Can Dreams Really Come True?
As we get older, do we still have dreams? I suppose we eventually change what we call them into “plans” or “goals.” But sometimes, for me, they remain as dreams no matter how much goal-planning I do. Some of my dreams seem to be fueled by my childhood experiences, some by my imagination, and some through inspirations from God. But one dream in particular stems from all of these sources.
Many years ago, during a prayerful, visualizing experience, I began to describe the images that my mind was enjoying and they are laid out for you below. Now, I remain grateful to God for His generosity of the provisions that encompass this dream of Our Lady’s Ranch.
Afterall, dreams do come true!
A Homestead’s Ideal Environment
The physical environment is a place endowed with much natural beauty and a variety of water sources, landscape topography, vegetation, and animal habitat. Sprinkled about the landscape are detached dwellings located far enough apart for privacy, yet close enough together for the convenience of common activities.
Each dwelling’s orientation promotes front porches and front yards in order to establish a theme of central common area for prayer, social visits, recreation, dining, and communal work. Located at the center of the dwellings are structures built to accommodate these activities, with a small chapel built as the central focus of all community life – Jesus Christ.
Individuals and families live near each other in a harmonious spiritual and natural environment. Their lifestyle mirrors that of the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) living in the simple setting of Nazareth where prayer, work, and service are joyfully accepted as the primary activities of each day. The desired environment is therefore natural, beautiful, and peaceful – conducive to the goal of all life… love in Christ.
Developing a new way of life begins with a new philosophy about how to live. A new culture of Christian community must replace this current culture of hedonistic individualism. And we must begin in the same way that the early Church began – with small groups of people who practice a common spirituality and a common lifestyle. Within small Christian neighborhoods, we can support one another in faith, family, and farming while developing common bonds of love and service in God’s will.
Each Catholic Family Homestead must be financially independent and sustainable, yet available to support each other on a voluntary basis. Each Homestead provides for its members a place of sustained balance in the four basic human elements of health and wellness – spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical. Facilities and provisions are planned for common prayer, work, dining, and recreation in a socially balanced environment that leaves room for individual thought, creativity, and enterprise.
How old are you?
Do you still have dreams?
Maybe some of your dreams are still alive but sleeping in your heart?
Maybe it’s time for them to awaken?
Feel free to share your dreams with us in private through email, or for others to see on the OLR Forum. I’ll bet many others will find your story very helpful. And I’ll bet many others share your dreams and are simply waiting for you to awaken them.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle [awaken] in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit, and they [dreams] will be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Blessings and Peace to you,
Philip Zeiter
Our Lady’s Ranch
