"For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess." Deuteronomy 30:16
I hope you are enjoying learning about the process of fulfilling your dreams. Are you beginning to see them take shape? Are they becoming more clear? Have you entered the Wasteland and are now beginning to see the Wonderland? I hope so. My desire is for you to fulfill every dream that God has placed in your heart!
The next step when you come through the Wasteland is to come to Sanctuary. Rich Wilkinson, the author of The Dream Giver says this is the place where you are engulfed in the love of Christ like never before. He washes out the darkness in you and places His light and His glory. It is a place where peace begins to settle over your dream. God's love so encompasses you in Sanctuary that you begin to fall in love with Jesus all over again. You have always loved Him, but this is a time of refreshing. This is a time of renewal. After your time in Sanctuary you feel like you can conquer the world and you are ready to fulfill anything the Dream Giver asks you to do. What a great place!
This is the time when the decision to really fulfill your dream is going to be made. Up until now, it has been all about you and your dream. At this crossroads, the Dream Giver is going to ask you to do something that seems impossible. He is going to ask you to give up your dream for Him. Here is where the real decisions are made. Scripture says that He sees the "intent of the heart." He knows our motives. He knows why we are doing what we are doing. This is where the refinement happens.
Many times in scripture, great men and women of faith are asked to give up their dreams and ambitions. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son of promise - Isaac, Peter was asked to lay down his dream and beliefs and go to Cornelius' home - why? For the love of the Dream Giver. For the bigger picture. We must realize that when this time comes, it is not to punish us or dishearten us - it is to enlarge us!
This is a time of self-examination. Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it for position? Prestige? Power? Self-fulfillment? Ask yourself these questions. Know why you do what you do. This type of self-examination will help you on this journey. It will help you fulfill your dream with excellence. If you will stop and take the time to get in His presence and ask Him to examine your heart and be honest with yourself, you will be able to fulfill the dream without difficulty and turmoil.
We must keep our motives pure, our intentions right and our vision clear. Our dreams are not about us. They are about joining His bigger dream and vision. He calls us to love Him - first and foremost. He calls us to serve him - first and foremost. He calls us to rely on Him and trust Him. He is trustworthy. If He is asking for your dream, don't be afraid to say "Yes"! He will not forsake you or leave you. He will give you peace like you have never known and He will guide you in your next step and give you the land that He has promised you.
Trust Him!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
From Wasteland to Wonderland
We have been discussing Bruce Wilkinson's book, The Dream Giver. Honestly, it is so rich and so full of nuggets that will help each of us discover and develop our dreams. Last time we talked about the process of writing your dream out. I really hope you did that. Did it give you clarity? Did it reveal to you things you had not thought about? It is so important that we write down our dreams and goals.
So, once we decide we have a dream, now it is time to fulfill it. There is an excitement on the inside that rises within you and motivates you to move forward. When you decide to move forward, to change what you have always done - expect a little opposition. This opposition comes because people love you but do't really understand where you are headed. They are afraid of failure or disappointment for you. These people are called, "Border Bullies". Most of the time, they are people that have not fulfilled their dreams. They are people that are afraid to leave their comfort zone. They may have been convinced by other bullies that they couldn't go forward and fulfill their dreams. It takes wisdom to know how to handle a Border Bully. This is your first opportunity to turn challenges into channels of blessings. Talk to your Border Bullies. Listen to their concerns. They may have valid points that you have not thought of. They may give you insight to things you may face ahead. Listen and pray. I have found this is the reason that I write my plan and vision. It gives me personal clarity and it allows others to know that I am serious and have thought through my decisions. You will convince some of the Bullies that you are right and that you shoud go forward; however, others will be too steeped in fear and doubt to ever believe that you could fulfill all that God has put in your heart.
As you leave the land of Familiar and cross the Wide Waters and face your bullies, you will next come to a land that you believe is the the Promised Land. You will be so excited and you will think, "this is it, I have arrived!". Hold on to your hat.....you've just stepped into the Wasteland. The Wasteland is the place where you are sure your dream is going to come to fruition. It's the place that you are confident you will fulfill everything. It's the place where you enjoy the provision that you have brought along. You walk and when you get thirsty, you drink out of your bottled water from Familiar, when you get hungry, you open your package of prepared foods that you brought from Familiar. It's the place where the thought of your dream keeps you going.
But then something happens......you open your package of prepared food and it's empty. You drank your last bottled water yesterday. Now you are tired, you've walked a while carrying all of your provisions. It's hot, you see no place to settle in, you feel like you are spinning your wheels and now you are out of provisions and resources. Everything you brought with you is empty.
You go a little further and find a little stream of water. You find food in the bushes. You find a shady spot. You are praying and believing God. You are calling out and speaking those things that you know to speak. You are working diligently to make everything happen - have you been there? Maybe you are there now. Are you asking yourself, "Where are you God?" "Did I miss you"? Where are you God??? These are the long days. These are the days that you begin to doubt that you made the right decision. This is harder and lonelier that you expected. These are the days that you try every shortcut and everything that looks like the right path. These are the days when your steps become blurred and you choose to get off the path to find a better road. These are the days when anger begins to boil inside. Sound familiar???
Just then, an unexpected visitor named Faith shows up and asks you what is going on. She listens as you tell her that your provisions have gone dry. She listens as you tell her that just in time you found water. Just in time, you found food. Just in time, you found a shade tree. She listens as you tell her that the Dream Giver has not shown up! She listens as you tell her that you want to go back to Familiar. She can't help you get back. She can't help you retreat. She gives you the choice to follow her in a direction that you "know" is wrong or stay in the Wasteland and try to figure it out on your own.
The Wasteland is the place that you come to the end of your provision, the end of your knowledge of the direction you should take, the end of your dream. It's the place where the Dream Giver gives you the opportunity to follow by faith or by sight. It is the place where your love for and trust in the Dream Giver becomes bigger than your dream. The Wasteland is the place where you are changed. It's the land of preparation. In the Wasteland you will meet people that are going in the opposite direction of Faith and back to Familiar. You get the choice whether to join them or keep going.
Maybe you are in the Wastland today. You thought when you discovered your dream and made a plan that it would have already happened and you would be living in the Promised Land. Maybe discouragement or disappointment has tried to overwhelm you. Don't be discouraged! Don't be down! God has not forgotten you! He's preparing you for the great things ahead. Here are some truths about the Wasteland:
So, once we decide we have a dream, now it is time to fulfill it. There is an excitement on the inside that rises within you and motivates you to move forward. When you decide to move forward, to change what you have always done - expect a little opposition. This opposition comes because people love you but do't really understand where you are headed. They are afraid of failure or disappointment for you. These people are called, "Border Bullies". Most of the time, they are people that have not fulfilled their dreams. They are people that are afraid to leave their comfort zone. They may have been convinced by other bullies that they couldn't go forward and fulfill their dreams. It takes wisdom to know how to handle a Border Bully. This is your first opportunity to turn challenges into channels of blessings. Talk to your Border Bullies. Listen to their concerns. They may have valid points that you have not thought of. They may give you insight to things you may face ahead. Listen and pray. I have found this is the reason that I write my plan and vision. It gives me personal clarity and it allows others to know that I am serious and have thought through my decisions. You will convince some of the Bullies that you are right and that you shoud go forward; however, others will be too steeped in fear and doubt to ever believe that you could fulfill all that God has put in your heart.
As you leave the land of Familiar and cross the Wide Waters and face your bullies, you will next come to a land that you believe is the the Promised Land. You will be so excited and you will think, "this is it, I have arrived!". Hold on to your hat.....you've just stepped into the Wasteland. The Wasteland is the place where you are sure your dream is going to come to fruition. It's the place that you are confident you will fulfill everything. It's the place where you enjoy the provision that you have brought along. You walk and when you get thirsty, you drink out of your bottled water from Familiar, when you get hungry, you open your package of prepared foods that you brought from Familiar. It's the place where the thought of your dream keeps you going.
But then something happens......you open your package of prepared food and it's empty. You drank your last bottled water yesterday. Now you are tired, you've walked a while carrying all of your provisions. It's hot, you see no place to settle in, you feel like you are spinning your wheels and now you are out of provisions and resources. Everything you brought with you is empty.
You go a little further and find a little stream of water. You find food in the bushes. You find a shady spot. You are praying and believing God. You are calling out and speaking those things that you know to speak. You are working diligently to make everything happen - have you been there? Maybe you are there now. Are you asking yourself, "Where are you God?" "Did I miss you"? Where are you God??? These are the long days. These are the days that you begin to doubt that you made the right decision. This is harder and lonelier that you expected. These are the days that you try every shortcut and everything that looks like the right path. These are the days when your steps become blurred and you choose to get off the path to find a better road. These are the days when anger begins to boil inside. Sound familiar???
Just then, an unexpected visitor named Faith shows up and asks you what is going on. She listens as you tell her that your provisions have gone dry. She listens as you tell her that just in time you found water. Just in time, you found food. Just in time, you found a shade tree. She listens as you tell her that the Dream Giver has not shown up! She listens as you tell her that you want to go back to Familiar. She can't help you get back. She can't help you retreat. She gives you the choice to follow her in a direction that you "know" is wrong or stay in the Wasteland and try to figure it out on your own.
The Wasteland is the place that you come to the end of your provision, the end of your knowledge of the direction you should take, the end of your dream. It's the place where the Dream Giver gives you the opportunity to follow by faith or by sight. It is the place where your love for and trust in the Dream Giver becomes bigger than your dream. The Wasteland is the place where you are changed. It's the land of preparation. In the Wasteland you will meet people that are going in the opposite direction of Faith and back to Familiar. You get the choice whether to join them or keep going.
Maybe you are in the Wastland today. You thought when you discovered your dream and made a plan that it would have already happened and you would be living in the Promised Land. Maybe discouragement or disappointment has tried to overwhelm you. Don't be discouraged! Don't be down! God has not forgotten you! He's preparing you for the great things ahead. Here are some truths about the Wasteland:
- After crossing the Waters, you thought your Dream was just around the corner.
- You may be disappointed by the delay.
- You may have doubts about the Dream Giver.
- The Wasteland was not a Waste! It will teach you trust - even when he's nowhere in sight.
- You are stronger now!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Living Your Dreams
I found or should I say, came across in a pile of other books, one of my favorite books last week. It is called, "The Dream Giver", by Bruce Wilkinson. He is the author of the book, "Prayer of Jabez" and "Secrets of the Vine". His writing is profound and pointed, yet simple enough for me to understand it!
In his book "The Dream Giver" he writes about a character named Ordinary that lives in the land of Familiar. Ordinary decides to take the road to his destiny. There are many elements about the journey that I want us to discuss over the next few weeks. The first is recognizing your dream and writing it down.
Ordinary grows up and moves out on his own and starts his life. One evening he is given a dream by the Dream Giver. This dream makes him excited and allows him to start thinking about what he is to do with his future. He begins dreaming about his destiny. He begins to realize and believe he was born for this - this is his purpose in life! A destiny is more than a destination - it is a Land of Promise where you fulfill the dreams of your heart. Every person on the planet has a destiny! You were created for greatness! You have to begin to believe that you were created for more than just yourself.
What is your destiny? What does your land look like? If you could describe it, what would it look like? Scripture says to write the vision and make it plain, so those that come after you can read the map. Writing it down does two things for you - first, it makes it real for yourself. You know what it looks like, how it feels, how it smells, it gives you something you can see so you know when you arrive. It is like going to a vacation destination. You have seen pictures, so you know when you arrive. The journey there is only the beginning - you get to live it out and experience new things in the Land of Promise.
Secondly, writing it out allows others to know where you are going. They can encourage you, help you to avoid pitfalls, help you to fight the Border Bullies and the Giants. It leaves a trail for others coming out of Familiar to have a path to follow. We are not called to live life alone. We are called to do life together! Your dreams are going to require other people to be involved. Your dreams should be big enough that you can't do them on your own. If they are not too big for you to do alone - they are too small.
Here's your assignment - should you choose to leave the Land of Familiar:
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
In his book "The Dream Giver" he writes about a character named Ordinary that lives in the land of Familiar. Ordinary decides to take the road to his destiny. There are many elements about the journey that I want us to discuss over the next few weeks. The first is recognizing your dream and writing it down.
Ordinary grows up and moves out on his own and starts his life. One evening he is given a dream by the Dream Giver. This dream makes him excited and allows him to start thinking about what he is to do with his future. He begins dreaming about his destiny. He begins to realize and believe he was born for this - this is his purpose in life! A destiny is more than a destination - it is a Land of Promise where you fulfill the dreams of your heart. Every person on the planet has a destiny! You were created for greatness! You have to begin to believe that you were created for more than just yourself.
What is your destiny? What does your land look like? If you could describe it, what would it look like? Scripture says to write the vision and make it plain, so those that come after you can read the map. Writing it down does two things for you - first, it makes it real for yourself. You know what it looks like, how it feels, how it smells, it gives you something you can see so you know when you arrive. It is like going to a vacation destination. You have seen pictures, so you know when you arrive. The journey there is only the beginning - you get to live it out and experience new things in the Land of Promise.
Secondly, writing it out allows others to know where you are going. They can encourage you, help you to avoid pitfalls, help you to fight the Border Bullies and the Giants. It leaves a trail for others coming out of Familiar to have a path to follow. We are not called to live life alone. We are called to do life together! Your dreams are going to require other people to be involved. Your dreams should be big enough that you can't do them on your own. If they are not too big for you to do alone - they are too small.
Here's your assignment - should you choose to leave the Land of Familiar:
- Write your dream down - describe it to the fullest degree possible. Ask the Lord to help you by showing you exactly what He wants you to do.
- Develop a plan of action - what steps will you need to take in order to get where you are going.
- Think about what type of friends you are going to need in order to accomplish your dream. Do you need an encourager, a rule follower, a technically inclined friend, a creative artsy friend....what will you need?
- Pray and Prepare - lay your dream out before the Lord. Ask Him to show you what you need to do in order to start your journey out of Familiar and into the Land of Promise.
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
8 Essential Friendships of Women
Friendships plays an intregral role in the life and health of women. Most of the time women tell me they only have one or two friends. According to a recent article in Prevention magazine, there are 8 Essential Friendships every woman should have.
1. A Childhood Friend - hey she remembers your crazy, fun side - before children, husbands, obligations. She can make you giggle just like when you were a teenager. She remembers all the good and the bad and loves you anyway.
2. A New Friend - we get stuck in a rut. We do the same thing over and over. What we have to remember is there is a whole world out there, outside of our routine. New friends bring us new perspective, new activities and new interests. They help our creativity.
3. A Workout Friend - this is the one that drags you off the sofa and makes you walk around your neighborhood or go to the gym - even when you would rather not. Exercise is important in a woman's life. It is good as as stress reliever and has many health benefits.
4. A Spiritual Friend - sounds simple enough. However, while everyone says they are spiritual, not everyone is going to have a connection with God. You need a friend that knows the Word of God and can speak it into any situation. It doesn't mean she's flakey or far out, it just means she has a real relationship with Jesus. Our spiritual life is directly connected to our physical life. Both have to be healthy.
5. A Younger Friend - there are younger women out there who are wondering how you juggled your career, your home, your children, your extended family and your social life without losing your mind!!!! Hey, someone needs to be teaching and training the younger women how to make a difference in their sphere of influence. They are going to come behind us and do things that will either take them further or set them back. Let's set them up for success by sharing ourselves with them.
6. Your Husband's Friends - it is important that you become friends with your husband's friends. Women who are involved socially with her husband's friends, statistically have a happier marriage. Know the guys names. Invite them over to have dinner with you and your husband. Invite them over to watch football. Know and welcome your husband's friends. It will make him happier and in turn, you will be happier.
7. Your Mom - the influence of a mom can never be replaced in your life. She is the one constant. You may no longer have her around, but she is always influencing you. If your relationship with your mom is not good or strong, I encourage you to work on it. Have a mom in your life. They will nurture you, correct you, laugh with you, cry with you and protect you no matter what.
8. Yourself - most women would drop everything if their friend needed them, yet, we won't take care of ourselves. We need to be kind to ourselves. We need to love ourselves. We need to treat ourselves like we treat our best friend. Learning to love yourself will help you love everyone else.
I didn't realize I needed all of these until I read the article. It makes sense. Women need other women. In a healthy relationship, both friends flourish. So, today, make it your plan and your purpose to collect your 8 Essential friends. While you are at it, pick up a few more - the more the merrier!
Remember, if you have a group of friends and you want to celebrate your friendship, we can plan a W4 weekend for you. Contact us @ W4bridge@yahoo.com and we will start planning a weekend to remember!
1. A Childhood Friend - hey she remembers your crazy, fun side - before children, husbands, obligations. She can make you giggle just like when you were a teenager. She remembers all the good and the bad and loves you anyway.
2. A New Friend - we get stuck in a rut. We do the same thing over and over. What we have to remember is there is a whole world out there, outside of our routine. New friends bring us new perspective, new activities and new interests. They help our creativity.
3. A Workout Friend - this is the one that drags you off the sofa and makes you walk around your neighborhood or go to the gym - even when you would rather not. Exercise is important in a woman's life. It is good as as stress reliever and has many health benefits.
4. A Spiritual Friend - sounds simple enough. However, while everyone says they are spiritual, not everyone is going to have a connection with God. You need a friend that knows the Word of God and can speak it into any situation. It doesn't mean she's flakey or far out, it just means she has a real relationship with Jesus. Our spiritual life is directly connected to our physical life. Both have to be healthy.
5. A Younger Friend - there are younger women out there who are wondering how you juggled your career, your home, your children, your extended family and your social life without losing your mind!!!! Hey, someone needs to be teaching and training the younger women how to make a difference in their sphere of influence. They are going to come behind us and do things that will either take them further or set them back. Let's set them up for success by sharing ourselves with them.
6. Your Husband's Friends - it is important that you become friends with your husband's friends. Women who are involved socially with her husband's friends, statistically have a happier marriage. Know the guys names. Invite them over to have dinner with you and your husband. Invite them over to watch football. Know and welcome your husband's friends. It will make him happier and in turn, you will be happier.
7. Your Mom - the influence of a mom can never be replaced in your life. She is the one constant. You may no longer have her around, but she is always influencing you. If your relationship with your mom is not good or strong, I encourage you to work on it. Have a mom in your life. They will nurture you, correct you, laugh with you, cry with you and protect you no matter what.
8. Yourself - most women would drop everything if their friend needed them, yet, we won't take care of ourselves. We need to be kind to ourselves. We need to love ourselves. We need to treat ourselves like we treat our best friend. Learning to love yourself will help you love everyone else.
I didn't realize I needed all of these until I read the article. It makes sense. Women need other women. In a healthy relationship, both friends flourish. So, today, make it your plan and your purpose to collect your 8 Essential friends. While you are at it, pick up a few more - the more the merrier!
Remember, if you have a group of friends and you want to celebrate your friendship, we can plan a W4 weekend for you. Contact us @ W4bridge@yahoo.com and we will start planning a weekend to remember!
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