A Glistening White “Herd of Dogs”

a dream to refocused my life-Evelyn Donnell

I am outside in an open, partially area.

A few other people are with me. 

Suddenly there is a lot of twigs snapping, earth pounding noise in this once quiet place.

A pack of dogs, all sizes, all breeds, all ages, from puppies to obviously old mature ones, come racing through the woods, close to where I am standing. Though so different in appearance, they have one thing in common. The hair that covers their bodies is GLISTENING, pure, unspotted White and it seems to be glowing with light.

This is so unusual, I comment about it to one of my companions.

The dogs are undistracted by we humans, pounding ahead on the trail as though running a race.

I see a young puppy. Trying to keep up with the group. I bend down and sweep him up in my arms giving him a “Treat” fetched out of my pocket. He gives me a quick kiss, wiggles furiously and when I put him back down, he immediately rejoins the racing dogs, headed to some unknown goal up ahead. This ends my idea of taking him home with me to be “my puppy.”

Some time later, reviewing this dream, I asked, Father God 

What was this dream about, His answer came a couple of days later after my persistent questioning.

“Why dogs? - Because you love dogs and will not dismiss this dream as you would if it was a herd of deer, elk, etc.”

“Why though so different in breeds, were they all so glistening white?”

“They were all covered by the Holy Spirit. They were all mine.”

“Why were they running, persistently, undeterred, even the puppy I wanted to take home?” What was up ahead? What was so important?

“I was calling them. Each one called by name. The goal was Me.”

In retrospect, reviewing my dream, I thought-

No, Rabbit Trails, Evelyn, no falling into pits of despair, no Treats to Tempt you off Trail, stay focused. Remember who is waiting for you up ahead. He is the one you belong to. His home is your home. 

STAY FOCUSED!!

The Other Side of the Door

by Evelyn Donnell

A couple of days ago I was upstairs in my little hide-a-way office writing checks to pay October bills and mulling over charitable donation requests.

Lori our big dog leaped up from her stretched out sleeping position, vigorously banking at me and running to the head of the stairs. Downstairs someone was knocking at the outside door. 

“I’m coming! I’m coming!” I yelled as I descended. Lori was well ahead of me, barking the same message.

Glancing out the door window I saw Dale, our neighbor of eighteen years standing outside. -We are not intimate friends, but we are good neighbors. When winter snows come, Dale rides over on his motorized snow plow and plows us out. When Dale and his wire Sybil are gone RVing we gather in their mail and newspapers, keeping them dry and safe until they return.

Over a year ago when Dale was diagnosed with cancer he came over and requested we “kinda look after the place” when he and Sybil were in Boise for his surgery. He had unexpected tears in his eyes when I asked him if I could pray for him. He hugged and thanked me when I finished. I asked Dale if he knew Jesus personally as his Lord and Savior?” He answered, “ Yes, I do, even went to Sunday School a few times when I was a kid. - I’m just not interest in going to church with all those hymn singing Christians!”

Now a year later, he was at my door again. Two big tumors had showed up and he and Sybil would be on their way to Boise again. “Would you folks look after the mail and newspapers ‘till we’re back?”

I said, “Sure Dale, if you’ll let me pray for you again.” “Remember God gave you a whole good year “Cancer free”. You and Sybil got to go camping, take your trip to Hawaii and hold your first great grandson in your arms. Dale struggled to repress tears, but he had a whole different look on his face than when he first told me of his cancer a year ago. This time he grasped both my hands as we prayed, me aloud, him silently. When we finished, I saw hope in his eyes.

As 90 years old I some times ask God, “Why am I still here? - other than to take care of my recalcitrant, yet very lovable husband of 67 years? Isn’t it time for me to be writing, teaching, and drawing pictures and painting murals on the walls of my new home in Heaven?”

Then the doorbell rings. Faithful Lori barks, there’s my answer, standing on the other side of the door!

This word is meant for all true Believers in Jesus Christ.

WE ARE COMING FULL CIRCLE, BACK TO EDEN, WHERE WE BEGAN

This is a different time, a new time, in the long history of mankind.  It comes at the culmination of history as well know it and have experienced it throughout the ages. What is the difference now? What has changed?

The gate to the Garden of Eden is open, wide open. The angel with the flaming sword has been told to “Stand aside” and let God’s people in to reclaim the place where everything began.

Men and women, after endless years of “Rebellion-Repentance, Suffering-Overcoming, Losing-Winning, Accepting Jesus-Rejecting him as Lord and Savior; after expulsion and wandering far away from Eden, at long last we are invited to return. We are coming full circle, back to Eden.

Since the gate is wide open we can enter, or leave at will. But Satan and his fallen angels can do the same thing. However it is not as easy to entice and deceive people as it was in the beginning.  Satan is no longer dealing with innocent, untrained, gullible civilians. Many of God’s people are “seasoned warriors”. God’s Spirit lives in each one of us. We have the full armor of God to protect us, some have learned to use the sharp, lethal sword of the Word of God.

Battles with our adversaries are no longer sneaky, disguised enemies jumping out from behind trees and bushes, lurking in the dark holes of space. We can recognize Satan’s tactics. We walk with the our Commander in Chief, his light surrounds us, dispelling darkness. We can see his scars imprinted at Calvary when he gave his life for each one of us so we too can be resurrected from eternal death into eternal life with Father God.

Our God is allowing the final battles to be fought right in the beautiful garden of Eden that He created for us so long ago. Sometimes the smell, the noise, the heat of the battles we are engaged in, are bloody and frightening. But the victory is foretold in Revelations the end is clearly in sight. We residents of Eden live by an open gate. We go in and out to work in the world. We take fruits and seeds of Eden to scatter all over the world. We are to scatter them in our own neighborhoods as well. If anyone asks, we are to show them the way to Eden and tell them the gate is “wide open”! Come and see!

Wake Up! Wake Up!

Does GOD speak through Art? You decide!
As I drew this picture I had no idea what it would say to me. Frankly I thought it would become an illustration for a Children's Story.
The next day I realized this was a "pictorial vision", speaking about the condition of the church today in America.
1 - The large sphere represents the World.
2 - The furry animal asleep on top of the sphere represents most of the Christian Church.
3 - The small, agitated Bird is shouting, "What are you doing up there?-Wake up! Wake up! Before you fall off.!"
4 - The small ugly Creature with a party hat on is hiding in the shadow of the Cube,- the enemy waiting to attack.
5 - The two trees are significant; one is crooked and twisted; the other, Tall and straight, They are planted side by side, one on is useable. 

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Psalm 1:1-3

A VISION OF AN OPEN WINDOW~
Sunday morning, June 26, our Pastor David talked about God's Open Doors.  I nodded "Yes, yes!" as visions and words flooded my mind. I resisted an urge to get up, go to the podium and tell others about what I was hearing and seeing.  The vision kept coming and I didn't want do this until I had the whole vision.  So I missed God's timing, but He's having me write it out out for you now.
The vision began with what God has been saying about sending us "Open Windows", windows that will allow us to see what is going on in heaven, in our own lives and on earth these days. Look up and you will see mysteries made clear that you haven't seen or understood before.
When I looked I saw a plain, rectangular window in an almost empty room, except I was standing there.  I also saw a storm was taking place outside the closed window.  Lightening flashed, there were deep rolls of thunder, and rain pelted the glass.  Even so, I opened the window and some of the storm came into my room.  I slammed the window shut, thinking, surely I'm not supposed to open this window while the storm is raging!
Then I heard His voice. "I want you to trust me and open the window. I'm in control of the storm. You may get a little wet, but it will not harm you." - So I opened the window again and stood observing the drama in the heavens.  Next I saw great shafts of light coming down from above and piercing through thick black mountains of clouds.  They came like swiftly moving javelins of pure light that split the clouds apart, moving them back. Light entered my room and with it came a fresh, after the rain fragrance. I stood in front of the window, head thrown back, breathing in great gulps of clean, life giving air.  Then the vision faded.
Note: God's dreams and visions come with His authority. So look for windows in your life and don't be afraid to open them, even in the middle of a storm. God is with you. You will begin to see and understand what is happening to you and to people all around this planet. Mysteries may be explained and happenings may begin to make better sense.

This dream began with singing.  I was in a large room glowing with suffused sunlight streaming in through wide open windows.  Gentle breezes filled the room and there was the fragrance of flowers from a visible garden outside.  People spontaneously gathered together to sing.  The mood was informal and joyous.

I stood on a small platform, encouraging and leading the group.  Individuals would sing out a familiar song and all of us joined in and filled the room with music.  Many songs were old hymns, others contemporary, but familiar to everyone.  Then we began singing the patriotic songs.  "America the Beautiful". "Oh Say Can You See By the Dawn's Early Light", "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "God Bless America".  These were followed by a few minutes of silence.  I searched my heart for another song and remembered, "My Country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing! Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside let ____________ ?????? ring." To my shock I couldn't remember the right word in the last line of the verse. - "let WHAT ring?" - Let victory ring?" No that wasn't the right word. "Let our voices ring?" That wasn't right either. "Let liberty ring?" Well that made more sense, but still wasn't right! Then I asked, "Do any of you know the right word?" Some offered words but none seemed to fit. I was dismayed. This familiar song hung there unfinished. People were confused and disappointed.  The group quickly dispersed.  Dark shadows filled the room. As I woke up I was still searching for the "right word". While in bed, I went over and over the verses.  No word appeared. Yet I felt it was very important not to forget this dream and to continue to look for the elusive word.

After breakfast I prayed, "Please, Please God help me find the right word that for some unknown reason is missing." Later that day after looking through books and files (all to no avail) disappointment turned to excitement. In my mind I saw a blue paper collection of songs I'd considered discarding months ago, but didn't.  There it was! The song of my dream, "AMERICA". In the last line of the first verse was the missing word!

"My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing! Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside, let freedom (FREEDOM) ring."

FREEDOM! FREEDOM! LORD ARE YOU TELLING US WE HAVE LOST OUR FREEDOM? Or are we in the process of losing it? A scripture immediately came to mind. "He who the Son has set free is free indeed (John 8:36)." Unlike all other religions beliefs, as Christians you can't work your way to God no matter how many good deeds you do.  You are invited to come to Him.  You are free to choose; good or evil, heaven or hell, eternal life or eternal death, freedom or enslavement. In jail Saint Paul was still free. Are you? It's a choice. It's a gift of God. Please remember this and don't let it be taken away, from America, from you, from your children and children's children!!
What does freedom mean to you?

IS GOD SPEAKING TO YOU?

Just as He did with the prophets of old, God speaks to people through dreams and visions. In this present day our need to hear from God who is the source of all life is greater than ever. Our dreams when interpreted often provide answers to what is happening today. Our dreams can give wisdom for a personal problem. Sincerely ask for "eyes to see and ears to hear" and understanding will come.
For example:
A couple of mornings ago I woke up with a distinct sensation that I was rising up out of a deep pool of crystal clear water.  I knew I had been dreaming.  There were pictures and sounds of that dream all around me.  Once I broke through the water's surface, still half dreaming, half awake. I heard the word: "Recall and Write" "Recall and Write". I wasn't sure I could recall the dream as it was fading quickly. I grabbed a pen and tablet and began to write.
The dream:
I was in a large airport. People were wheeling baggage by or were waiting impatiently in ticket lines. Carts piled high with luggage were weaving through the travelers on foot. Escalators loaded with people were going up and down in constant waves. Fear, frustration, confusion were felt. Obviously something had happened that created an anxious, harassed environment.
I stood in a group of people, right in the middle of the flow of traffic. About 15 of us had stopped rushing about and gathered together. The object was to try and figure out what had happened and what we needed to do.  Each one shared information even as constant announcements kept coming over a loudspeaker.  It was difficult to understand what officially was said.  Outside of our group there was obvious confusion. Inside was tangible peace. Children were reassured "You will be OK."  A couple of old people sitting close together in their wheelchairs were holding blue veined hands. Someone leaned over them and said, "Don't worry. We will help you."  Both relaxed and smiled. I myself had become a kind of spokes person, leading the group discussions and encouraging calmness and peace despite our situation. I made some light-hearted comments, repeatedly using humor to release tensions. A baby in his daddy's arms stopped crying. A grey haired man in an overcoat pointed his finger and said, "Madame this is no joking matter!" Then he burst out laughing. His laughter became contagious.  People applauded, nodded heads, laughed. Two little girls danced a jig as the group made room for them and clapped hands. I shouted, "THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!" and many in the group repeated the words. A fearful situation took on the character of a REVIVAL. We began singing familiar hymns and a few patriotic songs. People hurrying by on either side of our group stopped to listen in amazement. Some laughed and smiled with us. Some clapped their hands. Others hurried by, ignoring what was happening.
That was the end of my dream and it came as I was moving up through that crystal clear water mentioned at the beginning of this dream. As I neared the surface, all pictures and sounds quickly faded. I found myself back in my own bed, with the clock showing it was now 4:00 am.  I cried out to the Maker of Dreams, "Father, help me remember all I heard and saw." And as you read this account, you can see He did. 

This is Evelyn’s true testimony

How I Met Jesus

            My 11^th birthday was in the middle of July, 1937.  It was summer, before school reopened, when Jesus appeared and spoke to me “face to face”.  Although I am now 88 years old, I have never forgotten this meeting. I have reexamined it many times throughout my life.  I believe something supernatural occurred when Jesus entered my personal space and touched me both physically and spiritually.

            Strangely, I didn’t recognize who He was at that time.  It wouldn’t be until many years later, when I was 48, that I would understand the Son of God had visited me and claimed me for his own.  Whether I realized it or not, He would watch over me, direct my paths and protect me all the rest of my life on earth.

            It happened this way.  I was propped up on my bed, watching huge white clouds drifting across a very blue sky.  The book I’d been reading had fallen on the bed beside me as I looked delightedly at the golden light and rich, pure colors of sky above the darker forms of trees, lawns, streets and houses that were framed like a picture outside my bedside window.

            Quite suddenly, in less than a millisecond, I found myself standing on the wooden deck of a large sailing vessel in the middle of a great, peaceful ocean.  Amazingly I was NOT frightened, but amazed and curious. What is going on?  Why am I here?  I didn’t move, but stood wondering on the deck about what might happen next.  I felt very alone as I could see no other person on the ship, not even a seabird flying across the blue sky and white clouds.

Then I saw someone in a luminous white robe that covered him from his shoulders down to the sandals on his feet.  He wore a gold belt, and a narrow gold sash was across his chest.  He walked toward me and I felt great expectation, joy, curiosity, and no fear.  When he reached me he stood quietly, arms extended toward me, and a smile on his face.  Such a smile it was!  It reflected the love of my mother, the grin of my best friend, the approval of a favorite teacher, and much more than I can describe.  Without hesitation I threw myself into his arms.  He hugged me and it was as though I became part of him and he was part of me.  I knew that I would never want to leave, not ever. 

            Then He spoke to me.  But I don’t think it was with audible words like you and I speak to each other.  With firm hands He gently moved me out from his all-encompassing hug, looked down at me with such love in His eyes, and said these words that I have never forgotten: “You have a long voyage to take.  You don’t know who I am now, but you will know later on.  You will not be alone for I will never leave you or forsake you.  When you are much older you will know me in a Big Way and I will be with you forever.”

            Again He hugged me and I clung to Him.  Yet somehow I knew I must let go.  “Please, please don’t leave me.  I want to stay with you. Let me stay with you.  Please?”  I was crying as I realized He was really going away and I couldn’t go with him.  My tears kept coming even as I watched him move to the rail at the side of the deck.  Facing me, now many feet away, He was looking intently at me.  Even at this distance I was aware of his tremendous love for me.  I stood still knowing I couldn’t run to him even though I wanted to do so.  Then the white clouds like the ones I’d admired outside my bedroom window moved down to the ship and surrounded Him.  The man in the white robe was carried up from the ship’s deck by those clouds as he quickly disappeared from my sight.  I stood crying even thought I remembered He had told me I would see Him again.  A deep grief and longing was lodged in my eleven year old heart.

            In a moment of time I was back, sitting on my bed, my story book by my side, tears running down my cheeks.  Feeling a great loss, I ran to find Mama.  She was across the hall in her bedroom, taking a nap.  When I sat on her bed, she woke up, alarmed when she saw I was crying. “What is it, Evelyn?  What’s happened?”

            I told her about how I had been on the ship.  How I was hugged by a man in a beautiful white robe.  I told her, as best as I could, about Him and how much he loved me.  I told her how I wanted to stay with Him forever and how awful it was when I knew he had to leave.  But he promised me “he’d come back when I was a whole lot older and be with me forever!”  Even so, I told Mama “I wish I could be with him right now.  I wish he could come live with us NOW!”

            My mother hugged me, kissed me, handed me a handkerchief, and said, “Evelyn, you just had a beautiful dream.  A wonderful dream, but that’s all it was, a dream.  Don’t keep crying for someone who isn’t real.  He’s like the character in a book you’ve read.  Maybe you’ll write about him someday.  You love to write.  Now dry your eyes and help me plan what we’ll have for dinner tonight.”

            So I did what my mother said but I didn’t forget about the dream and the man in the white robe who talked to me and loved me beyond anything I ever imagined. 

            Three years later mother and I were back in Philadelphia at the big three story brick home on Broad Street where my Grandmother and Grandfather, Pop Pop had spent most of their married life.  My beloved Pop Pop was dying.  He was sitting in his big Morris Chair in the little sitting room off his and grannie’s bedroom.  He was quietly talking, asking me a few questions about school, about my friends and my beloved dog, Shep.  Suddenly he looked straight into my eyes and asked, “Ev, Pop Pop’s little sweetheart, do you know Jesus?”

            “What do you mean, Pop Pop, “Do I know Jesus?”  I guess I know that he was one of the smartest men who ever lived.  Some say he was a very good man.  He did some miracles like magicians do.  Sometimes I go to Sunday School with my girlfriends.  The teacher talks about Jesus and how it was to live in those days.”  I watched two big tears roll down my grandpa’s cheeks.  I felt terrible, but didn’t know what to say.  I knew I had hurt him deeply because somehow I hadn’t given the right answer to his question.  He turned away from me as I sat miserable on the foot stool beside him, not knowing what else to do.  He looked out the window and was very quiet.  What can I do to make him happy again?  We all knew he was dying and this might be the last time we were together.

            Pop Pop turned back to me.  I saw that the sunlight outside was gathered all around his head in a luminous circle.  He smiled.  He patted my hand several times and said these words:  “Evelyn, you don’t know Jesus now.  But you will.  You have a long voyage to take, but when you are much older, Jesus will come back to you.  You will know Him then and he will be with you always!”

            When I was 48 years old, I knelt beside my bed, my Bible opened, my tears staining its pages.  Lord God I cried, “I want to believe in your Jesus.  Please, please, come into my life and take it over.  I’ve taught Sunday school to all ages, have had teenagers saved at Release Time teaching classes, spoken at Christian Women’s lunches, yet I don’t really know your Jesus. Please, Jesus come into my heart and live in me.  You promised long ago you’d never leave me or forsake me.  At last I know you are not just a dream and I need you desperately to be with me always.  My life is falling apart without you.

            He came.  He told me he had always been near, I just didn’t see him.  Sometimes now when I don’t recognize Him but I still know He’s here, - loving me, guiding me, whispering to me in my heart, shouting at me through His word, holding me in his arms whenever I need to be loved and lifted up – always here.  So no matter what is happening I remember the “dream” and feel His presence surround me.  He is SO REAL and if my prayers are answered he will be real to you too.

I believe we are in a "stepped up" time of hearing God through dreams and visions. Below is a dream that occurred in early March. As I reflected and asked for understanding, the message became clear to me.  As  you read on, each one may have a different revelation of what God is speaking to you via this dream.

The Double Portion

I dreamed I was in an auditorium filled with people.  We were there to listen to important speakers who were sitting up on a stage, holding microphones.

I was part of the audience and very unusually dressed.  Wrapped from head to toe in a long lacy white "Sari" I knew it had once been used as an elegant table cloth at a royal banquet.  Somehow I had acquired it and was wearing it over my street clothes.  My whole body was covered.  I knew it was beautiful, pure white, and intricately woven.  But I had no pin to fasten it around my shoulders. I had to use my hand to hold my Sari together so it would not fall off. This was a problem.

A young man with a microphone was up on the stage.  He announced the meeting was over and we were dismissed.  But there was one last thing left he would do for those who stayed a few minutes longer. At the beginning of the meeting, gifts had been passed out to everyone in the audience.  He announced that some gifts were left over. Anyone who wanted a "Double Portion" should stand up.  He would come down through the people and give out the gifts.

Not everyone stayed.  Many people were putting on coats, hats, taking their first gifts and leaving  I stood up, wondering if there were enough gifts left so I would receive one.  Dressed in my beautiful white Sari the young man saw me from far across the room.  He came quickly over.  Holding out a gold foil covered box he explained it contained the finest chocolates ever made.  "These confections were created for royalty.  They will taste better than anything you have ever eaten before.  They are "one of a kind".  Do you want this gift?"

I answered "No. No thank you.  I don't want anything that will be consumed and then gone." - Then I asked, "Do you have a jeweled pin in your box that will hold my "Sari" together? I'd like one that is round in shape and made with stones that are the colors of a rainbow.  This is all I really want."

The young man looked at me quizzically and then rummaged in the box of gifts.  He held up a small jewelry box and said, "I believe this is what you asked for.  Look and see." I took it, carefully opened the lid, and drew a breath with wonder and awe.  Inside was a round, gold clasped pin, made with precious rainbow colored stones. Excitedly I thanked him, and began pinning my "Sari" together.  When all was secured I woke up, filled with delight over receiving my "Double Portion" gift.

Do you have a puzzling dream that you would like to know what it means? Then here are some suggestions I found useful to help me decipher me dreams:

#1.  Look for Biblical references.  I checked out "Robes of white".
       (Rev. 3:18, 19:8, Psm. 51:7, Lk 9:29, 9:5, Isa. 1:18)

#2  Take note of obviously unusual words like "Double Portion".
      (II Kings 2:9 I found this is a Key reference for my dream.

#3  "Rainbows" are always significant.
      (If you've had a "Rainbow in a dream, read Rev. 4:3, 10:1, Gen. 9:13, 14.) I didn't desire candy.
       I wanted a pin set with rainbow gem stones.)

Above all else, the most important thing you can do to understand your dream is, ask the Holy Spirit to interpret. Expect to receive an answer.  Christ said (recorded in Matthew Chapter 7, verse 7) "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened unto you." Those words never fail me.  All of a sudden my dreams are decoded and bring more meaning to life.

The Lord gave this to me in several mind pictures~

An often asked question that bothers me is, "If God is so good, why does he allow so much pain and suffering in our world?"  Today, writing about JOY, I found an answer.

As humans I think we couldn't experience JOY unless we had also experienced suffering, despair, losses or pain.  How can these four negatives be transformed by a sudden blaze of unexpected JOY?

"Suffering, despair, losses, pain" are bruises that occur in all human experience.  They may or may not dominate our lives, but they will sneak into our minds like "little foxes that come to spoil the grapes"* - BUT JOY! That's another thing!  It's a healing balm from heaven above.  It's hard to describe, being unquantifiable, unexpected, a gorgeous gift from GOD.  It is like a perfect diamond, resting in a box lined with black velvet.

When we experience JOY we forget the pressures that created it deep in the bowels of our lives.  We receive Joy like a beautiful woman receives a precious ring from her lover.  JOY becomes  a covenant promise of an impending wedding.  Suddenly we know in our hearts "THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" and JOY will nullify all our tears.

* Song of Solomon 2:15

A Christmas Dream

Nancy went outside for a brisk Christmas stroll,

When all unaware, she fell down a deep hole.

She kept right on falling 'till hands grabbed her heels,

Hands attached to no body! - Don't tell me they're real!

She cried, "Help God, though I don't usually call on your name.

I'm hanging here out of control. I'm not sure that I'm sane."

Nancy dangling alone in that dank, hopeless place,

Thought it useless to squeal or itch the nose on her face.

She gasped to get air into her lungs, intending to scream,

But "Common Sense" told her, "You're just having a dream."

"Its no time for tears, Nancy, futile struggles, or shouts,

Find out why you're dreaming and what to do to get out."

Strong hands held onto her, so whether dreaming or not,

She heard a voice: "Nancy get faith, give it all that you've got.

If you can believe what you hear, and then do what I say,

I'll take care of all of your fears, I'll whisk them away."

"First, leap, then give a flip, like you can do with such class!

Don't worry, I won't let you fall, I'm holding onto you fast."

"We're going to leave crowded stores and frantic consumers behind, 

Go and search for THE REAL CHRISTMAS where all the giving is mine!"

Nancy twisted and flipped just as told, did that and no more,

But she kept twirling and whirling 'till she stopped by a door.

On the door hung a sign, "Enter" - Was there a hand on her arm?

She stood in front of a cave that had been made into a barn!

It was then that she realized she was in the city of Bethlehem,

In a company of shepherds, woolly sheep, and some very wise men.

She knew it was Jesus in a manger when she heard angel choirs sing.

She smiled big at this little baby who one day would be a King!

"Mary, can I lift up your baby boy and hold him next to my heart?'

Mary nodded, so she lifted, but seeing his hands gave her a start,

There were deep holes in tiny wrists, sized to hold a cruel nail,

Yet he smiled, grasped her fingers, his squeeze was not frail. -

Even now he could lift her out of a dark hole if she fell in,

When needing love, there was love she could hold, centered in Him.

That's the end of this poem, dreamed for this Christmas Day.

If you want to know more, there's a very sure way.

Just go find a bible and read Luke, Chapter 2,

This Coming Soon Jesus will reach out and hold you!

Merry Christmas from Stephen and Evelyn Donnell 

Due to personal problems the BLOG was shelved temporarily but not permanently.  October 14, I asked Abba Father to send a dream appropriate for the BLOG.  Early October 15, I dreamed this:

I was sitting with a group of 8 or 10 ladies in a room with blank white walls, and a plain grey carpet.  There was a circle of straight backed chairs, arranged to seat guests. Two tables without lamps, pictures, or books were the only other furniture.  No dust anywhere.  As I looked about I thought, "How sterile."

Women were talking about the death of one of their friends.  "Poor Peggy", they intoned like a chorus in Greek tragedy.  "She was left, neglected and deserted by everyone before she passed away. " All of the women (expect me) nodded in agreement.  They thought she had been treated shamefully at the end of her life.

I spoke with authority:  "That is not true!  Her friends came to see Peggy regularly.  Her husband and mine were friends.  We spent time together despite her illness.  Others came too; family members, neighbors.  Her daughter came every day.  At the end, Peggy refused to see anyone anymore.  Why, I'm not sure.  She said she didn't want to be seen looking like she looked.  She always was particular of appearance and kept her home in 'apple pie' order."

A large woman jumped up from her chair across from me.  She had begun the discussion about "Poor Peggy".  She confronted me:  "You don't know what you're talking about! You didn't see what really happened.  I did."  She faced others now sitting in embarrassed silence.  With exaggerated horror she exclaimed, "Why they even moved Peggy into drafty, unheated farm shed.  She was laid on an old army cot, all alone in the dark, not enough blankets to keep her warm.  She was left there until her death!"

I responded vehemently: "Don't believe gossip, ladies.  Don't repeat lies.  Peggy told people she wanted to be left alone.  That was her wish.  Anyone who came to comfort her was turned away.  Yes, in her mind she was in a cold, dark place, but that was her choice.  That was not the decision of all those who loved her and wanted to help.

I WOKE UP. . . . . . . . . . . . .Here is what the dream spoke to me:
1.  Recognize and challenge your enemies' lies.  Satan come to "steal, kill and destroy."  Jesus comes so "you may have life and have it abundantly."  We need to expose lies, not accept them.  Some people would capture and control the thoughts of others, so go on the offensive.  Risk telling the truth.
2.  If our lives are too clean outwardly, whitewashed, without a speak of dust showing, something is terribly wrong.  We are human.  We need a savior.  We need to love each other, regardless of circumstances put off pretense, even when your life is sick, cluttered and spotted with sin, let Jesus and His people in.  We need each other. - What did this dream say to you?
Love Evelyn

September 1, 2013 

Exodus 15:22-27

Pastor-Teacher David Eddy of Faith Center in Island City used the Exodus 15 passages to preach a robust, thoughtful sermon this Sunday morning.  Some of us, maybe many of us are struggling through a "wilderness walk" right now.  If not right now, we eventually will.  As a trustworthy friend said, "God don't give us no velvet road to travel."  This wisdom explains our need for direction and God's refreshing presence in our wilderness.

Surprisingly, as I listened to pastor's sermon a vivid picture, a "Vision" was playing concurrently on the screen of my mind.  I felt the desperation Moses expressed when he pleaded for God's intervention.  Moses needed a touch that would turn bitter water into sweet. Like Moses, I was looking for a miracle.

The Lord told Moses: "Pick up a stick and throw it into the poisonous water."  He told me the same thing.

I looked around and saw the ground I was standing on was strewn with sticks.  Some were gnarled and twisted.  Some were crooked and bent. Some had splintered ends.  Some were covered with prickly spikes.  Others had been stripped of their natural bark.  Some were too large for me to throw, others too small and weightless.  None of the sticks seemed appropriate.  As I looked at them I saw that they represented fear, jealousy, pain, pride, brokenness:  a disconnect from life itself.  I didn't want to pick up any of them.  I didn't want to touch even one of them.

"Where is my special stick, Lord? Surely none of these scattered here are for me?"  Then I glanced at my feet.  Touching the toe of one sandal was a different kind of stick; a green branch, broken off a living tree.  It still smelled fragrant, fresh, and new.  Some vibrant leaves were still attached.  Tiny buds pushed through the smooth bark.  A clear red sap oozed out from where the wood had been torn off the parent tree.  

God spoke: "This is the one for you.  This is my Righteous Branch.  Throw it into your pool of bitter water." I picked up the wood, whirled it around overhead, and threw it with all my might.  The water instantly changed color and become pure, fresh and clear.  It was water I could drink, water I could offer to others as they walked through their own deserts.

Examining my hands I saw no splinters, no wounds, no bruises.  My palms were streaked with red, glistening tree sap.  As I lifted them toward heaven in thanksgiving a sweet unexpected fragrance arose.  So now I knew.  This was my JESUS STICK and no matter what the situation it worked.  I cleared the putrid waters in my life.  No matter where I traveled this branch of God will go with me.  I will always get my needs met, my soul refreshed.  God's perfect miracles will be there waiting for me to grab hold of them.

It is the end of April and I'm just now slipping this dream in before the close of the month.  This has been a "Mad Hatters" month for me, trying to find my way in a game of "Blind Man's Bluff".  I asked the Lord for a dream to blog.  This is what came a few nights ago.

I was in a large meeting room with a group of men and women.  The quiet talk, peaceful atmosphere changed instantly when someone entered the room shouting a new war had started.  Already there had been great suffering, cities destroyed, refugees fleeing, and much conjecture that our country might be pulled into the mayhem.  All of us were alarmed, anxious, agitated and we began shooting questions at the one who brought the news.  Surprisingly we soon calmed down, took our seats and were ready to go on with the meeting and the business at hand.

I remember speaking to people near me: "Wars and Rumors of Wars" don't seem to have a lasting effect on those people who are not yet personally involved, do they?"  But then the ground beneath our feet began shaking, the building we were in started shaking.  The atmosphere completely changed.  Our business was laid aside.  Voices, exclamations, prayers filled the room.  I was praying when I awoke.  

Conclusion:  When disaster strikes, when our job is wiped out, bank account gone, when our home is flooded, or burned down or robbed; when health problems threaten our life, then everything is different.  Many fall to their knees crying, "O God, DELIVER me, HELP me, SAVE me.  HIDE me in the cleft in your rock."  Then my husband's World War II Ernie Pyle quote applies: "There are no atheists in fox holes."

What else does my dream tell me?: Tragedy can be used for good when tragedy drives us to God.  In the midst of it, love for Abba Father can deepen and become very real.  After the test of faith is over, look up. A double rainbow rides above the clouds.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I don't give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Next month's plan is to write a dream blog every week.  By the end of May, the story of a dream God sent me will come to it's drum rolling conclusion.  Do you know God enjoys using the science fiction genre? - Blog in and see it at work.
Evelyn

When God speaks in unusual dreams

GOD IS NOT SILENT.  HE speaks through His word, special dreams and visions.  This month I write about the strangest dream I've ever had.  I was ready to dismiss it as nonsense, but a little voice inside insisted, "WAIT!" - "Ask God to reveal what this dream is all about and how it relates to you."

THE DREAM: I was a visitor in a friend's home.  The house looked familiar but was not my home. It was clean, attractive and of modest size.  We talked in the living room, and the kitchen as my friend moved back and forth between them.  A guest bedroom door was partially opened.  Unpacked suitcases and my coat were tossed casually on the bed.  We chatted as she worked in the house.  Even though we knew each other, uncomfortable feelings grew in me as we talked.  Unspoken questions formed in my mind, "How long must I remain a quest in her house? - When can I slip out for walk, a breath of fresh air, time alone, time to think, time to pray?"

As our conversations continued I listened to all the things she expected me to do while in her home.  The list was overwhelming.  She was oblivious to my distress.  I seldom got a chance to respond.  When she perceived possible resistance, she became "huffy", unsmiling, inflexible, controlling.  She dismissed  my suggestions that we take time to explore other activities, and not be consumed by regimented housekeeping and public demands on our time.

The dream ended at an impasse.  I woke up annoyed, disturbed, wanting to quickly forget this uncomfortable dream.  Then I heard Father God say, "Take another look, Evelyn.  Look closely at yourself and at the other woman in this dream."

OH, MY GOODNESS!  I saw again both women and heard their conversation.  What a startling discovery!  BOTH WOMEN LOOKED LIKE ME!  I was the visitor, but I was also the hostess.  Our faces, clothes, skin coloring, height and weight were identical!  Our focus on what is most important, was not.  "Lord, please, explain what I've seen.  He answered me, "MARTHA & MARY" - You felt sorry for Mary but Martha, she was a "pain" a misguided "Control freak".  Doesn't my Word say Jesus loved both Martha and Mary?   But adoring Mary who took time to sit at Jesus' feet, she choose the better part."

Is it time to choose?  To cut loose from our materialistic, frantic, demanding culture?  Will God's Word, Wisdom, Prophetic Dreams and Visions guide us?  Dare we let His intimate, personal care invade our busy lives?  Can we trust Him?  Do you realize that you are "a stranger and sojourner" here?  Can you glimpse Heaven's real home?  Are you resting under the shadow of His protective wings? (Psalm 91) or running around like Chicken Little yelling "The sky is falling!"  Can you be both a Mary and a Martha, but let Mary "call the shots?" and organize your visiting days in Martha's busy home? - Will you choose the better part?

 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

The Captain Proposes

Appropriate for February 14th, Valentines Day! This is one of the chapters in the book I am writing  titled, "Immogene and the Captain". You may wonder why a chapter from my book is on a blog about dreams and visions.  Well it all got started with a dream the Lord had given to me.  I shared that dream on a previous blog entry, if you are interested please read below from the blog titled,  "Immogene and the Captain".  The book is about two older people who experience the miracle of falling in love. In this latest blog entry the love letter reveals the character of the Captain.

The Captain Proposes

Dear Immogene,

When my wife Jennie died, after many years of loving me, with our lives closer than two mates bunking together in a purser's cabin, - yet separated when my ship sailed to distant ports, I never expected to love again.  Who could take Jennie's place? No one, not ever!

But you, dear lady with the long silver braid down your back, scuffed blue house slippers, a cook with delicious smells emanating from your kitchen; a gentle, knowing smile on your face, the easy laughter, dare I say it?  My best friend, "I love you."

I love you without any guilt.  You have never usurped Jennie's memory,  Instead you created your own lovely dwelling place, a spot that remains to lighten my heart.  I don't know if you will agree and accept the love I offer you.  But know that whatever your answer is, you have defrosted the heart of this tough old sea captain who thought he didn't need or want any thing other than his faithful grizzled dog "Matey" and his troubling memories.

Dear friend, I may as well get right to it.  I want to marry you!  I want to spend our final years together. I know you're not getting any bargain, but my love is genuine, and backed by a desire to continue fixing your backyard fences, repairing sagging porch steps, and a promise to dry dishes and sweep the kitchen floor after you've cooked another of your splendid meals.

Immogene, I'm too old to sail anymore, but I can keep you entertained with sea stories.  We'll sing sea chanteys and hymns together as you play your piano.  I promise to get my battered guitar restrung if that pleases you.

Practically speaking we'll have enough money for both our needs.  I have some real gold pieces in my sea chest, and savings in the bank.  Besides, Immogene, your cat and my dog have become great friends.  They even eat out of the same dish and sleep together on Matey's cushion.  Isn't that a sign that we should call a preacher?

Hopefully, respectfully, I remain,

Captain Hiram Walker

Christmas Street Child 

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should not die before I wake,

I pray the Lord, you won’t forsake

This Run-a-Way child, so far from thee,

You must squint your eyes, her plight to see.

Please find her a dinner in a can heaped high

With half eaten burgers and warm french fries.

Cover her frozen feet this cold Christmas night

As she sits here in a dark alley, hidden from sight.

Father God, are you real? Are angels real too?

Can the prodigals come home?  Can love be renewed?

Will church bells still peal, do choirs still sing?

Will my someone unlock the door if I reach out and ring?

I’m not sure what will happen, but I know I must try.

Please, keep me safe while I’m napping, please hear my cry,

I've been wrong, and have been wronged, for many a day,

But I can’t solve my problems by running away.

So help me find a home and know I’m still loved,

If there’s no home for me here, I’ll find one up above.

By Evelyn Donnell

Christmas 2012

This poem has a universal appeal because at some time we are all “street children”- lost, feeling forsaken, wondering if anyone cares.  But that tiny light of hope is in our heart, and as we feed it with faith it grows to a blaze that lights up even dark alleys in our lives.

Christmas Street Child Commentary:
If you give “anything” desperately needed to a young, old, hungry, alienated, hopeless person the bible tells us it is like giving a gift to Jesus.  He promises, “great is your reward”.

Is it wrong to desire a reward?  I think not.  We all love rewards when they are genuine.  They assure us we did something well that pleased our Father’s heart.  In reaching out to those in need we have expressed His unconditional love which is part of the “First and Greatest Commandment”.

But since this blog is about dreams and visions, where does this Christmas poem fit?  It did not come from a dream or vision, for I asked Him what He desired to be said.  He has taught me to believe in “sanctified imagination” generated by the Holy Spirit who lives in us when we are Believers.

Merry Christmas EJD

A BAR-B QUE ON THE BEACH, NOT YOUR TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER.

Each month I ask the Lord to give me one significant dream that will speak to me and to you who visit this BLOG.  So here we are, the first week of November, entering a traditional time of feasting, giving thanks; surrounded by family and friends, eating special foods, unabashedly sharing tender, tearful, outrageous, unforgettable, hilarious memories and expressing hope for our futures, regardless of how difficult present circumstances may be.

This is the beginning of a "good season" which can turn "not so good" if we pile up new debts, get overwhelmed with activities and emotionally wind up and down like a "Yo Yo."

So put the "Yo Yo" away.  Ask God to remind you of all that is of real value - even if you have to swim through some clouded water as I did in my dream:

Here I was in a swim suit, standing on a boat dock that stretched out over the water, pointing toward the center of a lake.   Several people in my group had jumped off the dock and were splashing around.  Some were swimming vigorously, some just playing with water toys, beach balls, and floats.  I knew I was expected to jump in and join them, although there was no pressure to do so.  Bending over and peering into the lake I saw the water was cloudy, green with algae, weeds, tangled undergrowth.  I preferred to stay on the dock.  Several people pushed by me, jumped in, and I was the only one left there.  Very few people remained in the water near me.  Most swam away from the dock, following the shore line, moving toward a gathering further down the beach.

I reluctantly jumped and started swimming toward the center of the lake hoping the water would be clearer further out.  I was still not far from the shore.  Physical effort was required to stay afloat because of the ropes of seaweed circling my body.  The smell was noisome, not pleasant.  I tired rapidly.  My feet refused to keep flutter kicking through the cloudy water.  I started sinking down to the bottom of the lake.  When water reached my chin, my feet touched solid rock beneath me.  Rocks covered the lake bottom.  The surface should have been slippery but wasn't.  I could stand upright and walk without sliding off the rock.  As I moved forward green tentacles of plants untwisted off my body and drifted away.  I walked upright, paddling through water with my hands, steadily moving toward shore.  Once I was near the sandy beach there appeared a well trodden pathway.  Like an arrow it pointed toward a place filled with tables, chairs, and a group of people gathered there.  Musical instruments were being played.  There was singing and dancing.  Some folks were stretched out on lounges or sitting in beach chairs, chatting; or clapping hands, smiling as they observed the activity around them.  Laughter filled the air.  Best of all an abundant feast was cooking on several Bar-B-Ques, loaded with all kinds of delicacies sizzling very hot burning coals.  The air was fragrant with delicious smells.  I could see little tendrils of smoke rising skyward from the Bar-B-Ques.  Long tables, covered with colored cloths were loaded with bowls and platters of fruit, salads, breads, cheeses and other mouth watering foods.

The sun was setting behind a huge rustic hotel, built beside the lake, adjacent to the picnic area.  Stars started to delicately light the darkening, sapphire sky.  I asked someone near me, "Who is staying in that grand looking hotel?

"Why we are, of course.  You already have a room assigned to you."

I really regret I never got to see the room assigned in my dream, never got to bounce on a big, comforter-covered bed that I'm certain was there.  I woke up at 5:30 am in my own comfy bed - dream ended.  But I know the feast was grilled to perfection and would have been wonderful to eat, beyond any cuisine I might have imagined.  The promised hotel room is still waiting for me.  Maybe this was a Thanksgiving dream after all?  What do you think?

Comments:


Psalm 27:5-6
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Psalm 27:13
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.


My Friend Ellen said, "This dream reminds me of Isaiah 43 that tells us that when we walk through the waters they will not overflow us.  She also quoted the 23rd Psalm, all about green pastures, still waters, and the watchful, caring of the Lord for His children in every situation.

Glennys said, "The lake represents the world, not always so pleasant to swim in.  The rock foundation at the bottom of the lake represents "Jesus, the Solid Rock".  the Bar-B-Que celebration filled with music and dancing is likened to the "Wedding Feast of the Lamb." The spacious log hotel is a place where we have a reservation held just for us. "

What do you say?

Immogene and the Captain

Immogene struggled to wake up.  Her legs were still slightly jerking beneath the bed sheet.  Cassie Cat crept from her spot at the foot of the bed and stretched out on top of Immogene's chest.  Two velvety orange paws gently patting her face.  When Immogene's eyes flew open, Cassie Cat began purring softly as she kneaded her owner's chest.

"Cassie Cat, stop that! You know you're supposed to stay at the foot of the bed!" The words were cross, but Immogene's voice smiled.  Cassie Cat had brought back some much needed normalcy to the start of Immogene's day, especially after that disturbing early morning dream.

She could see sunlight filtering in through her partially closed window shades.  This was the third morning that she had dreamed the same dream.  It came just before sun up and was always the same.  She recalled every detail.  There she was, walking down the hallway of a large apartment building.  On either side were doors, some were tightly closed, others swung open as people moved in and out of their rooms.  She was anxiously looking for her name plate on on of the doors. Somewhere on that floor was her own apartment and she couldn't find it.  She asked people who passed by if they could direct her.  None of them could help.  They didn't even know her name.  She was getting a little frantic searching to find the place where she belonged.  If she could only see her name posted on a door, she could use the key in her pocket to open it.  An old gentleman came by, stopped beside her and said, "Remember, when you find the door you must open it and go inside." 

Each of the three mornings of the dream she woke up to find Cassie Cat purring on her chest.  The old man's words echoed in her mind.  He said she must open the door and go inside.  What could that mean?  Was this merely a nonsensical dream?  Or was someone trying to tell her something? - Would the dream ever stop repeating itself?  Would she find the right door, unlock it, and step over the threshold?  What would she discover once inside her room?

Cassie Cat jumped down off the bed, meowing and looking expectantly at Immogene.  With insistent meows she told her it was time to get up, get dressed, go down stairs and fix their breakfast.

"Cassie Cat, you're a bossy lady" Immogene said.  "But that makes two of us.  I'm thinking of some of my Blueberry pancakes this morning and a couple of homemade sausages.  If you're good I'll give you a sausage along with a saucer of half and half cream.  Lucky cat.  You sure picked a good home when you came strolling in here as a scrawny little kitten five years ago."

You've just read the first chapter of a book I'm writing, a romantic novel about "Love, fidelity, and an unexpected romance that can enrich "old age".  The inspiration for the book came from a dream.  Like "Immogene" that identical dream disturbed my slumber 3 nights in a week.  It had such an emotional impact and was such a great motivator, a story began to form in my mind.  So, watch your dreams.  Write them down.  You may get a Pulitzer prize, or become America's next Poet Laureate!  Obviously God sends the same dream three times for a reason.

The Dance

Hi Bloggers! It's been a while since my last entry due to surgery and recovery. But now dreams and visions are returning.  I share this latest one with enthusiasm expecting it may have a message for you as well as for me.

"THE DANCE" WAS A TOTALLY UNEXPECTED vision.  It didn't appear in a video screen set before my eyes.  At first it was like pictures in my mind.  Now that I think of it, like photos being slid into an old fashioned stereoscope 3D viewer.  My grandmother had one in her parlor on the second floor of a big brownstone home in Philadelphia.  As a small child it was fun to get out a shoe box filled with pictures of family, celebrities, and scenes from all around the world and view them in the stereoscope.  The difference was my vision came with movement and sound.  I watched intently at what is described here, called THE DANCE.

"EVERYTHING ON PLANET EARTH IS IN MOTION".  We think we are standing still, but we are not. We say the sun is rising or setting.  It is not.  Everything is in motion.  Everything has a music, a music of movement, of rhythm and sounds.  Even when sitting in a chair, lying quietly on a bed, poised frozen in fear, or caught in that time defying moment before flight; even when surprised momentarily into silence and inaction, we are still throbbing to unidentified music of a great cosmic heartbeat.  I see fingers on a keyboard, hear breath blown through a golden horn, watch hands stroking strings, or palms pounding drums. - Life is full of compelling motion and sound.  We are receiving a coveted invitation to a dance!

We who know the Lord of the Dance, who is our teacher, the dance creator, the maestro, the song writer, the singer, the symphonic conductor, know that we are His dance partners.  We dance with Him.  We also dance with one another and learn how to swirl, to spin, to sweep, circle, bow and bend.

But we need help, training, pacing, practice.  Some cry, "Teach us Master the SlowStep, the FastStep, the Waltz, the Rumba. - Unify us in the Line Dance, the River Dance, the Polka, the Jig, the Quadrille.  Untangle us when we tangled up in the Tango.  Keep us from stumbling, falling flat, and swing us back up in your arms when we do.  Throw us heavenward like the little children we once were.  Keep our heart beats in sync with yours in the rhythm of the drums You play and the bells You ring.

At the end of the dance whether it comes with a crashing crescendo or faintly hummed refrain, I see the Master lean over and whisper in my/your ear, "You are my beloved partners - forever and ever and ever and ever and ever.  Stay with me and we will build dance halls all over the universe.  Believe in me and we will fill them with dancers!"

Now that you've read about what I saw and heard, here are some things this vision spoke to me.  For each of us there is a message.

A.  Life is in continual motion.  Sometimes we think we are "sitting the dance out", as useless as a bump on a log.  Not so.  Growth, change, movement is taking place. - Living or dying, going forward or falling backward - gaining or losing - building or destroying.

B.  Some one who knows us well is playing a compelling tune we can either dance to, or blot out with the world's powerful discords.  Sometimes heaven's volume is turned down.  Then we must strain to catch the words and melodies.  The more we tune in and listen, the sweeter the music and its messages become, and the more we want to sing along and flow with the dance.

C.  I ask, "Are you acquainted with the Dance Master?" Without knowing Him we can not learn to dance.  Our names must be written on his dance program.  There is no joyful recognition of relationship unless we knock at His door and ask to be invited in.  Knock and you are assured he will open up and welcome you, "Come join the dance."

D.  Dancing takes practice.  Missed steps, falls, bruises, unexpected changes in rhythm are inevitable.  They are all part of the changing tempo of the dance.  Our Dance Master will pick us up and set us on our feet whenever we fall.  The dance will go on and the music will be more beautiful because of the occasional discords woven into it.

E.  The end of today's dance is the beginning of tomorrow's more exciting dance.  We are urged to attend.  We are urged to fill up the dance hall.  If need be we are to go out into the highways, byways, alleys, park benches, schools, halls of government, battlefields, jails, hospitals, churches, synagogues, soup kitchens, broken homes, broken people places, and bring other dancers in. - Do you want to learn to dance?  Are you ready to try some new steps?  What about it?

Do you have any comments? - If so, please enter them here: