This is a lovely dream I had of my daughter-in-law, Emma. When I awoke, my heart was smiling as I saw how God was smiling down from heaven over Emma. It was a dream that was too beautiful to keep to myself.

Most often I discover that God uses me in the simplest and most ordinary ways. In my excitement, I sent a quick email and brief interpretation to Emma. God is continuing to teach me when I hear his voice to stop questioning whether or not I’m supposed to share it or not. If it’s a pleasant word and one that is pleasing to the heart of the one who receives it, why hold back? Don’t! I Thessalonians 5:11

I pray that you are encouraged by her willingness to be open and honest with how this dream reaffirmed what God had already been teaching her.

April 9, 2017 email to Emma:

Good morning. I had a dream about you this morning. It's short, but it's a beautiful scene of who you are and that you are loved by God.

I was with a group of women and they were commenting on Emma’s long, silky, black hair. They wanted to know what her secret was for healthy, shiny hair. I told the group when she is done washing her hair, she runs salt through it, but she doesn’t rinse it out.

End of dream

Email with brief interpretation:

I Corinthians 11:15 "And isn’t long hair a woman’s pride and joy? For it has been given to her as a covering." 

(YOU ARE COVERED AND PROTECTED BY GOD.)

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." 

(YOU ADD VALUE TO THOSE AROUND YOU. WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD IS PRESERVED, IT LAST. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE HOW GOD USES YOUR LIGHT TO SHINE HIS GLORY AND YOUR INFLUENCE FOR HIM.)

I Thessalonians 2:19 "After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy."

Emma’s response and how God spoke to her personally through this dream:

Good morning, You have no idea how much this encouraged me. For the past year, I've been trying to work on feeling loved and valued for WHO I am, not what I do. It's easy for me to get busy doing ministry and BEING helpful. I never thought that I could be valued or loved by God by just BEING who I am, without serving or helping in some way. The same was true in my relationships. I felt like I should always be bringing coffees or serving people all the time. I didn't trust that they would just enjoy me or value me if I was just their friend. Does that make sense? So when you said, 'You add value to those around you,' that is something that I really needed to hear. THANK YOU!

I think it’s imperative that we don’t underestimate the incredible power a simple word of encouragement can be to someone. The encouragement I have received from friends has made a difference on how I see my worth in Christ. The reassurance from loved ones increases my faith and confidence to keep doing the work God has called me to.

Don’t hold back. Speak gently and lovingly and when you do, I suggest you provide scripture to reveal God’s faithful promises.

Colossians 4:5-6 is a message for all:

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

When we carry the flavors of heaven, people see something different. It doesn’t take long for them to discover it’s not in something, but in someone, Jesus Christ. 

Ponder God's Promises:

God told the Israelites to prepare the altar of incense by gathering pure and fragrant spices, including salt to produce a pure and holy incense. Exodus 30:35 “The incense was to be left burning continually throughout the day and night as a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (The Tabernacle Place: Altar of Incense). Salt preserves food, enhances flavor, and adds value.

Are you a pleasing fragrance of God? The aroma of Christ should be noticeable by those we come in contact with. People recognize if our beauty comes from being clothed in righteousness or if we carry the stench of a superficial knowledge and life in God.

“How pleasing is your fragrance; your name is like the spreading fragrance of scented oils. No wonder all the young women love you!” Song of Solomon 1:3

Do you exhibit the glow of heaven? Jesus told us in Matthew 5 that when we are the salt of the earth it’s for the purpose “so that everyone will praise our heavenly Father.” We will shine for Jesus when we are rooted in righteousness.

“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” Proverbs 4:18-19

When we are honest with ourselves and allow God to search our hearts, he pours over us like a gentle breeze; refreshing and renewing our hearts, mind, body, and soul.