Dream

This past weekend, an amazing woman challenged me to dream. She asked me what dreams I have for my life. I realized that I don’t dream enough. I don’t know if it is because I am fairly content with my life as it is, or if it is because I am afraid to dream, or if I don’t know how to dream, or if I am just too practical and realistic. So, anyway, this week I have been attempting to dream.

Dreams that have come true, by the grace of God:

A home. I love my house. I still am amazed and thank God for allowing me to have this place of my own.

A job. I am thankful that I am blessed with a job where I get to help people. Yes, there are days when my job drives me crazy, but I am thankful for the people that I work with, the things I have learned, the challenges I have faced, and the people that we help.

(Soon) A degree. I only have 2 classes left and I will have a degree!! That was a dream I have had since I was a kid. It is not in the field that I thought it I would be in, but still a dream come true!

Travels. I have traveled to Europe to spend time with my sister and her family. (I dream of more travels and adventures).


Dreams for the future:

I dream of having a Godly husband that I can share the rest of my life with.

I dream of having kids.

I dream of writing a book.

I dream of having a house/condo on the ocean; a vacation place.

I dream of taking a road trip across the country (maybe on a motorcycle!!).

I dream of going on a mission trip to an orphanage to share the love of Jesus with kids.

I dream of going on a cruise.

I dream of a better relationship with my father.

I dream of a reconciled relationship with my mom’s family.

So, I will continue to dream.

Thanks, my friend, for the challenge, inspiration, and encouragement to dream! You are a blessing to me!

Change

I don’t know many people who like, or enjoy change. Many resist it. But, in all reality, we cannot escape change. It is taking place all around us. And it can be difficult. We change jobs, schools, churches, and friends. Seasons change, fashions changes, rules change, kids grow up and change, people come and go in our lives, and so much more. The faster life goes by, the more changes that take place. And some changes are more difficult than others.
When it comes to change, we have choices to make. We can resist it and fight it (although it will still take place) or we can embrace it and learn from it. It is through change that, I believe, we grow and learn. Change pushes us outside of our comfort zones. It pushes us into the unknown. It is through change that we can let go of the past, yet learn from it, and look forward to and embrace the future.

God is in control. I believe that He wants us to grow, learn, and change a little bit every day. He doesn’t want us to live stagnant lives. It is during these changes and unknown and/or uncertain times that we must cling to Him. Go to Him for strength, guidance, wisdom, patience, peace, love, comfort, and everything else that we might need. We must be obedient to Him and follow Him.

No matter what changes life brings, we must remember that God never changes, we are never alone. He is with us, loving us every step of the way.

I know that over the last few months, I have embraced many changes in my life. And there are days when it is tough and it hurts and I just want to go back to where I was comfortable and where things were predictable. But then there are days when it is exciting and energizing and I cannot wait for what is yet to come. The future is ahead of me. And I cannot wait to see what it holds… I will not run from change, I will embrace it, learn from it, and grow every step of the way!