Dreams Do Come True

Have you ever heard a story many times, but never really heard the story?  You know, listened to the story, but never fully understood what you were hearing? Or the story struck a deeper chord in your heart, resulting in a deeper meaning the one time you heard the story again?

Have you read something numerous times, and all of sudden a phrase stands out that previously never stood out?  You know you have read the phrase numerous times because you have read the item time and again, but this one time it catches your attention like never before?

How about seeing something hundreds of times, and seemingly out of nowhere – when you looked at the same thing again – it was as though scales dropped from your eyes and you were seeing it for the first time or in a different light?  A prime example for me is when driving on a familiar road, a glance to the left at an opportune moment or a change in the flow of traffic results in my seeing a different aspect of the scenery such as a home, a field, a building, or even a stream that I did not notice before. For some it may be seeing a spouse, a child, a friend, a relative, or a job in a different way; the list is endless.

As my fifth and final post regarding my daily life inspirations while recently visiting Israel, I am sharing how the aforementioned situations happened to me while staying at the Migdal Retreat Center.

One morning while raising the window shades, a deeper realization of what I was seeing impacted and encouraged me in a way like never before.  I had heard the story many times about how the property was obtained, read information, and had stayed at the retreat center enough times for me to be amazed each time I was there.

This particular time was different.  As I was pulling the chord and the shade was lifting, it was as though a curtain was being pulled back (no pun intended) to reveal a new scene…a new revelation.  It was as though I was seeing the property and the level of faith behind such for the first time.

Ironically, we had reminisced about the history of the retreat center a night or two before this encounter, and although I was still amazed, this particular morning was different. I believe one of the differences was that I was seeing what faith could do in my own life regarding the dreams deeply imbedded within me –  if I was willing to take the necessary steps and follow-through.

The summary version of the story behind the retreat center is that Pastor Ellen Blackwell had been hosting tours to Israel since 1972.  Over the years she led several tours a year, and later other mission type trips, cultivating within her a deep love of the land.  Her love resulted in a dream of wanting to own a sliver of land there.

It is my understanding that it is very difficult for non-citizens to own land in Israel.

As a woman of faith, she heard a directive from God, prayed, followed-through, and everything else fell into place…one miraculous step at a time.  Had she not taken the first step of faith – or obeyed in the context of her faith – then what exists now would never have been.  And many others would not be reaping the benefits of such.

There are a ton of other details that deepen the miraculous outcome.  Notwithstanding, I will let the video at the end of this post speak for itself.

So that morning, while raising the window shade, I was encouraged to take the steps to walk-out my dreams, a couple of which involve writing and music. Yes, I have an artsy,  creative side that has been on the back burner for awhile, but I’m stepping again – while keeping my profession/job.

If you want to see more about the property, then please watch the video that demonstrates dreams do come true.  Rest in Paradise, Pastor Ellen Blackwell.