Who Did You Want to Be?

We all have those people in our life that has had a tremendous influence on us. It could have been a parent, sibling, friend, or teacher. Some time, somewhere, there were people who made you excited to be around them. Maybe you wanted to be them.

You may have had someone "on screen" that you felt this way about. You thought their life was your "dream life." They may have emulated what a good life looks like. You might have had times which you imitated some of these people.

Simply put, you wanted to be someone else, for whatever reason. That brings us to this week's quote...

I have always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific. - Lily Tomlin

Who did you want to be? No matter who you "wanted to be" the reality of it is that you are who you are. As Dr. Seuss put it, "There's no one truer than you" as you are a perfect reflection of you.

Being you may not seem great at times but when you get right down to it, it is great. To be a different you just means you must do some things to create a different you. "Wanting" it simply doesn't get it done.

Are you wanting something different for yourself? Be specific and get it done!

Now it's your turn...who did you want to be and why?

Work Never Begun

You may have seen signs that say something like "Future Home of" and there is an organization or business name associated with it. Have you ever seen any of those types of signs on properties that never seem to change?

These types of properties make the surrounding property look kind of sad because there is no promise of that building or property getting finished. So, it all just sits there - waiting to be developed.

However, as sad as the property looks, at least someone took the time to start. That brings us to this week's quote...

Can anything be sadder than work unfinished? Yes, work never begun. ~ Christina Rossetti

I think there are lots of "works", within people, that are never begun. There is likely a lot of people who have potential for success simply hidden within them. You pass by them on a regular basis without even knowing it.

There could be properties booming all around us, everywhere we go, if they were simply started - if the dream would commit one foot in stepping out to take the first step.

If you could do ANYTHING

in life, would your present life look any different? Even if you are in your "dream" job, would you have something about the present situation that would cause it to look different?

What causes it to not look like that? What could you do to make it start to look like your "dream" position? Think about it and work to develop ways to achieve it!

Dream Reaching

"Reach!" A "game" a taller person plays with a shorter person when the taller person is trying to keep something away from the other. You've played it I'm sure. You've probably played it on both sides. It is just "not fun" enough, when you are young, that you want to play it with someone else when you grow up.

I remember in Preaching School where our whole class wasn't allowed to make a 100% on a first mid-term exam. It didn't matter if you missed zero or a lot. That is not to say that we all received the same grade, just the ones that didn't miss any didn't receive a perfect score. I was one of them. This decision made some of us frustrated. However, his reasoning was to keep us reaching to improve. That brings us to this week's quote...

Better to have spent a life reaching for a dream that never came true, than to have slept through a life that never had a dream. ~ Samantha Pickreign

One could look at this and think how disappointing it would be to make it to the end of your life and receive nothing. However, how exciting the journey that you can envision your dream so much it keeps you going despite adversities. One could easily sit on the sidelines and never attain anything. But you could also be in the game, always striving for more!

What dream are you reaching for today? Share your comments below...

Don't Be Another Member of Society

People are all around us. Most go about their daily lives simply “going.” They go to work, go home, go to activities, go to school, go to eat – just going.

We are a people that is on the go a lot. Even in my rural community, people seem to be on the go much of the time – kids events, meetings, etc.

Is any of that really getting you where you want to be for yourself? Sure, parents love to see their kids be involved and excel in events, but what about the parent? Should it be nearly 100% sacrifice because you have kids at home?

I think there is all kinds of talent and passion in society that is left to just fizzle out. That brings us to this week’s quote..

Don't be just another member of society, be a living example of your dreams and goals. ~ Author Unknown

Some people give up before they even try to do something with their life. They just remain being “members of society” all their life.

I can only imagine how communities can be changed through people putting to work their passions and talents. That is one thing I enjoy doing is being able to put in my talents, skills, and passions in societal opportunities. That helps me live out a portion of my dreams and goals!

May you be inspired to do the same!

Don't Be Another Member of Society

People are all around us. Most go about their daily lives simply “going.” They go to work, go home, go to activities, go to school, go to eat – just going.

We are a people that is on the go a lot. Even in my rural community, people seem to be on the go much of the time – kids events, meetings, etc.

Is any of that really getting you where you want to be for yourself? Sure, parents love to see their kids be involved and excel in events, but what about the parent? Should it be nearly 100% sacrifice because you have kids at home?

I think there is all kinds of talent and passion in society that is left to just fizzle out. That brings us to this week’s quote..

Don't be just another member of society, be a living example of your dreams and goals. ~ Author Unknown

Some people give up before they even try to do something with their life. They just remain being “members of society” all their life.

I can only imagine how communities can be changed through people putting to work their passions and talents. That is one thing I enjoy doing is being able to put in my talents, skills, and passions in societal opportunities. That helps me live out a portion of my dreams and goals!

May you be inspired to do the same!

Get Out Your Dust Cloths

Is it time for a little “spring cleaning”? Time to get the rubber gloves out, the work clothes on and get to work.

It might be time to do a little spring cleaning on ourselves, which brings us to this week’s quote…

The final step in our spring cleaning is to dust off your dreams.

Take them for a spin. Is there something you really want to do? Go out and do it now. There's no point in waiting until you are dead to start living.

It's never too late to make a New Year's resolution. After all, when is the year newer than when the birds start to sing and the flowers are popping up and the days are getting ever lighter (via “The Happy Guy”)

Are you ready to break out the spring cleaning on your dreams? What dream will you be dusting off to pursue?

A Dream is Just a Dream

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question probably ninety percent of American children are asked before age ten. I had aspirations to be a football player and a super hero when I was young.

Obviously the second one is totally fictional and the first one is a long shot. However, aside from genetics causing me to be a bit height-challenged for a career in football, I didn't really try to pursue it that heavily. 

I would guess that you have a dream. That brings us to this week's quote...

A dream is just a dream until you go out and fight for it! - "Rev Run", Joseph Simmons

If I would have really wanted to be a football player I should have pursued it much more. Even being short, I could have possibly made it to a community college level, at least. But I didn't. I did not enjoy it like I thought I would. I didn't have the desire to keep going or put in the work outside from practice.
 
Dreams we have while sleeping are generally short-lived in our memories.  As you think about dreams that you have for life, let them live much longer.  Let them get through the brainstorming and "pros-&-cons" stages.  Let them get to the "how can I make this happen" stage.  If you find you cannot make it happen right then, wait. If it is just not going to take you to where you want to go, readjust your sails and continue on a new course.

Don't let it fall...fight for it!  See what happens when you do!

Don't Just Have an Idea

"I have an idea" is sputtered off by someone you know. Time goes on, and nothing happens. Why didn't the idea come into existence? It wasn't pursued because of any given reason. Possibly because the person became busy and forgot or the idea really wasn't that "good" to keep them going after it.

When one has an idea, it is important to get behind it and see what you can do to make it happen. Otherwise, if left only in your head, it may not see daylight. That brings us to this week's quote...

Your vision is only as strong as your commitment to pursue it!! ~ Joseph Simmons, AKA "Rev Run"

I consider those that "know people" to be lucky. They can almost snap their fingers and the possibility of pursuing a dream comes forth. The man given credit for the quote has a family of six, three daughters and three sons. The oldest two daughters were college-aged when they had an idea...creating a line of female sports fashion shoes with the names of food, aka the sneaker. They called it "Pastry". They're not something my wife would ever buy, but the concept was clever.

As a father, he challenged them to come up with a plan and presentation to give to the company who would market these shoes. They did and the line was created. They have had to keep up doing things to make sure their company stays afloat.

The commitment to pursue doesn't end with seeing the "product". There are more things to do to make sure that the dream is continual. So, if you have an idea, don't just present it to someone, pursue it, and give the commitment it takes to make sure it happens.

What are your ideas???

Don't Let Your Dreams Die

I've been dreaming lately. Dreaming of doing big things for God. Dreaming of being influential for Him. Dreaming of the outcome of what will happen when other people dream and put their dreams into practice.

Dreaming, envisioning, keeps me up at night. Some nights for hours, but it excites me at the same time. I get up the next morning with a variety of things still on my mind. Sometimes I have to write these ideas down before I close my eyes for the night so that I can make sure that I do not forget.

As this is a week centered around dreaming, it seemed only fitting to use this quote this week...

We grow by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. ~ Woodrow Wilson

Dream, continue to dream, don't stop dreaming! Dreaming allows things to happen. Happening allows things to be created. Creation allows others to be affected.

How many people will you affect through your dreams?

Don't let your dreams die...Keep dreaming!

Living Wide Awake: Dream - Mark 10:46-51

What did you dream about last night? Was it scary or pleasant? Do you remember at all? I don't recall anything from last night's sleep, but I am sure there was some type of dream. You may not be able to control how much you dream at night or even what you dream. However, you can make a conscious decision to dream for God.

As I shared yesterday, my dream for the church is that everyone, from youngest to oldest, will be so passionate about their faith that they will look for God in everything they do. As I am about to start a new "cycle" of praying for every member, that is going to be on my prayer for each person.

I love to be inspired to dream. I enjoy thinking about no-holds-barred kind of future possibilities. When we limit ourselves, we are limiting God. As Jesus was able to use fish and loaves to feed a five thousand, what could He do with us?

This series is from a same-titled book by Erwin McManus. I haven't read it, I just came across it through an article in an e-mail subscription. We're going to be focusing on reshaping our thought process by seeing that God does put possibilities in our path, every day. Too often we miss that. Here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. Write down a dream you have for the church...what do you want to see happen? The possibilities are endless!
2. Pray about your dream...how are you going to be an instrument in making it happen? Ask that it be His will. Thank Him, in advance, for working out this dream - whether it comes to fruition or not (in your time).
3. The next interaction you have with someone, ponder why God may have timed that interaction the way He did...How did you reflect Christ to them?
4. Then, ponder the next...the next...the next...
5. Look forward to the open doors that may come your way as you look for God in these situations.
6. Pray for God to open doors for you in your school, workplace, neighborhood, appointments, etc.
7. LIVE WIDE AWAKE...don't hide under the covers!

I spent too many years staying under the covers for God, not seeing the life that was waiting for me out there. There were times I may have got out of bed, but those were the typical "Christian" times. The every day times, I generally was staying in bed. However, when I realized how much fun I could have by living wide awake and looking forward to seeing God in my day, I looked forward to the next hour with great anticipation. I learned about the fact that being a messenger for Him was so much fun. Nothing is ever the same in Kingdom work! Everyone's different, so every interaction is different.

I hope you enjoy your opportunities that God brings to you!

Anticipating...

Take a Big Step, No Matter What the Size

In my life there have been instances where I was very scared/nervous about what the future would hold. One, was going to preaching school and having to ask/depend on churches and individuals to support my family. Other times were job moves and car/house purchases. Having the mindset of "supporter" for my family, a decent amount of pressure goes onto my shoulders when I am considering these options.

There have been other times in my life that I have taken a step toward a goal that may seem crazy to some. I have a tendency to "put myself out there" and see what the answer will be. I live a lot on the "I'd-rather-know-than-to-sit-thinking-I-don't-know". In other words, I'd rather get a "no" from something I may be interested in doing, rather than wonder if were ever possible. One example is getting the chance to speak at a "national" ministry Workshop. I had admired the men who I'd heard for years. Last year, I heard of one speaker who was sick, so I e-mailed the director (who I remotely knew) and said I would be willing to speak, if the need arose. He met with me and told me to go to that site on that particular day. Then, the night before, at the keynote, He said, in general announcements, that if I could hear him, I was "on" the next day. Making a long story short, I was VERY nervous, but I gave it my all, and it went well. (You can listen by going to this site, then scrolling down to find my name). That got me in the door, and as it worked out, this year I was asked to speak again - all three days! I am busy preparing for this year's engagement and will be quite nervous each day!

We all have to take steps from time to time in order to get where we want. It will usually take some type of "putting ourself out there". Whether that is offering to do something or joining a group, or somewhere in between. That brings us to this week's quote...

If you have a great ambition, take as big a step as possible in the direction of fulfilling it. The step may one be a tiny one, but trust that it may be the largest one possible for now. ~ Mildred Mcafee

What "great ambition" do you have? What would you like to do for yourself, your family, your community, your church, your work, etc.? What step needs to be taken in order to get closer to that point? Maybe it is learning a new talent/hobby? Maybe it is writing a book? Maybe it is getting a better, more fulfilling job? Maybe it is making your work environment better, more inspiring?

No matter what it is...step forward! Don't stand still or sit and not move. Be on the move to something greater, bigger than you ever dreamed possible!

Take that step!

Have You Got a Second (Wind)?

As I begin to creep near mid-30's, I realize that my body is definitely not in shape. Though I have an education in exercise and the science involved with it, my personal philosophy on exercise is that I need to be working toward a goal each time I attempt to "work out". I have never received any long-term "high" from pushing weights up, letting them down, pushing them up, letting them down, and so on. The same goes with treadmills and indoor bikes. If you don't go anywhere, what's the use? My thought is, I would rather load bales of hay because I would be accomplishing something in the mean time. With that being my philosophy, I have not caught on to the exercise bug. Therefore, I am out of shape and know that it doesn't take long to need to take a breather.

Too often in life we look at goals we have, and quit before we get the chance to get a second wind. I encourage you to not give up on your goals. That brings us to this week's quote...

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out if they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. ~ William James

I love to play sports, as I enjoy getting the chance to "move toward a goal" of scoring. Even though I may take a breather from time to time, I enjoy the opportunity to keep playing, especially when that second wind comes!

Too many of us exercise our dreams like we exercise our bodies (if you exercise your body a lot, then you may exercise your dreams like others exercise their bodies). We have not lifted, ran, swam, etc., in so long our "dream shape" is very out of shape. You may start to dream, then you "run out of breath". Go for the second wind! What do you dream for yourself, your family, your church, or your community? It will probably amaze you at the energy that comes from pursuing your dreams!

Keeping in "dream shape"...

Monday Mentionings: Dreaming the Impossible Dream

A few hours until 2008...are you ready?

Yesterday, we had a great assembly! The singing sounded really good! It was good to be rejuvenated at our weekly family reunion!

Yesterday, our guest speaker spoke about the idealism that is found in the challenge of the Sermon on the Mount. How Jesus challenges His disciples (and us, as readers) to keep reaching toward that, which is, in essence, impossible to reach. Things like "turning the other cheek" when someone strikes us on the one or not worrying about tomorrow. These seem next to impossible, but it makes us want to keep reaching. Jesus gives us a dream to keep striving toward. In our own lives we need dreams, also. Dreams to be more patient, more encouraging, more evangelistic, more outreach-ing, etc. These dreams give us something to keep working toward.

What dreams do you have for God? May those dreams keep you searching/striving toward that goal! May 2008 give you abundant opportunities to work toward that goal!

Have a great time ringing in the New Year!

God Bless ~

E-mail Encouragement: Today

I hope your week is going well. I received this in an e-mail that I subscribe to. It is called "Today's Dose of Happiness". It is just a daily "dose" to try to make a person's day go better. I really liked what it says...

"TODAY

Live today, because it is all you have. Everything.

Tomorrow is still a dream. In most cases it is a dream come true, although rarely quite as we imagine.

Yesterday is a memory, one that can help us navigate both today and tomorrow.

Today is happening. Today is life in action. Today is what really counts. It is the only time you can control how you feel, how you act, how you think.

Feel it. Live it. Love it right now."

So, what are you going to do with your "today"? What will you do with it to cause someone to become closer to Jesus?

Have a great week!

Connecting others ~