Follow Your Heart and Discover God's Dream for You

Directory of Follow Your Heart Articles

Complete listing of newsletter articles written by author, Judy Peterson, based on the topic of her book, Follow Your Heart and Discover God's Dream for You.

New! A Continuing Quest: Living Life to the Full: Is there life after fifty? Do you want an ongoing, satisfying, and rewarding life? Find out what some women across the United States are doing to live that richer, fuller, life. Their ideas and actions-- which are bringing positive results-- could be duplicated by women everywhere, regardless of their age. It appears there is some kind of phenomenon going on. You could be a part of it! Find the answers you are looking for.
Vol 6, Issue 8: November/December, 2008
The Heart's Call: Listening to the Voice of God: Do we pay attention to the deep yearnings we have within that often catch us by surprise? They call to us, but do we hear their message? There is a message that we were made for something better, something more. It is in our heart that we hear the voice of God and His leading for our lives. Find out what you can do to respond and live the fulfilling life of your heart!
Vol 6, Issue 7: September/October, 2008
Answering The Question of What To Do With Your Life: Finding Rewarding Work: Regardless of your age, have you wondered what activities or work would be satisfying to you, would help others, and would use the abilities God has given you? If so, how do you find the answers to that quest that can appear more than once throughout the different chapters of your life? Look at the practical and inspirational steps one woman took to resolve the issue of finding meaningful work. Discover the insights and ideas to pursue your own dreams, whatever those dreams might be.
Vol 6, Issue 6: July/August, 2008
An Assignment From God: Discovering Your Design and Dream: God has a special purpose for your life, a place in life to which He has called you. When you discover your resources and gifts you start to discern God's will for your life. Make that 'double discovery', and learn also that fuflillment of your dreams depends on the Creator of those dreams. It is God working through us that accomplishes miracles!
Vol 6, Issue 5: May/June, 2008
The Lost Journey of Our Heart: Listening to Our Longings and Finding Our Dreams: Do you feel there is "something more" that you are lacking in your life? Are you ignoring that message? Your longings and unrest could be God's leading to find that which could fulfill His purposes and will for your life and talents. "Listen" to what your heart's deepest desires are telling you. They are a clue to find the life you could prize.
Vol 6, Issue 4: April, 2008
Listening to a Still Small Voice: Knowing What Path to Take: At different seasons of our life we are apt to ask, "What next?" or "What Should I do with my life?" How do we answer those questions? Learn the signals that can help you know when it is time for change, and can help you find direction for your life. Don't miss the "message" you may be receiving and miss out on finding new dreams and a satisfying richer life.
Vol 6, Issue 3: March, 2008
Your Gifts and Treasures: Giving the Best You Have: We all are gifted by God to accomplish His purposes for our lives and the lives of others. Discover your "gifts" and what you need to do in order to find your mission or calling. What do you have to offer? Do you know? Everyone has something to offer, as it is part of God's plan.
Vol 6, Issue 2: February, 2008
New Dreams and a New Year: Our Longings Lead the Way: We all have hopes and dreams for the future. Our longings are meant to draw us to the "place" God would have us go. What is it you want to do, or see happen? Have faith in your dreams, and overcome whatever fears you may have. Do the things God's people did when faced with following God's dream for their lives. Go from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land, whatever that might be in your life!
Vol 6, Issue 1: January, 2008
Obstacles Into Opportunities: Finding Our Dreams and Destiny: Roadblocks to our dreams can be mis-read as a dead-end for our dream quest journey. A better understanding of the different phases of our dream-- that take us from our dreams' initial conception to its ultimate fulfillment-- can provide patience, encouragement, and hope. Realize these phases, or stages, are a normal process in the shaping and growing of both your dream and yourself.
Vol 5, Issue 12: December, 2007
Walking on Water: Getting Out of the Boat and Seeing Miracles Happen: What are we focusing on when we try to follow our dreams or even do the impossible? Are we looking at our circumstances and challenges instead of at what God can do? If so, we will "sink" before we begin. Understand some specific things you can do to see miracles happen and to fulfill your dreams.
Vol 5, Issue 11: November, 2007
Desires, Choices, God's Will, and Faith: Launching Our Dreams: Is there any correct age for having dreams? Are we either too young or too old? Never! Discover what you can do to launch your dreams, whether it is action steps or steps of faith. Both are necessary to move ahead. Look at a check list and see what you might have over-looked. Get back on track with your life.
Vol 5, Issue 10: October, 2007
Experiencing Fulfillment at Any Age: Following Your Heart's Path: We often wonder what to do with our life and talents, whether young and starting out or whether older looking for new activities or new ways to experience fulfilling, longer lives. Discover how to look at your life and learn what you can do to resolve these issues. Read one woman's story of what is working for her!
Vol 5, Issue 9: September, 2007
Never Too Late: Newer Dreams in Later Life: Discover new choices and opportunities in your 50's to 80's! One woman's story sheds some light on how to re-define yourself and find rewarding activities regardless of your age. Learn the secrets Mary Ann used to launch a "career" in her late 50's. You can follow the same principles and continue to be productive for many years to come.
Vol 5, Issue 8: August, 2007
Change, Crisis, and Growth: The Birth of a Dream: At different seasons of our life-- whether younger or older-- we often have a desire to do something "new", or a desire to find fulfilling ways to use our talents and our time. A sense of mission starts to grow as a result of several things that could be happening in our lives. What are the signals that suggest you should take a look at these developing desires? Do they hold the key to your future and a satisfying life? Don't miss out on a chance to find the life you would prize and a life that could benefit others.
Vol 5, Issue 7: July, 2007
Finding Fulfillment: Acres of Diamonds Closer Than You Think: Whether finding a fulfilling purpose when starting out in life, or a bit later in life, we have diamonds to be discovered in our own back yard. Our talents, heart motivations, experiences, and even our challenges or pain, are all a part of our dream journey. They weave together to shape both us and our dream. Will you be ready and be aware when opportunity knocks?
Vol 5, Issue 6: June, 2007
A New Life Stage: Finding Purposeful Activities in Mid-Life: Mid-life can offer new opportunity and excitement. Look for clues that could suggest the timing and ideas for an activity that could continue to fulfill your talents and be of benefit to others. Read how Margaret Jensen, a nurse by profession, realized her great love of story telling and became a well known author. Whatever your "story", take those steps of discovery yourself!
Vol 5, Issue 5: May, 2007
Re-discovering Our Dreams: Desires Hold the Key: Are hopes and dreams just for young people? Can you re-capture your dreams? Find out what you can do and how you can discern God's will for your life. Test your dream to make sure you are on the right path.
Vol 5, Issue 4: April, 2007
Finding Satisfying Work: Finding a Fulfilling Life: Have you ever asked: "What do I want to do with my life?" If so, how do you find the answer to that question? Does it matter what age you are, or where you are in your life? Discover the starting point that can be of help in discovering a life-work or activity that you would find meaningful and satisfying. Apply it to your search for a fuller and richer life!
Vol 5, Issue 3: March, 2007
Adversity and Opportunity: Discovering Your Mission: Do you search for meaning or a sense of mission? How do you find it? There are different ways to become aware of a mission/purpose that could carry out God's purposes for your life. Read how one person discovered his mission through adversity, and allowed God to do new and exciting things in his life. He turned a lemon life handed him into lemonade. So many are now benefiting from Eddie's desires to help others who have experienced some of the same challenges he has. Could this be you?
Vol 5, Issue 2: February, 2007
Life's Challenges: To Trust or Not to Trust: How do you handle a small concern or a large concern? Is there any difference? Find out about the constants that are always there no matter what your worries or circumstances might be. See how they apply to following the dream and plans you have for your life. Learn valuable lessons!
Vol 5, Issue 1: January, 2007
Finding Direction: Values and Choices Lead the Way: What are some of the things you can do to forward your dreams and goals? Make sure you get to the destination you have in mind. Learn some of the strategies that can help insure you aren't depending on "luck" to fulfill your dreams.
Vol 4, Issue 12: December, 2006
A Mission Grows: Discovering Our Purpose in Life: Do you know what your mission is for your life? If not, you might not be aware of the things in your life that hold a clue to your life purpose, and an activity that could have meaning. Read Thea's story to understand how some people's mission, while perhaps not clearly stated, seeks them out again and again. Their mission continues to grow. Has yours been growing without your awareness? Can you identify it?
Vol 4, Issue 11: November, 2006
Finding Direction: Our Passions Lead the Way: We have a secret longing for life as it was meant to be. In the different seasons of our life, questions arise about what we want to do, or what activity or work would have meaning. Suggestions are given, especially for young people, but applicable to each of us regardless of where we are in our lives.
Vol 4, Issue 10: October, 2006
Your Heart Desires: Discovering a Purposeful Life: Our heart desires and our childhood dreams hold the key to our mission and purpose in life. Read about an astronaut, who happens to be a woman, and how she discovered, then pursued, her earliest dreams to fly in space. Discover your own dream seeds, perhaps from childhood. They show you the way to a purposeful life, and a life you could prize!
Vol 4, Issue 9: September, 2006
A Heart’s Passion: The Birth of a Dream and Enterprise: Our heart passions can give birth to dreams and a "life work" that benefits others. Read about Deborah's journey as she followed her heart's path, and started a most unique enterprise. Have you seen your own desires as the "clues" guiding you to a life you would prize?
Vol 4, Issue 8: August, 2006
Scars Into Stars: A New Life and New Dreams: Present circumstances and a hurtful past can stand in the way of fulfilling our dreams. Lolita Robinson, a professional vocalist who crisscrossed the globe performing with groups such as The New Christy Minstrels and Debby Boone, shows how she overcame adversity and other things that held her captive. She was eventually able to build new dreams and a new life. Nothing was ever wasted. We can do the same, and learn how to turn our scars into stars!
Vol 4, Issue 7: July, 2006
Finding Your Calling: Things to Think About: We ask: "How do I find a sense of purpose and fulfillment?" We seek to know more about two big life themes--calling and passion. Yet they are often misunderstood. Understand what they mean and require. Dispel the myths that can surround them. Remove the blocks in your life and find your calling!
Vol 4, Issue 6: June, 2006
The Making of a Dream: Changes and Lessons: Our dream journey can take different paths, and there is much to learn along the way. Read Penny Pressley Ferreira's story and find out if you have understood some of the lessons your dream may be teaching you before it can "bloom". What does your dream call you to realize and do?
Vol 4, Issue 5: May, 2006
Passion: Finding Your Dream and Fulfilling God’s Purposes: Our deep heart passions are placed in our heart to carry out God's purposes for our lives. Have you aligned your life with your heart passions? Have you considered your gifts in relation to your calling? Learn what to do and how others have accomplished this in their own life! Realize the destiny that is yours to fulfill.
Vol 4, Issue 4: April, 2006
Moving Forward: Fulfilling Your Dreams, Part 2: Be your own dream-coach. Find your deepest desires and the abilities to carry out those desires. Set the goals to make those dreams come true---one step at a time! Believe the impossible!
Vol 4, Issue 3: March, 2006
Moving Forward: Fulfilling Your Dreams, Part 1: Are you restless? Maybe it is time to find the dream and activity that can bring purpose and passion to your life. Look at some specific things you can do in this New Year ahead. Take action now to create the future that you desire.
Vol 4, Issue 2: February, 2006
A New Year: Finding Renewed Hope and New Dreams: The New Year stirs up much in our hearts--- new hopes, new dreams, and a longing to see those dreams fulfilled. New direction or paths in our life can come about in different ways. Read how one woman "discovered" her dreams. It may help you to do the same. Find God's dream for you!
Vol 4, Issue 1: January, 2006
The Desires of Your Heart: Hallowed Ground, Part 2: Your heart desires are the guide to a purposeful life. They are "hallowed ground." Find something you are passionate about, and follow that passion as it leads you. Hear one woman's story as she did the same.
Vol 3, Issue 12: December, 2005
The Desires of Your Heart: Where Are They Leading You? / Have You Left Them Behind? Part 1: Have you brought your heart desires along on your life's journey? Or, have you left them behind? Re-connect with your deepest longings that hold the key to what to do with your life. Find the only life worth living!
Vol 3, Issue 11: November, 2005
Taking a Fresh Look: Understanding My Mission and Purpose in Life: Are you using your talents and following the heart motivations God has given you, in the "place" He has caused to appeal to you the most, for the purposes He needs accomplished in the world? Take a fresh look at your mission and at what you were created to do. The "answers" to God's dream for you reside in what He has already given you! Make sure you are on the right path.
Vol 3, Issue 10: October, 2005
Getting Back to Basics: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Path, Part 2: Review some of the "basics" when following your dream and wondering if that dream will ever be fulfilled. Look at what is important to consider--- a checklist to make sure you are doing the right things and staying on the right path. Then, trust in the promises and partnership of God to keep you going forward!
Vol 3, Issue 9: September, 2005
Getting Back to Basics: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Path, Part 1: Waiting for your dream to be fulfilled? Go back to the basics of God's promises and the basic things to remember: linking your deepest desires with other's needs and the glory of God. Trust in God's provision, guidance, and timing for that open door.
Vol 3, Issue 8: August, 2005
Experiencing God’s Leading in Your Life: Looking for Signs and a “God nudge”: Restlessness can be a signal that God is leading us to find newer dreams and paths. Look for the ways God may be leading you or "nudging" you to leave comfort zones and become the person He has created you to be! Answer that call and claim His dream for you.
Vol 3, Issue 7: July, 2005
Is God in the Details of Our Lives?: Handling Challenges, Finding Direction, and Experiencing Joy, Part 2: Do we under-estimate God's working and leading in our lives and dreams? Find His direction in the smallest details and places. Learn what it means, and the secret of "above and beyond" all you could do or orchestrate yourself.
Vol 3, Issue 6: June, 2005
Is God in the Details of Our Lives?: Handling Challenges, Finding Direction, and Experiencing Joy, Part 1: Does God really care about all the "details" of our lives? Is He in the small things as well as the big things? One woman shares her story with the readers. The bottom line: when we trust God and "listen" for His leading, we can see Him at work in our every day lives and in the fulfillment of our dreams. He takes an active part in our dream-journey.
Vol 3, Issue 5: May, 2005
Getting Your “Faith Legs” and Letting Go: A Journey to Dream Fulfillment, Part 3: You may still be waiting for your dream's fulfillment, and may be feeling quite helpless at this point. Understand the power of helplessness, and that it can be an important part of your over-all dream journey. God "hems us in" for a reason. What are some things we can learn from it? Is it not to be feared? Our helplessness can be the crucible that gives birth to victory, rather than the path that leads to failure.
Vol 3, Issue 4: April, 2005
Getting Your “Faith Legs” and Letting Go: A Journey to Dream Fulfillment, Part 2: How can we get back on track when our dreams seem to be going nowhere or are at a standstill? Some things to consider that could help are discussed, such as giving up our own control, replacing fear with faith, being willing to live with uncertainty, and accepting our circumstances. All play a part in releasing our dream, and can be key to our dream's ultimate fulfillment.
Vol 3, Issue 3: March, 2005
Getting Your “Faith Legs” and Letting Go: A Journey to Dream Fulfillment, Part 1: Developing our "faith legs" and learning to "let go and let God" helps us on our journey to dream fulfillment. The article discusses the secret to answered prayer-- the prayer of relinquishment. Find out what that prayer means, and what it requires of each of us. Do we "lose" something, or do we "gain"?
Vol 3, Issue 2: February, 2005
Living Your Dream: Not Giving Up: Can we keep believing in our dreams and in God to fulfill them? Our confidence is in God to complete what He has begun in us. We have been given motivations and talents for a reason. Our heart's desires spring from within, and are the map to find the life we prize. They represent God's purposes and "calling" to become what we are called of God to be.
Vol 3, Issue 1: January, 2005
Living Your Dream: Helping it Grow: What are some ways we can help our dream to grow? The article discusses the importance of looking at problems as opportunities "in disquise." Also we are encouraged to do "what we are", drawing on our deepest passions and best abilities. In summary, we are to build on our strengths and to know our limitations. And finally, commitment and dedication become huge assets if we make them part of our over-all efforts.
Vol 2, Issue 12: December, 2004
Living Your Dream: Watching it Grow: The November newsletter describes some things to think about as you start living your dream. Suggestions are to think of ways to expand your dream, based on the heart desires that are at its core. The size of your dream should also be determined by need, not by the size of the giants you might face. Important, too, is to monitor your dream to make sure you are fulfilling its original purpose and mission. Finally, what are some of the resources you can draw upon to further your dream?
Vol 2, Issue 11: November, 2004
My Dream Journey: Preparing for What Lies Ahead, Part 3: Final challenges that could keep you from stepping forward to live your dreams are discussed: trusting God, leaving the wasteland of unclaimed dreams, letting go, and facing giants. Each present not so much an obstacle as an opportunity for dream fulfillment. You and your dream are being shaped and developed in keeping with God's timing and will for you life. The result is a better you and a better dream!
Vol 2, Issue 10: October, 2004
My Dream Journey: Preparing for What Lies Ahead, Part 2: We continue to prepare for challenges to be met, action to be taken, and faith to be called upon as we pursue our dream-quest journey. Embracing God's dream for our lives, leaving comfort zones, and overcoming potential obstacles, be they self-inflicted or otherwise, are all discussed and met head-on. We can be confronted by these issues when following whatever dream we have chosen, whether it is starting a business, serving in volunteer work, or stepping out to follow any kind of heart's passion and interest.
Vol 2, Issue 9: September, 2004
My Dream Journey: Preparing for What Lies Ahead, Part 1: If you have launched your dream, or are about to, find out how you can both practically and spiritually prepare for what could lie ahead. Know the questions to ask. Understand that each stage of a dream has its own unique challenges that are normal, and for the betterment of both you and your dream. Continue to make God your partner on your dream journey.
Vol 2, Issue 8: August, 2004
Purpose, Passion, and Partnership™: Understanding God’s Dream for Our Lives, Part 3: You have found your passion and a dream that could fulfill it. The journey ahead to make that dream a reality will be marked by joy, excitement, AND challenge. You are not alone. God's promises speak of a "partnership" and help, as you commit your dreams to Him. Learn what those promises are!
Vol 2, Issue 7: July, 2004
Purpose, Passion, and Partnership™: Understanding God’s Dream for Our Lives, Part 2: God's dreams for you reside in the things He has already given you. You have a big dream that has been woven into your being, and is like a genetic code. Discover the passions, or heart's desires, that could ignite that dream and draw you toward the life you were born to love, toward a place of God's very own choosing.
Vol 2, Issue 6: June, 2004
Purpose, Passion, and Partnership™: Understanding God’s Dream for Our Lives, Part 1: Discover your God-given dream and God's purposes for your life! God wants to see those purposes fulfilled. The desires of your heart hold the key for carrying them out. Finally, God's promises speak of a partnership for your dream-quest and life journey.
Vol 2, Issue 5: May, 2004
Am I on the Right Path?: A Spot Check! Part 2: Do a final "spot check" of the remaining points in the working plan that were discussed in the January and February, 2004, newsletters. See if you have followed up on important things to consider and carry out when thinking about your competition, your financial needs, and your own personal resources. The best plans, put together carefully, can go a long way toward getting your dream started or helping you secure the capital needed to launch that dream!
Vol 2, Issue 4: April, 2004
Am I on the Right Path?: A Spot Check! Part 1: As you follow a Working Plan for carrying out your dreams, it's a good idea to take a look at that plan every so often and make sure that you are doing the right things. There may be "red flags" that are better caught earlier rather than later. Do some spot checks as you review your life purpose, mission, "product" or service, and marketing. Are you still on track?
Vol 2, Issue 3: March, 2004
Getting Started: Putting Feet to Your Dreams, Part 3: Finish your "working plan" for moving your dream toward fulfillment! Look at what others are doing and what is unique about your dream or venture, as well as the resources you personally offer and bring to your dream and its goals. Look at what to consider when thinking about your dream's financial needs, whether for a business or for non-business activities. Finally, understand the promises and partnership God offers to those who commit their plans to Him.
Vol 2, Issue 2: February, 2004
Getting Started: Putting Feet to Your Dreams, Part 2: Our newsletter home verse is, "May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Continue to write down the plans you think best express your heart's desires! Those plans should contain a statement of purpose, a description of your "product" or service, and your plans for marketing or reaching others with your dream mission. Plans that are well thought out can help to keep your dream moving forward!
Vol 2, Issue 1: January, 2004
Getting Started: Putting Feet to Your Dreams, Part 1: You have found your dream. Now you want to launch it! Find out what should be included in your plans, and what goals to set to make your dreams a reality. These plans/goals can express and carry out the life-purposes you feel God has placed in your heart for the purpose of serving others.
Vol 1, Issue 8: December, 2003
What Should I Do With My Life?: Finding Answers To a Challenging Question: Do you wonder if your dream is the "right" dream? Look at the four tests that would help you to know if it is. Make any needed changes, and have the confidence to go forward with that dream!
Vol 1, Issue 7: November, 2003
Seeing Your Dream Come True: Removing Blocks to Fulfillment: Sometimes our dreams seem to stop just short of fulfillment. Find out what can be done to move those dreams forward, and to overcome impediments to their success. Experience the reality of dreams coming true.
Vol 1, Issue 6: October, 2003
What is Happening to My Dream?: The Stages of a Dream.: Does it feel as though your dream is going nowhere? Understand the four different stages of a dream, and that a period of waiting or incubation is normal. Learn what you can do during this time to advance your dream.
Vol 1, Issue 5: September, 2003
Following a Dream: The Challenges and the Benefits!: Find out if it is worth it to follow your dream. Take a look at some of the challenges and some of the benefits before going on your dream-quest journey. Understand the struggles and sacrifice, but also the joy to be experienced.
Vol 1, Issue 4: August, 2003
Pursuing The Life You Prize: Getting To Where You Want To Go: Desire is the map to find the life worth living. Follow that heart's path by forming a partnership with God, writing dream-goals and a plan, and taking action steps to make those goals a reality.
Vol 1, Issue 3: July, 2003
Does God Have a Dream for You?: Find Out!: Find the dream that offers the best way to carry out God's purposes for your life, because it calls on your strongest motivations and talents to serve or benefit others.
Vol 1, Issue 2: June, 2003
Find Your Dream: Fulfill Your Childhood Desires!: Look at early ambitions to discover the dreams that may have been hidden in them. Reclaim those dreams in order to bring them to fulfillment.
Vol 1, Issue 1: May, 2003

Judy