“…[He] will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in…the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights… Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3 MSG
From my design series at dreaminsoul.com – Julene Fleurmond, editor of Dream in Soul Magazine…Keep dreaming!
Check out one of the dreams I’ve been pursuing at my blog, creating inspirational music with a greater purpose…
Above is an animation showing a snippet of lyrics for my song “Arise and Shine (Dare Dreamer)” and a little venturing into stop-motion (I love trying new things) The lyrics in the clip above say:
A while back I shared how I have been pursuing my dream of inspiring others through music. It’s weird but I’ve been realizing that one of the reasons why I’ve been avoiding doing music is because I’ve been feeling so unconnected with so much of the music in the world and felt like I had to follow the way things have been done. I was like I’m not even as passionate about singing as I am about other things and as much as music artists are, I don’t feel like a “singer,” I’m a speaker/writer/visual artist why do You want me to do this??? Then He told me though multiple ways and people, why can’t you be both, I made you that way…why can’t we merge our passions into something that hasn’t been seen before?
It came to the point where I couldn’t even listen to music or enjoy it much, like I always felt like something was off for me. Not because other music is bad music but because when God wants you to step out into the unknown to create something new He makes you restless and annoyed until you do it, lol…so don’t avoid your purpose. You won’t feel fully alive until you fully embrace your calling.
People like Walt Disney and Oprah Winfrey inspire me (I might have been their wild child) because they paved new paths, defined their own success and innovated unique dreams that did not exist before and didn’t wait for anyone’s validation. That’s my dream – to meld my passions into something new that may not “fit in” but expresses that part of God’s heart I’m created to be. For the longest time I felt pressured to do what others expected me to or to fit a mold so others can like me but that’s no way to live!
I don’t want this to be about me – stars don’t shine alone in the dark sky. My dream is not celebrity but community – to ignite a movement to unite singers and artists who have a heart for creating art with a greater mission and together we support one another, collaborate and change the world. Sound like you? Send me a line!
<3 Why do so many great artists fall and why do so many artists struggle - maybe because we were never made to carry glory alone or to be worshipped but to unite to draw people to the greatest Artist of all...
I’m loving the single “Through Your Eyes” From Britt Nicole and so happy that she is releasing new music. The message of the song strikes a chord – how often we pressure ourselves to be something that God never called us to be and how His grace and love sets us free to be His…
“I have had bad anxiety since I was 10 years old. For those of you struggling with it, I understand now that it can be really serious and damaging. Be compassionate towards each other. You have no idea how much it can help those with emotional needs!
“This is my story. I hope that it encourages others who struggle with mental disorders to start the process of stepping away from their shame and fear. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” – Alex G
Be sure to check out Alex’s amazing music – here are some of my favorites: her passionate cover of “I Was Made For Loving You” with James David (DAVIE) (the original is by Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran) and her original song Lighthouse with spoken word by Danielle Bennett – so beautiful, heart-moving and relevant to what so many people are feeling in the world today. All of these young artists are inspiring ones to follow, be sure to check out their sites below!
We introduced “The Casting Call” a while back and wanted to make sure you’ve seen more of this comedy web series created by young adults at Mosaic Church and Hillsong LA…
I’ve been jammin to the song “I Know” from Group 1 Crew from the album “Power” that is out on July 29. It’s a great reminder that in whatever happens in life we don’t have to worry because God’s got it under control.
I also love this message from Manwell, on how important it is to trust the timing of God and the preparation process He has us going through in order to live out our purpose – embrace the process and don’t rush your blessing. Thanks for the realness and encouragement!
Above is a snippet of my story that I shared on Periscope (join me @dreamfleur) of how my life has changed once I found true love. I spent the past few months at Christ for the Nations (I highly recommend that place for anyone who has a dream of changing the world and wants to connect with God in a deeper way to get more direction). One of the biggest lessons is that sometimes God wants us to step out of our comfort zone to reach out to the people around us that we don’t know, to show them love and maybe pray for them if we feel led to.
Our dreams can have a platform that reaches so many people but at times God wants us to get out of our comfort zone to talk to one person and see how they’re doing, and to share His love with them – it could make all the difference in their world!
Dream BIG and dare to dream deeper, seeing people like God sees them, with live, reaching out to the lonely and the overlooked. It fills you up with so much joy to know you made a difference on someone’s life and in turn you change the world!
Below is one of the devotions I wrote for CFNI on this topic of being love to people to change the world:
Our culture often looks to crowds and numbers as a measure of influence, especially in our social media-driven world. Even in ministry we could get distracted by being overly focused on status and boosting our numbers.
Jesus did teach crowds and feed multitudes but He also did significant ministry work on the personal level. There was the moment He looked tenderly into the face of the woman at the well and several times when He stopped to heal determined individuals who were in need.
Loving others is our call, but how often do we leave our comfort zones and the church building to love people one-on-one? Are we too distracted striving to be great to notice individuals God has placed in our path for a greater purpose? When we cultivate relationships with others and genuinely show compassion they’ll tangibly experience God’s love.
Let’s ask God to give us eyes to see those who feel invisible and forgotten, the downcast and weary. We can heal the broken-hearted and set captives free through love and service – if we dare to get uncomfortable and personal. -Julene Fleurmond #cfnidevotionals #relationships Find more inspiration and nourishment for your spirit on my blog http://dreamfleur.com.
Below is a video promo for Christ for the Nations that some of my friends are featured in and produced. CFNI is really an inspiring place – whatever your dream is it might be a place to learn to dream DEEPER with a greater mission:
As dreamers sometimes we think multitasking is the way to go but Dr. Caroline Leaf explains how it is doing us more harm than good.
About Dr. Leaf
Switch On Your Brain is hosted by Dr. Caroline Leaf, world-renown cognitive neuroscientist, communication pathologist and biblical and scientific expert on the mind. Dr. Leaf explains, in practical terms, how you can renew your mind and control your thoughts. She reveals the link between brain science and your emotions, intellect and health. She demonstrates how brain science reveals God, because God created science.
Find Out More: http://drleaf.com