Are You Who You Want To Be?

Yesterday is wrinkle on your forehead
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be?

Are you who you want to be? that has been a question that I've been wrestling with. Probably alot of people do after they turn 30 years old, and since November that has been the forefront of my thoughts.

Steve and I are reading the book, "How to Live in Your Sweet Spot-the Cure for the Common Life"Max Laucado...to try to shed some light on my heavy heart.

I can't help but shake the thought that there is more, for me, for you...for all of us, more than just a 9-5 job and paying the bills. God wired us up uniquely. Some are beautiful writers. While others are gorgeous singers, speakers, leaders, craftsman, designers, great with people, great with animals etc. We all have different giftings and passions.

Sometimes we are forced to look at that question, after losing a job. Sometimes we are challenged by new responsibilities at work, and question, am I in the right place? So we chose to stay there until something"better comes along". We become re-active to life, instead of 'pro-active'.

*now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying everyone go out and quit your jobs. It's way different than sitting & day dreaming at your desk about relaxing on the beach or getting home to put your feet up. It's about having a tug at your heart (&*day dreaming ) to do something that you love, that you have a passion for,... to make a difference, to use all that's inside you for a greater good...(I'm ramblin' sorry)

But I've had some people that have inspired me lately, for all sorts of reasons. The 1 thing they all have in common ? They haven't given up. They keep pressing on.

Some are family, some friends, some are recording artist that I don't know at all, but from a distance. However, these people have stepped out of their comfort zones, took radical, career risks, ( perhaps with family and friends questioning their judgment)...but they still got out of the boat to to do and to be who God created them to be. Some despite a horrible up bringing, chose not to be a victim. Some despite horrible loses...got up (perhaps after months even years of crying) and kept moving on.

So this journal is to thank just some of those people.

My mom! Your strength inspires me daily. Despite your circumstances growing up, you chose to be different, to give us love, love, love. Thank for being my mom, my friend, my confidant. I love you.

Steven, my bro :) You have so many gifts. You are truly blessed. I am honored to call you my brother my best friend. You could be a lawyer, stock broker, accountant, making the big bucks (ha! :)...but it's not about the money. It's about being who you were created to be! You are an awesome pastor and worship leader. Also, when it's time to move on...you do it. Even though it might mean saying good bye, and starting over somewhere else...you make the move. You don't just stay somewhere "just because it's comfortable". Bro, the Lord uses you in Missouri. Keep singing, don't stop writing your songs! I miss you more than you know.

Jani-my sister in law...you patiently wait on the Lord. Even through your trials, the loses, and years of waiting on an adoption to go through...you never lose your joy! You reach out to others that have had the same kind of hurts. You are so brave.

Aaron, my second bro. Even though we are not blood related...it sure feels like it. What can I say without bursting into tears. You are stepping out! You are following God's leading. You are jumping out of the boat and running on the water. I love it!! Every day...what a ride! I love the journey you are on. You make me want to step out and see what 's out there for me. Thank you.

Parker...you are amazing, don't ever give up. I KNOW God has big plans for you and the success of your business. Continue listening to His Voice.

Siham and Gary...both of you own successful businesses, but there is more to this life isn't there ? and now the plans begin for your ministry in missions. You are forsaking all for the sake of the call of God. Steve and I treasure you.

Kristi-fly baby fly!!!! You are that beautiful butterfly! You have so much courage, sometimes I think you don't even realize the people that you inspire all around you. You invest ALL of your time into people. Your friendships, leading worship, the Junior High...You get out there and let nothing hold you back baby...nothing.

There are so many others for various reasons ..."my Kathy", Linda at work, Ed and Kelly Horn, Lori W. , Shelly B., Tony Vincent, Amy Grant, Abby, Nancy G., Jo-Jo.
You all inspire me. Thank you for being a living example to "walk by faith, and not by sight".

So get out there and live life. Dream big dreams. Trust God with your dreams... The dreams and purposes He has for us are even better than we could ever imagine. (and sometimes, if you really think about it...some of the dreams we wished for when we were kids...were not the greatest. Or else I would be married to Shaun Cassidy-Yikes! )

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Sometimes who we are destined or created to be, lies on the other side of our fears.

Are You Who You Want to Be?