Dreams being realized

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

My trip to Costa Rica was indeed a dream fulfilled which has given me a new excitement for life.

Before I left for Costa, I had no idea what my future held in store. I prayed before I left: God, please give me vision for my future by the time I get back from Costa Rica.

BOOM!

God is faithful and did just that!

So in Costa I feel like I encountered God's love like never before...it was seriously the best trip of my life. At one point I broke down crying because I discovered a lie that I was believing-- that I had to earn love and that I wasn't good enough just the way I was---and was able to have some of my rad friends pray for me and walk me through it. They spoke the truth over me and I was given a new sense of value.

So basically my life will never be the same. Sounds cliche', but I seriously believe it.

There is so much more about my trip to Costa that I could elaborate on, but in order to keep from boring everyone, I'll keep it in a nutshell---I went to love on and bless people (which totally happened) and I got rocked!

On the way back from Costa, we planned to stop in Mammoth for the Lighthouse Conference (talk about moving from glory to glory!). Again, I was blown away from the moment we arrived. Family, friends, connection, love, life...wow...it was a beautiful thing. I wish I was capable of painting a more beautiful picture of this event because it indeed was a glorious thing. From the sea side, to the mountain tops, I can't even begin to explain the beauty of Our King and His incredible love for us....even in our brokenness.

Somewhere along the journey in Mammoth "dreams" became the topic of conversation amongst some friends. It was my turn and I began to explain....

"Well I have many, one is to live in a ski resort town," I began. "and another is to..."

"You should just move to Mammoth!" my friend chimed in.

Yeah, I should. The thought flashed through my head. I simply replied, "that would be cool," and continued on with the conversation casually.

It wasn't until I got home form Mammoth that I felt the Lord talk to me.

Go to Mammoth.
 What? I must be dreaming....are you serious God?

Then again.

Go to Mammoth.
Okay, I'm going to Mammoth! The whole thought of moving there took me by surprise, but I after I agreed obediently, I realized it was a tree a life.

Not only will I get to live in a ski resort town for a season on my life, but so many of my other dreams are aligned with moving to Mammoth. One of my more far-fetched dreams is to be an Olympic Athlete, and the crazy thing is, after I agreed to go, I had the opportunity to talk with Kelly Clark, who is one of the best female snowboarders in the world, and is now training for her 4th Olympic Competition. She is seriously the most humble, rad, down to earth girl I have ever met, and she is also very connected with the Lighthouse in Mammoth. Being able to train with her seems quite possible if I move there and I can at least be clued in to what it takes to become an Olympic Athlete. So BOOM...another dream that seems far-fetched but is suddenly beginning to look attainable.

Another dream is to live in healthy community-- and being apart of Lighthouse in Mammoth will also be a dream realized. There are so many other dreams on the horizon too by going to Mammoth I feel like I will be beginning to pursue them. It's crazy, but I never realized how important it is to chase after your dreams. I feel like a whole new person with passion and excitement about everyday life.

God is so faithful and it's so crazy to see what He has done inside of me over the last 9 months. The pruning He did was so vital for me to able to really begin to bloom. I feel as if that is finally starting to happen. I am seriously blossoming like I never have before. I feel so much more healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and relationally.

Is everything perfect in me?

Not even close....but I just feel like I am finally well on my way to becoming the best person I can be. I am learning, living, laughing, and loving more.

I know there is much hard work to be done before the fruit arrives, but gee does it feel great to be heading in the right direction!

Yay God!! Thanks for being so faithful!!! I am going to keep dreaming BIG!