Photo courtesy of whologwhy (adorable, but not my daughter)

Where did this bold creature come from?

On a Thursday night, I sit on our faded, stretched-to-fit slipcovered couch. Our girl tells me to listen, and not say anything as she practices her speech. She is running for one of three class representative positions in her 4th grade class.

I am permitted to share my opinion once she is done.

Last week, for four days straight, she writes, rewrites and practices her speech after school. I watch with eyes wide open at her excitement, and joy as she types on our shared laptop. She adds musical allusions to her speech, and a mini-song and dance routine at the end.

Her giant smile splashed across her face, and overflowing exuberance, as she rehearsed her speech, left me speechless.

Is this the same girl, who cried before going on stage for a one-minute dance performance, in preschool?

Because of a blog comment and tweet, I have been talking to God about dreams.

What my daughter taught me about going for your dreams:

1. Go with what gives you joy, and have fun.* This may run counter to what some of us were told as we grew up.

2. Don't let fear of failure keep you from trying.

3. Sandwich practice between two big slices of prayer.

4. Get input from your community. She asked us what we thought about her speech. She practiced in front of her friends.

5. Tell yourself, if it doesn't work this time, there is always a next time (or another opportunity for a new dream).

6. Even if your heart is beating so loud, and you think everyone can hear it thumping: go for it, and give your speech anyway.

7. Knowing no matter what happens, you are loved. Your worth is not determined by your performance. I tell her this, and I pray it will anchor her soul through life's inevitable storms.

God reminds me: "You have a heavenly Father, who loves you, and has a dream (Ephesians 2:10) for your life." So I practice my writing. And I tell myself: I am making a midlife change, and not having a midlife crisis.

Here is a song, "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris that beautifully expresses what loving parents hope for their child(ren), and what God desires for His children:

Subscribers, click here to hear song.

For a version with the lyrics, link here.

I hope to write a series about God and dreams with occasional breaks, such as for Five Minute Fridays. A couple of ideas are brewing. Any suggestions?

* I am assuming what gives you joy is what is wholesome, beneficial to others (not harmful), and pleasing to God.

Counting thanks with Ann:

• Telling our girl I was proud of her and each child, who was brave enough to risk running, and giving a speech.
• Although we celebrated her election with an ice cream cone, I told her I was proud of her courage, and for trying despite her fears.
• The grace of her life.
• Sleeping on clean sheets
• Hubby had a battery to replace the beeping smoke detector in our girl's room that went off @ 1 a.m.
• Recycling old magazines
• Praying with friends for our school and our kids...Such an encouragement.
• Watching a squirrel sit on a branch and nibble on an apple attached to another branch
• Time to relax with hubby and our girl for a day.
• Time to get rid of clutter with hubby and our girl for a day.
• Tried a very yummy mini chicken potpie(here: new to us.)

I am very grateful for God's great patience and gentleness with me.

Which tip spoke to you? What is one of your dreams?

Thank you for stopping to share a moment with me. Your presence is a gift. Truly.

Linking with sweet, and gifted friend Laura for a play date

and giving thanks with wise Ann 

and talented L.L. Barkat

and the amazing Jen 

© Soul Stops/Dolly Lee 2012.