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.

The Shack

I've been sitting on this post for a few days, waiting for the right words to use. Those perfect words never made an appearance, so I choose to just write it anyway. Here's the gist of my message: If you do not have it, go out or get on amazon today and get yourself a copy of The Shack. I am at a loss as to how to break this book down here; I think I need another read through before I can begin an attempt at dissection. Although a work of fiction, this book has the ability to radically enhance one's vision of the Trinity. As I read, I could not help but feel that the author was fully anointed by the Spirit. I just don't see how a human, without the words of the Lord, could use language in such a beautiful way to paint a picture of the dimension surrounding the Trinity. It reminded me of how This Present Darkness changed the way I considered spiritual warfare. As I now envision angels riding on my car or surrounding my house (Allan and I named our head guardian "Mordecai") because of Peretti's insights, I now find myself considering my relationships with Sarayu as an integral part (you'll have to read it to know what that means). Have I convinced you yet? You can see more about it here. Read it - I'd love to talk about it with you.

Book Promo

Before I mailed it to my brother, Steve, for his birthday, I recently read Quiet Strength, the new book from the Indianapolis Colts head coach, Tony Dungy. It's a really encouraging, thoughtful, inspiring read about a strong Christian leader - even for those who are not huge sports fans (but that does help as he recounts his football path). It would make a great Christmas gift, for those who are thinking along those lines already.