Intentional greatness…

But if we hope for what we do not have yet, we wait for it patiently. - Romans 8:25

Last fall, our son was thinking about some significant changes he needed to face. As we discussed this topic, we shared, “You’ll never be able to remove yourself from negativity, yet you don’t need to smother yourself with it either. We all get what we tolerate. Design the life you want and bravely move toward it.” 

These words are valid for us, too!

One thing I know for sure is life is what we are alive to. So, let me ask, at this moment, what’s God asking you to be alive too? What will be the gain of your willingness to listen and take action? 
In 2015, I moved away from everything known, secure, and budget-worthy to bet on myself and the dream lingering in me for a few decades. But, as I did, I was reminded that:

When we step out to find out - to take a chance - we don’t start at the top; we start at zero.

We start at zero clients, zero secured income, zero promises for success, zero employees, zero sense of security, and zero people lined up to follow us…

John Maxwell has shared, “The dream is always free; it’s the journey that costs you.” Anyone can dream, and anyone can climb for a while. But when it gets hard is when you start paying the price for your dream.

This led me to dream into my dream – to shape it rather than be shaken by the reality of starting from zero and knowing it’s hard to move the needle and keep it moving forward. 

I chose to draft an image titled My Picture of Intentional Greatness. This writing reminds me to believe in my talent and my inner fire and not let the chaos, clutter, and noise around me smother my calling.  

I share this because I’m hopeful it inspires you to write one for yourself, too. You were born to be exceptional. You are the only one who can believe in your talent and what you offer—starting right now!

As I approached this task, I chose not to hold back. I decided to let my heart guide the authenticity of my words. To let go!

When I dreamt about my future and committed to what I most wanted, I saw a vision that excited me, and here’s why: When I am at my best, I inspire others to be at their best, too. 

My calling in life is based on people and guiding them to enlarge who they are from the inside out. 

When I wildly pursue my passion, it means the people I’m blessed to influence are being touched by work that stirs growth and commitment from within them. And when we learn to live from the center - we are fulfilled, grounded, secure, and on fire!

Seeing my work add value to others removes the invisible boundaries of doubt and insecurity I can place around myself occasionally. Boundaries that hold me in a safe spot. A place that says, “Yes, you took a leap of faith – but keep the leap safe – just in case.” 

For me, the “just in case” is about not being or feeling rejected by others. 

When any of us “steps out to find out,” – it’s a risk with no clear road map. Yet when God’s grip is more significant than your fear, the negativity trying to smother the positive momentum is defeated.  

The Lord sees not only what you are right now but also what you can become. Therefore, I encourage you today to visualize your intentional greatness. To take ground in your life…the ground will not magically fall into your lap; you will have to go to it — and each step will require effort, resilience, tenacity, and courage.

It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. There’s new land in front of you, and it’s time to move into it. Whatever land is in front of you, I encourage you to stay willing and humble and fix your eyes on God. 

We don’t have to know how God’s plan will unfold or when his timing will fall into place. All we have to do is trust that the One who calls us is faithful and take the next step forward. 

I’ve discovered over the years that living by faith requires us to take risks because God’s plans are always more extensive than what we could ever do on our own. It also means you’ll have to take one step before you know what step two is. And you won’t have everything figured out before you move forward. 

Right now, God is calling you to something greater than yourself. Dreaming big dreams is part of our spiritual DNA.

God doesn’t just allow us to dream. Instead, he created us to dream big, imagine big, and make big plans for our lives rooted in hope and fueled by faith.

Let me encourage you today: Dare to dream. Dream about where God can take you. Dream about what God can teach you. Dream about how high you can go. 

Ask God to give you a dream that will bless your life and the lives of others. And then – taking one step at a time – do what He puts in your heart to do and trust Him with the rest.

Step into your faith and let God take you places you never thought you could go!

“When you come face to face with fear, you are looking at the very next place God is preparing to grow you.”

Photo by Averee Kreutzfeldt at Bar 33 Ranch, Blaisdell, North Dakota