Meaning of Dreams

Life’s journey is full of seemingly unexplainable situations, things which to some people appear to be “psychic”.  Perhaps we use that term simply because we know of no other way to explain such incidents.  For instance when someone comes to mind that you may not have heard from in awhile and suddenly you get a phone call from that person.  How many times does this happen during the course of our wanderings?

How about dreams which seem so realistic but make no sense whatsoever and yet they won’t leave our conscious mind for days on end?  Is there some meaning behind them which indicate a call to action, leaving questions what the action should be?  Is there the possibility that dreams could be some sort of revelation about events or meaning in our life, whose meaning remains obscure or doubtful?  So the musings on such matters continue, leaving no definitive answer for me.

My daughter, Sonrisa, recently relayed to me a dream she had a little over a year ago which turned out to be rather significant.  The dream was the result of an incident she had encountered previously.  {I’m sure I don’t have all the details totally accurate but that won’t adversely affect its meaning.)   It was some months prior she had been chatting with a Facebook friend who told her about a nine-year old girl that had been killed in a car accident in the Portland, OR area.  She had a younger brother and they were very close.  There had been some photos posted along with the news articles which Sonrisa read.  This saddened her to read about such a tragic occurrence and stuck with her, relating it to her two boys who were similar in age.  (I’m sure all parents can identify with such emotions.)  She felt strongly impressed to pray for this family for strength and comfort during such a tragic time and loss in their life.

It was a couple months later while chatting with a friend on Facebook who invited another person, whom Sonrisa had not met, to join in.  After a few minutes of talking the new person was sharing that she had lost a daughter recently in a car accident.  After showing photos of the little girl Sonrisa realized it was the same girl she had heard about a couple months earlier.  Sonrisa became a Facebook friend with this lady and kept in touch with her.

A short while later Sonrisa had a vivid dream that the mother approached her stating her daughter was missing and was asking for help to find her.   As dreams go, which often don’t make sense, Sonrisa saw the girl at Disney World in Florida on one of the rides.  The girl told Sonrisa to tell her mother not to worry and that she was having a lot of fun.

The dream would not leave Sonrisa alone and for days she felt compelled that she should share it with the mother, but was reluctant to because it was so weird.  She finally relented and sent an e-mail to the mother, prefacing it with the comment that she felt weird in sharing the dream.  She got an immediate reply and thanked Sonrisa for sharing it.  She had been planning for months with a friend of hers to take the kids to Disneyland in Southern California for the daughter’s upcoming birthday.  She was now struggling with whether it would be a good idea to keep the plans as her daughter was now dead.  When she read the e-mail from Sonrisa she took it as a sign that she should proceed as planned and had peace about it.

When Sonrisa heard this she was relieved to learn that her action was appropriate to the circumstances.  However, she was a little perplexed that her dream was about Disney World and not Disneyland so it was a little hard to make the correlation.  Sonrisa later found out that the mother had to change her plans and go to Disney World instead after her friend decided not to go.  This created a financial hardship as her friend was going to share expenses and now she didn’t have the means to finance the trip to Disneyland.  However, she has family in Florida and it made financial sense to go there in lieu of Disneyland as they would be able to lodge with family.

As I ponder about this I can’t help but believe it is a “God” thing that Sonrisa experienced.  What other, logical explanation can there be?  Many times I muse about the meaning of dreams and their significance and believe there are occasions when they are valid.  There are those who are said to be interpreters of dreams, and we read from scriptures dreams that God gave to kings which needed interpreting.  However, Sonrisa’s dream did not require interpreting but rather action.  So my question is when are we to act on dreams, seek interpretation and make discoveries from them?  Something for you to muse about as you drift off to dreamland.  Shalom.

America Weighed in the Balance

With so much to muse over this Wayfarer finds great difficulty getting through the quagmire bogging down the mind.  In spite of the muck that’s being trudged through there are some thoughts getting through worth examining.  One which comes to mind is the plight of Israel from the nations that stand against her.  There is so much going on in this arena it’s difficult to sort through, leaving much to muse about.  As if that’s not enough there are more issues surfacing which demand consideration, such as the Benghazi debacle, the IRS fiasco going on and the AP wiretapping.  Is there no end to all the madness?  Many people are greatly troubled by what is going on and are searching for answers, which aren't readily forthcoming.

It seems there may be some progress being made with the different hearings going on but their fruitfulness remains to be seen.  Many believe it all stems from Barack Obama but he denies it and claims no knowledge of these things.  Will the truth ever be revealed?  Harry S. Truman often quoted that, “The Buck Stops Here” and even had a sign with that quote placed on his desk.  From the accounts relayed to the public they would have us believe the buck never even reached the President.  And so it goes the never-ending story.  Or is there an end in sight and if so to what result?

All of this, and of course much more which will be left to another time, reinforces the belief that we must be living in the end of the age as Bible Prophecy has described it.  What other possible explanation can there be?  Pondering on this matter brings about some possible scenarios that can play out, but no certainty about the actual outcome until time reveals such things.  To put this in perspective from the Wayfarer’s POV (Point of View) America is caught in a balancing act, as though God Himself is giving America a final warning.  We are in a position to see one of two results from this current situation.  Either America will turn back to the constitutional rule of government or it’s going to tip into obliteration.  It is up to those who are “called by His (God’s) Name” to humble themselves, seek His face, turn from their wicked ways and repent.  (See II Chronicles 7:14.)  If this is done we will see restoration of America, otherwise this nation is doomed.

Does Obama get impeached and removed from office as a result of these investigations and hearings, or will he skate free?  If he skates America is doomed as Obama continues to “fundamentally change” the course of America.  As things are currently playing out the time is ripening for the possibility of a civil war due to the great division between the liberals and the conservatives; the Democrats and the Republicans.  Or will God’s judgment come from natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis or any other number of possibilities?

When our nation has turned its back on God after having been blessed through its history and God patiently waiting on us to turn back to Him there is a day of reckoning when His hand will no longer protect America.  Knowing this nation was built on Biblical principles, with a Godly constitution to govern ourselves; how we began our history honoring Him and conducting our affairs according to His ways, over time we have chosen to go contrary to them.  We have prospered and been a great nation, but now refuse to recognize it was God’s grace upon us that brought this about because we honored Him.  How can prosperity and blessings continue when we now ignore Him and His instructions to us?

We have become a nation of greed and handouts, choosing to give up freedom for our welfare.  We have bought into the lies of socialism and allowed ourselves to be deceived that big government is the solution for our needs.  It’s interesting to observe such activity, though very saddening to realize what is happening.  We have become deluded and accept the lie instead of truth.  So now comes the question, “Is it too late?”  It may be, but as stated above we may be receiving the final warning before the end of the age comes.  It is up to us to determine what we are going to do about the warning.  Will we be willing to humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and repent, or do we rather go about our daily lives as though nothing evil is going on?  The choice is up to you and what you do with it.  Therein lies the fate of our nation.

May you have shalom and be blessed as you consider these matters.

Peace in The Midst of Chaos

The days stretch into weeks and weeks into months as the Wayfarer continues his journey through the many valleys and over the mountains of life; encountering struggles, self-doubts and the usual challenges met along the way.  The musings continue endlessly during his wanderings with the continual puzzles to be solved.  At times things appear hopeless and most certainly bleak.  As the journey continues storms rage more often than not, although the warmth of the sun’s rays manage to course through on occasion, bringing with it respite from the weariness and lifting of his spirits with new insight and understanding.

It’s been 73 years of travel for the wayfarer, giving many opportunities to muse over the myriad treks coursed through what seems eons of time.  Yes, many lessons have been learned, challenges met and puzzles solved.  However, the reality sets in that the more he learns the more there is to learn, hence a never-ending progression of discoveries and growth.  Each new assurance realized brings more doubt in different areas to ponder and bring before Abba, Father for added assurance and understanding.  Inner growth and development never ceases unless the choice is made to give up.  Hence he continues the trudge with new determination.

While taking a break beneath the shade of a tree, during a brief relief from a storm, the wayfarer ponders about the chaos in the world with all the upheaval going on.  There’s no getting away from the questions concerning the end of the age as we know it and if we are in fact facing that time now.  Is Bible Prophecy about the end of the age actually being fulfilled before our very eyes?  All the scandals going on at the top levels of government, the threats of wars in the middle east, the calamitous events of nature bringing much destruction and death.  All of these things and much more, are escalating at an ever increasing rate unlike ever before.  Is this not what was spoken of by the prophets of yore?

While musing on such things it becomes very obvious that regardless the circumstances before us there is certainty that all is well, enabling us to be at peace while pandemonium continues without.  There is much comfort in knowing that we are in the care of a loving Father who watches out for each of His own, which brings peace without measure.  This reality has been learned over the 73 years of wandering in the trenches, through the storms, over the mountains and in the valleys.

Thereby, during the times of doubt, questions about the struggles and complaints about the plight one finds himself in, when the wayfarer stops to pause a spell, from somewhere within the reaches of the mind discovery is made anew of that calm assurance which comes to the surface, bringing the peace to settle the raging storm within. It is at that time reflection on being a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords appears before the eyes and his spirit soars before Abba, Father in reverence and awe.

How refreshing it is to know that in the midst of all turmoil there is no need to get caught up in it, to fall victim in its wake, but instead to take refuge in Him with the understanding that He controls all things.  And as His child we can know He is watching over us because He truly does care for us.  In musing on this thought it becomes clear if that is the only lesson learned over 73 years that alone makes the journey well worthwhile.  The wayfarer hopes you find this discovery within yourself.

Shalom and be blessed.

O Wretched Man That I Am

We often go wondering through the far reaches of the mind to bring forth some obscure “lost” memory to muse over – perhaps as an escape from the blatant, constant negative thoughts bombarding our consciousness as we recall the words of “Rav Shaul” (Apostle Paul), “Oh wretched man that I am!   Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

“Okay, enough already.  I don’t need a constant reminder how rotten I am!”  And so it goes, the struggles, the conflicts we wrestle within ourselves.  It’s time for another excursion through the maze of the psyche to find respite from the stranglehold upon us.  Is there no escape?  Each personality is unique, making for many differing brands of problems to be encountered, relative to the way we may be “wired”.  This often causes difficulty relating one to another rather than alleviating the stress within.

For those attempting to live up to the standards found in the Scriptures it becomes even more vexing to know we are not measuring up.  There would seem to be a conflict of understanding about what the Holy Writ has to say how we should live.  On the one hand we find that we are helpless – even without hope.  There’s no way to measure up to perfection (if it can even be determined what that may be).  For those who are followers of Yeshua (Jesus), and stake their claim in His salvation, the understanding is we are made righteous in Him.  If this is true then why are we instructed to cease from doing the things that we find seemingly impossible to accomplish?  No one is without fault when it comes to measuring up to the standards we are commanded to do and keep.  No doubt everyone can identify with Paul when he stated, “…how to perform that which is good, I find not.  For the good that I would (do) – I do not:  but the evil which I would not (do), that (is what) I do.”  How well this wayfarer relates to the dilemma stated by Paul.

Stumbling through the foggy maze of the Cerebral Vortex the strains of a familiar melody can be heard wafting from the distance, as remembrance of the lyrics penetrates the subconscious, bringing the realization all is not hopeless.

 “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

After having been reminded “it is well, with my soul” calm settles over the troubled thoughts.  It clears the mind and dispels the fog as reality settles in and regardless the turbulence and negativity hope is in evidence.  Being a “Child of the King” does not mean freedom from troubles, but the assurance that you will rise above them.   Mourning turns to dancing; heaviness of heart turns to singing; the wretchedness becomes happiness; negativity transforms to positivity. 

Knowing that one must heed the instructions given on how to conduct our life we will fail miserably.  This is all the more reason to trust in the Giver of Life and work all the more diligently to be obedient to those ways.  Because harm comes when we dwell on failures it is imperative to recognize when we stumble – when we disobey – we ask forgiveness and continue to work for “perfection”, even when it may not be achieved.  This does not excuse ones misbehavior but knowing the grace extended to each one willing to receive it brings restoration and, hopefully, the resolve to do better.

This Wayfarer certainly has not achieved perfection – far from it, as a matter of fact.  But he does put his trust and hope in His Father that the work He begun in him will continue to perform it until the day of Yeshua (Jesus).  The Wayfarer is at peace with this assurance as the rays of sunshine have filtered through the fog.  May you discover this same reality and apply it to your life each day.

Be blessed and shalom.

Thanksgiving Origins

Another Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, leaving the Wayfarer in a state of well being – or rather over done - from the abundance of the feeding trough, metaphorically speaking.  While reclining after over-indulgence thoughts of Thanksgiving origins found their way through the maze of memories becoming the focal point for contemplation.  No doubt you are familiar with the story of the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims, with its subsequent Presidential Proclamation making it an Annual National Holiday.  But do you know where the concept for Thanksgiving originated with the Pilgrims?

While doing a little research (very little, I might add) here is what was discovered on http://www.ritualwell.org/ritual/sukkot-food-traditions :  “Prior to making their way to the New World, the Pilgrims, themselves the victims of religious persecution, spent several years among Sephardic Jews in Holland. When they later celebrated the legendary first Thanksgiving, their conscious frame of reference was Sukkot.”

Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles which the Lord had instituted in Leviticus 23 and was to be celebrated for eight days after the fall harvest.  They were commanded to be joyful during this feast – in other words to “party on!”  They offered thanks for the abundance of the harvest and for the expected abundance in the coming year.  There is much more to this particular holiday than what I am describing here, but the main thing is the concept of joy and thanksgiving.  One of the symbols used during Sukkot is the Cornucopia, or “Horn of Plenty”, which has been adopted by North America.

Thanksgiving is the time set apart for family and friends to gather together to partake in a festive feast and offer thanks for the blessings bestowed upon them through the year.  A time when great memories are made, relationships strengthened and hard times briefly put aside.  For many, especially adults, this has become the favorite holiday of the year, surpassing Christmas.

It originated as a Holy Day (from which we derive the term “holiday”) to be recognized as a day set apart to honor God with thankfulness for the abundant blessings He has given His people.  Unfortunately for many that tradition has been minimized, if not forgotten as they observe other events and activities, replacing gratitude with greed and frivolity.  Thanksgiving Day Parades and Football Games take priority over thankfulness.  Black Friday has been established in recent years in which many anticipate more than Thanksgiving, with it now beginning the night of Thanksgiving.  Commerce now preempts Thanksgiving with their enticements, fostering more greed as many cannot be satisfied with the abundance they already have.

These musings are not meant to put a sour note on this special holiday but rather to maintain awareness to the importance of Thanksgiving.  The question is should Black Friday be put aside for at least a week, if not completely, so not to detract from Thanksgiving?  That’s not likely to happen given the climate of our society today.  However, we can choose to either participate in the madness or ignore it altogether.

Here’s hoping your Thanksgiving Day was spent in giving thanks to the Heavenly Father for your many blessings while enjoying the festivities of the holiday with friends and family.

Shalom

Post Election 2012

It is now post election 2012 and the Wayfarer has been musing about the results of said election.  One could say the campaign of this latest election lasted four years, much too long for any political campaign.  Can it now be said it is over?  Actually, for the election just ending it is over, but does this mean the campaign for 2016 is now under way?  Let’s hope we have at least two years reprieve before the next one begins.

What, if anything, has been proven with the outcome of this election?  The trend of this great nation has become far more secular than in days of yore, creating a wide divide within the populace.  More and more people are disregarding the U.S. Constitution in favor of secularism.  Progressivism has been on the rise over the past couple of decades and the pace going that direction increases with each passing day.  This includes ignoring the standards set in the Bible, upon which this nation was founded.  If one can use the way a person votes as an indication of their philosophy then at least 51% of the country believe it’s all right to be indifferent toward the established morals of God’s Word.  It has become irrelevant to heed the basis which this nation was founded on, progressing to a more democratic/oligarchic approach of governance rather than that of a republic.

The going trend reveals very few “riding the middle of the road”, as gray grows blacker or whiter depending on personal ideology.  The Wayfarer has observed stronger arguments between the two sides than in previous times.  There are more people vocalizing their philosophy with greater passion, nearly coming to the point of physical combat, though there may be occasion where this has also occurred.  There is so much emotion involved, often without reason or logic.  Opinions are based on personal likes and dislikes (emotions) about morals rather than on pre-established standards of right and wrong/good and evil.

Many believe we have evolved to a greater understanding of what should or should not be which is in opposition to the once common understanding that the Bible is the authority upon which we have taken our standard of life’s moral relevance.  Where the Bible was once considered Truth by the majority it has now become “partial” truth.  It is up to “our” understanding to interpret the scriptures in a manner that satisfies our desires rather than that of God’s.  The scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”  (Jer 17:9).   Many trust their “heart” to determine right from wrong, rather than relying on God’s Word to determine moral clarity and understanding. 

Issues once deemed evil by the majority are now called good by the more “enlightened”, issues such as abortion, same-gender marriage and use of marijuana to name a few.  The scriptures mention that men will call that which is good, evil and that which is evil, good.  This has become more evident today than any other time in the history of the United States.  Those who hold fast to their convictions based on Holy Writ are now deemed “intolerant” and lacking in compassion and understanding.  Those who take the opposing stand justify their convictions based on emotion and compassion and defend their position through intimidation and name-calling rather than upon standards which have stood the test of time.

The people have been fed lies so often many have come to believe them, proving the adage that telling a lie often enough people will believe it.  Deception of the masses is at an all-time high, which has hooked many to be reeled in.  Is this the time the Bible warns us of in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12:

“…because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned.”

It seems this scripture is applicable for today conceptually, if not meant for now literally.

Where is this country headed?  Are we improving – getting better – or are we on the road to self-destruction?  Are the Holy Bible and the U.S. Constitution relevant for today or is it time they be discarded because we have advanced beyond the need for absolute standards of human governance?  Are you excited by the outcome or saddened by the progression being made today?  Have we gone beyond the recovery of past standards - out of our reach?  The Wayfarer is saddened, but not in despair.  It’s time we put our hope and trust in a loving Heavenly Father and not that of government.

Shalom.

Take a Stand

Another day dawns with the reality of the need to make a firm stand for what one believes.  This would normally be a good thing, but the potential is just as strong for it to be harmful.  To say that it’s good to stand for what one believes would make sense but how could it ever be wrong?  Simply, not understanding what defines them or considering the motive behind our acceptance of those convictions.

This Wayfarer has strong beliefs and often evaluates them to determine their perceived validity.  In examining beliefs it’s important to consider the reasoning behind them as well as the influences that brought us to such conclusions.  Many other factors are involved that causes acceptance or rejection of principles that come to our awareness.  Such factors as home environment during informative years; the influence of parents; what has been learned during years of formal education, to name a few examples.  As we mature other experiences in life may alter one’s viewpoint thus causing a change in philosophies we accept, which in turn affects what we believe.

The question then becomes how can we trust what we believe to be true?  Are the beliefs based on reason?  What are the known facts surrounding them?  Do we rely on empirical data, and if so how accurate is that data?  Are emotional experiences,  such as anger, rejection, or even ecstasy,  the motivating factor driving us to accept a particular idea?  What causes us to take one side or another of conflicting ideals, such as abortion vs. pro-life, or marriage between one woman, one man vs. same gender marriage?  When the choice has been made what makes one certain they have chosen the “correct” side of the issue?

The Wayfarer postulates that beliefs be based on sound reason with consideration given to life experiences, known facts surrounding issues as well as exercising faith.  What are the moral implications involved and the basis for those morals?  How much examination has been given to the motives, emotions and reasons for the choices we make?  As new information is learned are we willing to change our position in what we believe?  For that matter, are we even willing to have an open mind to genuinely hear opposing views with the desire to truly learn the “truth” rather than refuse to consider the alternative due to emotional entanglement or fear to admit we may be wrong in our convictions?  Do we have convictions based on personal preferences because of how we may “feel” or think, rather than accepting what may be truth that opposes those feelings?  Many complexities to consider that often we can only put our trust in what’s not tangible, such as God to bring us to truth.  Therein lays the “rub” – to be able to put trust in what’s unseen and intangible.  This is where true faith need be exercised and in time can be proven.  There will always be good vs. evil as well as two sides to any given matter.  Many will believe in abortion while many others take a stand against abortion and so it goes in many facets of society.

After all these considerations have been scrutinized and we have “landed” on solid footing of our beliefs then we can take a firm stand upon them.  Now the dilemma that faces most is the feeling the only ones who should make a stand are those who are in agreement with “me”.  Though this may be the way one feels each person should have the same opportunity to stand on their convictions.

Is there ever a time one should not make a stand?  This is not meant to imply to deny one’s convictions but rather to simply be quiet.  Only wisdom in any given situation can make that determination.  In general when we see our society taking a wrong turn that leads to chaos or even destruction we must take a stand against that course.  However, there are times when it is prudent to simply keep quiet for a season and then when the time is right, stand.  We should never be afraid to make a stand or allow intimidation to cower us.  When our convictions are strong and we understand them, then we will be strong enough to stand.

As the new day dawns, challenging us to make a stand, will we have the resolve, along with the understanding, to do so?  Have a great day standing.

Shalom