Why I Refuse to Relent in Pursuit of My Dreams {+ Amazing Giveaway!}

Pin This!

Write fiction books. Write non-fiction books. Act in Christian films. Work behind the camera of a Christian film. Screenwrite. Become a literary agent. Become an acquisitions editor. Launch a Christian magazine/ministry for teens. Own or work at a coffee shop.
I recently found a couple of old journal entries and blog posts of mine in which I gave the above list in response to the question, "What are your greatest dreams?" Although there is no definite destination along the path to pursuing dreams, it's crazy to look at this list and strikethrough the dreams that have already become a reality. Especially since I imagined the process of pursuing would take much longer than it has. (Side note: I am not yet a literary agent, but I work at a literary agency as a Jr. Agent.) Being an author was my absolute #1 dream; the others were simply ideas. Possibilities. Yet I've refused to settle for less. I've refused to relent in pursuit of my dreams for the sake of having a predictable and safe lifestyle. 

Pin This!

Friends and family members often tell me that how amazed they are that I've been able to "achieve my dreams". But why is this so crazy? It's as though dreams were simply meant to remain just that: a dream. A wish. An idea. It's never made much sense to me to pursue a life that's anything less than a life I love. To pursue occupations that don't suit my gifts, talents, and strengths.
This is why it's a desire of mine to instill within the hearts of teens a determination to pursue the calling God has placed on their lives. Because when they become who God has created them to be, when they develop their gifts and talents -- all the while seeking Him first -- then the direction of their future may become more clear. 
This is my heart behind creating PURSUE Magazine. When a teen reads this magazine, I hope she will have a longing to draw closer to God. I hope she will be challenged to view herself the way He sees her. To embrace her uniqueness. To pursue her God-given purpose. To rise to new levels with her gifts and learn how she can use them to minister to others.

So why do I refuse to relent in pursuit of my dreams? Simply put: Life is too short to not live a life I love. It's too short to not fully cultivate and tap into the potential God has given me and live out His perfect plan for my life. Because it's in the center of that perfect plan that I will have the opportunity to speak into the lives of others as well.
If you, too, want to become awakened to the dreams that have been birthed inside your heart -- if you want to learn how you can understand God's unique calling on your life and BECOME the young woman He has destined for you to be -- then I encourage you to consider picking up a Kindle copy of our first issue of PURSUE Magazine. 
The first issue of PURSUE releases on Amazon Kindle tomorrow, April 15th! However, it is now available for pre-order. {Click here to read the back cover or purchase on Amazon.} 
Giveaway!

In effort to spread buzz of this release, four lucky winners will receive one of the following prizes...

• free digital copy of PURSUE Magazine
• $15 Starbucks gift card
• $15 Amazon gift card
• your choice of an Erin Condren notebook

Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Do you want to help us spread the word?

Do you support our vision and mission statement? If so, please consider helping us spread the word. You can start by entering the giveaway above. Then, open this "Marketing Plan" PDF and you'll have another opportunity to win a $10 Starbucks gift card! (The winner of this giveaway will be selected on May 1st. This is a separate giveaway from the one above.)


Blog Swap



Would you be interested in participating in a blog swap with me? (Blog swap = Guest post in return for a guest post.) If so, please email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com for more details!

Are you a believer in pursuing dreams as well? Why do you think some people choose to neglect their dreams and settle for a safe and predictable life? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

5 of My Favorite Fall Traditions

The beginning of a new season is always exciting--but there's something special about when the weather begins to cool, the leaves start to change colors, and I can replace my flip-flops with knee-high boots. 

The hustle and bustle of life begins to slow as autumn approaches. This season seems to give us permission to relax a bit more: to cuddle underneath fuzzy blankets, sip on apple cider, and curl up with a good book. 

See? I've always been a fan of this season.
I even insisted on holding this leaf when the picture was being taken, lol =)

And since there are countless of reasons as to why autumn is my favorite season, I have decided to instead list my top five favorite fall traditions:

1) Pumpkin spiced lattes.

photo credit: niseag03 via photopin cc

The taste of a PSL brings back so many autumn memories: visiting family during this time of year, going to the mountains to watch the leaves change colors, sharing coffee with a friend, and even those early days of writing Purple Moon. Although I still adore mochas far more than any other latte, PSL's are more special to me since they only come around once a year. 
2) Reading.

photo credit: T1m0thy77 via photopin cc

Of course, I am always reading a book or two, no matter what time of year it is. But again, autumn seems to be more suited for relaxing and reading. I'm not sure if it's because of the blankets, the fireplace, the hot coffee, or the candles that lure me into picking up a book--but whatever the case, fall is my absolute favorite time of year to curl up with a good book. 

3) Going to the mountains.

photo credit: steviep187 via photopin cc

Since I live only an hour away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, my family goes there almost every year towards the end of October. The view at that time of year is breathtaking. So if you haven't visited, I highly recommend that you do! We usually either find a spot to have a picnic, or we eat at The Dillard House. 

4) Burning Bath & Body Works fall-scented candles. 

photo credit: Send me adrift. via photopin cc

If you are ever hoping to get "more in the mood" for fall, I suggest going to Bath & Body works and looking at (or sniffing) their selection of fall products, especially their candles. They come in a variety of different autumn-related fragrances: pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, apple orchard, caramel pie, etc. {Click here for more!} 

5) Halloween. 

I don't necessarily celebrate Halloween, so instead I go to my cousins' house every year and celebrate fall by participating in pumpkin-carving contests, drinking lattes, playing games, and eating pumpkin chili. 

(Although, honestly, I don't enjoy pumpkin-carving as much as I should ... which you can probably tell by the lack of creativity I put into my pumpkin last year (the one at the top of the picture) -- lol!)  ♡ ♡ ♡
I would love to hear some of your favorite fall traditions! Also, what do you love most about this season? Let me know in the comments!