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Dream Louder

I heard this expression “Dream Louder” in a song written by Vanessa Gamble in the incredible musical about marriage called Til Death. In the musical, two couples find themselves stuck in the same cabin during a snowstorm. One pair is a couple of quirky young lovebirds on their honeymoon and the other, a married couple on the verge of possible separation. The older couple realize among many things that they have forgotten who they are and how to dream. Dream louder is a call to rediscovering those dreams and calling them out.

This idea rings true to me as I have spent the last 18 years pouring my energy into my kids and have neglected to recognize my dreams for self beyond motherhood. I have also neglected my marriage for seasons and have myself felt neglected.

As our 20th wedding anniversary approached this year, Mark and I began dreaming of taking a trip to reignite our love for each other and remember who we are and where we are going as a couple and as individuals.


We chose Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as our destination and went to work getting passports and booking a resort. It felt too good to be true. As the count down to the trip got closer and Covid loomed on, I wondered if it would happen.
We drove our kids to Grandparents house, bought sunhats, and packed a combination purchased and borrowed dress up clothes and beachwear for seven days in paradise.


It actually happened. Now I’m home and it feels like waking up from the very best dream I’ve ever had. What a wonderful week in the sun it was. I feel incredibly spoiled and take none of it for granted. Waiting 20 years to go on the honeymoon I always wish I’d had made it even sweeter.

We all need to give ourselves permission to dream. What you dream for, only you may understand. It may not be a trip. It may be something else. Your dreams may change. Whatever you are dreaming, dream louder.

If you are interested in the song Dream Louder and the musical Til Death, you can find out more here.

‘Til Death

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Know Your Limits

I have lived most of my life trying to keep everything together and everyone around me happy. If someone asks for help, I will say yes. If there is a need, I will try to find an answer. Keeping people happy is my top priority….until I can’t.

Just before Thanksgiving this year I started thinking about life like the game of Jenga. I was trying to keep the tower from falling, but then when I least expected, it crumbled. I was trying to do too much. I was under a lot of stress and my body responded by saying “No more!” My back went out and I found myself unable to walk. Shooting pain went up and down my leg when I put pressure on it and I found myself walking with a cane.


Thankfully, with some rest and chiropractic care, I healed quickly, but it was a wake up call. I realized I was carrying responsibilities and burdens I was never meant to carry.

What can we do when we know we are doing too much? Here are some things I’m learning

Delegate/Ask for Help

Take breaks everyday and rest one day a week

Say No. Its ok. It really is.

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Living by Faith

Sometimes living by faith is like walking in the dark.  I take a small step forward, then another, and another.  I can’t even see a foot in front of me.  

Walking by faith is daily.  It’s living in hope and choosing to move in step with the Holy Spirit, over and over again, until I look back and realize I have traveled a long way.  Over a mountain, across a river, and through a dense forest.

  These obstacles in my life have appeared through losing a house, losing a job, changing churches, changing schools, relational challenges, running out of money, battling anxiety, and watching those I love hurting, 

On the flip side, sometimes living by faith is like watching a sunrise, seeing a double rainbow, or finding a four leaf clover.  Every so often, life’s treasure hunt is like finding a hidden medallion or winning the jackpot.  

Even small surprises bring joy! 

Some of the joys in my walk with Jesus during the past 42 years have been in seeing a revival on my college campus of University of MN Morris, praying for my friend (now husband) to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, traveling to the Czech Republic, joining new friends around the world in a 24-7 prayer movement, getting married and having 4 beautiful babies.   More surprises have been watching God miraculously provide for my family over and over again, seeing the ocean for the first time, realizing teaching piano lessons is what I really want to do, and finding our house and neighborhood in St Paul.  

Living by faith is walking in daily hope, even when the fog is thick and my resolve is like the dim flicker of a candle.  The flame is still burning beside me, in, and through me.  It has never gone out.  

If you are weary or walking in the dark, now is a good time to ask for prayer.   I’ve been there many times and the family of God has been instrumental in helping bring my weary bones back to life through intercession, encouragement, and practical gifts.   

2 Timothy 1:6 

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands.”