Living out dreams... and putting some aside

When I was invited to join the God Sized Dream Team, I really had no idea what to expect… and it was better than anything I could have ever imagined.  I thought I was joining to prepare to write the book that I’ve always felt called to write… but that’s not what happened.  I haven’t even written one page, let alone one word of that book.  I’ve thought about it.  I’ve even thought about going away for the weekend and writing… but that’s as far as I’ve gotten…

In this time, God has given me the vision to open a community center in my area.  This seems way too big for me.  And quite frankly it is.  But it’s not too big for God.

I’m always in prayer about it, asking God what I need to do to get moving. It’s about small things, I need to do my paperwork to complete the 501c3 portion, write the bylaws and all that stuff that doesn’t seem very important or glamorous but it is.  I actually like that kind of stuff, I like box-checking.  Box checking makes for successful adventures and to make sure that things get done…  I like box checking.

Luke 12:48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Let’s face it though, it’s not like the movie Field of Dreams, if you build it they will come.  I am not a rescuer, that’s God’s job.  I am an encourager.  And so… that’s what I do… and I have also been blessed with God’s vision of love.  

A few months back I had the vision of handing out 100 lip balms… and God told me to do it… so I put out a request to collect money and lip balm.  And lo and behold!  Enough money was collected to give out 300!!  I was thankful to have someone who could sell them to me cheap!  It was a blessing all around.  We gave the last of them out for Valentine’s day!  How exciting…   

And then…  I saw a thing on coupon site for free deodorant… it was one of those magical coupon deals… the kind you see on TV… So I put it out to people… I’ve collected well over 250 deodorants!  I’ve given 50 of them away so far, I will take some to Haiti and give them out to soup kitchens… and wherever needed.  

(and I now have another huge box of lip balm to give away - I really do believe that the more I give away, the more the Lord gives me)

I don’t know when I will break ground on the community center, but I know that God has called me to be faithful in the small things.  And I know in time He will ask me to be faithful in bigger things.  

 Obedience.

I see it so many times when people have BIG dreams of things but aren’t willing to do the hard work it takes to get to the point of fulfilling a big dream. Anyone can dream something up, but are you willing to do the work? 

Often I ask myself, is this about you being in the spotlight or for the true Glory of God?  Am I serving ‘unto You’? or serving man (or even myself and my own ego)?

I often have to check myself and my dreams… and make sure I am in path of God and what He desires.  

Doing a heart check today… remembering that He gives me the desires of my heart… and pursuing Him and them…  is honoring.  Excellence & obedience in small things!

Psalm 25:4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.

P.S.  I have not given up on writing the book, it’s just not the time…

I'm excited that I'm linking up with my friends at God sized dreams!