‘Sometimes the life God dreams for us take a lifetime to come to pass. Great lives that are born out of great dreams often come through great sacrifice and great suffering. Our dreams, the ones God places inside us, are a foretaste of our destiny. ‘ from the book Wide Awake by Erwin McManus
I’ve been reading this book a little at a time and this phrase is pretty much in the beginning. When I first read it it made me both happy and sad. For as long as I can remember, my dream has always been to sing on a stage. Not for fame and fortune in the pop world like Whitney or Madonna, but more just because I love it. I love the stage and ever since watching Annie back in 1978, that has been my dream and my passion. Fortunately for many years I was able to do this, in high school, college, church, radio, and even once on a Broadway stage…singing for me was like breathing, it came so easy.
I have always loved music. Unfortunately, cancer has tried to take my voice away. After my first surgery my right vocal cord was paralyzed and I lost my voice completely for a period of time. I had a good friend come over after I came home from the hospital. She was crying when she asked, “Why would God who gave you the gift of song, allow cancer to take it away?” Back then I didn’t think of it that way, I was just concentrating on living (since I was given a bad prognosis at the time). As months passed though, I definitely did grieve but I knew there had to be a better and bigger plan for my life. Since then it’s been a challenging four and a half years, and my dreams have adjusted a little. Miraculously I am still able to sing (minus one vocal cord) and funny, it’s still like breathing, because now, both are a little more difficult. I still dream about the stage but I also have new dreams. I dream that I can someday speak to many and tell them my story, I dream that I will have my own lipstick line to go with the book (it may happen soon, I’ll keep you posted), I dream I can run more, and finally I dream of having a long healthy life of impact and seeing my kids grown with families of their own. It’s funny how God places new dreams in our hearts along the way. Like the author says, ‘great lives are born out of great dreams’.
Today I wear Jane Iredale PureGloss in Cherry Sparkle. I actually purchased this at a spa on our mini-vacation this past weekend (couldn’t come home without a new lipstick)! Anyhow, Jane Iredale cosmetics are all natural so I had to try…I have to say this gloss is not sticky and pretty long lasting. Cherry Sparkle is sheer red with a small amount of sparkle. I chose it for today because, well, it’s red and who couldn’t use a little sparkle? Write down your dreams, what’s stopping you?
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
I am convinced we are challenged by life for many reasons (as you noted) and the purpose is not always clear until we are living the journey. You are an inspiration to all of us that stop by and hear your story. Keep singing.
Thanks Brenda. I think we may never know the reasons but I do know we definitely learn alot along the way!
I am not sure if God puts new dreams in place or if they were always there and we were too busy looking at a different one to notice. I do know, everything happens for a reason and you are just amazing. ♥
Thanks Jo, I agree. Everything for a reason…
Many times challenges are sent to us to make us value our gifts. Glad to know you can still sing
You are so right, I cry almost every time I sing because I am so grateful. I’m most grateful for life!
I have noticed how a person’s dream change as life takes each of us down a different path. I think the pain and suffering life helps us realize how precious the gifts we are given are. We learn through them not to take the gifts for granted and they help us realize what is really important in life.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Thanks Kathy, I totally agree. Life is so precious, our time here is definitely not to be taken for granted!
The ability to dream new dreams is a testimony to the beauty and resilience of life. You, Anna, are a wonderful example of both beauty and resilience.
Thank you Beth! You’re pretty awesome too!
when i read the beginning i was spell bound..WOW teared me up it did..same voice i “heard” :0) and …SING SING SING with those sparkly lips..today..and every day…sing
You are too kind! The book has been amazing and thought provoking, a little sad that so much time is wasted not trying to live those dreams. I will keep singing, thank you!
It’s sometimes difficult to understand the paths our lives take. I guess we have to trust and gracefully ride out the storm. Keep singing!
Trust and understanding through difficulty is so hard but a must! Thanks for the comments!