In this third dream about Israel, Doug and Jean had gone to Israel and we are sitting at a picnic table showing pictures of their trip. They are describing Israel to me, and as they do, we are suddenly there. The place where we are is like a visitor’s center, very huge. There is a play being performed by young people, college-age. It is a mystery story of some kind. But we know that there is a part of the play where a miracle or miracles that are going to happen. I am sitting in a row of people. Some of them get up and I go to sit back next to the same person I was sitting next to, but it is too close for comfort, and he or she squirms disgustedly, so I move over. The actors are not on stage, but moving around the whole space, even in the audience.
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Posted by Vesper on August 12th, 2008 in August 2008, Dreams | 1 Comment »
From January 25, 2008
On a road trip, returning from IHOP. I look in my Lonely Planet guide and I’m near the Negev Desert in Israel. I decide to explore. The desert is on my left, “civilization” to my right. I go walking in the sand after parking my old light blue Datsun (yes, I said Datsun) and I see a stream bed. I’m thinking how cool it is to be where Jesus walked when I noticed the bed was bone dry, dust and sand. I keep walking and start to see all these rock outcroppings. (more…)
Posted by Vesper on August 12th, 2008 in August 2008, Dreams, Going Deeper | No Comments »
Amy Pursley wrote me recently about a dream she had involving Israel. It spurred me to share a series of dreams I had earlier this year (and I pray the Lord gives me more), also about Israel. From time to time, if the Lord gives me permission, I will post any dreams that he gives me that seem pertinent. I’d love if you share yours, and if you have an interpretation of any of these from the Lord (please, with prayer–not just “impressions”), leave them in the comments below. Love, Esther
A lot of these dreams have recurring themes: “Old” and “New” Jerusalem (with “Old” being ruined, but a place of refuge, where “New” is a façade, hiding a faceless evil–more akin to Babylon), an underground group, and me being there somewhat illegally. (more…)
Posted by Vesper on August 12th, 2008 in August 2008, Dreams, Going Deeper | 3 Comments »
I wanted to take a minute to write in light of this past Sunday’s worship time. I felt it from up there, and a few people confirmed it, that it was, let’s say, a difficult time for some of us. I felt it was important to acknowledge that, and try to shed some light on some things.
First and foremost, I *know* that worship went very long this week. Please forgive me; I take full responsibility for that. I know that we have a time line, and when I went into the nursery, the kids had it written all over their faces–they were spent! I took that as confirmation that it was just too long. And I apologize that it cut into the sermon time as well.
Secondly, I know that people have had trouble with times of more “improvised” music. It’s kind of like getting your school picture taken–”What do i do with my hands? Do I smile, or keep a straight face? Did my double chin show in that one?” (OK, that’s the end of the analogy.) People have expressed this feeling of discomfort not just with my leading, but with Ben’s too. Some chalk it up to a “looser” or more “artsy” personality. Believe me, I hear that concern. It is not at all my intention, nor Ben’s (I know I speak for him), to alienate anyone. I understand that some folks like to sing the song straight, and that some would like no form at all. I’d like to encourage you to think of those times as “Selahs”, like in the Psalms. A “Selah” is a musical interlude, and is meant to give space for reflection on the passage that was just sung. Sometimes this comes in the form of a word-less instrumental time, and sometimes there is a refrain that the worship leader thinks of, or is prophetically given, that takes a “snapshot” of what was sung.
Maybe this will help: You are not required to sing at those times. Take the time to sit, kneel, close your eyes, open your Bible, and just listen. You are under no obligation or pressure to “follow along”. Don’t worry. You’re not “lost”, and the worship leader is not trying to throw you a curve ball.
The third thing that was brought to my attention was the volume of new songs we have been learning. Again, I apologize; I know it is challenging. But again, there is no pressure to “achieve” anything in worship; if you flub a word or don’t get a melody right away, it’s OK. We have weeks and months to absorb songs into our vocabulary. It might help you to know that the lovely and talented Marya Mendelsohn has been tackling the streamlining of the worship book, or our repertoire. She told me today that she estimates we have five hundred songs. I’ll bet you didn’t know that! Who knew you could keep close to 500 songs in your brain?! But they’re there, and they were all new at one time. I assure you, I am trying to balance new and old. However, I felt (and could be wrong!) that since summer is a somewhat looser time at church, that it would be a better time to learn a couple of new ones so that come fall, there was a contingent of folks already familiar with them. Safety in numbers.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure everyone knew that there is a change underfoot at Lamb with worship; the team that has been leading these past weeks (with Ben and Scott gone) is going to be a permanent team, in rotation with the main worship team. Each team will have its own flavor. Nobody likes a ton of change, and I understand that and hear it. But nonetheless, I’m asking that you allow a measure of grace to us as we get our sea legs. There’s nothing over-spiritual about logistical errors–sometimes the team isn’t at their best, and this Sunday we all realized that. In fact, I am reminded a lot lately of the struggle that happened when Ben started leading worship. It wasn’t pretty. But we all love Ben’s leadership now, and we’re used to it (which is part of why it’s hard these past couple weeks for some). The best way that you can help us as a new worship team is to enter in as best as you can. And please, please please, ask tons of questions. We are one body made of many parts, and each must bring their offering to the table. We as a new team need the congregation. I really invite your dialogue about this; you won’t hurt my feelings (ok, please be nice about it, though!). I can take critique and in fact welcome it. I am no expert–I’m learning just as much as any other person, and so is the team. My deepest desire and aim is to love and know Jesus, and to make him known–whether that’s to strangers, or to my very dear brothers and sisters on Sunday mornings.
Posted by Vesper on August 4th, 2008 in August 2008, Going Deeper, Sharing Jesus, Welcome | No Comments »
