I read a great feel-good list called ninety-nine experiences over on Letters From Coco. It made me think about all the lists I used to make in study hall when I should have been studying, but always ended up daydreaming instead. My "dream lists", I used to call them. I always knew God was looking over my shoulder, watching me scribble down my plans, smiling because He already knew the outcome. And I was ok if He scratched off some of my plans and added His own. Excited even.
His plans have always been so much better. Even if I didn't think so at the time.
I thought I'd share some of my dream list, the ninety-nine things I've always wanted to experience while I'm here. It's fun to see how many have already come true. Right before I hit publish, though, I have to admit, I got a little scared. This post feels incredibly personal for some reason. And I didn't even share a few of the big dreams (the Joseph from the Bible dreams). Because I did learn a thing or two from him. You have to be careful with whom you share your God-given dreams.
Dreams reveal so much about us--they're the real windows to our souls. So, here's a peek inside:
1. Swim in the ocean
2. Own a horse
3. Be a missionary overseas
4. Write novels
5. Fall in love
6. Have children
7. Make a quilt
8. Visit Hawaii
9. Live in Hawaii
10. Build a treehouse
11. Travel to Europe
12. Design clothing
13. Marry my first kiss
14. Sing on a stage
15. See thousands of teenagers fall in love with Jesus
16. Go on a cruise
17. Take my children on mission trips
18. Sleep in a treehouse
19. Dance in the rain
20. Hike the Trail of Tears
21. Climb a mountain
22. Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty
23. See Niagara Falls
24. Go on a second honeymoon
25. Walk on the beach in the moonlight
26. Camp on the beach
27. Swim with dolphins
28. Take my kids to Disneyworld
29. Help families in need
30. Rescue orphans
31. Open my home to teens that need a place to live
33. Have a place I can call my own
34. Decorate my home
35. Be in a movie
36. Walk where Jesus walked
37. Change the world in some small way
38. Be a mommy
39. Raise kids that love Jesus
40. Watch my kids change the world
41. Give more than I have to give
42. Be content
43. Travel to some remote village and bring them the good news about Jesus
44. Witness miracles
45. Sky dive
46. Bungee jump
47. Learn another language/ culture
48. Encourage the hearts of women
49. Bring hope and healing to hurting people
50. Provide food for the hungry
51. Build homes for homeless
52. See my husband's dreams fulfilled
53. Be on the Amazing Race with my man
54. Be in full time ministry with my husband
55. Lay hands on the sick and see them healed in Jesus' name
56. Have a faith that moves mountains
57. Know that my children are walking in truth
58. Become more like Jesus
59. Recognize God's voice more and more
60. Walk closer and more intimately with Jesus
61. Love like Jesus
62. Be joyful always
63. Less of me and more of Jesus
64. Bless my parents
65. Bless my husband
66. Learn photography
67. Always write poetry
68. Play the guitar
69. See needs and fill them
70. Have a house full of love
71. Be led completely by the Holy Spirit
72. Be on time (ha!)
73. Transform our ranch in Nebraska into a ranch for troubled youth
74. Own several vintage thrift stores to fund missionary work
75. Open a fun little etsy shop
76. Make clothes for my children
77. Sew a dress for myself
78. Learn interior design
79. Publish my children's book
80. Memorize scripture
81. Speak words of life into the lives of others
82. Travel around the world with my honey
83. Sleep under the stars
84. Enjoy every second with my kids
85. Have fun
86. Feel deeply
87. Feel deeply for someone else
88. Be an answer to prayer
89. Pray like Daniel
90. Dream with God
91. Do the things I can't
92. Love the rejected ones
93. Know the Word of God like the back of my hand and
94. Live it
95. Get wisdom
96. Sell out for Jesus
97. Love God with my whole heart
98. And soul
99. And strength
I was a dreamer too when I was young. My big dream was always to dance at opening night at the Met. But, God's dreams for me were better than mine.
ReplyDeletejoy joy theses are incredable dreams, many have come true.God bless you,sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteSuch an incredible list. I think I second all of those. lol My mom always said write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser. His plans always supercede our own :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome list, friend! How amazing would it be if you were able to fulfill even half of the items on this list...oh how that would glorify God! ;)
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Rachel
Cool list - very inspiring
ReplyDeleteThat was so neat to read! I love that picture too!!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing dream list. I started making a dream list one day, but only got to about 30 items. I have had some huge heartaches and blocks in my life. Praying He opens me up to dream again.
ReplyDeleteSuch an incredible list.
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What a wonderful list. I'm a dreamer, too...and I'm still dreaming. And, I share many of the dreams you mentioned. Can't wait to see how the Lord weaves His plans into the desires of my heart.
ReplyDeleteLove to you...
i love your list!
ReplyDeleteThese are incredibly beautiful amazing dreams! Thank you so much for sharing them with us and giving us this glimpse of your heart. I share some of the same dreams... it's so neat to know there are others out there who dream big too. I think you're wonderful...
ReplyDeletewonderful dreams!
ReplyDeletethat's a beautiful list! i think you've listed most of my dreams!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your list!!! I think I can agree with alot of them on there!!! Just got done reading the "dream giver" - what an awesome inspiring book about the God-given dream He has placed inside of us!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness!! great list!
ReplyDeletethanks for visiting my blog, i am so happy to know you are here! :)
that is an amazing list!!!
ReplyDeletea good list!!
a real list!
love and light
beautiful post and amazing list. I'm following you now...can't believe I hadn't already. Oh, and love the picture. :)
ReplyDeleteoh yes, and that pic is just presh!
ReplyDeletesuch lovely dreams indeed! i have many of the same ones! oh to dream! and it's so beautiful to see how the Lord unfolds His plans in our lives and how He grants us the desires of our hearts!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely, Joye. And so are you!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing list! Brilliant job. I truly hope your summer is fantastic!
ReplyDeletePlease stop by my blog if you get the chance to at www.thoseblissmoments.blogspot.com :)
K xx xxx
hi! I don't usually comment on blogs, but I just wanted to say that I loved your list. It's beautiful, and I felt I could really relate to a lot of your dreams. My husband and I are actually moving overseas to become missionaries in a few months, and it's exciting to see how God turns our dreams into reality sometimes. Well, I just wanted to say that I was blessed and encouraged by your dreams today. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteYour list certainly shows that you have a heart for the Lord and His people. Go forth and enjoy serving Him more and more.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Nannette
oooooh, I am SUCH a list maker. Lists make me incredibly happy. Getting all of that out there on paper (or computer) feels good. I love your list, and I love the photo that goes with it. I'm bookmarking your blog and looking forward to reading more! Nice to "meet" you ;o)
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