I have experienced a couple of times the power of believing in my dreams, recognizing possibilities, and finding the path.

The lesson (which I must constantly be reminded of) is that we should ask God to help us when we can’t do it ourselves, to realize that nothing is impossible once God has directed our vision. We must work and believe, but all is possible. Once you realize that nothing is impossible, then the steps to make it happen are revealed, and you can begin working to get there.

I don’t think she means to say that God will give us everything that we dream of or desire, but that he listens to our prayers and provides guidance and sometimes help.

I remember when I wanted to own a home, but thought that I never could. I was a single householder, my income was average, and my credit rating mediocre. I didn’t have money for a standard down payment, and didn’t see how I could ever save enough.

Then, because of events in the lives of family members and friends, I began to believe that it might be possible. I began by cleaning up my credit, gradually saved some money (not much) and looked for a house that I might be able to afford. I attended real estate open houses on the weekends and looked at real estate on line.

This was when the market was hot, and prices were high.

Then one day, a group from GMAC came into the office to talk to employees about mortgages. I sat down with them, and it turned out that there was an FHA mortgage that I qualified for that required very little cash to close. My mortgage guy was great!

I got the mortgage, found a great realtor (via an Open House) who really helped me to find a home I could afford and that suited my life and, finally, I achieved my dream of home ownership.

The home I bought had just been updated in many ways – kitchen remodeled with new stove and dishwasher (I had to buy a refrigerator), new windows, new furnace and air conditioning, new roof. The owners intended to stay in the house, but they were surprised with a new baby (after 10 years) and needed a larger home, so they sold theirs to me.

Did God help me on this journey? I think he did. All I did was listen and do a few things that needed to be done.

Today I have a standard mortgage, an excellent credit rating, a solid home, and much more stability in my life.

I still need this lesson every day. And, as Jess says, when we show others that we believe in the words we speak, others who are broken and in need are influenced by what they see.

Be brave!