Discovering New Dreams

It's here! It's here! Marybeth Whalen's first novel The Mailbox has been released, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I ordered 2 copies as gifts this week for a couple of my very favorite people.

Here's the gorgeous trailer for the book just to whet your appetite...

You can order the book here to take on your vacation.

On Monday I started telling the story about how God is moving me into a season of life that's requiring faith. Here's how the shift started...

I followed my dream of teaching for six years. They were years filled with joy, learning and fulfillment. When I found out that I was pregnant with our first child, I happily relinquished my role as teacher for a role that I had also longed for since I was a little girl--mom.

Over the years, God has provided part-time jobs for me that fit around Barry's job, and I had the privilege and honor of living the role of mostly-stay-at-home mom. In the back of my mind, though, I always thought that I'd probably go back to teaching when it was time to return to the workplace.

Over a year ago, I had the chance to go back into the classroom in a very unique situation. I was offered a job in a private school where I taught 4 hours a day 4 days a week. To top it off, I only had 2 students in my tiny classroom! It seemed perfect. I could be home when the boys were home, continue to speak and write and still teach.

There was only one thing missing. My passion for teaching has disappeared.

Years ago I sat across from my friend Christie and listened to her talk about her work with students on their campus. She shared about establishing Bible studies in the dorms, discipleship of the young women she lived with and bringing new leaders in to reach students. At that moment I thought, "I'd do anything to be able to talk to people about Jesus all day long."

I still love teaching and it's still my strength, but now I want to teach God's Word and reach out with the gospel more than anything else.

Don't get me wrong. I worked hard this year, and my struggle brought me to my knees over and over again as I asked God to help me to do my best for His glory. I wanted to do a good job and help my two students love school. But in my heart I knew that this was a close to my little girl dreams.

In February, the director of my school asked me to make a commitment to come back next year. God clearly said, "No". You'd think that it would be easy to obey, but my head wanted to argue with God. "It would be foolish to give up a job without having another one. What if there's nothing else? I contribute to our household budget. I need to know what's next."

"No" was the only answer I got. I prayed and prayed, and suddenly my heart began to fill with faith. If God was shutting this door, He would be faithful to open another. If He was saying "no" to teaching, then there was a "yes" waiting around the corner.

I finally told my director that I wouldn't be back next year. My heart had a few flutters of fear, but excitement flooded my soul too. The world was wide open!

"Lord," I prayed, "would you give me a new dream?" I had no idea how He would provide beyond what I could ask or imagine. His timing, training and provision has blown me away. On Friday I finish the story and make an announcement.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear about your dreams. I'd love to hear about:

• What unfulfilled dreams has God placed in your heart?
• Have you had different dreams in different seasons?
• Do you feel a nudge to fuel your dream with faith and step out? How are you feeling?