Awakening the Dream

I was listening to a podcast from Grace Chapel this morning (man, do they ever challenge me to stretch and grow!) And Jon Furman spoke about Jeremiah. There was a specific section on the message that really resonated with me- The passage I often look to for simple reassurance and security has so much more to offer when you look at it's meaning through a different lens.

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

From the message: "Everything that is in your life is there for a reason- They connect to other things, and weave into the story God is telling, and it's OUR JOB to dream a BIGGER dream than what we have settled for.

Some of you,you've stood upon God's promises, you've lived it and are trying your best, and it hasn't paid off yet. I'm here to tell you that it's not because God doesn't care for you or because He isn't paying attention; it's because the TIME ISN'T RIGHT YET.

You've been doing the hard work, sacrificing, and you've been making the choices you need to make- God IS GOING to meet you in that.... Just at the RIGHT TIME. So, do not give up.

Some of you are around people who have given up/let go of a dream/become numb due to past experiences, etc. but most have fallen short because THEIR DREAMS for themselves were TOO SMALL. In the passage from Jeremiah, the word 'plans' can be directly translated into DREAMS. Therefore,I encourage you to get to the point DAILY in which, as you surrender yourself to His deeds, you grow entirely accustomed to living and a breathing a GROWING dream; the branches God uses are always being pruned little by little, watered drip by drip, and with an interested and open mind, God CAN and WILL use you for things beyond your WILDEST DREAMS."

----- While this school year has been the hardest, most draining and painful experience I have ever endured on my own, I recognize that God has been doing SO MUCH in the development of my own dreams. This year, I have come to see myself as an ambassador: I represent the works God has done, is doing, and will do: To partake in this forever-happening story is truly the one and only adventure of our lifetime.
I have had to lean on God for his COMPLETE PEACE- Something I could never gain on my own, but am in need of every day.
And foremost, God has been broadening my views of what I could do with my life by searching career choices. Lord, you are amazingly thoughtful to have created so many different choices and combinations of area to devote my time to--- As always, I give my life over to you as I dig up information to decide alongside your ultimate will which 'package' will bring you glory.
He's given me an amazing and new way to view people-- Being at community college all day, I get to see many different types of people passing by, observe social concepts and learn about God's expanding culture through the most bizarre and unique occurrences. He's given me a daily form of a science lab-- For me to use in my Sociology class (ha! Pretty handy!) and for my interests.
When I came to school this last fall, it didn't take long for me to realize how difficult this year was going to be. In the fullness of time, God HAS been faithful- I've gained everything I've needed, but in a radically different way than I would have ever dreamed in the beginning (isn't that SO like Him?)

I've.... learned, academically and spiritually
appreciated- opportunities and relationships
become self-sufficient and independent- recognizing and responding to my needs.
become more of a woman of God than I ever thought possible in what I thought was a 'dry time'spiritually- I confused not seeing any reward for my diligence with not being fruitful........ Which He COMPLETELY was. : )

Songs that warm my heart about this topic/ today: 'Dreamer' by Bethany Dillon
'You are Loved'- Josh Groban, 'Praise You in This Storm'- Casting Crowns, 'Stop and Listen'- Bethany Dillon.....<3

And good news! The Mexico trip is all-go!! And airfare seems to be affordable... Now to write put support letters and begin daily prayer for the experience. The village folk are immensely excited for us to be coming, as are we to serve in a little under 4 months!

Upon the Solid Rock... I stagger

For almost eight months now, I've been dabbling with the definition of adulthood: God has set me on the unique path of living at home while attending community college. While my parents and I level-headily made the decision for economic and financial reasons, it was not where I had pictured myself. Since embarking on this teeter-totter experience of balancing teenage to adult responsibilities and characteristics, I've picked up bits and pieces of the woman I want to become.

I intend for this blog to be a list of some sort- A personal means of conviction as I experiment with new goals in the world, but not of it. I'll post weekly assignments/ experiments, journal-like entries, bible studies, prayers, letters to God, etc.

A mixture of role models, spiritual stirrings, and personal time with God have led me here-

Through blogging, I hope to achieve, or at least provoke growth in the following areas:

-Independent thought

-Communication.... To write my thoughts as they come, as opposed to letting them wander through my head, serving no concrete purpose. I want to be well-spoken, and learn to share my passions with tact, in writing AND oral communication.

-Accomplishment: I've always had difficulty with finishing anything, but this project carries with it a sense of conviction, and endless opportunities for things to explore.

-Writing practice/increased knowledge and use of vocabulary

-Biblical foundations/strengthened relationship with God- Learning where my struggles connect with Jesus' & God's teachings, and how I can pull meaning/compare events from my life and the bible.

-A diary-like memoir of my college years, to look back and reflect on.

The title of this post has special significance: Lately, I've felt unsatisfied with my balance of life--

It's common knowledge that life cannot by any means be perfect, no matter how hard one tries, and I accept this as a means for God to work through flaws for His glory, however....

I've lacked a sense of self-worth, first letting seemingly insignificant things like laundry, organizing my school binder, cleaning my bathroom, etc. become last priority for a week or two. While being student and store clerk are my dominant roles, I've allowed them to justify laziness, affecting my home, my family, and my quality of life.

So, another goal I'd like to reach is a renewed sense of self worth and respect for the blessings God has given me: He has been exceedingly gracious to provide me with so much, that a self-derived feeling of apathy is a strong sign of disrespect. By wanting to make my home life, my work life, and school lively, upbeat, and staying attentive for God's leadings, I will understand how every thoughtful step in the right direction is a service of faith for His kingdom.

Throughout the bible, we are instructed to honor- Our fathers and mothers, our physical bodies, our friends, the Lord with our time. While He is my solid rock and firm foundation, I know I am human. I falter upon the concrete plans He has for me, afraid and insecure. In light of this, I desire strength and peace; to rely upon His grounding as I live out my intentions, being a doer of the word.

I deserve better than sinking sand. Therefore I take up your daily offer, God- To know and love you daily with the renewing of my mind. : )

Here's to a new week of loving you.............