An Adventure for Carlena

 Carlena was a busy woman.  She owned a small business, and she ran it well. She kept her house in perfect order. She did all the things that she thought were expected of her. The problem is that she was tired of being predictable, dependable, and stuck in the same rut.  She wanted an adventure.  As Reba McEntyre would say, she wanted a little adventure with some security.  She prayed that God would send her an adventure.

               Carlena went to a park in the city to take a walk.   The world’s fair was there in 1982.  There is a giant ball, the Sunsphere, which stands tall in the sky. You can take an elevator to the top and look over the town.  It is surrounded by walkways and water features.  The city is filled with the kind of noisy peace that is exactly what Carlena needed.  It was easy for Carlena to be alone with God when she was seemingly lost in the crowd.

               She parked her car in the public lot.  The smell of food trucks filled her nose as she closed her door. She scurried across the street and started up the walkway.  Carlena could not believe her eyes. There was a brown suitcase.  It was probably at least fifty years old. It was made from wood and looked a little rough. It was sitting against a concrete wall.  She was curious about what was inside.  She thought about opening it, but that would be rude.  She thought about calling for help, but it was not any of her business. She shrugged it off and moved on.

               Carlena was headed for the water fountain.  It is beautiful.  Carlena wanted to sit there, but there were people there filming something.   She wasn’t sure what was going on, but it seemed like a big deal.  The cameraman smiled at her.  The crew seemed open and receptive.  Carlena was curious. She thought about asking what was going on.   The director looked at her and said, “Hi!” Carlena nodded, put her head down, and went on about her way. She didn’t want to make them think she was trying to be nosy.

 

               Carlena decided the amphitheater would be a better option. She got there and took a seat on the stage looking out at the water.  A gentleman walked up behind her and said, “Nice view! I might have to join you.”  She smiled and said, “I was leaving.  It is all yours!”  As she walked away, she thought, “That guy looked like Bon Jovi!  I’m sure he hears that all the time.”

 

               Click click was the sound her car made as she walked up.  She cranked up the air and sat inside. She cried out to God in a loud voice, “Do you ever listen to me?!  I asked you for an adventure. I knew I couldn’t have one and I was going to settle for some time alone with you.  Did I even get that, no?  I came to this park and every step of the way, I got interru...- “
God interrupted her audibly.

 

               “STOP! My stubborn little girl.  I love you.  I sent you three adventures and you ignored them all.  The suitcase contained a mystery, one that you would have never forgotten, and it would have been great fun!”  The film crew was filming a commercial for a new restaurant that Bon Jovi is opening in your city.  One of the actors didn’t show up. They needed someone to be an extra.  You would have been paid, gotten free concerts tickets, a VIP invitation for the restaurant opening, and an experience of a lifetime.   You guessed it, that man on the stage, that was Bon Jovi.   He did come over to sit and enjoy the view.  He also needed someone to manage the events at his restaurant. If you had sat there, you could have talked.  You would have been offered that job.”

 

               “My daughter, adventure is everywhere just as I am everywhere.  Keep your eyes open.  You miss a lot because you are afraid, or you are sticking to a schedule.  I do not fit inside a box.  Follow me, listen to and for me.  I will guide you.   Life with me is always an adventure.  I’m your father and I love you.”

Why did I dream that?

 You are shook! That dream felt real. You jot down the details before you forget, but you still can’t shake it. What does it mean? Is there anything to it?

The Bible mentions dreams in many places.  

Spiritual dreams are real.

When I first started to have dreams from God, I didn’t understand them. I will share some of my dream stories another time.  

 God has used my dreams to warn me, protect me, and alter my decisions.  

You know for sure if a dream is from God. 

I put dreams into 4 main classes

1)      Dreams from God

·         These dreams always coincide with scripture

·         They never fail to correct

·         The symbolism is consistent

2)      Dreams from excess thoughts and worries

3)      Dreams from stimulation (TV or Conversations)

4)      Dreams from the enemy or flesh   

Symbol	Meaning
Dirty Water	Trouble
Snakes	Enemy – Satan
Clean water	Blessing, Goodness, peace
Waterfall	Holy Spirit
Car	Your life (Like what’s driving you, your flesh)
House	You
Baby	Sometimes death
Poop	The word in the Bible is dung but the meaning doesn’t change…
Bridge	Change
Road	Direction
Mountain	Obstacles or journey

 To better understand your dreams

• Ask God to help
• Journal your dreams (Write what you saw, what you felt, and what you immediately took that to mean)
• Look for consistency or repetitive dreams
• If suddenly a dream comes back to your mind, write it down.
• A lot of spiritual dreams happen between 3am-6am
• God will provide a way for you to understand the dreams He sends in His time.
• If your dreams are from God, pay attention! 

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

Prophets often say God came to them in a dream. God does send messages through dreams. Some prophets are honest, some are not.  

Do not be afraid of your dreams. God will show you what they mean, how they apply to your life, and what action you should take. 

And again:

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY JESUS...

 “Let me tell you about my Jesus…” That’s more than the title of one of my favorite songs it is something I feel like shouting as loud as I can. 

I wish everyone knew my Jesus!

He loves me every day, unconditionally, even when I make the worst messes!!!

I need you to know: 

Jesus is the ONLY begotten son of God. There is not a first or second son. He is the only begotten son. A relationship with Jesus is the only way to access Heaven. Think about it, if there had been another way, another religion, any other option would God have sacrificed His son? No, of course not, God is a good Father. God is also our father, and He loves us. God’s love for us is why He allowed Jesus to be born to save us. 

There are religions, secular movements, entertainment, and other outlets that try to counterfeit the Bible or discount Jesus. There is none like Jesus.  

Entertainment that makes Jesus less than the savior of the world and the only way to Heaven, is not entertainment, it is blasphemy. Entertainment that makes a joke out of the Bible is a mockery to almighty God. 

Religions that take the Bible and God’s principles and twist them will be dealt with by God Himself. See, “ 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23, NIV

There are many stories from religious persons throughout history who were able to tap into miracles through a variety of outlets. That does not mean they were followers of Jesus. We are never to follow people. We only follow Jesus and God’s infallible living word. 

BE CAREFUL

As a kid at church, I used to hear a song that went something like, “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear…” Wow, I never realized how powerful that was until I grew up and had a child myself.  

 Don’t be deceived. There are a lot of things that seem “good” and “godly-ish” that are not at all. Read the Bible, pray, and ask God – He will show you.  

Extreme?

I may sound like an extremist. I’ve even wondered at times if my words, my blogs, my faith mattered to anyone else. 

It does. Last night, I heard my son talk about stopping a game he was involved in because it was a Buddhist practice and that goes against his faith.  He heard me, he has faith!   

It made my heart bubble over. 

Today, I got an email from someone I love.  What they sent reminded me that they don't share my love for Jesus and it breaks my heart.  If you just knew my Jesus, you would love Him, too! 

Jesus saved me, is with me always, makes sure I have peace, comforts me, gives me the sweetest gifts and so much more!  “Let me tell you about my Jesus”!!!

Church ain't the building, why go?

I keep hearing people say "Church ain't the building, we can have church anywhere because we are The Church.

That is true.  The Church is the body of believers and you don't need a building to worship.

BUT... 

• Are you?  Are you really having worship consistently away from the church building?
• Are you called to preach? 
• Are you called to prophesy?
•  Are you studied up?  
• Do you feel qualified to lead the service? (I don't mean education, I mean spiritually)
• Speaking of education, how much Bible do you know? 
• How's your focus on faith been without going to church? 
• Would you rather listen to music live or via device? 

AND...

• Ever been to a sporting event, concert, or other outings and felt the energy of the crowd?
• Ever needed a hug? 
• Ever left an event feeling motivated and focused? 
• Ever needed a close connection to others? 

We want to hear music live! We want to go to sporting events live! There is energy and power when you get people together.  

It is not likely you are as consistent with worship away from the church.  We aren't all called to preach, prophesy, or lead services.   Our church leaders have dedicated their lives to knowing God's word.  The entirety of their focus is to encourage us in Christ.   Do you really think you don't need a pastor? 

Do you remember the Bible stories about the Shepherds?  Yes, of course, Jesus is the Good Shepherd but God set forth pastors and leaders to watch over the congregation.  We are fighting spiritual warfare. The spirit of fear is an excellent example.  That spirit is not of God and it is running rampant. 

PLUS...

You can think of it as coaching.  All would agree that athletes need coaches. Pastors are to the congregation what coaches are to athletes.  I saw an illustration yesterday where a coach handed an athlete a piece of tape and asked him to place it as high above his head as he could.  The athlete did so.  Then the coach asked the athlete to place it a little higher.  The athlete did by at least three inches!   The coach said, "You will do what you think is your best, my job is to encourage you to more."

BE REAL...

We need interaction with the body of believers.  We need to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  We need our church family and the world needs THE CHURCH.   Congregations are a great way to pool resources and achieve things for the Kingdom. How much traction would a gang or the mafia have if they separated?   They stick together because they are out to achieve a mission.   We can go further together! 

PLEASE...

Be careful is saying we don't need a church.  We do need it and so do our communities!  What would our nation look like if the churches closed?  

Photo Credit: https://www.wrvo.org/post/closing-church-auctions-not-only-items-memories

After While Crocodile~

Hey Cousin -

You aren't going to get to read this, because you have moved on to Heaven.  You went on and I didn't get to say goodbye.  I've got some things to tell you...

I remember you as a teenager.  You LOVED to lay in sun...  You with your baby oil, iodine, and aluminum foil.  I never did understand that, but you sure loved it.  My Mama did too.

You told me one day, "I'll never be so blame strict on on my kids! I'm going to let them do whatever they want!"  If your kids are reading this, they are probably laughing.

I remember when you got married. You were crazy about that Chuck Woods.   I heard Bernice say, "They'll never make it, they's just kids"   You didn't care about that - You married him anyway.

You used to say things like, "Now Teresa, let me tell you..."  I'd just shake my head because I wasn't exactly "coachable" in my younger days.

I remember how you loved your coffee... I love it now too.

 I was there when your Mama got sick, and even when she passed away.   I guess after that is when we lost touch a bit.   Mamaw Trula and Marylou were the glue that held life together. It hasn't been the same without them.

I remember how it was when your Mama was sick.  Everyone was always around, feeling sorry for her.  I remember that last cookout at her place.  It was a lot to process.   I guess that's why you didn't tell us when you got sick.  You didn't want nobody feeling sorry for you.  That took a lot of strength. You were right, we would've made a big fuss.  I'm certain it was more important to you to have that precious time with your kids and Chuck.

Bernice sure called it wrong about you and Chuck,  you did make it.  You made it all the way 'til death do you part.   You were right about Chuck but you were wrong about one thing. You were "that blame strict" on your kids.   It surely worked, they all four grew into fine adults.  I'm impressed with the great job you did with them.  I know you and Chuck are so proud.   I still can't get over how much your Tyler looks like Quint.  I still miss Quint. You tell him I said, "Hello".

Remember Preacher Earl Johnson?  I'm sure you do. You're probably drinking coffee with him, Mamaw, Marylou, and Quint right now.   Papaw is probably sitting there quietly while y'all catch up.  I'm sure they were standing beside Jesus when you got there.    I bet Jesus had some angels fry up some taters and make a big pan of biscuits.   I can only imagine what a time you are having. Say, "Hi" to all of them for me too.  You tell them I said, when Jesus comes for me - they better be waiting on me!

Anyway, about Preacher Earl... He used to say, "Give folks flowers while they are alive, they won't know it when they are gone."  That's why I sent them flowers a couple weeks ago.  I didn't want you to die, but it was almost like I could see his face and hear him saying, "Send Retha flowers while she is alive."   That ain't nothing compared to all the years we lost, but I can't change that now.

I did visit at Christmas.  If I remember correctly, I promised to come for Sunday dinner one day.  I don't know how long I'll be but I intend to keep that promise. When I get there, we will have us a Sunday dinner.   It'll be great, even better than when we were kids.

This is not goodbye.  I'm saying, "Later gator" and I know you are saying, "after while crocodile"

Love you -
In Loving Memory
Retha Woods who moved to Heaven 05/11/20

Hmmm... It's like the Bible predicted what's happening now...

Do you know what the Bible says about current events?  Here is a chart with a few of those things.

BIBLE SAYS	WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
They shall not drink strong wine with a song	Bars closed
Harps ceaseth	No concert venues open
Cities confused,	Same
Every house shut up so that no man may come  in	People quarantined not allowing visitors
Crying for wine	Liquor stores have been closed in many states
City streets empty	NYC is a good example
Joy is gone	Many are scared and/or depressed

Read Isaiah 24:8-11

Hmmm...  Do you see how fitting that is with what we are living through today? 

If you keep reading in verse 13 the Bible says, "...there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done."

The olive tree in this instance is symbolic of the anointing (which is the Holy Spirit) that God's people have. 

In Bible gleaning is when you would "shake out" everything that was left at harvest so that nothing was wasted.  (The book of Ruth provides a beautiful illustration of this. In the book of Ruth Boaz left plenty for Ruth to pick up easily) 

If you are a Christian God is telling you to "shake" or let your anointing flow in a way that makes it easy for others to pick up.  That might mean sharing your faith on social media, supporting your church in whatever they are doing to offer services, or it might mean showing the love of Christ to all those you meet. 

If you are curious about Jesus or the Christian faith, God is leaving plenty for you to pick up.  The fruit of the spirit will be around you in heaping piles and all you have to do is pick it up. 

Verse 14, I especially love.  As you may have heard, it was suggested that churches not sing.  Isaiah 24:14 says, "They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord..."

There is so much more in this!  There is so much more in the Bible!!!  I'll stop for today and get to work.

Think about this...  The Bible is more than a book.  The more you read it, the more you will be uplifted and find hope. 

Photo Credit: 

The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/nyregion/Coronavirus-new-York-epicenter.html)

Will You Love?

               I was asked, “If your son … would you still love him?”  Without hesitation, I uttered “Yes, of course, I will love him.  I will love him and pray for him as long as he has breath. God gave him to me, and it is my job to love him unconditionally.”   It was a tough conversation. The truth is if my son did the thing in question, I would be disappointed in him and immensely brokenhearted.  There is no question my love would remain, but he wouldn’t have my favor and gifts the way he does now.

   

                A short time later another conversation prompted a similar question about a close friend. “If she says… what will you do?”  I wasn’t sure. I’m still not sure.  I uttered, “I would never be mean to her.” I would hate it if she did the thing in question, but I love her.  My love wouldn’t end.

               

               Someone should probably ask me the same question about my church.  “If they do something you hate, will you still love them? If leadership messes up will you still go?”  I’ve been bothered by decisions in my church. I haven’t wanted to go. I haven’t been consistently in months.  I asked God to send me somewhere else, but He hasn’t. This morning, I pulled myself up and went to my church because I needed to go.  I can’t explain how I need the church, but I do. The sermon today was about commitment and attending church.  God always has a sense of humor with me. 

                When faced with the question of would I still love my son, Absolutely!  To the question of would, I still love my friend, for sure!  Would I still love my church?  I should, do I?  How loyal am I expected to be? Let’s be real, I live in East Tennessee - I have options.  There are a plethora of churches on every corner.

                I heard a speaker talk about embracing hate. As a Christian, that raised my temper, as my indignation said, “Now wait a minute…”  I don’t agree with everything she said, but she made some valid points.  One is that you hate because you love.   I would hate it if my son made the choice in question because I love him and want what’s best for him.  

                Hate that is fueled from a place of love isn’t bad as long as it is directed at action(s) and not a person. 

                You can hate sin and love the sinner.  You can hate abortion and love the abortionist. (That one is hard for me.)  You can hate homosexuality and love the homosexual.  You can hate the mistakes a loved one will make or has made but still love them.  

                It doesn’t matter what you have done, are doing, or are considering doing.   God still loves you.  I raised my son expecting him to choose Christianity. Anything less will break my heart.  God created us with the expectation that we would worship Him.  Anything less than His will breaks His heart but it doesn't change God's love for us. God would say, "Absolutely!  I love my church, my people, and all of my creation unconditionally.”  

              God hates sin because He wants the best for us. God’s ways are best.  God doesn’t force us to love him back.  He is there with His arms wide open waiting on us to accept Him.  He is waiting for us to give ourselves to a relationship with Him through Jesus.   

             The question today is, “Will you still love?”.    We all have options.  It is much easier to say, “kick rocks” than it is to love someone when they choose something we hate.  That doesn’t mean God wants us to be endangered, abused, or suffering. The vital thing is trusting God first and allowing Him to show you when to love people up close and when to love them from a distance.   The same is true for the church.  Should we go or stay?  That needs to be led by the Holy Spirit.  God is love. It is His love that should lead and not our emotions.

             Love is not an emotion.  Love is more. “4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor 13:4-7, NIV

Love is so powerful that it stimulates the part of the brain that triggers physical movement. Love is healing. That is why newborns need to be cuddled, sick folks need visits, and nobody needs to walk through life alone.

             There’s a song by 10^th Avenue North that says, “You are more than the choices that you've made, You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, You are more than the problems you create, You've been remade.”  When it comes to loving, you also must remember to love yourself.   

Will you love?