Trixie: An Old Friend Reappears in My Dreamworld

I'm actually not sure that this post belongs on this blog--perhaps it should be on my "A Happy Psalm or Two" blog--but since I dreamed it, and since it connected with me emotionally on a deep level, I'm placing it here because I suspect it may say something about something (yes, I realize that is vague)--as dreams often do.

I dreamed I was at my Mom's house visiting. And when I couldn't drive because someone destroyed the roads (there was a sense of political threat going on), a big, beautiful, brown quarter-horse stood up and came to me so I could ride her to where I needed to go. Her name was Trixie. And I knew her name, instinctively. She hadn't been visible--she'd been hiding behind a tree, in the greenery. It was clear that Mom and I didn't know that she was there, but when she stood, it was as if she had always been there, always been my horse.

First, she carried me to check out the damage of the roads. I had an engagement and knew my car would not take me, so this horse stands up in Mom's front yard and comes to me: and I know her, I remember her--though I know I haven't seen her in years.

**Inserting Reality Bit: When I was growing up, we had a miniature pony named Trixie. We had her for a few years before my parents sold her because she was out in the back pasture predominately by herself. But that was when we lived in California, not here. This pony in the dream was large, like a beautiful quarter horse. Same color as our Trixie, but much larger. Yet, I felt connected to this large pony in the dream, as if I'd known her all the time.**

Then, I have to go speak somewhere, at Mom's church (which is what I'm actually doing this morning) and I get in my car and I'm sorry to have to leave her, the tall horse follows my car for the length of the fence at Mom's house. I am yelling out the window, "Bye, Trixie! Bye! I love you! Thank you!"

I woke up feeling the dream was so rich and real: and I wondered why this horse was such a big part of the dream. Am I supposed to get a horse? Or is this a memory of sorts? A reminder that everything we touch is always there in some way?

Response to OK Senator's Question

This morning, I received an email from an Oklahoma Senator asking me to complete a survey about what I think are our nation's most important issues. At the end of the survey, I was asked to write what I felt was most important for this Senator to remember as he served his term.

I'm not usually someone who completes such surveys, for one reason or another: lack of time, serious questioning of the survey's motives, seriously doubting whether or not (or how) the survey will be received. Yet, this time, I decided to respond, and the words seemed to easily flow.

I copied the response I gave him and pasted it here, so I could remember what I said to him:


Seriously? First, PRAY continuously for direction. You are in an influential position--and I do not believe that is by accident. You are positioned where and as you are "for such a time as this." I still believe in a God that will lead and guide leadership if He is allowed to. I still HOPE to believe that our country is not in its last years, but, through right choices of leadership in key positions, on the brink of proving we have what it takes to thrive for countless generations. Second, COOPERATE with people who are seriously interested in the good of the country: whether they are "Democrats" or "Republicans." I represent a generation of voters who consider themselves MODERATE. I represent a generation of voters who would register INDEPENDENT if they were allowed to vote freely. I vote for the PERSON, not the party. I voted for YOU. I realize there are proverbial "hoops" through which party members are expected to jump, but it is my hope that our leadership will cooperate with others, not for the sake of cooperation, but for the sake of GETTING THINGS DONE. Third, "STICK TO YOUR GUNS." That's an Oklahoma way of saying, don't allow people to bully you. Stand for what you believe, no matter what. You have a good idea of your constituency: don't be afraid to speak for us, fight for us, no matter what anyone says. I represent a generation of voters who don't trust politicians because they say one thing one day and something else another day. I may not agree with you on every position, but I will RESPECT a person who "sticks to his/her guns" because they believe in their position. Best wishes to you. Thank you for soliciting our opinion. That matters. God Bless You.

A Friend's Prophetic Dream about My Life

I received a text message yesterday from I friend I haven't seen in months.

Only God knows the fears and questions of my heart as of late: That's how I know that my friend had received a Word from The Lord.

The text she sent:

"So....I had a dream about you the other night...not a big deal or so I thought thanks to crazy pregnancy dreams but God dealt with me this morning to let you know he is going to use you in great ways and that people will be able to feel the fire/power of God through you. Sorry I dismissed this dream as another dream and it took me awhile to tell you but in my defense I have been having some insane dreams lately. Love you and hope all is well!"

Just when I was struggling with the awful  dread that my future, my destiny, was not going to include any more chapters involving Excitement, this came.  

He knows me better than anyone.  I am so thankful that He speaks.  He still speaks.  

Thank God.

Thoughts for the New Year

Lord, I haven't gotten a word for this year.  

Will I get one?

And what am I to fast this year, Lord?

I am waiting to hear from you.

Lord, please forgive me of all my sin.  I have failed you and it hurts my heart.

Amen.

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Thoughts as I rang the New Year in.

Morning Devotion Time: Isaiah 29:13

"Wherefore The Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." Isaish 29:13 KJV

"The Lord says, "These people worship me with their mouths, and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship is based on nothing but human rules."  Isaiah 29:13  NCV

Of all the days to start my morning devotions again, the verse of the day on my Bible app is this one--a verse I know I've written a blog about before.  So, instead of going to something else, or using something I may be able to use for the Wednesday night message, I am going to assume that this is no coincidence and seek The Lord for additional insight this morning on this verse.

Clearly, this verse is a reminder to me about how it is not enough to SAY I love The Lord and live for Him; it is not enough to sing it or declare it even, if my HEART is not right (or near) Him.

I also enjoy looking at the difference in the Bible versions here.  I believe that my last reflection of this verse centered on the NCV--but the KJV has a phrase or two of interest that gets dropped by the NCV:

1.  FOR AS MUCH:  "Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth..."  The first word tells us that these people--notably not "my people"--often, frequently draw near to him with their words.  They are not "once a year" churchgoers.  They go often, they declare their honor and love of The Lord, on many occasions.  But there is a problem:  their hearts are not in it.  Or, to be more accurate, their hearts are nowhere NEAR Him.

Are they aware of this?  Do they have any idea that The Lord does not claim them as His own?  Or do they think it's enough to do what they are doing?  

2.  TEACHERS:  "Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men."  This phrase, also not in the NCV reveals a criticism of the way the people are taught about The Lord--clearly they have been taught or discipled to follow The Lord incorrectly.  It is "Man Centered" instead of "God Centered."  And the people are following what they've been taught and they are being led down a path that SEEMS like they know and follow The Lord, but clearly The Lord says that is not what they are doing.  They are following the ideas of men, not the ideas of God.

It's a fake road, a fake existence.  It is deceptive.  It looks right and may feel right, and may even be--to some or many--their honest attempt to do right, but it's not right.

So....now I am wondering why The Lord has brought me to this verse again this morning, as I begin my  devotions again this year in this format, hoping I can be more disciplined if I use my blog...

I NEED TO BE CAREFUL to seek the approval of God and not the approval of people--whoever they may be.  I need to make sure that what I do is what HE has led me to do.  

He sees us, what we deal with and what we have to work in--the environments and constructs in which we must find a way to serve Him.  Everything we are enmeshed in in this life is a human construct:  our jobs, roles in society, norms, etc.  And to be effective, I must do my best to respect others and make headway in a sometimes limiting environment.  To be more accurate, it is an extremely limiting environment, one of which we are not even often aware.

I NEED TO SEEK HIM.  I need to let these words play over and over in my spirit, as I do not want to be the person in this verse:  someone who is far from Him.  Someone who, in the end, "knocks at the door...and He says, 'Depart from me; I know you not.'"  (Matthew 7:23)

[And sadly...my time is up. Time to get dressed for work.  Much to think about this morning.]

My Prayer:

Lord, You know my heart is to serve You and worship You and spend this life--and the next--with You, in Your presence.  Thank you so much for this reminder and please correct my paths if they need correcting.  Illuminate my wrong-doings; help me to get on Your path--not my own or someone else's. I don't want to be in the good graces of men if it means not being in Your good graces.    

Forasmuch as I honor You, I do not want to "miss You."  Please take my heart and renew it today.  Help me to SEE CLEARLY what You have for me to do, hear, speak, say.  I want to be on the right path TOWARD YOU.  Nothing is as important as pleasing You.  Nothing is as important as living the life you have designed for me.

In Christ's Name, I pray.