Dream

May 2, 2024

(Part 1)

Many dreams don’t make it out of the “thinking about it” stage.

Why?

You tell yourself:

It’s too risky. 

It’s not the right time. 

It will be uncomfortable. 

I probably couldn’t do it anyway. 

I’m too old to dream.

I don’t have enough experience.

Excuses derail more dreams than the consequences of the dreams.

If you dream about it, if you’re willing to put work into your dreams, then you have a chance of living life with your dream.

There are no guarantees except that if you don’t dream, and if you fill your life with excuses, then you will have no chance of doing anything but watching others make their dreams come true.

Don’t be a spectator to other people’s dreams. Have your own dreams, have a plan,  and then work the plan toward your dreams, but it all starts with your dream.

You have another choice to make.  You can keep thinking about your dream or you can start pursuing, and then living, your dream.  

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can you overcome the excuses that prevent you from pursuing your dreams, and what specific steps can you take to move from “thinking about it” to “living it”?

2.  What are some of the potential risks and rewards of pursuing a dream, and how can you find the courage to embrace uncertainty in order to pursue your goals?

Why Do I Do What I Do

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on why you do what you do?  I mean really thought about it.  We often get caught up in the routines and craziness of life, moving from one task to the next without a second thought.

But when we step back and ask ourselves, “What’s driving me?” we can find a deeper sense of purpose that guides us through even the most challenging times.

For me, writing isn’t just a hobby or a way to make a living—though earning some money from it would be pretty cool, I’m not going to lie.  But that’s not the core reason I write.

I write to express myself, to share my feelings, my experiences, and my journey through this crazy, beautiful life. 

It’s my way of making sense of the world and inviting others to join me in the process.  At the heart of my writing is something much bigger than myself—it’s the desire to lift up the name of Jesus. 

I’ve tried it on my own and failed.  He’s my one true hope, the rock that keeps me grounded when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. 

I know not everyone believes in the same things I do, but I hope my words can offer a glimpse of the peace and strength that I find in my faith.

Every time I sit down to write, I think about that one person.  You know, the one who might be having a rough day, feeling lost, or just needing a bit of encouragement. 

If I can make a difference for just one person, if I can bring a little light into their day, then I know I’m doing something worthwhile.

So, why do I do what I do?  Because words have power.  They can heal, inspire, and connect us in ways nothing else can.

Because life is too short not to share our stories, our truths, and our hope. 

Because there’s someone out there who needs to hear what I have to say, and I don’t want to miss that chance.  Not because I’m wise,but because God can use everything we do for good if we let him.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you matter.  Your story matters.  Whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone.

Keep searching for what drives you, what gives you purpose, and don’t be afraid to share it with the world.  You never know who might be inspired by your journey. 

Be Blessed!

Pursue The Unseen

Seek the Unseen:  Live with Eternal Vision

As believers, we’re surrounded by a world that prioritizes the visible, the tangible, the fleeting.  

We are bombarded daily with messages that encourage us to chase after material success, social status, and instant gratification.  Yet, in the midst of this, God’s word calls us to a higher perspective—a view that goes beyond what our eyes can see and our hands can touch.

In 2 Corinthians 4:18, the Apostle Paul reminds us that “we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  

This verse calls us to lift our eyes above the temporary and focus on the eternal.

When we seek the unseen, we shift our priorities.  We begin to see that relationships, faith, love, and spiritual growth are more valuable than any material possession or fleeting moment of fame.  

We understand that our identity in Christ is more important than any title or achievement.  We recognize that the unseen Kingdom of God has greater significance than the visible structures of this world.

To seek the unseen means to live with eternal vision.  

It means investing in people, not just things.  

It means sowing seeds of faith, hope, and love, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.  

It means trusting that God’s work in us and through us has lasting impact, even when we don’t always see it.

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).  

When we seek the unseen, we are laying up heavenly treasures—building a legacy of faith that will outlast any earthly accomplishment.

Today, I encourage you to seek the unseen in your life.  

Look beyond the distractions and the noise of this world.  

Find the beauty in simple acts of kindness.  

Embrace the peace that comes from a deep relationship with God. 

Pursue the joy that comes from knowing you are part of a story that is much larger than yourself.

When we live with eternal vision, we find strength in trials, hope in uncertainty, and purpose in our daily lives. 

We realize that our journey is not just about the here and now, but about the greater story that God is weaving through us.

Let us seek and pursue the unseen together, trusting that God’s unseen hand is guiding us, His unseen love is sustaining us, and His unseen promises are the true treasures worth pursuing.

Be Blessed!

Look Your Dreams Right In The Eyes

What dreams are you chasing? 
Do they look menacing and intimidating as you look at them?  Do they cast a shadow as you look at them?

They should.
They must. 
If they don’t, they aren’t worth chasing.

We often conceive big dreams big, but then at the first sign of adversity we retreat back into the comfort of mediocrity. I

Don’t do it! 
Chase your dreams.
Pursue your dreams.

Look your dreams square in the eyes and go to work moment by moment to make them a reality.

The purpose of life is not to arrive safely at the end of your journey.  If you just look for the safe path you will be turning your back on dreams that are bigger than you are and you will settle for the status quo.

So hear you are with a decision to make. Pursue and chase your dreams, or turn and run away.  If you run away you will be running away the rest of your life.

It’s time to pursue.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  What happens if you shrink from pursuing dreams that initially seemed daunting?

2.  How does embracing discomfort and adversity contribute to the pursuit of meaningful goals?

Certainty Amidst Uncertainty

Matthew 19:26 ESV‬

[26] But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible“. 

In the journey of pursuing your dreams, there are moments when the path ahead seems insurmountable, and doubts begin to cloud your mind.  Yet, in those moments of uncertainty, draw strength from the words of Jesus. 

Matthew 19:26 will remind you that with man, many dreams may appear impossible to achieve.  The obstacles before you may seem too daunting, the challenges too overwhelming. 

But in the face of these seemingly insurmountable odds, Jesus assures you of a truth that transcends human limitations: “With God, all things are possible.”

As a follower of Christ, you are called to live a  life of faith, courage, and perseverance.  You are called to trust in the power of the Creator, who holds the universe in His hands. 

When you align your dreams with God’s purpose for your life, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

So, my friend, do not be discouraged by the enormity of your dreams.  Do not allow fear to paralyze you or doubts to hold you back. 

Instead, press on with unwavering faith, knowing that your Heavenly Father is with you every step of the way.

When the road ahead seems long and difficult, remember that God is your ever-present help in times of need. 

No matter how impossible your dreams may seem, trust in the power of God to make them a reality.  With His strength, His guidance, and His unfailing love, there is nothing that can stand in the way of His plans for your life.

So, rise up with renewed determination and faith.  Continue to pursue your dreams with boldness and confidence, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue 

1.  How can the belief in God’s power to make all things possible influence your approach to pursuing your dreams?

2.  In what ways can you cultivate unwavering faith in God amidst challenges and doubts while chasing your dreams?