Year In Review

A rather forthright friend just spent a chunk of time reading through all of my 2008 blog posts. He suggested I change the name or at least add a subtitle because it is “neither about music nor about your life!” Hmph. That had me glancing through this year’s prose, being reminded of what a full scene this act of the musical was.

When 2008 began, I was nursing my baby-child and completely and utterly sleep-deprived. It was not a pretty picture. By early spring the sleep deprivation began to manifest itself in (greater) forgetfulness and disorganization; I’m afraid this hasn’t gotten any better. Wallet - lost, replaced, currently lost. Keys - lost, found, currently lost. Wedding Ring - lost, replaced, found original, both currently lost. Depressing, I tell you.

Late spring brought two events that are highlights in my year. First, a trip to New York for the Women in Ministry conference and some fabulous sight-seeing. Second, a trip to the Pepperdine lectures with my mom. I love, love traveling and these fun exertions gave me a much needed boost.

Summer brought activity and energy and excitement! All of my family together for the first time in years...PUMP Summer Program with its amazing kids, loving youth groups, and fantastic interns...a car accident...a beach trip with my three dear childhood friends...the Olympics!...FaithQuest...The Luis Palau Festival at Portland’s waterfront...a beach get-away with the family...good times.

Early fall seemed to be all about politics and back to school and picture taking (our favorite photo time of the year). I also had the great opportunity to take a month sabbatical, where I spent time reflecting, rejuvenating, and talking with my family and my God. But late fall had very difficult parts to it...Cascade College announcing its impending closure...three little girls I know having terrible, frightening diseases...a baby having surgery on his skull...financial troubles for friends...unexpected death. It has been a season of prayer and reflection.

A monumental personal event of the year, though, happens today for me - this last day of 2008. As of midnight, I will no longer be employed by the PUMP Church of Christ, but will now minister again as a volunteer. This is the church that the Lord led us to plant with six amazing people at the beginning of this decade. I’ve been on staff for seven-and-a-half years, wearing more hats than I could describe.
I absolutely love this ministry. I love my friends in this church family and those in the community who do not yet know about the hope found in Christ. I love the amazing work that PUMP has done for so many hundreds of children, adults, and families, and I love the dream of who PUMP can still be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What’s to come in 2009? I can’t imagine. But, with my family, friends, and Lord with me, I am content in heart as I watch the clock strike midnight to see what happens next.

Prayer Request

We have two sweet kids (& two sets of families) at PUMP who need your prayers. Caitlin, a four-year-old sweetie, was diagnosed with leukemia two weeks ago. We praise God that she is responding well to treatment so far; we know this is a long road ahead though. Today she is at the hospital getting another round of tests and chemo.

Zion, PUMP's newest little one, is a six-month old who is having a traumatic surgery on his skull as I write this. After his three hour surgery, he'll be in ICU for 24 hours and in the hospital for another four days - if all goes according to plan. I'm hopeful that he will surprise all with his rapid and complete recovery.

Please join the PUMP family in prayer for these two precious families. Although trusting in the Lord's care and love, the anxiety and heartache is understandably overwhelming at times for them.

From Psalm 71:
I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me and rescue me,
for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me,
and set me free.
Be my rock of safety
where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.

Testimony

If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
I Peter 3:15

Our Wednesday evening gathering at PUMP is focused on exercises designed to help us better "discover our faith", while letting I Peter 3 equip us for sharing our faith more effectively. I'm glad we are having a dialogue about this subject, because it surely does not come naturally to most of us; we often don't know the words for our story. But all Christians have a story about receiving the treasured gift of hope; we all have an amazing story of redemption to share. We all have a before and after.

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Prayer Cloud

Allan introduced us to Wordle, a site that allows one to create beautiful word clouds. It is cool how random words can be used to make an artistic and interesting creation. These were some of the topics that I took to God in prayer this week.

I Choose

I internally cringe when people complain about how busy they are, and I give myself no exception to the rule. Because, in my book, people are busy because they choose to be busy.

I am SO busy right now. You would be appalled if you saw the living room in which I sit at this moment. A tornado could not dispense a greater disaster within these walls. I chose not to go to lunch with friends after church and instead am choosing to take a few minutes to jot a note before I take nap in order to be better functioning for two long meetings this afternoon (one is a "choice language" training!).But I do not complain about my schedule, because I love this season.

I choose this...

and this...



and this...


and as much of this as I can get...

Miscellaneous

Hey! Thanks to everyone who helped write our little story this weekend. It took on a deep, mysterious mood right from the get-go. Hmmm...I wonder what it was that she was holding??

News Updates:

* PSP starts oh-so-very soon! Our summer Coordinators, Josh & Katina, are here from New Mexico and are being put to work. Our six interns will be arriving from New Mexico, Texas, California, and the Great Northwest to begin their summer fun this weekend. We are in high gear and I'm hopeful that this conductor doesn't fall off the train. If you are in the Portland area and want to serve as a reading volunteer, contact us here.

* My Uganda family is making their way to their Oregon home and should here Friday. Welcome home, Jeff & Cheryl, Kinley, Alex, Isaac, & Silas!

* A ton of people I know right now are on health kicks. I feel super-inspired to set some goals, but I'm fearful. I hate disappointing myself.

* I'm not going to tell all of you that I have now lost my wallet. That would be too humiliating. Seriously. Is this a permanent state or do I ever have hope of being the organized and logical person I once was?

* Nothing makes the whole family laugh more thanthis site.

Thank You

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. - Margaret Cousins

Today I answered the door in my striped t-shirt and plaid pajama bottoms (I had been thrown up on & had to change in the dark) to be handed a lovely basket of goodies by a dear friend and a gaggle of cute kids. Being a bit hazy in thought, I rudely did not invite them in (please accept my apologies!). Along with candles, relaxing music, chocolate, and girly lotions and body washes, I was pleasantly surprised to find a kind note of appreciation from my church family, expressing their thanks for me and my work for PUMP. I was washed over with a deep appreciation of my own - for a church that stretches and loves and seeks to be the hands of Jesus to our community and to each other.

Thank you.

I Am Artist

The art gene runs true and strong in my husband's family. Allan's father and his father's father were recognized talents in the field, as is Allan and his brother. That particular stream runs a bit more shallow in my family - only my mom and brother Steve can claim to have the artist's touch.

That is until I was forced encouraged by my peers to find my inner Martha Stewart. There's a bunch of girls at PUMP who are naturals at all things sponge painting, stamping, scrapbooking, and Michael's craft store. The first several years we were together for Mom's Group or a women's evening out, I would stare in misery at whatever craft project lay before us. The choices of patterns and colors and where to place the ribbon was always enough to send me into a cold sweat. I really don't enjoy the feeling of complete incompetence.

Fast forward to today...This crafty mama convert elaborately designs and creates cards and books, sketches in charcoal and pencil, paints ceramics (see photo - the bowl I brought home today), and can bravely and boldly (okay - maybe it's still timidly) declare myself "artist". So I raise my ceramic painted mug to my friends for encouraging me to stretch into a new and unknown world.

My PUMP Morning

Walking three blocks in the rain with Connor & Fiona. Laughing with Joe. With no voice of my own, listening to the beautiful singing. Focusing on Ike's words. Being distracted by disruptive kids. Karla's It is Well. Holding Sariyah in my lap. Thankful communion. Praying with Leah. Telling pre-schoolers the story of Mara (blek!). Older kids cooperating to put together a puzzle. Elbow to elbow people of different colors, ages, backgrounds, & financial standing. Special play time with Isaiah. Catching up with Kristi B. Walking home in the rain.

Question #1

My friend Jennifer, over at Creative Outlet Labs has introduced her readers to Canadian executive coach Michael Bungay Stanier and his 5 3/4 Questions You've Been Avoiding. I figure that if I work through one question per day, I'll be a whole new person by mid-afternoon on Saturday!

What's going well for you?

My marriage is probably my greatest team success story. Allan and I talk deeply, argue well, laugh often, and genuinely enjoy each other.

My kids are not out-of-control and I have not caused them any intentional physical harm (how's that for looking at the positive!). Although parenting is a tough process, my children are generally sweet kids who hug me a lot, make me laugh, and dance & wrestle with me with reckless abandon. They are healthy, active, and on target developmentally.

We are financially stable. We have a home and a car and can pay our bills on time (or close to it).

I have a wonderful extended family to whom I am immensely proud to be related. Everyone is healthy. No one is too much of embarrassment to handle.

My job is one for which I feel deep passion.

I am enjoying the age I am, the health I have, and the ways I am growing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Although we do not connect as much as I would like, there are seasoned friendships in my life that bring me much peace.

We get to live in Portland - a place I deeply love (especially on a sunny fall day like today).

First Day of School

We had a successful first day of school and first day back to work and childcare today. You can read Trinity's account and about Connor's day on their blogs.

Happy Father's Day

Here's a little video I put together (with the help of my genius husband) to honor the PUMP men and the great fathers that they are to so many kids at PUMP.

Blessed Day

It was a good Sunday. My family, having gotten up and ready on time, was stress-free and even enjoyed breakfast together. Amazing gift, Lord. In our worship assembly, I found the mental and spiritual space to actually worship the Creator. Praise you, Lord. The children's program was funny, imaginative, and taught a great lesson for kids and adults alike. Discipline me, Lord. The kids praised loudly before Jesus. Bless you, Lord. In adult class we wrestled with what it means to store up treasure in heaven. Teach me, Lord. Our leadership team, with respectful and loving communication, dreamed and planned and debated what it means to be the church that God calls us to be. Show us, Lord. I am tired after a long day. But it's a good tired. The kind of tired that comes from exertion that really matters. Thank you, Lord.