There is a quote that says “all change is preceded by chaos.” Even if that is true, it is the man or woman who can take chaos and bring forth meaning and change of the God kind I am seeking.

God brought order out of darkness.

One of my requests to the Lord leading up to the incident that put me in the hospital was , “Lord, I want to dream again.” Part of that was related to being able to see beyond my walls of perceived containment and the second was I had felt like God had reduced my dream life. Well, last night came.

Three dreams this morning I had that I consider important. I felt like I was on a roller coaster. Perhaps more important than normal only because it seems like its been a few days since I’ve had any dreams at all.

Dream number 1
I found myself at our old store in Harmonyville Vermont. Someone else had the store and they were trying to set it up differently and in the process of setting it up they decided to move traffic to the back of the store rather than through the front door I tried to explain to them that this would only work for their friends but they thought it was a great idea. The end result was a lot of time and money had to be spent to attract people to this back door entrance.

Dream number 2
In this dream my friend Mark had gone to be at another meeting. That meant that someone else had to speak for this Sunday. It had been decided that we would go outside on to the hillside. Clearly this is not the church building that we are currently in. It was a very large older building that sat on a hillside and had a row of trees down below. The idea being that the people would go sit on the hillside and I, the speaker, would speak from down below. Much like an amphitheatre of sorts. But what happened was as I went to go outside a very large storm came. The wind increased and people began to run for shelter. Only moments later the sun began to appear and I gathered people up to come inside. it was there that I begin to break out the message that I had for that morning which emphasized the love and kindness of God as he provided shelter from the storm and brought brightness to the earth and its people.

Dream number 3
My wife had completed a art course and there was this young woman who decided to act as her agent. My wife had put some of her artwork out in various places but nothing it happened. This young woman came and offered her $10,000 for her very first piece that she saw telling her how her artwork would appear in boutiques and places similar to that including coffee shops.

In the first dream as I inquired, I felt our(collective)next season will be that of relationship and community. Where people will come and be refueled. Many will spend much money on efforts of relationship, bypassing the very essence of community and relationships. It is in the “kitchens” of love and backrooms of homes, past the porches, that a “harmony-ville” will exist.

In the second dream, I know I originally felt like I had been surprised to find out I was to speak. More surprised at the results of the storm. But also intrigued with the nature of the prophetic drama that occurred. I also think for our church fellowship it speaks of change of the God kind. Many preachers went about New England speaking on hillsides and in outdoor venues. I think it speaks of taking our message to the people.

And finally in the third dream I think it speaks less about my wife but the change in the church in the acceptance of women who minister and who are carrying something that normal no longer encompasses.

All told I think the three dreams collectively speak of a changing in the church. Provision, innovation and invention.

Everyone says “new season” but what does that always mean? Things are always changing. People grow and grow older. Atmospheres change and growth is evident. So, maybe God is asking us to drill down rather than move on to the next thing. Maybe His suggestion is for more community. More reaching out. More being proactive with friendships and such. I know there is a case for serendipity, but I think there is more to life than just a series of surges and events.

I think these three points are worth drilling down into.

• Community-We are the creators, communicators and co-laborers in it.
• Change-We are the instruments of change. The innovators of goodness and kindness.
• Called-There are many who have been called but few who have answer. I believe we need to move on that and turn the tide.

I think we might be on to something worth staying on.

This is somewhat of a sidenote.

This morning as I was writing something else, I felt the Lord say “this is the time to get focused as the season of productivity is happening now. Fruit will be coming forth. Like a wise farmer, it is time to establish plans of integration and implementation.”

Also to be praying as there are many who would endanger our freedoms. Beware those who say they are with you. Watch where their feet walk.

I sense outbreaks and out roars and men and women of God will rise up and quell chaos.

I read this morning of a “knee jerk” response following 9/11 and I think the reason the Lord is suggesting a proactive thinking is in preparation of the harvest that is coming.