Dream B.I.G.

I tell you what: It's crazy how you walk a path, thinking you're all alone, but then you read a book or have a conversation, and it's exactly what you needed to hear and think about at the moment. Jayme Hightower, meet Jentezen Franklin.

Anyway, I'm reading this book and writing in a journal (sort of), and the question comes up:
What dreams are in your heart that only God can make possible? Well, shoot, I suspect all the ones that are there, right? I mean, that makes perfect sense. The aspirations and desires that are in our hearts were placed there by the Father, or we wouldn't have them. They wouldn't be worth anything. Or.... are they really from God?

I started to make a list of dreams I had, but nothing seemed to adequately answer the question.  Every girl dreams of Prince Charming, her dashing knight that will take care of her and yet allow her to come along on his adventure. Guys are always looking for Xena: a strong woman that can fight with him, but is still feminine enough to let him rescue her.  We all dream of bigger homes, nicer cars, more money, and well behaved kids (if you want kids).  But is that really the bottom of our dream bowl?  Did we really get to our true dreams?

Here's my moment of transparency - these are my deepest dreams, the ones that keep me up at night:
1. A home that is open to students, both HS and college, that is a place of refuge/safety/guidance for them
2. A husband that is willing to walk out the will of God with me
3. Teaching not just the Word of God, but its impact on the World, past, present, and future

You all might be like, "Really?  That's what you want to do?  Never would've seen that coming!"  That's cool, but those are my dreams.  Beyond the bigger home, faster and nicer car, increase in money, etc., there is a craving for these things in my life.

This isn't your typical Baptist sermon.  I only have one point instead of three, and I'm about to head to the Word in a minute.  Here it is: Dream B.I.G. - Believing It's God.  When you get to your real dreams, the ones you don't share with anyone, or maybe you do in that moment of passionate meditation and introspection, ask God if that's His will.  If so, dream BIG.  That's faith - believing He spoke something to your heart and walking in the truth of its coming to pass. 

At church, we're starting a study on Abraham.  He was credited as a man of faith in Hebrews and as our father in the faith in Galatians.  But check out Hebrews 11 - there's a whole chapter of people that are credited as faithful!  Abraham's wife Sarah, his son Isaac, his grandson Jacob (he was the father of the people of Israel), and so many more trusted in the words spoken to them and believed the manifestation of them would come. 

Look at Habakkuk 2:2-3

 ²And the LORD answered me:

"Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.
³For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.

God has given us dreams and visions.  He truly has a plan to prosper us after we've been decimated, discouraged, distracted, and possibly even defeated.  His plan and will are being worked in our lives, and He is faithful to complete the work He started in us.


So, you tell me: What dreams are in your heart that only God can make possible?  What vision has He given you?  And are you standing in faith?

Time for Something New

So, this is my first blog entry from my new phone. If you know me, you know I NEEDED a new phone. I've had it about a week, and it's growing on me. My only concern is I'll be just like everyone else. Let me explain before you get all upset or whatever.


Yesterday, I was at church, and I was seated between two gentlemen. One was older; the other was closer to my age. However, both were quite reserved during worship. Initially, I remained low key as the service started (partially due to the fact that there's not much worship space at the Cobb energy center), but I gradually spread my proverbial wings and lifted them before my savior. By the end of the music portion of service, I realized my ability to engage was no longer affected by my neighbors.

As Louie spoke about leverage, I became more aware of a need for a new environment. I'm in a place where I want to leverage more money for the kingdom and less on me. By the end of the message, I had a good idea of how to make a difference where I'm at.


Where am I going with this? I don't want to be like everyone else with all my stuff and things, forgetting about others in need. I don't want to stand in worship like others do, still processing through how it all works, do I like this song, or what is that crazy black girl next to me doing? I don't want to walk through life pretending things are going well because I got a little bit of change in my pocket.

How about you? Do you want to be different than those around you? Do you mind being the person that worships a little differently, handles money differently? Are you okay with not having the newest whatever? If you do, are you using it for the kingdom, or is it just a toy?

Yeah, I'm writing this blog from an iPhone. Yeah, it's new and fun, and yeah, it's worth the living of a family in Africa for a year. But I promise you one thing - this phone and all it offers me is my gift to the Lord. At the end of the day, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." (1 Co. 10:26) I want to be a part of HIStory, and if this phone is a way to do so, then let's go.

Tell me, what can you leverage for the kingdom?