The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs. ~Vance Havner
One day I questioned God asking HIM if my dream to be a speaker, write my book, and more was really HIS vision for my life, HE answered me within minutes by opening my eyes to the sign in this photo. It was amazing. HE has said so much to me through this photo of me praying to HIM.
I have been thinking a lot about vision and purpose lately, probably because that has been the topic of the messages at New Hope the last few weeks. As I drove to work the the other day I was feeling out of sorts in a way. So much has happened in the last 8 months and I feel my life has taken an about turn and I am going in a completely different direction than I planned, to be honest that is true. But God has been clear that the vision he gave me is still mine and attainable, that THAT SPECIFIC VISION is HIS plan for me. I just don’t see how I am going to do it but therein lies the key : if I could do it in my own power it wouldn’t be from God. So that has been my struggle. How am I going to reach for my dreams while raising my 4 year old daughter :)) Honestly it is overwhelming at times and the agent rejecting my book has made me question my purpose.
From past experience I know when I set a specific goal that I am aiming for it seems I am much more productive: In 2009 when I decided to lose weight my complete focus was on that goal. And not only did I focus on that long term goal I focused on the details in between. There were successes and failures along the way but each time I failed I would look closely, monitor, and adjust my plan until I was back on track. During that time I felt very productive as the pounds melted away and of course I started feeling better about myself. I was determined and drew a line in the sand finally saying I am all in. It took self discipline and focus . For many years I had tried to lose weight on my own but to no avail. When I reached my goal weight losing 94 pounds I was so excited, I had set my mind to something and accomplished it. So as the saying says I didn’t just stare up the steps I stepped up the stairs literally and figuratively. It is helpful to have this experience because God has placed some big dreams in my heart and it scares me in a way because they seem so unattainable but I will reflect upon my experiences and hopefully God will place a short term objective that will be a stepping stone to my dream. So I refuse to settle and as they say "Shoot for the Moon, Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." So I will do that:)))
One thing I believe is that God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them. I am in a growth process now, I just wish I felt more in focus like I did when I set to lose weight.
But yesterday another goal was accomplished and I became mother at 52. Riley's adoption has been my dream and goal since the day of Alexis' funeral when I learned we had no rights. It came to fruition when the judge approved and changed her name to Riley Nicole Washington.
Now I will pray and see what God wants me to do next, all I know is there is a book , speaking career , and more in my future because that is the dream HE has placed in my heart and the vision HE has shown me in my dreams.