Dreaming Reality

February 4, 2014

I was sitting in the living room, curled up in the arm chair having my morning devotional. Staring out the window, I was really missing my friends that morning. Not just any friends but those so-close-you-don't-even-have-to-speak kind of friends. 

Moving around the country had it's advantages, seeing new places, meeting new people. But, what I always struggled with, was leaving those who were in my heart behind. Those I could trust with who I was, who I am, and what I was going through. Those who partnered in prayer with and for me. 

I had been reading the book "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson. He challenged me to circle in prayer things, desires that God had place in my heart and see if He would be faithful. So I did. I circle my friends-my heart friends in prayer. I had been circling my desire, my need, to be part of something, to be part of a prayer group. But, not just any prayer group. One that somehow included my prayer-partnering-heart friends.

That's when it came like a flood.  Ideas to start a prayer group. A women's prayer group that would not be constrained by place or time. Where those in the group could pray with and for each other, where ever we were, at anytime, about the same topic, while being as heart-specific as needed with in the group. Then, as those with in the group felt God moved, they would start another group, and then other groups would be started. Like ripples in a pond.

All through out the day, the ideas came. Writing this God inspired dream on anything I could get my hands on when He spoke.

But, then as I thought more about it, and started sharing with some others. Doubt crept in. "How can you be part of a group of people you never meet with or see?" "I've never seen anything like this before." "Write a blog-Scary" "What if no one wants to be part of it?" "What if it never grows beyond you?"

I believe like anything God designed, the devil tries to destroy; and the only way I know how to do battle with the devil is on my knees. So I kept praying.

I prayed over the idea and over those I wanted to ask to be in it. I asked those I had shared the idea to pray. Then, I asked those I thought about being in it, to pray before they gave me an answer. 

After praying over it for a few weeks. I knew regardless of my doubts, God was saying to move. So, March 1, 2014 the ministry "Circle of Prayer" began.

Let me tell you, through the years things didn't always go the way I thought they should have. I've wondered why would God even choose me? Why would anyone read what we have to say? Should we even keep going? How will I make this dream a reality?

Just last month, I received and e-mail for one of my heart-friends we started the group with and she said I could share it with you all. 


Hi All, 
These last few months have been busy.... But when is life not busy? I asked you all several months ago to pray for me, for an idea I had. I don't remember if I was specific with you or not but I am over due in sharing with you all.


It started back when we had our small group retreat... A seed was planted, though it was not abundantly clear...a dream was born... I thank you all for your prayers. This dream over the months became clear, I wanted to start a small group for girls here at Campion. The challenges have been many, I've tried a couple avenues in which to start this group, to no avail.  I need a co-leader, though the people I talked to thought it was a great idea they were not able commit the time. Through support from my husband and prayers from all of you, we are launching a pilot group this year!  It gives me good bumps just thinking about the process.

She continued by saying...

This year the Spiritual VP and myself have been praying over names and decided that to pilot this year with one group, we needed to invite 6-8 girls to join.  This morning for the first time... I had good bumps and tears of joy in my eyes to see these girls gather at my house for an hour to kick off our small group.  5 of the eight we invited came the other 3 are still deciding.


Please continue to pray for this year, this group, these girls... That this may be a success.  My big dream is that every student can be in a small group that it would be available starting freshman year with the same group members for all 4 years and the same group leaders for all 4 years.  Imagine! The impact! Doing life together, building authentic faith, learning, knowing God better and building our relationship with each other. Being that safe environment where kids can be honest, vulnerable, and ask questions. Just imagine! 


Again thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray....Please surround us daily in this endeavor.


Photo by Cerys Lowe on Unsplash
What I've come to realize is that when God puts the dream in our hearts, and we seek after Him in prayer HE will be faithful to make it a reality.

So, I'm asking you. 

What dream has He put in your heart and what's He asking you to do about it? 

Take that step towards your God designed dream-and see for yourself if He will be faithful.

Rejoice evermore.Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(KJV)

~kartini r. maxson

What’s Your Dream?

This month we are praying for the dreams that are God inspired.  Those dreams that He is placing on our hearts.  Do you know the ones that I am talking about? If not, that is okay. Hopefully by the end of the month, you will have your God inspired dream.

In the movie “Tangled” there is a question raised.  “What’s Your Dream?”  That question is significant to all of us.  Do you have a dream?  Maybe it is a dream that has been lying dormant in you for a long time.  Is there a dream that you don’t know where it came from?  Could be God inspired.

Even as children, we had dreams. Maybe it was what you were going to be when you grew up or who you would marry.  Those dreams seem to change and mature as we change and mature.  Some dreams morph into something different then what we first thought. 

What about the God inspired dreams?  Can you recognize the dreams that are God inspired?   Do you know the difference? 

I have dreams.  Some of them are just mine, and some of them are God inspired.  As I was thinking about this month’s prayer blog, I realized that I do have God designed dreams.  There are quite a few, in fact.

One dream, that I feel is God inspired, seems to be always out of my reach. God has been seemingly guiding me towards this dream.  I keep following Him, and His will, and yet the dream still seems out of my reach. 

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
I keep trying to make it a reality by myself, but it seems just a little past my fingertips.  One day after another passes by, and I don’t see how this dream will come true.  It has been a long time, and there are many days that I am frustrated and angry.  My focus is on what more can I do to make this dream a reality.

Maybe I am missing the point that God is trying to show me.  To get to the realization that I must rely on God.  I can be ever ready for it, but continue to keep my focus on Him.  If all I focus on is that dream and why it is not becoming a reality and not focusing on God, then I have lost the point. The point is our journey with God.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

I dream of getting the books that I have written through the years published.  God has inspired me to use my creative imagination and write the stories that are in my head down.  Yet, something holds me back from putting the books out there to be published.  My fear that no one will want to read them.
The fear is dictating my life. Again, I have lost the focus, or the point that God wants me to have.  If He has inspired or given me this dream, then why do I fear?  God is bigger than any fear.

My prayer is that I will allow God to be…God.  He has given me an amazing life, and yes it has been ugly at times, but there has been beauty.  Through it all my God has been there for me every step of the way.  Why do I think that He is going to stop now?

This month, I pray that each of you reading this blog will know the God designed dreams for you.  I pray that you keep your eyes and hearts and souls so focused on God that He will show you the dreams He has for you, and the strength to do what needs to be done.  I pray for you all.

So, what is your God inspired dream?  Go out and find it and embrace God and step out in faith when He asks you too.  He has got you.  Just remember, we are all in this life together.  Let’s make this life an amazing one where our God inspired dreams come true.

Dear Lord,

I pray for each person who is reading this blog.  Show us Your dreams for us.  Give us the courage and strength to step out in faith where necessary and the courage to be patient when needed.  Help each one of us to keep our focus on You and that our journey with You is our number one priority.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen


Laura Maxson

September Prayer Topic: Taking Steps Toward You God Inspired Dreams



 Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11