There was once a student who, when given an assignment, wrote down his dream. He dreamed of a luxurious horse farm. Not only did this student write his dream, he took the time to draw every detail of the dream - the layout of the buildings, what was inside them, etc. When the teacher saw the completed assignment, she returned it with an "F", saying the dream was unrealistic. She agreed to change the grade if he wrote about a realistic dream.
I can imagine how heart broken this little boy was. Not only that, I can empathize with him because I have had people like that in my life. These are people who want the best for me. People who love me deeply, yet don't understand my dreams.
We all long to have the love and support of those we love. But we must realize that they don't always have the ability to understand our dreams or passions. Maybe it is because the dreams we have are bigger than when they can comprehend. Perhaps they don't understand because there hasn't been an appropriate time to fully explain our dreams. Or, just maybe, it is because they too have or had a dream.
The boy in the story went on to accomplish his dream. In fact, his teacher has even taken her students on field trips to his ranch. She admits that she stole a lot of dreams from many students, but the important thing is, she learned.
Do you have passions that you want to follow? dreams to pursue? If there wasn't anyone there to tell you "no" would you go after it? Life is short! We have been given these desires for a reason. I encourage you to be all that you can be. If you haven't already, start brainstorming ways that you can work toward your dream. I'll give you one tip for starters: share your dream with other people. It's important! (I'd love to hear about your dreams and passions!) Go for it, start defining your life's adventures!
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of our goal, a commitment to excellence, that will enable us to attain the success that we seek. ~ Unknown
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Success
Success is a clouded reality for many. Sadly, most people don't give themselves or others credit for the accomplishments that are made in life. They tend to look at what a person's financial situation appears to be from the outside. Fortunately, success is comprised of much more than the almighty dollar!
I challenge you to look at success through another lens. Think about success in terms of meeting goals and dreams. For some, that will simply be making it through life moment by moment. For others, the goals will be bigger.
Take a moment to measure your success in several different areas. You can look at the big picture - or you could look at it from a closer viewpoint, such as this month, this week, or even this day because each new day is the gateway to our future. It might be interesting for you to look back, to think about how life was years ago and how much you have changed.
If you aren't feeling successful, think about what it is that you can change. What can you be thankful for and what parts of your life do you feel like you have control over? Each choice you make can help you meet your next goal, no matter if that goal is an immediate one or one in the distant future. Choose a friend or mentor to confide in. Having an outside support system is paramount to any great success story.
Here are some ideas of various pieces of your life to reflect on - you don't need to go in depth unless you choose to:
Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Finances, Self-Improvement (Education), Family, Social (Friendships), Hobbies, Volunteerism
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of our goal, a commitment to excellence, that will enable us to attain the success that we seek. ~ Unknown
I challenge you to look at success through another lens. Think about success in terms of meeting goals and dreams. For some, that will simply be making it through life moment by moment. For others, the goals will be bigger.
Take a moment to measure your success in several different areas. You can look at the big picture - or you could look at it from a closer viewpoint, such as this month, this week, or even this day because each new day is the gateway to our future. It might be interesting for you to look back, to think about how life was years ago and how much you have changed.
If you aren't feeling successful, think about what it is that you can change. What can you be thankful for and what parts of your life do you feel like you have control over? Each choice you make can help you meet your next goal, no matter if that goal is an immediate one or one in the distant future. Choose a friend or mentor to confide in. Having an outside support system is paramount to any great success story.
Here are some ideas of various pieces of your life to reflect on - you don't need to go in depth unless you choose to:
Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Finances, Self-Improvement (Education), Family, Social (Friendships), Hobbies, Volunteerism
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of our goal, a commitment to excellence, that will enable us to attain the success that we seek. ~ Unknown
Friday, October 19, 2012
We Can Make a Difference
I've been creating a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I saw one today that stood out as a great way to introduce more of the direction I am driven toward.
The purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference. ~ Unknown
My first thought is that my primary purpose is to have a relationship with Christ, but in doing so, I know that the entire context of the above quote will come to pass.
Each of us has a calling. How are you living out your calling? Are you pursuing the passion the God has placed in your heart? If so, how are you doing with that? Have you set goals or benchmarks as a way to keep you moving toward your heart's desire? If not, why? What's to stop you?
As for me, I have a passion to travel. In and of itself, it would serve no purpose other than fulfilling my own personal dreams. Yet, when coupled with ways that I can reach out to other people, I know that I can make a difference and give compassion to others. Those are my dreams in life. I don't long for a mansion or all sorts of nice clothes & belongings. I long to be useful - to count and make a difference while I am here. I want to be a blessing to others.
The purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference. ~ Unknown
My first thought is that my primary purpose is to have a relationship with Christ, but in doing so, I know that the entire context of the above quote will come to pass.
Each of us has a calling. How are you living out your calling? Are you pursuing the passion the God has placed in your heart? If so, how are you doing with that? Have you set goals or benchmarks as a way to keep you moving toward your heart's desire? If not, why? What's to stop you?
As for me, I have a passion to travel. In and of itself, it would serve no purpose other than fulfilling my own personal dreams. Yet, when coupled with ways that I can reach out to other people, I know that I can make a difference and give compassion to others. Those are my dreams in life. I don't long for a mansion or all sorts of nice clothes & belongings. I long to be useful - to count and make a difference while I am here. I want to be a blessing to others.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
There is nothing quite like waking up early. Some of my favorite parts of the day take place in the morning hours - although, I don't always like to get up early! It's early in the morning that you really get to hear the birds start to chirp. The night sky begins to turn to dawn, and a new day is born.
Today was a day for me to plan to get up early. But, it turned out to be one of "those" days - one of those days when you barely slept a wink all night - a day that you are ready on time, yet none too early. Then, after arriving at the home of the lady I planned to carpool with, I learned that I was there one week early!
As I drove home, I was reminded of how important it is for each of us to take some quiet time in the morning. It's the perfect time, before anyone is up, to spend time with God, to get a handle on your calendar, focus on the day that lays before you, and devise a plan of attack. These are some of the great strategies of a successful leader - whether that is in the home or at a professional level.
Today was a day for me to plan to get up early. But, it turned out to be one of "those" days - one of those days when you barely slept a wink all night - a day that you are ready on time, yet none too early. Then, after arriving at the home of the lady I planned to carpool with, I learned that I was there one week early!
As I drove home, I was reminded of how important it is for each of us to take some quiet time in the morning. It's the perfect time, before anyone is up, to spend time with God, to get a handle on your calendar, focus on the day that lays before you, and devise a plan of attack. These are some of the great strategies of a successful leader - whether that is in the home or at a professional level.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Used?
What kind of thoughts does the word "used" bring to mind? Does it bring up negative connotations of being under appreciated? Do you think of unwanted clothing or other belongings? Or do you think of the more positive aspects such as value and bargains?
No one really likes any of the negative thoughts associated with the word "used." It would be a struggle at best. But consider the other side of the coin - used belongings often become bargains. They accumulate value through simple ownership and appreciation. Some things gain value as they age.
That is where I feel like I fit in my walk with God. I feel like the older I get, the more wisdom and value I gain. I long to be in His presence more and more. I learn as I figure out how to listen. I may or may not always "hear" what God is calling me to do, but as time goes on, I continue to learn to put different puzzle pieces together. I am learning that I truly am a treasure in His eyes and He really does have plans for me to actively participate in.
I look forward to uncovering that adventure one piece at a time. I am thankful for a God that has plans to define our adventures and thankful that He delights in us. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in the every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." (NLT)
What an honor to be loved and accepted by the King!
No one really likes any of the negative thoughts associated with the word "used." It would be a struggle at best. But consider the other side of the coin - used belongings often become bargains. They accumulate value through simple ownership and appreciation. Some things gain value as they age.
That is where I feel like I fit in my walk with God. I feel like the older I get, the more wisdom and value I gain. I long to be in His presence more and more. I learn as I figure out how to listen. I may or may not always "hear" what God is calling me to do, but as time goes on, I continue to learn to put different puzzle pieces together. I am learning that I truly am a treasure in His eyes and He really does have plans for me to actively participate in.
I look forward to uncovering that adventure one piece at a time. I am thankful for a God that has plans to define our adventures and thankful that He delights in us. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in the every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." (NLT)
What an honor to be loved and accepted by the King!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Chasing a Dream
Dreams could be thoughts, emotions, creative ideas, images, visions, or perhaps even a fantasy.
It has been an eventful year for our family as my daughter and I walked across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, then rode bikes across Louisiana. It's been an adventure that continues to define who I am and an adventure that has helped me to learn more about my passions and dreams.
We have been home for one month now. I was surprised at the amount of time it has taken to fully acclimate back into our home life, as well as surprised how at much time it takes to see everyone we know and love. It's great to be back, but I sure do miss meeting people every day and the new friendships that were created.
Now it is time to really get to work, to put honest effort into pursuing the callings I feel God is leading me toward. Throughout the past month, I have spent countless hours thinking, listening, researching, and writing. In short, I have been in front of the computer a lot!
I came across a blogging challenge today. It was intended to start at the beginning of the month, but the rules stated that the challenge was to post 31 times in October, whether that was daily or not didn't matter. (Though the challenge did point out that it is most effective to post daily rather than skipping days, I don't think it mentioned what the effect of doubling up is!) I decided that since the month is really only about half over, I will use this as an incentive to get back to the blog I have been pushing to the back burner.
My goal this month will be to write shorter entries, to get to the point, and hopefully to write entries that encourage or inspire others - something that may teach and/or bring joy to the soul. I love getting feedback. It will be interesting to use your questions as launch pads too. So, for the next couple weeks, send me feedback and questions. I will focus on our most recent adventures. Here's your chance, fire away! :)
It has been an eventful year for our family as my daughter and I walked across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, then rode bikes across Louisiana. It's been an adventure that continues to define who I am and an adventure that has helped me to learn more about my passions and dreams.
We have been home for one month now. I was surprised at the amount of time it has taken to fully acclimate back into our home life, as well as surprised how at much time it takes to see everyone we know and love. It's great to be back, but I sure do miss meeting people every day and the new friendships that were created.
Now it is time to really get to work, to put honest effort into pursuing the callings I feel God is leading me toward. Throughout the past month, I have spent countless hours thinking, listening, researching, and writing. In short, I have been in front of the computer a lot!
I came across a blogging challenge today. It was intended to start at the beginning of the month, but the rules stated that the challenge was to post 31 times in October, whether that was daily or not didn't matter. (Though the challenge did point out that it is most effective to post daily rather than skipping days, I don't think it mentioned what the effect of doubling up is!) I decided that since the month is really only about half over, I will use this as an incentive to get back to the blog I have been pushing to the back burner.
My goal this month will be to write shorter entries, to get to the point, and hopefully to write entries that encourage or inspire others - something that may teach and/or bring joy to the soul. I love getting feedback. It will be interesting to use your questions as launch pads too. So, for the next couple weeks, send me feedback and questions. I will focus on our most recent adventures. Here's your chance, fire away! :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Right Where I Am At
It brought a smile to my face when I reread my first blog post tonight. It was good to remember what my original goal was when I began blogging. At the same time, it was good to take some time off - time to think more about what I want to write and why I am writing. I'm feeling a bit refreshed now and ready to share more of my life with you.
***************
If there is anything I have learned about being a "stay at home mom", it's that stay at home moms don't really stay at home! They tend to morph into chauffeur, grocery getter, errand running, planner type people. I wonder who came up with the term "stay at home mom"!
I can't lay claim to being the best stay at home mom ever. But, I do know what it is like to fill my days. Whether that means focusing on my girls, going here or there for this or that, or spending time working on the computer, it is incredibly easy to stay busy!
It has become a necessity in my life to create a quieter lifestyle for several reasons. I don't need to get into all of that, but I can tell you that in doing so, I have truly enjoyed spending time in prayer and really seeking God out.
I am realizing more and more that we serve an audience of One. If we focus our attention on our Creator and seek His will, everything tends to fall in place. And no matter how awful I am (or feel about myself), God loves me. If I am willing to seek Him, He is willing to meet me right where I am at. And when I fall down, He will pick me up again. We are precious to Him. He is willing to wrap us all in His arms, extending His grace and mercy.
There are two songs that really have my attention tonight, both by Mercy Me. The first is called, "In the Blink of an Eye". It's a great reminder that God has a plan for our lives. Let's live them to the fullest and embrace whatever it is that He might have for us. Click here to go to: "In the Blink of an Eye" MercyMe
The second song is a song that I really felt led to include. It's for someone who really needs to be reminded how special they are - even if they don't feel that way right now. No matter how you are feeling, you are treasured. You are sacred. And God loves you madly enough that He sent His son to die for you. You are precious. You are beautiful. Trust Him. Click here to go to: "Beautiful" by MercyMe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)