Dare to Dream

Do we dare to dream? Is it okay to dream?  What I mean by dream is "visions" for our future, or for our children, and so on.
Let's face it, I think every parent has a dream for their child's future.  We wonder what will they be when they grow up, or what path will they take.  I think every parent wants nothing but the best for their child, or at least we should want that.
And then we let doubt set in and think to ourselves "that will never happen ".
Well now, let me tell you, it could happen. Here is a look into my and my husband's dream for our son.
From the time he was a tiny toddler, music flowed through his veins.  With or without an instrument. That little boy could make music appear spontaneously.  We always felt we had something to do with that, when I was pregnant my husband played guitar and we would sing everyday to that pregnant belly. That beautiful baby inside would feel as though he was dancing. That made us wonder if that helped develop his love for music.
First of all, we believe our son was given this gift of music from the Lord.  And we just helped nurture it. Did that also spark a dream or vision in us for our son?  Yes it did. My husband and I would often say what if....., or can you imagine if he plays before thousands, or maybe he will be known for his musical ability.  So yes we did dare to dream.
We did not share these in detail with our son because we did not want to "mess" with what the Lord was doing in his life. But in our hearts we knew there was something special brewing.
As our son grew older we began to see that he had a dream as well. He did everything he could to learn about his instrument. He practiced day and night. Often we would remove his guitar from his hands because he fell asleep in his bed while practicing.
Our son is an adult now and a professional musician. He has been around the world, played before thousands, and played with some of his "idols" in the music business. He is living the dream.
I must add, it is vitally important to remain humble.  We must never think we are more highly than the next, because we are not.
To this day our son practices his instrument, he is continually learning new techniques, he is always searching for more knowledge.
To describe how we feel knowing this was our dream, and our son's dream, and we have seen it come to fruition, it is almost impossible.  I cannot describe it. But I say to you "DARE TO DREAM".
It is okay.  Our Lord God created us to have visions and dream, and to be creative.
Dream for yourselves, for your children, grandchildren, and anyone else.
“And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

What Does Your Attitude Say About You?

Most of us can say just about anything to make ourselves look like overcomers. We can even have others believing that about us.  Are we being totally honest or pretending?
There is a very familiar Scripture that most will quote at one time or another.
Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 
This this was one of my Dad's favorite verses when he was battling cancer. He truly believed this until the day he went to heaven. This is one of my favorite verses. You all know by now I say I am a conqueror over the health issues I battle. What you may not know, is it true, do I really believe that. 
Yes, I do!  I really believe that Jesus Christ has given me the strength to get through the extremes, get through the battles, and to continue to believe that He has His best for me. 
We speak out in faith, many of us quote this verse in faith. Do you speak it out in confidence? Does your faith have confidence in it?  I can say all day long that I have faith that our Lord God will heal me, or give me the strength and endurance to get through the next trial ahead. But if I doubt that in any way or question it, then where is my confidence.  We truly need that confidence to push us past that victory line.  Sure, I have bad days. And thankfully my husband is by my side to help me through those days. But I must choose not to stay in that place. I must choose this everyday. 
I really believe so much of this is exhibited through our attitudes. If I sit around all day and mope and ask why me Lord, I know that my body will not react well to that. It will add an extra stress on my physical being that I do not need. And that in itself will hinder the outcome.  
We cannot afford to have an "extended " pity party for ourselves.  It is essential to keep our attitudes in that confidence mode.  
You may be thinking this is impossible. Well guess what, my God turns impossibles into possibles. When I am having a hard day, I repeatedly quote this verse or another that may be speaking to me.  I have to be active in maintaining my confidence.  
I would like to encourage you, if your day is not turning out how you would like, if your battles seem too difficult to handle, Jesus Christ is right there to help you through. If you feel like your faith isn't strong enough, reach out to your spouse, your pastor, a friend. Someone who you feel confident they can carry you during this weak time.  
God's Word is full of verses that tell us we ARE or we WILL BE victorious!  He gave us His Word because He knew we would need it. 
Hang on friends. When your grip is slipping, He will help you. 
I pray that you find your confidence in your faith. It makes so much difference when that difficult trial comes our way.