This writing journey is filled with surprising twists and unexpected turns. It can be painful to hear “no” or “not yet” from a publisher, literary agent, or website as you pour your heart onto the page week after week and do your best to write well. Your family sacrifices, you labor in love, and you dream big dreams of what might happen.
We’ve had several other “no’s” and “not yets” lately. “No” to an offer we put on a house and “not yet” to welcoming another baby into our family through adoption. But, while in the waiting room of this winter season, I received an invitation that I had been hoping for.
A little over a year ago I read Holley Gerth’s book, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream. Since I am a dreamer (idea-girl) by nature this is one of my favorite books! After reading this gem I discovered the God-sized Dreams website. It is one of my favorite places on the web. It is a community of kind and dynamic women who offer fresh encouragement as you follow God’s unique purposes for your life. It has been a joy to guest post twice for God-sized Dreams.
I had a secret hope that I didn’t share with anyone regarding my writing. Keeping a secret is not easy for me. I am an open person, over-sharer and celebrator. Sometimes it is difficult to celebrate with others though when you are waiting to see your dreams come true, when you find yourself in a holding pattern.
Life is unpredictable. There are many unknowns. When will we find the right house for us? When will we welcome another sweet girl into our arms? When will my book get published? When will I stop yelling and put on kindness? When will the nations get along? When will injustices be made right?
There in the secret place of our hearts He is listening, working, moving. He knows what is best and what is necessary to shape us. He is not Santa Claus nor a leprechaun with gold at the end of the rainbow. But He is present and able to open and shut doors according to His plan. He gives good gifts even when they are unexpected and come in different packaging than we had pictured.
P.S. Linking-up with the original God-sized Dreamer today, Holley, for Coffee for Your Heart. Also linking-up with another new contributing author to the God-sized Dreams site, Meredith for Woman 2 Woman and a current author for the site, Kristin Taylor for Three Word Wednesday.
Congratulations, Katie! So very thrilled for you! This makes me smile. 🙂
Thank you sweet Kate!:)
Wahoo!! Congratulations! That is so exciting!
Thank you dear Marcy!
Katie,
Congratulations on contributing your thoughts to God-sized dreams! I’ll look forward to reading your future posts there!
Thank you Valerie!
Katie, so happy for you!! I understand exactly what you’ve written here about the no’s, not yets, holding patterns…and the secret dreams God weaves deep into our hesitant hearts. So, so thankful for how He’s affirmed the gift He’s given you through this invitation. Keep on – and remember this when you’re launched into the next season of holding patterns. 😉 He is faithful!
Rejoicing with you,
Anne
I am so happy for you! Our Lord is AWESOME! Lots of love to you.
Oh Katie I am just so happy you are a part of our team and love the way God answered your prayer!!
That is so exciting! I’m headed to the website to check it out. I’m a dreamer, too. In recent years, I feel like part of my dream was just put to the side (as I started a family and got really busy with diapers and laundry!). I’m finally picking up my pen to write again, and I’m so much happier! Thank you for writing and encouraging!!
Congratulations Katie! That’s awesome!
Fantastic news! So very happy for and with you Katie!
Wonderful news Katie! I know you will bless many as you continue to pour your heart into your words for His glory! Blessings!
Katie, I am SO excited for you! (and maybe just a teensy weensy bit jealous) – BUT SO EXCITED! I’m in that waiting room of life right now and, while I’m trusting and my outlook is so much higher than when it all started, there are just so many unknowns that can get a girl down. Dreams you hesitate to share because…as you say…you just want to keep it all to yourself. Disappointment seems less harsh that way, doesn’t it?
But I know He’s got this and His timing is everything. Unpredictable, yes. But even if I can’t see the changes ahead, I know I’m in good hands. Thank you for this reminder through these encouraging words – and CONGRATS!
Rejoicing with you!!!!!! Excited to see your birthed word babies in the months ahead. 🙂 <3
Praising God and celebrating with you Katie!!!! I love it when God shows up in the hopes no one else even knows about. Congratulations!
Katie, congrats – can’t wait to read your posts about God-sized Dreams. Thanks for linking up to #w2w as I am behind on emails 🙂 Have a great day, Kim Stewart
I knew this story already and I have chills anyway. God does hear the desires of our heart. I’m glad you’re on the GSD writing team. I know God’s working on those other desires and waiting is hard … but his time is always perfect. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday. xoxo
Congrats, Katie – such an extra special blessing when God makes those quiet whispers to Him a reality. Looking forward to reading more from you over at God-sized Dreams!
Thank you to each of you for celebrating with me today.:) I’m deeply grateful. Let me know how I can be encouraging you.
Our God is awesome like that! Congrats! 🙂
This is fantastic news! Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you!! Thank you for sharing, I needed this reminder myself today!
So happy to be on this writing journey…and LIFE journey…with you, friend. And so excited to see how God uses your words in this new place to help more women find freedom. <3
Congrats Katie, very happy for you.
What a huge honor, congratulations! I hadn’t heard of this website, so I clicked over. It looks awesome! Thanks for introducing us to it. It kind of reminds me of (in)courage. Very exciting!
Jenni