I often find myself wondering what my future will look like. For the past few years, I’ve been trying to put together this plan for my future. Something reachable, attainable, and successful. Something safe, smart, and something that sounds good to anyone who hears it. I’ve learned that I function better when I have a plan laid out in front of me, but when it comes to my future, having a plan has allowed me to fall into something that I've feared for years of doing…settling. 

The past few days we've been challenged to dream… to bring back to life the dreams we had when we were kids. The crazy, wild, deep, and extremely far off dreams (which seemed so near then). The dreams that seem crazy and unreachable to the world. The dreams that people would say are impossible. 

 Growing up, I was a big-time dreamer. I think back to all the stories I created, both in my mind and on paper. I think of the times my sister Sidney and I would come up with crazy scenarios, and then make them come to life with barbies and babydolls. I think of the times I told my family all about what I was going to do/be when I grew up… and then completely changed my mind with a new idea a few months later. 

 After sitting and just letting myself have the freedom to dream again, I found myself asking, “when did dreaming go out of style and when did I become okay with settling?”.

I couldn’t come up with a specific time frame of when dreaming went out of style for me, but I found a deep root as to why it did… Dreaming went out of style, and I became okay with settling, when I began to limit God on how He could use the deep desires of my heart. 

 I tend to compartmentalize things in my brain...Dreams, goals, and visions being in their own “box”. I’ve learned that God is not narrowed to one compartment in my brain, but that He’s in all of them! Meaning, He’s in the midst of every single thing that I have ever desired for my life's future. He created me, and put those desires in my heart for a reason. Meaningggggg, if I’m living a life of submission to Him, and abiding in Him, not only will He fulfill the desires of my heart, but he’ll use them to bring Him glory! 

So, friends, I want to share with you all, that it’s okay to dream. I dare you to sit and write out your dreams. Bring back all the old dreams that you wouldn't dare think about now because they sound absolutely ridiculous. Surrender those up to the father, and see what happens. 

 I’m no pro at this, and it’s something I’m still walking through/learning, but I’m walking with a complete understanding that my dreams (the big and small ones) aren't without purpose. As I delight myself deeper into the father, I walk with trust that He will give me the desires of my heart, with a kingdom purpose of bringing HIM glory! 

When it comes to my dreams, I’m in a season of waiting… waiting to see what it is God will do with this dreaming heart of mine. 

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Below is a YouTube video of my squad and I sharing a silly and serious dream that we each have. I hope this brings joy and inspiration to you!