Photo Credit: Felix Montino
It still amazes me that 2013 has come to an end. How quickly this year seems to have gone! And as I sit down to reflect on my God Sized Dreams for 2013 I just want to start by thanking God for the many blessings He gave me this year.
I started 2013 on a journey to discovering what a “God Sized Dream” might be and more specifically what I thought that dream was in my own life.
I thought I had it all figured out. After starting this blog space in late December 2012, I was certain that God wanted me to have a place of encouragement and hope for others here in 2013. If I am being honest I would tell you that I was secretly hoping that maybe my blog would go big, that I would write that “it” post and it would go viral….or that I would start writing a book proposal. All big dreams for sure.
While I still believe that this place of encouragement is a part of my God Sized Dream, I am convinced that God had different and even better things planned for me that I was unable to see in the beginning.
The biggest blessing that I received this past year is the gift of Community.
A community in which I was accepted and loved, a community where I was able to stop always thinking about me and what I wanted to do – and start focusing on developing a skill of encouraging others in their dreams.
THIS has been the biggest unexpected and beautiful gift in my life this past year.
Women who were just faces on a computer screen became IRL friends when several of us met in person for the first time at Allume. Community was embraced and celebrated. Tears were shed and laughter welled from the depths of me that I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was God-filled for sure!
And while 2013 has also been filled with personal failures big and small, I have learned that God is in all the details. He is with me through everything that I do well and everything I fail at. He loves me regardless and having a greater understanding of that gift was worth the journey.
The GSD team led me specifically to a group of women that all believed in something greater than themselves. A place where we could take what we have learned from this year and give back to other women seeking the same path.
Under Christine’s leading we have come together and as announced yesterday started this amazing God-sized Dreams website. Something like this was NOT on my radar at all. And that is what I love the most about it.
It is all God’s!
It wasn’t “My” idea or plan, it was His. So I can look back on 2013 and see in all the places where God deserves the glory. Just as He should have.
2013 was never about me. (I know this is not a surprise to most of you….but it is at times a surprise to me!) 🙂
While I learned some wonderful lessons and received so many gifts in this community…..ultimately none of it would have been possible without God’s leading and direction in the first place.
So while 2013 ends differently than I had anticipated it might, it ends more beautifully than I could have ever expected and each moment was worth it!
Did 2013 end as you had hoped?? I’d love to hear how God exceeded you expectations too! And if you blog why don’t you link up with us today over at God-sized Dreams and share your 2013 recap!
I’m thankful for it too! I’ve been more quiet, but it’s been amazing!
You said it best…it’s ALL God. Truly. Isn’t He amazing? I’m so blessed by the community He’s created and thankful for you, my beautiful sister. You are wonderful and a gift! Can’t wait to see what He’s going to do in 2014!!! 🙂 Sending you a hug today just because I miss you. I need to plan a road trip soon!
Amen! I love this common theme in so many of our stories – how God gave us a small glimpse of His plan, set us on the right path, and then did SO much more than we could have asked or imagined 🙂 So glad to be in community with you, friend 🙂
Looking forward to the day I get to meet you in real life, but I’m thankful you’re part of my life already. Your words here encourage.
So happy for all God has done in your life this past year. Glad you’ve been a part of the GSDT!
Oh, amen! Kristin, you are an incredible encourager, and you have lifted me up so many times this past year. Thank you so much for pouring into my life and opening the door to yours. XOXO
There is nothing like community… I smiled reading your post, and I’m so thankful to have been on this journey along with you and all the other amazing women on the GSDT. I love how God takes our plans and folds them into His, and I love how He so often does the unexpected. Looking forward to all that is ahead in 2014!
Yess! Couldn’t agree more! The community has been the very best surprising part 🙂
I am so excited to finally hug your neck in person in April!! Can not wait!
Your kindness for all of us WENT VIRAL! You pour into all our lives in so many ways. You love on us and believe in us. You cheer us on and make our community feel like a family. YOU ARE AN ENCOURAGER! I am so blessed to have you in my life girl.
Oh friend you are too kind…I have been so blessed by you all, my life is richer because of you!
Oh, we are so alike..in the desires of our heart and the surprised expectation of His gifts in amazing ways. I love that! I am thankful for your words and I am so glad to connect with you and hear even more how God will use you in ways that give glory to Him by sharing your hope and encouragement to so many! Happy New Year Friend!
Thanks Angie!! I am thankful for you as well and hopefully we can actually connect in person – maybe at Allume in October?! 🙂