What are your dreams?

[imperfectchristian]

I was watching TV with my wife (one of those lifetime shows) and a father talking to his daughter encouraging her not to give up on her dreams.

I thought it would make an interesting topic here.

Is never giving up on your dreams a Christian or secular concept or neither?

Should you give up your dreams for the sake of others (and if so to what extent?)

Do you have any dreams and if so what are they and are you pursuing them? (if not why not?)

My dream since I was a teenager was to be a worship leader in a Spirit filled church. I actually did it for a year and a half, but I resigned for a couple of reasons one being that I felt I needed to be with my grandmother who was ailing.

At some point in the near future (probably within the next year or so) I am going to be faced with a decision of either re-embracing that dream (sacrificing emotionally my grandmother and my children's emotional bond with her) or staying where I am at and giving up my dream (because there are no places close by and my grandmother who is 80 cannot emotionally handle us going to another church other than hers where she is the pastor)

Anyhow...what are your dreams?

 

[kathiemt]

I believe that God gives us dreams. You know of verses in the bible about visions and dreams. God gives us dreams and He also gives us the ability to achieve them. The challenge often is working out what is a dream we have that isn't God-given. We all have them. But if we are working in the area God intended for us, then things will take place that confirm His presence in them.

I've been working from home for over 16 years. I'd had 22 years corporate experience as a secretary before taking that step (pre-internet). I wanted to be home for my 5 daughters. I prayed to God constantly about my desire to be home and He paved the way for that to take place. But it wasn't without trial and tribulation and I've experienced that during my business life too. Nothing comes easy but it does come with peace.

Now, when I look back, I can see that it wasn't just my desire but also that of God's for me to take this path. My business has become a ministry also, and through my coaching and leading, and also writing books, I know that many other women (and some men too) have returned to their Christian faith, or discovered it newly, or had it reinforced. Through what I've done I've been able to give others hope and shown women that they can lead a Proverbs 31 Woman life by working at home and being there for their families. But there is no way I could have done any of this without God's guidance and leading. It was with His direction and often not too subtle pushing that things have gone the way they have.

Have I finished my journey yet? I don't believe so. As I grow older I get new dreams, new visions, new goals and I see ways to add a message from God in that. Photography is my latest passion and I love to see the beauty of the world that God has provided for us. I've been creating wallpapers for people to download to use on their computers with beautiful images and scripture on them.

And just last week I was having some photos done of me for my business. The photographer was very quick to ask me about my Christian faith probably only a minute or two after he came through the door. Why did he do this? He'd been reading up on what I do and found I'm a Christian and he had lots of questions about his faith - he wasn't sure who to ask. So our whole 2 hour session ended up a time of witnessing on my behalf to this young man seeking answers to his questions. I don't believe that was an accident for a moment!

 

[pilgrimgal]

Many of my dreams have been realized for which I thank God..lately my dream has been that my children will serve the Lord. All three are adults now and only one serves God and professes to be a Christian. It's a big dream but I continue to storm heaven on their behalf.

When I was growing up my parents did not follow the Lord in a Christian life style and they seldom even went to church. Yet, I was led to a place where I accepted Jesus as my savior outside of my family surroundings..by a friend who took me to a Chrisitian youth meeting. That friend later back slid and now does not follow the Lord either. But somehow God has graced me to perservere despite some fallings and many failing and surely faults..God is so merciful and I am trusting Him to fulfill my dream about my children, who by the way, were raised in a Christian home and chose to leave church and deny faith after they left home. Like many I know they are caught up in the ways of the world and worldly success..

Hopefully, in my lifetime, I will see changes. I know God hears and is working on this. So the dream continues..

 

[Strong in Him]

It's strange - or maybe providential - that this should appear on here today.

I was at a circuit service (Methodist) last evening for two of our ministers who are leaving and going to new appointments. One of them was encouraging us to dream dreams and have visions. This is what the other one, who had been my minister, had said in an AGM 18 months before.

My questions after that service were;

- if you have a dream or desire in your heart, what do you do if your ministers, or church establishment, say that it is not God's will for you/not possible because of the way their church is structured or whatever? Do you submit to that leadership or follow the dream that God has given you, even if it means leaving the church and going elsewhere? I tend to think that if I want to do something or believe that something is God's will for me, but my Minister says 'no', or throws doubt on it, then I am the one who is wrong. But is that right?

- What happens if your dreams and calling clash? What if you REALLY desire to do something, for good reasons and because it could be part of a bigger ministry that God has given you; there is no Scriptural reason why not, but church practice doesn't allow it? For me, this would be presiding at a service of Holy Communion. The church says, "you have to be ordained, or get special permission to do this", even though there is no Biblical or theological reason for saying that. And as a Methodist local preacher, (called to preach by God), I have to submit to the discipline and authority of the Methodist church. It's true that I might be able to take communion to someone that has already been blessed by a Minister. It's also true that God might be saying something else to me in this desire - eg to take healing to someone, train in prayer ministry or whatever. But when does it become right to challenge authority or the establishment? If I were to become a Minister, chair of district (bishop) or president of the conference (archbishop), I'd be in a much better position to change the system, but that means becoming part of the establishment that I want to change!
I can't ever see that the Methodist church will say, "we'll change church structure to allow you to fulfil your dream," it's far more likely they'd say, "the dream's not possible/achievable, so ditch it."

How do you find out if your dreams are really from God?

 

[Strong in Him]

My dream since I was a teenager was to be a worship leader in a Spirit filled church. I actually did it for a year and a half, but I resigned for a couple of reasons one being that I felt I needed to be with my grandmother who was ailing.

At some point in the near future (probably within the next year or so) I am going to be faced with a decision of either re-embracing that dream (sacrificing emotionally my grandmother and my children's emotional bond with her) or staying where I am at and giving up my dream (because there are no places close by and my grandmother who is 80 cannot emotionally handle us going to another church other than hers where she is the pastor)

I don't know - but I guess I'd say that if a dream/calling is from God, then it won't go away. God knows you and your situation, and not only sees how things are now, but how long they'll remain that way.
He'll keep calling because a) he is patient, b) he has a plan for your life, c) he is able to finish what he has started and d) he created you to do good works which he prepared in advance for you to do (Eph 2:10).

If you have really prayed and talked to him about it, and feel the time is right, then go for it, and maybe leve the other details up to the Lord.
Do you have to decide in the next year?
Are things likely to change - e.g with your grandmother's health, which would allow you to go ahead?
Might it not be possible that the Lord wants your grandmother to let go of you - allow you to fulfill your calling outside of her church? It won't stop you from caring for her and being a loving grandson, surely?

I don't really have any clear answers. Every so often I read something in "The word for today" about not giving up on your dreams, or following the desires of your heart, then I get told things which seem to put a damper on both.

 

[pilgrimgal]

Hi SinH,

You asked: "How do you find out if your dreams are really from God? Really good question and I sure won't pretend to have all of the answers on that one." It is something you learn..but mainly...

you wait! If it is of God it will come about; if it is only your own desire..not likely although the two can be the same. Timing is really important. I have had this experience of sensing a 'call from God' and it didn't always line up with what a particular group's leadership thought appropriate (then anyway) ..(church or other group) and as I waited God would confirm it to them in time or sometimes even changed the leadership itself.

As long as your conscience tells you that you did the right thing in sharing with them..then have peace that you did your part.

Yet, I understand how sometimes we do have to move on to another place and virtually start over. Sometimes a thwarted effort to minister can be God's clue we need to do that.

Bottom line is to pray for discernment and wisdom for yourself in when to follow your dream and also when to share that dream and with who?

Mainly don't give up..especially if is confirmed in your heart and you find you consistantly think it is from God.

Finally, I remember more than once in my early days as a Christian I would get excited and enthusiastic about something I felt God wanted me to do..(notice here I said "I felt."). I had likely entered into presumption. Also there have been times I thanked God for providing obstacles for that path as something better came about eventually. Something I was prepared for.

Again..time is the key and the enemy of our soul would like us to enter into discouragement when we are disappointed and give up easily. (One of his greatest tricks) But we are to: >>>>

>>>Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6.)

peace and blessings.

 

[Faulty]

I believe God wants me to write a book.

I've been praying about it for quite a while now and have had several people come out of nowhere telling me I should write a book, including my wife who I had not told yet that God was dealing with me on that very subject.

So it's a "need" that won't go away and been confirmed several times, without my solicitation. So, I should be obedient and just do it, but I'm not looking forward to doing so.

 

[imperfectchristian]

Great responses. Thank you all for sharing.

 

[imperfectchristian]

I don't know - but I guess I'd say that if a dream/calling is from God, then it won't go away. God knows you and your situation, and not only sees how things are now, but how long they'll remain that way.
He'll keep calling because a) he is patient, b) he has a plan for your life, c) he is able to finish what he has started and d) he created you to do good works which he prepared in advance for you to do (Eph 2:10).

If you have really prayed and talked to him about it, and feel the time is right, then go for it, and maybe leve the other details up to the Lord.
Do you have to decide in the next year?
Are things likely to change - e.g with your grandmother's health, which would allow you to go ahead?
Might it not be possible that the Lord wants your grandmother to let go of you - allow you to fulfill your calling outside of her church? It won't stop you from caring for her and being a loving grandson, surely?

I don't really have any clear answers. Every so often I read something in "The word for today" about not giving up on your dreams, or following the desires of your heart, then I get told things which seem to put a damper on both.

My biggest concern would be finding a church that has the same/similar beliefs and embraces the same values.

A church that's focuses are:

- love/compassion for everyone (especially those of the faith)
- embracing the Charismatic gifts of the Spirit
- A primary and continual focus on God's message of loving reconciliation for all expressed through Jesus.
- Lovingly and graciously encouraging a life of holiness with a focus on forgiveness and restoration vs. threatening people
- A loving high view of the inspiration of Scripture vs. beating people over the head with inerrancy doctrine
- A primary value on forgiveness, grace/acceptance, restoration as essential elements of God's kingdom of love
- Sharing the message of truth with others allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them vs. trying to control and manipulate people according to an understanding of what is right and wrong based on one's understanding of Scripture

 

[ANM29]

To answer that question, I have to say all 'my' dreams were laid at the alter a long time ago. I had to loose my life in order to find life in Christ. I had to lose my will in order to find the will of God for my life.

With that said, A lot of times our dreams are already the dreams of God for us. He puts them in our hearts, he gives us talents and gifts to be used for his Glory.

But, sometimes he will put 'our' dreams on hold ( mostly our way of making these dreams come true and our time of making them come true ) so that he can do a deeper work in us FIRST, so that we will be ready to handle the 'thing', the 'dream', that 'desire'. Sometimes we are just not ready for it. Though the vision tarry, wait for it...

Just because we desire something does not even always mean it is God's will for us. ( IN SOME CASES)

There are dreams I had and I am thankful God said, "NO", and some he is saying, "Not now"..There were things a few years ago he promised me and I desired to do that have yet to be. The time was not right, but I know a lot of things are about to come to pass.

A seed has to go into the ground and die first before it can produce a harvest. God sometimes kills our dreams and it appears as if they will never be and even sometimes they just die and we say, "I don't care anymore about that". It appears as if there is no way it could happen and circumstances of life just kill the passion we once had to achieve the dream.

It is not over. I believe God is saving the best for last.

Dream again! and Dream Big! You serve a BIG OUT THE BOX NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE ALL SUFFICIENT WAY MAKING MOUNTAIN MOVING DEVIL DESTROYING GOD!

 

[ANM29]

How do you find out if your dreams are really from God?

When ONLY GOD can make it happen. When man shuts doors in your face and God knocks down hell to still accomplish it in your life.

When in your own strength and your own limited 'vision' you can not see how it could be and God comes along by his Spirit and makes it happen and opens supernatural doors.

Whe man says No way, God say, Yes and he will create something NEW just so that your dream can come to pass.

You do not have to operate under the systems of man who continue to push you away. God will allow this though so that you can trust him to make a way for you outside of these stoic religious systems that no longer operate with his Spirit anyway. ( in many cases )

 

[Strong in Him]

Hi SinH,

You asked: "How do you find out if your dreams are really from God? Really good question and I sure won't pretend to have all of the answers on that one." It is something you learn..but mainly...

you wait! If it is of God it will come about; if it is only your own desire..not likely although the two can be the same.

Mmmmm, how did I know you were going to say that?

Timing is really important. I have had this experience of sensing a 'call from God' and it didn't always line up with what a particular group's leadership thought appropriate (then anyway) ..(church or other group) and as I waited God would confirm it to them in time or sometimes even changed the leadership itself.

Yes I know. I'm always having ideas/thoughts which I get excited about and believe are callings. Some I think are. I've felt for the last 30 years that I will have a pastoral ministry in the church - still not sure what form it will take.
Recently my Minister told me that just because I wanted that, it doesn't mean God does. I know, but his statement only made me more certain - especially as 6 months ago he was saying what a good lay worker I was when I had that job for a year. I don't believe God could contradict himself like this Minister did. I know we can have all kinds of thoughts and desires which may not be correct or healthy, but surely God wouldn't put a desire in our hearts + confirmation from others that we have the gifts for that kind of job, and then not let us follow those desires?

Yet, I understand how sometimes we do have to move on to another place and virtually start over. Sometimes a thwarted effort to minister can be God's clue we need to do that.

Bottom line is to pray for discernment and wisdom for yourself in when to follow your dream and also when to share that dream and with who?

Mainly don't give up..especially if is confirmed in your heart and you find you consistantly think it is from God.

Good advice.

Finally, I remember more than once in my early days as a Christian I would get excited and enthusiastic about something I felt God wanted me to do..(notice here I said "I felt."). I had likely entered into presumption.

I can so relate to that.

Also there have been times I thanked God for providing obstacles for that path as something better came about eventually. Something I was prepared for.

Again..time is the key and the enemy of our soul would like us to enter into discouragement when we are disappointed and give up easily. (One of his greatest tricks) But we are to: >>>>

>>>Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6.)

peace and blessings.

Thank you.

 

[ANM29]

My biggest concern would be finding a church that has the same/similar beliefs and embraces the same values.

A church that's focuses are:

- love/compassion for everyone (especially those of the faith)
- embracing the Charismatic gifts of the Spirit
- A primary and continual focus on God's message of loving reconciliation for all expressed through Jesus.
- Lovingly and graciously encouraging a life of holiness with a focus on forgiveness and restoration vs. threatening people
- A loving high view of the inspiration of Scripture vs. beating people over the head with inerrancy doctrine
- A primary value on forgiveness, grace/acceptance, restoration as essential elements of God's kingdom of love
- Sharing the message of truth with others allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them vs. trying to control and manipulate people according to an understanding of what is right and wrong based on one's understanding of Scripture

Good Luck finding that church. Very few, but there are some out there..You need to find a Kingdom minded ministry where the focus is on what God is doing and saying now...and WORSHIP..., not 'church' minded...

Maybe Pray and ask God to show you how to begin your own home-based ministry as they did as "early christians'. This is somethign many people will be going back to and have. They were totally Spirit-lead and not on some 'time' schedule with everything..all this extra stuff going on. No wonder so many un-saved are not drawn to Christ, his representatives and suppsed 'light' of the world is OUT in many cases. These churches turn people off ( even Christians ) so what you think about the unsaved.

You will hardly find Spirit-lead church services. Man is leading and directing them.

God can not have his way or even be heard in many of these churches. The Pastor leads everything and he should not be. He is in control of everything and he should not be. Just a mess in many cases....

 

[pilgrimgal]

My biggest concern would be finding a church that has the same/similar beliefs and embraces the same values.

A church that's focuses are:

- love/compassion for everyone (especially those of the faith)
- embracing the Charismatic gifts of the Spirit
- A primary and continual focus on God's message of loving reconciliation for all expressed through Jesus.
- Lovingly and graciously encouraging a life of holiness with a focus on forgiveness and restoration vs. threatening people
- A loving high view of the inspiration of Scripture vs. beating people over the head with inerrancy doctrine
- A primary value on forgiveness, grace/acceptance, restoration as essential elements of God's kingdom of love
- Sharing the message of truth with others allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them vs. trying to control and manipulate people according to an understanding of what is right and wrong based on one's understanding of Scripture

Well, no church is perfect cause churches are made up of people and people just aren't always perfect; but I agree that the ideal church would surely be along the lines of what you describe here. If you include a loving outreach on the part of the members to the unchurched, community, i.e. city, neighborhood, workplace and familes..hey, that sounds like a lot like my church! (Well, almost like it.) Oh, yes, and add that we worship, pray, and play together too! A good church really can be fun!

And that makes me praise and thank God for finding it..and for what He is doing with us..like a family..with all our faults..we are all looking at the mountain together..as we share the Good News with others too. Everything does not always work well and sometimes expectations not met..but...there are so many compensations on the journey..

I have only been there four years so far..but so far so good, not too many disappointments although I have learned from a few. God is good!

"A city set upon a hill..."
Beacon to a lost world.
Hospital for sinners.
God's dwelling place.
church home for those who love Jesus!

Body of Christ. +

 

[red giraffe]

Dreams, goals and having a vision for our future - we are given those by God. Where I worked I taught employees there were "now"/"soon"/"later" projects, that they needed to work on the now while doing preparation for the soon and laters. In our christian walk we need to do the same. Work diligently on what is on your plate for the moment but prepare for the later. An example for me: as a mother w/ three kids I needed to stay home and care for them, now that they are adults I have freedom to speak to groups farther from my local area. So while @ home I did bible studies for women in our church, spoke to local women's groups about a variety of subjects in preparation for a time when I can speak to larger groups. So, while at Grandma's church- do what you can while waiting for your opportunity.

 

[Strong in Him]

'Scuse me while I just scream!

We are doing a course at housegroup on spiritual gifts, and we got to the chapter tonight about identifying our passions and passion ministry. Having talked about passion, what drives us, the things we feel deeply about, we got to prayer needs, and I said mine were mostly based around the things we've been discussing on that course. I said I know what I want to do, where I want to be, but am not sure where to go next - ie on a course, train for a particular ministry, and the housegroup leader imnmediately pointed out that it has to be to God's glory. That everything should be to glorify God and build up others. Well of course!!!
A week ago, her husband, (the Minister) had a go at me when I used the phrase "I want", he said it should be about what God wants.

So why can't it be both? Why can't I have this desire in my heart because God has put it there? And why was it ok for him to tell us 2 years ago about a job that he badly wanted, whereas when I try to, the implication is that I'm doing only what I want?
Maybe I should just use more spiritual language - "I feel led".

We're supposed to go and talk things over with someone outside the process - i.e the Minister - and I SO don't want to. He is moving to his new appointment in a week or so anyway, (which was why he was volunteered, 'cos he's got time on his hands). So I think I may emigrate until then.

 

[pilgrimgal]

Strong in Him, Right, you don't have to talk "Christianese" to be a Christian. What matters is where your heart is and, yes, your desire can be from God. Again, timing is important in expressing that and to whom..

God has used uncomfortable situations to alert me to wait on Him. Keep praying for wisdom. Trust Him!

peace and prayers.

 

[Strong in Him]

Strong in Him, Right, you don't have to talk "Christianese" to be a Christian. What matters is where your heart is and, yes, your desire can be from God. Again, timing is important in expressing that and to whom..

God has used uncomfortable situations to alert me to wait on Him. Keep praying for wisdom. Trust Him!

 

[talitha]

Dreams - a sensitive topic for me. Almost every dream I've had has been shot down, so I am afraid to dream at this point in my life. And now I'm a missionary in a third-world country, which is a dream for some, but really not for me. Theologically I believe that God puts dreams and passions in our hearts because He is preparing us for what He has in store for us, and it's all tied up with personality and gifting and talent and calling...... BUT in my own life it seems to not really work out.....

Is never giving up on your dreams a Christian or secular concept or neither?

Maybe there are some dreams that are God-given and others that are there because we are wanting to be like someone else or to have the appreciation that someone else in that position has. If a dream is God-given, then I don't think anyone will have to tell us not to give up on it, because in our hearts we will always hope for it. I still hold a particular dream in my heart - well, two of them, and they both seem hopeless, but I can't help continuing to hope for them, despite the astronomical unlikeliness of them from my perspective.

Should you give up your dreams for the sake of others (and if so to what extent?)

I don't think we should give up our dreams to pursue relationships that may or may not be God's will.... but..... on the other hand, something in my heart feels that to give up my dreams for the sake of serving others is something incalculably noble.

Do you have any dreams and if so what are they and are you pursuing them? (if not why not?)

The two dreams I still have may or may not be linked together..... First, I have had a taste of being on a worship team in which I was somewhat free to veer off into spontaneous and sometimes prophetic songs, and I want to be part of a group like that for an extended time with greater freedom in that area and participation in that from more of the members, more of the time. I don't really feel like I am FULLY worshiping until one of those songs comes out - it's a whole 'nother level, trust me, and I think a tiny taste of Heaven. The other dream is to be in full-time ministry. I thought that was going to happen coming here to Honduras, but as it turns out I have a full-time teaching job, teaching English in a Christian bilingual school. Everyone says "that IS ministry" - and sometimes it evolves that way or deepens in that way - but truthfully it's still a job. I want to preach, to lay hands on people and pray and cast out devils and prophesy and.... most of that, and also the prophetic worship thing, is put on hold. I am not young anymore, so my dream seems to be out of reach. There are fleeting moments, but I am not satisfied with fleeting moments.....

My questions... if you have a dream or desire in your heart, what do you do if your ministers, or church establishment, say that it is not God's will for you/not possible because of the way their church is structured or whatever? Do you submit to that leadership or follow the dream that God has given you, even if it means leaving the church and going elsewhere? I tend to think that if I want to do something or believe that something is God's will for me, but my Minister says 'no', or throws doubt on it, then I am the one who is wrong. But is that right?

I have a friend who is in her sixties and goes to my home church - she is an excellent woman of God, and I believe God has called her to be an elder. I believe this with all my heart, but my belief won't change our church's opinion that women are disqualified from being elders. I am continually brought back to Hebrews 11 - "And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect." Maybe, just maybe, my friend and also you, are meant to carry that dream and gain approval from God for your faith - maybe you are meant to plow the field that another will harvest? That doesn't sound very hope-ful, does it? but if the dream is truly bigger than you are, then at some point you will be willing to give it to another to carry it? Personally I think your dream of officiating at communion is a wonderful one, and I believe that God can and very well might direct circumstances so that you wind up doing it one day. It's not really that far-fetched.

But when does it become right to challenge authority or the establishment?

That's a big question. (and by the way I was raised in the UMC) My home pastor was once a Nazarene pastor, but he became convinced through reading of the Word that the gifts of the spirit have not ceased, and that God still wants to pour out His presence and those manifestations. He began to preach in this way, but then God used Titus 3:10 to convict him - he was being divisive. He could not stop preaching what he believed to be true, so he left the Nazarene church. What's more important - what you believe and hope and love and how God is using you, or the denomination to which you belong? It may come down to that question at some point for you. It did for me. Twice. (long story)

How do you find out if your dreams are really from God?

I wish I knew for sure.

It is something you learn..but mainly...

you wait!

Wise answer.

But there may come a time when action is necessary....

Mainly don't give up..especially if is confirmed in your heart and you find you consistantly think it is from God.

And now we're back to Hebrews 11.....

'Scuse me while I just scream!

Me too - let's scream together!!! I don't know about you, but I feel better! LOL....

....and the housegroup leader imnmediately pointed out that it has to be to God's glory. That everything should be to glorify God and build up others. Well of course!!!
A week ago, her husband, (the Minister) had a go at me when I used the phrase "I want", he said it should be about what God wants.

So why can't it be both?

I soooo believe it can - annnnnd what they had just taught and discussed at your house group seems to suggest that they believe it can too - but some people think that it can't be what God wants if it's outside their box - and there, I suspect, is the real issue.

We're supposed to go and talk things over with someone outside the process - i.e the Minister - and I SO don't want to. He is moving to his new appointment in a week or so anyway, (which was why he was volunteered, 'cos he's got time on his hands). So I think I may emigrate until then.

Might be a good idea.

Good thread.

blessings
tal

 

[Strong in Him]

I often read "The word for today" on line, and copy and save the good ones.
While doing that just now, I found the following -

What's Your Dream? (1) 09 Jun 2010
'He dreamed still another dream...' Genesis 37:9

When it comes to dreams, Joseph teaches us two important principles: 1) Keep your dream alive! The story's told of a couple who loved mushrooms and bought several pounds of them from a roadside vendor. They made mushroom omelettes, mushroom salad, mushroom soup, and even concocted a mushroom dessert. Their cat gobbled up the leftover mushrooms. Later the lady went into her kitchen and found the cat lying on the floor, gasping for breath. She immediately phoned the vet who said they'd probably gotten some poisoned toadstools and advised they go to the hospital. After having their stomachs pumped the couple came home expecting to see their cat lying lifeless on the floor. Instead the cat was in the corner with a brand new litter of kittens. What they thought were death pains were just birth pains! When it seems that your dream is gasping its last breath, keep believing God; you're closer to giving birth than you've ever been. 2) Dream again, only bigger! Joseph dreamed a second dream, an even bigger one! '"...This time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me..."' (Genesis 37:9 NKJV). If you've abandoned your dream because of discouragement, rise up and reclaim it. If you've already fulfilled it, ask God for a bigger one. You say, 'But the challenge looks too big for me.' It's not too big for God, you'll never out-dream Him. In His Word He asks, 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?...' (Genesis 18:14). You may die with your dream on the drawing board or under construction or left to be completed by another, but you must seek God and dream again!

(Hope I'm not breaking copyright by posting this.)