The world doesn’t need more opinions—it needs light. God didn’t call you to hide or blend in; He commissioned you to shine. Being the light of the world isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with truth, love, and boldness that shifts the atmosphere. Your life might be the only gospel someone ever sees.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
Yesterday we learned that “bold” isn’t something you feel, it’s someone you become as you spend intentional time with Jesus. The closer you get to Him, the easier it is to step out for Him.
Outside of Spirit empowerment, “bold” also means having a strong or vivid appearance—being striking and bright. I’d like to propose that those with the boldest dreams shine the brightest for the Lord!
Too often, we think of dreaming as a waste of time—unrealistic, impractical, or even selfish. We come up with reasons why we don’t have enough time, resources, or abilities. Then we hear people say, "Dream big!" and we chase that artificial sense of significance as though it's the answer we've been looking for. But not only is “big” not the answer, it's never something you heard Jesus say.
Jesus never encouraged us to chase after “big” or greatness for our own sake. While the world may equate dreaming big with personal success or fame, Jesus invites us to instead, dream boldly with Him as we align with His kingdom and reflect His heart for the world. It’s not about the size of the dream but the depth of our obedience to what He’s calling us to do.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. As believers, it’s our responsibility to make this side of heaven look more like it and to boldly show up for Him, to dream with Him, to shine bright because of Him.
I’ve heard it said countless times that the world is growing darker, but perhaps, the light is getting dimmer. When we shrink back into comfort zones and avoid stepping out in faith, we dim the very light we're called to carry but let me remind you, darkness is just an absence of light. But when the light reveals itself, the darkness no longer has power. It dissipates. Therefore, blaming the dark for being dark doesn’t solve the problem and when we spend too much time criticizing the darkness—whether in our culture, communities, or even our own hearts—we can lose sight of our own true responsibility: to turn up the brightness of the light within us.
Dreaming with the Lord is about boldly showing up—for Him and with Him—to a world that desperately needs more than just a vision board. It needs an encounter with Jesus. It needs the bright light of a Savior and like the moon reflects the sun, so are you designed to reflect the light of Jesus. I’m here to remind you today that playing small doesn’t reveal the testimony of Jesus. He didn’t call you to play it safe; He called you to be the light of the world, to step boldly into your calling and reveal His transformative power through your life.
We cannot lower the standard of Jesus, the Light, to accommodate the darkness we see around us. Not only do we need to speak light into the darkest places, we need to be the light. We need to be a people who are boldly dreaming with the Lord, believing in miracles, stepping out in faith, and partnering with the dreams, visions, and prophetic words that He has placed in our hearts. When we do this, we radiate the truth of Christ and become beacons of hope and transformation, a testimony of God’s power to the world. No matter how dark the world becomes, even a small amount of light can go a long way.
It’s time! It’s time to stop focusing on the darkness and instead, shine brighter. It’s time to partner with what God is doing, to dream the dreams He is dreaming, and embrace the call: be the light.
May your bold dreams shine bright!
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Light One Candle
Find one place in your day to intentionally be light—through encouragement, truth, or kindness.
👉 Practical tip: Text someone a verse or word of life without expecting anything back.
Step 2: Refuse to Dim Your Light
Name the area where you’ve been shrinking back. Ask God to help you stand tall.
👉 Practical tip: Write down: “I will no longer dim my light in ______.”
Step 3: Reflect the Son
Don’t force the glow. Just spend time with Jesus and let His light reflect off you.
👉 Practical tip: Pause for 10 minutes with worship music. Let His presence do the shining.
💥 You don’t need to be the source—just the reflection. Show up and shine.
Keep being the light of the world wherever you go. Watch this video for how to successfully pursue your dreams in God’s light, explore my book, or check out my podcast to keep shining with confidence and clarity.
Too often, we play it safe with God. We ask for comfort, protection, and the expected. But what if faith was never meant to be cautious? What if it was meant to be courageous? God doesn’t just respond to polite whispers—He honors audacity. Prayers that stretch us invite the miraculous. Bold prayers reveal a heart that trusts more in God’s ability than in our own limits.
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. —Acts 4:13 ESV
Bold.
We all have preconceived notions about this word, don’t we? I know I did. For the longest time, I would not have described myself as “bold.” Sure, I caught glimpses of it when I did something brave or spoke out in moments that required courage, but boldness always seemed fleeting—here one moment, gone the next.
I admired people whose lives were marked by boldness—the ones on the front lines, those who defied the odds and faced battles head-on. But me? I didn’t think I fit that mold. Maybe you feel the same way.
Yet here we are, embarking on a journey to dream bold dreams, pray bold prayers, and take bold action. So, we better start rethinking what boldness truly means. And here’s the good news: Biblical boldness isn’t what you think.
The world may define boldness as being outspoken and courageous, running towards the thing you fear without feeling fear but when we unpack the Scriptures—when we look at the lives of those who were bold for the Lord—we see a different picture. One that may surprise you, and I hope, encourages you.
In my opinion, no one embodies boldness in the New Testament quite like the apostles we see in the book of Acts. These are men who spoke life in the face of death, declared truth amongst the lies, and shared love behind prison bars. Their lives are a profound example of boldness, because they were rooted in something much deeper than most are. Acts 4:13 says, The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Here’s the key: These men were ordinary people doing extraordinary things simply because they were with Jesus.
It wasn’t Peter and John’s education or status that made them bold. It wasn’t natural talent or fearlessness. It was their time with Jesus that empowered them to be bold. I believe that biblical boldness isn’t about how large your dreams are or how brave you feel—it’s about the depth of your relationship with the Lord and your obedience to what God is calling you to do. Simply put, boldness is the willingness to say “yes” to Jesus! And come to find out, the more you spend time with Him, the easier it is to say “yes” to Him!
I am here to tell you today, if you want to be more bold, spend more time with Jesus! When you spend time with Him, you fall in love with Him and develop a selfless desire to obey Him. Real obedience is birthed out of love, not fear. Therefore, boldness flows from an intimate connection to Jesus. It’s not something we muster up on our own; it’s something the Spirit empowers us to do. Boldness is Spirit-led, not self-led.
Would any of the apostles, Peter and John specifically, have chosen prison, rejection, and hardship if it were up to them? Probably not. But they were willing—willing to say “yes” to God, no matter the cost. Their boldness was not based on their own strength but on their dependency on God. That’s the heart of boldness.
Boldness doesn’t mean you never face fear or doubt; it means you simply choose to trust and obey God even when the path is uncertain. Boldness means saying “yes,” even when you want to say no. Though obedience isn’t always convenient, it's always worth it.
As you dream with God, He’s going to challenge you. He’s going to ask you to step into things you’ve never imagined, to think in ways that stretch you, and to act with the kind of faith that will take you beyond your comfort zone. He’ll blow your mind with what’s possible and He’ll shift your perspective on what’s true. But here’s the beauty of it: as you depend on Him, you’ll discover that with God, nothing is impossible. All He needs is your “YES!”
Boldness is a life of intentional connection with the Lord and ongoing obedience to His will. It’s trusting God in the face of adversity, and moving forward even when plans don’t unfold the way we expect. It’s staying committed to God’s presence and purposes, even when the dreams seem impossible. Boldness isn’t about never feeling fear; it’s about choosing to trust God in spite of fear.
May your life be marked by your YES to Jesus—empowered by the Spirit and fully connected to the One who can do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Speak What Scares You
Pray the prayer that makes your voice tremble. Say the thing you’ve been afraid to speak out loud.
👉 Practical tip: Write down your boldest prayer, then read it out loud as a declaration.
Step 2: Ask for Holy Confidence
Tell God, “I want to trust You more than I fear failure.” Then listen.
👉 Practical tip: Read Acts 4:13 slowly, asking, “What made them bold, and what would that look like in me?”
Step 3: Say “Yes” Before You Know the Outcome
You don’t need all the answers. You just need the obedience to say “yes.”
👉 Practical tip: Start today with, “Whatever You ask of me, Lord, my answer is already yes.”
💥 Boldness begins at the altar of surrender. Say yes, even when it’s hard. Heaven is waiting on your voice.
When you dare to pray bold prayers, your faith activates heaven’s response. Watch my video on how to live bold, check out my book, or download a free devotional resource to keep walking in bold surrender.
Too many of us go through the motions—church, prayer, worship—yet deep down, we know we’ve been holding back. What if God is asking for more than a routine? What if He’s after your whole heart? This post explores what it truly means to be devoted to God, and why that changes everything.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. —Revelation 3:18-20 ESV
This isn’t your typical devotional. This is a move of God, and it starts within you. He’s chosen you. Will you choose Him back, all in, fully devoted?
The word devotion is not only an act of prayer or personal worship, but a wholehearted love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for a person or cause. It’s a deep allegiance, a zeal for something or better yet, someone, that shapes our lives and choices. In fact, devotion speaks to a self-dedication—an all-in commitment.
Learning this got me asking a lot of questions that I now pass on to you:
To live in devotion to God is to step beyond half-hearted living, past fear and worry, into a place of whole-hearted love and enthusiasm for Him. When you’re devoted solely to Him, you’re willing, energized, and motivated—walking in the passion and fire of God.
What if your daily dreaming with the Lord wasn’t just about the “right” steps or even “bold dreams,” but about developing the right heart committed to His dreams? Or better yet, a heart fully alive, committed to Him?
His word says, I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:18-20 ESV). This passage paints a picture of Jesus standing outside the church while the congregation gathers without Him.
How often do we find ourselves going through the motions—attending church, participating in activities, and learning about God’s word—without truly inviting Jesus into the center of our hearts? How often do we approach our faith without full devotion, zeal, or complete surrender?
Jesus is knocking because He desires more than just a surface-level relationship—He wants in! He doesn’t want us merely attending church or going through the duties of Christianity; He wants to take up residence in our hearts. He wants to be present in every area of our lives, not just the parts we allow Him into. This is a "come to Jesus" moment where you realize that while you've given Him some access, you may not have given Him all access.
The good news is, in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). This passage offers hope, as Jesus stands outside the door, patiently waiting for us to invite Him in. So how do you let Him in? It begins with repentance—turning away from what holds you back from going all in and offering yourself fully to Him. Not just parts of you, but every part—your pain, shame, pride, anxiety, fear, and limited understanding. It also means surrendering your hopes, dreams, goals, and ambitions to Him.
We often look to the world for answers, validation, and fulfillment, but Jesus alone is the source of lasting satisfaction and true, eternal treasure. Material things and worldly status will fade, but when we fully surrender to Christ, we receive His “gold”—riches that are found in a deep, abiding relationship with Him. This wealth is eternal, transformative, and life-giving, as our hearts become fully aligned with His. True riches are found in a life wholly devoted to Him.
Today, I encourage you to open the door of your heart in a new way. Repent and seek Him with full devotion, zealously pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus. He is knocking—will you answer? Will you let Him? Will you be fully devoted?
Take time today to renew your commitment to Him. Let this new level of devotion ignite your soul, setting you free to dream with the Lord. He has given you those dreams for a reason. As you walk in full devotion to God, not only will your life be transformed, but you will also begin to look more like Jesus, bringing His presence and heaven to earth.
Step 1: Open the Door
Jesus is knocking. Will you let Him in?
👉 Practical tip: Say out loud: “Jesus, You have all access. I’m not holding anything back.”
Step 2: Get Honest About Your Devotion
Take inventory. What gets your enthusiasm, time, and attention?
👉 Practical tip: Write down the top 3 things that consume your focus. Then ask, “Are these fully surrendered to God?”
Step 3: Go All In
Being devoted to God means no more halfway living.
👉 Practical tip: Make one bold move today that reflects total surrender—a fast, a journal entry, a decision, or a conversation.
💥 Full devotion begins with full access. Let today mark the moment you stopped going through the motions—and started living a life fully devoted to God.
You were made for more than surface-level faith. If Jesus is knocking, let Him in—all the way. When you choose to be devoted to God, you step into alignment with your purpose, your power, and His presence. Watch my latest video, explore my book, or grab a free devotional resource to keep walking in bold surrender.
Let me be real with you. We live in a world that glorifies hustle and applauds exhaustion. If you’re in a leadership role, chances are you’ve been praised more for grinding through burnout than for operating from alignment. I know the pressure. The deadlines. The meetings that could’ve been emails. The “just push harder” mindset that’s become a badge of honor. But what if the key to your next level isn’t found in doing more… but in becoming more?
I’ve been there—running at full speed, performing, striving, and leading… all while quietly breaking down on the inside. I thought the answer was to white-knuckle it. To put in more hours. To push through the fog. But here's what I’ve learned the hard way: burnout isn’t a requirement for breakthrough.
If you're reading this and you're tired—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—I want you to know you’re not alone. The truth is, our current culture has confused progress with pressure. We’ve equated effectiveness with busyness. We’ve lost sight of the fact that high performance must be rooted in alignment, not adrenaline.
Leveling up doesn’t mean doing everything. It means doing the right things from the right place.
What I share with corporate teams and leadership groups is this: sustainable growth starts with self-awareness. It’s not about checking more boxes; it’s about checking your foundation. Are you clear on your values? Are you aligned with your purpose? Are you leading from overflow or depletion?
Because here’s what’s true: you can’t lead others where you haven’t gone yourself. Your team doesn’t need a superhuman—they need a human, fully alive, fully present, and fully aligned. And that starts with giving yourself permission to pause.
Life moves fast. Business moves even faster. But true leaders know the value of the pause.
Think about it? When was the last time you paused?! Whoops. Been awhile? You're not alone. However, in a reactive culture, we need to be the ones who have the ability to pause and get back in a proactive posture.
Here’s how to pause on purpose and move forward with intention:
Ask: What does success actually look like for me (or our team) this season?
Practical step: Take 10 minutes. Grab a journal. Write the sentence: “Success, to me, looks like __.”
Don’t overthink it. Let it be real—not what culture says, not what others expect—what matters most to you and your mission.
Ask: Is what I’m building actually worth it? Is it aligned with my vision, mission, and company standards?
Practical step: Audit your calendar. Circle the things that bring high energy to you, the things that are the highest and best use of your time. Cross out what’s draining you or pulling you off course.
Then ask: Is my schedule reflecting my actual priorities or just my obligations?
Ask: Why did I say “yes” to this business in the first place? What’s the deeper purpose that originally lit my fire?
Practical step: Look back at your journal, old vision notes, or journal. Re-read the “why” that once moved you to tears.
Write 1–2 sentences that anchor you again. Post it somewhere visible.
Ask: What is ONE next bold step I can take today or this week—not the whole 5-year plan—but the next, bold step?
Practical step: Schedule a 30-minute block. No phone. No distractions. Just you and a blank page.
Write: “What’s my next bold step?”
This isn’t about throwing in the towel. This is about picking up the right tools—the ones that allow you to grow without burning out. The ones that allow you to dream bold without drowning in stress. The ones that allow you to go further because you slowed down.
If any of this resonates with you—if you're tired of running on fumes and ready to step into your next level with purpose—I’d love to continue the conversation. I recently recorded a message on this very topic: How to Level Up Without Burning Out. Give it a listen when you’ve got a few minutes and a quiet moment to breathe.
And if you’re leading a team and wondering how to create a culture that prioritizes both purpose and performance—I’d love to speak into that. Let's book a discovery conversation.
Because burnout isn’t your only option.
There’s a better way. Let’s find it—together.
There are days when you wake up and everything in you wants to hide. The weight of life feels suffocating. The noise in your head is deafening. Your to-do list feels like a mountain you can’t climb. Somewhere deep inside, your soul whispers: “If I could just get away…”
If you’ve ever thought that, Psalm 55 was written for you. But while David’s cry for escape is honest, the real power of Psalm 55 is not about fleeing your problems—it’s about finding peace through realignment with God. It’s about learning how to bridge the gap between overwhelm and peace, exhaustion and renewal, striving and surrender.
One of the most beautiful aspects of David’s life was his brutal honesty. He didn’t sugarcoat his feelings. He didn’t try to clean himself up before coming to God. He just showed up—raw, overwhelmed, real. That’s where intimacy with God begins—not in perfection, but in presence.
When you’re overwhelmed, name it. When you’re angry, admit it. When you’re anxious, say it out loud. Modern neuroscience tells us that naming your fears calms the brain’s fear center. But even more important than science is the spiritual truth: naming your needs invites God into your reality.
David understood this. By expressing his inner turmoil, he wasn’t being weak. He was making himself available to God. Honesty doesn’t make you less holy; it makes you human. And it opens the door for divine intervention.
David famously wrote, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” We resonate with this because we’ve all been there. If I could just quit my job, take a vacation, move to a new city—then I’d feel better.
But David’s story reveals something deeper: escape offers temporary relief, but not lasting peace.
Peace doesn’t come from changing your location or your circumstances. It comes from changing your alignment. Running away might give you a moment to breathe, but it won’t fix the unrest in your soul. True peace is found not by fleeing your life, but by anchoring yourself in God’s presence—right where you are.
This is where Psalm 55 becomes a practical guide. David writes, “Every evening I will explain my need to him. Every morning I will move my soul toward him. Every waking hour I will worship only him.” (Psalm 55:17 TPT)
Have you ever started your day off right—feeling filled up, peaceful, in the presence of God— only to find yourself drained by the time the day ends? Or felt energized in worship, only to feel empty again once you step back into real life?
That’s because many of us treat being filled with the Holy Spirit as a one-time event. We assume it happens only during quiet time, church services, or worship sessions. But God promises to be with us every moment of every day. The reason we often feel drained is not because His presence left, but because we haven’t learned how to bridge the gap.
David’s life offers a raw, real framework for this. He experienced emotional highs and lows, yet he continually pursued God. His life wasn’t defined by circumstances—it was defined by his commitment to seek God’s presence.
David teaches us to live in constant awareness of God through a simple, powerful rhythm:
• Every evening, explain your need. Pour out your heart, not just at night, but throughout your day. Be honest with your emotions without letting them control you.
• Every morning, move your soul toward Him. Visualize meeting Him at the foot of the cross—not just once, but continually. God isn’t after quick “fill-ups.” He wants a walking partnership.
• Every waking hour, worship only Him. This is how you bridge the gap. Don’t compartmentalize your faith. Invite Him into every conversation, task, and decision.
Picture standing beneath a waterfall. The water envelopes you, touches every part of you, and never stops. That’s what God’s presence is like. It’s not a bucket you refill when you’re empty. It’s a constant outpouring you’re meant to live under.
In the good moments, He celebrates with you. In the hard moments, He comforts you. As long as you stay conscious of His presence, you can rest in knowing He hears you and responds to your cry. This continuous connection bridges the gap, allowing His grace, peace, and love to saturate your every action.
The world loves to preach balance. Fix your schedule. Juggle your work-life priorities. Manage your chaos. But here’s the truth: balance is exhausting. It sets you up to chase perfection and still feel behind. What your soul truly needs is not balance—it’s alignment.
When you align with God, everything flows differently. Your nervous system calms. Your mind clears. Your heart steadies. It’s not about doing more or managing better. It’s about anchoring yourself in His presence.
Here’s what shifts when you choose alignment over balance:
• Balance demands performance. Alignment invites surrender.
• Balance makes you juggle plates. Alignment lets you hand them to God.
• Balance says, “Manage your chaos.” Alignment says, “Bring Me into your chaos.”
Here’s something interesting for you. Did you know that people who read the Bible at least 4 times a week are 228% more likely to share their faith with others, 407% more likely to memorize Scripture, and 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness, according to Church Answers. What does this mean? It means when we bring our pain to God first, everything else flows differently. It doesn’t mean the pain disappears—but our posture shifts. Our soul finds rest—not in escape, but in alignment.
Bridging the gap isn’t about adding more tasks to your already full plate. It’s about shifting your posture. When life feels overwhelming, the answer isn’t to run away or hustle harder. It’s to pause. Reconnect. Realign.
Visualize God’s presence cascading over you like that waterfall—drenching your thoughts, conversations, and actions. In joy, He celebrates with you. In struggle, He sustains you. The goal isn’t to “get through” the day—it’s to stay connected through it.
When you live aligned, you stop living depleted. You stop reacting from empty places. You move from surviving to thriving—not because your circumstances changed, but because your source of strength did.
Psalm 55 isn’t just ancient poetry. It’s a daily invitation to realign with God, to stop striving and start abiding. Peace isn’t found in escaping the overwhelm. It’s found in staying connected to the One who holds it all. God’s presence isn’t a place you visit occasionally—it’s a flow you’re invited to live in continuously. The waterfall of His grace never stops pouring. The only question is—are you standing under it, or are you still holding a bucket, waiting to refill when you’re already depleted?
Let Psalm 55 be more than a scripture you read. Let it be your daily rhythm. Every evening, explain your need. Every morning, move your soul toward Him. Every waking hour, worship only Him. Not as a checklist. As a lifeline.
Because in that rhythm, you’ll find what David did—not escape, but peace. Not balance, but alignment. Not striving, but surrender. This is how you bridge the gap. This is how you stop running away from life and start rising into the one God designed you to live.
Click here to begin. The world is waiting on your dream.
You’re not alone—I used to be like you too. Burned out in my early 30s, questioning everything, onging for more. But God met me in the middle of my mess and gave me a “Midlife Awakening.” Today, I’m a wife, a homeschool mom to five, a speaker, writer, and founder of The Dream Factory & Co.—but more than that, I’m living proof that it’s possible to bridge the gap between where you are and where God’s calling you. And I’m here to help you do the same.
Let’s pause the scroll for a second.
I know—life’s moving fast. You’ve got plans, checklists, maybe even a “word for the year” written somewhere in a journal you haven’t opened in weeks. But can I offer you a gentle, soul deep invitation?
Come back.
Not to the plan. Not to the performance. But to the Person. Come back to God. Because when we drift—even subtly—we start to miss the point. We start striving instead of surrendering. Hustling instead of healing. Seeking answers instead of seeking Him. And slowly but surely, our hearts get tired. We think the solution is more clarity. But it’s actually more connection. We don’t need another podcast, planner, or productivity hack—we need to put God first again. Not someday.
Now
Here’s why.
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33
We read this verse, but do we live it?
Because let’s be honest: we try everything else first. We look for peace in routines, in people, in habits, in health, in success. And yet, the moment something cracks—the budget, the relationship, the schedule—we’re spun out all over again.
Why? Because our peace wasn’t anchored. It was borrowed.
Jesus didn’t say you’ll find peace when things settle down. He said you’ll find peace in Me.
That means even when the chaos doesn’t stop, you can. Even when the outcome doesn’t change, your heart can stay steady. Putting God first means no longer waiting on the right conditions to feel calm—it means choosing Him as the condition. It’s not about numbing or avoiding the hard stuff. It’s about standing in the middle of the storm, arms open, heart steady, saying: “I trust Youmore than I trust the outcome.”
We don’t like admitting we’re needy. It feels weak, messy, vulnerable. But here’s the truth: you do have needs. Emotional. Spiritual. Physical. Relational. The question isn’t whether you’re dependent.
The question is: who are you depending on? If it’s not God, it’s something else. And when we stop taking our heart to Him, we start handing it to people, habits, jobs, or platforms—and asking them to do what only God can.
And here’s the kicker: we don’t even realize it at first.
It happens slowly. Quietly. Subtly. One disappointment at a time. One unanswered prayer. One moment where you didn’t feel seen or heard or held. And instead of bringing that pain to God, you bring it to Google. To Instagram. To another task. Another glass of wine. Another self-help book.
But none of it fills you. Because it wasn’t meant to. You were never supposed to carry your need alone. And no one else—not your spouse, not your mentor, not your therapist—can fill it. Only God was built for that.
Putting Him first means recognizing: “I have a need. And I’m bringing it to the One who actually knows what to do with it.”
Let’s talk about what really happens when life gets hard.
You feel let down. You get offended. You start asking, Why, God? And if we’re not careful, that question becomes a wedge between us and the One who loves us most. It’s not wrong to ask questions. But when our questions become agreements with doubt—when they turn into walls instead of bridges—we drift. And that drift doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it just
looks like relying more on our own understanding than His.
We Google instead of praying. We research instead of resting. We manage instead of trusting.And before we know it, we’re carrying everything we were never meant to carry. Putting God first is not a passive surrender—it’s an active realignment. It’s saying, “I don’t need to understand to trust You. I don’t need answers to obey.” That’s not weak. That’s powerful. Because it means doubt doesn’t get the final word. God does.
Let’s revisit one of the most powerful stories in scripture: the woman at the well.
She comes carrying need, shame, history. And what does Jesus do? He doesn’t shame her. He doesn’t lecture her. He doesn’t even expose her sin for sport.
He invites her into truth. He says, “You’ve told the truth.” That’s it. And in that moment—without fanfare or fireworks—her transformation begins. When we put God first, we stop pretending. We stop performing. We stop curating our lives for approval and just show up—real, raw, honest. You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus. You just have to come.
And when you do? He meets you not with condemnation, but with living water. A satisfaction the world can’t replicate. That’s the power of putting Him first. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.
Jesus told the woman: the time is coming when worship won’t happen on a mountain or in a building. It’ll happen in your heart. Worship isn’t Sunday morning. Worship is how you show up on Monday afternoon.It’s not a playlist or a program. It’s a posture—a deep, internal yes to God.
It’s saying: “You can have all of me. Even the parts I don’t understand. Even the parts I don’t want to talk about.” Putting God first means choosing devotion over distraction. Presence over performance. Faithfulness over flash. And here’s what’s wild: when you live that way—when you truly worship in spirit and in truth—your whole life shifts.
You stop asking, “How do I fix this relationship?” and start asking, “God, how are You inviting me to love more like You?” You stop hustling for impact and start moving from intimacy. You stop striving for perfection and start showing up in grace. Worship isn’t about pretending. It’s about posturing your heart in alignment with the One who made it.
So… What Happens When You Put God First? A recent study by Baylor University examined the relationship between accountability to God and psychological well-being among U.S. adults. The study found that individuals who perceive themselves as accountable to God reported higher levels of dignity, a sense of mattering to others, and meaning in life.
You stop settling for temporary solutions to eternal questions. You stop leaning on your own strength. You stop handing your dependency to things that were never meant to carry it. You stop walking around thirsty—because now, you're connected to the Source.
You’re Not Too Far Gone. You’re Not Too Late. You’re Not Too Broken. If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds beautiful, but I’ve already blown it…”—hear me: God is not keeping score. He’s extending an invitation. Right now. Not after you fix it. Not once you “feel” more spiritual. Not when you’ve earned it.
Right now.
What If You Started Today?
What if you stopped waiting for clarity and started walking in trust? What if you stopped trying to be your own source and let Him be your strength? What if you stopped managing your relationship with God like a transaction and started living like it’s the deepest, most transformative relationship you’ll ever have? Because it is. And everything else in your life—your purpose, your relationships, your peace—flows from this.
Not just with your words—but with your heart. Not just in the big decisions—but in the small, ordinary moments. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s worth it. Let Him be your dependency. Let Him be your first conversation in the morning—not your last resort at night. Let Him be your Source—not your side note.
And watch what happens when your life flows from presence, not pressure.
You weren’t made to live depleted. You were made to live dependent—on Him.
Let’s come back to the Source. Let’s re-center. Let’s put God first.
If this blog stirred something in you, Dream, I Dare You will take you deeper. This book is your practical roadmap to put God first—in your faith, your family, your mindset, and your everyday decisions.
Julia Gentry’s message dares you to move from pressure to presence, from performance to purpose. She’ll walk with you step by step as you trade striving for surrender and create a life that’s aligned with the heart of God.
Inside, you’ll:
Start today. Put God first—and watch your whole life align when you click here.
I didn’t become this woman by doing more—I became her by putting God first. When I stopped striving and started surrendering, everything changed.
I’m a better wife, mom, and leader not because life got easier, but because God became greater.
And He can do the same to you.
I want to take you on a faith journey.
Not just a step. Not a sprint. Not another box to check off. But a deep, transformational, from the-inside-out kind of journey—one where we walk together, step by step, into a life of alignment, freedom, and unshakable faith.
Because I believe this: you don’t need more information. You need alignment. You don’t need more hustle. You need heart. You don’t need more goals. You need God.
That’s what this journey is about. It’s a shift. A reset. A return.
We’re rushing, performing, overthinking. We’re surviving more than we’re living. We’re managing our relationship with God instead of being transformed by it.
But God is not looking for a polished version of you. He’s not impressed by your perfect routines. He’s after your presence. He’s after your heart.
If you’ve been feeling that nudge to go on this faith journey—that sense that there must be more, that maybe you’ve drifted a little too far from your center—then this journey is for you. Others have done exactly what you’re about to embark on. Research from Stanford University indicates that individuals with a deep, personal faith often experience enhanced immune function and reduced feelings of loneliness. This is attributed to the perception of God as a close, supportive presence, which neurologically mirrors the experience of conversing with a trusted friend.
Not a destination. A daily decision.
In my book Master Your Morning Routine in 15 Minutes a Day, I talk about how the world tells us to strive for balance. But balance is exhausting. Alignment, though? Alignment is life-giving.
Faith isn’t about managing all the spinning plates. It’s about putting God first—letting Him set the tone, shape your day, and steady your heart.
When your soul is aligned, your spirit can rest. Your body can heal. Your mind can breathe.
This is where the faith journey begins: not with doing more, but with being still. With showing up. With sitting in His presence instead of trying to prove your worth.
This is where it gets practical. Because I know the chatter. I know the excuses. I’ve made them too:
"I don’t know how to meditate."
"I’m too busy."
"I can’t quiet my mind."
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Meditation isn’t about the method. It’s about the meeting. It’s about meeting with God.
When we pause to meditate, to breathe, to align our hearts, something shifts. That inner chatter quiets. The pressure lifts. We stop reacting and start receiving.
This is why I want to take you on a faith journey. Because I know the power of stillness. I know what happens when you trade striving for surrender. I know how radically life changes when you start your day with alignment instead of anxiety.
Growth takes time. That’s why I teach the 66-day model in my work. Not because it’s magic. But because change requires a process.
Faith is the same way. It doesn’t happen in one prayer. It’s a lifestyle. A rhythm. A sacred return. And I want to guide you through it.
I’m not inviting you to my version of success. I’m not handing you another checklist. I’m inviting you into truth. Into peace. Into presence. Into a life that flows from faith, not fear.
This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about removing what doesn’t belong. It’s about clearing the noise so you can hear His voice again.
So if you’re tired of striving…
If you’re done with distractions…
If you’re ready to come home to the heart of God…
Then say yes.
Say yes to stillness.
Say yes to presence.
Say yes to the faith journey.
Not someday. Not when life calms down. Not when you feel worthy.
Say yes now.
I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Because I’ve been where you are—tired, searching, done performing.
Faith isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about saying yes to the unknown with God beside you.
This journey is raw and real, but it’s where healing begins. And you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s take the next step—together.
Dream, I Dare You isn’t just a book—it’s the beginning of your faith journey back to purpose, boldness, and holy alignment.
If you’ve felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of your next step, this book is your invitation to wake up, rise up, and start living the life God designed for you.
Julia Gentry dares you to dream bigger—not just for yourself, but for your faith, your family, your calling, and the Kingdom.
Inside, you’ll:
The world needs your dream.
Your faith journey starts here.
Click here to experience how to dream differently.
It took me eight years to internalize this truth—so let’s not waste another eight minutes.
God doesn’t just show up when it’s easy—He stands with you in the breaking. He’s not captivated by how impressive your dream looks on paper. He’s moved by the cost of your yes.
Until we learn to walk in radical dependency—not control, not polished self-sufficiency, not performance masked as purpose—we will stay stuck. Stuck chasing mountaintops. Shrinking back from valleys. Living half-alive when we were called to live fully surrendered. But the invitation is now.
It’s in the surrender
It’s in the stillness.
It’s in the sacred stretch where everything changes—where the deeper revelation unfolds:
God is not intimidated by your valley. And He doesn’t just celebrate your summit—He reigns sovereign over both. This isn’t just a message for you to admire or listen to, it’s a reality to step into.
And the time is now.
This isn't about accumulating bigger dreams. It's about learning to dream more boldly—which is something altogether different. The world will endlessly package ambition as purpose, but God isn't after your achievements.
He's after a deeper yes. A yes that costs. A yes forged in fire. A yes that doesn’t hinge on perfect circumstances.
Boldness isn't the absence of fear. It’s the decision to move forward even while fear screams for retreat.
When God says, "Write the book," and your insecurity hisses, "But You don't know who I am,"—that’s the birthplace of boldness. When He says, "Fight for your marriage," and you protest, "But You don't know who I'm married to,"—that’s where courage is born.
And that kind of boldness doesn’t emerge from self-confidence—it flows from the deep well of dependency on Him. Dependency isn't weakness—it’s divine alignment. It's the sacred posture that says, "God, without You, I am undone."
And when you finally relinquish the burden to orchestrate it all, you create room for the miraculous. That’s when your yes becomes more than a choice—it becomes the conduit of your calling.
We are all profoundly needy creatures. The question is not whether we have needs—it’s where we run with them. The enemy is cunning, whispering seductive lies: "You're not enough."
"You're too much." "You don’t belong here." And so, we reach for counterfeit remedies— money, status, distraction, performance—to numb what only God was fashioned to fulfill.
Meanwhile, Christ stands in the middle of our frenzy, whispering still, "Our Father dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of Your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest Your kingdom and cause every purpose to be fulfilled on earth just as it is in heaven…"
(Matthew 6:9-10).
He is not beckoning your polished persona. He’s not impressed with your curated image. He’s asking for your raw, unedited need.
And the astonishing part? He already knows what you're carrying. And He still says—come.
You don’t need to sanitize your wounds before you approach the throne. You simply need to bring your brokenness to the One whose very nature is to bind and to heal. He is greater than the highs and the lows because He meets you precisely where you need Him most—and offers not condemnation but covering.
We are so quick to believe that failure disqualifies us. That struggle defines us. That disappointment diminishes us. But nothing could be further from the truth.
The valley isn't your disqualification—it’s your consecration. Some live satisfied with barely enough energy to stumble through the day, but God desires to fortify your inner being with strength that transcends human limitation.
Romans 8:19 reminds us, "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." You are not simply surviving your valley—you are becoming in it. That silent stretch where you feel forgotten? That ache that won't relent? That sense of standing still while the world moves on? It’s not your demise—it’s your deep becoming.
Strength doesn’t always thunder. Sometimes it whispers: "I’m still here." And God, more faithful than your fears, is still there too. The deeper you go into the valley with Him, the greater the heights He will entrust to you when the time comes.
We’ve been conditioned to equate peace with the absence of pressure. When the bills are paid, when the diagnosis changes, when the chaos settles—then, we think, peace will finally come. But real peace is not circumstantial. It’s supernatural. It speaks of a reality that transcends understanding, a deep anchoring that doesn’t make human sense.
Peace isn’t found in your surroundings. It’s found in your surrender. It’s not the absence of noise. It’s the awareness of Presence.
When you realize that peace is not a destination but a Person, you stop striving for temporary calm and start abiding in unshakable communion. True peace doesn’t require the storm to end— it simply requires Christ to be near. And He always is.
It’s easy to feel like we’ve missed it. Like we were late to the calling. Like we disqualified ourselves from the promise.
But the truth? You are standing exactly where God needs you for what He’s unfolding now. Delay doesn’t diminish His power. He doesn’t ration or reserve his grace.
It’s explosive. Divine. Immediate. Right on time.
God is not the God of barely enough. He is the God of overflow. Not one second has He been late.
Not one moment has He lost sight of you. His power doesn’t respond to your timetable—it reigns in alignment with His perfect will. So whether you're standing at the summit or gasping for breath in the valley—His power is active, available, and more than sufficient.
This is the message I’m carrying into boardrooms, churches, retreats, and leadership gatherings across the country in 2025: God is greater than the highs and the lows.
We don't need bigger plans. We need deeper yeses.
We don't need better strategies. We need bold dependency.
If you’re ready to awaken the weary, reignite the brokenhearted, and call people back to the place where true strength is found—let’s partner together.
Book me to speak before 2025 fills up. Because this isn’t about chasing more. It’s about living anchored in Him.
What if dreaming wasn't about building your life?
What if it was about surrendering it?
The Dare to Dream Experience is where striving ends and Spirit-led living begins.
It’s about awakening what Heaven already spoke over you—and learning to walk it out boldly, fully dependent on God’s strength, not your own.
This isn’t another motivational workshop.
It’s an encounter designed to set you free to dream with the One who crafted you for a purpose.
Real breakthroughs don’t happen by planning harder.
It happens by saying yes when God calls you into deeper water.
If you’re ready to be in a room where hearts surrender, courage rises, and Heaven moves
See where I'm speaking next.
Because sometimes one word from God can change everything.
The Arise + Align course isn’t about achieving more.
It’s about becoming who you already are in Christ. If you're tired of striving and ready to live from an anchored place of freedom, it's time. Time to arise. Time to align. Time to move, not by your might—but by His Spirit.
Because the world isn’t waiting for your next plan. It’s waiting for you to stand fully alive in Him.
It’s April, and if you’ve already outlined your goals for 2025, I want to offer you a gentle but bold invitation: release them. Because maybe what you thought you needed was another polished plan. But what your soul is truly yearning for… is a deeper vision
Let’s step out of performance and into purpose. Let’s move beyond planning and begin partnering—with God.
By now, most people have either drifted off course, lost their initial fire, or are gripping tightly to goals that no longer feel aligned. And that’s not failure. That’s feedback. It’s a sign that hustle has run its course—and it’s time to walk a braver path.
It’s not that goals are inherently flawed. It’s that they’re often incomplete. Most goals are rooted in external expectations, not internal alignment. They reflect what culture tells us we should do—not what Heaven is inviting us to become.
We say we want to lose weight, grow our revenue, or expand our reach… but we rarely pause to ask: Is this in alignment with the person I’m becoming?
The goal is not the goal.
The process is the point.
The dream is the differentiator.
Which is why I’ve stopped goal-setting as a means of success. Instead, I’ve started dreaming in partnership with God.
If you’re ready to exchange striving for significance and performance for presence, here are five elegant, yet practical shifts to align with divine vision:
Before you take another step, pause. Ask God: What dream have You placed in my heart? Resist the urge to strategize. Let silence become your sacred starting point
Ditch the to-do list. Instead, craft a compelling picture of the life God is calling you into. Don’t filter. Don’t edit. Let it pour out in full color
Rather than asking, “What do I want to accomplish?” ask, “Who do I want to become?” Build rhythms that reinforce who Heaven says you already are.
This isn’t about grandeur—it’s about obedience. Take the next faithful step, however small, in agreement with the vision God’s written on your heart.
This is not a one-time surrender. It’s a daily collaboration. Let God redirect, refine, and reimagine the dream as you walk with Him—intimately, attentively, expectantly.
Goals are temporal by nature. Dreams? They’re transcendent. Goals can be achieved. But dreams—true, God-breathed dreams—are meant to be embodied.
Your goals may live in a planner. But your dream was woven into your spirit by the Creator Himself. When you step into that when you move in trust, when you walk in alignment—you don’t just achieve. You transform.
Consider this: if your dream is to restore hope to others, your short-term goal might be to complete a coaching certification. But the certificate isn’t the point. The becoming is.
It’s not too late. You haven’t missed it. You’re not behind. In fact, what if now is precisely the recalibration Heaven intended?
Instead of asking: “What’s my Q2 objective?” Ask: “What dream is God inviting me to steward?” Because the dream—the one that’s whispering in the quiet moments, the one that won’t let you go—isn’t too audacious. It’s not too late. It’s already in motion. All that’s required is your yes.
I’m no longer driven by outcomes. I’m anchored in obedience. I’m no longer performing for approval. I’m responding to a divine invitation. I’m no longer chasing success. I’m embodying significance. If you’re ready to exit the grind of goal-setting and step into the soul-level transformation of dream-living—I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Because you weren’t made for small thinking or safe living.
This is the message I’m bringing to boardrooms, churches, retreats, and leadership gatherings across the country in 2025: it’s time to move beyond surface-level strategy—into soul-level vision.
Let’s reignite the people who feel stuck. Let’s help them remember who they are. Let’s give them permission to dream again—with God.
Book me to speak before 2025 fills up. Let’s make this the year people stop chasing goals—and start living into purpose.
This is your reset. Let April be your new beginning. Ditch the checklist. Run toward the calling. Just allow the process to transform you from the inside out.
That’s the real win. That’s where we’re headed.
Join the Dare to Dream Experience Today
Discover what’s possible when you align your goals with intentional action.
Big results require bold commitments. Want to be in the room where clarity, strategy, and momentum collide?
See Where Julia's Speaking Next
Sometimes all it takes is one plan, one perspective, to shift everything.
Step Into the Arise + Align Course
When it’s time to rise into your next level with purpose-driven goals…
But no matter how many boxes you check, how many goals you hit, something still feels… off.
You’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re just out of alignment. And that quiet voice deep down? The one that whispers “There has to be more…”
That voice is right.
I know, because I’ve been there too.
Let me show you how spiritual alignment changed everything for me—and how it can transform
your life too
We’ve been conditioned to believe that rest is a luxury—something to be earned after all the work is done. But here's the truth I discovered: the pause is not a disruption; it’s a divine invitation.
I used to believe that if I wasn’t moving, I wasn’t progressing. I’d fill my calendar with meetings, deadlines, and to-do lists, thinking that success came from constant activity. But eventually, I reached a breaking point. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from
my true self.
Then, I heard a whisper: “Pause.”
This was hard for me at first, but I began to realize that true alignment doesn’t come from the chaos of daily life—it comes from the stillness. It comes when we give ourselves permission to be quiet, to rest, and to listen to God’s voice.
Taking a pause doesn’t mean you’re giving up or falling behind. It’s in the pause that God can do His most powerful work in us. In those quiet moments, you can reconnect with your purpose, refocus your priorities, and realign with your true calling.
When we stop, breathe, and listen, we create space for God to lead us in new directions. Spiritual alignment doesn’t just happen in the busy moments of life. It happens in the pause—where clarity, vision, and wisdom come to life.
In our culture, striving is often celebrated. We’ve been taught that the more we hustle, the more we achieve. But the truth I’ve learned is this: striving is actually a symptom of misalignment.
When you find yourself working tirelessly, pushing yourself beyond your limits, or constantly trying to prove your worth, it’s usually a sign that you’re out of sync with your deeper purpose. Striving comes from a place of fear—fear that we’re not enough, fear of failure, or fear of being overlooked.
I spent years in this mindset. I was trying to prove myself to others and to build a life that looked successful. But no matter how much I achieved, I always felt like something was missing. That’s when I realized that the real power doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from surrendering. Spiritual alignment isn’t about forcing outcomes or chasing success. It’s about trusting that when you are aligned with God’s will, the right things will happen at the right time.
You don’t have to force what God has already ordained for you. Instead of striving, focus on alignment. Your success will flow naturally from there.
If you want to experience transformation in your life, the first place to start is your mindset. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is the foundation of spiritual alignment: when you change your thoughts, your entire life begins to shift.
I’ve seen firsthand how changing my mindset transformed my journey. I had to stop believing the lies that told me I wasn’t good enough, that I needed to prove myself, and that success was the only measure of my worth. These lies kept me in a constant state of anxiety and misalignment.
The moment I chose to replace those lies with truth—truth about who I am in Christ, truth about my purpose, truth about my valu —it was as if a fog lifted. Suddenly, the decisions I made, the goals I set, and the relationships I nurtured all felt aligned with who I truly am.
To achieve spiritual alignment, you must confront the beliefs that are holding you back. You have to examine the lies you’ve been told and replace them with the truth of who God says you are. Once you do this, your entire life will shift to reflect that truth.
There’s something powerful about a calling that can’t be ignored. You can delay it. You can distract yourself with other things. But if God has called you to something, that calling will not go away. It will continue to tap on your heart, urging you to take action.
For years, I ignored my calling. I convinced myself that I wasn’t ready, that I wasn’t qualified, and that there were too many obstacles in my way. But every time I tried to walk in a different direction, that calling would find a way to pull me back.
It wasn’t until I answered that calling and embraced it fully that my life began to align. I realized that living out your calling isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. There’s a deep fulfillment that comes from knowing you’re walking in the path that was designed specifically for you
When you align yourself with your calling, you experience a peace that passes all understanding. You stop running and start stepping into your destiny.
You can achieve all the external markers of success—money, fame, recognition—but none of it will fill the internal void of misalignment. No matter how much you achieve, if your soul is out of sync with God’s plan, you’ll never feel truly satisfied.
I know this from personal experience. I built the “perfect” life, but it didn’t feel right. I was living on autopilot, achieving goals without purpose, and feeling disconnected from my deeper calling. It wasn’t until I stopped and reevaluated my alignment that I realized that external success could never compensate for internal misalignment.
Spiritual alignment is not about achieving more. It’s about being who you were created to be— authentically and unapologetically. When you align your inner world with God’s truth, your outer world begins to reflect it. Success then becomes a byproduct of alignment, not the goal itself
When you live in alignment with your true self, you begin to live boldly. No more playing small. No more dimming your light. Alignment frees you to be who you were always meant to be.
Spiritual alignment gives you clarity, purpose, and confidence. It’s not about mustering up enough courage to take big risks. It’s about trusting that when you’re aligned with God’s will, your path will be clear, your steps will be ordered, and you will be empowered to take action without fear.
Living in alignment allows you to step into your destiny with boldness. It removes the pressure to perform and replaces it with the freedom to be authentic. You no longer need external validation because you know that you are already enough in Christ.
If something stirred in your spirit as you read this—don’t ignore it.
That tug you feel? It’s not guilt. It’s an invitation.
Your best self isn’t waiting in the next book, the next hustle, or the next strategy. She’s already within you—waiting to rise. She’s simply waiting for spiritual alignment.
The journey back into alignment isn’t about adding one more thing to your list. It’s about clearing the clutter—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—and creating space for divine clarity
Inside, we’ll walk through the exact framework I used to step out of burnout, confusion, and pressure—and into a life that’s aligned, anchored, and activated by purpose. You’ll learn to renew your mind, rewrite old narratives, and walk in agreement with the truth of who God says you are. It’s not just a course. It’s a call to alignment.
Because once you’re aligned with heaven, everything else falls into place.
Step Into the Dare to Dream Experience Now
Don’t just do more.
Be more—by aligning with the truth of who you were always created to be.
Ready to Realign? See Where Julia’s Speaking Next
Don’t just chase more goals. Start aligning with who you’re truly meant to be
Interested in booking Julia for your next speaking engagement?
Reach out today to learn how Julia can bring her transformational message to your event and help your audience unlock their best selves
