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Years ago, I realized I had been allowing myself to be taken hostage by a cruel master called ‘perfectionism’.  At the time, my primary objective was to display a ‘perfect’ external disguise to cover internal wounds and damage—thus, theoretically preventing any peering persons from observing negative stuff in my soul that could be judged or rejected.

 

I spent nearly all my energy attempting to project the image of ‘having it all together’.  Friends praised my neat house, home-cooked healthy meals from scratch, well-behaved kids with homemade clothing and toys, my ‘perfect’ marriage, and perfect figure and appearance. 

 

I knew it was all a lie—inside I was miserable and scared.  My perfect world was fear-based, solely focused on self-protection.  It was an effort to maintain outward control when I felt inwardly chaotic and out of control.  And my fantasy world required increasing efforts to maintain the façade.  Eventually, it all began to fall apart—thanks to God!

 

The turning point was one day when a friend with two young children, (like me at the time), confided that she vacuumed her WHOLE house 5 to 6 times every single day because when her family walked on the carpet and messed up the vacuum lines, she felt she would go nuts.   

 

I saw her ‘prison’—and recognized my own.

 

Conviction set in as I realized the messy misery I was needlessly imposing on my family with my unreachable high standards and expectations. My self-protection constructed a fortress that kept me locked-up lonely inside. 

 

Once I realized the full extent of my dilemma, nothing short of tearful repentance would work for me—renounce, denounce, surrender, cease and desist, find another way to deal with the insecurity I was covering.  My husband and I declared ‘perfectionism’ a dirty word around our house, and went to war against it.

 

It was a difficult journey.  Funny thing though—I discovered that people actually like me better when I make mistakes and can admit them.  Or when they visit my messy house—and I don’t feel the need to apologize. I also began to fathom that God really is in control and he can indeed be trusted with every situation.  Everything works out better when placed into his hands.

 

If you work on your ‘internals’ (deal with your stuff) and allow your sharpened character shine through your ‘externals’, you reveal the REAL treasure of YOU inside—including weaknesses and warts—thus releasing people around you to just be themselves as well. 

 

Life is too short and we are each too valuable to spend significant years hiding and pretending to have it all together. If we embrace each others’ imperfections and lovingly challenge each other in encouraging ways to tackle our issues, we make room for God's glory to radiate Perfect freedom and peace.  

 

When I tell people that I interpret dreams, one of the most common responses I receive is, “I don’t remember my dreams.”  Folks usually continue on with, “I know I’m dreaming, but I forget my dreams after I wake up.”  Indeed, dreams slip away from our memory quicker than a breathtaking sunset morphs on the western horizon. 

 

God’s voice is quite similar—we may dismiss what we hear almost before we even recognize and register that we even heard.  If we are not alert, we may miss the fleeting glimpse of divine revelation that flashes through our mind and spirit.

 

Discouraging dilemma, simple solution:  first thing, write those dreams down! 

 

1.    Just jotting down a few key phrases before you get out of bed will jog your memory when you write the whole dream down. 

 

2.    Use a journal that works well for you as a place where you can keep all of your dreams in one place.  You can use a binder and loose leaf paper, a blank book, a voice recorder, or something online (check out our free, private dream journal). I’ve also designed some worksheets with leading questions to assist serious, dedicated dream interpreters—contact me if you are interested.

 

3.    Date and title your dream.

 

4.    Write as a story, draw pictures, doodle, diagram, whatever method best helps you express the dream.  Try to record as many details as you can remember. 

 

5.    Make note of any significant changes, decisions, or events that you are presently facing in real life--chances are good that your dream may be timely relevant. 

 

6.    As you write, pay attention to 'thoughts' or impressions—because often in the journaling process and giving the dream a title, the interpretation may become clear.  Log anything you sense as you work through the dream.  Take time to ponder and pray, asking God to put the puzzle pieces together for you.  If he gave you the dream, it honors him for you to value the deciphering process.  And, the more you do it, the more he will answer—the more you will receive and understand, and you will avoid Dream Drought.

 

If you need further help remembering your dreams, try these helpful hints.

 

If you don’t understand a dream right now, you can go back to your dream journal weeks or even years later to gain insight by hindsight.

 

To keep a dream journal is to keep a ‘spiritual growth’ record of your life--an ever-changing process of understanding God's night-time dream love language to us.  Incorporating dream interpretation into your life-tool-chest equips you to live each day increasingly wiser and better prepared. You will never regret the time and effort you invested in understanding the meaning of your dreams. 

For Christmas, I received a beautiful clock for a gift.  It is quite an eye-catcher, with a moving pendulum, muted jewel tones, punctuated with a rose design, and it says “Dream” on it—perfect for a dream interpreter who loves color and roses. 

 

Problem is, the clock doesn’t work.  The hands do not move at all.  (Yes, we even installed batteries—the right way).  The pendulum swings and the clock ticks, but it doesn’t tell time.  After several days of fiddling with the clock, we exchanged it for another one exactly like it.  The new one doesn’t work either.  

 

Odd happenings like this often pique my attention, prompting the familiar question, “If this situation were a dream, what would it mean?”

 

The clock looks and sounds like it is working—the power source is active.  There is potential for movement but the reason for the stoppage seems hidden from our understanding.  And yes, the clock is accurate at least twice a day.

 

Our family is currently in a season of transition, desiring to make deliberate decisions in right timing---not outside of God’s timetable.  Celebrating the beginning of a new year and another birthday for me seems to usher in a fresh perspective for goals and schedule.  

 

I believe I’m being shown that the gift of time has been placed in my hands…and that I have more options regarding freedom, timing, and presentation of my life than I would have realized without a deeper consideration.  There is more going on ‘behind the scenes’ than I may be aware of right now.

 

So, for now, my phenomenal prophetic clock displays 8:00—representing ‘new beginnings’. I place my life ‘timing’ into the hands of God, who never changes, but is always the same.  We will keep ‘watch’ for shifts in rhythm or course so we can be alert and punctual when stepping into prime, timely opportunities…not too early, nor too late.

 

If we keep in step with Spirit, things like time don’t ultimately matter much anyway.  

A new walking shoe recently appeared on the shoe market—the Skecher Shape-Ups, a bouncy, high-tech type of footwear.  Since I am a daily, avid walker and a faithful fan of Skechers, I had to check them out.  The shoe package comes with a DVD that helps you ‘change the way you walk.” 

 

The shoes are quite comfortable, though a bit pricey, but check out the amazing benefits a person gains from wearing these shoes (assuming we actually WALK in them): 

 

o     Promote weight loss

o     Reduce cellulite and tone your thighs

o     Firm calf and buttock muscles

o     Easy to shape up without going to a gym

o     Help you walk with a ‘positive impact’

o     Enhance the way you feel and look

o     Change the way you approach your daily activities

o     Appear taller, combat stress, sleep better

 

Sporting these shoes, you find your ‘center of balance’ and you can look good while getting fit.  “There’s no reason to ruin your outfit with unattractive footwear that’s a fashion don’t!”  Shape-Ups will ‘still be right on as you power through your everyday life.”  In fact, “they are portable power in a small package.” 

 

Wow!  Who doesn’t want all of that?

 

All sarcasm aside and switching modes, have you ever had a shoe dream?  In dreams, shoes can often symbolize the equipping or preparation that we have received to complete a certain task.  They enable us to get where we need to go, and the ‘style’ in which we make the journey.  They can represent peace or good news (Eph 6:15)--or simply, your life ‘walk’ or your destiny.

 

I have experienced past seasons of dreaming I was getting dressed and could not find shoes that fit or matched.  Or that I was shoe shopping, trying to find that perfect pair.  Or that I was given priceless fabulous shoes that enabled me to run or fly at amazing speeds.

 

Our daily activity determines our shoe choice of the morning.  What is on your agenda today?  Are you properly outfitted and equipped?  Or might there be a need to invest in or exercise in some further tools or development so you can achieve a greater level of success or satisfaction?

 

Possibly it could be time to switch to a more positive spiritual ‘posture’ or stance in life, a refined direction, a different path, or an improved ‘balance’ with more power.  We might choose a walking buddy who will help support us and provide some accountability. 

 

Put on your new Spiritual Skecher Shape-Ups—perhaps we can train together out there somewhere on the scenic walking trail and accomplish amazing 'feats' together.   

Christmas is but a heartbeat away—a season of festive friend and family functions, flavorful feasts, gift giving and gift getting. As we enjoy the whirlwind of activities, we greatly benefit by taking some time to focus on the spiritual significance of Christmastime. 

 

Reflecting on the reason for the season puts everything in perspective—we see more clearly how we have been touched and blessed by the Light of the World’s love and presence through past days and months.  We can release pains and regrets and anticipate new promises ahead.

 

When I remember this past year, the struggles and the victories, no words can express the depth of my gratitude and amazement for God’s tender care and love toward me. The icing on the cake is the insight and preparation I have received from my God-given dreams.  That he would speak to me, draw me closer—to warn me and encourage me--seems above and beyond what I deserve.

 

This is my Christmas wish for each of you—that you would experience increasing measures of Spirit’s presence in your waking hours and during your sleep. 

 

I ask the Creator to “make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers.  Oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!” (Ephesians 1:19)

 

I bless you in the tests and thrills of life—may you persevere and succeed in everything you do, and may you encounter the Spirit of Truth every step of the way. 

 

I leave with you with this ancient prayer for the 'present presence'--of God's protection and revelation during dream time:

 

 

Thank you for reading!  Merry Christmas to all!   

Several times last week I listened to people share their ‘green dreams’, and each person held their own unique interpretation of what the green meant. There is no such thing as one ‘universal’ meaning for green.

 

Volumes have been written about light and color and how they reflect and radiate…there is so much to study and understand about our Creator’s use of color. Colors will often complement or support meanings of elements, rather than stand alone.  They can have positive as well as negative import.

 

Let’s unpack some possible meanings based on scriptures and cultural idioms and phrases.  These are the most common meanings, but there can be more.

 

If you have had a dream with something green in it, read through this partial list of possible symbolic clues and pay attention to any that seem more significant or weighty to your particular dream: 

 

o     Life or growth—vibrant (think spring green) (Exodus 10:15)

o     Inexperienced (new or green at doing something)

o     Prosperity or wealth-- lots of money (‘green’)

o     Provision—(food--Genesis 1:30)

o     Conscience or the heart of God

o     Jealous or envious (‘the green-eyed monster’)

o     “Go ahead” –you are given the ‘green light’ to proceed

o     Holistically-environmentally-minded (‘going green’)

o     Refreshing or restful (Psalm 23:2)

 

Example:  Several years ago I dreamed about a much-loved spiritual leader friend whose actions had hurt many people very deeply.  We did not understand what was going on in his heart.  In the dream, he was wearing a vivid green shirt, and a hot iron fell on his chest and sizzled, but he amazingly was not hurt. 

 

I puzzled, prayed about this dream, and waited, but didn’t understand until a year later, when I was ironing.  Spirit reminded me of that dream and told me, “His conscience (green shirt) was seared.”  His heart was hardened toward us.  We heartbreakingly found that to be true as we grieved and tried unsuccessfully to repair relational damage. 

 

Another example:  My daughter loves the color green—it is her life color.  She graduated from Dartmouth College—guess what the school color is? When my dreams are obviously green-hued, sometimes they are clueing me into something that is happening in her life so I can be more mindful of her.   

 

How do you know what green means in YOUR dream?  Here is the key:  listen to the Spirit. Ponder these common possibilities, meditate, and watch for further revelation to unfold.  It takes time to research and pray and wait for dream symbol meanings, but the process of learning and understanding Spirit's love language to us is worth it!   

One of my favorite things during the holiday season is the appearance of lights—they manifest everywhere, in trees, yards, on houses, and sometimes in the most unusual places.  People line up in their cars, waiting to enjoy light spectacles and shows. 

 

Thousands of tiny bulbs glisten as energy flows through them, bringing smiles and ‘oooh’s’ and ‘ahhh’s’ because of the beautiful, magical atmosphere.

 

In order for a brilliant presentation to captivate, several things are required—the light bulbs, the network of wires that conduct electricity, the power source, and the creative design.

 

Let’s examine the metaphor on a personal basis.  YOU are the bulb, intricate, colorful, delicate, and radiant.  Or perhaps you are that fragrant, scented candle that releases a pleasing aroma and hue everywhere you go. 

 

God is the power source, the fire, the One who infuses each of us with special gleaming abilities. An ancient psalm says that he is 'a fountain of cascading light, who opens our eyes to light."  We receive his light, glory and energy, then reflect it--from the inside out.  

 

You are placed by God into a community—in perfect timing--as one small part among many others, where everyone comes together to display variety and magnificence.  Connecting with others encourages and strengthens our illumination abilities, especially during times where we feel we’ve lost our spark. 

 

A single light exhibits a special glow, and a bunch of lights together create a powerful, joyful ‘wow’ effect.

 

One more aspect of this scenario begs to be mentioned—light can only be fully seen and appreciated if displayed in the darkness.

 

Dark corners are found everywhere—in people’s physical needs, emotional trials, or spiritual struggles. Our lives become more meaningful if we purposely shine where light is most needed. 

 

Perhaps you will recognize these words of Jesus: 

 

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.  God is not a secret to be kept.  We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.  If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you?  I’m putting you on a light stand.  And now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!”

 

Question:   Where do you need to go shine this week?    

Today at lunch, my fortune cookie told me, “You are the mast of everything situation.”  Huh?  Everyone else’s cookies said something intelligible and nice.  As I puzzled and chuckled about mine, I thought of how my cryptic ‘fortune’ reminds me of ‘prophetic words’ and ‘blessings’ I have received from people over the years. 

 

The people who give them usually mean well, though some are just plain mean.  It takes time and energy to interpret and weigh all the voices and messages to the point where you can either understand them and take them in—or reject them.  You don’t want to accept something false into your spirit that could harm you, nor ignore something significant from God that would help you. You cannot believe everything you hear.

 

You have to discern the Source.  And examine the ‘fruit’. Is it true? Reliable?  Does it produce peace?

 

Everyone is hungry for guidance, for supernatural direction in life.  Some of my friends look to the stars, or ask their spirit guides for answers, some go ‘within’ to contemplate.

 

Horoscopes are popular with many people, as well as psychic readings.  Maybe some folks even consider a fortune cookie a source of wisdom or truth.

 

Personally, I take my questions and needs for revelation to Spirit, Creator, The Light—who has never led me down a wrong path, though the answers are not always clearly defined.  Consulting insightful friends for their perceptions and prayer also helps us embrace the wiser things that will keep us on track. 

 

At the Mint treasury and at banks, the money handlers are trained to spot counterfeit bills by spending time familiarizing themselves with the REAL thing.  Once they know how it looks and feels, they can easily recognize the phony money. 

 

Hopefully with practice and experience, we get proficient at determining the source and health of words of direction spoken to us.  And be more mindful of our own words toward others. 

 

All of this from an incoherent fortune cookie! 

“Mom, I’m hungry!”  “Honey, what’s for dinner?”  It is the eternal question that never goes away…what should I fix for the next meal?  The answer usually depends on available time, money, and energy level for the meal-maker. 

 

We try to get creative as often as possible, especially when we host company, a party, contribute to a potluck dinner, or we want to treat someone special.  Bookshelves stuffed with recipe books indicate our desire to please picky palates as well as build healthy bodies.

 

Years of cooking and serving can wear on us—we get into a tired, lazy meal  rut. Imagination escapes us.  We think perhaps it is time to buy yet another recipe book—to inspire motivation and explore more options.

 

Personally, I get tired of the food routine…plan, purchase, haul groceries, cook them up, clean up the mess, start all over again.  Sometimes I wish it would all go away.  I easily get into the habit of preparing the same ol’ meals, nothing exciting.  Often I get busy and don’t want to bother with the meal thing, but only a few hours pass and then there are….hunger pangs. 

 

It just takes discipline—and a lot of work--to make meals fun and nutritious. 

 

Same thing with our spiritual lives. 

 

How often do you find yourself spiritually hungry? When you feel empty, how quickly do you respond? It seems easy to go through our day taking care of other business, forgetting to take time to enrich our own spirit with long ‘drinks’ to quench thirst and build our strength and stamina with ‘meaty’ meditation.  Grab a Power snack!

 

If we neglect, we pay a price, both short and long term.  We turn into bored, boring people, spiritually malnourished.  We can’t get far running on the ‘fumes’ of last week’s prayer time.  We just won’t have much to pour out because we are empty inside.

 

The cool thing about this is, God is ever-waiting for us to spend time in his presence.  He longs to release a greater measure of refreshment to us, a fountain of continual revelation that keeps us awake, alive, and overflowing.  He is the Master Gourmet Chef that never runs out of tasty treats…all we have to do is set aside a little time and ask, “God, I’m hungry, what’s on your menu for today?”  

If you could pick out any new car, and you could make specific feature requests, what would you ask for?  What accessories or capabilities are important to you?  What color would you choose? 

 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about cars and what they represent in our society—and in dream interpretation (of course).  They are functional, getting us to where we need to go. They can be status symbols, revealing our taste and level of financial means.  In dreams, they represent our job, part of our life, our calling, our ministry.

 

If we have a yearning in real life for a car other than what we actually own, could it be that in our spiritual life, we are also desiring something different, perhaps something MORE…flashy?  Fast?  Functional?  Comfortable?

 

Outward pursuits and daydreaming often reflect inward hopes and desires. 

 

I’ve also noticed a strange phenomenon.  Here in Texas, at least, ninety-five percent of all cars on the roads are either white, silver, tan, grey, black, red.  There are a few blue, and maybe one percent random colors like orange or green or yellow.  What is up with this? 

 

If you drive past car dealerships, nearly all car models come in these ‘standard’ colors.  Who decides what car colors are ‘in’?  The choices are limited, so I guess people buy what is available.

 

If I want to purchase a new car in lime green or purple, I’m out of luck, unless I want to special order and wait! 

 

Once, I saw this amazing iridescent car—it changed colors with every turn.  I hope it didn’t cause a bunch of wrecks because of its uniqueness.  I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.  My thoughts were, "I want to be like that, reflecting Light in surprising and dazzling ways!"  

 

Symbolically speaking, if we are considering launching out in ministry or a new business, we may adopt the thinking that what we ‘build’ has to conform to what is ‘out there’.  Or, perhaps we can realize that there are other ‘colors’ that can flavor our endeavors, not just the whites, tans, blacks, boring standard offerings. Too often, we allow people's expectations to limit our imaginings.  

 

We can shape the norm—rattle the status quo box a bit---by courageously displaying our own one-of-a-kind treasures.  We don’t HAVE to do things like everyone else.  Iridescent and ever-changing is bold, refreshing, and delightful. 

 

If you could pick any car, color, frills, essentials--to offer the world--what would you choose?