High Rollers

I remember looking up the term “high roller” a couple years back as I heard someone I know has that status in Vegas. That was my introduction to the term. 

nail polish

Last year, as a friend was establishing a business model that would attract very high-end, high-maintenance clients I remarked to said friend, “You are a high roller, now!” I meant that in a spiritual way as well as a business person who was taking a calculated risk to do something big. 

I had so much fun watching the process and discussing elements of it. 

And let’s say, they attracted a client as their first that surpassed their wildest expectations. 

These high rollers hit the target while relying on the peace of God and His wisdom in taking risks. God adventures in the business world! 

Many of you may fall into the “high roller club.” Not necessarily because of your gambling or business risk-taking but rather because of the audacious risks you take following God. You follow Him in little ways that no one ever knows about and you do some things that appear wild to others, as you follow God and pursue sweeping God-given dreams. 

Forgive my ignorance since I have never literally gambled, nor been to Las Vegas. Clearly I am not an expert. However I am an expert in other ways.

I have studied, as well as observed, and I have assisted many people who step out and do prodigious ventures. They possessed huge dreams, they did their planning, and then jumped in to do the plan in partnership with God.

I’ve seen a lot. They go to other countries doing ministry, start businesses, design products, start organizations, volunteer and mentor, write books, create art, make movies, do television programs, radio, digital media, comedy, and so much more.

Every time they step out they meet some resistance; they know they are taking risks. It is more than clear to them–and others that the rope ladder could leave them dangling unless they have it tied right and they are confident of the climb.

They do risk failure. They risk judgments by others. They risk the fact they may have taken the wrong path. They risk money, time, and reputation. At first they are wobbly. Some don’t get past that stage.  Others get knocked over like a inflatable punching bag they spring back up. They step forward even when they are afraid but somehow they grab a hold of the courage that God extends from His hand and Word. As people start seeing them have elements of success, they then get more support. 

Things start happening. The learning curve and adjusting things along the way is part of the process. And it takes some time to hit the markers. But it happens. If…they don’t give in and give up. 

Are you a high roller or are you called to be? Do you desire to do big things because it is in you to do so? Has God developed a level of faith in you and acumen in the area you are to go? What is stopping you from being a high roller? 

Photo Credit: Me with High Roller nail polish sent as a gift from High Roller, Herself.

She Who Laughs A Lot

There is a problem (or multiple) with people like me—and maybe you.

Annette photo she who laughs a lot

Those who are creative, curious, and who get bored easily do not just have character flaws or lack of discipline. Truly.  God made us this way. He really did.

When I talk to other creatives, serial entrepreneurs, and those who are gifted–yet cursed with creativity I hear that they are misunderstood often. Yet they are compelled to move forward into their futures and dreams.

People like us drive some people nuts! We frustrate some like a mother putting her hands on our wiggling legs and saying, “Just sit still!” But we can’t. We have to jiggle. We have to look and we have to dream and we are never satisfied with little tidy dreams. We are messy.

But take heart, if you are one of the creatives or if you are one who has to live with one, it is a good thing—even a God thing—messes and all.

The latest dream I have is to be known as “She who laughs a lot!” I like deeper thoughts, and helping humanity; I have no intention of burying my head in the sand. Yet, after so many tough seasons and hardships my next goal is to be more of the one in the photo: She Who Laughs A Lot. I used to be more like her, the one who laughs a lot, but life made me far more serious than my original self. I laughed so much in school that I was given special seating quite often. Of course, I was provoked.

What is your next dream?

(Photo by Tiffenee Ezell)