Dog Training: Lessons Learned from Othello

Dog Training: Lessons Learned from Othello

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

Our old doggie, Othello, departed from this life only a few days ago, but memories of him stay vivid as life goes on without him. We miss his quirky antics and his oh-so-sweet spirit.

We rescued him over ten years ago. He was bone thin, had been severely abused, and was fearful of everything and everyone. Gradually, though, he learned that supper was always available, no one was going to hurt him, and that he could relax. We even taught him how to growl and play.

He still had issues, though, like the continuing need to 'nurse' his security blanket, and he got unsettled when his routines were disrupted (like missing the daily walk). He 'ministered' out at ArtWalk with our dream team every month for seven years. He was sweet, gentle, and loved everyone. He especially liked to entice children to tug on his precious blanket or a rope toy to engage them in play.

His doggie legacy lives on. Othello's mottos for living life:

• When an 'enemy' enters into your territory and you don't know what to do, a good head-butt works

• Enjoy every single pillow that life presents--every soft spot and restful place needs to be fully appreciated

• Treat the tender little ones with the utmost care because they might get scared if you come on too strong

• Sometimes you just have to howl or sing a bit to let off a little steam

• Wag your tail when you eat so your mommy knows you appreciate the dinner she made

• Even the deepest wounds can be healed with a little time, love, hugs and kisses

• A warm bath and blanket snuggles are a great way to end the day

• Look cute and keep your people laughing. The more joy, the better

• Do your part in lawn care by weed whacking and watering the landscape

• Stay strong and keep on loving, even when you don't feel too good

• When you mess up, acknowledgment and humility go a long way toward cleaning things up

• Greet everyone you meet with a wag and hearty excitement. Then they know they are loved

I'm missing my old dog. But we have so many good memories of him and are grateful for our time with him. He regularly appeared in my dreams--usually representing friends or people that I am responsible for. I imagine he will still show up in my dreams--I look forward to seeing him there again sometime soon!

Rest in peace, Othello.

What are some things you have learned from your beloved pets?

Don't Miss Now

Don't Miss Now

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

Do you ever find yourself in a bubble of time where you regularly vacillate between analyzing your past and dreaming about your future? Perhaps you experienced wounds or failures that can threaten how you perceive your destiny potential if you don't 'clean house' and move into victory mode. Maybe today is painful and it would be easier to escape  into another time zone somehow.

Reflection is a super, necessary tool, as long as we don't allow ourselves to continually camp out in 'Analysis Paralysis'.

Dreaming BIG stretches us, sometimes so much that we can get frustrated if we are not walking into those hopes and visions NOW. It does take time to build those blueprints into concrete reality.

In the process of learning from our past experiences and moving into what's ahead though, often we forget to live in the Present. If our eyes are looking simultaneously in the rear view mirror and the windshield as we fast forward through life, we might fail to notice the person sitting next to us, what Spirit is revealing to our heart for the day, or some sweet memory-in-the-making. We only get to experience the gift of NOW once.

There are plenty of seasons of my life that I simply do not remember any more. Part of the reason, I think, is because I was so busy looking backward or forward, that I missed being fully aware and alive enough to remember those times as they were unfolding.

Let's make sure we don't neglect to be 'nowfully' present. Sit in the floor and play with your children while they are young, today, because one day soon they will grow up. Take time out from your hard work to enjoy THIS moment….it will keep you grounded and grateful so that you are primed for what is next.

A favorite song of mine by Downhere called Don't Miss Now :
(I've made it my ringtone)

The life you chose -
There's never a list for it
Of cons and pros
You find what you love, and you commit

And you're looking so far down
The road so well
That you could forget your crown
Isn't just somewhere else

 

And though the price you pay

Is costlier than it seems

It's worth another day

The end justifies your means

 

All that you're working for

Could blind you to the treasures all around you

So don't miss these moments, please

The joy before the crown you seek

 

Chorus: 

You get bumped and bruised and worse

For choosing the road less traveled

You know the reward is rich

If you persist through the darkest battles

Open your eyes, 

Your prize is right before you, somehow

Whatever you do, just don't miss now

  

5 Tips to Experiencing Breakthrough in 2012

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

It's New Year time again--time to reflect on 2011 and ponder the possibilities of 2012. I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I do spend time getting still and examining the past year, and seeking insight about the year to come.

2011 was a difficult year for many people--11 representing a time of 'transition'. Transition is necessary and usually beneficial, but it can also be chaotic.

My son and his wife just moved at Christmastime to their first home, a beautiful new 'nest', a wonderful change for them. But getting the paperwork done, arrangements made, the possessions boxed, transported, and unboxed, the new house and the old apartment cleaned appropriately took some major effort.

The number 12 (of 2012) can represent order, right government, authority, and a sigh of relief for those of us who prefer stability and peace instead of shaking and upheaval!

Let's cooperate with the natural shift in season. Push past the distractions, find a quiet afternoon, get still, and focus on some personal 'housecleaning' so that you are ready for 2012's adventures with gusto. I usually like to invite my most treasured friend, the Spirit of Truth, to guide me and give divine insight to this process.

1) Make a list of the negatives of 2011. What mistakes did you make? What did you learn from them? What can you do to avoid them in the future? Which projects or relationships in your life need a different perspective or approach? Is there anyone you need to forgive (possibly yourself)? Is there anything you need to release and not carry with you into the new year?

2) Make a list of the positives of 2011. What goals were you able to accomplish? What did you learn along the way? What worked well for you? In what areas did you experience breakthrough (emotional, educational, physical, business or work, financial, mental, spiritual)? Did you receive answers to prayer?  What are you grateful for?

3) Change. What would you like to accomplish in 2012? List the areas of your life that you would like to change, and list some steps--even tiny advances you can take under each one--to make them happen. What areas of your character need overhaul, tweaking, strengthening, or polishing?

4) Life-end goals. Write your obituary. What accomplishments and character traits do you want to be remembered by your loved ones, peers, acquaintances--and by the world? You are a unique individual, gifted with plenty of strengths, experiences, and precious treasures. No one else in the world is like you. What does the world need from you? What is something ONLY you can do (or BE) to make an impact on lives around you?

5) Listen to your dreams. Ask the Giver of dreams to release more nighttime love messages to you about your purpose and destiny. And, ask for the dream interpretations as well. Write them down and pay attention. If you kept a dream journal, go back to analyze 2011's dreams. You may begin to realize that you are being called to pull off feats way beyond your own abilities. Exploits that will require supernatural involvement to make them happen. Dream Big!

What is one simple step you can do TODAY to launch with power into 2012?

Post it here, if you like, and GO DO IT!

Happy New Year from Destiny Dreamz! 

Choosing the Easy Way or the Hard Way

Choosing the Easy Way or the Hard Way

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

Yesterday at the doctor's office,  the assistant queried me about the level of pain I felt during a procedure I was undergoing. When I expressed discomfort, she brought me this tiny tube of 'relief gel' that is designed to 'desensitize' me to pain. I mock-expressed dismay at the tiny tube and requested a vat-full of the miracle relief instead.

I experienced a few moments of satisfying comfort just imagining myself soaking in a big tub of the stuff whenever life got uncomfortable or painful.

Wouldn't that be nice?

It made me think of Staples' Easy Button campaign designed to convince customers to take the 'easy way' in getting their office needs met. How many times do we face difficult circumstances and wish we could press the Easy Button to take care of matters?

However, with most of our challenges, the only way OUT of them is to go THROUGH them. Life provides us with endless opportunities to grow, get stretched, and overcome. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, the saying goes. I think we would all agree that those painful seasons, though excruciating at times, always bring us to a new level of power and hardiness, especially if we cooperate. No pain, no gain.

Human nature almost always desires the easy way out. Not just in our difficulties, like experiencing sickness, financial troubles, or emotional devastation, but also in our learning and growing opportunities. If given a choice in learning something new, how often do we usually try to slide by with the least amount of effort and cost from us?

Our outlook plays an important role in how much we choose to resist or embrace our trials. Do we view them as a chance to tackle and conquer, trusting that we will become better people in the process, or do we see them as something to avoid and complain the whole way through about how much it hurts?

I'm not advocating the idea that we all become martyrs or always choose the painful route, possibly subtly letting people know how much we are 'suffering'. But there are times when we can benefit greatly by welcoming our problems, seeing them as Divine compliments, knowing an end WILL come, and realizing there is a purpose for us as we plug away. We can look back and see how the journey has transformed our thinking and our character--all for the better.

One of my favorite authors says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4 The Message)

I think if we choose to conquer life with a positive attitude, once in a while, we get to enjoy heaven-sent fellow journeymen who are willing lighten our load by sharing their Relief Gel with us.

Pay Attention!

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

Have you ever found yourself obviously divinely planted in just the right place at just the right time? A moment reveals an assignment that requires timely precision and action to step in and perhaps prevent a looming disaster?

A few days ago I was out walking my dogs and we approached an intersection. I had a 'sense' of something approaching, and I made my dogs sit and stay. Just ahead of me was a college girl talking on her phone. She stepped out into the street without looking. Time seemed to slow down like I was in warp speed, as out of the corner of my eye I spied the SUV heading straight toward her. I grabbed the girl's arm and yanked her clear out of the path of the speeding car.

My adrenaline spiked and I knew I had just be privileged to save her from extreme injury, if not death. I was shaky and wanted to hug this gal because I felt an instant bond with her.

Her response? She kept talking on her phone and kept walking. As if nothing happened. No acknowledgment, no eye contact, no "Thank you." Like having her life saved was not even a tiny blip on the screen of her consciousness.

I was stunned! I didn't need to be thanked, but wow, her ungratefulness and apathy took me by surprise. My first thought was that if she didn't learn to become more aware of her surroundings, she will keep walking in front of cars and eventually experience some sort of hit that could really take her out.

But then it hit me. Spirit said to me, "Merry, you are the same way. You don't see the dangers that are averted away from you every day. And you don't develop gratefulness for all those near-misses. You just keep on going and fail to learn because you are not paying attention."

My response: "Let me see some of them so I can change my outlook and attitude."

Let's just say that tuning in lately has shaken me, as I've personally experienced several narrowly-missed incidents that could have been tragic:

• Things like my garage door somehow left open while we are gone for the entire evening (in a robbery-prone neighborhood) and nothing is disturbed.  

• Falling into a hole on my nightly walk with no injury. (I tripped and fell like a feather)

• 'Almost' landing in a ditch on a bike ride but miraculously didn't, because 'someone or some thing' moved my front tire back on the path

• Pausing at an intersection in my car, then watching a truck run the red light--thus NOT plowing into me

• 'Happening' to be home when a fire erupts. A neighbor sees it and we put it out before our house catches fire

I'm not accident-prone, really!  These are everyday occurrences that I would  normally, quickly dismiss.  

But I have come to believe way more deeply that I'm divinely protected in so many incidents and ways--big and small--that I don't even notice. Or acknowledge. Or become grateful for. I'm realizing more how I am not really in control. But Someone is. And He has got my back. Even when I don't say, 'Thank you."

It all seems to add a little more joy to life, knowing that I can be bold and not walk in fear…or in ignorance either. I can entrust my life to Creator to a greater degree, and that makes my heart more thankful.

And if I learn to focus more intently and step aside more quickly, how many hard hits in life might I actually avoid altogether?

Have you experienced any near-misses lately? What could you learn from those events?
 

Engaging the Unseen--The Bigger Picture

Engaging the Unseen--The Bigger Picture

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

Lately I've been catching myself increasingly doing a lot of 'double takes' as I 'see' or sense something out of the corner of my eye that I didn't realize was actually there. A startling flash of dark or white light, a figure, a creature, a door, or even descriptive words hanging in thin air. When I look back, my eyes don't see anything, but flickered image remains, as well as a real sense of its continued presence.

Some people might call it old age, or say my eyes are playing tricks on me, or think that I need more sleep, or accuse me for having an overactive imagination.

But the fact is, for many years, I've been asking for eyes to see the unseen world--what is going on in the spiritual realm 'behind the scenes', so that I can know how to interact and cooperate with Divine assignments. I want God to use me to bring encouragement and hope into our world. I figure the more I can see what he is doing, the more I can step in with understanding and compassion.

I think many of us see this kind of stuff but we may be too quick to dismiss it for fear people would call us crazy or weird. Or we don't know what to do with what we detect.

One of my favorite stories in the ancient scriptures concerns a prophetic guy, Elisha. He was famous for his continual, accurate 'insider information' from God's heart that protected his leaders. So he was hated and hunted by his enemies.

One morning he discovered he was surrounded by 'impressive fighting forces' from the other side. Elisha's servant panicked and said, "Oh, master! What shall we do?"

Elisha calmly answered, "Don't worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." And he prayed for God to open the servant's eyes and let him see.

"The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder!   The whole mountain-side full of heavenly horses and chariots of fire were surrounding Elisha." (2 Kings 6). This turn of events led to a supernatural victory over the evil army because Elisha could clearly see the bigger picture. Appearances through the natural eye can be deceiving.

I believe we can live in greater confidence and faith if we become more aware of both the negative plots that are pitted against us, as well as the positive or angelic armies protecting us and working for us. Perhaps we would feel much less stress as well.  

If I see something extra, maybe I'm being invited to join in somehow. I want to live a fully engaged life and make a difference for Good.

So, regarding those imgage flashes, scary, strange, puzzling, and often inconvenient--I say, "Thank you, Creator!  BRING THEM ON! Open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, and give me the courage to respond." 

Picture:  Ron DiCianni "Chariots of Fire"

Striking the Sweet Spot in Dream Interpretation

Striking the Sweet Spot in Dream Interpretation

Submitted by Merry Bruton 

If you are a student of dream interpretation, you know how crucial it is to think metaphorically in order to interpret dreams accurately. You learn the process of determining the focus of a dream--who or what the dream is about, what are the major or most important symbols, the minor or less critical symbols, and of course their possible symbol meanings.

The more you practice, the better you get at knowing your colors, numbers, common themes, the sources of dreams, as well as summing up a dream's meaning along the way.

In essence, it becomes second nature to Simplify, Symbolize, and Summarize. But we can't forget the last step, the most important: Striking the Sweet Spot.

The sweet spot is not a bakery, but it is the point or area on a bat, club, or racket which makes the most effective contact with the ball when hit just right. If you master awareness of the sweet spot and learn how to 'use your equipment/equipping' correctly,  you will shoot  the ball directly where you are aiming, with ease.  

What is 'the sweet spot' in dream interpretation? It is discerning the 'WHY' of the dream. It is not only knowing the message of the dream, but understanding why the dream was released to the dreamer.

We need to understand the purpose of the dream (see the list of dream types). Is it awarning? An encouragement dream? A dream giving direction or highlighting a fear that needs to be addressed?

What is the Dreamgiver's heart and love message for the dreamer?

Without 'nailing' the sweet spot, our interpretations will fall flat and not connect deeply with the dreamer's spirit.

To become an excellent dream interpreter, take time to go deeper and listen for how to deliver the message with purposeful impact. Dream message + Sweet Spot + your love for the dreamer = power to transform lives, one dream at a time!