Fun Stuff!

Nov14

It’s time for something fun! And did you know God’s into fun? Just think of what He’s created that makes you laugh . . . like adorable fun monkeys swinging by their tails, a giraffe’s long neck, or cute waddling penguins. How about hiccups or giggles or a sweet baby’s laugh?                                                                                         

Job 8:21 says, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

But what I think is most fun is whatever those dreams are that God’s put in our hearts, He’s promised to bring about!

So what are those things you love to do? Those dreams in your heart? If you haven’t yet gone after them, it’s time to start, and let the fun begin!

Let’s Talk

Nov1

Up for a chat? If so, let’s talk!

So what do you love doing? What are your favorite things? Foods? Places to visit? Memories? Dreams? Whatever!

It’d be fun to hear. . . !!

Okay, so I’ll start. Here are 17 things about me . . .shutterstock_7817119

  1. I grew up in cold, snowy Minnesota, and I’d rather not have grown up anywhere else.
  2. My favorite stuffed animal was ‘Bunny.’ She had very long ears and was fuzzy and soft. I’d  sleep with her every night.
  3. I loved singing, dancing, and playing dress-up in my grandmother’s fancy gowns.
  4. After a raging blizzard, my older sister, brother, and I couldn’t wait to make fluffy snow angels or climb on humongous drifts. We’d always get tons of snow!
  5. I hated oatmeal growing up and gagged at every bite.
  6. I loved playing the piano, and my favorite songs are those from the 70’s, soul, and contemporary Christian.
  7. I love the morning and Friday nights. There’s just something special about them!
  8. There’s nothing better than a good talk, cry, or laugh with a friend. Wouldn’t you agree?
  9. I absolutely love monkeys. Is there anything more hilarious and cute?
  10. I love cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and raspberry cream cheese croissants.
  11. I also love salads, shrimp, and chicken stir-fry . . . They’re the best, too!
  12. I live in gorgeous Colorado and love it here!
  13. But you’ll find me vacationing anywhere with palm trees and white sandy beaches, any chance I get.
  14. I love to hike, bike, golf, and ski, but not necessarily in that order!
  15. I taught 4th grade for many years. My students were awesome and fun!
  16. I wrote a book called The Heart to Dance. It’s about seventh-grader Alexis who pursues her dream to dance, with trouble along the way. I’d love you to read it . . . you can find it on http://www.joannecurrence.com . . . and I hope to write more!shutterstock_56020243
  17. I love the presence of God in my life and His wonderful plan for me!

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . .” I love how God made each of us totally unique . . . who’s put dreams in our hearts and things we love . . . who’s made us who we are. Don’t you?

Now it’s your turn . . . I’d love to hear about you!

God Talk

Oct24

Been talking to God lately? Do you feel close and connected? Are you sharing your day? If so, that’s great! If not, here’s the good news . . . He’s waiting to hear from you!shutterstock_17243110

You see, God longs to connect with you . . . to hear what’s on your heart. He wants to know when you’re happy or sad. He wants to know your dreams. Are you excited about the soccer game? But nervous you might not score? Maybe you can’t wait for the Friday night sleep-over, but wondering why your best friend’s acting different towards you. Whatever’s going on, God wants to hear about it. You can tell Him anything, just like gabbing with a friend on the phone. He’s always there to listen. He’s ready the moment you first wake up until you go to bed. And don’t forget . . . He wants to hear about what you hope for and those dreams in your heart, because when you talk and listen to Him, that’s when they’ll come about.

Whether you’re talking to God lots or not so much, remember that talking to God is prayer. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” That means morning, noon, and night, and every moment in-between. He wants to connect with you all day long, just you and Him. Now what could be more awesome than that?!

shutterstock_99630038

What’s on Your Mind?

Oct14

Do you ever think about what you think about all day? Is it the fight you just had with your mom, or how awful that math test was, or maybe you’re jealous that your best friend gets all the attention and you’re feeling left out . . . Or are your thoughts . . . I know Mom and I don’t always agree, but that’s okay, because I know she still loves me. Or . . .  I really don’t like math – it’s just totally not my thing, but I’ll just do my best. Or . . . my best friend sure gets lots of attention, and I feel left out, but I know I’m important, too.shutterstock_47729947

Isn’t it amazing that God knows every thought we think!? He even knows what we’ll think before we think it! He knows when we’re happy or sad, excited or discouraged, when things are going great or when they’re totally not. He knows about your struggles and knows your hopes and dreams. But no matter what’s going on, He wants you to have good thoughts that line up with His word since not only will your heart fill with joy, but that’s when He works the most!

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

So as you go about your day, just catch yourself when you’re thinking wrong thoughts, when they go against your dreams. Let God help you think the right thoughts. Then notice the difference it makes – It’ll be huge! Just try it and see . . . !!

HeartDream Chat – So what’s been on your mind lately? Been thinking a few thoughts you might like to change? Would love to hear!

   

School and Other Things

Oct8

So the school year’s started up, and you’re back with old friends and making new ones, too. Or maybe you moved over the summer, and it felt scary at first.shutterstock_12043846

What’s new this year? What subject is your absolute fave? Reading mysteries or adventures? Writing fun stories? Maybe journaling, too? Is it working with numbers or computers? Or maybe science? Music? Art? Are you in gymnastics or dance after school or some kind of fun club?

Whatever you love doing is who God created you to be. And nothing feels better than being who you are. Wouldn’t you agree? It’s all about listening to Him. Remember He’s right there with you. He’s always cheering you on. So keep doing what He tells you to do, and maybe someday you’ll create amazing computer programs or train on the Olympic team or launch into outer space. Whatever it is, you’ll love being who you are.  He’s got great plans for you. They’re totally what’s in your heart.

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

HeartDream Chat – How has your school year started out? What things do you love to do?

shutterstock_35611477

Listen to Your Heart

Sep29

I couldn’t believe it when I first heard that it’s God who puts dreams in our hearts. Now how cool is that?! And in thinking about it, it made total sense that our creator, the creator of the entire universe, could do just that!shutterstock_126882287

“Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” – Psalm 37:4. I love that verse! What could be more exciting than knowing that God knows what I desire and will bring those dreams about. All I have to do is listen to Him and trust Him, and He’ll show me the way.

So what dreams has God put in your heart? Do you long to dance, sing, or write? To care for animals or nature or others in need? What are your passions? Desires? Those things you love to do? And if you’re not yet quite sure, just listen to your heart, and God will tell you. Then listen for His next step, and you’ll be at the start of the awesome adventure He has for you!

HeartDream Chat – What dreams has God put on your heart? I’d love to hear . . .

shutterstock_128071649