Archive | Dreamer in the Spotlight RSS feed for this section

February’s Dreamer in the Spotlight!

17 Feb

In honor of President’s Day this month, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at one of the nation’s greatest leaders – Abraham Lincoln.

I recently listened to one of my favorite (audio)books, The Rhythm of Life, again.  In this book, author Matthew Kelly discusses the perseverance of Lincoln and the many obstacles and difficulties that he faced during the course of his life, particularly while pursuing his political ambitions.  Several times he ran for different levels of office and lost before finally winning a seat in Congress in 1846.  Even after that, he lost when he ran for re-election in 1848 and lost again in 1854 when he ran for Senate.  Yet, he still decided to run for President of the United States in 1860.  And of course, the rest is history – we now know him to be the 16th President.

Not only is Abraham Lincoln a great example of staying focused on a goal despite many failures, but he also had his priorities in order.  In his famous speech, The Gettysburg Address, Lincoln noted the importance of Americans moving forward together as a nation under God.  Clearly, it was God’s plan for Lincoln to be president at this point in history.  Who knows what our country would look like now if someone else had been president?

Just as Lincoln was meant to be the 16th President of the United States of America, each one of us has a purpose and a role right now.  We all are on earth at this point in time for a reason.  I believe that true joy in life comes from discovering what God is asking of us and then striving to achieve that dream – ultimately becoming the person that we were meant to be and fulfilling the special role we were meant to play.  The road will likely not be easy, but anything is possible with God’s grace and guidance!

Tags: , , ,

Tim Tebow: Too Radical? (January’s Dreamer in the Spotlight)

15 Jan

Tim Tebow - Credit: Jeffrey Beall on Flickr.com

Earlier this week, when I woke for my daughter’s 4 am feeding, I started thinking about Tim Tebow.  Why? I have no idea.  Maybe it had something to do with the recent playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers combined with a brief article that I read the night before regarding his response to quarterback Jake Plummer stating he wanted him to limit the Jesus talk.  (This happened back in November and Adam had sent me a video link of the interview, but I forgot to watch it.  Click here to read about Tebow’s response – amazing!)  All I know, is that a lot of connections and revelations were going on in my mind at a time I am usually half asleep…

As I was thinking about these things, I realized that Tim Tebow would be the perfect person to feature for this month’s Dreamer in the Spotlight post.  He, without a doubt, is focused on doing whatever God’s will is for his life and is not fazed by what others’ say about him.  He was told he wouldn’t be successful in the NFL, but look where he is right now in only his second year.  He has people who talk trash about him, but he continues to possess a noticeable joy and unashamedly expresses his faith.  He does a lot of volunteer work and has his own Tim Tebow Foundation.  He has worked hard and kept his priorities in order.

Later that same morning, when I was getting ready for work, I noticed a quarter on the counter in the bathroom.  I picked it up and looked at the front to see the words that I already knew were printed there: “In God We Trust.” I don’t think it is a coincidence that the NFL is at its peak in popularity right now and God is working through a Heisman trophy winning quarterback to turn America’s attention back towards Him.  Adam told me that he heard that more people watched last weekend’s wildcard playoff game between Denver and Pittsburgh than any NFL game last season, besides the Superbowl.  In addition, so many people started researching verse John 3:16 that it trended on Google.  (And no, I don’t think the 316 total passing yards or 31.6 average yards per pass are coincidences either.)

Is Tim Tebow too radical?  I think it says a lot about the state of our country, when a man is getting so much attention for publicly giving God gratitude for all his blessings and for doing so many self-less acts.  It says many of us Christians aren’t radical enough.   We aren’t shining bright enough and unafraid to live a life uncommon.  Tebow has been an inspiration to those of us who haven’t had enough courage to stand up for our faith or pursue our dreams.  Some of you reading this may be thinking that I’m too radical right now.  If believing that God has a plan for each one of us and that miracles do happen makes me extreme, then yes, I’m radical – and proud of it!  I need to continue to step up my level of faith and “radical-ness,” especially after reading Psalm 34.

Below are some quotes and verses that came into my mind in the midst of thinking about all this Tebow stuff…

“Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” -Basil King

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“With God, all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26

Tim Tebow should give each of us the confidence to not be afraid to show others who we truly are.  We all have talents that God has given us to make the world a better place.  We all have been given a role to aid humanity.  Tebow has definitely been an inspiration to Adam to be bolder and work harder.  He wrote a song last summer, simply and powerfully, titled, “Jesus.”  I woke Adam up after my 4 am revelation to tell him that I felt God was wanting him to share this song.  So please check out the YouTube video “Jesus” by Adam Lee and you’ll see what I mean…

God bless!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

December’s Dreamer in the Spotlight

30 Dec

This month, I have chosen a group of people to feature rather than just one person – those who have written the familiar Christmas carols that we hear year after year.

Image

I have been reading the book Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins and have been amazed at the perseverance and faith of may of these poets and songwriters.  Some of the writers were facing religious persecution and some were trying to find joy in the midst of a depressing situation.  The journey that many of these songs have traveled on their way to becoming world-famous Christmas treasures is miraculous.  For example, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was originally a story created by a father for his daughter who was feeling down about not having a mother who was well enough to do the things that other girls’ mothers did.  Since the family had little money due to his wife having cancer, Bob May decided to write this story for his daughter as a Christmas present.  At a company Christmas party (he worked at a well-known department store), he read his finished story and the boss believed in it enough to have several copies made and sold them in the stores.  The book became a best-seller and his brother-in-law eventually made the story of “Rudolph” into a song.  The song was turned down to be recorded by some well-known recording artists before finally being cut by Gene Autry.  Now it is one of the most known songs of all-time!

Reading the history of these songs, has been, yet, another source of inspiration.  What a great reminder that we must continue to believe and pursue our dreams, since we have no idea how God will use us to affect others now and in the future!

Happy New Year!  Hope everyone has a great 2012 filled with blessings!

Above photo by Idea go/freedigitalphotos.net

Tags: ,

November’s Dreamer in the Spotlight

30 Nov

The young woman that I’m featuring this month is truly an inspiration!  Her name is Katie Davis and  I ran across an article about her story last month in the Tennessean.  She is a perfect example of how God can use each of us to do extraordinary things if we will listen and be open to whatever He asks.  Easier said that done, right?  I’m sure a lot of people were skeptical of her plans and worried about her, but she is making a difference and shedding God’s light on so many lives!

Please click on the following headline to read the online version of “At 22, woman is mom to 13 Ugandan children”.

As the article mentions, she also has a blog called Kisses from Katie and recently released a book by the same name.  I’m looking forward to checking it out when I get some time.  She makes me think about how amazing it would be if all of us embraced God’s plan for our lives! The bible verse “Yet not as I will, but as YOU will (Matthew 26: 39)” is the status on Amazima Minstries‘ Facebook page!

(photo above courtesy of africa via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1803)

_________________________

Side note:  I realized after I published my previous post, that I forgot to include a main part of my sleep deprivation story, so I’ll include it below.  This is just a perfect example of my mommy brain in action!  Here we go…

As I mentioned, I had a week where I was very irritable and unpleasant towards Adam.  That Saturday, while Adam was working, I cleaned the house and did several chores while watching the girls.  I even had time to make dinner.  I felt like I was being a good wife/mother and wanted Adam to feel relaxed when he arrived home.  Of course, shortly after he walked through the door, my attitude and moodiness overshadowed my good intentions and homemaking skills as my exhaustion kicked in after a long, busy day.  I made sure Adam knew what a heavy load I carried and complained about all of my responsibilities.  So much for him relaxing, huh?

The next morning, we went to Mass and the first reading was from Proverbs 31.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!  I felt like God was specifically talking to me and I started to cry, because I wanted to be a good wife and was ashamed of how I had been acting.  I had been blaming Adam for not helping me, when I should have been asking the Lord for grace and strength to deal with a tough time.  Sometimes it can be discouraging to just “suck it up and deal with it” when mothers have to continuously sacrifice, but I know that it is a privilege and a blessing to be called to marriage and to be able to raise children.

The sum of all of this is:  Husbands, help your wives get sleep and they won’t be so psycho and will be more appreciative of all of their blessings!  I know Adam has seen the benefits of a more rested wife already!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

October’s Dreamer in the Spotlight

6 Oct

This month’s post is probably going to be a little different from any other one that I will ever write for this series.  The person that I have chosen has no idea that I have a blog and that I would ever choose to write about her.  I can’t use her real name because of privacy rights, so I will refer to her as Fran.

I met Fran earlier this week at the community mental health agency where I work.  Fran shared with me how she is desperately wanting to move out of the apartment complex where she currently resides due to people threatening her life.  Fran said that she reported a neighbor who was beating his  three-year-old son.  She is not getting much help from the landlords, either, and is afraid she may be evicted.  I am not sure of any other incidents that may have occurred leading up to this point, but Fran was clearly in distress about her circumstances.  In addition to this major stress in her life, Fran is dealing with custody and child support issues regarding her daughter.  She is currently unemployed and has suffered a traumatic brain injury in the past.  Needless to say, this woman has been through a lot.  It definitely made me thankful for all the wonderful people in my life, the roof over my head, and my job.

While talking with her, Fran brought up her trust in God.  She mentioned that despite all of the negative things she has experienced in the past several years, she has “such peace.”  She stated that she knows that God is having her go through these things for a purpose and that this is just the beginning.  Fran wants to be able to help people through similar situations.  She recently has already taken the step to talk in front of state politicians  about holding judges accountable for their actions.  Fran told me that she once had to spend 15 days in jail because a judge overlooked that she had paid her child support on time.

I don’t know the decisions, reasons, circumstances, etc., regarding what has happened in Fran’s life.  I don’t know if things have happened due to poor choices that she has made or not.  I do know, though, that this woman is hurting, but despite her pain she continues to rely on God and have faith in His plan for her life.  I let her know that her trust was inspiring and that God would reward her faithfulness.

While driving home from work that day, I wondered if she had anyone to pray for her.  Fran could use some support and love right now.  I’d like to ask you to pause for a moment and join me in the following prayer:

Lord,

Please be with Fran during this difficult time and continue to wrap her in your peace.  Send your angels to protect and lead her.  We ask that you bring someone into her life who can offer support and guidance.  Give her the strength and wisdom she needs to follow your will.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and offering a prayer for Fran.  She is already helping others by sharing her unwavering faith in God’s plan.

 

 

Photo courtesy of luigi diamanti via freedigitalphotos.net

Tags: , , , , , ,

September’s Dreamer in the Spotlight

19 Sep

As those of you who have read my blog already know, I am a “strategic” coupon user.  There are a variety of websites out there to help with finding weekly deals, etc.  One of these websites, started by Kelly Hancock, is Faithful Provisions.  When I read about her story and faith in God’s plan, I knew that this would be a great dream to share with others.  Kelly did a wonderful job of writing about her journey in her own blog, so please click on the links below to check out her personal story!

About Kelly Hancock

Kelly’s Video Story

 

Thanks, Kelly, for inspiring all of us to save money, listen to God’s voice and to pursue our own dreams!  Congratulations on your recently released book, Saving Savvy!

 

(A side note: an update on Adam’s musical journey is coming soon!!)

Tags: , , , , , ,

August’s Dreamer in the Spotlight!

7 Aug

Abby Head (Cake Decorator/Entrepreneur)

I am so excited to start this new series and introduce you to my first featured dreamer (and friend), Abby Head!   A few weeks ago, we discussed her personal journey and here is what she had to share about her goals, obstacles, and inspirations…

Abby’s Dream: “To open my own upscale cafe and bakery!”

Steps She’s Taking to Achieve Her Dream: Abby currently works at a local bakery in The Gulch district of Nashville.  She also teaches cooking classes to children.  In January of this year, Abby started her own blog, Creative Crumbs, after a friend’s suggestion.  Her website features free-lance cakes that she bakes and decorates for customers, family, and friends.  Abby updates her blog every Sunday with the latest tasty and beautifully decorated pieces of artwork that she has created!

"Christian Louboutin Shoe Cake" created by Abby Head

In addition to her amazing cakes, Abby also offers her own catering services.

Favorite “God Moment” Along Her Journey: A friend encouraged her to apply for a cake decorating position at a local bakery.  Abby had no cake decorating experience at the time, but decided to respond to the job ad on Craig’s List anyway.  The owner contacted her and asked her to come in for an impromptu interview.  He told her, “If you’re willing to learn, we’re willing to teach you!”  She has been at this bakery for the past three years.

Most Rewarding Experience:  Abby says that her creations are “little successes” and “constant affirmation.”  She finds “joy in making someone’s day more special.”

"Grammy Cake" by Abby Head

Most Challenging Obstacle:  “How far to trust God to tell you where to go and when do you take the first step?”

How She Finds Inspiration:  Abby likes the song “Blessings” by Laura Story.  She states that it is a “realistic” view of seeking God’s will.  Here are the lyrics:

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace.
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep.
We pray for healing, prosperity.
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.

All the while, You hear each spoken need.
Your love is way too much to give us lesser things.

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this night, are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear.
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near.
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love.
As if every promise from Your word is not enough.

All, the while, You hear each desperate plea.
And long that we’d have faith to believe.

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this night, are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win;
We know that pain reminds this heart, that this is not, this is not our home.
It’s not our home.

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if my greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life;
Is a revealing of greater thirst that a world can’t satisfy?

And what if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights;
Are Your mercies in disguise?

"Coke Bottle Cake" created by Abby Head

I’d like to thank Abby for letting me share her career goals and trust in God’s plan!  If you live in the Nashville area and would like for Abby to create a cake and/or provide catering for your next event, please go to her website, Creative Crumbs, or email her at creativecrumbsnashville@gmail.com!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Newer Entries →