Daniel Needed (a revisit)

Just in case you don't follow this blog: I recently asked my readers for some help interpreting a recent dream I had.
My friend Jon McClarnon (J-Mac), who has planted True North Church in Apex, NC (near Raleigh), offered these thoughts:

T-Rev, this is truly fascinating. I rarely remember dreams myself, so when I do, I pay special attention to them.
I think this one is clear. There are 2 obvious gleanings:
1. The 1/2 assed version of yourself today is much better than the full on version of yourself 8 years ago.
2. The trip is irrelevant. It only means that if "she" had won rather than you, the prize would have been the girl. But since you won - she could only see it as having lost. She would never have ended up with you because of the male tendency to always have to be right. Thus, you got Thailand.

My roommate Chris, offered these thoughts:

I don't think this as confusing as you want to make it.
There's a contest, and there's a girl. There was at least one girl you wrote letters to. The girl in the dream may or may not be this girl, but in general, it represents "the one that got away." The contest being back at Ozark shows a deep internal desire to relive those days, in hopes that those relationships might come out differently.

I replied to Jon with this email:

That's very insightful. I would never had seen that.
The question now is what is this dream telling me. Is it a call for behavior or thought change? Or is this just my dreams mocking me about the one that got away? Why would my subconscious want to inform me that I'm a better man today than 8 years ago? And should I still go to Thailand?

I decided later that it should have read, "Why would my subconscious and/or God want to inform me...", because I do believe that God can speak to use via our dreams. Even though I haven't had those clear experiences in my life yet.

Jon then replied:

that's about all I got...try consulting a "what do my dreams mean" website - might be interesting.
It's a good sign for you to say that you've come a long ways in the last 8 years - you're twice the man you used to be. Was there a hot girl at Ozark who ended up in Thailand?

To which I responded with:

I'll google some dream sites today and see what I find.
Not sure of anyone that ended up in Thailand. I know I passed on a trip to Thailand my first summer at East Tulsa. I wasn't sure how to ask for a month off, and didn't know how I was going to manage the next years tuition if I didn't have a job.
Oh wait. Kara Kunkel (now married, so Kara Somethingelse) went on that trip. I was head over heals for her.
But then again why would God or my subconscious bring that up?
On to the googling.

Now there were plenty of other hot girls at Ozark who could be in the dream girl (ha ha), but Kara was the only one with ties to Thialand.

Well my googling turned up a website called Dream Moods (it was the first one, and I didn't really look at any others...yet). Here is some of what it had to share with me:

Competition
To dream that you are in a competition, represents your need to grow and expand. Learn the value of endurance and perseverance. Also be more assertive.

To dream that you win a competition, suggests that you possess the necessary skills to accomplish a goal or solve a problem in your waking life.

Crush
To dream about a former crush, refers to that particular period in your life and what you were feeling. The former crush represents a point in time when you first had the crush on that person.

College
To dream that you are in college, indicates that you are going through some social or cultural changes. You may be wanting to expand your knowledge and awareness. It also suggest that now is a good time for you to experiment and try new things. If you had gone to college in your past, then also consider your personal experiences and memories of your college days. However, if you are currently in college, then it may be a reflection of your current surroundings. It may also represent stress.

Paris
To dream that you are in Paris, symbolizes your need for romance and passion. It also suggests that you are a person of distinction. You own personal experiences and knowledge of Paris will supercede the suggested interpretation here.

Asia

To dream that you are in Asia, suggests that you need to adjust to some situation. If you are traveling to Asia or thinking about visiting Asia, then your dream may indicate your anticipation of such a trip.

Writing
To dream that you are writing, signifies some sort of communication with someone or with your conscious mind. It also denotes a mistake that you have made.

Eight
Eight stands for power of authority, success, karma, material gains, regeneration, and wealth. When the number eight appears in your dream, trust your instincts and intuition.

Emotionless
To dream that you are emotionless, suggests that you are closing yourself off from those around you. You may be neglecting your own feelings and should start paying more attention to them.

Emotions
Emotions expressed in dreams is a way for people to act out their feelings which they would not normally express if they were awake. This provides a "safe" outlet for these emotions instead of letting them be pent up.

Guilt
To dream that you feel guilty about something, relates to how you are handling your successes and failures or competence and incompetence. You may feel undeserving of your achievements or on the other hand, you may feel that you have let other down. Alternatively, it is also symbolic of repressed and negative feelings that you may have about yourself.

Lazy

To dream that you are feeling lazy, signifies that you will make a terrible error in a business deal resulting in bitter disappointments.

Friend

To see your friends in your dream, signifies aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to integrate these rejected part of yourself. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Additionally, this symbol foretells of happy tidings from them and the arrival of good news.

Woman
To see a woman in your dream, represents nurturance, passivity, caring nature, and love. It refers to your own female aspects or may also represent your mother. Alternatively, it may indicate temptation and guilt. If you know the woman, then it may symbolize the concerns and feelings you have about her.

Win

To dream that you win at something, signifies triumph and success. You have much confidence and belief in yourself. All your self-doubts have subsided.

Victory
To dream of victory over something, suggests that you are in need of some motivation or confidence in your abilities. Sometimes you need to imagine or visualize success before actually achieving it.

Um...I don't think I have gained anymore insights beyond what J-Mac shared. Some of Dream Moods insights seem to conflict.
Oh well.
But I suppose I should look into plane tickets to Thailand.
Does anyone have any contacts in Thailand?

Spliting Potter

They are turning the final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, into two movies. 

I guess I’m fine with that; I’m just disappointed that they didn’t do it earlier with some of the other films.  They sacrificed a lot of elements that, after reading the final book, seemed more significant to me.

Also I’m worried that we are going to get two movies about 80 minutes each with an awkward break in between. 

 

Oh well.  It would be really hard to mess this stories up, so I think it will still be awesome!

quote

“Love is evil spelled backwards to a dude that doesn’t know how to spell.”
- Creed, from The Office

This made me laugh today. - TSH

Fact?

Pickles curb your appetite.  

 

Can anyone confirm this? 

 

Awesome Photo

Sorry J-Mac. It had to be shown. UNC owns Duke.

New Goal

I start practicing now. If this doesn't send me into the upper echelon of cool people I don't know what will.

http://view.break.com/467437 - Watch more free videos

Caption Needed

Quote

THANKS

Daniel Needed

Saturday night/Sunday morning I was somehow able to remember my dream.  Usually I have dreams, but rarely do I wake up actually having remembered the dream.

But when the alarm when of Sunday morning I had a clear recollection.  Maybe God wants to speak to me.  The problem is I have no clue what the dream means or if meant anything.

So if you think you have some Daniel-like or Joseph-like skills please offer up your interpretation.

If you don’t have such skills, give it a try anyways.  Who knows maybe our Bible heroes were just spit-firing and God was somehow in between the spit and the fire.

 

My Dream:

It didn’t feel like today, rather it felt about 8 years ago during my time at OCC, but I was the me of today.  There was a writing competition that everyone was abuzz about on the campus.  Reluctantly I entered an article that I wrote half heartedly.  I don’t know if the competition had certain parameters and I don’t know what I wrote.  I do know that it felt like the writing had a lackadaisical tone to it that matched my ambivalence to the project.  As it turns out the competition whittled down to my paper and a dear friend of mine.  I can’t recognize the friend, but it is definitely a she.  I feel like not only is she someone I have a real friendship with, but I was also very much attracted to her (which could a number of girls, but I have a couple of ideas who she is - - I’ll save those thoughts until after some of your interpretations).  In the end I narrowly win the competition. 

The prize is a trip to Paris, France or Thailand.   I’ve been to Paris on a couple of occasions so it only tempts my interests a little.  I decide on Thailand.  I have no clue why either trip is offered or what I would be doing at each.

 

There you go.  What does it mean?

Trendy Vocab

Okay, so I’m catching up on some e-mails.

And last Friday’s Trendcentral Newsletter supplied my life with some new vocab.

 

“Perma-lance.”

 

Read their article below to read about this new trend.

 

THE NEW OFFICE SPACE

Whereas in the past freelancing has been more of a last resort financial necessity in between permanent employment gigs, an increasing number of Gen Ys are choosing to permanently freelance (perma-lance). This is a group that values and prioritizes freedom, flexibility, and the ability to experience new things. For many Gen Ys, traditional ideas of employment just don't register and they'd rather make ends meet on their own terms. The perma-lance mindset extends from urban dwelling members of the Creative Class (who rely on their creativity and resourcefulness to create custom jobs, turning their hobbies into "jobbies") to those living in suburban areas who give up stability in lieu of multiple temp positions—not for the love of the job, but to avoid getting tied down.

As such, we are seeing a growing number of co-working spaces emerge across the country, including The Hive in Denver, CubeSpace in Portland, The Hat Factory and Citizen Space in San Francisco, and the just-opened BLANKSPACES* in Los Angeles. These co-working environments allow free agents to seek out a sense of community, networking opportunities and a more professional environment than their local coffee shops. So, if you currently work from home, consider trading in working in your pajamas for live human interaction.

 

I think this is a cool new concept.

Any opinions?

Rewrite

When I find my hope waning I usually read my favorite book of scripture, The Revelation of John.  Working through some passages I’ve memorized stokes the flame that was flickering out and gives me enough light to confront the dark. 

 

(NIV – Rev 2:10-11)

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”  - Jesus to the church in Philadelphia

 

My Rewrite:

Trust me; I’m going to make this worth your while.  Plus, since you’ve been so loyal to me, I serve as your wingman.  Hang tight, just when you think things get too hot to handle, and they will (they do for everyone), know this, “Rescue is coming!” 

Trends

I receive daily e-mails called the Trendcentral Newsletter.  You can (and should) sign up for them at trendcentral.com.  Basically the title tells what it does, keeps you current on current trends.  Some days it suggests new and trendy restaurants, cafes, spas, hotels, etc.  And other days it highlights current youth marketing trends (great youth ministry resources).  The e-mails are quick to read or easy to dismiss (not everyday is interesting).

 

So today they sent this article.

 

TECHNOLOGY TAKES THE WHEEL

When you take the consumer obsession with technology and put it inside an automobile, you have a potential recipe for danger. Fortunately, new, high tech in-car features—including reading text messages, controlling MP3 players and accessing the Internet—are safely offering drivers entertainment and useful information for an enhanced driving experience.

Recently, we've been hearing major buzz about Ford's SYNC technology package (developed with Microsoft). SYNC recognizes voice commands, enabling drivers (and passengers!) hands-free control over Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players: shout "Play artist M.I.A." for some serious tunes, yell "Call Mom" for a heart to heart, and hit the phone button on your steering wheel to have incoming texts read aloud. New additions to the SYNC technology package will include fee-free 911 Assist, which connects drivers through their mobile phones directly to 911 if an airbag is deployed, and SIRIUS Travel Link, which provides access (through the car's GPS system) to info such as the closest gas station (or the station with the lowest price), game schedules and current scores, weather forecasts and up-to-the-minute traffic reports. These additions will be available in a number of 2009 Ford and Mercury Models.

With an increasing traffic problem, and a growing number of long-distance job commuters, the demand for full tech connectivity in cars will only grow and we expect these new perks will become expectations among drivers.

 

What do you think?  Are we trying to hard to hard to integrate technology into an activity that already has enough distractions and difficulties (San Antonio has the worst drivers)?  Or is this new technology just too super cool to pass up?

 

I think Sulu had an easier time maneuvering the Star Ship Enterprise than today’s current vehicles.

 

Best Hockey Fight EVER!

Thanks

Wee Fighting

I've seen this on a few sites and decided I should get a count too.

24

I say bring it on #25.

Virtual Barber Shop

Listen with earphones.

Brilliant

Simple systemic solution.


Play Pump International

If I'm doing my math right, and if I found the right numbers. A single pump system cost in the neighborhood of $15,000.
$15,000 for revolutionary answers to numerous societal issues.

Simply brilliant.

Update

FYI
Just a quick update on my New Year's Resolutions.

#1 Dr. Pepper Fast
Doing great. While I've substituted my cola beverages for tea and vitamin water, I'm still making progress towards just pure H2O. I haven't slipped up once, despite the Deuce's attempts tempt with with such beverages.

#2 Memorize Colossians
Still working. Can't check this off yet.

#3 Read 40 books
Doing well. I'll give a separate update on this in a week or two once I've finished a couple more books.

#4 Map out TV show idea and make a TV contact
I did meet someone in the TV business, and while it may not be my way in, it should help provide future networking opportunities. Still to finish mapping out characters.

#5 See doctor and get asthma under control
Not yet. However I did see an ophthalmologist and got a new prescription for my glasses, purchased new glasses as well as got contacts for the first time in my 29 years.

#6 Organize and Minimize Closet
Check
This one also included me purchasing my first suit ever. I'm not really a suit guy and have avoided purchasing one. However as the big 3-Oh looms over me this year, I've decided that growing up and moving on must me part of my M-O.
So tonight I premiere my pimp suit - - ladies.

So there you go. I'm making progress and haven't bailed on any yet. Not bad for my first real resolutions ever.

Wedding

So I thought I'd let everyone know that in T-minus 4 hours I will be at my sister's, Chelsy, wedding.
Last night at the rehearsal she and Mickey (Micheal her real soon to be husband) showed a slide show to the Bebo Norman song "A Page Is Turned". I'll post it along with some possible photos in the near future.

-tsh-

Immature?

Yes, but so what? It's funny.
Click HERE for Great Movies About Farting.
Here's one to tie you over until you visit the site.

difficult post (part 2)

[I've been intentionally avoiding comments from my past difficult post, but I will get to them soon. I've been thinking that I need to post some more honest, unscripted thoughts in order to bring another level of authenticity to this thing. Hence the difficult part of the posts. Maybe through them we can find ourselves reaching greater depths of connectivity. - - Here's a post I wrote soon after the last. Sorry I didn't have Internet access for a few days, so this is a little late.]

Why is my hope so fragile? Why does the small conflict send me into a tailspin? Careening towards earth, unable to eject. The least amount of pressure reveals my flaws and exposes my weakness until my facade beings to crack.

How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
- Psalm 13

Has my faith grown at all? Or have I just been struggling against greater trails and temptations? Why has time and experience turned my child-like faith into a mature mess? I find myself looking back and agreeing with Nicodemus when he asked Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old?" When will the transformational change begin to occur in my life? When will life give me greater perspective and less detours?

As I'm typing this David Crowder is singing on my computer,

And there's nothing wrong with you
And nothing left to do
But believe something bigger
And there's nothing wrong with love
I know it's just enough to believe

Don't give up now
A break in the clouds
We will be found
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming now

I can't wait. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.