Dreams

What are your dreams? What are your plans for the future?

Write them down. They can anything. Nothing is too silly or too crazy or too boring to go on this list. Dreams are those wonderful hopes and wants and desires that God places in us.

After you write your list I want you to post it on your wall in your room, on your locker door, or if you want to keep it private, in your journal; any place where you can look at them, often. Why?

When I was in Jr. High I wrote down my dreams. As I've gotten older some of my dreams have changed but quite a few have stayed the same. But being reminded of what I wanted and who I desire to be has kept me focused, working toward my goals.

Remember though that dreams aren't set in stone. They change and thats ok. Be open to that.

Now there's one more thing I want you to do, if you're up to it and can handle it. I want you to take your list and give it to God. Say, "Lord these are my dreams, my wants, and desires. I give them to you, to fulfill them in my life." Then ask Him to make His desires and dreams for your life, your desires and dreams. Be sincere.

When I first made my list, being a youth leader wasn't on it. Lol. But I did have on my list to be a teacher. Now I meant a classroom teacher at the time, but after I gave my list to God, He changed my dreams. I'm not a classroom teacher but I am a teacher as a youth leader.

Don't ever stop dreaming but I dare you to include God in your dreams. They will blow your mind and take you on a much bigger journey then you would have taken yourself on.

Grandma

Artist Spotlight - Lecrae

Lecrae Moore grew up on the southside of Houston, TX. He has been led by God in the urban reform movement and has become a leader in showing nonbelievers the way, truth, and the life God has put in his own life.


Lecrae was raised by his mother and has moved to several places throughout his upbringing; San Diego, Denver, and Dallas. This has given him exposure to various types of cultures and backgrounds he is able to utilize this in delivering Gods message to a greater mixture of people. But he did not start off with the intention to show people God’s truth through his lyrics. He, like many inner city kids, took to rap music as a way to communicate what was on his mind and idolizing the street life.

Encouraged to attend a Christian conference led by James White, Lecrae received a revelation through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He realized his sinful ways and the Holy Spirit gave him the means to a desperately needed Savior in Jesus Christ. God’s word in Mark 16:15 states “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” Lecrae began to share his testimony at his University of North Texas campus, which gave him many struggles as well as triumphs. Lecrae’s God given gift of speaking and rapping God’s message helped him while he volunteered at a juvenile detention center.

By age 25, Lecrae joined Reach Records and released his debut album entitled “Real Talk” on May 20, 2004. “Pouring out a genuine discussion of life issues and passionate, unashamed pursuit of Jesus Christ, Real Talk was released to the world where he quickly became noted as an emcee that would meet listeners where they were by delivering transparent, relatable, and impacting messages.”(Reach Records)

Lecrae’s debut album impacted the music industry as well as many lives, but he knew he needed to do more to help the urban culture that has been significantly neglecting God. Lecrae Cofounded ReachLife Ministies in 2005 which established a culturally relevant and biblically solid resource center to help train the next generation. This non-profit organization is equipped with local leaders who can use culturally relevant tools to strengthen communities through the word of God.

Lecrae’s next album was entitled “After the Music Stops” and songs such as Praying For You, Send Me, and Jesus Musik slowly hit mainstream markets. Soundscan Christian Hip Hop/R&B carts had After the Music Stops on its charts for two years! Lecrae followed that album with “Rebel”, which became the first Christian rap CD to sit at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts. Rebel also claimed the No. 3 position on the secular iTunes Rap charts.

Discography

• Real Talk - Release Date: 2004. Label: [Reach]
• 116 Clique: The Compilation Album - Release Date: 2005, Label: [Reach]
    .... "Fanataics," "Love Song," "Breathe In Breathe Out," "Stand Up"
• After The Music Stops - Release Date: 2006, Label: [Reach]
• Rebel  - Release Date: 2008, Label: [Reach]
• Far//Away (Digital Single/EP) - Release Date: 2010, Label: [Reach] 

Check out Lecrae on Amazon.com

Info obtained from http://www.lecrae.net/artists/lecrae