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?

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