When I woke up, I instantly remembered my dream. It was a dream so unlike my typical insecure patterns of thinking and my own limited perceptions of my capabilities. I had an overwhelming feeling it had to be from God.
In my dream, Lysa TerKeurst (best-selling Christian author)—I know, right? put her hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eyes and said to me, “Are you ready? God can use you. But it’s going to be hard work. Are you ready to take the risk?”
I couldn’t even believe Lysa Teurkerst was talking to me, as if her words were leading me into the public world of blogging. And yet in my heart, I knew it was God’s way of holding out his hand to see if I would grab it.
Unpacking this scary God-sized dream felt too big for me and overwhelming.
But Lord, what if people don’t like my writing? How do I know if I’m good enough? Was that dream really from you?
I was scared. I wanted confirmation.
Writing has always felt like a second language to me. I feel like I speak two languages and am only fluent in one. I can’t seem to speak the thoughts I’m able to write down. They are only expressed when they flow from my mind to my fingers.
But starting a blog meant I would share my writing with the big-wide-world of internet viewers and up until then, no-one had even read my writing.
My first blog post was titled: My Boat is in the Water/Trusting in His Guidance:
“If God is setting your boat on the ocean, then all you have to do is let him lead the direction of the boat. You just have to take the risk and take your boat off of the dock and put it in the water. Then trust God to lead you where he wants you to go.”
When I look back at each step I’ve taken over the past year, I see that God paved a path for me.
You can trust God to guide your steps when you follow the dream he plants in your heart. Share on X
And it’s on these slow and steady steps along the way, where I’ve learned these life-changing lessons about following a God-sized dream!
Will you celebrate with me and read the rest of this post over at Godsized Dreams?
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Congratulations on 1 year and in putting in the time and hard work to encourage through your calling!
Thank you Crystal, It’s actually 2 years now! I’m still learning and growing all the time!
This has been one of my favorite posts we have shared over at GSD. I can relate to all your feelings of fear and hesitancy. Stepping into a new dream is down right terrifying, it’s one of the reasons GSD came into being. To support, encourage, and pray for all the God-sized Dreamers who want to live out the dream God has called them to.
p.s. Lysa Terkeurst is a personal hero of mine! I heard her speak many years back and instantly fell in love with her humor and vulnerability. She’s one of the reasons I began writing too 🙂 .
Wow, Alecia! Thank you SO much for taking the time to share with me. This was the first time I ever told anyone about that dream, and I was so nervous to press publish. But when I was praying about what to write, for “God Sized Dreams” I felt like God with a sense of humor was saying “Um….remember, that dream I gave you….” Ha! Thank you so much for your awesome ministry. I was drawn to it from the time I started my blog because it felt like another way God was speaking to me through the “boat” analogy.
Wanted to let you know I’m featuring your story on Tuesday Talk next week, gal! Loved it, shared it, man, have we come a long way, baby! Huh?!
So glad I’ve been able to share it with you, friend. I loved our collaborating over the past year. You are so special to me! 🙂
Thank you, Ruthie! Yes, we have come a long way! It’s been so fun growing and learning with you! Love you!
Wow Congrats Valerie! Happy one year!! And I so get it when you say you can only speak one language fluently!! Speaking ties me in knots sometimes but writing comes so much easier : ) Can’t wait to read the rest of your post…♥
Sounds like we speak the same language, Heather! Thanks for reading!
Congratulations on your anniversary! I’m not much of a “writer” but I do enjoy getting my thoughts out. It’s such a great way to express ourselves, isn’t it. Thank you for sharing your story of stepping out on faith!
Thank you,Renee!
Congratulations on one year! It speeds by doesn’t it? Take the risk and take your boat off the dock…love that and sounds like you have the heart of a team builder! It takes great courage to believe in the dream and great intention to step into it!
Oh, thank you so much for your kind words Crystal! It’s a wonderful feeling to be on the same team!
I love this post! Happy blogiversary!!! I’m really glad you’re on this blogging journey!
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
Thank you, Tif! It’s been a joy getting to know you over the year!
Congratulations, Valerie. What a fun and exciting way to mark your first year! I’m so glad you followed through with that dream. I know that I’ve been blessed by your writing and your online presence, and I’m certain others have been as well.
To God be the glory, dear friend!
Thank you so much Marva! It’s been so fun being on this journey with you!
I’ve found God to speak to me through famous ministry leaders in dreams too. 🙂 I’m another more fluent with writing person too.
That’s neat Lizzy! I love it when God gets our attention. Thank you for stopping by!
Isn’t it amazing how fast a year goes by? Congrats on your 1 year! I’ve been blessed by your friendship and have enjoyed reading your words the whole time.
Thank you for taking that leap of faith.
I’m blessed by your friendship too, Gleniece. I appreciate your support so much.
Valerie, I’m so thankful that you listened to your God-sized dream. Your writing is a blessing to me. Congrats on one year of blogging!
Thank you, Dawn! I really appreciate your support and friendship.
Heading over to finish reading this now, but just wanted to say I’m SO glad you listened to God! You have blessed and encouraged me in so many ways, Valerie. Your heart and words are a testimony to what love looks like. What real looks like. What hope looks like.
Love you,
Lori
Wow! Thanks Lori. I love your encouraging words. I feel the same about your blog and writing. Your words always speak straight to my soul.
Love the boat analogy. So, so true!! Happy blogiversary, dear Valerie! So excited to see what God will do in and through you. <3
Thank you friend!
Congratulations! Now that’s some kind of amazing dream right there!! Awesome. I am so with you … words don’t come out of my mouth the way the flow from my fingers either! Blessings to you as you follow His call in obedience!
Thank you for commenting Liz. It’s always nice to know that other people can relate to communicating better through writing than speaking.