Letters in the Sand

"I have come that they may have life,

and that they have it more abundantly" ~Jesus

To protect the privacy of others, names have been changed.

I was standing on the beach looking up at the sky, when I saw a horse and chariot going around in a circle.  An Angel was leading the horses and he was holding a balloon in his hand.  He released the balloon and instead of it going up, the balloon started coming down, towards me.  When it got close enough, I grabbed ahold of the string and pulled it down.

I noticed, that it had a shark on it and it said, "Happy Birthday" along with a three digit number.  I turned around and took it over to the beach chair (that Danny was sitting on), and I tied it to the chair.  I then walked over to a table, to cut him a piece of cake.  I walked back over to him and handed him the cake, and said, "Happy Birthday."

I was wearing a necklace, that had a bottle with sand in it.  I noticed there were light blue crystals that were sparkling, inside.  I opened up the bottle and smelled it.  The scent was so fresh and clean.  I took the necklace off and placed it around Danny's neck and said, "Look, God purified the sand... smell the beautiful scent."  He smelled it and then started telling a joke about cocaine.  We both started laughing.  Then he looked up at me, as he drew a line in the sand.

I awoke from this dream at 5:00am and it was pouring rain outside.  I started to pray for Danny.  I knew, that I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep, so I got up and made some coffee.  I sat down at my kitchen table and started writing the dream down, in my Dream Journal.

This had been the fifth dream, that I had of him, in the past few weeks.  I knew God was trying to get my attention, but I sensed in my Spirit, that I was missing the message?  I began to look at the dream again and try to piece it together.

I knew that the Chariot represented some sort of battle, but there was an Angel steering it, so that was a good thing.  The chariot was going around in a circle, which a circle represents eternity.  A shark represents a hidden danger and a balloon is something that pops.  But, it also said "Happy Birthday" on the balloon along with the three digit number.  I knew the symbolic meaning of the numbers, which was a good sign, also.  A cake always represents a celebration and a birthday represents life.  Me removing the necklace and placing it around his neck, represented me removing something (maybe pride or fear), and speaking into his heart.  The sand represents seed and to purify something means to cleanse it, of all guilt and shame.  Some of the sand was light blue and that color represents the Holy Spirit.  I wasn't really sure about Danny drawing a line in the sand, but it was after he had been telling me, the joke about the cocaine?

Later that afternoon, I got online and looked up Danny's website.  There had been no activity on it for weeks.  I continued to pray for him and I asked God for more revelation.  After I was done praying, I felt like God wanted me to reach out to him and help him?  I said, "What?  I don't know him... how am I supposed to help him?  What if he thinks I'm crazy or thinks I'm a stalker?" 

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" ~Jesus

That same night, I had another dream about Danny.  Although, this dream was much different?  It was dark, it was eerie, and it was downright scary.

I was in Danny's house and he was sitting on his bed.  I walked up behind him and I noticed, that he had a rope in his hand.  I looked at his bed and saw ropes and belts, that were all in the shape of a noose.  I said, "What are you doing?"  "I'm going to kill myself," he replied.  "What?" I said... as I began to plead with him and tried to encourage him.  He stood up and started cussing and breaking things, in his room.  I just stood there and silently prayed, until he finally calmed down.  He then walked over to me (lifted his hand to his head, in the shape of a gun), got in my face and said, "Are you gonna stop me?"

I awoke from this dream and I was shaken.  I began to pray for Danny and it was at that point, that I knew that I needed to make a decision.  I could either BELIEVE what God was showing me and try to contact him, or I could allow my foolish pride to take over (and possibly regret it), and do nothing?

I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me and help me, write the email to Danny. I kept the email light and positive.  I told him about the "Birthday" dream I had (I didn't mention the other dreams), and I told him, that I was praying for him.  I wasn't sure, if he would ever receive the message, nor did I expect a response.  But I felt like, I had to do something?  I asked God to please let me know, that he was alright.  Even if he just updated his status or posted something on his website.

At that time, I was a personal assistant for a Prophet, and later that afternoon we were in a meeting.  After our meeting, I asked him if he would pray for Danny.  He didn't know who Danny was, nor did I share my dreams with him.

As he was praying, he abruptly stopped and said, "I just saw a vision of the grim reaper standing over him... death is knocking on his door."  He immediately began to pray and bind the devil, in the name of Jesus.  He asked that God would loose him, from whatever bondage was holding him and that he wouldn't believe the lies of the enemy, etc.  I knew at that moment, that God was confirming to me, what I had seen in my dream.

As I returned home, I checked my messages and there wasn't anything from Danny.  I then went to his website and noticed that he had just updated his status, an hour earlier.  I felt a sense of relief come over me and I thanked God, that he was alright.

"For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas

and of the treasure hidden in the sand."

The following morning, I logged onto my computer and there was a message from Danny.  He told me, that he didn't believe in God, but thanked me for the message, nonetheless.  He also had a question for me.  He wanted to know, if I knew what the significance of the three digit number, (that was on the balloon in my dream), meant?  This opened up a dialogue between us. ;)

I shared the Biblical significance of the number with him and then he responded, by saying, "Call me," and he left his phone number.  I prayed real quick and then I picked up the phone and called him.  He told me, that this number was his "lucky" number.  That he had seen it for years (including in his dreams), and that he had used the number often, for personal stuff such as passwords, etc.

He also told me, that he had recently went to see a Psychic, to ask what the number represented.  Not only did she link the number to something that happened in his past, but she completely changed the number and told him it was actually a DIFFERENT number, altogether?  I knew this was false, because God revealed the ORIGINAL number to me, in my dream.  We ended up talking for over three hours on the phone.  As, we were hanging up, he said, "This is crazy, I've never opened up to someone this easily... I feel like I've known you forever."

After our conversation on the phone, I thought to myself, that Danny didn't seem depressed at all?  He was very funny and seemed happy?  The next few days, he emailed me periodically and would text me on occasion.  I prayed and asked The Holy Spirit to speak through me, because God knows his heart and knew what he needed to hear.

A few weeks had passed (that we had been talking), when I received a text message from Danny, that read, "I want to meet you, along with the three digit number."  I sent him a text back.  I told him, that I would be in Beverly Hills the following morning, for a life coaching session with the Prophet.  I asked him, if he wanted to meet both of us for lunch?  To my surprise he said, yes.

I went to the store that day and bought him a Bible and an uplifting CD.  Two of the most POWERFUL gifts, you can ever give someone (the word of God and music), to heal their SOUL.

"He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone." ~Jesus

The following day, the three of us met for lunch.  It was a beautiful sunny day out.  Danny shared his experiences, of what is was like to be a famous Rock Star and he told us a lot of funny stories.  We sat outside of this cafe and talked and laughed, for hours.

After we were done eating, the conversation became more serious.  Danny explained, that he was going through a divorce, that his relationship with his kids was strained, that he moved to LA, and his family lived in another state.  He told us that he was clean and sober, but he blamed his past addictions (of drugs and alcohol), on his fame.  He was at a point where he wanted to give up on music, altogether.  He felt the lifestyle had cost him everything.  He was struggling with some other personal issues, too, that left him feeling guilty.  And he was mad at God, because of all of his loss and pain. 

The Prophet spoke LIFE into him and encouraged him. He told him, that God had a PURPOSE for his life and that his musical talent, is a gift from God. He told him, that Jesus came to GIVE to him and not to take from him.  And he told him not to get stuck in his past failures or beat himself up, over the mistakes he's made.  Danny was listening and asking a lot of questions.  It was an AMAZING lunch, and I was so thankful.

As we were getting ready to leave the Prophet said, "You know, Lisa Marie really cares about you.  She loves you... just like Jesus does."

And I will never forget his response... "I know she does... it's all new to me... I've never had anyone care for me, without wanting something from me."  He then put his head down and continued, "To be quite honest... if she hadn't contacted me, when she did... I wouldn't be here, to celebrate my Birthday next week... I was ready to check out."

There was complete silence for a moment and all three of us, had tears in our eyes.  Danny reached over, held my hand and kissed me on the cheek. The Prophet asked him, if he could pray for him and Danny said, yes.

Throughout the following years, Danny and I talked often.  I would text him scriptures and encourage him through the hard times.  He would also call me and ask me to pray for him, before he went on stage, or sometimes just to vent his frustration and anger.  hehe

Today, he is ALIVE and happy.  He is engaged to a beautiful woman and his relationship with his kids, is stronger than ever.  He is also, still using his gift of music, that God has blessed him with.

I am truly honored, that I was given the opportunity, to get to know Danny's BEAUTIFUL heart.  I will always remember, how God used a DREAM to bring our friendship together.

"I am the resurrection and the life." ~Jesus

Now, I'm not saying that all dreams are from God, because obviously they're not. But I have been able to discern which ones are.  One way is through the revelation of His word, the other is through the vibrant colors and oversized scenery, kind of like you've just entered "Alice in Wonderland."  haha  And the third way, is through a series of dreams and confirmations.  "By the mouth of two or three witnesses, the matter shall be established."  The latter, was the case with the dreams, that I had of Danny and the confirmations I received, through him and the Prophet.

You SEE, we never really know where someone is at, in their life.  It may seem like they're happy, but they could possibly be on the brink of giving up.  Satan will always try to keep someone stuck in their past and remind them of their failures.  He wants them to feel trapped, so they can't see any way out.  He knows, if they don't have a VISION, they will perish.

Jesus on the other hand, LOVES us!  He came to give us a FUTURE and a HOPE.  He wants to bring healing and restoration to our lives, and cleanse and purify the sand.  Therefore, He will reveal the TREASURE hidden in the sand (i.e., inside of you).

God will also use us to SPEAK into someone's heart, by planting seeds of faith, hope, and LOVE.  Because sometimes the only Jesus, someone may ever be able to see, IS inside of you.  But we need to be willing, to walk out our faith and use our VOICE (whether it be through words, poetry, or music), and bless others with the GIFT, that He has blessed us with.  As a result, we too, will be able to SEE and smell the fresh scent, and CELEBRATE the beauty of life.

FAITH waits, trusts, acts, believes, and stands.

Always remember this...   

Jesus IS the way, and the truth, and the LIFE.

Skid Row ~ I remember you

"Paint a picture of the days gone by,

When love went blind and you would make me see,

I'd stare a lifetime into your eyes,

So that I knew that you were there for me,

Time after time you were there for me"

  

Cupid

"And baby you know my hands are dirty...

Like a cold wind

He blew right through my life

and was gone again

As thousands of women

wait in line

Wearing white dresses

with broken hearts

The mystery

The thrill

The captivating smile

That silent still

His eyes

So gentle

yet so painful

His hands

So mighty

yet so weak

His voice

So beautiful 

yet so severe

The love song that never ends

As the teardrops continually fall

and he crawls back again

Listen closely

and you will hear

The arrow

that pierced my heart.

'Tis love at its finest.

...but I wanted to be your Valentine" ~Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi ~ I'll be there for you

"I pray to God
you'll give me one more chance, girl
I'll be there for you

These five words, I swear to you

When you breathe

I wanna be the air for you

I'll be there for you

I'd live and I'd die for you

I'd steal the sun from the sky for you

Words can't say what love can do

I'll be there for you"

'Tis the Season

It was the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, a few years back.  I spent the day decorating and finished around 8:00pm that night.  I turned the fireplace on and turned some Christmas music on.  I then went into the kitchen to make some hot chocolate, when I was startled by a knock at my front door.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see him standing there.  He didn't live in L.A. at the time and I had no idea that, he was in town.  He has always been a father figure, to me.  Someone I honor, respect, and someone I confide in.

He said, "I came to see your trees," in a vampire like voice.  I started to giggle and hugged him.  He grabbed the hot chocolate out of my hand and started drinking it.  He walked in, began looking around at my Christmas trees, and jokingly said, "How many tweez does a butterflyz needz?  Survey says... F.I.V.E.Z."  We both started laughing.

I have always loved Christmas trees and I have several of them, (probably more than five) throughout my place, with different themes.  I have a Cross and Angel wings tree, a Royalty King's tree, a TX Cowboy tree, an Elvis Rock N' Roll tree, a Butterfly and dove feathers tree, a Purple tree, and a Rosemary coffee tree in the kitchen, (with Starbucks ornaments hanging on it) which smells amazing and you can cook with it, too.

I told him that I would make him something to eat and I headed into the kitchen.  Some time had passed, when he entered the kitchen and opened up the oven.  He started eating the potato fries, (which were too hot and not quite done).  I told him that, he was going to burn himself and to wait.  ;)

He said, "I need to stay for a few days, but don't tell anyone that I'm here!" He then walked back into the living room.  I yelled, "I won't tell a soul."  But at the same time, I was thinking...  how am I supposed to hide a famous Rock Star, for a few days???  haha

I finished cooking and went into the living room, with his food.  I could tell that he had been crying.  "There's such a sense of peace in your place, I can't explain it, but it's so unreal." he said.

I smiled and thanked him.  It was such a SWEET compliment, because I knew that he could feel the presence of God, for or my home was my sanctuary.  I prayed, worshipped, anointed, and thanked God daily, in my home.

After he finished eating, he began to tell me what was happening in his life and a few things about his girlfriend.  I had only met her once, but I had discerned that she wasn't good for him.  Although, I would never meddle in his relationship, nor would I ever tell him what to do.  I was just there to listen to him and pray for him.  And all I cared about was, that he was happy.

He also told me how hurt he was, over his friends and bandmates.  But most of all, he shared how much he loved his kids and that he felt like he was a terrible father.  I reassured him that, he IS a wonderful daddy and spending quality time with them, is the most important thing.  He told me that, one of his daughters hadn't spoken to him for months and that he couldn't bare to spend the holiday's, without all of his children.

We talked for several hours and then I said, "Well, 'tis the season for miracles, so let's believe that Jesus will restore all of your broken relationships."  He half smiled at me, but I could tell that, he really didn't believe it was possible.  He looked disheartened and exhausted.

I said, "Why don't you go to the guest room and lay down."  He agreed and started heading up the stairs.  I went to get him some fresh towels and placed them on the chair in the guest room.

He laid down on the bed and he didn't look well, at all.  I was worried about him, so I asked him if I could get him anything else?  He said, "I'm in a lot of pain, will you come over here and pray for my back?"  I walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed.

I laid my hands on his back and I began to pray.  He moaned a bit and then he said, "How do you do that?"  "Do what?" I asked.  "I can feel heat, on my back," he replied.  I said, "that's not me... it's the Holy Spirit."  He laughed and said,  "Oh yeah, I forgot that you have supernatural powers."

I laughed and then I continued praying for his back.  He began to mumble something, (that I didn't understand) and then he fell fast asleep.  I turned off the light, closed the door, and went into my bedroom.

I continued to pray for his back, his children, his girlfriend, and the boys in his band, before I went to sleep.  I asked God to restore all of his relationships and to heal his broken heart.  I also thanked God, for bringing him here.  Out of all the places he could go and all the people he knows, I was truly thankful that he felt like my place, was a safe haven.

For three days, he never left the bedroom, never picked up his phone, never got online, or turned the TV on.  He spent most of the time reading books and sleeping.  I didn't bother him and I only went in there to feed him, or ask him if he needed anything?!

As he was leaving to head back home, he said, "I'm taking a piece of your tree with me, for good luck"... as he plucked one of the feathers off of my butterfly/dove tree, put it in his mouth and swallowed it.

"OMG!!!  Hahaha... You are CRAZY!" I said.  He took his scarf off and wrapped it around my neck.  Then he hugged me, kissed me on the forehead and said, "You're an angel, thank you!  This is the best 'Hotel Farfalla'... ever."  And he walked out the door.

A week or so had passed by, when I received a message from his daughter, (the one that wasn't speaking to him).  His kids found out that he had been in town, over Thanksgiving weekend.  They were upset, that he didn't contact any of them or tell anyone.  I shared with her, what he was going through and how much her daddy loves her and all of his children.

After our conversation, she ended up contacting her father.  She made plans to visit him for Christmas, (along with the rest of her siblings) and they all rang in the New Year, together.  It was a true Christmas MIRACLE.

You SEE, we often think that those that seem to have it all, don't need anything or anyone.  But, they just might be the ones, that are hurting the most.

Sometimes all a friend needs is...

Someone to PRAY for them and to BELIEVE in them.

A place they can go to be fed and a place to REST their head.

BELIEVE... for it IS the season of MIRACLES.

4:57 hehe

Is My Love Enough?

"it's not enough"... x

There he stood, in all his glory.  As people surrounded him, waiting to get his autograph, a photograph, or just to be in his presence.  I watched their faces light up, at the sound of his voice.  He was sharing stories with them and telling jokes.

I wanted to get closer, but I was taught... to NEVER enter a king's court, unless he calls you by name.  In other words, never enter his vicinity or circle (wherever that may be), unless he asks you, or invites you.

He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at me and I smiled back.  He then held up his finger, as if to say... give me a minute.

So, I waited in the wings and enjoyed all the love, that surrounded him.

A few minutes later, Francis (a.k.a. Elvis), walked up and pulled me away. "Hey darling, I need you to help me out with something,"  he said.  I thought that was kind of funny, because I'm usually the one, that's asking for his help.  haha

I said, "Sure, anything, what do you need me to do?"  I noticed that he had black leather gloves on and stuff in his hands.  He handed me his water (to free up his hand), as he reached into his coat pocket.

"I need you to give this to him and tell him, to play it and record it," he said. "Ok, of course, I will," I replied.  I glanced down at the CD, and I noticed the 'Title' to the song.  "I've never heard this song before?"  I said.  "I know, I just recorded it,"  he replied.

He then kissed me on the forehead and said...

"Sweetheart, don't worry about what people are saying about him... they don't understand the LEGACY of a king, nor the footsteps one must take, to fulfill it."

"I know this.  My heart just hurts, to see him being hurt.  But, I know that Jesus is protecting him.  Besides, he also has the best guardian Angel, this side of Heaven.  hehe

"Haha... Amen!  Hey, do you remember the story I told you about, when I smashed the grapes on the fender of the car?"

I started laughing... "Yes, how could I forget?"

"The reason I did that, is because he would have never been able to CREATE the color that I wanted the car painted, unless he SAW it first...

Listen to me honey, don't become weary... everything is going according to plan... His hour has come, to be glorified...

Remember this, before the year strikes midnight."

"What?  Remember what?  Do you mean by December?  Of this year or...?"

"i'm hangin' by a vine"... x

As I awoke from this dream, I couldn't shake it off of my mind.  It seemed so vivid and real.  I wrote the dream down in my journal and I started asking God, a million questions.

I began to think about, how God changes the times and seasons, removes kings and sets up kings.  And how He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those that have insight.  But, I didn't know what to do, with this dream?!

I was perplexed?  How in the world, was I supposed to download a song from Heaven and give it to him?  I wasn't given the lyrics, nor did I hear the song?  He was also out of town (at the time), and I didn't want to bother him, with my dream.

Besides, he has dozens of beautiful (new), songs already and I didn't want to add more pressure to him.  I guess, it was partly my own doubts and fear? Or in some ways, maybe it was just my pride?  I didn't want to sound more foolish or crazier, than I already do.  haha

So, I decided not to say anything and to wait and see, if I would get another piece, to this dream.

But it was then, that it seemed, as if my dreams went through a drought.  I wasn't having any dreams at all, or at least I couldn't remember them???  It was complete SILENCE.

As the months passed by, I had forgotten all about this dream.

"For your love is better than wine."  ~Song of Songs

A few weeks ago, I was out at the pool.  It was a warm sunny day, with a slight breeze.  I closed my eyes and felt the sun on my face.  I could hear the beautiful sound, of the water fountain, in the background.

After awhile, I decided to jump into the pool and cool off.

As I came up out of the water, I noticed the clouds had suddenly appeared and covered up the sun.  And just like that, it began to rain.  I looked up at the sky and smiled.  I thanked God for this miracle and for pouring down His blessings.  The sensation of swimming in the rain, was amazing.

While I was swimming, I started to wonder how the people must have felt, that actually got to SEE, Jesus perform miracles.  Especially, the very first time He had performed one, when He turned the water into wine.

If you don't know the story, I'll share it briefly with you...

Jesus and his disciples, were at a wedding and they ran out of wine.  His mother Mary came to Him and told Him that, they were out of wine.  Jesus said, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with me?  My hour has not yet come."  His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."  Jesus then said to them, "Fill the water pots with water."  After they had filled them, He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast."  They took it to the master and poured him the wine. When the master of the feast tasted the wine, he called the bridegroom and said, "Every man brings out choice wine first and then the cheaper wine, after the guests have had too much to drink; but you saved the best till now."

This was the first MIRACLE Jesus performed, which manifested His GLORY. And His disciples BELIEVED in Him.

♥♰♥

What fascinates me about this story (aside from the actual miracle), is that Jesus told His mother, that His time hadn't come yet.  But, He still performed the miracle, anyway?

So, what made Him perform this miracle, if it wasn't time, yet?  Was it Mary's faith (by telling the servants), or was it the servants obedience, that drew it out?  I believe it was BOTH.

One drew it out, the other poured it, and Jesus performed it.

The Bible says, that after this miracle, His disciples believed in Him.  You see, sometimes people won't BELIEVE, unless they SEE a miracle.

"Unless you people see signs and wonders,

you will by no means believe."

Jesus serves the best wine... last.

The next morning, as I was at church, my Pastor was preaching and he said...

"God gets something to you... to get it through you!  The only way to get it through you, is through your MOUTH.  It might be a dream, a word, a song, or an idea... but the MIRACLE, is on your lips...

We need to release, whatever is inside of us.  Because what's inside of us, might be the very thing that someone else needs to HEAR.  It's not up to us, to turn the water into wine, but we need to fill the water pots, draw the water out, and allow Jesus to turn it into wine."

He then continued on by saying, that sometimes when God is silent, that is when He's working the most.  And just because we haven't seen the miracle yet, doesn't mean it won't happen.

Release the sound, that's inside of you.

Later on that evening, I was cleaning up the dishes and x was in the other room, practicing.  I heard him, call my name.  He yelled for me to come in there and listen and he asked me to bring him some water.  I glanced up at the clock and it was a quarter to twelve.  I grabbed a bottle of water and poured myself a glass of wine.

As I walked into the room, there was a strong ambiance that filled the air.  I can't explain it, but I could feel a beautiful presence, in the room.  I could smell the scent of the vanilla candles, that were burning and I noticed his Bible was sitting on top of his piano.

I listened, as his fingers danced across the keys.  It felt like HONEY, had just dripped into my soul.

I closed my eyes, as he began to sing.  I inhaled his sweet aroma and all that was pouring, out of him.  I had never heard him sing this song, before? It was beyond beautiful, just like swimming in the rain.

As he was singing, I recognized the lyrics to the 'Title' of the song, that Francis had given to me, months earlier, in my dream.

I couldn't believe what I was HEARING.  It was then, that I RECALLED the words that Francis had spoken, "Remember this, before the year strikes midnight."

Instantly, it felt as if someone had just lit a match, inside the pit of my stomach and my soul was on FIRE.  I felt a surge of electricity, shoot from my head, down to my toes, and back up again.

My eyes began to sting and they started to water.  I wiped my eyes and opened them.  I was ASTONISHED, at the sight that was before me.

I SAW Angel's surrounding him, as he played.  I put my hand over my mouth, in complete shock.  Something so deep was transpiring and I was MESMERIZED.

Glory filled the entire room, as I watched his countenance begin to change. His face was shining and his eyes were sparkling.  I was experiencing a MIRACLE, right before my EYES.

Then he abruptly stopped playing, and said, "did you hear that?"  I was speechless!  I couldn't say anything, I just shook my head, yes.  "were you singing?"  he asked.  I shook my head, no.

"well, what was that echo?... what's wrong?... you look like you just saw a ghost."

"That wasn't an echo... I just saw Angels surrounding you and I think they were singing along?!"

He started to laugh... until he realized that, I wasn't joking.

There was a peaceful SILENCE in the room, as he paused for a moment.

He then put his head down and quietly said, "the way you speak sometimes, takes my breath away."

Tears filled my eyes, as I asked him, "Who's song is that?"

"it's my song... it's something new that i've been working on... it just came to me, a few months back... in the middle of the night."

"You need to play it and record it."

"you think?"

"Yes, it IS more than enough!  Remember this... the dancer becomes the DANCE."

He smiled, leaned over, kissed me on the cheek, and said...

"and the dreamer becomes the DREAM."

♥♰♥

Let it flow, from the inside... out.

Elton John ~ Something about the way you look tonight

"With your smile,

You pull the deepest secrets from my heart

In all honesty, 

I'm speechless and I don't know where to start"

Diamonds and Butterflies

"your little halo hung sideways" ~ Kevin Max

Diamonds and Butterflies, by Kevin Max

we made magic

in a secret place

far from towns

where people could see

or hear our incarnations

of faith, love and the future

we prayed to the God of mercy

we prayed to the God of grace

we kneel quietly underneath the trees

and place our souls at His feet

we pray that the metamorphosis inside us

finds its wings

we pray that those wings will fly

far and wide

delivering good news and medicine

in the way of Creation

in the Son we shine

like diamonds on a hilltop

covered up by the dirt

from the great flood

and uncovered

by the great wind of time

we made magic

in a secret place

and all will know and be

effected.

"I find your beautiful mind, in everything"... 

Kevin Max ~ Existence

In HONOR of my friend Kevin Max...

The first time I saw Kevin perform live, it felt as if the Heaven's opened up and an Angel began to sing.  His voice pierced right through my soul, like a strong wind.  I was completely awestruck.

You might often hear the words 'flamboyant' or 'eccentric,' when someone is speaking of him.  ;)

But one thing that I love, IS a great lyricist.  Kevin's songwriting skills are so deep and mind blowing and his voice is angelic-like.  His covers of Queen, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley (just to name a few), are out of this world. He IS an amazing singer, songwriter and poet.  But most of all he has a BEAUTIFUL heart.

His resume and grammy's speak for themselves, but if you've never read his poetry or heard his music, take a listen.  He will not disappoint.

Someone once asked me... if I had to describe Kevin's music in ONE word, what would it be?  I said, "Christmas."  Not just because he has a beautiful Christmas album, but because his VOICE and music IS a DIVINE gift, from God.

I thank the Lord, for his EXISTENCE.

Thank you Kevin, for this beautiful poem, that you wrote for me!

Much love to you, your beautiful wife Amanda, and the ROYAL Max family.

May you be HONORED and CELEBRATED today, and ALWAYS!

Happy Birthday 'Diamond.'

I LOVE YOU!!!

"I find your beautiful eyes, see everything"... 

"I find your beautiful eyes, see right through me"...

Me & Kev ~ Pink Christmas '06

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SONG...

Kevin Max ~ Beautiful Mind

"I find your beautiful eyes

see everything,

so show me something
beautiful, please."

Kevin Max ~ Website
Kevin Max ~ Twitter
Kevin Max ~ Facebook

Popcorn from Heaven

"will you pick me up some of that popcorn?"... x

I was having coffee with my friend Trevor from Nashville, awhile back and we were talking about life.  I told him that, LIFE is like a movie script.  God has already written our script and we choose the role we want to play.  He said, "Well what?  Is God just up in Heaven, watching us and eating popcorn?

I started laughing, knowing that he was only joking.  But at the same time, I knew that he was speaking out of frustration.  He had been going through something, for a long time and he was irritated.

I told him to start thanking God, for the gifts that he's been blessed with and not to focus on, what he doesn't have.  I told him to keep writing and playing country music, because his gift is a blessing to others.  And every girl loves a "heartbreakin' country love song."  ;)

As we were leaving, he said, "You have a strange way, of being able to change my perspective about life... in a good way, that is!  Knowing you, you've probably tasted the popcorn." haha

Well, that got me thinking...

I wonder what the popcorn tastes like, in Heaven??? ;)

"My covenant I will not break,

nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips."

As I began writing this, I thought about what the Bible says, "Looking onto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith."  An "author" is someone who writes and creates a story.  And a "finisher" is someone who brings it to an end and completes it.

I also remembered what King David said, to God, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book."

Although, God has already written our script, we will often times find ourselves, rewriting it.  Maybe we don't want to do it God's way or maybe we think, we can write our own story, better?

There are several people in the Bible, that also rewrote their own script.  I will briefly share two of their stories, with you...

The first story is about Jonah the Prophet... God told Jonah to go to Ninevah and speak to the people on his behalf, in order to save them.  Jonah hated the people of Ninevah, because they were wicked.  He wanted God to destroy them and refused to go their and speak to them.  He then ran from God, in the opposite direction and got into a boat.  A huge storm came and he was thrown overboard.  He was then swallowed by a big fish.  Once inside the belly of the fish, he began to pray to God and thanked Him for his gift.  He then agreed to go to Ninevah.  Suddenly the fish vomited and spit him out.

The second story is about Abraham... God promised him all the inheritance of the land.  Once Abraham obtained the land, he was concerned that he had no children to leave his estate to.  God came to him in a dream.  He told him that, he wouldn't leave the earth childless and he would have a son.  He then told him, to look to heaven and count the stars and that's how many his descendants would be.  But, years had passed and Abraham and his wife Sarah, were getting old.  They still hadn't had any children and had doubts, that it would ever happen.  They then decided to take things into their own hands and have a child, through a surrogate birth.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.

In both instances, they ripped the pages out of Heaven's script and rewrote their own story.  This caused them much pain and grief.

Many of us, tend to do the same thing.  We become frustrated and tired of waiting, on God.

Maybe we make a wrong decision or head in the opposite direction?  We jump into the wrong boat and suddenly a storm hits us.  We then feel like we're stuck, in the belly of a whale.  At other times, we might doubt that it's ever going to happen for us.  It's too late and we're getting too old.  We then come up with our own way, of making it happen.

One thing that I have learned though, is that our DESTINY is connected to another person.  That other person might also be rewriting their own script, which may cause delay's in our PROMISE from God.

If you look at the wheel on a bicycle, for a moment, it has several spokes. The spokes give the wheel strength and holds it together, to keep it moving. But, if some of the spokes are broken or missing, the wheel becomes weak. On the other hand, if the wheel has a flat tire, then it's not going anywhere. But, all the tire really needs, is some new spokes and a little air.  This will strengthen the wheel and get it to move, so it can fulfill its purpose.

The obstacles and delay's in life, sometimes cause us to become discouraged or depressed.  At times we might feel like we're on top of the wheel and at other times, we feel like we're on the bottom.  But, how we TASTE our situation, is all that really matters.  Regardless of what we are facing in life, we have the choice to be bitter or sweet.

King Solomon said, "to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven."  He then went on to give us examples, of the times and seasons, that we will all go through, such as, "a time to weep and a time to laugh."  Our seasons in life won't last forever and they will come and go.  But, how we react or respond, during those seasons, could change everything.

"the end of a thing is better than its beginning."

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of the things not seen."

Just like in the case of Jonah and Abraham.  Jonah ended up going to Ninevah and speaking to the people.  He witnessed, God's LOVE and MERCY for them and for himself.  I believe, his heart was softened and an entire city was saved, as a result of it.  And in the end, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their very own son, which effected generations to come.

You SEE... it's not just about us.  The choices we make in life, not only affect us, but they affect everyone that is connected to us.  Like every movie, there are different characters that play their part.  Every person we come in contact with, we have the power to impact, by the choices we make.

We also have the ability to change our own character.  We can play our part, play a different part, or we can sit back and watch the movie of our life, pass us by.  We can either, follow Heaven's script, or rip out the pages and throw them in the trash.

The funny thing is, if you look at crinkled paper in a trash can, it actually resembles popcorn.  haha  Well, we might have a lot of trash cans here on earth, but I doubt there are any in Heaven?!

Maybe we need to start looking up to Heaven.  Smell the SCENT of the freshly, popped popcorn and enjoy its FLAVOR.

You may find that your greatest TREASURE, is in the midst of your trash.

In the end, it's NOT about our reputation or what people think about us.  But, it's our CHARACTER, that makes all the difference in the world.

Our character... is the SOUNDTRACK, to our life.

BELIEVE that your script is in Jesus' hands, for He is faithful and SHALL fulfill His promises.

♥♰♥

Which brings me back, to my first thought...

I don't know what the popcorn tastes like in Heaven, but I think I might have a pretty good idea?!  hehe

"For I know the thoughts

that I think towards you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not evil,

to give you a future and a hope."

He knows where He's taking you...

So enjoy the music along the way.

Somewhere over the Rainbow ~ What a Wonderful World

"The waste basket is a writer's best friend." ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

The Reception

"did you get the message, on my t-shirt?"... x

I saw the name on the back of her T-shirt, so I began to follow her, up the hill.  As I was following her, someone must have hit the rewind button, because I started going backwards really fast, down the hill.

I screamed, "Stop!"  And suddenly, I stopped.  I then began running back up the hill, towards the gate.  By the time I got there, she was long gone.  I knew that I had to get inside, in order to find her.

As soon as I entered the gate, the power was so intense that I felt paralyzed and couldn't walk.  My legs gave out on me and I fell down on my hands and knees, in the middle of the street.

It was then that my Guardian Angel, Tobias and his twin brother Francis, came and picked me up.  One of them were on each side of me, holding me up. Tobias said, "Remove your sandals."  I slipped off my heels and my white frilly socks.

"Take your sandals off your feet,

for the place where you stand is holy ground"

My legs began to straighten up and I resumed the strength back in my legs. I then asked them if they would help me find the woman, with the long brown hair, wearing the white T-shirt.  They said they couldn't help me, because they had to get to the reception.  I asked, "What reception?"  But they had vanished.

I started walking around and everything was so bright and full of amazing colors.  The scenery was out of this world.  I also noticed that it was really busy.  People weren't just sitting around on the clouds, playing a harp. haha

I wanted to take pictures, but I knew I wouldn't be there long.  I needed to hurry up and find this woman.

I saw several people crossing an intersection, so I thought this must be where the reception is being held?  I tried to get across to the other side, but some man was blocking me.  I tried to go around him, but whichever way I turned, he was there.

He finally said, "What are you looking for?"  I said, "I'm trying to get to the reception."  That's when he flashed a light that looked like a neon sword and screamed, "Go, go, go."

I started running as fast as I could, across the intersection.

"He makes everything beautiful in its time." ~King Solomon

When I got to the other side, I saw a gate that led to a pathway into a garden.  I could see guards with glowing swords in front of the gate, near the pathway.  They were fighting off people, that were trying to get inside.

I wasn't sure if they would let me in, but I started walking towards the path. That's when some of the people outside of the gate, saw me.  They started screaming and shooting at me, with what appeared to be oversized syringes?!

One of the guards yelled, "Get behind me, or they'll shoot you."  As I was running, I saw blood dripping from my hand.  I must have been cut by one of the syringes, without realizing it.

I finally reached the guard and hid behind him.  As soon as I touched his back, the blood dried up on my hand and my wound healed.

Once I was closer, I could see the people that were trying to get in the gate. But, they weren't actually people, they were some type of creatures or demons.  I was so scared that I couldn't bare to look, so I closed my eyes.

A few minutes later all the chaos stopped and the guard said I was safe to go.  I asked him where the reception was being held and he said, "Walk through the garden."

I headed down a long pathway and was mesmerized, by how large the flowers were.  The scent was so strong and the garden was enormous.  I didn't know which way to go?  I started to feel disoriented, so I stopped for a moment to rest.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick...

A few minutes had passed, when a baby lamb ran up to me.  The lamb seemed excited and had a high pitched voice, that sounded like it was yelling at me.  I knew the lamb was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand lamb talk.  haha

I thought that maybe the lamb wanted me to hurry up and get to the reception, so I asked, "Which way should I go?"  The lamb started running towards the right side of the garden, and I followed.

I finally made it to the reception.  As I approached the door, I noticed that they had these gold water pots filled with petals, on the ground.  There were scarlet and gold benches in front of the water pots.  So, I sat down and placed my feet inside, the golden pot.

Water began to pour down upon my feet, along with a light bluish colored soap.  A lady came over and knelt down to dry off my feet, with some type of white feathered towel.

She then held up some jewels in her hand and asked me which one I wanted, to wear on my foot?  They were absolutely beautiful diamonds and colorful jewels.  She had different shapes and colors, with flowers, animals, and BUTTERFLIES.  Of course, I chose the butterflies.  ;)

She placed the jewels on my right foot and hooked it, around my ankle.  I thanked her for the jewels, stood up, and started walking into the reception.

...but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."

As I entered the reception, it almost felt like I was walking through water.  I could sense GLORY, all around me.  I felt like I wasn't Holy enough, to be there.

I kept walking and noticed candles along the table with name settings. There were so many names, that I thought it would be impossible, to find mine.

I then heard Francis scream my name, so I started walking towards him. He said, "You made it... sit here, darling!"  There was an empty white seat, between us.

As soon as I sat down, I was startled by a loud voice that said, "BEHOLD."  I looked at my NAME setting on the table and my mouth dropped... I couldn't believe it!  I then looked over at Francis, in shock.  He just winked and smiled, at me.

The music began to play and I can't even begin to describe the SOUND, that I heard.  I was in such Awe, that all I could do was look around in astonishment.

People started bringing in wine and bread.  I kept seeing loaves and loaves of bread, being brought in and it smelled delicious.  I was in such a state of amazement, that I almost forgot, why I was there.

Shortly after, I saw three women walking in with more baskets of bread.  I instantly knew that the woman in the middle, was the woman that I was looking for.

I got up out of my seat and ran over to her.  I said, "It is an honor to meet you, may I please see what the front of your T-shirt says?"  She put her head down, so I couldn't see her face and handed the woman on her right side, the basket of bread.

She then turned to leave, but I grabbed her by the arm and begged, "Pleeease, let me read your shirt."  She said, "You can't read it, because it isn't time... yet."

I pulled on her T-shirt to straighten it out, so I could read it.  But there was so much writing on it, that I wasn't able to grasp it.  I tried my hardest to piece it together, but nothing was sinking in.  She was right, I couldn't read it.  I finally gave up trying.

I then asked her, "How will he ever know, it's me?"

And she said, "Because your face, will glow."

"In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths"

After I awoke from this dream, I asked God to replay the dream for me.  I wanted to go back into my dream and see if I could read the T-shirt?

Sometimes, I wish that we had a video recording device, that we could hook up to our dreams and tape record them.  That way we could replay our dreams, over and over.  Or a website like www.heaven.jc that we could log into and be able to research our dreams. haha

But, one thing that I have learned about faith and being a dreamer is...

Our dreams are like pieces to a puzzle and sometimes we only get one piece, at a time.  The hardest part is, waiting for the next piece.

King Solomon said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."  Our visions and dreams are like a word of HOPE.

Hope is the essence, which links FAITH and LOVE together.  We need hope in order to BELIEVE.  And we need to believe, in order to reach our DESTINY.

As I was pondering this dream, I found it interesting that the definition of the word RECEPTION means... the act of receiving.  It is up to us, to receive the word and act or believe, that it IS.

I also remembered the story about Jacob.  Jacob had wrestled with God and wouldn't let the Angel go, until the Angel blessed him.

This is exactly how I felt, I was wrestling with the Angel in my dream.  But, I was also wrestling with God, after I was given the dream.  I was so consumed with getting all the answers, that I missed the blessing.

You SEE, I didn't have to have all of the answers.  I didn't need to understand the message on the T-shirt, or know everything.  And I didn't need to try and figure out, how God was going to work all of it out.

God doesn't have to give us all the details.  He only needs to give us a WORD.

I received the WORD and the ANSWER that I had been searching for, the moment I sat down at the reception table.

The BLESSING... was right in front of me.

♥♰♥BEHOLD♥♰♥

"A word fitly spoken, is like apples of gold in settings of silver."


The Rolling Stones ~ You can't always get what you want


"You can't always get what you want,
but if you try sometime,
you just might find,
you get what you need."