Have a Blessed Mother’s Day!

The photo above is my beautiful mother Mary Jo from Lenoir City, TN. By the time this photo was snapped, the roles had changed. She was looking to me to make good decisions for her.

You can see she trusted the investment she had made in me. She cultivated my love of learning by passing her beloved books to me. One of our favorite authors was Catherine Marshall who wrote the story of her own grandmother’s life in Eastern Tennessee, Christy.?

My gift to you is a prayer Marshall wrote. I pray it rekindles your dreams, as it has mine. I’ve been re-reading it often lately and feel I have a new mandate: To write. I will be sharing bits with you as I investigate my Appalachian Pentecostal heritage.?

“Father, once-it seems long ago now-I had such big dreams, so much anticipation of the future. Now no shimmering horizon beckons me: my days are lackluster. Where is your plan for my life, Father?

You told us that without vision, we men perish. So knowing I can ask in confidence what is Your expressed will to give me, I ask you to deposit in my mind and heart the particular dream the special vision You have for my life.

And along with the dream, will you give me whatever graces, patience and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition? I sense that this may involve adventures I have not bargained for. But I want to trust You enough to follow even if you lead along new paths.?

I admit to liking some of my ruts. But I know that habits that seem like cozy nests from the inside, from Your vantage point may be prison cells.

Lord, if You have to break down any prisons of mine before I can see the stars and catch the vision, then Lord begin the process now. In joyous expectation, Amen!”

Catherine Marshall, Adventures in Prayer

Your Call to Action:

1-What dreams and images does this bring up?

2-What could be your next step?

I'd love to hear your story. DM if you'd like to share. Blessings on your dreams!