"Sweet Sea Dreams"...

Last night, I woke out of a deep sleep from a dream.  I was calmly called by name, "Kristal?"  It still amazes me that after all these years, hearing my full name still causes anxiety.  For some of us, hearing our full name usually means we are about to get in trouble (although I was never in trouble-ha!) or someone is trying to get our attention or we are being ridiculed.  But now at mid-life, I must say...I am finally beginning to like my name.  I like hearing my full name.

I am reminded again of these words from Isaiah 43:  1-4 (MSG):                                                            
                                                                                 But now, God’s Message,

    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
    the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
    all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
    That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
    trade the creation just for you.