Tuesday, January 15, 2013

God-Sized Dreams in 2013

When it popped up in my e-mail, "Guess who my featured Five Minute Friday post is this week?" I literally could not believe it.

I know. That sounds like false humility and all, but seriously, I really feel like I am faking this whole blogging/writing thing at least 75-80% of the time. At Allume last year, I would not even read my Five Minute Friday out loud, because I still feel like the girl in the room who speaks a second language, dresses a little weird, and has no idea how to navigate first-world social norms. My sister fakes-it-til-you-make-it  better than I do.

But I love to write. I have a poet's heart and a prosey brain and over the years, I have embraced the view I have on life that is uniquely my own. I see God's handprint, and I celebrate the fact that I am loved by One such as Him.

So I was thrilled, and even did a little happy dance on the inside. Wow! I cannot believe I was chosen.

When I looked later, I found out a little more about the matter. Lisa-Jo had tweeted to the #FiveMinuteFriday gang to give her some feedback on their favorite post of the week, and Tonya, whom I have never talked to or met, even online, shared my link, with no link backs to me so I did not even know it, until after the fact.

No fanfare. No big deal. Just a little tweet.

And I felt simultaneously humbled and ecstatic! {I am an extrovert after all!}

Somehow this whole thing that I dedicate a lot of my time and heart to....is making a difference.
One person.
One tweet at a time.

The next day, I get this Facebook message from a college friend, Anna....

"I thought of you today while listening to a radio program called women of grace. The way the host was so encouraging and passionate reminded me of you. Have you considered going into Christian radio? : )"

My speaker's heart wanted to burst. I had JUST been reading about podcasting WHILE she was typing this message. I have missed teaching and preaching and speaking during our extended sabbatical, and I would love to make space in my world of blogging for some spoken word.

Bottom line.

I love words.
Written.
Spoken.
Public.
Private.
Global.
One-on-one.

I love people.
I love hearing their stories.
I love walking with them through broken places.
I love helping them find their own uniqueness.
I love celebrating that individuality that is all their own.
I love seeing their dreams come true.
I love discipling.
I love making people feel THEY are chosen.
{because, well, it's true!!}

My ex-boyfriend used to say, "Lindsey, you have a heart for everything and every body." I would laugh and think, "What is wrong with that?" The Lord took me on a journey into pastoral ministry where I methodically worked directly with all ages from 2-82 and everything in between, adding more ages groups in as the years passed, and at this point in my life, there is no age that I do not care for, see their unique needs, and long to help in that way.

I have not talked much about this yet because I SO wanted to be clear, concise, and orderly, but the chaos that is my brain will not give me that luxury so I shall share nonetheless.

For 2013, I am purposefully embracing my God-sized dreams. I am joining 99 other ladies as we jump off the cliff called SAFE into the unknown. Holley Gerth is our guide through this journey along with the Holy Spirit of course, and I am delighted to be taking this challenge.



Did I say delighted?
I meant to say DELIGHTFULLY SCARED OUT OF MY MIND! ;-)

So since I am having a hard time "narrowing down" ONE God-sized dream to focus on, I thought I would just share them all. I, know...crazy, right? To put myself out there like that. Remember I told you....I have always been a LITTLE different from the status quo.

Okay here are my dreams {at least what I can think of at the moment} in no particular order::

* Become a licensed counselor
* Become a bonafide author
* Become a college professor
* Work again in full time ministry
  {even if that looks different that it has in the past}
* Be completely free from chronic pain
* Become a mother
* Get paid for my art 
  {writing, speaking, photography}
* Become a graphic designer {maybe}
* Be in control of my own schedule 
  without financial worry
* Be the kind of wife who enthusiastically 
  supports my husband's dreams
* Live life to the fullest 
  and continue to dream even more!

Okay, that is good for now I suppose....I want to expound and quantify and add to but I think that will come in other posts. I have a whole year after all, eh?

But you know what would be REALLY COOL and SO VERY EXCITING FOR ME??!!??

Would you join me in this God-sized dream journey?

Pinterest via The Artsy Girl Studio

My friend, Holly, will be blogging about it lots and she wrote the coolest e-book, The "Do What You Can" Plan, so you can follow and read along with her as well as with me here. If this just speaks to your heart, gives you that little leap inside, will you let me know below?

If you are like me, and are just not sure what your God-sized dreams are or how to focus on them, tell me that too! We will figure it out together somehow, stumbling through the dark. We have an amazing Guide, keeping us safe as we navigate this new territory.

Also.....and this is sort of awkward to ask....but if you know me, either online or in real life, would you weigh in some of the dreams that I shared with you? Because my dreams are all about people, knowing which ones influence people the most, might help me to figure out the God-sized dream for THIS season, ya know? I would definitely appreciate it...especially those of you {lurkers} who read but do not comment...would you DE-LURK, just for this one?  Thank you!!

Happy dreaming...

"If you keep on believing, the God-sized dream that you wish really will come true."
{modified from Cinderella}

26 comments:

Teri Lynne Underwood said... Best Blogger Tips

Love this, Lindsey! And so glad to be on this journey with you!! Here's to dreaming ....

Anna Marie Hopewell said... Best Blogger Tips

Haha..love this Lindsey! And yeh, ok, I am totally de-lurkig for this one :) Did you know I signed up to Squee last Summer and emailed Holley about starting a new community for single women like me who are missionaries/in ministry? Well I did. Then I ran scared. Confession: I allowed the enemy to make me feel totally unworthy and unqualified, then told myself that as a full time missionary I had NO time to do it anyway. How would I maintain a real community and blog? Plus deal with my constant bad health and chronic pain issues? Like, what on earth was i thinking?

Yaaaa...so anyway, all this to say I was wrong. I was chicken then. But YOU - I believe you can do it. You CAN do this! I know this cos I've been lurking around you since our (in) this season group began and I decided how much I like you, wanted to be-friend you and in some ways be like you. (Trust me when I say this is a good sign. It ususally means with me something is resonating!) So let these few words encourage you and fan your flame. I'll be watching and praying you through - and who knows? Perhaps this year will be my year of getting back on track with my big, God-sized Dreams, too! Love you x

Jen Price said... Best Blogger Tips

Can I just say how excited I am to see those God-sized dreams come to fruition and be a part of them through reading your blog?? Yea!!

Kris Camealy said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Lindsey- Radio?! It's so perfect. Oh friend, I just got head-to-toe goosebumps! Praying you through this dream process, I can NOT wait to see what God has for you!! WOW!! So exciting--I love your heart for people and words, and for Jesus. Mmm, so good!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Why yes I can see all those dreams coming true!!!

Elizabeth Anne May said... Best Blogger Tips

Congrats on sharing your beautiful list of God-sized dreams with us! Praying for you and so excited to see what God has in store for you on the journey.

Crystal said... Best Blogger Tips

Yes! Girl - a podcast. Do it. I actually considered a vlog the other day (ahem..you might have to give me a push on that one) but here's the thing. Remember at Allume how the Holy Spirit just poured into the room with all of the amazing spoken word? You've got that on these pages. Read them, in your voice, using what God has given you. It's your ministry. You speak hope, healing, joy and encouragement. Big hugs, sweet friend!

Chick Flick Diva said... Best Blogger Tips

Bubbly post today - thank you for sharing. Looking forward to see where God is leading you.

Alyssa Avant said... Best Blogger Tips

Ohh girl I knew when I was reading your tweets we seemed to have a lot in common. I"m definitely an INFJ as I continued reading about it. I knew those letters were etched in my brain for some reason. It is so funny how you literally typed out some of my "dreams"

* Become a licensed counselor* Become a bonafide author
* Become a college professor
* Work again in full time ministry
{even if that looks different that it has in the past}
* Be in control of my own schedule
without financial worry
* Be the kind of wife who enthusiastically
supports my husband's dreams
* Live life to the fullest
and continue to dream even more!


All those resonate with me!

jennstar79 said... Best Blogger Tips

Awesome blog! I sent your link onto a friend that I know who is a mom in missions in Belize. She's struggling, and I think your story will encourage her and bring her some joy! I am in the USA like you, and I am a part of the God's Sized Dream Team...with Holley. I clicked on your link via her post/yours today. Love your list of goals...I plan to write up a list like that tomorrow on my morning blog. Being a mom is by far my prayer for you. :) God has great things ahead for you.

Jennifer Peterson said... Best Blogger Tips

Love it and your God size dreams!! Thank you for sharing:)

Libby Rosengren said... Best Blogger Tips

I just love this! I love that you wrote out and shared all the dreams of all kinds. And I can totally see you podcasting/vlogging regularly no matter what you do! That would be awesome! Yep, I sure have a "little leap" when I read all this God-sized dream stuff and am also a little stumped as to how to pursue the dreams or the brewing of dreams for me. I'm in with you! and welcome your thoughts and prayers and will be following along here as I process too. Love ya girl!

Ms. Kathleen said... Best Blogger Tips

Dreaming is what keeps people YOUNG! I love dreaming about "what should we do next" with my hubby - dreaming with the grandkids - often with my kids - listening to their dreams and telling them to "go for it!" -- I'm their biggest cheerleader and fan club! Bless you girl! I'm cheering for you! Go for it!

Positively Alene said... Best Blogger Tips

You always bless me!! Exciting news and week for you. I'm loving reading over your dreams -- oh how I need to stretch myself even further. Blessings friend -- you go girl!!!

Lisa Larson said... Best Blogger Tips

Love this post, Lindsey! So excited to see how God uses you and fulfills these dreams. You are such an inspiration! Glad to be on this journey with you :)

Katy said... Best Blogger Tips

so much fun and I love all of your dreams!! can't wait to see what God has in store =)

Karrilee Aggett said... Best Blogger Tips

So... this should come as no surprise really - but I just posted about how I can't choose just ONE dream either? Actually - I didn't list as many as you - but seriously - MOST of what you listed, truth be told, I could have listed too! Kindred Spirits! <3
~Karrilee~

Holley Armstrong Gerth said... Best Blogger Tips

So excited about all that's going on in your Word world--this week and in the future! Cheering you on, friend!

Wick Anderson said... Best Blogger Tips

Woot. It sounds like stuff's about to happen! :) May God knock down doors on your behalf, and may you never forget what is happening on the road to what will happen. Cool stuff, congrats!

Barbie said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm so excited for you! I can relate to the bona fide author and getting paid for my art, yet there is that voice in my head that tells me I'm not good enough. Beyond that I'm not sure what my God-size dreams are? Perhaps we can figure that out together.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Steph! Your list inspires me too...I want to expand more! Found another list by a woman called 35 by 35....I want to sit down with both of your lists soon as inspiration and make some life lists!!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, my girl! Yes! Let's dream that together! You know how much I wish I could SEE in IRL this year....TOO MUCH...as the South Africans say....I love you!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh yes! Yes! Yes, Barbie! Let's dream and figure it out together! How are you feeling now...since it is 3 weeks later and I am JUST answering??

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Amen. Wow! What a cool blessing! Thank you!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh thank you, friend! It has been a crazy month since writing this post with flu, Granny in hospital, and some exciting things...am behind in my GSD posts but I will put His movement in me out there soon...in someways the work is in marination right now...but it feels almost ready to share again!!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Yes, Karrilee! I LOVE THAT!!

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