limits off! Lets encourage other people to do the things that God has put on their hearts! Lets go after new things and push ourselves! Lets move forward in fearless pursuit of our dreams! 

It really is just that simple.