Dreams & Visions

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..."

As I debated on what to write about yesterday and today, I couldn't help but feel like another blog about where I went was a bit boring. I will still be updating you with the places I go, and pictures to go along with it, but I wanted to write about something with a bit more depth. Thankfully, as I read my morning devotional today I came across this: 

Jump-Start Your Dreams

What is the dream that God's placed in your heart? I'm not asking if you have one, I already know it's there because God gives all of us dreams. I've seen people do all kinds of things to their dreams. Some people buy them so deep in their hears in order to protect them from the criticism of others. Some people set them out of sight so they don't have to think about them anymore. And some people finally just give up on their dreams because it hurts too much to hold on. If your dreams needs a jump-start, there are two things I want you to remember. First, you need to get a clear vision. And second, you must keep your vision in front of you at all times. But having a vision doesn't mean that it will instantly appear. God's as interested in the process of vision as He is in the end result. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 that he had learned how to be content and satisfied to the point where he was not disturbed by whatever state he was in. In other words, he never allowed himself to get upset with where he was at the moment, he was always looking forward to where he COULD be. That means you, like Paul, need to find a balance between contentment and ambition. Here's the key: Learn to enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going. When you have a dream or vision, you have to keep it in front of you. If it helps, write it down. And remember, God will help you live the dream He's given you, step-by-step, one day at a time.

Prayer Starter: Jesus, even though I don't always feel like it, and life tries to get me to quit, I believe You have a great plan for my life. I choose to trust You to help me live the dream You've given me more than I trust my circumstances.

This devotional from Joyce Meyer Ministries really got me thinking. We have so many 'self help' or 'you can do it yourself' books or motivational ideas. While making an effort to love yourself, build yourself up, and accomplish many things in this life is a wonderful thing, we have to remember that we wouldn't be able do anything if it weren't for Jesus. We have so many dreams and hopes, and this world often likes to diminish, or break them down. We can't rely on ourselves alone, because we aren't alone. Jesus is with us. We were created by Him, for Him. I find myself thinking that I can accomplish things on my own without seeking His wisdom, or Word, and it "works" for a little while, but I end up in a rut. Not because I stop or don't have enough talent, strength, confidence, etc, but because I'm not meant to do things on my own. I was/am made in the Lord's image, He wants me to dream my dreams, to strive for better, and to always rely on Him. And I am so thankful that I am not forgotten. In a world full of 7 billion + people, Jesus remembers me. And He remembers you too. You're never alone.

All that being said, in my last few blogs I've stated that I haven't come up with a New Year's resolution, here it is: I want to strive to accomplish something productive every day, and inspire people along the way.

And as far as my dream goes, I want to write a book that will motivate, inspire, and encourage people. I'd like to have the idea for my book by the end of this year.

 I have my vision, now all I have to do is enjoy the journey and rely on the Lord to help me figure out the path to accomplishing it.

I'm so excited to get started on my resolution and dream! What is your dream? Have you set a clear vision for yourself? Have you asked the Lord what you need to do to get to your dream? Let's do this together! Let's be inspired and conquer!! 

Have a great day!

<3 Em