a lifestyle blog about motherhood, intention, whimsical moments, and wellness
where are all the dreamers?
I had this conversation a few weeks ago over coffee.
Where are all the dreamers?
They are afraid. discouraged.
They feel like their dreams are too big.
They feel like their dreams could never be a reality.
From the day I have married Chris I have been on an adventure.
In the beginning I fought it a bit. or a lot. I liked security and I liked to sit in those same lies that I typed above.
and one day, God grabbed me and shook me and said enough!
Our marriage has been full of leaps. full of adventures. in seven years we have done so much.
Chris always says :
” what is your definition of success? to me… “
it is a loved wife, a happy home, babies that are pursued and cherished.
it is food on the table and a roof on our heads
it is a couple that follows their dreams when God says go.
Two years ago in March Chris came to me and told me that God was calling him to leave his job and go freelance. We had been struggling financially (which I regret writing so much about now) …regardless, Chris felt like he could provide for us and make what we needed better on his own. So with a negative bank account and not any idea what was next we took the leap.
Within 2 weeks he had enough jobs lined up to buy all of his equipment and pay all of our bills.
Every month from that moment God has provided just enough work to pay exactly what we need.
I think sometimes God calls us to jobs we hate for seasons.
and I believe that sometimes. just sometimes we are supposed to leap.
When He calls you to.
He is a creator and He made us to be as well.
I feel alive when I am creating.
Chris feels alive when he is creating.
When I am putting thoughts out on paper.
When we are doing exactly what God made us to do.
When I have fresh paint hitting a blank canvas or when I am capturing a moment through a photo…. I feel alive when I see Chris making much of His gifts… when he is giving those gifts right back to Him by using them.
It is in these moments that I feel it all making sense.
Chris has had an idea for almost a year now. and in the past few months we realized that it was going to become a reality. and it’s scary all over again because it is a huge risk.
But we are excited for it!
For about two weeks I wrestled with it just a bit. I let the fear creep in a bit and I let a few lies wiggle their way in. I let my tummy stay in knots and I played through all the “what ifs”…
and then…
then God said it again…enough. “Who do you think I am??”
I let it go. and here we are.
leaping again.
They say (who are “they” anyway??)
They say that in marriage there are moments when the way the other person is will make you a better person, or will make you want to be a better person.
This morning at church there was a song that particularly struck me… it was exactly what I needed to hear as we embark on this journey and mid song I realized that Chris lives this way.
I see it.
Everyday that I have known him, he lives this way.
It makes me want to be better everyday.
I am soooo excited to share more soon!
a few hints…. I can’t spill all the beans at once!
They say (who are “they” anyway??)
They say that in marriage there are moments when the way the other person is will make you a better person, or will make you want to be a better person.
This morning at church there was a song that particularly struck me… it was exactly what I needed to hear as we embark on this journey and mid song I realized that Chris lives this way.
I see it.
Everyday that I have known him, he lives this way.
It makes me want to be better everyday.
I am soooo excited to share more soon!
a few hints…. I can’t spill all the beans at once!
** Chris will be fixing up the airstream before he leaves… he has fixed up and built everything in our entire house… this will be his love language for sure to have this task!
*** it just might involve a movie. and something that is very relevant to a lot of you.
Once this whole thing gets going I will be posting weekly about his journey along the way and also he will be sharing daily updates on his instagram.
April 15, 2013
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I loved this post! It touches my heart, especially since I experienced water baptism today and I feel like God is telling me to become a female pastor. It's a path that I had never thought about but it came to me today and I just kind of want to feel it out, learn more about that path, and go wherever God guides me.
Your posts are always so beautiful. How awesome your man is to take that leap of faith and God has rewarded you. I can relate to the situation he was in though I don't have the guts to do it yet. This is awesome that he can build such beautiful things. You are both blessings to each other. Your kids are adorable as always. Always a pleasure to read your posts.
Aloha,
Jean //What Jean Likes
How EXCITING!!!! I can't wait to hear more. Also? I love you.
Can you be a dreamer but not an adventurer? I think that's me. 🙂 I can't wait to hear about your journey! And girl – I will pray for you when Chris is gone – that would be SUPER hard for me!
Oh how exciting!! That airstream is my dream come true (can you tell? I totes a dreamer too 😉 Love your passion for dreaming, you two are inspiring!
XO
I love this post with all my heart.
I needed to read this tonight! I am in the season of hating my job…haha. Your post was a great reminder that God is still in control and still guiding, and I have to be patient (don't you wish that those seasons were a little shorter?? It's like okay God, I get it….now let's get going…haha).
Thank you for your words.
You guys are so inspirational. since the moment I found your blog I have always been in awe of what you have achieved and the manner in which you do this. I'm a dreamer, but I feel all those things, fear mostly. I'd love to just through caution to the wind and 'do it' but my husband is our rock, my sensible, that tells me the mortgage needs to be paid. I'm not discouraged by this, I appreciate what he brings to the relationship, but oh what I'd give to be heart first head later. I look forward to continuing on your journey and being ever inspired. well done guys.
Super exciting and inspiring as usual. I have been feeling this way for a while, right on the edge of the cliff and God asking me to trust and take that next leap with him. It is so exciting to live life this way… even when it scary, trust is always better 🙂
Kendra @ openspaces
You're so brave to be so open-hearted about your husband adventuring without you. I'd be heartbroken if that happened and it would be extremely hard for me. I hope it all goes well. <3
-Lindsey
SO excited for you, friend!! Yay!!
I am married to a Chris also and we are in the middle of a leap and a journey as well. 🙂 Reading this post was wonderful and reminded me to have hope and to not let the enemy sneak in his lies. What a great reminder. Thanks for sharing!
~Andi
This is so exciting, Casey! Can't wait to see what God does as you both step out in faith together!
So excited for you, casey! So excited to see where God takes you as you step out in Him!
Wahh!!! That airstream reminds me of my grandparents 1970's GMC motorcoach that I sent MANY a long hot New England summers in. I wish I could track down where that motor home was, because I WANT IT BACK!! The Lord will totally fill your every desire for this project + your kiddos will cherish the memories of this project.
Ashley // ashleybeatrice.com
Ahhh…Casey. We are cut from the same cloth. Secret sisters or something like that. 🙂 You write things that I have felt myself before {or currently!}. You write about struggles I've struggled with and express the same fears I've feared. But you are so absolutely right.
A lot of people, including myself, have stayed there.
We don't push past the fear. We let other people control the decisions we make. We don't take the leap.
This year, I decided that it was indeed enough. Enough over-analyzing, enough anxiety about the future, enough insecurity. And I wanted to push past it. Purposefully do things that had scared me before, but that I loved. And God has stretched me. And brought so many opportunities. And I wonder why I waited so long, you know?
Thanks for writing, friend! I LOVE that God has crossed our paths. 🙂
this sounds pretty awesome! so excited to read more. now following your journey 2 years, maybe you are a bit sorry that you wrote about your financial struggles, but what you wrote is real and true and brave. it helps other people to leap out in faith. I`m also a freelancer and expierienced a lot of similar things. I`m always coming back to this place because I love to read your family story, how you leap out,trust God with your struggles…and he is providing and blessing the things you do, it´s so increadable what happend during the last 2 years. It´s a beautiful story God is writing with you and because it`s real and true ( the way you wrote it down and the way it is) it`s such an encouragement to others! be blessed! noni from far away Germany!
I love your blog! I have been reading it for almost a year and it is very beautiful and inspirational! I could really relate to this post. Over the past few months my husband and I have taken some leaps of faith. We recently moved to another state away from all our family and friends to help plant a church. Then this fall we will be going on a 3 week mission trip to Nepal! It is amazing the things we say we would never do, but somehow those are exactly the things God has planned for us! I am excited to start our adventures and continue to read more about yours!
I love how you both hear God and listen! I will ever be in prayer for your little family! What you and Chris do is truly beautiful and inspiring!
Wwww, that airstream is so cool, gotta love a man that can build and fix things! I hope you'll write about your journey of having 3 little ones without the hubs around!
Wow, that airstream is so cool, gotta love a man that can build and fix things! I hope you will also document your experience with 3 kiddos while he is gone. That will probably be equally if not more inspiring than his adventure!
great pics, casey. so excited for chris, for you. i definitely don't dream big enough because sometimes i just get anxiety if i can't make it happen NOW. but come on! that's not how dreams work. i'll keep dreamin…
Wow post couldn't have been timed more perfectly.. I read here alot but don't comment much.. My life has been turned completely upside down in the last two weeks, in family and work, and now I feel like God is telling me to take some career leaps and I can see my husband is nervous, and I know I'm going to have to really stretch myself thin but I can't explain the tugging of my heart that maybe there is more..
Thank you for sharing:)
SO fun! Follow your dreams guys!! Hope you get to swing by SC:)
Um, I absolutely love this! Just sent my husband to the store this morning to get the new flooring for our camper we are fixing up. It will be an adventure this summer camping with an 18 month old and a newborn, but I like the wind in my hair, the sun shining down on me and making memories! Can't wait to hear about the big reveal!
I am so excited for you guys, casey. as soon as i saw your photo in instagram i showed my husband. we are thrilled for your family. god provides, and he will take care of your every need (and often times you need a lot less than you think you do). Our prayers are with Chris, and you and the kids as you leap again. Our dream is to travel or live in an airstream or a VW someday. If you ever want to sell it… :)) Love you sweet girl. You are always a blessing.
Oh! I can't wait to see what plays out through this. I'm sure it will be amazing.
I relate so much to you in so many ways. I'm the cautious one, the rule follower, the worrier, the nervous nelly, but Lance- he's the fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. I wish I could be more like that. Just last night, rather all weekend, he chose things that in my head I was going against- because it was late, or it was a school night, excuses. Such as bowling at 9pm on Saturday night WITH Easton- 3 years old because Easton wanted to 'do something fun' or last nights Hockey game with Cotton candy followed up with a stroll down Broadway peeking in all the Honkey Tonks, ending at the Candy store. I would miss so much if it weren't for him. I think I take that for granted too often.
I'm glad you have Chris, and I have Lance. 😉
Eeek! Now you've got us all anxious and excited to hear more 🙂
Love this. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Very encouraging for some personal leaps we are taking this year too. 🙂
gorgeous photos! this looks so awesome!
kw, Ladies in Navy J. Crew giveaway!
Awesome! This is so encouraging ! I just love your blog!
xo
alycia
That airstream is amazing!
still trying to find my own courage to pursue my dreams…
xo,
Katie
hellolittlebean.com
This post was just what I needed to remind me that sometimes God wants us to leap…Thanks for this post, and I can't wait to watch what you guys have planned:)
Thank you for this much needed post. My husband and i are in the same situation. He is afraid to leave his job for fear of not being able to support us. His dream is to also freelance. Thank you for this inspiring post.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Amazing post and just what I needed to read today as we may be moving overseas in a few months and fear has crept in. I need to be reminded that God is control!
Cheers,
http://www.learning2exhale.com
whoa that is soo cool!! soo amazing that you guys get to follow your dreams!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
We have been on an adventurous climb for years now and big big things are happening for our family. LOVE that you wrote this…we have a duty to chase our dreams and be true to our passions. I don't ever want to look back on my life and regret not taking risks. Cannot wait to follow along on the new season of your life!
xoxo.
This looks really fun and exciting Casey. Your zest for life is amazing. I definitely need to learn to let go and let God instead of worrying so much. Your beautiful and so is your family as always!
Whatever it is, it sounds exciting!
Holy stinking smokes Casey. It gives me chills. We are cut from the same cloth my love. Thank you for writing it so eloquently for all the read. Also-I'm madly in love with airstreams, so I can't wait to see what you guys do with it! I've always wanted my studio to be an airstream! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for just putting it out there. Thank you for your heart. Tight hugs, annie
Can't wait to see where you are led. I struggle with wanting security, too. But I've felt God pushing me a lot lately. So I'm taking deep breaths and following where he is leading me.
What a wonderfully fantastic post!!! These are the words that I needed to hear today! When you wrote about your financial situation my heart really longed to get to know you! My husband and I were in the same situation and financially and emotionally we were drained. I printed out that post and placed it under my husband's coffee mug. Now we are in another similar situation. My husband is miserable at his job and he is longing for more. The bills are barely getting paid and my husband longs to provide for his family. I am so grateful for your heart felt posts! I feel like we are sisters in this life. Thank you so much for pouring your heart out onto this blog.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today–and SO exciting for yall!! Cannot wait to hear more.
Oh girl…I absolutely love you (as you know) and the relationship that the two of you have. thank you for always opening your heart to the rest of us…you are such a blessing 🙂 so excited for Chris and this venture!! xoxo
My husband is a dreamer and a doer of dreams too. Sometimes it terrifies me, but when I acknowledge that his dreams always have our family's best interests in mind and often his dreams are for me, I find the courage to let go…and it's amazing where it's taken us. Good job sister in being so brave. I wish your family the very best and I'm excited to see your adventure unfold.
Thank you for this post!
Your words and your life have been a major source of inspiration for me on so many different occasions.
I'm excited for you and your newest adventure!
The more you accomplish and the more you courageously pursue,
the more we (your readers) are encouraged!
I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way-
You and your family are such a blessing!
I'm looking forward to hearing (reading) more!
We Are the Music-Makers
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams.
World-losers and world-forsakers,
Upon whom the pale moon gleams;
Yet we are the movers and shakers,
Of the world forever, it seems.
With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world's great cities,
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire's glory:
One man with a dream, at pleasure,
Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song's measure
Can trample an empire down.
We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself with our mirth;
And o'erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world's worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.
-Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy
Precious pics and so exciting! 🙂 Can't wait to see what God has in store for you. I'm going to follow Chris on IG now, too! 🙂
You two. Such an inspiration. And boy oh boy, am I excited for this adventure. Can't you come along!? 😉 Love you friend.
this is so exciting casey! can't wait to hear more 😉
I also just wanted to say that while you may have regrets on how much your shared about your financial stress, it totally spoke to me and made me realize how faith is supposed to look. we see numbers, when we should see just another opportunity to witness the Lord's provision. anyways, I love you and can't tell you how much you daily challenge and inspire me 🙂
love,
emily
coolest family ever!! 🙂
This is so inspiring and so very amazing!
I can imagine just how beautiful that airstream will be, and it will carry love!
all the best to you on this journey!
Casey, I really appreciate you speaking on your finical strain in the past. We too made the leap to freelance with little to no money. We were given a gift from my in laws and their blessings. It was the best leap ever.
LaTonya
I don't think you should regret writing about your financial struggles. Your raw honesty is what had me fall in love with your blog and with you as a person. Transparency can be a beautiful thing and I believe you expressed your pain during that season in a very balanced way. I and many others were able to relate in a big way.