Do you feel it rattling, stirring, thumping?
Do you recognize it calling from the deep, across the din, through the echoes of these ordinary days?
Do you watch as it runs across the hills and soars through the skies and lands in the sparkling light upon your hair and proclaims that you are made for something?
In the rare moments of still, in that nodding yes, in the open hand cupping, do you feel the God life in you?
For you — you are made for more than the dirge of “not enough” and “not me.”
You, made from holy dust like stars, are made for shining.
Stars pulse with the God life placed within and they glow full luminous, unashamed.
Do you believe your Creator crafted you to shine?
You who are God’s workmanship, you made for good work, might you put aside cynicism and comparison and condemnation and hear this first because here begins the shining, the dreaming:
You are loved.
I just returned from Nebraska — yes, Nebraska — and it was glorious. That’s the place I stayed above. While there, in the company of radiant, shining people, I had the privilege to explore what it means to live a God-sized dream at Jumping Tandem: The Retreat. Over the next several posts, I will be attempting to place parts of my experiences into words for you, for me. (Really, that feels like no small task.)
Today, I want you to know that while I was away, you were on my mind. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the presence of each of you who comes to share words and ideas and glimmers of hope in this space. I love you greatly and thank God for you. Truly, I do.
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Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
Dear Ashley
I was wondering today why I haven’t seen a post from you in a long time. So, I was glad to find this in my inbox! Of course we are made of stardust!!! Looking forward to your post about your time in Nebraska.
Blessings
Mia
Thank you for welcoming me back, Mia. I look forward to beginning to unravel it all…it may take me a while. :-) Blessings to you.
And we can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate you. It is my hope that you never feel pressured to write, but instead only prompted. Your writing touches, inspires, illuminates and encourages…How evident it is that HE is working in YOU! You shine sister, you truly do!
Sissy, I so appreciate you speaking these life words. I am grateful for all the ways you shine…I have certainly been the recipient. Thankful, too, for you speaking grace to me this morning….I love you.
So glad you got to go to this retreat. What great folks were there, including you! I am excited to see what you share with us all.
I so want to do something like this in the next year. Will you be in the same place again or does this retreat move around?
It was an amazing group. Sure would love to see you in the flesh, my friend. Not sure what the plan is for next year (or if there is one?), but I expect that will become more clear in coming months. Deidra Riggs and the Jumping Tandem retreat website would be the places to follow for that info.
I can’t wait to hear more about your journey through your words.
It sounds like your dreams have been given breath, blown up like a giant balloon…ready to soar!
love you
Your words about being blown up like a giant balloon are so apt, my friend. When I was ready to leave Sunday, I told someone with me that I felt so full (not in the usual way) that I could float right out the door. Buoyant with “dreams given breath” — such a perfect way to say it. xoxo
What a joy it will be to follow along in your telling. Processing an experience that rich and deep is no small task. So breathe deep and linger long. We are here when you are ready. We will learn much from your writing it out. xo e
Thank you, dear Elizabeth, for your encouragement. I’m receiving your wisdom to breathe deeply and linger. And thank you for being with me here as it comes.
On this beautiful morning, reading your words of sun and breath, I believe we must surely be created partly of stardust…and maybe mostly you, sweet dear dreamer of dreams! What will you share with us next? I can barely wait to hear…I know they are the very words I need.
such gratitude, such love, mama
I was telling a friend this weekend that my parents always told me I could do anything. You believed in me far before I believed in myself. It’s such gift to have so often heard those words, Mama, so I recognize the echoes of love right into my present world. As I sort through all that’s kept me from belief, I am clinging firm to the hand of the One who knows and remembering yours that’s held mine.
Made from holy dust like stars. Made for shining. I’m so grateful for that image- thank you!
And thank you, Abbey. Your presence blesses me.
I have been wanting to find out what you thought about that retreat! – DREAMS- Oh how i Love to dream big dreams- and as CS Lewis said, You are never too old to dream another dream- . . .blessings dear friend- cornelia
What a great quote! I have learned much about dreaming big dreams from you, my friend. Thank you for sharing with me on the journey.
I’m so glad we met and shared the wonderful retreat together. I’m still processing all that God did in me. I do know that I felt such a unity of God’s Spirit there, in spite of what I’m sure are many differences among us.
I will be in touch with you and the rest of the Or-e-gone girls soon. :)
Elizabeth, I am still processing too! So much stirring. I agree…what a powerful experience of love and unity. How powerful and unique in this world. It was a joy to meet you, and I look forward to connecting with you in the great state of Or-e-gone. :)
I cannot wait to hear about those dreams… :)
Thanks, Duane. I so appreciate you cheering me on. Back atcha brother.
“You, made from holy dust like stars, are made for shining.” You shine lady. So brightly for Jesus! Thank you for sharing your heart with me. Highlight of my trip! I can’t wait to see how you put that amazing experience to words. I still haven’t managed to…Love you!
Oh, sweet Vickie. I keep thinking of you and Jessica…that was some powerful, heart connecting and dreaming time. Really excited to see all that’s to come in your God-sized dream! And truly looking forward to meeting Elise, too!
When I read your words, friend, my heart just soars. You flick the light on in dimmed and darkened places; you stir the embers of the fire that is struggling to ignite; you fly us up like a kite in the breeze and your words echo all across the valley. I can’t tell you enough how much I stand in awe of God in you. Thank you, for being you. Looking forward, too, to hearing your experiences unfold and those dreams… can’t wait to hear those!
You bless me…over and over. How you are gift to me, dear Amber. Thrilled to continue dreaming with you.
100% needed to read this today (and many days). Your writing is such a gift! The photo and quote is fantastic. Thank you, Ashley!
Thank you, Nis! So happy to see you here. Your words are a gift to me in return, and I am praying you know the depths of God’s love for you today.
i am giddy with joy that you got to go away on this retreat. that picture looks dreamy.i want to be in it. thanks for going and sharing with us and letting me be a part of that picture. your words reminded me that my dreams were planted there by my maker. and HE is more than able to make them come true. so exciting.
Honey, I can imagine you in that photo. Right next to those geese in the lower right hand corner. Or maybe frolicking down the hill like the Little House girls. God has placed such beautiful dreams in you, and I am so grateful to keep seeing how they take shape and wing. Fly, little Kinny, fly. :)