During a trip to speak to a women’s group, Tom and I incorporated into it a mini vacation to Branson Sight and Sound Theatre to see Jesus. The opening scene started at the Sea of Galilee and looked very much like what Tom and I saw when we ourselves stood on the Sea of Galilee.

Before leaving home, I began praying that the words I speak be words given me by the Holy Spirit. The night before we were to leave I was given a vision while I slept. I believe it was a vision was from God showing that He would honor my request. As I explain the events that unfolded over the course of the week, I’ll let you determine if He did.

In my vision, I saw a burger cooking on a griddle over an old cast-iron cook stove. While it was still cooking the griddle was pulled out from under the burger, as if by some invisible hand, and the burger flipped up and over onto the open flame. End of vision.

The event for which I was going to speak, the theme was Jesus, the Thread of Time. Jesus is the Ancient of Days. The antique cast-iron stove represented God, the Ancient of Days!

Scripture refers to the Word of God as solid food good  for the soul. I was going to deliver the Word of God. The burger represented the Word of God, solid meat.

My words would not fall flat (flat griddle), but that He (the arm of the Invisible God) would flip them so that they would be char-broiled (open flame) Words from the Spirit.

To fifty people at the Concordia Lutheran Church Women’s Ministry League dinner, I told His Story in a unique quilt. The comments I received was thanks for speaking of the Holy Spirit.

The next morning at our hotel, one of the workers was outside on his break while we were loading our luggage back into the truck.  The young man, who looked to still be in his twenties asked where we were from, and where we were heading. When I told him I am a speaker and was in town for an engagement the previous night, he asked what I speak about. I told him about this traveling ministry of  which he said, “Oh, man! God just keeps doing this to me!”

I learned Ryan is a believer. He and his friends get together every week to pray. He said he would be praying for the Immanuel Quilt Ministry. What Ryan meant by his comment is that God keeps putting people in his path who have ministries. God placed me there in his presence for the Spirit to iniate a conversation and affirm for Ryan that he is being called into ministry!

At the Sight and Sound theatre, an unexpected opportunity arose for me to talk about Jesus with my elbow neighbor seated next to me. The tall Texan and his wife while waiting on the show to begin, passed the time by looking at one of the postcards of the Immanuel Quilt and trying to figure out which Names of Jesus the blocks represent. Jesus was playing before the show began.

On Saturday I had a booth at a craft fair where to several folks I spoke about Jesus sharing tidbits of the Immanuel Quilt story. To a veteran, the Faithful and True tugged at his heart. To another, the border of the quilt spoke Jesus’ Name, Banner. To another the Name, Dwelling Place resonated great reverance for the Lord. One after another, the Spirit was speaking to individuals through the Immanuel Quilt.

It seemed everywhere I went last week I was seeing the hand of God at work.

As uplifting as it was to witness all these encounters, what brought me the most joy was meeting two girls who separately came to the craft fair.

The first was a fourteen-year-old who showed maturity beyond her years in her walk with the Lord. She just kept coming back to the booth to hear more of the Immanuel Quilt story. In the end, she purchased a book for her brother telling me that she knew it would help him draw closer to Jesus. She already hears God speaking to her, and he is telling her she will have–a ministry!

The other girl was around five or six years old. I had Grandma Puppet with me and when I saw her approaching, I put the puppet on my arm. As she got closer to me Grandma Puppet spoke to her and said, “Hi! What’s your name?”  The bright-eyed girl engaged in a conversation with the puppet. Grandma Puppet sang Jesus Loves Me for her.  The girl shouted, “Sing it again!” I asked the girl to sing along with the puppet, but she said she didn’t know the song. So, using my raw ventriloquism talents I started another round of Jesus Loves Me, and to the girl’s surprise and mine, her mother and grandmother joined the puppet in singing the song! With much delight the girl one more time said,  “Sing it again!”

Though I no longer blog the journey, I couldn’t wait to tell you << Test First Name >> about all these encounters of God at work. There is hope for the future! There are people hungry for the Lord and a young generation who is excited to sing His praises!

Thank God for char-broiled burgers!

The maned wolf, as it is called, is more often described as looking part wolf, part fox. It however is not wolf, fox, or hyena. It is a wolf in name only, the only kind of its species. Unlike a common wolf who travels in packs across different regions in the world, the maned wolf is a loner from Argentina and Brazil. Sharing this information on my Facebook page, I asked, “Now why did I receive a vision of this animal?”

One friend commented “The interpretation belongs to the Lord! Pray into it! God knows and he showed YOU for a reason!”

My cousin said, “Because your name is Wolf and you are from Brazil, it’s a reminder that you don’t need a pack, you can do what you need to do and spread your message all on your own! You are unique and rare, but oh so important.”
I loved my cousin’s interpretation, and I valued the advice of my friend, so I have been praying and pondering on this dream for a few weeks now, and yes, I believe we are all–part wolf.

Some cultures and religions hold onto to a belief that humans have a spirit animal that helps to guide and protect them. They believe a person holds a likeness to the characteristic traits of their spirit animal. This is a pagan belief system placing trust in the spirit of the world, not in the Spirit of God. This doesn’t, however, mean that God doesn’t use animals to teach us things.

The Book of Job tells us to ask the beasts, and they will teach us. (Job 12:7) Every creature has something to teach us if we are open and willing to learn from them. Take the ant. The ant teaches us to be diligent and hardworking, not lazy. (Proverbs 6:6) We can gain wisdom by considering the ways and characteristics of any creature made by God. God called all He created, good.

It is bothersome, for me, to accept that my name is associated with the ruler of darkness. In the Bible the wolf is portrayed as the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:1-12) Therefore, it is pleasing to learn that like the maned wolf, I am a wolf in name only. I am a wolf of a different breed.

The maned wolf is known for having keen eyesight and being excellent hearers. It is my hope and desire to have keen eyesight to see the works of the Lord and to hear His Voice.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Psalm 66:5

Coupling this revelation with the known traits of a common wolf, I am proud to say I am part wolf.

The common wolf leads and protects his pack. He shows no fear. Respects elders. Teaches the young. Survives each day. Hunts and defeats his enemies. Howls to a new tomorrow. Explores the unknown. Adapts to new environments. Demonstrates no weakness. Never backs down. A wolf leaves his mark!

​When our youngest son and his wife married they purchased t-shirts for the entire wedding party that say, Part Wolf. After pondering on this vision I have come to the conclusion we are all part wolf.

You have the characteristics and strengths of a wolf. You are unique, a one-of-a-kind, set apart for the glory of God. You have been given ears to hear His Voice, and eyes to see His wonders!

Still, knowing we have an enemy, a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing, it would be wise to heed the words of this old ancient tale.

THE TALE OF TWO WOLVES
One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.

One is EVIL. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guild, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is GOOD. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.”

 

Still in bed, only partially awake, a name dropped into my thoughts. Raggedy Ann.

I didn’t know why the beloved ragdoll’s name came to mind, but I was certain on who placed it there. I heard a voice say, “She is still around, but people have forgotten her story.”

What story of Raggedy Ann have we forgotten?

I got out of bed and began researching her history. Raggedy Ann was created in 1915 by writer and political cartoonist, Johnny Gruelle. Gruelle’s daughter, Marcella, found a faceless rag doll in her grandmother’s attic. Gruelle drew a face on the doll, named the doll after two poems written by James Whitcomb Riley; The Raggedy Man and Little Orphant Annie, and that was the beginning of Raggedy Ann. Source: Wikipedia.

The same month a patent was approved for the red-headed doll, Gruelle’s daughter died. After receiving a smallpox vaccine at school, administered by a school nurse, without consent of parents, Marcella died. Is this the forgotten story that is still around today? Similar reports have been made about the Covid vaccine. Sample One. Sample Two. Sample Three.

Digging deeper into Raggedy Ann’s past, I found some disturbing information.

In 1953, the Boston Evening American Newspaper published an article about a man named Douglas P Adams. Adams used a carving knife to kill both his wife and daughter. It was reported, the girl’s body was sprawled on the floor, and at her feet was a mystery novel, and sitting in the chair overlooking her slain body, was a life-size Raggedy Ann doll. Creepy details to be noted in a police report.

I also discovered that the creepy Annabelle doll that is featured in so many horror films, she was birthed from news reports of a Raggedy Ann doll said to be processed by a deceased seven-year-old named Annabelle Higgins. Later, a supposed well known paranormal expert determined said doll was not possessed by an Annabelle spirit, but that of a demon spirit.

No matter how you look at it, the sweet little rag doll loved by so many through the years; has something sinister and evil attached to her name. It is not supposed to be this way. Raggedy Ann was created to be loved and to share the message of love. After all, branded on her heart is the message, “I Love You.”

I believe God placed Raggedy Ann in my thoughts to wake me (us) up to this truth: As the force of evil wormed its way into an old rag doll, it is actively working to worm its way into the minds of our children.

We’ve always known that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We know he preys on the weak and vulnerable, but now, he is becoming more aggressive. Schools have third graders reading murder mysteries, movie creators are making more twisted films, and children are confused about their identity. These are just a few of Satan’s plans to kill, steal, and destroy the young. We have much to be righteously angered over today.

Today’s culture wants a woke society. God wants an awakened society.

God wants us to wake up and become aware of what is happening around us. There are forces of evil that wants to strip us of every good gift God has given us–our children, our freedom, and the knowledge of God’s saving grace. The Bible says, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.” —Revelation 3:2

May we wake up to the sinister strategies of Satan and finish the race God has set before for us. Let’s save the children.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” –2 Corinthians 10:4

Remember, that upon your heart, like that of Raggedy Ann’s, you have been branded with a message from God that says: I LOVE YOU!

I had the most wonderful dream last night. Around 1:00 am I woke, and no longer feeling sleepy, I got up out of bed and began praying. After praying, I spent a good deal of time reading God’s Word, and then when I did return to bed, I asked God to give me a dream. He did.

In the dream, Tom and I were at what seemed like his mother’s home. Both the house we were at and his mother’s home sit close to the road. I invited my friend over to talk. Within the short time it took her to arrive, many other people had come to the house too. It was as if a surprise party had been planned, one that I knew nothing of. With no way of being able to have a private conversation my friend in the crowded and noisy house, we decided to join the party.

Many of those present were folks I recognized, but there were some I didn’t know. There was a mixture of long-time believers, new believers, and non-believers. There was someone from Nigeria present and there was even a baby at the party. One young woman, whom I did not recognize, brought a black and white ceramic skull with her and set it on a shelf.

Supernatural things began happening all through the house, the first being, the teeth on the ceramic skull started chattering. Everyone saw and stood in awe and fear, including the girl who had brought the head.

Other signs and wonders were happening in the house. Whether we turned to the right or the left, there was something supernatural taking place for us to see. The people witnessing these happenings called their friends to come and see what was going on. My friend called her daughter to come.

When her daughter arrived, she created a stage for the puppets I’ve been building and the  puppets began super-naturally performing. No one was controlling their movements or speech. Everyone was amazed.

We heard a voice say, “Come with Me.”  I recognized the Voice as the Holy Spirit. We all followed and was led to a snowy area with, what I can only inadequately describe as, a bobsled train. It was a transport vehicle with no wheels or a track but, shaped like a bobsled with a smooth bottom and open top. The bobsled units were linked together as train cars, with each one having seating for two, one seat directly behind the other. We hopped on the bobsled/train, with crowds still waiting to board.

The train-like vessel took us on an upward climb, up a snowy mountain, ascending us into what appeared to be another realm.
We got off the bobsled type train and entered a structure with intricate beautiful detail. I sensed that I was the caretaker of this wonderful place, and that by word of mouth, people were coming from all over to see it..

Somewhere in this dream, though not sure at what point, I saw that the baby at the party had removed his dirty diaper. No one could find where the dirty diaper had been placed.

God does speak in dreams. He uses symbols that we understand to get points across to us. Though I have never claimed to be a prophetic dreamer, after unpacking what I believe the symbolisms represent in this dream, I hope this dream does come to pass.

Unpacking the dream.

Surprise Party – Synonym for surprise revelation.

House close to the road – Jesus is the road to our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 We are to remain close to Jesus.

Party Goers – Long-time believers, new believers, non-believers, a Satan worshipper, and a baby. The invitation to celebration Jesus is given to everyone.

The Surprise – The Glory of the Lord showed up performing signs and wonders, and all were in fear and awe, including the Satan worshipper.

Result – When the Glory of the Lord is revealed, people see Jesus.

The Puppets – Though I am making puppets to incorporate into the Immanuel Quilt Ministry, I feel like here, there could be a deeper meaning. How many times in the last several months have we heard the news media talking about the puppet show going on in government, that there is someone behind the scenes pulling the puppets strings. In my dream, the puppets supernaturally came alive. Could it be that God is going to supernaturally cut the strings of evil puppeteers controlling speech and behavior? Could it be that people will watch in shock and awe and turn to the Lord?

The Voice – The Voice of the Holy Spirit said, “Come with Me.” Jesus has been saying the same for many years.

Train-like bobsled – It took us on an upward climb, up a snowy mountain, into another realm. Bobsleds don’t go up, they go down. We were supernaturally transported to a higher place.

Snow – In the Bible snow is considered a symbol of cleansing. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

The ornate structure in the Heavenly realm – the Dwelling Place of God. Why would I have sensed that I was the overseer of the structure? Because, God dwells not just – in Heaven, but in the hearts of believers. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Every believer has the responsibility to take care of the Temple of God within us. How?  By confessing our sins. (John 1:19)

Removal of baby’s dirty diaper.  Psalm 103:11-12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Dirty Diaper – Sin

Snow – God takes away our and makes as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)

Diaper Can’t be Found – When our sins our washed away by the blood of Christ, He remembers them no more. (Hebrews 10:17)

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD…Arise, shine for your Light has come and the Glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Habakkuk 2:24, Isaiah 60:1)