Fitting Your Dreams into Motherhood {Candace}

Ok. So check this out.

I just recently sent 275 shirts and 30 hats to an event with 2,000+ women. Oh, Oh, and guess what? I won’t even be at the event. I’ve never done anything like this before. You know the scene on Elf when he is sent to the “special room” of checking out the jack and the boxes and even though he knows what’s coming it scares the mess out of him every time it pops up? (It’s ok Buddy, I feel that way when opening a can of biscuits) that is exactly how I felt hitting purchase for this event. This is SCARY. People who paint following your dreams to be this whole ride full of rainbows and butterflies must have never made a bulk purchase before. BOOM! Ah, my heart! But as scary, nerve racking, and stretching as this is, I wouldn’t change a thing. There is nothing like following your dreams. It’s this wonderful, yet terrifying ride, that I wouldn’t trade for anything. And you want to know the best part? I didn’t have to give up any other dreams to follow this one, including being a mom.

Dreams are like puzzle pieces. They all look different and maybe you have 5,100, 1,000, or 1 with very sticky fingers crawling into your lap, but they all fit together. And you might be looking at them all right now like a pile on the coffee table wondering how in the world you’ll ever figure it out or where to even start. But don’t worry, God is the master puzzle maker and He has the big picture. Just trust Him. He will show you how it all fits…even that odd shaped one that seems to make no sense, trust Him it fits.

I’m a mom of 8. 1 amazing three-year-old here sleeping next to me while I write, 6 beautiful babies in heaven and 1 growing safe and sound. Being a mom has always been a dream of mine. And when I was a little girl I wanted to be a singer. You know how I would picture traveling? Family Bus. Yes, that’s right. Me and my family of 4 were so happy on that bus. Oh, I home schooled as well so they could travel with me. As I grew my dreams changed but one thing remained the same, family. I don’t see any fun in dreaming alone. I want people to share in the adventure with me… even little people. My three-year-old has never held me back from dreams but dared me to dream bigger. I don’t believe you must sacrifice who you are to be a wife or mom. To be the best wife and best mom, you need to be your best self. To be your best self you need to follow your dreams. They are what makes you, you. Amazing, beautiful, daring you.

So, what is this puzzle piece of a dream I’m currently working on? It’s a business called More Than Pockets. It comes from the truth that we are all more than our past, present and future because we are His. Our hearts, like pockets, have collected hurts and regrets like “trash” along the road of life. These things end up trying to define us and God wants to come and show you the treasure of who you are. That you are more. You are His. You are loved. Each product that I create comes from that heart. I want each piece to inspire life and value. My favorite part of all of this is it has opened the door for me AND my family to give back. And not just us, but you as well. Dreams are not selfish they are gifts to ourselves and to others. This is how this dream gives: 10% of every item purchased from More Than Pockets go straight to Freedom House, NM. An organization that exist to restore woman effected by sex trafficking. They provide a safe place for emotional, physical and spiritual healing to take place. Not only that, but they in turn help them begin to dream again.

My family is the piece that all other dreams connect to. It’s the center piece. Each of my kids have driven me to dream deeper and to step into things I could have never thought possible. My sweet Malachi helped me pop out the heart shaped holes in tags I was making for the event this weekend. He felt so special to help mommy but I felt even more special to have his tiny fingers finding a place in this dream. I want his fingerprints on every one. So, mommy, wife, friend…dream on. Take a step. It’s worth it. You do have the time. You do have the resources. You only need to start. Your puzzle piece awaits and guess what? It fits.