Waiting and Dreaming: Developing Purpose and the Capacity to Dream During Waiting Seasons

By Maria Tome’

We go from waiting to the very thing we’ve waited for. Yet, no one ever talks about the struggle of the in-between or the solutions to help with the angst of waiting. Some say people don’t like to be vulnerable and show weakness, so they don’t mention the messy, waiting seasons of life.

Maybe we can start to be honest with the moments of waiting. Maybe there is a bigger dream waiting for us right in the middle of our waiting. Maybe waiting might not be that bad after all. This guide will take you through countless stories of women who have waited, how they navigated the waiting, and began to dream bigger dreams for their future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664210066

Maria Tome’

Maria was born and raised in Macomb, Michigan and moved to Florida when she was sixteen. She has been teaching elementary students for five years. She assists as an advocate for special needs in her community through Night to Shine. Maria is enjoying this season of taking her puppy around town on her beach cruiser bike.

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Copyright © 2020 Maria Tome’.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-1007-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-1006-6 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/17/2020

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®.

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

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Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®.

Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by

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© 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible,

Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked ESV taken from The Holy Bible, English

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Preface

Part 1 One Day Closer

Chapter 1 Dear Gem, a letter from me to you

Chapter 2 Just One Text

Chapter 3 The Dilemma + Confessions

Part 2 My Secret Sauce

Chapter 4 Stay in My Lane (She knows where she wants to go.)

Chapter 5 I am His (She knows her identity.)

Chapter 6 Refresh and Be Refreshed (She serves while she waits.)

Chapter 7 Grit and Grace (She develops mental toughness as she waits.)

Chapter 8 Celebrate (She’s thankful while she waits.)

Chapter 9 She Laughs while she waits.

Chapter 10 She Rests while she waits.

Chapter 11 Find The Gold

Part 3 A Support System That Works

Chapter 12 Women on a Mission

Chapter 13 One Voice

Part 4 Dreams Of Gold

Chapter 14 Sogni D’oro (Dreams of Gold)

Chapter 15 Expand and Enlarge

Part 5 Final Thoughts

Chapter 16 Love Never Fails

Chapter 17 Glow Getter

References

DEDICATION

This book is first and foremost dedicated to my beloved Angel, my Nana. You have instilled in me from a very young age a love for God, teaching, and writing. May this book bring you much joy. I love you.

Secondly, to Amanda B, your friendship and your words, One Day Closer, have always inspired me to keep pushing—to continue moving forward and not relent based on what my eyes could see. You gave me so much encouragement. You’re the true inspiration for this book. Thank you! #OneDayCloser

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Dad, thank you for being a solid man of God in my life. You have loved me and taught me to be brave in all things, and for that, I am thankful. Love you, papaw!

Momma, you’re a pure, radiant spark of wisdom and laughter. Thank you for being joy in my life and for your love, strong prayers, and so much discernment! I love you.

Vince, when God gave me you as a brother, I was so happy, and I wouldn’t want anyone else as my sibling. Your discipline and drive inspire me. Thanks for having my back always. We stick together in any kind of weather. Much love!

Alyssa and Bianca, your support, friendship, generosity, prayers, and understanding mean more to me than you know. Shout out to the two of you for believing in me and always cheering me on in every season of life! You ladies inspire me in unique