Prayer

Quick post (as I am in the middle of writing a Case Study for my special needs class... )

Please pray for Lee, a family friend/co-worker of my Dad.  He was diagnosed a few weeks ago with pancreatic cancer.  They were going to do surgery but saw that it had metastasized to other organs, and they did not preform it.  He was told that he has 6-12 months to live.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.  Ask for strength and peace of mind.  Ask that Lee would embrace the time he has left, his family, but most of all, The Creator.  HE has a plan.  Comfort, comfort, comfort during a very uncomfortable time. 

Let us not take anything for granted.

The Lamppost

I have been having a reoccurring dream for the past 4 or 5 years now.  It is really not that vivid or elaborate, but yet it is still slightly intriguing.  Even after 4 or 5 years, I find myself questioning the psychological possibilities that could possibly be involved in it's cause... no idea. Still. But whatever.  I will share it with you and see what you think:

(All in black and yellow) I am walking down a path.  I cannot really see anything around me except for the path right in front of me.  Then, I see a light in the distance.  I walk toward it and realize it is just an antique lamppost.  I stand under it, just gazing at it... 

(For a long time, my dream stopped there.  Nothing beyond me just standing in some mystery park under a lit lamppost.  But over the past 6 months, there has been an interesting twist. Keep reading)

... then I start to hear footsteps.  I hear someone coming out of the darkness but I can't see who it is.  The footsteps get louder but the person is not coming out of the darkness.  I look around me then look back up at the lamppost.

END OF DREAM.

WHAT THE HECK?

I don't know.  Obviously I am waiting for something.  I told my art class the dream today because I am doing a painting of it, and they all were trying to analyze it.  It was pretty entertaining.  Anyways, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts...

Okay go.

God's Invite

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I am in the middle of a Beth Moore Bible study about the Tabernacle and God's dwelling place.  We are almost through with the study, but last night's "homework" lit a little spark in me.  Moore had us read Exodus when Moses comes down from Mount Sinai after 40 days and nights, after being completely exposed to God's glory and presence.  His face radiated so much that Aaron and the others feared to look at him.  Moses had to wear a veil around the people so that they would listen to him as he told them about our Lord and His glory, to which he invites us.

Moore made a few really intriguing points in regards to this account and how we as Christians today can respond to and experience God's radiating presence.

1.  CHANGE.  God's presence will change us when we respond to His invitation and let Him reign in our lives.  Change probably freaks us out more than most things-  I know that I am generally welcoming of change, but in the grand scheme of things, I am so comfortable with my life that when it gets rocked, I do too.  This is such a good thing that I personally need to just let happen.

2. God protects our pride by veiling our progress.  Moses had no idea that his face was radiating when he came down from the mountain.  His experience with the Lord made Moses see God more clearly, not himself.  True intimacy breeds true humility.  I think each one of us could take a lesson in humility.

3. Others will see the change of God's presence in our lives.  Whether we recognize God's glory and work in our own lives, others will see it.  Some will rejoice, some not so much.  But hopefully, through His glory, others will intrigued and captivated by the Holy Spirit living in us.  (Insert one of my favorite quotes: "You might be the only Bible someone ever reads...")

This wasn't intended as a sermon but rather just a few things that stood out to me through this lesson that I hope I don't forget.  I hope you find them as interesting as I do.