We can have long lists of dreams and maybe even a bucket list. What I have found to be true is that me JUST dreaming about something has never led to the actual doing and experiencing. If I want to learn something, go somewhere, spend time with someone… I have to make a PLAN OF ACTION.
There have been more times than I can count that I had no idea how I was going to make something a reality but I jumped in anyway. When I know something is important to me, my family or my creativity I get really creative to make it a reality. That “dream” doesn’t need to stay that way. What fun is an incredible “dream” if you don’t walk it out and make a plan of action? That dream can become a reality through planning, sacrifice and just jumping in. That whole just jumping in is really the first step of action that leads to more action and then something wonderful being accomplished.
I remember the first time I went to France and I remember originally showing my husband the retreat and just KNOWING this trip was for me. My pretty amazing husband took one look at my face and said, “I don’t know how we will do this but we will figure it out”. Guess what? We did! We sacrificed, got really creative with our finances (meaning I figured out things to sell) and made a plan. That trip meant so much to me because I worked for it!
Going to France that first time and spending time in the south of France and then Paris changed my creative heart. It truly changed it. What if I hadn’t asked? What if my husband wouldn’t have said that we would figure it out? That first trip has opened up more trips, clarity, life and business vision and relationships. It also showed me what could happen when I took a dream and figured out how to make it a reality.
Did you know that I found one of my closest friends on that first trip to France over fourteen years ago? One of my closest friends that also happens to be a lover of travel, family, art and the Lord! I now believe with my whole heart that I was supposed to go on that trip to meet HER. The Lord knew I would need an artist/heart friend that I could grow, travel and create with. I don’t know what you have been “dreaming” about lately and the things you want to do in your life but I would just encourage you to take steps of action this year. Don’t wait. What is waiting for YOU if you step out and figure it out as you go?
Maybe you don’t need to travel across the ocean and maybe you just need to open your home to people in your neighborhood, step out your front door and move your body, go to a museum or find those women just like you in your community. I just want you to not regret not doing things that are a part of your heart because the timing isn’t perfect. It never will be. We make it perfect by our actions and sacrifice.
I totally agree. My daughter and I went on a trip to the Holy Landandwe were unsure if we could afford it. But we saved and made it. It was a LIFE-CHANGING experience.I see you love the Lord so I would highly recommend you go. It was fantastic and just thinking about it makes us so happy.
We can spend the same amount on a lot of little things or have a plan to save for the big things. Mindset!
This is so true….it shakes out. Just do it! When I design quilts mostly, I always include something outside the box. Whether it be a color or print, something that does not “belong”. Over the course of the project, it becomes the secret sauce. The tweak to keep it fresh and alive.
Thank you holding the light and leading the path.
I love that you do this with your quilts!
Thanks, Jeanne. I needed this today (maybe everyday).
Pat
A message for all of us!
I’m so grateful for how you share your love for the Lord and how He has Blessed you (all).
He is so good! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
…oops, forgot to sign, jynene 🩵
I just launched my art business and these words encourage my heart so much.
Congratulations! So excited for you!
Well, this. is. beautiful! And timely! Last year I stepped out before figuring out, and enrolled in your Field Notes workshop. It was definitely a stretch, a leap, but also a dream come true, an answered prayer. Fast forward, and now I’m counting the days until returning to your studio in September for Art as Worship. Here’s to taking those steps of faith in action, to making art, and to doing those things He puts on our heart!
I love this!!!
Such an inspiring read! I have been wanting to take my parents to NYC for the longest time. I think when they visit later this year I will have to make my own plan of action for it and make it happen! You are so right when you say it is never the perfect time. There will always be something that might be in the way. We have to make things happen!
Amen!
Your messages are always filled with spirit, truth, and heart Jeanne. I have been fortunate to have met two lovely ladies through both your and Renee Mueller’s communities, and I feel so fortunate to have done so. Currently, I have physical limitations which hinder my acting upon my personal desires. I am working toward fixing them to get back to doing more than I am currently able, and to experience the life I have always dreamed of living. Words alone cannot express the joy finding your and Renee’s sights have brought to my life. I feel I have found what I have always searched for. Sincerely, Cindy
Thank you for taking the time to share this! This blesses Renee and me! Praying for your healing!
Jeanne, I love this!!! Thank you for your words and inspiration.
I had a similar conversation with my husband when I approached him about my attending, The Art of Gathering. 😉 He saw the excitement in my heart and said we would make it happen. I can’t imagine how different my life would be without stepping into the dream, meeting you, your beautiful family, and forming new creative, lasting friendships. A very important thread of my life! A friend once told me to look beyond my current dreams and dream “Bigger” to a vision I could not yet see and imagine as reality. It is amazing how creative faith, a vision board, hard work, and determination will bring your dream to fruition.
Our Journey is even more beautiful when we look back and realize how far faith has brought us. Dream Big!
– Hugs Paige
THIS!!! Thank you for sharing a peek into how our dreams have intertwined! What a gift.
Jeanne, the Art of Worship sounds wonderful! Combining love for our Lord and making art is a beautiful mix! However, being in Canada, it is challenging to get to one of your onsite workshops. Please consider doing this workshop sometime as an online class or live zoom class? Thank you! Sending you love and many blessings!
Thanks for sharing. I write from France and I don’t speak very well english. I ‘ve discovered you and Renée Muller by Karen Abend and Sketchbook Revival. I love your art and your process art. I bought your book ” The painted art journal”. I love it. Thanks.
Rosiane
Thank you Jeanne, this is what I needed to read today. As always, you sharing your beautiful, thoughtful words have made a deep impression.
I have followed you for years and I just need to start the “action” part of my dreams. Health and caring for others sometimes block that view, but
I just need to MAKE the time. It can be done, just need to be consistent!
thank you again! Enjoy your day
This was so very inspiring and a reminder of many years ago when I was given an opportunity to go across the country to meet with other primitive artists for a gathering. I took that leap of faith and there were 4 of us that connected on a deep level and from that, a friendship from 4 corners grew…England, Oregon, Georgia and New Hampshire! We remained friends and one mentored me to starting to wholesale my work and I grew a very profitable business. The 3 of us who are still on God’s green earth are blessed to still stay connected as satellite sisters! I need to remember this in this new and different time in my life, that I STILL have dreams even if they have changed direction and that I just need to trust in God’s grace and take that step forward! Thank you Jeanne for this inspiring reminder! You truly are a blessing!