I didn't count on falling deeply in love but I did, and I cried buckets six months later when he left the sleepy little town in rural Washington where we ate ice cream and talked each others' ears off, where he serenaded me with Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, and Van Morrison, and where we made a thousand memories. I doubted he would ever care to come back to me with the glamour of California. But he did. Our love grew over the years even though we were apart most of the time, and finally after ten years, we figured out that we ought to get married. Yeah, I know. We're a bit slow ...
I said I would do plant pathology (after studying the minutiae of bacteria) and I did. I said I would become a writer, and I did. I said I wanted to have children, and was blessed with two.
Cocky, aren't I? I pretty much get what I want. But I've become a bit more humble over the years. I realize I am nothing without God. The very breath I take is because He allows it. I do nothing on my own. So, now my deepest desire is that my hopes, dreams and goals are what God wants me to hope and dream and work towards.
This is what I hope for in my life this year. God willing, all these things will happen.
1. Bear another child. Yes. Really. I'm not kidding. It would be a miracle.
2. Have more peace between my two children. Have them grow closer to God every day.
3. Polish my current book and send it out. May the right editor love it enough to buy it.
4. Begin another book that's been percolating for a few years.
5. Develop a heart after God's own heart.
I can only see pieces of myself. I long to be the person God wants me to be.
You guessed right -- I've always wanted to be a magnificent tiger!
And so I pray. And I humbly ask for your prayers for these hopes and dreams of mine.
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14 comments:
Lovely goals.
Years ago I was friendly with a woman I will not name*, who scoffed at someone winning the Pulitzer Prize. "I could do that!" she said. Three years later, SHE DID. (*See why I won't name names?)- So having both impossible and possible goals is neither cocky nor anything to laugh at.
Congratulations with your publishing success. I'm impressed. Keep it up!
I love your goals. I feel inspired. Here are my goals.
1. Is to find the person who will want to publish one of my novels and to make things extra awesome is our books come out in the same year. That would be perfect. So I revise my goal for us to find publishers this year for our big fat dreamy novels! Perfect!
2. That I write something very helpful.
3. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (I just don't have better words than these.)
Mirka, thanks for the story about your Pulitzer Prize winning friend. I dream of both little and big things.
Peaches -- what a great name! Thank you for stopping by and encouraging me.
Molly, it would be wonderful to have our books picked up this year. You have so many amazing ones, it's sure to happen. I should amend my goals as well, to reflect that I also want to make a positive difference in the world with my books.
And when we seek first the kingdom of God, we receive all that we ask and much more. First things first.
Thank you for your beautiful and supportive message over on my blog, Vijaya. I am blessed by your friendship!
These are lovely goals for the new year, and I believe that the reason they are truly possible is because you do put God first. I'll be keeping you, your family and your hopes and dreams in my prayers throughout the year.
You know your dreams are brought before God often in my prayers. I can't wait to see what miracles he will work this year!
God does love to spoil us at times, doesn't he? I read this morning in I Peter about how he who has suffered is done with sin, so I know that's part of life, too. I am determined to thank him for my blessings and never ever blame him when I suffer, but to thank him for it instead. You're right, all our goals happen or don't happen within his will. I think about this past year for you and how much you suffered at times, and I think this has been part of that process of humility and gratefulness and trust God has been developing in you. It's a beautiful thing, Vijaya! You are a beautiful person, inside and out! He is always with us!
Many blessings for this New Year!
May you have an award winning best seller and a baby in your lap some day soon.
And, you'll be pleased to know, this week I've sent out 2 short stories and an article. I'm getting back into the saddle.
I am overwhelmed with all your support and prayers, ladies.
Ruth, for so long I was fending for myself, it is a relief to let God be in charge! He knows best. I am again returning to that childhood trust, for which I will always be grateful.
Faith, you have taught me so much about prayer and my experiences have made me confident. I am celebrating each and every day.
Amy, the trials definitely humbled me. I am still astounded that God can be so good to a person like me, who flouted all His laws, and did pretty much as I pleased. His mercy and grace are incredible. Of course, I'm sure I'm going to spend a long time in purgatory, but I will do it joyfully for it is the road to heaven.
Bish, I am so proud of you for sending out your work. I've been terrible but this whole novel-writing thing can take forever.
I will be praying with you, my friend. Those are all beautiful goals. And the mighty God we serve is certainly able to accomplish all these things through you. I'll be excited to celebrate with you as you see them coming to fruition!
love and hugs,
Donna
I love your goals. I do think speaking them, and aiming high, is important. It CAN become cocky, but it doesn't have to be. I'm fascinated and humbled by the power God trusted us with when he gave us words.
Donna, my heart is grateful for all you do. I am so excited that I'll finally get to meet you ... and soon.
Marcia, I have two quotes that I keep near me.
Reach for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land amongst the stars.
and
If you're skating on thin ice, you might as well dance.
I'm a dreamy risk-taker, and God's providence always amazes me.
And as a writer I feel extra special since God spoke us into existence. We are truly made in His image, since we too create worlds and story-people in our imaginations.
I believe in setting goals and knowing in your heart that they are right -- and that you can actually attain them, through the sheer power of wanting to (and all the hard work you are then prepared to put in, in order to achieve them). I've seen this happen and I believe it. But I saw that picture of a tiger and I thought "Uh oh -- not a tiger!"
We wanted another child and did not get one. But we sort of adopted a foster daughter and she still keeps in touch -- and comes home to us at Christmas.
Aw, Mary, I've felt feline my whole life ... and my first cat had that air about him that said, when I grow up I'm going to be a lion. I sort of feel like that too.
I remember that you have a foster daughter, and oddly enough, that is not something I feel called to do at all ... though like cats, I suppose, the foster child somehow chooses you, no? They come into our lives and we cannot say no.
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