We know we’ve been teasing about this for awhile now. Little hints have been dropped here and there that we have something really exciting to tell you.
And honestly? We REALLY, really want to tell you!
We thought we would have been able to announce it this week but with another ‘I’ to be dotted and ‘T’ to be crossed we simply can’t spill the beans yet. And, at first, we were kind of disappointed about this.
But then, well, then we got to thinking. Thinking about you. About how perhaps this is an opportunity to have a little pre-announcement conversation. A little heart to heart.
Because, you see, we want you to know how very much we appreciate you. How much we treasure the relationships we have built through blogging these past few years. How we consider you cherished friends.
And we also want to talk for a bit about YOU before we talk more about us.
We know that you have dreams. And we’ve heard from so many of you who long to see your dreams come true. This is something we’ve talked about here before.
For some of you, there is already action attached to your dream. You are actively pursuing it and determined to give it your very best shot. You are out there pounding the pavement and putting in the work and might even actually be at the point of seeing results.
For others of you, those dreams are still merely whispers. You may not be sure if you even want to pursue them. It all seems impossible or overwhelming or unrealistic. Maybe you think that it’s even wrong to dream because of your circumstances or your season of life.
But, we have something that we want to say to ALL of you, whether you are the dreamers who are already taking action or the dreamers for whom just the word ‘dream’ itself seems more at home on a poster on the wall than as a thought in your mind.
Your dream, your goal, was put in your heart on purpose.
You see, we believe that you were created with great intention. We believe that you have giftings and abilities and talents that didn’t just arrive by accident.
And that dream you’re dreaming? It wasn’t an accident either. There is nothing random about it.
That dream was put there by an almighty God who loves you so much and is so unselfish that He doesn’t just place the dream in your heart. He gives you the tools and the strength to work towards that dream and then watches with pure delight as you experience the joy of having that dream come true.
When she speaks to people about weight loss who are at the beginning of their journey, Heather always makes sure to tell them, “I am you, just a little bit further along.”
And we think that the same is true when it comes to any other type of goal or dream. We’re all in various stages of the journey. Some of us are just starting out, wondering if we should actually nurture that dream that won’t seem to leave us alone. Others of us are in the thick of the pursuit where we have finally embraced the truth that this dream of ours might really become a reality. Still others of us find ourselves humbled and amazed to discover that our dream has finally come true.
Friends, we can now say that we have experienced all of the stages of this journey! And in the midst of all of our pinch-me moments lately, what we keep coming back to is how much we want to encourage you in your own journey.
We are you.
So, we want to ask you today. Where are you on this journey?
We’re going to challenge you to do something that may be a bit scary for some of you.
We want you to leave us a comment telling us about your dream. Because, we think that sometimes just saying it out loud can be a monumental step in the direction of having it come true.
Are you ready?
Tell us about your dreams!
And pretty soon, VERY soon, we’ll tell you about ours. 😉
I think I’ve lived most of my dreams, really, I’ve lived in 5 different countries,
been to 41 of our States and have had a wonderful family but now while
retirement settles in I have no more things or places I need or want…
Except Peru, that is the last on my bucket list.
I’m happy and content to just garden and be a grandma but sadly my
4 little grandboys are part of their dads Military life and we don’t get to
see each other much.. but I do send boxes of goodies 4 or 5 times a year
and they know me as the box gma!! haha Good topic!
Happy Summer!
My Dream? To make a success of All Our Way. By success I don’t necessarily mean money, although that would be nice, I mean to have loyal readers who enjoy what I post. I want to grow my readership and while doing that improve what I do and improve my photos. I’d like to learn how to do videos and post tutorials. Now I’m no spring chicken but I don’t feel age matters if what you do and say is top notch. Anyway, that is what I’d like and if any money comes my way, after I pay for expenses, I’d like to start a college fund for my grandsons.
Ahh…the dream. I’ve had one for twenty-three years. I’ve attempted to achieve that “end result” many times over the years doing various things, but none of them were the “right” fit. However, the dream never faded…
Ultimately, the goal is to replace the income that I walked away from, to someday have my home look like it belongs in a magazine, and to share that with others so they realize that it’s all possible.
Several years ago, I stumbled upon my first blogger. I remember sitting there and thinking, “who are you…what are you doing…how are you doing this…” Lol! That blogger, lead me to another blogger, and so on…until I realized that you all were this huge presence online! I flipped! And so it began…I started a blog. I have much to learn, but I love every minute of it. I’m not sure where this will lead me- but I have faith, a sense of peace, and that somehow I’ve started something.
It’s possible that I might have to get another job again, but I’m ok with it. I have a belief that EVERYTHING happens for a reason- God reveals all when you’re ready to hear it:)
My dream is to become a blogger. I’ve always wanted to be a writer and work for myself. I bought the domain now I’m frozen with fear! But I want out of my current job so I need to find a way to get over the fear. Fear can be so paralyzingly!
Melissa
Please don’t be frozen….go ahead…do it…..I’ll be your first reader !!
Jayne
Thank you for Jayne for the encouragement! Bought the domain, just have to start writing!
I can’t wait to see you in action! I’ll be a reader too!
Dear Heather and Vanessa,
Precious words and careful reminders in your message……..feeling blessed to be inspired by you!
Dreams are that crazy mix of motivating, illusive, inspiring, and yet just today, this was my reminder from God: “Do not neglect your gift…” (1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)
I believe our dreams are born of our natural gifts and talents. Like both of you, developing those gifts and talents carefully and intentionally has opened doors and dreams beyond any that I could have ever imagined.
So thankful that I can understand the source and the reason for any success in my dreams, just as you have written today.
Very excited to hear your news, girls!! 🙂
Hugs,
Jackie
Heather and Vanessa,
How sweet are the words in this blog post. And, what a beautiful reminder that with faith all things are possible. For me, it’s about going in blind faith. It’s about trusting God and trying daily to live out his purpose and calling for my life. I’m blessed by a wonderful job that I love. I’m blessed with family and friends that I adore. And, I’m blessed to have a God that I can freely worship and that loves me without conditions.
My dream is that still, small voice inside of me telling me to keep on keeping on as I share with others what I hope are helpful nuggets of information that assist others in continuing to lead a balanced and purposeful life. As I continue to refine my craft as a blogger at Home Sweet Organized Home, I pray for wisdom to write posts that will attract and keep readers. I want to be a successful blogger that inspires others. I want to be able to maintain my blog through monies that will cover the costs and perhaps a bit more. I want to improve my craft and always be willing to stretch myself.
Thanks for allowing us to have the space to be vulnerable enough to share our journey and the ups and downs of it all.
I’m learning that by believing in a very creative God, my dream morphs into His dream for me. My art is a constant and I see it growing and changing and being able to share it with others as well as encourage others with it. From that comes amazing offshoots.One in particular that will be announced soon!!!
Looking forward to your announcement as well. You both have been such a blessing to me over all these years.
xoxo
Dear Heather and Vanessa,
I love your blog and appreciate you triggering my thinking regarding my dreams.
I’m in the winter of my years, as Frank Sinatra would sing. I’ve had a very full life with much to be thankful for but when all is said and done my most rewarding dream is to have a strong personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. It has brought me peace and contentment beyond anything else that I have accomplished. I’m still busy with my arts and crafts, keep my home running smoothly, enjoy my large family that continues to grow with more G. Grandchildren and do some traveling. This does bring me great joy but my biggest joy is the peace that God has blessed me with. I still have my moments of struggling but through prayer I’m always blessed with that promised peace. I can’t really say that I have any unfulfilled dreams left except to stay healthy and live for as long as I can. However, I do have one more thing on my bucket list. I want to go on a zip-line through beautiful forests and
canyons. Nature has always been the main inspiration in my arts and crafts. It offers endless possibilities to our creative juices.
As someone else said, thank you for allowing us this space to share our heart felt thoughts and the inspiration to reflect on our life’s journey. May you both have continued success in your journey.
My dream is to return to my writing of quilting and fabric craft books. My last one came out in 2005, shortly before I discovered I had cancer. I’ve used the excuse of chemo-related numb fingertips as a reason to not quilt for about ten years, but it was really that I lost my passion during that time. I’ve recently created a few new quilt blocks and realized the passion is still there, just hidden. It’s time to rediscover and revitalize that passion.
The good Lord placed an idea in my heart over 12 years ago. I’ve reached out to people who might could point me in the right direction but no luck just yet. The dream speaks to me often and I’ve got to keep searching for a way to get it in the right persons hand! I’m not giving up and I look forward to hearing your good news!
I would love to hear your dream. You never know. Someone here might just have a bit of direction to offer you. 🙂
Ah “dreams”! At 42, I thought I had everything I could ever need or want. Like so many, life as I knew it changed in an instant! Since March 24, 2005, I’m as lost as lost can be! I’ve tried very hard to listen for the unmistakable inner voice as to which direction to go from here. For now, it’s silent. And for the most part, I welcome the silence.
Dreams are healthy to have. But dreams change, and that season has to be accepted before you can move forward. I know I’m just not “there” yet for whatever reason. But I’ll get there. Somehow, some way, some day, I hope to hear that voice again. Until, I’m so grateful God chose for me to keep living. Life itself is just good enough for now. I’ll take that.
This is not a “Debbie downer”, I have God, I have faith, I have life and for those things, I am on bended knee with blind faith and a grateful heart.
This post was absolutely beautiful and full of truth. I did not hear Debbie Downer at all. I heard honesty, reality and faith. Thank you for having the courage to write what you did. Those few (at least it seems like few), that know the deepest depths of grief and disillusionment, could only be encouraged and built up in their faith after reading your stalwart words of dependence on God…. no matter what was or will be in store. That’s what I read, and I’m grateful for it. Lol I’m 42 as well!
When my mother was young she had a desperate desire to learn to play the piano, but eventually she gave up on her dream, and asked God to take away the desire. But I can’t, or won’t, give up on my persistent dream. It began when I was a child, out on a Sunday drive with my family. We pulled over to peek in the windows of an abadoned farmhouse, sitting in the middle of a romantic flower field. In spite of the fact that I’ve been married almost 39 years now, and all but five in the same small house in the city, (for which I am thankful) I still dream of escaping to the country. Of course I’d like to bring my family along with me, but I see myself there with a small guest house for vacationing missionaries. Maybe I’m not too old yet.
My dream is to conquer how to make my own bars of soap, to learn how to sew clothes not only for myself but for my soon-to-be-here little boy Jack, to learn how to cook, to be that mom who can pass on so many dying skills to my kids. I have a nice long list of things I want to learn!
My dream has come true already. My girls are more than I could have dreamed. Their mother and I have two incredibly wonderful and creative daughters who have delighted us all their lives. Their thoughtfulness of others is inherited from their mother who is the most thoughtful and caring person I’ve ever known. What I know about their writings is that they (my girls) are sincere (From the Greek to describe an earthen vessel which does not have any cracks, thus indicating integrity as a vessel.) My girls genuinely care about their families and other people. I am proud of them more than I can describe. Please, pardon a father’s bragging.
My dream is to write – first a book about a bondage that God freed me from, then a series of fiction books. There is a fear that no one will want to read what I write so I am hesitant to start writing
For a very long time, I have wanted to be able to assist the elderly. This statement is so funny because I realize that I am considered ‘elderly’ myself by some! I’ve thought about taking the indoctrination to become an Ombudsman; alternatively or including also obtaining a degree as a Paralegal. I’ve put this off for more years than I can remember and now I’m thinking I’ve missed my chance. Am I , in fact, too old for such goals? I’ve found out how to get the needed education, I don’t think money will be a real issue, I just would like to be more productive and assist my fellow beings. Currently, I’ve just spent an entire year trying to redirect my life following the death of my 2nd husband due to cancer. I was his primary care giver for nearly all of the 5 years we were together. I have back issues (since cleared up) and now a hip which causes so much pain…..I’ve begun to seek the necessary assistance to take care of this challenge. Long ago, I read a wish or mantra if you will. It is: Living each day trying to accomplish something, not merely to exist’. I still embrace this statement.
I’m excited to hear finally what your dream come true is! I’ve always been a dreamer, so many have come true, and so many that are just wishes. But one huge dream that I keep coming back to, and now my husband is even a fellow dreamer of, is building an event/party barn. A beautiful country setting for weddings, family reunions, etc. We know what needs to be done to see this dream come true, but it’s a scary leap of faith…..and all in God’s timing!
I just pray that if it’s meant to be, then hopefully it’ll “BE” before we’re too old to enjoy it!:) ~Kim
My dream is to have a barn with lesson horses so I can be a testimony of the Lord’s grace and goodness and love to all the little girls who dream of riding a horse and owning one someday. I grew up praying for a pony and then horse, every night. I love these incredible creatures that God gifted us with and God has given me a passion for working with them. I currently don’t have a place to board or lease and I miss the interaction with all the parents and children who God placed in my path so I could touch their lives and they could touch mine. I pray that God will expand my boundaries again, in whatever area He has for me. I also love art and interior decorating. So anywhere you like, Lord !
I’ve been out of work just shy of one year because if health problems. Prior to that, I had been employed full time from the age of 15 years. Now that I am finally getting back on my feet, I’m starting to tackle all of the ‘we’ll get to it later’ projects around our house that I was never able to devote time to before. Living in metro Atlanta, in addition to working 60 hours per week, there was an additional 10-14 hours per week commuting. I’m thrilled that I can finally give these projects the attention they need. I’ve also stepped up my cooking and baking skills to provide homemade, healthy snacks and meals for my husband and our grandsons. They love it when they visit and the cookie jars are out, and I’ve discovered some new recipes that they all love. In addition to the satisfaction of a job well done, I’m saving tons of money by doing it myself. Thank you for so generously sharing your adventures; I may end up blogging some of my projects once I get a schedule fixed.
I am beyond excited for you both!!! And I cannot wait to hear! Yes I agree, that we all have a journey and dreams. And I too believe that we all have a path. We need to listen to those whispers, as they will lead us on the path. Sometimes we don’t listen to those whispers and things don’t turn out the way we want them to. But they are learning lessons. Okay some of my dreams have come true. But I know there is much more coming. My goal is to be self sufficient, my husband and I working as a team building a business. Doing what I love, but doing it for a living. I am almost there, but not quite.
My dream is to be able to do some job from home that would pay enough for me to actually be at home and could continue on with into retirement years. I’m interested in DIY projects to do and sell but am really not creative.
My second dream is to have a job where it’s different every day – preferably inside and outside work. I currently sit at a desk all day and it’s just not where I want to be in my life at 50 years old.
My dream…
I have lived in the “concrete jungle” all of my life in the south bay area of Los Angeles county in CA. About 15 years ago, I really started to see other places outside of “my own little world.” I discovered that not everyone lives like people in LA do. My family lives amidst prevalent materialism, looking good no matter the price, sexual immorality of all types and so on. Our next generation of young people are immature and ill prepared for the future, marriage, having a family, etc. We’ve raised our kids to be different and my husband and myself are too.
My dream is to live somewhere where life would be better. In the past I’ve said, “I don’t want to live on the edge anymore.” We live in a 794 sq. ft. home, the 4 of us, and that hasn’t been a problem. We’ve made it work and it’s kept us close. The problem is the intense, prevalent sin outside our door. We’ve been good citizens, run an honest business, have served in our church faithfully,… Now I’m 43 and both my kids are college aged and when I think of the future, I want better for them; I don’t want my future grandchildren growing up in LA. But as of today, we’re here because this is where God has us but I am hopeful that He will bring this longing to pass.
as i read some of these comments i see i am not alone (windy) my dream would be to have food …i always have food for my family but not always for me. My husband and i work hard …I have wonderful kids, but sometimes the people reading these blogs are just dreaming of having what you have
no pity..but i just get joy from your blog
You have me on the edge of my seat Vanessa….I am thrilled that you are realizing your dream in a point of your life that is truly just beginning….My dream isn’t about the big dream house or winning the lotto….my dream is to see my granddaughter grow up and realize her dreams….that would make me happy to live long enough to see that….. My other dream is for me to know that she will be living in a safe world filled with peace…
Can’t wait to hear the news!
My dream is to be able to bring in an income from my blog (and cookies) so that I can quit my day job and spend more time with my family!
Dear, sweet, Heather and Vanessa,
There has been so much going on in my life of late, pursuing the house of my dreams at the age of 71, sometimes, I forget to check my mail. You two never cease to bless me…everytime. Your blog will be sent to many of my friends this morning. Blessings have a way of reaching others and reverberating on to yet others.
Many thanks to you both for your willingness to share the gospel of Christ in such a special way.
Numbers 6:24, 25, 26….
Jacqueline
Firstly, I’m immensely grateful that I stumbled upon this blog! God is amazing; He heard my cry (or should I say my many cries), and led me to this beautiful source of hope. I’ve been so moved by each and every person’s heart-touching and sincere comments. Thank you for being the vessels Our Creator’s loving, redeeming and encouraging power that you are.
Secondly, my soul is bursting at the seams with so many dreams! Some have been lifelong dreams lain dormant in my heart, long ago resigning myself to accept the futility of hoping… almost.
After some very traumatic, shocking and painful events that have left me barely treading these choppy waters of life….. my eyes still blinded by the salty sting of egregious injustices… I know that my Abba Daddy has a plan. He has a hope and a future for me; a plan for good and not for harm. Now all I can see are the dreams and hopes I thought had been extinguished. These creative sparks have become an insatiable electric current — and multiple successes are logistically achievable! I’ve done the math!
Except that the tattered remnants of my human circle dismiss me as having fanciful and impossible imaginations. For years I was a very respected and successful investment advisor and sales trainer. I was a rabid self-learner and always eager for knowledge in multiple subjects. Because I was grateful to God for bringing me out of a scary and lonely childhood (raised in a ‘Christian cult’), and for protecting my heart to know human failures did NOT represent His character, I was always compassionate and extremely generous with all my friends and family members. I was the one everyone came to for help. But now in my time of grief, desperation and loss, these same people have either completely abandoned me, and the few that are still with me, (family members), scoff at my dreams and ridicule my ideas, ignoring the actual logistical research I’ve done.
My dream that is currently the most possible is to publish in print a children’s Christmas short story I wrote that I already self-published as an e-book on Amazon. It’s had great reviews for a work I’ve had zero time to promote due to barely surviving and trying to provide for my children and myself. I barely can keep the electric on and feed us, let alone pay for printing. But I know that this heart-touching story will bless many children as well as adults, and in turn can be financial provision for me and my children.
I apologize for this lengthy essay. I did not intend to write so much. I was just so moved by all of your comments and the encouraging, life-giving message of hope this blog shares.
Rebecca, first of all let me say thank you for sharing your journey with us! Opening up your heart to share with us what you have been through and the dreams you long to see come true is a huge honor and privilege to us and it’s one we don’t take lightly. It’s so important that we share our stories with each other and yours is a powerful one for sure! I’m so sorry that you are experiencing people turning from you in a time when you need their support the most. That just breaks my heart. I will be praying for healing and reconciliation and for God to bring people into your life who will encourage and build you up. I have no doubt that He is going to use your experience combined with your gift of writing to be a blessing and encouragement to others!! Thank you so much for your words and for sharing your story with us. Blessings to you! 🙂
I would LOVE to see the links of everyone here who has, or will be starting, a blog. If it’s okay and doesn’t misstep any rules or guidelines, I think it would be great if you could add your blog link. Thanks!