Guatemalan Dreams

“Without a dream you’ll not get anywhere.” – Kofi Annan

Where would we be without the dreams of people?  The Wright Brothers dreamed of flying, and now we can fly around the world (or even into outer space).  Thomas Edison dreamed of creating a better light source, and now we can flip a switch and turn on lights in any room of our house.  James Salk dreamed of putting an end to polio, and now we live in a time when polio is not known.

Dreams aren’t just meant for big names and big things.

We can also dream.  In fact, following through on our dreams can be the catalyst for all kinds of exciting things and changes.

During my visit to Guatemala last month, I started writing down some of my dreams for Guatemala.  Sharing them is the first step in making some or all of these dreams a reality.

Guatemalan Dreams:

• To build 100 homes in Guatemala (97 more to go!)
• To come back to Guatemala more than once per year
• To return to Xenacoj for the Christmas for Thousands
• To bring a team from my office to Xenacoj
• To bring a team of bloggers to Xenacoj
• To bring a team made up of The Stretched Community to Xenacoj
• To bring a team of families to Xenacoj
• To bring a team of runners to Xenacoj
• To bring a team made up of our H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) group to Xenacoj
• To bring a team to Xenacoj on a regular basis to build homes and serve in other capacities
• To learn Spanish
• To gather tools and supplies to help teams build more homes
• To correspond with German once a month via Skype
• To keep coming to Guatemala as a family/couple.
• To visit/serve in Xenacoj for ten to fifteen days in one visit
• To have on-going relationships with the families who are getting the houses
• To raise awareness in the United States of America for issues facing Guatemalans
• To help Susie and German open their restaurant
• To write a book about short-term missions and developing a mission mindset
• To help move Guatemala from a third world country to a second or first world country
• To help German start his church

This is just a start of my Guatemalan Dream list – I think.  Over the next few days, weeks, and even months, I plan to elaborate more on these dreams.  Will all these dreams come to fruition?  I don’t know.  But I know that any action and movement towards seeing these things realized starts with a dream.  I’m learning to dream again.  How about you?

What is one of your dreams?  What is one thing you can do today to make this dream more of a reality?

Opportunity Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

10 Steps To Make Your Dream A Reality

What do you dream about?

Not at night.  What do you dream about during the day?

If you’re like me, you have many thoughts, ideas, and dreams that come and go without becoming real.  What’s stopping you from making your dreams a reality?

I’m working on a book project (my first book project), and I’m learning a lot along the way.  This weekend, my project took an important step as I move towards realizing this dream.  I finished an outline for the book idea.  For me, this was important because it meant getting thoughts out of my head and onto paper in an organized structure.  Hitting this milestone has taught me a lot about processing our dreams and getting feedback.  Whether you’re writing a book, building a business, or chasing another dream, it’s helpful to process and to get feedback.  In today’s post, I offer some ideas worth following as you chase your own dream.

10 Steps To Make Your Dream A Reality

1. Process your idea first.  It’s important you have put some thought into your idea before you do anything else.  Part of this could involve prayer.  And a major part this involves time.  I’ve been thinking about the idea for a book for a while.  This month I finally put some solid time into praying and processing my idea.  I wrote down a lot of notes.  I talked it over with myself before I shared it with anyone else.  Before you waste someone’s time with your idea, make sure you put in time of your own.
2. Talk about your idea with some close friends and advisers.  Share your idea with them.  Does your idea make sense to them?  Can you explain your idea fairly easily.  You should be able to describe your main idea in a few sentences without going into all the detail.  For my book project, I talked to my wife, to a good friend, and to a couple other select people to see if my idea made any sense to them.  In each of these cases, they gave me things to think about in taking my project more seriously.
3. Process your idea again.  This is important.  What did you learn through the first two steps?  Take time to write it down.  For my project, this is when I wrote an outline for my book idea.  The end product make look very different, but an outline provides an opportunity to get into more detail, to determine your potential structure, and for discovering any roadblocks.  For my book project, I spent a couple of solid afternoons adding to my outline.  I wanted to do this before I sent the outline out for more feedback.
4. Develop a review team list.  This shouldn’t be real long.  The list should contain people who you trust to give you honest feedback.  They should be people who have some expertise in the area of executing your idea.  For my project, I chose ten people who have experience in book writing and/or short-term missions.
5. Ask a select few to review your idea.  Before you assume those on your review team list will have the time to look at your idea (or outline, in my case), you should ask them.  This could involve an email or a phone call.  Your message or conversation should include a brief description of your project, an explanation of what you need from them, and a deadline for when you want their feedback.  For my book outline review team, I sent out an email message to my list.  I explained what I was working on and how they might fit into the project.  And I asked them if interested and available to provide feedback in one week.  I did not include the book outline with my message.  I only sent the book outline to those who replied with a willingness to help.
6. Be open to the feedback.  This may be one of the hardest parts.  You send your idea to others for feedback.  Now, you have to accept the feedback.  People will have all kinds of ideas.  Keep a record of these thoughts and ideas.  They will help you!  You must remember this.  Iron sharpens iron.  So far, I’ve gotten some great feedback on my book outline.  I’m so thankful for people in my life who are willing to step in an constructively critique.
7. Process again.  It seems like this is a common theme here.  Once you get the feedback, you need to process (and pray) again.  What will you do with the feedback.  Filtering is a healthy aspect to this.  You may use the feedback or you may not use the feedback.  You have the choice.  In my case, I’m still reviewing the feedback and processing.  I’m realizing I have a lot to think about.  What is my expectation for my book project?  Why am I writing the book?  Who do I want to read my book?  I’d appreciate your prayers as I journey through this step.
8. Move forward.  Once you’ve processed the feedback, make a decision on the direction you are going and keep moving.  One of the reasons I asked for feedback within a week is that I do not want to lose momentum.  I want to keep moving ahead with my project.  Don’t give up (unless the feedback tells you too)!  I know there’s a lot of work ahead in executing my idea, but I’m excited to keep writing and to move ahead.
9. Thank your feedback team.  It goes without saying that people who help you process an idea deserve some thanks.  I plan to do this through hand-written thank you notes (of course) and a mention in the final product.
10. Go back to step 1 and do it again.  Our ideas and projects involve several iterations of processing, review, and feedback.  Keep leaning into these steps.  I’m excited to see where this journey leads me in realizing the dream of a book.  I know I will need to process again, and I’ll definitely need the feedback of others.

What steps would you add to this list?  What has helped you make your dreams a reality?

Ice Breaker – I Have A Dream

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

Over the next few days, people will be celebrating the life of MLK (Martin Luther King Jr.).  He is known for speaking out against racial inequality.  His speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. is often quoted – “I have a dream….”  MLK’s dreams are still being realized and worked on today.  This week’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by his famous speech.

Question:  Finish the sentence, I have a dream ___________.

My Answer:  I have a dream that men, women, and children all over the world would develop a mission mindset.  When I say mission mindset what do I mean?  Sure I’d love to see people going on mission trips all over the world.  But this isn’t really my dream.  My dream is that people would see the mission field right where they live and work.  My dream is that they would have a focus on reaching out to people in their neighborhoods, in their workplaces, and even in their homes.  What’s your dream?

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Thank You – #24

Thank You No. 24

Today, I’m thankful for dreams.

It’s important to keep dreaming – to keep taking risks.  I believe that God gives us dreams worth pursuing.  I’m grateful for my dreams.

And it shall come to pass, in the last days, (says the Lord,) I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.  Acts 2:17

Why are you thankful today?

Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

A Vision For San Antonio

On Wednesday morning in Guatemala, our team took a trip 3 miles outside of Xenacoj (a 45 minute drive).  We short way requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and a stomach built for motion sickness.  The longer way is mostly paved, but it is up hill and curvy.  San Antonio is the home for approximately 25 families.  It is a mountain top community with an amazing view and an incredible level of poverty.  Most of our morning was spent feeding school children and their younger siblings who attend a small two or three classroom school in the center of this little village.

The Road To The San Antonio Vision

Towards the end of our visit, Dave (the missionary we were working with during our week) took a couple of us on a short walk to a small area on the edge of the village.  The area was covered in grass and had an incredible view of the valley below.  We could even see Xenacoj as we stood on top of this small mountain-top meadow.  This is where we stopped and listed to Dave share one of his visions for San Antonio.

Here’s what Dave shared.

Imagine a place where pastors can come for retreat, for relaxation, and refocus.  Imagine a place where couples can come to recharge their marriages.  Imagine a place where students can be taught the Bible and other important skills that will allow them to serve other communities in Guatemala.  Imagine a couple of buildings on top of this mountain top where students can learn and sleep, where pastors can reflect, and where couples can connect.

I’m sure I’m missing some of the details, but this is the general idea behind Dave’s vision.

Dave believes in this vision.  I’m not sure what the timing will be for realization of this vision.  Regardless, it’s inspiring to listen to these ideas, thoughts, and dreams.

So often, we become content with the same old thing.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes I think we sell our earthly lives short.  We stop dreaming.  We stop capturing God’s vision for our lives.  We settle for life as it is instead of going after something bigger, better, and far more fulfilling.

Listening to Dave share on this hilltop reminded me of the importance of listening to God’s voice, of dreaming big dreams, and of pursuing God and the visions He’s given to us.

I’m starting to do this again.  Here are some of my dreams for the future:

• To build another house in Xenacoj.  No.  To build 25 or more houses in Xenacoj.  Our trip to Guatemala last summer and this summer showed me how helpful a simple house can be to a family in need in Xenacoj.  I’d love to help in this way.
• To travel to Guatemala at least two times a year for the rest of my life.  This could take some time to realize, but I believe it’s possible.  There is so much work that can be accomplished in a week or two in Xenacoj.  In addition, I’d love to continue the process of building relationships with those in this community that has captured my heart.
• To bring other people to Xenacoj with me.  I want other people to experience what I have experienced.  I want them to meet the people, to see the things, to touch the hands of the orphans and widows.  I’d love to bring a group of bloggers to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring a group of families to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring a group of co-workers to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring members of my extended family to Xenacoj some day.
• To write a book about my experiences in Xenacoj.  I think this dream is closer than I realize.  I’m sure I’m writing content for this book – right now!  I want to write the book for several reasons:  (1) I want to share my story of Xenacoj with as many people as possible, (2) I want to follow in the footsteps of my Dad who has written a few books, (3) I want to potentially earn money that can be used to fund future ministry opportunities in Xenacoj, and (4) I want to experience the process of writing and launching a book.

I’m sure I have more dreaming to do.  My trip to Guatemala rekindled my desire to dream.

Now it’s your turn.

What are you dreaming about?  What visions to you have for the future?  What are you doing now to realize these hopes and dreams?

Of Thunderstorms And Dreams

I woke up a few weeks ago a little groggy thanks to a dream and a storm that woke me up in the early hours of the morning.  The thunderstorm shook the house for a while as I could hear the storm approaching and passing.  It sounded like a drummer pounding the drum head in the sky for thirty or more minutes.  As it passed by, I eventually fell back asleep.

A short time later, a dream woke me up.  In my dream, someone shared some disturbing news with me which led me to breakdown in tears.  And then I woke up again.  As I laid in bed, I reminded myself that it was just a dream, and I began to pray.

I wonder if this was just a coincidence or if God was sending me the storm and the dream as a reminder.  Do I believe that God still speaks today?  Yes.  I believe He speaks through His Word – The Bible.  I believe He can speak through life’s circumstances and surroundings.  But does He speak through storms and dreams in the middle of the night?  It’s a good question.

I’m not an expert on dreams (can you tell?).  But I’m thinking that our dreams are sometimes simply a response to our fatigue level, the happenings of the previous day, and the pizza we ate the night before.  But my hunch is that God can and does still speak to us through our dreams.  If that’s the case, does this mean that one of my loved ones is in trouble?  Or is it simply a reminder to reach out to this person and to pray for them more regularly?  More questions.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91

How Crazy Are Your Dreams?

How crazy are your dreams?

Over the weekend, Felix Baumgartner skydived from over 128,000 feet above the earth.  I don’t know the full story, but the video above captures the highlights.  This daredevil obviously had a crazy dream.  Who would every dream of jumping out of a weather balloon at the edge of the atmosphere with nothing more than a parachute and a space suit?

Our dreams don’t have to be that crazy, but how big are our dreams?

We were talking about this the other night at dinner as we discussed the parable of the talents.  Did you ever stop to realize that God has given us gifts to use and dreams to pursue?  Sometimes I think that we dream way too small.  As we were talking about it at our dinner table, we asked the question – what dreams has God-given us?

I commented that I have a dream to write a book someday.  My wife quickly responded that this dream seems rather small as that dream isn’t all that far off considering the amount of writing I do these days.  She challenged me to think bigger – to dream a crazier dream.

Okay, here goes.  I want to write a library of books – at least 10.  I want to build a village – not just one house in Guatemala.  I dream of being 100% debt free – including the mortgage.  I dream of making over two million dollars and giving most of it away.  I dream of leaving a legacy that goes way beyond my life time.  I dream of standing on top of Mt. Everest – of visiting Sweden – of showing people God’s love by the way I live everyday.

So often, I limit my dreams.  I become content with having three meals a day, living a comfortable life, and going through the motions and routines of everyday living.  I think life can be so much more than this.

I don’t think I’ll every jump out of a weather balloon over 20 miles from the earth’s surface, but I want to do things in my life that matter – that go beyond my hopes and wildest dreams – that leave a dent in this world.

God has not given us a spirit of fear. But he has given us a spirit of power and love and self-control.  2 Timothy 1:7

How about you?  How crazy are your dreams?

What are you doing to pursue your dreams?

Pint Size Dreams Or Ocean Size Dreams

Over the course of this year, God has definitely been working on my understanding of faith.  Back in the spring, I posted about taking a leap of faith.  That message is still working on me.  This weekend, we had the honor and pleasure of hosting Dave Sgro and his son, Luke, at our house on Saturday night and to our church on Sunday morning.  Dave and his family are missionaries in the town of Xenacoj in Guatemala.  Our team worked with his organization (Guatemala Outreach (Go!) Ministries) while we were in Guatemala this summer.

Dave and Luke arrived at our house late around 10PM on Saturday night.  I’m sure he was tired from driving and we were tired from a busy day, but we stayed up for a couple of hours to hear more about Dave’s ministry.  It’s exciting to hear how God is providing ideas and resources for things that are having a huge impact on the town of Xenacoj.  Dave also shared his families’ story about their decision to sell everything they owned in North Carolina including their home and business and to move their entire family to Guatemala two years ago.

As we talked, Dave talked about our expectations for God.  He says that we often limit God through our expectations and dreams.  We expect God to fill our pint size hopes and dreams when God is actually capable of filling ocean size hopes and dreams.  It was a reminder that we need to dream big.  I wrote about this earlier when I talked about building a house in Guatemala.  This gave me a taste of this.  I could have just sought out enough money to go on the trip, but I decided to see if we could build a house through The Stretched Community.  I wonder even in that thought if I my expectations were too limited.

What would happen if we really dreamed bigger – if we realized that God is able to do far more than we could ever imagine?

Here are some of the ideas that come to mind for me:

• A family missions trip this summer to Xenacoj with other families.  No, a lifetime of Kingdom Journeys that change families both here in America and around the world.
• Another house built by and through the Stretched Community.  No, a real Stretched Community built by and through The Stretched Blog and The Stretched Community.
• A book.  No, ten books!

It’s my prayer that you and I would wake up to the vast love and power of a God who is able to do far more that we could imagine.  Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 makes more sense to me now than ever:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Seriously, how are you putting limits on your dreams?  How can you enlarge your dreams?  What is one area where you need to grasp how wide and long and high and deep God’s love is for you?  What’s your dream – is it pint-sized or ocean-sized?

WOW! Guatemala Goal Met!

For those of you who have been following along, The Stretched Community has been working together to fund the costs to build a house in Guatemala.  If you read my post this morning, you may have noticed that we still needed $2,550 to meet this target.

Well…

You stepped up!  The goal was met as of 1:36PM today!

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

I am amazed and blown away by the power of taking a leap of faith and by the power of community.

Thanks to your generous support, The Stretched Community will be responsible for building a house in Guatemala.

The goal has been met, but there’s still an opportunity to be involved.  You can give towards another home by hitting the fundraising page, and you can definitely pray for our trip.  My post from earlier today provides some specific prayer requests.

God is great!

When was the last time you were blown away?