The One Prayer Jesus Loves to Answer

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Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, I pray that you’ll be blessed as you linger in this place where faith is spilled and souls are filled.

If you like what you find, I hope you’ll sign up on the sidebar to receive my blog in your inbox now and then. Or find me on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll keep chasing Jesus together day by day.

Better yet, I’d love to connect with you in person. I’m scheduling speaking commitments for 2016 and I would be delighted to join you at a special ministry event this year.

Over at Encouragement for Today I’m sharing about how dreaming small may be the secret to a life bigger than our dreams.

I hope you’ll hop over to P31’s website and be encouraged.

But before you go, keep reading to learn about the one prayer that led me right into the center of my greatest dream. And when you’re done, don’t forget to sign up for my give-away at the end of this post.

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“So, what’s your biggest dream?”

I asked my new friend, Heidi, as we lay beneath the stars on a hot summer’s night twenty-five years ago.

I was whispering above the quiet rumble of snuffles and snores, so as not to wake the little girls sleeping beside us on the giant green tarp that we’d spread on the beach for a moonlight camp-out. We’d been serving together as camp counselors all week, and everything about the young woman at my side intrigued me.

She lived with a zest for life I’d never seen before.

She laughed easily, oozed joy and moved with confidence.

She listened in a way that made everyone feel “heard” and she offered grace with ease.

She was purposeful, but not pushy.

Tenacious, yet tensile.

Popular but not plastic.

Her outward appearance wasn’t glamorous or dazzling, yet she glowed with an unmistakeable radiance that was beautiful beyond words.

From the moment we’d met, I’d been drawn to her.

And  since we’d both been put in charge of the giggly girls in cabin number one, I’d had ample time to get to know this new friend of mine. Together, we’d prayed over homesick campers in the quiet of night and paddled squealing girls  across blue waters in wobbly canoes when the sun rose high. We’d sung worship songs at the top of our lungs in the light of a blazing campfire, and we’d hummed the same tunes like a marching cadence when when our nine-year-old adventurers threatened to turn back on those morning hikes around the lake.

We’d chased a squirrel out of our bath house, chased the boys away from our (not-so-secret) chocolate stash, and hopefully chased a handful of kids closer to the heart of Jesus.

And I think that’s what I loved most about this new friend of mine–her Jesus.

It wasn’t that I didn’t know Jesus myself, it’s just that Heidi’s Jesus seemed so present. So tangible. So real. 

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Whether we were singing or swimming, trekking or teaching, my friend talked about our Savior as if He were hanging out beside her.

When the canoe had shimmied and the girls had wailed, Heidi had laughed and invited Jesus to calm the current as if He were sitting right next to us in that tipsy canoe. And when she’d bent low to pray over our sleeping campers in the dark of night, it’d seemed  like the One who’d spun the stars was standing at her side as she hovered over His precious treasures in those squeaky bunk beds.

Without a doubt, Heidi was the kind of girl who was gonna leave her mark on the world. She was talented and smart, funny and hard-working. And she was one year away from being a college graduate.  I suppose that’s why I asked the question beneath the stars on that last night we were together. Eighteen-years old and ready to launch, I couldn’t wait to spread my wings and soar into the life of my dreams. A BIG life beyond my small home town.

And I wondered if any of my new friend’s dreams resonated with mine.

The question had dangled between us so long that I’d begun to wonder if Heidi had fallen asleep while I chattered.

But finally, when the moon slipped behind a quiet cloud, she responded with a thoughtful murmur.

“I want Jesus to be my greatest dream.”

I nodded in the dark, then rephrased my question.

“Yeah, but what do you  dream of DOING?” I asked, not certain she’d understood me the first time.

“I just want to love Jesus with an audacious love every day,” she said with an unshakeable surety.

“How about you?” The tarp beneath us crinkled as my friend turned on her side to look at me in the dark.

And I felt my heart lurch with conviction.

I mean, I wanted Jesus to bless my greatest dreams, but I’d never considered Him to  BE my greatest dream.

I wanted to do BIG THINGS for Jesus, but I wasn’t sure I wanted Him to be my BIG THING.

I did want more of Jesus BUT the truth was, I wanted more than that, too…

Maybe it was the darkness that gave me courage to be honest. Maybe it was the  knowledge that our paths may never cross again. But for whatever reason, on that night beneath the stars, I admitted the truth tucked in my eighteen-year-old heart…

“I don’t think Jesus is my biggest dream.”

I paused and waited for lightning to strike me down, then I exhaled a sad muffled sigh. “But I wish He were…”

Heidi slid her hand over mine and gave my fingers a squeeze. “You don’t have to muster up the desire on your own, you know…..” she said.

“You can just ask for it.”FullSizeRender 2

I propped myself up on my elbows and looked at my beautiful friend.

“What do you mean?”

“Just ask…” she replied. “Ask Jesus to be your GREATEST dream.”

I saw her lips curl into a smile in the light of the silent stars.  “It’s a prayer He loves to answer.”

She squeezed my hand one more time, then closed her eyes and surrendered to sleep.

And I lay there in the darkness wondering if her words were true. And how my life might change if Jesus became my greatest dream.

Could it really be that simple? Could Jesus really give me a wild and faithful love for Him?

The next morning, we rolled up that sandy tarp and hugged “our girls” good-bye. We gathered in a circle to pray once more together and then we sent them home with hugs and tears, and we headed back to cabin one to sweep the floors and gather our things.

Hours later, I bid my new friend good-bye and promised to keep in touch.

In time, the letters quelled, but the words Heidi had spoken to me that night on the beach continued to swell in my soul.

“Ask Jesus to be your greatest dream…”

I wasn’t sure if it would work, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I even wanted it to work.

After all, I had big plans for the life that stretched ahead of me and this one little prayer seemed small somehow.

But now and then, when I’d grow tired of striving, when I’d come face to face with my own tarnished dreams, when I’d come to the end of myself and wonder why I felt so empty inside, I’d think of Heidi, and I’d echo her simple prayer.

Jesus, be my greatest dream.

I prayed it when I got my first job offer and when I received my first byline.

I prayed it when I kissed the first child of my womb and when I signed my first mortgage.

I prayed it when my plans thrived and when my plans failed; when my expectations were met and when they weren’t.

And I pray it every time I open the Word of God in hopes of hearing my Savior’s voice.

Jesus, be my greatest dream.

Through the years, I’ve certainly stumbled as much as I’ve soared.

And sometimes, I’ve fallen flat on my face.

There have been seasons when I’ve chased dreams that didn’t matter; times when I’ve slipped on my own pride and drown in my own ambition.

But despite my flagrant flaws and wrong turns, my selfish heart and wayward soul, Jesus has always lifted me out of the pit and put me back on solid ground.

And each time I’d find my footing once again, I’d whisper Heidi’s prayer.

Until, finally, it has become the cry of my heart, the words I speak when I rise each morning; the plea I utter when I drifted off to sleep every night.

Jesus, be my greatest dream.

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I’ll be honest, that prayer isn’t a magic wand.

It didn’t turn me into a new woman overnight or change the course of my life instantaneously.

But slowly, steadily, those honest words grew within me a deep desire to make Jesus my all in all.

And bit by bit, even my biggest dreams began to look small  in the light of my Savior’s love.

And do you know what?

Little by little, an audacious love has begun to take over my soul.

And not long ago, I woke up and realized that the forty-three-year-old woman staring back at me in the mirror had something in common with that sweet young friend I met at church camp years ago .

I really do love Jesus more. 

More than my well-laid plans.

More than my fabulous family.

More than my achievements or success.

More than my fears or my failures.

More than my hopes or my wishes.

More than I ever thought I could as an eighteen-year-old girl lying beneath the stars with a gaggle of nine-year-old girls and a friend who wanted to love Jesus with an audacious love.

I can’t pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere along the way, my Savior answered my persistent prayer.

And, sweet friend, He’d love to do the same for you.

We could pray it together- you and I- this gutsy and glorious prayer.

And we could see where this audacious love takes us.

I have a feeling that it will lead us far beyond our wildest dreams!

We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. -1 John 4:16, The Message

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Today, I’m giviFullSizeRenderng away a necklace from Studio 3:16.

This simple piece of jewelry reminds us that the greatest dream we could ever have is to love our Savior with an audacious love.

To enter to win, just leave me a comment finishing this sentence , “I love Jesus MORE than….”

I can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Alicia

130 Comments

  1. Tronan, esto va a rachas, a veces uno no sabe de qué escribir, y a veces hay que descansar de tanto ordenador. Que disfrutes de Santa Cruz, a mí es una ciudad que me encanta!Abrazos en pocas palabras

  2. Lo unico que puedo decir es que tiene bastante buena pinta… tengo ganas de que saquen un trailer para ver como queda.. y si es como pienso que sera… sera increible el juego! xDDDDpd: square! danos mas incmfoarion por favoor! 😀

  3. I love Jesus SO very much!! I have had many joys and many disappointments in tha last few years (saw my marriage of 25+ years end) but Jesus remained constant; He is my Strength, my Refuge, my Kinsman Redeemer, and a sure Anchor in life’s up and downs. I know beyond a doubt He is Faithful! Thank you for sharing your heart-prayer with us…may we all pray, “Jesus, be my greatest dream; my First Love!”

  4. Insuk(Angie) Barton says:

    When having been born in hopelessness one seem to lack even to dream that was me over 60 years ago. And you hear God said “let there be light” and the bible said it was. And nothing was made without the Word that was made! Is it any wonder that our most beloved, beautiful, perfect Savior to occupy the place of the greatest, biggest dreams for each of us of our lives who indeed completely poured Himself on the cross of Calvary to pay for our(my) sin debt? To give eternal light to pitch dark soul like mine was. So grateful and thank you for such God ordained insights freely sharing with your readers. I’m not a writer I guess that’s why I used to talk a lot which is another unattractive trait I’m asking God to take it away but become a conscious listener for others especially for my husband. I thank God for you Alicia, you’ve no idea how God used your “How every wife can fight like warriors……” devotional to give me a total heart makeover for my husband. Thank you forever!
    Your sevant and sister in Christ.

  5. I want to love Jesus more. Still a work in progress, I have to admit.

  6. Wow, Alicia, love this post. The last few years I have been in a bible study that has shown me just how much I haven’t asked Jesus to be my biggest dream. I’ve lived in a world of doubt, not understanding how faith works, doubting my salvation, knowing exactly what living for Him means but living out my selfish desires. Where has it gotten me: absolutely no where. Sin, even what we call the every day little things, pushes us away from God. Trust is a scary word for me. A very hard word. I want Jesus in my heart more than anything in this world, but I tend to look for a feeling as assurance that he is with me, and I know that isn’t faith. So, I am asking Him to be Big in my life, to be the main One in my life. I will put on His armor and battle negative thoughts, be transformed by renewing my mind with His word and not look back, not allow satan to get a toe or foothold with his lies. The older we are, the more difficult it is to change, but I am trusting that God will do a wondrous work in my life. Thank you for challenging us to ask God to be real and big in our life’s dreams.

  7. Elaine Jones says:

    I love Jesus more than sweet tea.

  8. Stephanie Gibbs says:

    I definitely needed to read this today! Thank you for your words that were truly given to you by God. I want Jesus to be my greatest dream. I want to love Him more than anything else. I am not to the point, but I am certainly going to start praying that. Anytime life gets me down, I will be saying those words! Thank you!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      LOL! That’s saying a lot, Leslie:) Me, too. But I’m always thankful for a hot cup of coffee in the morning when I crawl out of bed and greet my Savior for the day:)

  9. I love Jesus more than having a predictable, secure, problem-free life. Oh how I needed this devotion today. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Jessica, I know what you’re saying and it took me a long time to get to the place to where I loved Jesus more than my “predictable” plans. But that’s where the real adventure begins, doesn’t it? Praying you’ll keep growing an audacious love for our Redeemer:)

  10. I love JESUS more than anything or anyone. HE is the lover of my soul. HE has never failed me although I have foolishly failed HIM and myself time and time again. I have made so many mistakes yet somehow HIS love never fails. It is constant, steady and strong. How can anything else compare?

  11. Your message spoke to me when you stated it is your dream. I have heard and read a lot about “following your dream” lately. I am 55 now. I don’t dream to be a famous musician, or an Olympic swimmer or smart enough to find a cure for cancer. In fact, I feel old and at the end of my days, a “has-been” in my career as a nurse. Today I know what my dream is after reading your post. As I have been trying to live more of Him and less of me. Your wording, your dream is beautiful and I want the same thing. Thank,you so much. Now the next time I have to write on a slip of paper or share in a group what my dream is, I know what I will say without hem-hawing around trying to think of the words! Again, thank you!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Donna, it’s NEVER too late to chase Jesus as your greatest dream. I LOVE the idea of you sharing your dream and pursuing Him with purpose. Praying your best years are still to come.

    2. Elaine Jones says:

      I’m a nurse, 54, years old and this spoke to my heart.

  12. I love Jesus more than an endless supply of money and fame.

  13. May i please ask for prayer?
    Im so weary, lost, confused, anxious, and depressed.

    I’ve grown tired of striving, I’ve come face to face with the loss of my dreams, I’m at the end of myself and can’t stop feeling so empty inside.

    I don’t know what to do. I’ve lost hope and need direction so badly.
    Thank you so much and may the Lord bless you!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Lela, I AM praying- asking Jesus to fill you from the inside out and give you HOPE that can’t be shaken.

  14. ELIZABETH-ANNE BUONAGURA says:

    I love Christ Jesus more than the thousands of pounds of food I have inhaled over the past 32 years as I have struggled in vain to conquer my eating disorder. It started at 22, I am now 55 and still in the trenches fighting.

  15. elizabeth says:

    I love god more then my life itself

  16. …life itself. 🙂

  17. Nancy Griggs says:

    I love Jesus more than my friends and my church family. I love Jesus more than my cats. I love Jesus with my life and all that I have.

  18. I love Jesus more than I ever imagined possible.

  19. Pam Sabourin says:

    I love Jesus so much that he has gotten me thru understanding why he made me a little person (dwarf), 7 spinal surgeries, my oldest daughter having cancer when she was a senior in high school in the last stage, but for the grace of God she beat the nasal cancer, then had a baby girl that went to school at age 4,fell off her chair and went to heaven to be with our Lord, and then my daughter got breast cancer totally unrelated to the other cancer, God healed her again, and she had another baby who is now going on 5. We’ve suffered many tragedies but God’s love has always gotten us thru…without him I don’t know where we would be. My biggest dream is Jesus. Thank you for this message today. You were/are spot on….

  20. I love Jesus more today, but my prayer is not as much as tomorrow. Thank you for this new prayer I so desperately want to become mine.

  21. I love Jesus more than wanting a husband

  22. Beautifully written post, and one that speaks earnestly to my heart, as I have recently begun praying something similar. I love Jesus more than my past, more than my plans for the future.

  23. I love Jesus more than I have in the last 15 years today because of your post. Thank you for that. I have been a christian for my whole life. I married a non christian because he acted exited about being one, but in the end that didn’t happen. I have struggled for 15 years trying to do right and it finally just became too much. Satan tried his best and I let him win. I gave up. I literally said I can’t take it anymore. I’m done with all of it. I stopped reading my bible, devotions, rarely prayed. I got lost. My husband grew more violent about a month ago and I told him…no more of this. Either get help or you are going to loose everything. We have 4 kids. He said he would and went to a doc to talk to them about it and then he came home and said he wanted to read the bible and started listening to christian music. Sounds like a dream come true I know, but I’m still skeptical about him. I did learn however that I shouldn’t have given up. When we love someone we don’t give up because its hard. WE KEEP FIGHTING. And I’ve decided to try again, ask for forgiveness and keep fighting for Jesus. Even if my husband doesn’t. I will pray everyday that he will keep the desire to know Jesus…the greatest love of all.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Praying for you as you battle for your marriage. And asking Jesus to keep you tucked beneath the shelter of His wings. May your marriage experience resurrection and may together you tell the story of all Jesus can do!

  24. I love Jesus more than my desire to be married and have a family of my own. If it is His will, He will grant it. I am trying to be content in all circumstance.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Jen, it’s SO HARD to lay down your heart’s desires and trust that Jesus is ENOUGH… no matter what! Love your heart of surrender.

  25. I love Jesus more than anything that the enemy can tempt me with, or than the world has to offer.
    What a beautiful post to start the day….
    Thank you so much Alicia for sharing your story. It has been an encouragement to me !

  26. I Love Jesus…I really, really do.
    Truth though…I WANT to love Jesus so, so much MORE than me…more than life!
    Beautiful post.

  27. Kathy Scott says:

    I love Jesus more than having a marriage that is balanced…sharing the same faith. I have prayed for my husband for over 18 years and still no softening of his heart to turn to Jesus. Yet, I trust in God’s perfect timing to accomplish His will. Loving Jesus more than my desire to have a marriage built on faith makes all the difference and gives me hope. All that is in the world will pass away, but God’s love in Jesus remains as my anchor and rock.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Kathy, I’m praying with you for your husband’s heart. Oh, dear sister, may the love of Jesus fill every one of your holes and continue to give you hope.

  28. I love Jesus more than myself or anything else by saturating myself in scripture by verses that touch my heart and speak to me. I write these verses down which are used in my prayer time. I also want to memorize scripture. This is an on going everyday practice of receiving His love and giving it back to Him.. Deuteronomy 6:5″ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

  29. I love Jesus more than success in parenting!
    Wow! This really spoke to me! We have to make some hard decisions for a child who is refusing God’s forgiveness and refuses to allow us as her parents to help her.
    Thank you for this reminder!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Oh, Amy… more than success in parenting. That is SO HARD… easy to say we love Jesus MORE until our children wander down a broken road. I’m praying for you and for your child.. asking for the One who crafted your child’s heart to soften it and bring beauty from the mess.

  30. Rosemarie says:

    I LOVE JESUS more than this earth that I walk on and long for the day I will be in HIS presence. This world is becoming such a sad place to live in; so much anger, so much hurt, so much killing each other, so much political fighting, so much working against one another, so much SELF-INTEREST. O to LOVE JESUS more – O to LOVE JESUS more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  31. I love Jesus more than my desires. I want Jesus to be my everything first and foremost. I want him to be my biggest dream. Thank you for your words today and I am going to pray that Jesus be my biggest dream.

  32. I love Jesus MORE than…..
    More than this life I’m trying to figure out and live….
    More than my heart and mind can even comprehend….
    My whole being seems to reach for more than…..
    Hoping and praying that as I fall everyday, that I’m falling more towards him.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      LOVE THAT, Jeanna! I’m making that my new prayer, too… “as I fall everyday,may I fall toward Christ!” Thanks for sharing your heart here today.

  33. I love Jesus more than anything this world has to offer. I love Him more than my broken, often shallow dreams. He is LORD, and I am amazed at how He pursues me even at my worst. How great is the love and grace Jesus has for us!

  34. I love Jesus more than the things that I am surrendering to him as a face a divorce. I want to love him and put him first, and I hope that I can put him before all of the fears that I am facing, as well as my dreams for the future.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Denise, your “more than” is so hard. I’m praying for you… that Jesus’ immeasurable love for you will carry you through the days ahead and that His dreams for you life will be greater than you can imagine as you walk through all this heartache.

  35. I do love Jesus and want to love Him more, the way He deserves to be loved! Thank you for this story and honesty. I too want Him to be my biggest dream, praying, trusting Him to answer my prayer!

  36. I love Jesus more than I did yesterday or the day before that. My faith grows daily and even though Istumble, I love Him more each day. My whole life has changed because I came to him on my knees 25 years ago when I could see my life going in the wrong direction. My childhood faith caused me to turn to him for guidance and I felt a huge weight off my shoulders when He answered my prayer. I made a change in my life and have followed Him ever since. Thank you for your beautiful story.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Oh, Donna, your testimony is beautiful. We’re NEVER the same after we run into Jesus, are we?

  37. I LOVE Jesus more than life.

  38. Denise Ferrari says:

    I love Jesus. I want to love Jesus more, my heart is moving me in that direction. I love Jesus more than life. My soul is thirsty for more of Him. I pray for courage to be able to drown myself in his love.

    1. Villager,No problem with the link-love! Just happened to be checking out site meter and someone from your site came to us. Glad to know your out there and hope you consider linking wwrrchreebwothe.sandasister.blogspot.tom to your site.Rise,3BAAS

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  39. Like many others here, I want to love Jesus more than anything. I’m a cradle Catholic who only recently started becoming genuinely interested in my faith and examining how I live it every day. Since my son was born two and a half years ago, I have felt a strong calling to know Jesus more, to love Jesus more, to live a life more in line with what he wanted. This post is an important step in that journey. I can ask Jesus to be my greatest dream. I will ask Jesus to be my greatest dream.

  40. I love Jesus more than the fear I feel with ‘change’. I love the fact that He will guide and direct us towards the path He has designed and created for us and we just need to be discerning, wise and follow. I love Jesus more than anything I try to accomplish with my own power/strength. Thank you for sharing this devotion – I want my heart to draw closer to his each and every moment — what a simple but profound prayer! Jesus be MY greatest dream!

  41. I love Jesus more than my dreams….my dreams that I’m grasping for but can’t seem to reach. I love Jesus more than my disappointments. I love Jesus more than having lattes. 🙂

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      LOL! Connie, I once joked when I was speaking at a women’s retreat that the Word was more powerful with a latte on hand:) But, I agree with you, I love Jesus more than lattes. Although, I sure am thankful for the gift of a hot cup of coffee to cup in my hands when I start my day in prayer!

  42. This was so timely. This message is exactly what God has been impressing on my heart this whole Lenten season. I am learning to love Him and desire to be with Him MORE, but still struggling with how to do this. Thank you for sharing this prayer of Him being my greatest dream — I’d never heard that before. Right now, I love Jesus MORE than wanting my own way — I want His way, His path, His perspective.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Pamela, I struggle with this, too… keep asking for an audacious love for Him. Eventually, that love will totally consume your soul and guide you down paths you could never have imagined!

  43. I love Jesus more than anything in life!

  44. I love Jesus more than my broken dreams and plans.

  45. I love Jesus more than my marriage-for me this means letting go of fear and letting God have HIS way during this time of troubles. I am going to pray this prayer and bookmark your of post and devotion from today-I’m so thankful for reading this today. He loves me, and wants to hear me pray!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      It’s SO HARD to let God have HIS WAY when we’re following Him through valleys we never planned to land in. Praying for you today!

  46. Mona Huston says:

    I love Jesus more than life itself. He is all I ever need. What a great way to ask for Him to fill our space and be our greatest dream. Thank you.

  47. Hello Alicia!
    Thank you for the lovely story! I too have learned to love Jesus more and more and to know that His love never fails, never leaves you no matter what you do or don’t do. He’s the only thing that matters. I also loved the story on P31 about your little boy. Out of the mouth of babes!! Thank you for sharing a little of yourself with us. May God bless and keep you close to His heart!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Thank you, Gerry:)

  48. Debbie Belmonte says:

    I love Jesus more than life.

  49. Kendra Maxwell says:

    Good Morning!
    I want to love Jesus more than anything, and this post has encouraged me to pray that prayer. I am at a time in my life when, things are going crazy, and the enemy is all around. I am so thankful that Jesus loves me enough to direct me to this blog post and allow me to say, “Jesus, be my greatest desire!” Thank you for following the Holy Spirit and writing your heart.

  50. I live Jesus more than my family.

  51. I love Jesus more then my own thinking. I love that He is wiser and truer and always spot on!!

  52. Amanda Harris says:

    Hi Alicia,

    It’s crazy how God can be teaching you a singular truth through so many different avenues. Lately, on Sunday we have been discussing the topic of “Jesus is better than…?” Your question today sparked my memory of those sermons because it’s an excellent reminder of where we need to be placing our focus. The point is obviously that Jesus is better than everything, but we don’t always see him that way. At the moment, I am learning to trust Him and love him more than my goals because I tend to let myself take over when I feel like God is not working in my life fast enough. I’m a control freak so I also am learning to love Him more than my power of control. Thank you for sharing your story. It was encouraging!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Amanda, I totally get that wrestling match between loving Jesus and loving my goals. Seems God doesn’t always work at our breakneck pace or follow our “five year plans”–my prayer for years has been that I would have courage to let the Author of Life write my story. It’s a lot more exciting when we give Him the pen and let Him script the plans. I’m learning He dreams bigger than I can!

  53. Alicia, thank you for every word you wrote. So powerful and inspiring! I love Jesus more than my desire to write a book.

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Leigh, I remember wrestling out that very “more than.” Crazy how quickly our dream to pen words for Jesus can turn into an idol that keeps us from chasing His heart. I’m praying that with Jesus as your BIGGEST DREAM, He’ll take your gifts and passions and do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine. Thanks for being honest!

  54. I love Jesus more than my own longings and my own wants and needs. I want to want what Jesus wants for me!

  55. I love Jesus MORE than all the “things” I want in life.

  56. Christina Martoia says:

    I love Jesus more than my own agenda, my family, my goals and dreams. Lord, draw me closer each day to a deeper, steadier, fuller love so my life overflows with you so others will see you for your purpose.

      1. Acho que vou ler esse livro em uma única sentada. Não vejo de receber minha enVnemoda.cocê escreve melhor a cada dia, tão como um maravilhoso vinho.Parabéns

      2. Æ elsku kallarnir mínir, mikið saknar mamma ykkar allra, og hlakkar til að hitta ykkur eftir viku! Er núna á Stöðvarfirði í frábæru yfirlæti! Endilega verið svona duglegir að skrifa áfram,kossar og knús frá mömmu

      3. Not any more. Android did use the linux kernel for the first few releases, but they have diverged from the mainline kernel development. Android never used the linux user-land. There are other better ways of getting Linux on a hand held device, including Maemo, Angstrom, WebOS, … Android will win because it has deep pockets, not because it is good.

      4. Lors de ma dernière visite médicale en 2007 les médecins m’avaient bien certifiés qu’ils me reverraient seulement dans le cadre de mon handicap si les résultats de la prise de sang étaient corrects,ce qui est le cas.

  57. I love my Jesus.I think it is a blessing from Him for our biggest prayer to love Him more!!Your blog was beautiful.Thank you!

    1. Sleepypod Air Giveaway! Sumner SixSAHM of 4 four & under. A little bit of evthieryng, but mostly savings and deals posts. Couponing, family, reviews & giveaways.

  58. I love Jesus more than myself. Such an ongoing battle in my brain. It is a hard battle that only through God’s grace and unbound love can I ever hope to find peace in my own skin. I am my worst critic. But with the help of the Lord I can hold him closer each day as a daughter of the King!

  59. I Love Jesus more than life itself. I want that to be true and I think there are times it’s true, but I continue to want HIM to be my biggest dream! Thank you for that reminder today!

    1. I’m almost 62, and have been on a downward spiral ever since my husband and I divorced, 20 yrs ago. Married again now for last 13 yrs. only existing. On and off with the Lord. Just can’t seem to stay grounded.

      1. I’m still learning from your blog, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the intomrafion coming and keep up the good work. I loved it!

      2. سواد نه مدرک نه میزان تحصیلات حرف بعضی مرا یاد رضا خان که بی حجابی را عامل پیشرفت می دونست

      3. They already link several sources. If there were a single front-end for all repositories, it’d only be one additional button. And then green OA all of a sudden became the threat to TA it ought to be.

      4. My brother recommended I would possibly like this website. He used to be totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not consider just how so much time I had spent for this info! Thank you!

      5. Sounds like you lucked out with your BFF as a wedding planner. My sister and bff planned much of mine as I was living thousands of miles away from where we were getting married and there were many details that just didn't matter to me.

  60. Stacy McCarty says:

    Hi Alicia,

    It has taken me a while, but I have finally come to realize that I desire to love Jesus more than the hard time I’m going through. He isn’t doing this to me, He is desiring me, ALL of me and wants me close. It’s a lesson I’m still learning. Thank you for your encouragement.

    1. I’m almost 62, and have been on a downward spiral ever since my husband and I divorced, 20 yrs ago. Married again now for last 13 yrs. only existing. On and off with the Lord. Just can’t seem to stay grounded.

      1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

        Patty, I’m praying right now for you.. asking Christ be your anchor and to give you life that is really life just as He promised in John 10:10.

      2. Yes, I have been in talk therapies, but the therapists didn't want to talk much about my traumatic past. Here in Norway many therapists don't have much knowledge about trauma. Abuse is regarded much more a legal than a psaoyolcgichl issue.

    2. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Stacy, that’s a HUGE lesson… and I’m praying that you will continue to run smack into your Savior’s heart even as you stumble through this hard time. May His audacious love carry you through!

  61. Debbie Belmonte says:

    I love Jesus more than….life.

  62. I love Jesus more than my own plans. Thank you for reminding us today 🙂 that it is okay to have to ask Him to give us more of a hunger for Him. Love how He tenderly answers prayers like that.

  63. Beth Reynolds says:

    I love Jesus more than … the things that capture my eyes. Lord help me see You clearly today.

  64. I needed this…been in the midst of “blah” for awhile now…need to focus on Him, not on the craziness of life. Thanks for your words.

  65. Karen Pope says:

    I love Jesus more than anything I could ever want or desire. My hope is to really live out that love for Him every day of my life…..and beyond!!!!

  66. I have felt like something is missing in my life and I am thinking this is the answer! I want to love Jesus more than anything this world or my family can give me. I love Jesus MORE than any love my family gives me…and that is alot of love! Thank you for showing me what my greatest dream is! This just might be the solution to the emptiness I have been feeling!

  67. Barbara Honey says:

    I love Jesus more than any dream I have. Now I pray for Jesus to be my biggest dream.

    1. Alltid kul med nya brillor ,numera kan det ju förändra hela utseendet och även vara en acccesoar. Min optiker har alltid olika bÃ¥gar med fÃntr¶esglas 🙂 Nu vill vi se en bild pÃ¥ bloggerskan i de nya !!Kram Bittan

    2. Thank you. This post not only gave me much needed information, it also gave me peace of mind. I have a 5 year old son, who apparently has delays in his speech. I would like to think it’s just that, but have had a lot assumptions and what ifs. What if he has ADHD, or ADD? As a mother, I’m often (okay always) on high alert if there is something wrong with my child. My instinct was that everything was okay. Your article backed up my instincts, and, with a smile on my face, I can say, there is nothing wrong with him, he’s just being himself after all.

    3. easy kredit schnelle auszahlung says:

      Menie zegt:Ik heb 1 Kiko lakje, weet zo het nummer niet maar het is een blauw/turquoise achtige metallic lak.PRACHTIG, maar na 4 lagen nog niet dekkend. En dan ben ik er snel klaar mee eerlijk gezegd

  68. Wow! I want Jesus to be my biggest dream. I want to love Jesus more than anything. But I have never asked Him. I had never thought to ask Him until reading this. Such an awesome story!

  69. I love Jesus more than what I think I love most: my husband, little girl, my family, friends, or job. My prayer now is for Jesus to be my biggest dream. You have no idea the truth you have spoken over my life today. Thank you!

    1. Had the same experiences here in Vienna at the Pre-Sale Event! Wa8;b-ae&#n217ns and of course total fashion-experts (nope) running around with a glas of champagne in their hands grabbing stuff. Some didn’t like the stuff at all but „omg I buy a piece of e-v-e-r-y hm collaboration! it’s a must!!“ urgs. why?Love ////

  70. Susan Brough says:

    I love Jesus more than all the things I try to accomplish without him. I’m sitting here with tears thinking of how to answer this question. This was for me a very thought provoking question that was not easy to answer. Thank you for the article. It definately left an impression on my heart.

  71. I am learning to love Him more than my son.

  72. Kerri Schuerman's says:

    I prayed your prayer. I do love Jesus, I love him with all my heart but have never prayed a prayer like this. Excited to see how my, our 🙂 Great Almighty Lord responds in his way, his time. Pew some is he who dies for my…our 🙂 sins….and lives me…us 🙂 more than I..we can imagine . Thank you for your post!!

  73. This is a tough question that to tell you the truth I don’t know the answer to. I’ve been struggling my whole 36 years of living wanting to do more with my life. I’ve been battling depression since I was a teenager. Everything I’ve gone for I’ve failed at. Right now I’m in a place I’m just praying to do & be what God wants me to be not what I want. This article has given me a new outlook! Thank you! Thank God for working through you to show me that I’ve been asking all the wrong things!

    1. Alicia Bruxvoort says:

      Shay, may Jesus become your BIGGEST DREAM. That’s a prayer that can’t fail!

  74. I love Jesus more than the air I breathe. Lord, may you be my greatest dream!

  75. I love Jesus more than anyone can possible fathom! He is my Hero.

  76. I love Jesus MORE than ANYTHING I know!

  77. I love Jesus more than my hopes and dreams in life that Always seem to be changing.

  78. Hello,Alicia!😀
    I Love Jesus more than anything in the world!
    That is why I have given my all to Him. I will follow Him, do whatever He wants me to do and go wherever He wants me to go!
    I Love Jesus,He’s my father, my friend, my everything!!
    Much blessings,Alicia.

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