A Dream Come True

By Ruth Nimmo

God Gave the Dreams to Guide the Way

God wants to direct each of our lives. He works in different ways with different individuals. In A Dream Come True, He chose to guide Rebecca through dreams. He gave her warnings that there would be trials and difficult times but that He would always be there to see her through.This book will help you e

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640889866

Book preview

Foreword

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God has called each and every one of us to a specific purpose that only He can direct. When I was a child, I saw my grandmother’s purpose through how she praised her grandchildren for their creativity, allowed us to help her make supper for the family or watch the many skits we put on. She catered to our picky eating habits and would eat the crust from our sandwiches while we played in the backyard. Grandma never said no to friends coming to visit or the grandkids spending the night. We were—and still are—very spoiled by her.

She makes sure every person that enters her presence has a warm meal and feels as home as possible. Time and time again I see her witness to the waitress at a restaurant, tell her testimony to her neighbor, or ask the FedEx man if he knows Jesus. Every opportunity she has, she is spreading the love and hope of Jesus Christ. Even as disagreement or conflict may come her way, she remains sure to speak life and hope to all. God has made her purpose to be an encourager, a light of Christ’s love. She is a safe place for all who enter her life because of her kind and understanding heart. My grandma is the person I go to when I have a problem because her words of wisdom always seem to shine a new light to any issue I have.

Ruth Nimmo is a talented writer of music, poems, and novels. She is a loving and involved grandmother, a caring and compassionate friend, a face of hope to those who need it, and a determined witness to the Word of God. She is my best friend who I thank God for daily.

Liberty Dobbs,

Granddaughter

Introduction

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Rebecca and Sam Davis were a typical, average Christian couple living in Oklahoma. Sam worked with major oil companies acquiring leases for drilling. He also sold insurance on the side. He was an extremely hard worker, putting in long hours, and, although he loved his work, he did work under a lot of stress. Rebecca called him a workaholic.

Rebecca had once worked in his office and kept things running smoothly, but had retired from that position to stay home and focus on her family and church. Sam had hired two ladies to take her place.

Rebecca and Sam had four children and nine grandchildren who were the light of their lives. Some of them were at the Davis home most of the time.

They had a beautiful five-bedroom home on two acres with many trees and flowers. One of Rebecca’s many hobbies was working in her flowers.

They were in the process of getting ready for Christmas, which was a big event at the Davis household. The birth of the Savior had always been honored in this family. All of the family had accepted Jesus as their Savior except the youngest two, Lacey and Matt, but everyone was sure it would happen when they were a little older. They had been taught about Jesus all their lives.

Rebecca had begun to experience disturbing dreams. Why did they keep intruding and coming back night after night? They had become so upsetting to the point they had begun to change her demeanor and disrupt her life. She began to pray and ask God to take them away.

Hopefully you will see how God worked in the lives of this family. He works in ways that amaze us every day, and He wants to work in yours. He changes lives every day. Every life can be His workshop. It is my desire that through this book, you will be drawn closer to the Lord.

A Dream Come True

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Rebecca had worked all day getting her house prepared for the celebration she had looked forward to all year, Christmas Eve. She sat down in her recliner with a cup of hot chocolate; looking around at the room, she was quite pleased at their accomplishment. She and her granddaughter had been decorating all day and getting the last of the baking done. She couldn’t believe it was tomorrow night. Where had the time gone? She still had some last-minute details she would take care of tomorrow. On Christmas Eve, all the family always came to their home for the celebration of Christ’s birth. The family gathering was very special. It was a treasured family tradition. She had been shopping and baking for weeks and decorating inside and out. She was finally ready. She had placed pine branches around the house in strategic places. Even thought she would never have a real tree again, she liked the smell of pine. She had started a fire in the fireplace. She listened to the crackling fire as little sparks drifted up the chimney. Sipping her piping hot chocolate, and smelling the pine, she was thinking, how could life get any sweeter than this?

Sam pretty much let her take care of all the preparations. He stayed very busy with his business. He did, however, enjoy all the festivities. He was one who could, when he stopped, put the business completely out of his mind. They had a light dinner that night. Sam was easy to please, so whatever she prepared, he would tell her was exactly what he wanted.

She realized she was very tired and decided to go to bed even though it was early…well, early for her…ten thirty

She thought she would fall right to sleep, but that didn’t happen. She tossed and turned and got up a couple times getting a glass of water and checking to see if she had forgotten something. Truth was, she just had too much on her mind.

When she finally drifted off to sleep, her mind went into dreamland. She was driving to visit friends in Texas. This was strange because Sam wasn’t with her, the friends were not actually anyone she really knew, and she hated Texas. Every trip when she had actually gone to Texas had been a bad experience. In real life, she would never leave her family this time of the year, but in her dream, she was excited about this visit. Doris and Cameron were supposedly cherished friends. She was going to help Doris bake and decorate for Christmas and go with them to pick out a Christmas tree. They always bought a real tree, which was something Rebecca and Sam never did. Well, they did once, and it was such a disaster. She vowed never to do that again. They had gotten a tree that was taller than the ceiling and had to chop off a foot, and she dug pine needles out of the carpet for a year.

When she arrived, she was greeted by Ruffin, their rambunctious one-year-old Heinz 57 dog. He was happy to see anyone and was very sure their presence was just for his benefit. He let her know he thought she was his guest and very welcome. She could hardly walk for him running around her.

Doris came running out with open arms and the hugging began. She yelled for Cameron to put Ruffin in the fence.

Oh, Beck! It has been too long. I could hardly wait for you to get here!

Cameron came over and got in on the hugging.

They had a beautiful home. It wasn’t large, but it was very neat and well kept. There was a basket of lights setting on the porch ready to be strung around the roof and pillars.

Oh, Doris! It is just as beautiful as I remembered it, only your trees are so much bigger, and you have so many flowers. My flowers are all dead now. I guess that’s one advantage of living in Texas, but it really doesn’t seem like Christmas here.

You still don’t like our beautiful state, do you? Doris said in a teasing tone.

Well I sure love the people here, she was quick to reply.

Let’s go in. Dinner is almost ready. We can catch up around the table.

Cameron held out his hand. Give me your keys, Beck. I’ll bring your luggage in.

Thank you, Cameron. She pulled them out of her purse and pitched them to him.

As they walked into the kitchen, Rebecca closed her eyes and put her hands on her stomach. What is that wonderful smell? Your food smells heavenly!

Doris had made a pot roast, potatoes, and carrots and home-made dinner rolls. The wonderful smell permeated the whole house.

Their home was not elaborate or fancy in any way, but very homey and comfortable. Doris had a knack for decorating. Her kitchen was decorated with turquoise and beige. Her floor was mostly beige but had a little swirl of turquoise throughout the floor. Her canisters, place mats, and some of her wall hangings were turquoise, and her countertops were beige. It was a cozy, beautiful place to be.

Doris was an excellent cook and they all enjoyed the dinner as they took turns exchanging past events. They had each shared funny experiences, and Rebecca had laughed so much her sides ached.

When they had finished eating and were still just enjoying the conversation, Cameron said, You ladies go in the living room and finish gossiping. I will clear the table and put the dishes in the sink to soak.

Cameron Hastings! We do not gossip! Doris retaliated.

He laughed. Call it what you want. Just go enjoy yourselves.

They talked for hours and then finished cleaning the kitchen. Doris shared with Rebecca that her family wouldn’t get to be here Christmas day. Doris and Cameron had one daughter who lived in Connecticut with her husband and three children. They were coming but wouldn’t arrive until a day after Christmas. Doris wanted so badly for them to be here while Rebecca was here, but they just couldn’t work it out. After they shared Christmas plans with each other, they headed back to the kitchen where Cameron was getting his Bible out and preparing for the evening devotion. Doris poured three glasses of apple cider and they all sat at the table and shared some scripture he had chosen for their devotion. They each had some prayer requests that they lifted to the Lord and thanked Him for His answers they knew would come. This was the usual routine at the Hastings home. Rebecca always had her devotion time in the morning at her home.

Once in her room, she unpacked her things, put on her pajamas, and climbed into bed. Sleep came quickly, and before she knew it, she was waking to the wonderful aroma of perking coffee. She quickly dressed and went downstairs to see if she could be of help to Doris.

Nope! Doris ordered. Your work begins after breakfast. I have your jobs all lined out for you. I don’t intend for you to get lazy or fat at the Hastings house!

Ha! If you feed me like you did last night, that statement is definitely not true.

They enjoyed a delicious breakfast casserole that Doris had prepared the day before and baked this morning. Cameron suggested they go buy their tree before they do anything else.

There is a new Christmas tree lot just a couple miles from here, and their trees look great from the road. I thought we might check it out, he suggested.

When they arrived, the display was indeed impressive. Most of the trees were wrapped and lined in neat rows. They had four trees decorated and lit for display. They were full and beautifully shaped. The problem was, you didn’t get one of the beautifully shaped trees that were decorated, and you didn’t get to see what you were getting if you took one of the wrapped trees.

One man was loading trees onto two trucks. Rebecca wondered if he wasn’t taking them to another area to put in another lot. He almost backed into her as he was taking a tree to the truck. He apologized and gave her a big smile.

He was very good-looking, and Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat. He had dark hair, and one little curl fell over his left eye.

Her curiosity about all the trees had to be satisfied so she asked him if he was going to sell them somewhere else.

Oh no, he said. These are for Hope. That’s a little community north of here. You need to come see it when we get it all decorated. It will be a beautiful sight.

Cameron loaded their tree in his truck. He seemed very pleased about their selection and about the new lot. They were on their way home with their treasure.

I noticed you talking to JD at the lot, he said. He sure is a great guy.

Oh, do you know him?

Cameron raised his brows and said, I guess everyone around here knows JD, but, yes, I have known him for a long time. He has been a great friend through the years. The last few years has been rough for him, I’m sure. He lost his wife about two years ago.

Oh, Cam, I think it has been longer than that. It was before they built the addition to the church, Doris said.

Yeah, guess you’re right. Time seems to pass so fast anymore. That’s a sign of old age." Doris winked and grinned.

Rebecca was very curious about the great guy with the winning smile and the cute curl.

What does he do?

He owns a huge ranch for one thing, but he has his finger in almost every good operation that goes on around here. I guess he has helped more people than any one person I know. He built a hospital, and no one is ever turned away that needs medical care. He built this little town that he named Hope for all the homeless people who want to work and have a better life. He opened a factory and put in stores and gave them all jobs. He has built about five hundred homes there and more coming. He rents all the homes to families on a rent-to-own basis and all the money goes back into the little town Hope."

He also travels with a gospel quartet. I haven’t actually heard them sing, but I’m told he has a great bass voice. I’ll drive by his ranch. It is really something to see."

How did he get all the money to do all that? Is ranching that profitable?

Well, I know one thing, Cameron turned to look at her. You can’t outgive the Lord. The Lord has blessed everything JD touches, and I think it is because JD has such a giving heart. He can’t stand to see anyone with a need or a problem. If he can fix it, he does. He has a great number of oil wells, and who knows what else. His ranch is very successful, but I doubt if that’s where he got his fortune. He has several high-rise office buildings and I know he has invested in many projects. He seems to always know what will bring a good profit. That is just the little I know about him.

Doris said, I think the list of things he does for people is endless. We need more people like him in this world. It is refreshing to know there are people like that when all you hear on the news is robberies and murders and worse. They should broadcast more of the good things that go on. It is so depressing to just hear bad news all the time.

As they were coming close to JD’s ranch, Cameron slowed down so Rebecca could get a good look. It was definitely something to see.

Rebecca gasped! Oh, my word! He lives in a castle!

JD was just pulling up to the gate and it began to open slowly. In a huge arch over the gate in large letters was the greeting… JD RAN H.

His sign is missing a letter.

It has been missing for a long time. Guess that’s not too important to him.

JD saw them and waved for them to come in.

Cameron stuck his head out the window and said, We are just driving by. I wanted Rebecca to get a gander at your ranch.

Well, come on in. I am going to turn the rest of this job over to my guys out here. I did my part…loaded all the trees and paid for them. Chuck and Danny will take them to Hope, and the residents at Hope will put ’em all up and decorate ’em. It will be more meaningful to the town if they do it themselves. Stick around and have lunch with me. I think it’s just burgers today.

Thanks, JD, but we have a full day planned. Just wanted Rebecca to see where the guy lives that makes all the news.

Did you see that? JD snatched his hat off and hit it on his knee. I would like to wring some necks. There is no way they could possibly know what they are talking about when I don’t even know myself. That’s not the kind of stuff I want spread around. Rebecca, don’t you believe everything you hear on the news. I think it used to be more reliable than it is today. And then he grinned, And why are you hanging around these characters? Don’t you care about your reputation?

Cameron grinned and slowly started driving away.

JD yelled out to Rebecca, Hope I really get to meet you soon. Have a great day.

Rebecca smiled and waved.

Cam, what were you and JD talking about? What was on the news?

Oh, they announced that JD was the richest man in Texas. It could be true. I wouldn’t be surprised, but JD is sure not one to want to advertise his wealth. He is just an ordinary, everyday-type good guy.

As they got out of the truck, Doris turned to Cameron and asked, Should we grab a bite of lunch before we hit the decorating?

Long as it’s simple. We don’t want to waste too much time. We have a lot to do before the benefit tonight.

Oh, Rebecca! I forgot to tell you about the benefit. Doris went on to explain. Our community is raising money for the Children’s hospital. We are having a silent auction at Darby Hall. Cameron and I have a booth for donations. There will be all kinds of games, prizes, food, and fun for all ages. We are hoping to raise enough money for a good start on the new wing of the hospital.

Sounds like something your friend JD would be interested in.

Oh, Cameron! I’ll bet she is right. Does he know about it?

I can’t say. I haven’t told him. I’ll give that some thought.

Lunch was light and quick. Doris handed Rebecca a tray of sandwiches to put on the table while she poured three glasses of tea. Cameron grabbed a couple bags of chips and a few condiments from the fridge.

When lunch was over, Rebecca volunteered for clean-up duty, so Doris could get the decorating started. Rebecca was having such a great time. It was so good to be spending time with Doris and Cam. She and Doris were room-mates in college and had become such close friends. They tried to get together a couple times a year, but this was the first time for Christmas.

Cameron got the tree secured in the stand and poured water in the base. It was a Balsam Fir and such a beauty. It was full on every side. Rebecca couldn’t remember ever seeing one before that didn’t have either a bare side or a crooked trunk or something wrong with it, but this one was nearly perfect.

Rebecca and Doris started decorating and talking, and Doris suddenly realized that Cameron had abandoned them.

Where did that man go? He isn’t getting off that easy! I am going to find him. And she started through the house calling him.

He stuck his head out of his office with his finger over his lips to quiet her. He was talking to someone on the phone. She nodded her head in acknowledgement and headed back to Rebecca.

Hey, JD! I just wanted to give you a call and invite you to come join us tonight at Darby Hall. We are having a benefit to raise money for the Children’s hospital. I thought this would be a good time for you to meet Becca and maybe you could entertain her for us while we are tied up at our booth. We sure would love to have you and maybe we could spend some time after just visiting. Oh, that would be great! It starts at seven, so whatever time you get there would be fine. Okay! See you, bud!

Rebecca, your idea was a great one, Cam said as he walked back in the room. JD is going to try to make it. He said he will probably be a little late. He has to take care of some things at the ranch, but he should be there around eight.

Rebecca couldn’t believe the excitement she felt at that news. But she was thinking how ridiculous that was. Her aspirations were not to be married to a millionaire, nor to live in a castle, but those thoughts didn’t seem to calm her heart. In her dream, it was as if Sam didn’t exist. Dreams are funny that way.

The three stood back and admired their handiwork. The tree was decorated in all blue and white. It had a wide blue ribbon scrunched and draped around the tree.

Wow! It’s so beautiful…so professional! I can’t believe we did that!

Well, hey, Beck! Don’t you know? We can do anything! Didn’t we say that many times in college? And didn’t we prove it? She said that with a giggle. Remember the time we got everyone out of the dorm, so we could do our April fool’s naughtiness? I don’t think anyone ever did find out that was us.

Goodness! I hope not! I can’t believe we did that. I cringe every time I think about that. I think we might have been kicked out of school for that one if we had been found out, but what fun we had.

Cameron cocked his head and frowned. What was that? I don’t believe I ever heard about that.

And the girls both chimed in, And you never will!

The Big Night

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When they arrived at Darby Hall, Rebecca was amazed at the size of the building and the exquisite work that had gone into preparing for this benefit. People must have worked for months to get all this done. They had arrived early, but already there were many