Linking up with some God-sized Dreamers today. Head on over for more encouragement!

As I have
shared here before, recording a CD was on my bucket-list for a long
time.  The dream became a reality when I started recording at Hilltop
Studios in February of 2011.  We produced the Echoes of My Heart
album in an effort to raise funds for our adoption fees.  The physical
CD was released in September 2011 (yes, by God’s grace we began and
completed the album in record-speed).

And now, finally, we have just released the digital version of the album on March 11, 2014 (a significant day for our family).  

You can buy the entire album or individual tracks through this link (or the Echoes of My Heart button on the right side of my blog). 

We
are pleased to announce that a portion of the proceeds, from digital
album sales, will be given to orphan care/adoption.  Won’t you join us
in making a difference in the lives of waiting children and their
forever families?  

Thank you!

Never made it on Broadway or Hollywood, but it was a dream at one point.:)

Several people have told me how they admire my follow-through on going for my dreams.  This comment often surprises me.  There are so many ideas/dreams I have that are left undone (as many of them probably should be).  But, I wanted to share a few thoughts on why a few of them have been completed…like adoption, recording an album and getting articles published.

1.  God’s leading, help and desire

Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you.”

Seek God.  Spend time daily with Him and ask Him to lead you.  He has special purposes for you.  Let Him reveal these purposes to you in His timing and way.  He is more than able and ready to help you.  His chief desire is that you know and love Him.  Be careful that your dreams are not competing with that desire but are an extension of your love for Him.  Trust and delight in Him.  Not all dreams come true, but His will always does- in the end. He can do anything!

“Nothing is impossible with God!  Nothing is too hard for Him.  He is able, more than able to do anything” (lryics from the song Able, track #15, the one where our whole family sings together, proclaiming God’s ability over the impossible in our lives).   

2.  Family support 

Proverbs 22:6 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

I hope you have loved ones to help support and encourage you to shoot for the moon.  I hope they help steer you in the way you should go.  With a good support team you can feel like you can fly.  They can help give you roots while you learn to spread your wings.:)

“To be in this garden with you is a delightful privilege as we labor together in love.  It takes diligence and determined care- yet, its harvest produces priceless treasures. Its growth adds richness and satisfaction; feeding the soul and heart…trusting it to the Maker’s hands and waiting for miraculous sights. It takes tenderness, sweat, and faith to plant and cultivate as this- but, few joys are as fulfilling as experiencing this Journey with you” (lines from the poem Soil and Roots, track #10).

 
3.  Offering even when it feels lame (more on that here)

Joshua 1:9 “This is my command–be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Even if you are not the best at what you are offering, do it anyway.  There is only one you and you have something unique to offer.  If God is leading you to offer, then do it (insecurities, fears and all)! 

“Take heart, I see, I’ll hold you carefully.  I know it’s hard…be reminded by My scars.  Stay close, I see.  You’re Mine and I am yours, for all time, I will hold you.  You’re Mine and you belong- completely, to Me. For you, I fight, I bathe darkness in light.  I’ll bind your sores, and I will win the war.  Be free, in Me” (lyrics from Completely, track #11, a song Hubby and I wrote together).

4.  Accountability

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friends’ character.” 

Prayerfully consider asking a small group of friends to hold you accountable as you take action with your dream.  Set small, achievable goals, and keep this group updated on your progress.  Ask them to cover you, and this endeavor, in prayer.  Share your struggles and celebrate successes together. 

“He knew you were
just what I needed to make me more like Christ- to love with abandon,
to lay down my life, pressing on toward the prize” (lyrics from the song Castles and Rockets, track #13).

5.  Plain old stubbornness determination and hard work.

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Put in the time and effort. Don’t get discouraged, don’t give-up.  Keep going.  Be faithful with your time.  Set reasonable goals and work toward them, don’t get overwhelmed by the end result (but keep it in mind).

“Waited so long for this to happen and now it’s here, I’m a little scared.  But, there comes a time when the waiting stops and you take that step faith-filled.  Take my hand, let’s go!  Let’s embrace the unknown.  Let’s walk this out, not looking back, finally, it’s coming into view”
(excerpt from the poem Coming Into View, track #14). 

Want more information on this subject?  Check out this great book, You’re Made for a God-sized Dream by Holley Gerth!  I am reading it now and it is so helpful, so encouraging and so pratical.

We would love to hear about your God-inspired dreams and encourage you in them!

Love,
Katie