Girl, Don't Stop Dreaming!

Have You Stopped Dreaming?

If your dreams don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough.

Do you believe that having a vision, a dream for your future is important?

This past year, I attended an online live business training where the focus was on preparing your business message, vision, and dream for the future. Our business coach asked us to write it down and then leave a comment in the live feed. Imagine your dream; with no limits. Anything is possible. What did we see for ourselves and what would that look like?

As I listened and read all the live comments scroll by filled with all the dreams of the women attending this training; I just felt paralyzed. I had nothing. I suddenly realized that at some point,

I stopped dreaming.

I experienced a moment of shock. I used to dream. I used to envision what I wanted, what I saw for my future, and for my family. But at some point, I just settled. I don’t even know when I stopped dreaming but if I were to guess, it was probably in the midst of juggling kids, family, business, work, home, and ministry life. These things naturally began to take precedence and it was easier to push and stay in survival mode and just get through the day. In the midst of it all the buysness, it was easier to encourage my friends and women I met and I found myself becoming everyone’s cheerleader…encouraging other women to reach for the stars. I loved helping them to realize their worth and their potential. And while there is nothing wrong with that, I lost sight of myself.

It was easier to come alongside a friend and help them achieve their dream rather than be disappointed if I did not achieve mine.

But, If I were to dig a little deeper…

And really be honest with myself. I would have to admit that busyness was just a cover up and this is why…

I believe that fear is a BIG dream thief.

I have had many fears. Fear of failure. Fear of growing my business too fast. Fear of success. Fear of rejection. Fear of letting others down, just to name a few. Fear can be crippling and paralyze you. (Read my blog here on fear and uncertain times and how to overcome here).

Fear can keep you from your purpose and living out your passion.

Toward the end of 2019, my sister and I went on a business trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma where we learned about our limiting beliefs and the glass ceiling these beliefs create in our life. This glass ceiling prevented me from reaching my dream; it was just out of reach because I didn’t realize that I had come to believe some things about myself that simply were not true. The only way to break that glass ceiling was to acknowledge the false/limiting belief and replace it with truth.

And start dreaming again.

But is it wrong for Christian Women to dream?

That is a good and valid question. My answer,

“No it’s not wrong…and don’t just dream girl!!! DREAM BIGGER!!!!”

Let me tell you a story about Abraham in the Bible. Abraham, referred to as Abram in this narrative, was concerned because his wife, Sarah, was barren and he had no heir.

Why is this important?

In this time, it was important to have an heir to pass on the family legacy. There was no currency. All they had was their livestock, perhaps some things of value, and their belongings. An heir was needed to pass this responsibility onto, preferably your own child in order to preserve the lineage and the family legacy.

So, Abraham had a dream or a vision and the Lord said to him,

“Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

Now Abram’s response,

“O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

Shut the front door. Did Abraham just ask God, “what will you give me?”, right after God, creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in it, just said to him, “your reward shall be very great.” Stop to think about this for a moment.

Talk about thinking small!!!

Please do not let your current circumstance keep you from seeing all that God has for your future!!!!!

God said to Abram, Fear not. I am your shield. Your reward will be…not just great…but VERY GREAT!!!

Abram could not see past his current reality to the promise God had for him and his future.

I cannot help but wonder if God had a deep sigh, parent moment as Abram spoke these words to him. Especially when Abram went on to say,

“Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”

Can you hear it now….(long pause, deep sigh), ……but God, in his mercy and boundless grace responded to Abram’s small thinking and limiting beliefs and said,

“This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.”

And then, something amazing happened…..

God brought Abram outside and said,

“Look toward the heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.”

Let’s pause right here.

Can you even begin to number the stars??? Visualize all the stars in your mind…the vastness of the universe and all that’s in it. Imagine yourself lying in the grass under the brilliance of the stars in awe and wonder.

Can you see it?

Then God said to him,

“So shall your offspring be.”

Boom. Mic drop. I love how God does that!!!

Abram asked for God to give him one son. God gave him a nation.

Girl, we have got to start dreaming BIGGER.

Taking a step back, I cannot help but wonder at how many deep, sigh parent moments God has with me in my lifetime???

I can only imagine.

So my question now is, what is holding you back?

What is keeping you from dreaming and pursuing your dream?

It’s very important to think about this. Do not skip this step. Write down anything that has in the past or currently is hindering your from pursuing your dreams.

Sometimes our greatest hurdle is our self worth.

Do you feel unworthy?

Understanding your worth.

Listen, you could tell me all day long good things about me. My good qualities, my gifts, and what a great person I am. BUT, it wasn’t until I understood my worth through the eyes of God that I actually believed, I am worthy.

Worthy of love.

Worthy of forgiveness.

Worthy of acceptance.

And Worthy as His child.

God’s Word has a lot to say about our worth. Let’s take a moment and look at some key scriptures about how God sees you.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” Zephaniah 3:17

Listen, some of us are still holding onto our past.

Shame about what we’ve done or what has been done to us can hold us captive. But God says, our sins are forgiven and that nothing, NO THING, can separate us from His love.

It’s time to be set free.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”2 Corinthians 5:17

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”Jeremiah 1:5

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-39

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

Now receive this…You are precious in His sight.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

“He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 1:6,7

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:11, 12

It’s time to stop living in the bondage of the past and move into the freedom we have been given in Christ Jesus. Satan would love for us to stay paralyzed with fear because then we are not fulfilling God’s purpose for our life. It is time to break free and move into His purpose for our lives. Until this truth sinks deep into the soul…it’s going to be hard to break through that glass ceiling. It’s going to be hard to hear truth. God open our eyes to see as you see and our ears to hear and understand truth.

Still don’t believe me that God wants you to keep dreaming?

In Habakkuk 2:2, God said,

“Write down the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run.”

When we seek God, He will give us a vision for our future. It’s important to write it down so that we:

1. won’t forget it.

2. can set goals to achieve it.

Proverbs 29:18 says that,

“Where there is no vision the people perish, but happy is he who keeps the teaching.”

So write your dreams down. Pursue them. And teach others what you have learned!!!!

1. Be purposeful.

2. Be intentional

3. .And don’t give up.

Surround yourself with people who will encourage and uplift you.

Know your tribe.

When I rededicated my life to Christ fifteen years ago, I realized that I had little to no support system. That was a hard reality. But, as I pressed in and pursued God, He began to place others in my life who came alongside me to help me. We need people to come alongside us as we pursue our dream!!! For me, that was hard because it forced me out of my comfortable places. I had to step out in faith and go out and find a church, join learning groups, and I started a small group. In that process I found women who also had a dream and vision for their future. I found women who were excited and they encouraged me.

So don’t be afraid to step out in faith and build a community of women that will help you in this faith journey.

Final word.

Child of God, there will be ups and downs. There will be victories and failures. It’s all part of the growth process. Everything you learn will only help you become stronger in your faith and equip you to be an encouragement to others. There will be days you feel discouraged, but it’s in these valleys that we meet God, who faithfully walks with us and gives us strength to keep moving forward.

This isn’t religion. It’s all about relationship so pursue your dream and don’t every allow anyone to tell you that you are not worthy or worth it.

Don’t bypass writing down your dream and don’t lose sight of who you are serving. Don’t sell yourself short because your time is worth it; your dream is worth it. Your family and your children are worth it. But most importantly, you are worthy. You have value. You are special. Your purpose and motivation is beautiful! So reach for the stars!!!!

And don’t stop dreaming!!!!!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I make a commission if you use this affiliate link

We found this company called Sweet Water Decor and fell in love with their message which is to inspire women to go after their dreams!!! This daily journal is super cute and a great way to begin journaling your dreams and set goals for yourself!

When Fear Takes Over and How to Overcome.

When Fear Takes Over

And how to overcome.

Fear is a very real and natural instinct. Just recently, I found myself giving into fear during this COVID-19 pandemic when someone told me they heard that Governor Dewine was going to put the state of Ohio in lock down. Not completely understanding what “lock down” meant, I went into panic mode. My son was still at the University of Cincinnati and we were four hours away from him. His school had just announced that the students needed to leave and we had planned to pick him up in a few days. The thought of not being able to get to my son and the potential that something might happen to him made me sick to my stomach. My consuming thought was; get him home now.

I had to take a second to breathe. I knew I was giving into fear. I knew I was thinking irrationally. But I literally could not get the thought out of my head; what if I could not get to him?

“Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles, among other things, also known as the fight-or-flight response.”

How Fear Works by Julia Layton

There is so much to learn about the brain and how it works. Honestly, it is hard for me to completely grip what science tells us about our body, but there are some who are very gifted in this area and for that I am very thankful. God designed our bodies so intricately that it never ceases to amaze me how thoughtful and mindful He is of us.

God’s Word provides much needed insight about fear in scripture.

I love that there are 365 scriptures dealing with fear, one for each day of the year, but today we will focus on 2 Timothy 1:7, which states:

“God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Fear is a natural response that once triggered, sets off a series of chemical reactions meant to keep us safe from the present or perceived danger. But, the fear presented here in the verse above, the fear we are addressing in this post, is the “spirit of fear”, which is a state of being that we can take on if we don’t recognize it for what it is.

According to David Guzik, a Christian Pastor and author at EnduringWord.com,

The first step in dealing with such fears is to understand that they are not from God. It is a significant step to say, “This isn’t God making me feel like this; God hasn’t given me this.” Perhaps it is from personality, perhaps a weakness of the flesh, perhaps a demonic attack – but it isn’t from God.

Fear is not from God.

Why is it important we recognize this?

For one, it’s not how God wants us to live. Whether our fears are rooted in our past, or false beliefs, or if it’s of demonic influence ( which I fully believe that Satan will use fear to his advantage any chance he can get ), fear is not from God.

So, we must take a closer look at:

1. ourselves

2. Satan

Acknowledging our fears and then confessing them is the first step to overcoming them.

There is power in confession. Meaning, find someone you trust, a godly person who is strong in faith, someone who will listen and give you godly instruction on how to deal with and walk you through your fears. Satan would love it if we would keep our fear hidden in our heart. But God wants us to be set free from our past and everything that would hinder us from living fully in this life. In some cases, we need to seek professional help and there is nothing wrong with that. I would suggest seeking out a Christian Counselor whenever possible.

God has placed many significant people in my life over the years who have helped me to overcome my fears. In late September, my sister and I attended a weekend retreat with speaker and professional counselor Bob Hamp and his wife Polly Hamp. They taught us a saying that I often tell myself when fear threatens to overtake me. In the midst of the rising emotions, I will say to myself, Joy….

“Get out of your brain stem!”

Fear originates in the brain stem. For me, simply saying this out loud helps me to focus on what I know to be true. At this retreat, we learned the basics of how the brain operates and how God uniquely designed our brain to move up to higher thinking. I am paraphrasing here, but basically fear originates in our brain stem and by acknowledging the fear, it stops the fear cycle. If you can pinpoint the fear and replace it with truth, it will essentially break the fear cycle. It is so important that we interrupt that cycle or it will just continue playing over and over and over; hence we find ourselves living in a “spirit of fear”. Bob and Polly are both authors and their books help others to overcome fear and think differently. Find a complete list of the books they offer at the end of this post.

What we truly need to understand is that wrong thinking, or stinking thinking, can be replaced with right thinking and truth but it is going to take some work on our part. We did not get to where we are overnight but you are worth the time and the investment.

Colossians 3:2 says to,

“Set your mind on things that are above,

not on things that are on earth.”

This verse couldn’t be more appropriate and needed in our lives today. I learned early on as a new Christian that I had some wrong thinking that needed to be replaced with truth. As long as I could remember, I was fearful. Fearful of everything. I literally clung to my Mother’s side and hated to be separated from her. A series of events happened throughout my childhood that further manifested fear into my heart. I carried these fears and wrong thinking over to my marriage and it continued after we had children. I suffered from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. I did not want to live anymore.

But God…

God saved my life.

Quite literally, he reached down and saved me at my darkest moment. I have never been the same and over the years, with a lot of work and heart ache, I have learned a new way of thinking. His Word revealed to me that I have an enemy and that enemy has a name, Satan. The Bible says that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy our lives. (John 10:10) He is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44) and he will use our fears to destroy us and our family unless we take a stand.

But Jesus says,

“I came that they have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

I don’t know about you, but I want that abundant life. I want to live free of fear, doubt, and worry. I want hope secured in the knowledge that He has a plan for my life and a plan for eternity….one that we can all participate in. Jesus made this possible when he took our sins upon himself and died to save us.

God’s Word says that,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

John 3:16-17

Let’s take a look back at 2 Timothy 1:7, “for God did not give us a spirit of fear.”

Now let’s be honest for just a moment, we all have fears. For myself, I was terrified to speak in front of people. I had deep insecurities, false beliefs about myself, and I would break out in hives all over my body when I had to speak. I was afraid of what others might think of me. I was afraid of rejection. Today, God has helped me to overcome this fear and has given me a boldness to teach His Word to groups of women. I am not going to lie and say I don’t feel nervous, but gone are the days when I would break out in hives. When I speak now, it brings joy to my heart to tell others of the goodness of God. I think it is important to note that Timothy was also a very timid person. He was gifted in helping others but he did not like confrontation. Paul was speaking to Timothy and encouraging him to be bold in his faith. And Paul was an excellent example of what it looked like to be bold for the Kingdom of God. That is why he wanted Timothy to know that his fears were not from God and God would not leave him without giving him everything he needed to be bold in his faith.

What has God given us:

1. a spirit of power

2. a spirit of love

3. a sound mind

Hebrews 13 says that God will

“equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”.

So He has promised to equip us and He has also given us the will to see it through. According to David Guzik’s commentary’ ,

1. God has given us a spirit of power: When we do His work, proclaim His word, represent His kingdom, we have all His power supporting us. We are safe in His hands.

2. God has given us a spirit of love: This tells us a lot about the power He has given us. Many think of power in terms of how much we can control others; but Jesus’ power is expressed in how much we can love and serve others. On the night before the cross, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands – and what did He do with all that power? He humbly washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-11).

3. God has given us a sound mind: The ancient Greek word here had the idea of a calm, self-controlled mind, in contrast to the panic and confusion that comes in a fearful situation.

Again, I ask, why is this important for every believer to understand?

We have a purpose here on earth and that purpose is for now. The one thing that keeps us from fulfilling that purpose is fear. Worry, doubt, and anxiety are all rooted and stem from a fear, a false belief, that we took on at one point in our lives.

In today’s world, we need to be bold in proclaiming the gospel of Christ. At the time Paul wrote this, followers of Christ were being persecuted and crucified for what they believed. It’s not much different today. Paul went on to tell Timothy,

“Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord….”

The Bible tells us over and over to

“be strong, be courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

I also had an irrational fear of flying. Just this past year, God had me confront this fear head on when I knew I had to get on a plane to attend a retreat that would forever impact my life. I was so scared, I could feel myself just barely holding the shaking from fear in check. As the plane took off, I repeated Joshua 1:9 over and over and over: I held onto my seat and clenched my jaw….

I will never forget that momentary feeling of weightlessness.

I also saw the most magnificent sunrise.

There was some turbulence but we made it to our retreat and we made it home safe and sound. I am not going to say I look forward to flying, but now I know, I can do it. I am not alone and God most certainly had a purpose in my going. Had I allowed fear to keep me from going, I would never have experienced His grace in such an amazing way.

Perhaps Timothy had a fear of rejection. I can only guess, but Paul is saying, Timothy, be courageous and be bold, don’t be ashamed of the gospel that saves. It is worth the cost. In David Guzik’s summary of this verse he says,

“Paul knew that the plan of God in Jesus Christ seemed foolish to many; but he also knew it was the living, active, power of God to save souls and transform lives. Paul would not be ashamed of it, and neither should Timothy – or us today.”

As Christians today, we have this same calling on our lives.

1. Be bold.

2. Be strong.

3. Be courageous.

The book of Esther is one of the most intriguing story in the Bible. I have read this story many times and still find myself in awe of her courage and strength. Esther was an orphan who, because of circumstances beyond her control, found herself Queen during uncertain times for the nation of Israel. Because she was an Israelite, her life was in danger. However, she was called to step out in faith by her Uncle, Mordecai, for her people. He spoke directly to her fear and said,

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4:13-15

We have this one life to live and, I don’t know about you but, more than anything I want to hear these words,

“well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21

Now is the time to be bold for Christ. To be the hands and feet and stand against this threat against us.
What are some steps we can take?

1. Pray. Pray every day for His guidance and truth and for deliverance.

2. Let love be the motivation of your heart. Look for safe and practical ways to help others. Check on your neighbor. Call your loved ones. Stay home if you are sick.

3. Give. Now is the time to give. Give to your church. Look around your home and see what things you can offer to others.

4. Encourage one another. Now is not the time for judgment. There is enough negativity in this world. Look for ways to uplift and encourage others. Whether it’s through social media or a note to a friend, there are many creative ways to send an encouraging message.

5. Take this time and use it wisely. God has a purpose in and through everything. Seek Him diligently and love your family. Spend time together playing games, eating meals together, watch a movie together, go for a walk. Time is a gift.

We would love to hear from you. Please share how you have overcome fear and ways you are helping in your community today?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I make a commission if you use this affiliate link

Here are some valuable resources for further reading:

Think Differently Learn Differently by Bob Hamp

Cherished: Shattered Innocence. Restored hope. by Polly Hamp

Books that have helped me tremendously in my faith walk:

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

(Please note, I am not a mental health professional. However, I did work in the mental health field for seven years and fully believe that there are times we need to seek professional help for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. There is no shame in seeking help and doing what is necessary to for healing and your mental health.)

When You Aren't Sure What Tomorrow Holds

Trust in the Lord

Psalm 91

In these uncertain times, many are finding their lives turned upside down. Children are home when they should be in school. Work lives are disrupted as many business’s close. Some places are put on lock down and many are self quarantining. Social distancing is now a word commonly used.

So how do we respond?

Fear and anxiety is a natural response to situations out of our control.

I tell my children all the time that while we cannot control the situation, we can control the WAY we respond.

The Word of God helps to ground my heart and keep me focused on what I need to do today rather than fear what will happen tomorrow. As Jesus said to His disciples,

“ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

• We can CHOOSE to focus on today rather than worry about tomorrow.

• To be informed about what is happening but not STAY there.

• To continue to do the things we need to stay healthy and consider how to help others.

• To encourage one another through text, social media, small groups, and phone calls.

• To study God’s Word instead of watching the news.

• To do good.

• To share what we have with others.

We are called to serve and we are to be representatives of Him in this world; to be a light in the darkness. Right now, we have an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions and words. So take some time to think about what this looks like in your life. It will look different for everyone but there is a way to encourage, love, and serve others right where you are.

In the meantime, find comfort through Psalm 91 and spend some time meditating on these words. Pray each verse over your family, friends, and home.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.””
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1-16‬ ‭

Praying God’s Word is powerful and sharing God’s Word with others brings hope and peace. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Let’s consider how to spur one another on and lift each other up in these days ahead.

Set your mind on things above!!!! Colossians 3:2

And don’t let your heart become discouraged. Joshua 10:25

God has good things for you and your life… Jeremiah 29:11

This is just temporary so focus on what is eternal and we will all finish the race (2 Timothy 4:7) and when we cross the finish line, we will hear these words from our Father in Heaven, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)