About the Author

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, counselor, and life coach. Her newest release is The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You. She's also wife to Mark, Mom to Lovelle, and Nana to Eula and Clem.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dear Holley,

    WOW, what an awesome post–literally just what I needed to hear today! I’ve been pondering this very topic for a while and you’re so, so right–the biggest risk is not to dream, not to risk anything! What beautiful, essential, life-giving truth! Thank you so much! YOU are amazing!! Blessings!

  2. At Least the 2nd Reading of Dreaming this Morning.
    I Dream Awake & ASleep.
    Looks Like a Beautiful Day.
    ThanX for Sharing.
    Psalm 51:10
    Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
    +

  3. Wow – this is such a challenge for me right now. I’m in a place between bursting forward out of the gates or bowing out and going back to the stables… I think the call is, “Run! Go! Move!”.
    God’s got some things to do in me! 🙂

  4. Hi Holley,
    Thank you sweet sister of my heart and faith. One of the first posts of yours I read was God Sized Dreams….and it struck a chord..and then I let doubts creep in…I have been praying for direction…thank you .
    Can’t wait to read your book.
    Have a blessed day…thank you for encouraging all of us (all ages and stages) to keep our eyes on Jesus and to trust Him to walk with us through our days and our dreams.
    Hugs, Judy

  5. Morning Holley,
    Thank you sweet sister of my heart and faith. One of the first posts of yours I read was God Sized Dreams….and it struck a chord..and then I let doubts creep in…I have been praying for direction…and I opened your message, wow!

    Have a blessed day…thank you for encouraging all of us (all ages and stages) to keep our eyes on Jesus and to trust Him to walk with us through our days and our dreams.

  6. Thanks Holley!! Amen!! I do have dreams…I needed that boost…I will continue dreaming and going forward with them as long as I am still here on planet earth…. until its time to go home. Thank you very much! Have a bless Monday! Agape!

  7. I love the title of your book. Your Already Amazing!!! Yes we should dare to dream God sized dreams and nothing less. Yes!!!!!! 🙂

  8. Oh boy, you have no idea! Just what I needed to read this morning. I have been afraid to dream again. Divorced, single mother of 4. I want to start over at 50, but how? I know one day at a time but what are my dreams? My baby is only 7 and I chose to be mother and housewife instead of building a career. So now what? I have been single for 4 yrs. and my relationship with Jesus has grown as I have been depending more and more on Him for everything! It has been such an incredible journey but one I would have never imagined. My one constant prayer for the past 2 yrs. it that the Lord give me the desires of His heart, what He desires for me, not my own desires but only those that are from Him. To change me and form me into the woman that He wants me to be. I pray to die to myself so that more of Him will be in me. I know that He has a purpose and a plan even though I have made some poor choices that were, some, His permissive will and others just plain sin. I don’t want to choose permissive will any more but only His perfect will for my life. I stand on the truth that all things work for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. He loves brokenness as this is where I can grow the most so i thank Him for all that has happened in my life as I diligently seek His face for what’s next….thank you for encouraging me to keep dreaming! It’s not over yet…but what is my God sized dream? Hum, praying about this because it’s not a career/job but a calling from God that is His perfect will as a means to be responsible for my children and share the love of Christ through all He is doing in my life.

    • Dear Sister Sharon,
      its very touching to read your post. also so painful to think that at 50 and being a loving housewife & mother of 4 kids all these years, you have been divorced. that’s sad really. Still its good that you did marry young and God blessed you with children. Good you didn’t miss out on that part of your life. Amen. He always gives us something to rejoice about..

      50 is difficult as it is! i just turned 50 this Sept.

      Surely our God will help you through all of this, He is Always There for you, He is the Same unchanging God yesterday, Today and forever. As you are so willing to allow Him to work in every area of your life (something i find hard at times to do!) and lead you to His Will not your own, He will bless you in good time.

      Keep trusting Him. May God bless all of your dreams specially the ones you have for your family. Praise God.

      in christ lovingly,
      elizabeth

  9. I don’t have a blog yet, but want one… I currently just email and have a FB account but would love to connect with you and become a part of this dream too!!!!

  10. Holley, Thanks for the pep talk. I am doing some major changes in my life…the problem is that this is not a quick fix…it is like having a baby…I know the conception is a take…I just have to walk through the process taking good care of my self as I grow and stretch through the process of the next 38 weeks. I appreciate anyone that will pray for me in this adventure.

    Thanks
    GISεїз♫

  11. Holley,
    Finally came to the realization this morning that I’ve been folding God into it, instead of folding it all into Him. I’ve had it almost, but not quite right. Thank God that He does everything right on time. This message came just as I was positioned to hear it.
    Peace, good, and thanks to you for this blessing.

  12. Oh yea! Oh yea! Looking forward to the book, the blog and 2013. And I love the post. Been have a rough time of it lately but God had been with me and sending some very special hugs, a few of them have come from you thank you. I signed up for the God-Sized Dreams weekly blog. I have not had the time to pay much attention to my girl this past year and what a great way to start 2013 and get her talking again. I would really love to be on board with you on this – Holley thank you again for all you do-you have been such a wonderful reflection of His love.
    Caryn

  13. Thanks for the encouragement this Monday morning Holley. It’s so important to have women of faith reminding one another to keep taking that next step to what God has in store……

  14. What a beautiful reminder, thank you! I usually have abundant positive energy, but I woke this morning feeling discouraged, in general. I chose to make the time to take a soaking bath, allowing my heart to pour gratitude for each individual enriching connection and creation in my life. The feeling of abundance dissolved my discouragement, faith and trust restored my spirits and the day has been transformed…*then* I received the gift of this external affirmation…lovely!

  15. Holly you’re truly blessed, cause God speaks so clearly through you! I can’t help but Praise God for you! This message speaks crystal clear to me!
    Thank you so much! 🙂

  16. After so many disappointments, it’s very hard to allow myself to dream. Thank you for the encouragement Holley. ♥

  17. WOW! Great 2013 PLAN! I need to DREAM again!

    My MN home had a devastating fire last week and I really need to dream again. I went to sign up however… still pending in another window… and I finished ALL I could but it won’t let me SUBMIT because I don’t do Twitter or Facebook but I will share with others and through my BLOGS!!!

    Please advise! I receive my (in)courage in a different email but this is 1 of my 4 blogs one.

    This is great encouragement but I am re reading your RAIN ON ME since this tragedy occurred for inspiration and being uplifted. Lost many earthly treasures and memories but still got my eternal ones.
    I will look forward to this book in March anyways! But hope I can be a part of the team. Thanks Holley!!!

    Shaking off all discouragement and rising up to your challenge!

    Love, peace and hope in Christ,
    Peggy
    PLEASE ADVISE ON MY APPLICATION ASAP cuz I’m keeping that window tab open waiting. Here or emails, OK?

    • OK, I put in NA and it actually accepted it, since I don’t have one. I think NA means non applicable. So thanks!

      Bless you Holley and all you dreamers! May God build you up to dream again and fulfill the dreams yet to be! Thanks for your inspiration always Holley!

  18. Weekend worship. Women’s coffee talk..
    All winsome!! I’m embarking on a new plan,
    it’s been a year of God-sized trials and Grace
    combined. I determined last late spring to change my perception, priorities & place.
    Waiting for a call to interview. Waiting for apartment approval & a car. I stepped out.
    It’s been a learning experience. Perception changed to other are important, but I am to
    know my walk, and do that first. Priorities same mostly, but in love I set my path upon
    His will, not others. Iv learned do many gals
    are struggling far more than I have. In singles
    class for all ages, I’m relieved to know I am
    A piece of work God’s work!! Thank you for
    reminding me today to not be discouraged
    but continue to pray, this week is the week I
    hope to put all things in order. Yet as I thought
    how can I ?? Your message came across my
    email..

  19. Dear, dear Holley,
    I have been reading this and the replies with tears in my eyes, as I have given up dreaming. Well never really started – have I? I seem to be in this ‘stuck’ place in my life. Much toooo sensible to dream etc etc. I needed this today, Thank you Holley.

  20. Weekend worship. Women’s coffee talk..
    All winsome!! I’m embarking on a new plan,
    it’s been a year of God-sized trials and Grace
    combined. I determined last late spring to change my perception, priorities & place.
    Waiting for a call to interview. Waiting for apartment approval & a car. I stepped out.
    It’s been a learning experience. Perception changed to other are important, but I am to
    know my walk, and do that first. Priorities same mostly, but in love I set my path upon
    His will, not others. Iv learned do many gals
    are struggling far more than I have. In singles
    class for all ages, I’m relieved to know I am
    A piece of work God’s work!! Thank you for
    reminding me today to not be discouraged
    but continue to pray, this week is the week I
    hope to put all things in order. Yet as I thought
    how can I ?? Your message came across my
    email..

  21. Weekend worship. Women’s coffee talk..
    All winsome!! I’m embarking on a new plan,
    it’s been a year of God-sized trials and Grace
    combined. I determined last late spring to change my perception, priorities & place.
    Waiting for a call to interview. Waiting for apartment approval & a car. I stepped out.
    It’s been a learning experience. Perception changed to other are important, but I am to
    know my walk, and do that first. Priorities same mostly, but in love I set my path upon
    His will, not others. Iv learned do many gals
    are struggling far more than I have. In singles
    class for all ages, I’m relieved to know I am
    A piece of work God’s work!! Thank you for
    reminding me today to not be discouraged
    but continue to pray, this week is the week I
    hope to put all things in order. Yet,
    how can I ?? Your message came across my
    email..

  22. Holley~

    Due to the constant demands of full-time ministry to women and children with Motor Racing Outreach, a religious non-profit that provides chaplaincy, trauma response and care for the members that are employed with NASCAR, I rarely have time to sit and savor the good words that are shared on your blog. I am a dreamer from a long line of dreamers. I idealistically approach life with how can me make it happen? Many will say it cannot be done but I love being a doer of the Word.

    Today the Lord allowed for some quiet and introspective time for myself. I opened the email, A Dare to Keep Dreaming and smiled at God’s timing. I am relatively new to blogging and find the moments of introspect to be spiritually invigorating. I am moved with compassion for broken hearts and hurting lives. Through my access to women and children involved in motorsports, I am moment by moment, with each day, a purveyor of truth, comfort, help and hope through prayer and service to the families in NASCAR. I truly LOVE what I am called to do because living THIS dream perfectly fits my heart. It wakes me up each day, is why I breathe and what I was created to do.

    My only hope is to encourage, care for, serve and speak life into more women. Reaching further, hoping harder and rejoicing in God’s grace and love as it is shared with the families that I serve and love week in and week out at 26 race tracks throughout the US. Thanks for giving this less that perfect, simple woman, simply loving and serving my Lord and others a chance to dream bigger, dream harder and love stronger.

    I have applied to be on the 2013 Dream Team and if chosen, will commit my heart and soul to being the best dream player you will ever know, for the glory of God!

    I am one blessed woman!

    Living Simply~~Simple Living!

    Melanie Self
    Women and Children’s Ministry Coordinator
    Motor Racing Outreach
    http://www.go2mro.com
    http://www.simplelifeheartenings.wordpress.com

  23. Thank you for today’s inspiration. I thought dreaming was too risky. My heart has been broken so many times. God is healing it and I am mending. Today, I choose to dream again. May God bless you as you have blessed so many others, me included.

    I would love to be a part of your team.

    Anita

  24. Perfect timing as usual Holley! That discouragement bug is relentless in it’s pursuit of me. I have yet to give up and a post like this spurs me on for at least another 5 years! Lol
    Thanks friend,
    Sherri

  25. Hosanna, Hosanna comes to mind as I reminisce of how faithful God is through all circumstances. Hosanna to the Highest!

  26. I recently decided that I wanted more out of my blog. Reading this help encourage me to move forward a little harder! Thank you!!

  27. Holley,
    Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I needed them. You are so right when you say that we need to dream. I am dreaming big. I think of the Lord as my Boss. I love to create what he has given me to design for the Kingdom of God. I am a Graphic Designer and I am just starting out. I do not have a full time job at this time. But I am believing that the Lord will show me the way. 2Corth 9:8. And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient. God Bless Holley.

  28. As of last night, I had decided I should just bury my dreams, because there is a disconnect between the dreams and the dreams-come-true. For years (yes years!), I have had a dream that put me square in the middle of my biggest fear. I can only believe that God put that dream in me, to assure me that He is the One who would be the owner of the field, when the crop came forth. I want that crop for Him, but fear has been a huge obstacle. Am I brave enough to burst forth from the soil?….not alone, I’m not. But with the encouragement of fellow dreamers, perhaps the seed is ready to sprout. Holley, I know that you will receive hundreds of applicants for your dream team….I don’t currently blog, so I could not send the application. But, if the Lord moves you to consider me, I would proactively take steps toward my God-sized dreams from Jan-June. I would also start blogging and tweeting to help you spread the word about tools you’ve created to encourage and equip God-sized dreamers. I’m scared silly, but who knows…..maybe He has put ‘us’ here, for such a time as this!

  29. Just like so many that have commented before me this post came to me at the perfect time. In a way God is forcing me to learn to dream again. I found out that I will be losing my job at the first 2013 at the same time He is opening doors to start expanding my speaking ministry. I am beginning to dream of doing ministry full time but the fear of letting go of the financial security. Thanks for always reminding me that it is okay to dream.

  30. Holley, thank you so much for these words. I’ve just joined a group at church to learn from other women how to mentor women. I am so hesitant to take the risks and I feel completely inadequate. However, God used someone to speak into my life about my future and how God was going to use me to minister to women and I think this is the direction in which God wants me to go. Thank you for telling me that I am “braver, stronger, more capable than I know. And the God I serve is bigger than I’ve yet experienced.” I know I’m not the only one that God is speaking to through you, but those words were definitely for me. Thanks, sister, for being part of my faith journey!

  31. I love it, “You are braver, stronger, more capable than you know. And the God you serve is bigger than you’ve yet experienced.” God is so big and I can do things through Him. Ah, how great to be reminded of God’s strength. Thanks for motivating me and taking me out of my fears! Holley, you are the best!! 🙂

  32. Holly, you cannot believe how timely this post is! For a few months God has challenged me to believe Him for a vision He has placed in my heart. It started as a desire and grew into a vision for the kingdom. My faith has been tried and stretched. Today, God had me in a corner where I had no option but to step out in outrageous faith. The dream is BIG! The vision far reaching! I’m both nervous and excited and welcome all prayer! In the natural it looks crazy and there is no evidence of it coming to pass. But we have a big God who delights to see us exercise such faith and He will go on to bless us. May God bless you for your faithfulness in posting this. You never know who’s life your going to touch! x

      • Hi Delonna! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I am super happy you have been encouraged to dream big to! I have come to realize that very often those dreams are your desires which you give to God for His purpose! He takes that desire and turns it into a vision. I believe this journey I am on regarding this vision will be used to help others with theirs!

        Today, after months of praying, I will touch my dream but God is yet to provide for it. It is a rather extraordinary situation I find myself in, yet I take comfort in the fact He directs my steps. Words found in the very same Psalm which you find; “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
        Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5 The dream I touch today is actually only the beginning… it is the provision FOR the vision! So I am waiting for the provision for the provision for the vision! Lol

        I will leave you with the words of my sister and “midwife”, one who is helping me birth the vision. We all need a midwife! I am hers as she too is pregnant with vision! Anyway here are those precious words…. “Faith, like love, is dead without works. It cannot afford to be unemployed, it has to work for a living.” AMEN!

  33. This post was the fire that I needed lit under me to start my blog again. I’m also very encouraged now to write for my church newsletter. Thanks Holly! I’m hoping to be one of the 99 women for the God sized dream team in 2013. Good luck to all of the other women as well :0)

  34. Hi Holley,
    I love reading your blogs. I have always loved to write and have never lost the dream to have a book published. I have had a setback and it hasn’t stopped me. I’ve had a few things published in an anthology in Australia. Poetry and stories. God doesn’t close a door without opening a window. God bless.

  35. Holley,

    love love love reading all your blogs! You are so right on & there for women! My God-sized dream is to have my father move into an assisted living facility, be comfortable, and love it & the people. It is hard to watch parents age and not be able to live alone anymore!

    Prayers please as we search out a good place for dad this week!

  36. Hello, Holley,

    Thank you for reminding me that its ok to dream, I have always been a dreamer ever since I could remember. Now that I am a child of God even more so. Lately I was told that my dream of marring a man that has kept himself for his wife is not doable in today day and age, but I still believe that God knows the desire of my heart and will bring that man into my life in his timing. You see I am 45 years old and have kept myself for my future husband. As a young women I always dreamed of marring a Godly man who has kept himself for me, it will always be my dream. I have to say that over the pass few years, hearing people around me put down my dream is hard, call me crazy, but my faith and my love for God, I still believe its posible, God did say that all things are posible when you believe, and I do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words of encouragement, God Bless you!

  37. Thank you for reminding me to follow those God-size dreams promptings. I always feel like I need to prepare more (i.e. get more education, save more money, pray more, wait for the perfect situation) for the God-size dream to come true rather than allowing him to prepare me (mind, body and soul) for the God-size dream. Thanks for the encouragement and I’m looking forward to reading your book.

  38. Holley, this is a perfect reminder that when it comes to God, we only need to trust and obey. God will always make us stronger even though we are weak.
    Thank you very much, Holley! Blessings!

  39. Holley,
    After a day of “dreaming” about this challenge and opportunity, I want to reiterate that your “leaning in to whisper” the truths that exclaim ways for us to stand tall is powerful.

    Thank you for being a voice of encouragement to the dreamers! I have to admit, I cringed a little at retweeting and emailing a few friends to check this out, the selfish-side only wants 99 to apply. But how beautiful it would be to have 9,000 God-sized dreamers storming your door!

    I will hope with you that many remember they are amazingly qualified for Kingdom-work! Best to you!

    Nasreen

  40. Holley,
    After a day of “dreaming” about this challenge and opportunity, I want to reiterate that your “leaning in to whisper” the truths that exclaim ways for us to stand tall is powerful.

    Thank you for being a voice of encouragement to the dreamers! I have to admit, I cringed a little at retweeting and emailing a few friends to check this out, the selfish-side only wants 99 to apply. But how beautiful it would be to have 9,000 God-sized dreamers storming your door!

    I will hope with you that many remember they are amazingly qualified for Kingdom-work! Best to you!

    Nasre

  41. Words that bring tears to my eyes, Holly. When I look deep into my heart, it has always been fear of failure, of just not being up to the challenge of that great unknown task, that has kept me from moving forward.

    God has been nudging me for some time now. Although I resisted a great deal at first, I find myself more and more a willing follower. Taking deep breath after deep breath, saying prayer after prayer, I step forward, trusting Him, rather than staying where I am and keeping my light “safe” under my proverbial bushel. Your offer is so exciting and truly breath-taking, and very generous. I would be honored and delighted to be part of your group. Even if I am not, I look forward to following the progress in 2013 and have no doubt will be inspired by it!

  42. Dear Holley,

    Thank you so much for this encouragement. I think I needed that push to keep on dreaming and keep on loving. (And to keep on trusting God.)

    Love and blessings,

  43. I used to be a dreamer prior to my husband’s stroke 3 years ago…I now realize those were worldly dreams and not godly dreams. Because of this major trial in our lives, my dreams have changed thanks to God. My dreams are now to help others in whatever role God chooses to use me…I am more empathetic and put less emphasis on what I have and more emphasis on what I can give. I have been praying for direction as I am feeling a nudge from God to take a leap of faith…just not sure how yet…I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Thanks Holley for helping me get to this point in my life with your daily devotions…I look forward to them every day and they are always so encouraging. Bless you for sharing your gifts with others.

  44. After trying to ignore who I am supposed to be and what I believe is my God sized dream, I’m trying it (slowly but surely). Thank you for the inspiration writer to writer, woman to woman, dreamer to dreamer.

  45. In your own words, Holley, you’re already amazing…and the consummate encourager. I am thrilled to see how God is multiplying your gifts through your tools and book. Awesome!
    It can feel silly to dream sometimes. Like who the heck am I to think, imagine, dream such dreams? Though I truly loved Allume in pretty much every way, I felt a little…well…old! Many of the beautiful women I met were 20 years younger than me. I shared this with my sister, and she said, “This isn’t bad news…this is good news. You’re in there with all those young women! I’m proud of you.”
    Well, you’re never too old to dream and I’d love to YES to my God-sized dreams and encourage others to do the same in a very intentional way. Love this!

  46. Thank you for this post! I tend to need encouragement to continue on with dreams that I have. I am really good at encouraging others with their dream! I think that somewhere inside of me I don’t think that God wants to fulfill that dream. Crazy, I know. Why else would He have given it to me in the first place? God has brought me to the place where I am ready to see His dream for my life to come to pass.

  47. “The only way to avoiding making mistakes is not to do anything– and that’s the biggest mistake of all.”

    It takes courage to admit, especially to ourselves, that we are not living in integrity with our deepest passions and joy. And it takes even more courage to do something about it. So dream on and keep on believing in yourself.

    Great post!

  48. Just read your post from yesterday. Wow! Pretty much every post of yours is what I need to hear right at that very moment. I can so relate to this post today. I have been discouraged lately a lot over different events happening or not happening in my life. I have also pushed people away in last few years because of past hurts and disapointments. Your encouragement today to continue to dream was just what my heart needed to hear. Thank you and God bless you!!!

  49. Hi Holley – thank you for a great post. Hope. MMMMM. Indeed.

    I dream for many things:

    – An apartment full of love and my dreams, with individual tiny fantastic reminders of where I have been and where I will go with others
    – A genuine sense of self. A transitioined self from seeking validation from others to being self validating
    – A clear idea of what I want and why and how far I am willing to push to get it
    – An understanding of my ability to say no to others
    – A comfort with fully Being in moments of discomfort. To know that’s part of who I am. That I am both strong and weak. That I am human.
    – A trip to Europe, a website that helps others, a long walk on a warm beach, a warm coat (I need one ;), and the company of those I love.

  50. Holley! You are such a BLESSING – wow! I know this is a little late, it’s the 9th here in Sweden, but I just read your blog and want to say:
    May all your God-sized dreams come true – you have blessed so many of us dreamers!
    Hugs from Sweden

  51. Thank you very much. I really needed this. I have always been a dreamer and one of those beauty dreams is taking care of orphans and destitue children. Recently I had a terrible setback and challenge. I invested a really huge amount of money somewhere thinking it would produce something really great to help me with the orphanage project. To cut a long story short I lost every cent of it. I am telling you that millions. I have just been asking myself it it is worth the trouble going on with it or just forgetting about it. But your article encourages me to go on dreaming no matter what. Thank you very much and I would also appreciate any form of advice you can have for me to help me handle the loss. Thank you

  52. Hello Holley. I thank God 4 your words. It made me to stop and think I have so much to live. OCD is killing me. I can’t hear God’s voice, I can’t praise Him anymore. There are many things around me, I see that the enemy is working hard against me. I don’t know God’s dreams to me, but I’m sure He wants me healed. Please, pray for me. I wish I could join the team, but I’m so confused. God bless you.

  53. Wow what encouragement! We can all Dream big because we have a big God and He wants all our dreams to come true. Thanks for such an inspirational blog.

  54. Encouragement indeed. Thanks! I still dream and keep working at my dream, even at my age of 50 something! Why not? I may not be a big name photographer/blogger but best I can be, still can learn and grow and have fun with my camera. Hugs and God bless!

  55. […] most favorite, inspiring, and encouraging blogs: (in)courage. I read the title in my inbox: “A Dare for You to Keep Dreaming” by Holley Gerth, and I knew it was going to be what I needed that day. I was also thrilled […]