Dreaming...(Hmmm?)

"Do you ever dream?"  I mean, do you ever sit around and think about what the future holds for you?  I have found myself thinking and even dreaming about what life could look like for me 10, 20 even 30 years from now.  So, I ask again, "Do you ever dream?"

Someone once said that without dreams something inside of you dies!  I believe it is healthy to dream.  You need dreams to grow, to love, to live, and to just be excited about life.  Once again, dreaming is healthy!

But here is the caution I would share with you.  In every relationship, as you share your dream with your spouse, your parents, or even your friends, you must understand that they (and even yourself)  can either kill or kindle your dreams. 

Here is a list of seven (7) dream killers:

1. Thinking too small
2. Procrastination
3. Poor planning
4. Fear
5. Laziness
6. Distraction
7. Negativity and criticism

Sometimes you kill your own dreams and sometimes other can kill your dreams.  The death of a dream usually leads to grief, disappointment, depression, anger, or even despair. 

Now for the list of seven (7) things that kindle dreams:

1. Permission to dream
2. Passion and excitement
3. Determination
4. Positive self-talk
5. Visualizing success
6. Interests by others
7. Encouragement

Listen to what the Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  The Lord has great plans for all of us, and many times He lays those plans on our heart as a dream.  Therefore, ask yourself this question, "Am I kindling or killing the dreams in my own life and in the life of others?"

I thought I would close this out with a list of "quotes" on dreams:

• If you don't have dreams, you don't have anything.  (Jim Morris in the movie The Rookie)
• All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.  (Walt Disney)
• The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
• Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the...blueprints of your ultimate achievements." (Napoleon Hill)
• It may be those who do most, dream most. (Stephen Leacock)
• We grow by dreams. (Woodrow Wilson)
• Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours. (Less Brown)
• Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow. (Unknown)