when "they" became "we"

In the process of writing my weekly series Missions Monday, I have spoken to many organizations doing good in the world today. I have heard their hearts on what they do and all that God is doing in them and through them along the way. 

I love being able to share that with others each week.

Something was different when I was first contacted by The Exodus Road. 

They had sent a personal invitation to join the team.

I watched Matt and Laura share their hearts in this video.

I knew I wanted to be a part of what they were doing and I said "yes." 

Everything changed in that one moment when "they" became "we."

What inspires me about this group of people that I have joined in the fight against human trafficking and child slavery is that we are all of one mind, heart, and purpose.

From Matt and Laura who lead the way to the undercover investigators on the front lines to those of us that share the stories of hope like Sarah's, 

we are all abolitionists who have an important part to play in the rescue.

I am so very blessed to be part of The Exodus Road team. 

Would you like to join us in the fight for freedom?

You can learn more about our organization

and how you can get involved by visiting our website here:

The Exodus Road - Website.

You can connect with us on Facebook here:

The Exodus Road - Facebook

and follow us on Twitter here:

The Exodus Road - Twitter.

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Pay It Forward

Each Sunday I gather a group of girls in a circle

sharing Jesus and loving on them. 

I listen to their hopes and dreams shared bravely

and their prayers lifted with open hands and hearts.

These are my moments to pay it forward.

I look into these beautiful faces bursting with anticipation 

for all God has in store for them 

and pour words of love and encouragement into their hearts.

I tell them...

The most important thing you can 

and will ever do is love God with all you are.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

all your soul, and all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

You are precious, honored, and loved by Him far beyond measure.

Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
Isaiah 43:4

You may get frightened or discouraged along the way, but you need to 

remember that He will be with you to give strength and courage.

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.

Joshua 1:9

There may be steps along the path that you don't understand,

but trust Him with each one and to look to Him to lead the way. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

You should lift everything up to Him in prayer, find joy in every moment 
of the journey with Him, and give thanks over and over again for it all.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. 
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will 
for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

He prepares the way and has His hand on you.

You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139:5

It is important to remember that everything is from Him, through Him, and for Him. 
It is all for His glory. Everything should point to Him.

For from him and through him and for him are all things. 
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36

These are just a few of the truths that I get to speak into their lives. 
Then I am blessed to watch God work in them and through them.

We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.
Psalm 78:4

Isn't that really what it's all about anyway?
This legacy of truth we so long to pass on to our children.
We pay forward these words that give life 
to our dreams that God has placed in our hearts. 
All for His glory.

Empowering and encouraging to dream God-sized dreams.
I not only am blessed to do this for my sons in the every day,
but also for these precious girls that God has placed in my life.

That's part of my God-sized dream for sure.

How are you paying it forward?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Coming to Him

One of the most important things I do in pursuing my God-sized dream is coming to Him in prayer. God longs for me to share my heart with Him. Yes, He knows all, but there is something so sweet when I bring my dream to Him. He gives the gift of the dream only to have me give it back to Him. An offering with hands lifted high. Asking Him to have His way with me and filling me up to overflow. 
To give thanks for it all over and over again.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4

Even more than that He wants to take this time to speak to my heart. Prayer is a time of preparation as well as an offering. To hear Him is to know His heart for me and my dream. And that is my deepest desire...His heart in all of it. To remember that all of it is only possible by Him, for Him, and through Him.

For everything comes from him 
and exists by his power
and is intended for his glory. 
All glory to him forever! 
Amen.
Romans 11:36

How is God speaking to your heart today?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Dear Fear...You Are A Liar

Well hello there fear.

You've invaded my space again and I've let you.

You tell me things like...

You can't do this.

This isn't for you.

You aren't enough.

And so much more.

I know you are a liar, but in those weak moments I let you speak to my heart.

Listening to the lies and absorbing them.

Letting them take me to a place not meant for me.

I even hide behind you.

Using you as an excuse to stay in the comfortable.

My heart knows truth and longs for more.

More than you can offer or excuse.

Here's just some of His truth.

I can do this.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

 There are plans for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. 

"They are plans for good and not for disaster, 

to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

Dreams do come true.

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.

Psalm 37:4  

I don't have to know. I just have to trust.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

I am not in this alone.

So be strong and courageous! 

Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. 

For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. 

He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

I am treasured.

Others were given in exchange for you.

I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.

You are honored, and I love you.

Isaiah 43:4

For so long I have listened to you. God is growing me in this with each step of faith that I am taking. The truth is that God speaks louder than your lies.

It is about my choice in who to hear. His truth is what I will take into my heart and His promises I will stand on. Oh I know that there may be moments that I falter in this, but He has a truth for that too - grace. I won't get stuck in that stumble anymore. So know that I am declaring today that I am no longer letting you rule my life.

His (the biggest and best truth of all),

Me

What would you say to fear in a letter?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Mommas are my tribe...my people.

When Holley asked us to share the "why" behind our God-sized dream, I thought I would share about my experience gathering mommas and loving on them. 

Then I realized it really all comes down to one thing.

Mommas touch something deep inside my heart.

I know them. I see them. I am them.

Mommas are my tribe...my people.

Stay at home or work outside the home.

Single or married.

Tinies or teens.

Expecting or empty nesters.

Potty training or teaching to drive.

Mommas in all stages of the journey.

They are my people.

I long to reach out to each one in every and any way possible to say,

"Me too. You are not alone."

Sometimes that means gathering around a table leading a Bible study.

Sometimes that means sitting across the table over coffee.

Sometimes that means reaching through the screen and touching a heart.

All of it comes down to this dream of gathering mommas. 

The mommas who hide behind the busy and get lost in the laundry. 

The mommas who feel alone and long for community.

To grab hold of a hand and say,

"Me too."

That's my why.

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

My dearest, dreaming son...

My dearest, dreaming son...

How my heart is bursting for you.

To watch you chase your dream is overwhelming.

I remember the first time I heard you sing.

It caught me off guard...this beauty.

I will admit to you now that I wept.

Overtaken by the sweet sound of your voice.

A gift that God has given you that was hidden

until you were ready to grasp hold of it.

You didn't stop there.

You knew there was more to this dream.

You wanted to learn to play the guitar.

You didn't take lessons, but instead you immersed

yourself in listening and playing by ear.

I have watched you chase this dream

of music that fills your head and heart.

And I am in awe of you.

This past weekend you took a big step in this journey.

You performed at The Coffee Shop.

You gave me a smile and began to strum your guitar.

Then you began to sing and I was undone.

You are walking out this God-sized dream.

Step by step.

Fearless and brave you are, my son.

Daddy and I are so very proud of you.

I love you.

Always.

Mom

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

The Gift To Be Unwrapped

Joy is not the "everything is sunshine and roses" kind of happy,

 but the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing 

you're doing what you're called to do.

- Holley Gerth

Walking in a God-sized dream isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it is hard, challenging, and scary. In this dream journey God is stretching me more than ever before. There have been moments where I have doubted. There have even been a few moments when I wanted to give up. Thinking that there is no way that I can do this. But the reality is that I am already doing it. 

You see, the dream is all around me. And no matter how hard it gets or how discouraged I might be, He has placed me right smack dab in the middle of my dream. And it is only by Him that I can see it. It is only through Him that I can do it. 

And there is that moment in the midst of it that I actually feel joy. 

The unexpected realization that I am exactly where I am called to be.

Called to be His. All His.

Called to be wife, momma, daughter, friend.

Called to gather mommas and speak words of encouragement into their lives. 

Called to gather sweet little girls and share Jesus with them.

Called to love with abandon all of these in every way possible.

That's the gift to be unwrapped. 

That's the gift given and received and given away again.

And I give thanks for it all. 

Over and over.

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?
What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

I Want More

Wherever two or three are gathered in My name,

there I Am in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

This God-sized dream to gather moms in community to do life together is one that snuck up on me. It isn't one I planned for, but in hindsight I realize it is what God has been preparing me for.

I am walking in my God-sized dream today. I've learned some things in this early stage of the journey. That I can trust Him with all of it and that it is when I let go that He grabs hold of it all, but most of all I have learned that it is all for Him, by Him, and through Him.

There is something so incredibly beautiful about sitting around the table with these mommas with our Bibles and hearts open wide to all He has for us. There is something so overwhelmingly powerful speaking His word aloud together, sharing our every day lives together, and lifting each other up to Him together. 

I didn't see it coming...this knitting of hearts so quickly and completely, but I want more of it. 

Him. Them. More.

What do you really want more of in your life? 

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?
What is your God-sized dream?

Blessings,

What I'm Reading - You're Made for a God-Sized Dream

My Thoughts

Do you have a dream?

Maybe it's that job you have always wanted. Or maybe it's that child you long to adopt. Or maybe it's those words you want to put on a page. Or maybe it's that group of women you want to gather.

Whatever your dream may be, Holley Gerth has written a book just for you. That's right...for you. In You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, Holley speaks to the hearts of dreamers just like you and me. 

Words of encouragement like this...

Holley speaks to dreamers in every place in the journey. From those who aren't quite sure of the dream to those in a place of waiting on the dream to those walking out their dream.

Reading this book has has impacted my life in so many ways. It's been like having a life coach, mentor, and friend walking alongside me as I pursue my God-sized dream.

You can purchase this book here:

Amazon.com - You're Made for a God-Sized Dream

About the Book

We all long to live with more purpose, passion, and joy. Yet in the middle of our hectic lives, the God-sized dreams that have the potential to lead us into all God has planned for us are the ones that tend to get lost. With her intimate, approachable style and constant encouragement, popular blogger and author Holley Gerth invites women to rediscover the big dreams God has given them--and then dare to pursue them.

With the enthusiasm and honesty that we all want from our closest friend, Holley encourages women to overcome excuses--too busy, too late, too far out of my comfort zone--and believe that their God-sized dreams can become reality. She takes readers by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this! Let's go!" and then guides them forward with a loving hand. A licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley insightfully combines inspiration with practical application in this positive book.

About the Author

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing and You're Made for a God-Sized Dream. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Hey there sweet friend...

Hey there sweet friend...

I am so glad you came over to my place today. Let me give you a big ol' hug. I've made us something hot, frothy, and chocolate to drink complete with marshmallows and a sweet treat to eat with it. We're going to have a seat over here on my comfy couch together. I even have a quilt for your lap as it is a bit chilly and rainy here today.

I'd like to take a moment to speak to your heart. 

I am going to hold your hand and might even get a little weepy as I share, 

but I put a box of tissues nearby for the both of us.

You...my friend...my sister...are a treasure.

We have been walking together for some time now

and I can't thank God enough for the gift of you.

I have watched as God has done a mighty work both in you and through you. You have come through so much and chase after Him so hard. He has placed a dream in your heart that only you can do. You are called and chosen, my friend. 

I have watched you struggle with this God-sized dream. Not quite sure if you can do it. Not quite sure if you heard Him right. Hearing others say that it isn't for you. Hearing the voice of the enemy in your head. You know...that tape that plays in your head that knows your weakness and tells you that you aren't enough, you don't have what it takes, that this dream isn't for you. 

Well let me tell you something sister...

God has been speaking to your heart about this dream for some time now. Sometimes in whispers. Sometimes in shouts. But He has called you for this. 

This big, God-sized dream is for you. He wants to use you. He already is in so many incredible ways.

Sister-friend...

Stand on His promises today.

Take hold of what He has called you to do and fly.

You can do this.

You were made for this.

...for such a time as this.

And I am right here holding your hand.

With you.

And so is He.

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other and you to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?
What is your God-sized dream?

Blessings,

He Inspires Me

When Holley asked that we share about someone who inspires us, 
I knew that I had to share my warrior's story. 

He inspires me in so many ways.
He inspires me to dream big dreams.
He inspires me to believe that God can do anything.
He inspires me to keep going even when it's hard.

Here is just part of D's story.

My husband has always been very athletic. When we were dating, it was running on the basketball court and then in later years it was running in marathons.

That all changed a few years ago in a moment that we will never forget.

Very early one morning rain quickly changed to freezing rain. We were coming in from warming up our cars when we heard a car crash into the yard of our neighbor. Concerned that there might be children in the car since they hadn't called off school yet, D went to go see if he could help. I had gone inside to check the news for school cancellations. I wasn't inside long when there was a knock at the door with news that rocked my world.

Our neighbor had come to tell me that D had been hit by another car that slid down the hill. I ran to the scene of the accident to find D on the ground beside several vehicles involved in the accident. All he kept saying was, "Wendy, I can't feel my legs." over and over. Someone had called an ambulance, but it took some time due to the roads being so bad. D's dad went with him in the ambulance while I stayed home with the boys. I found out afterwards that the ambulance had taken longer than expected to get him to the hospital as they had an accident on the way there.

When the call from the hospital finally came, the doctor told me that among other injuries D's pelvis was broken in five places. They debated on taking him to surgery which would involved pins and such, but in the end decided to try and let the breaks heal on their own. Donnie was in the hospital for weeks and was then transferred to rehab for a few more weeks.

D came home in a wheelchair. For a man who had always been so active, this was a very hard time for him. He went to physical therapy several times a week and eventually graduated to a walker. On one of his last visits to his doctor, D asked the question that he had been wrestling with:

"Will I ever be back to normal?" The doctor told him that he would always have pain associated with the injury and that he would be able to walk, but would never be able to run another marathon.

Let me tell you something about this amazing man that I am married to - he believes that God still does miracles. For several months he trained for the very thing that his doctor told him that he would never be able to do. He believed that God would heal him and give him the strength to do this. D ran a marathon and he gives God all the glory for being able to do so. Not only did D finish the race, but he topped his age group in the fastest time. 

So proud of him.

He's not just a walking miracle...he's a running miracle.

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

(Donnie's Life Verse)

D didn't stop there though. 

Now he is climbing mountains.

God is so good.

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

2 Samuel 22:34 

Who or what inspires you?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other and you to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?
What is your God-sized dream?

Blessings,