Dream-chasing

Dreams. Passion. Talents. God. Risk. Journey. Fulfillment.

If there is a theme to the things I've been reading lately, been feeling inspired by, and living beside, it is: chasing your dreams, taking risks and working hard, realizing that God is under, above, behind, and woven throughout it all.

"You are good at something for a reason. God designed you this way; this is on purpose. It isn't fake or a fluke or small. This is the mind and heart and hands and voice you've been given: USE IT." --Jen Hatmaker

I am so incredibly blessed to be married to a man who believes in me and thinks that I am capable and talented. These things are often difficult for me to believe. But to walk alongside someone who encourages and reaffirms you is a gift precious and powerful beyond description. For me, it's a salve to the most tender, hidden wounds. It draws out joy from deep places and gathers all the excitement bubbling in my veins and helps me to believe that I can have dreams, and that they are beautiful, God-given, and possible.

But what makes this theme of dream-chasing in my life even more soul-swelling and joyful is that Heath is currently chasing his own dream. He has recognized his God-given talent and where it intersects with his passion. He has taken a risk to leave his job and become simultaneous unemployed and self-employed, and to sprint after his dream to be a full-time photographer.

If you want to feel inspired, scared and excited, and bursting with pride for the one you love, walk with them as they pursue what makes them come alive and feel fulfilled.

The possibilities are exciting. The risks are a bit frightening. But more powerful than the feelings of excitement and uncertainty is the happiness and peace that comes from watching the one I love more than anything trust God, trust himself, and trust the process.

We have taken this leap of faith with full confidence that God will take care of us and lead us where we need to go and we will arrive when we need to get there.

Now, my prayers are to know how to support, encourage, inspire, uplift, cheer on, affirm, and LOVE this dream-chasing man of mine. I pray that God will show me how to help and not hinder. And no matter where this dream-chasing leads us or what it brings us, Heath and I believe in dreams, God-given gifts, and fulfilling work. And we live in the reassurance of a God who wants only good for us.

Guys, ask God how he's gifted you. or if you already know, get to chasing. It's along this path that the truest inspiration is found, where the sweetest moments of connecting to God are experienced, and where your deepest feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment will envelop you.

Embrace your gifts. Chase your dreams.

Blessing

What is it about a chilly day that just begs you to get a sweet chai latte and curl up in your favorite old jeans and baggy sweater with your trusty journal? It's as though all of these things were designed to go together. Sure, you can have them each without the others, but they aren't at their full greatness that way.

So, this morning I'm sitting here with my sweet chai in my faded blue jeans and oversized sweater reflecting on what the last year of my life has brought and the excitement mixed with uncertainty that leads into the future, the year to come.

If I had to use one word to sum up 2013 it would be "blessing." Seeing all of the blessings that have rained upon me this past year has highlighted in bright yellow that God, in every way, is our great Provider. He truly gives to address our needs, and he does so with impeccable timing.

2013 was year one of marriage for Heath and I, and Heath's presence in my life was/is my greatest happiness. Heath is the man I want and need my life to be tethered to. He is sweetness. Laughter. Nonsense and no-nonsense. He is endless cuddles and hello and goodbye kisses. He is wisdom. Knowledge. Good advice. He's my best friend and my other half. Blessing.

2013 was also year one of living in a foreign country for me. While there were lots of adjustments and countless bouts of loneliness and frustration and thoughts of worthlessness and lack of purpose, there was also a transition out the other side of those dark tunnels. The sun now shines and I have found that I like it here. New Zealand is a nice place to live and there are lots of nice people that surround me--new family members, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. I feel a million times more content today than this same day last year. Blessing.

Last year was a year of unemployment. Waiting on my work visa and lack of available jobs forced this upon me. I struggled to feel worth and purpose sitting at home day after day, week after week. But Heath took care of us (and Karen too) and God used my new family to show me I still had value, even if I had no idea how this was possible. And my life now! You wouldn't believe it, but I have three jobs. Two part-time jobs in town and my Lovely Lettering business is really growing. Heath and I are not rich by any means, but we are paying bills, saving money, and have two great overseas trips planned this year. Blessing.

Last year was one separated from all of the friends and family I had previously spent time with and relied on. Thousands of miles of separation can definitely be felt in sharp pains and aching longing at times, but technology. Skype, Facetime, Gmail/email, Facebook, even Instagram, have helped me stay connected with those people. Letters and cards and packages from far away also spreads love across the ocean and closes the distance gap momentarily. While friendship and family relationships all look different now, and it's not always easy, it has forced me to grow in the way that I love people. It forces me to choose whether I will be intentional in expressing love to someone, even if it might take a bit more effort than it did in the past. I'm not great at it yet, but God continues to re-shape my idea of what it is to love people. And I have lots of people in my life to love. Blessing.

Now as the first month of the new year has already whizzed past me, I embrace this new year with arms wide open, feeling that excitement mixed with uncertainty, yet stepping forward in confidence and the security of knowing that God has blessed and provided for me so far beyond imagination thus far, and he can't help but do so in all my future days. Blessing.