I have moved

I am not sure why, except that maybe I wanted a fresh start so my new site is:
sowhatsthepoint.wordpress.com
see you over there.

Walking with giants

It has been a rough few months. First Steve got the lay-off call while on a business trip, the day before Andrew's wedding. Poor form and timing.
Then we had all the decisions, emotions, frustrations and all with which to deal.
Then, the day Steve turned in his stuff and signed of Focus, his boss died suddenly. More emotions, guilt, confusion and shock.
Then a wonderful trip to Scotland, wondering about the wisdom of the trip but loving it just the same.
Then, the offer from The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, here after known as the BGEA, spoken with a slight twang.
Next came my lay-off. I am now the Women's Lay Pastor, or unpaid staff, depending on which title is settled upon.
And lastly, an incredible visit to N. Carolina while Steve was doing his training with the BGEA.
I was gripped by the presence of God right down to my core, and blessed by being able to visit with Karlene and Bev Shea. George Beverley Shea has sung with the Billy Graham Crusades since the beginning and at 101 is as gracious and wonderful a man as you could wish to meet. To hear him "talk story" was more than fun, it was ministry to the soul.
Karlene was one of my Mom's dearest friends, and one of the few who's voice she recognized as dementia set in. Steve and I were bathed in grace, and the healing has begun.
Thank you.

Straighten up

Still reading through the Bible, but this past weekend was our ladies annual fall kickoff. So early Saturday morning I drove into the woods just a few minutes from home. It was a small intimate gathering and my team had things under control, so I took a minute to head outside and take a deep breath. It was therapeutic. The crunch of the pine needles under foot, the whoosh of the wind in the trees and that deep green woodsy smell.
Then I went in to hear one of our young Moms teach. I loved her perspective.
She read us the story in Luke 13:11-13 about a crooked woman, unable to stand upright until Jesus healed her. Melissa described how the woman had slowly bent over, due to what is presumed to be arthritis, and then after 18 years ended up bent double. Then she asked us a really good question, "What do you suppose happened when she went home after Jesus healed her?"
My minds response was, "Gosh, I dunno, what?"
It is so obvious, but I had never thought about it. This woman had to go home and re-arrange her whole life so she could function upright. That truth hit many of us right in the face. We were talking about emotional healing and I am still thinking on that. How is it that healing can be so wonderful while incredibly inconvenient. We have to re-arrange our lives to accommodate walking in our newly given healing. Sometimes, for some of us, it's just too much bother.
Walking in the reality of healing can be excruciatingly difficult, and the true freedom we seek takes time, but it is so worth it. My mother-in-law is doing the work to gain physical healing and I just want you to know Mom, you're my hero! Keep walking.

The center of my heart are those I love

There may be no Bible verses in this post, but it has been ages and I wanted to write. I think that being with family is very spiritual even without quotes from the Bible. Where we are, Christ is with us and that makes it spiritual.
These little boys are as different as mine and it is fascinating to be the Grandma. I have so much less to be concerned with so I just enjoy them. I am coming to believe that we have done ourselves a huge dis-service by being so independent.
Not that I am so wise, but there is wisdom and relief in others and when they are close we can tap into that.

Needless to say, we are having a blast in Scotland with our family.

Aha

I was finishing up II Chronicles today and God let me have several  “Aha” moments with the section about Josiah. Josiah became king in Jerusalem when he was only eight years old. He was a mere boy, but “in the eighth hear of his reign, while was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David, his father.” (II Chron. 34:3)
That was my first “Aha.”  We don’t have to be old and experienced in life to be wise and worthy of leadership. We just have to seek and obey God. That puts a new light on Children’s Ministry. Maybe we should all get more involved and let the little ones teach us as we show them how to seek God.
Another “Aha” moment came later in his life. As part of Josiah’s clean up project, he declared that the temple should be restored. While that was being done The Book of the Law was discovered. It was brought to Josiah and he wept and tore his clothes in grief when he realized the evil that had been done in Israel.
The next chapter talks about how Josiah revered the Lord and restored the Passover celebration so that, “No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet.” (II Chron. 35:18)
That is all great, but then, later in chapter 35 came the surprise. Josiah really wanted to fight the King of Egypt. We aren’t told why, but we are told that Neco, the King of Egypt tried to stop the battle. God was speaking through Neco and Josiah refused to listen. Josiah was wounded in the battle and died.
The biggest “Aha” for me is this. I can’t live off of what I did yesterday, good or bad. Through repentance, God’s grace covers my bad days, days when I am disobedient wasting my time and God’s blessings. But His grace is also needed for my good days, when I am walking in the adventure of moment-by-moment obedience with expectancy and anticipation.
I ‘d love to hear some of your “Aha” moments.

July 1st and I'm no Dodo

How would you like to be listed as the daughter of Dodo? It’s funny the things that catch my attention while I'm reading through Chronicles. I'm sure there are more spiritual things to search out, but it’s the odd things that make me stop and think.
Like the reason that Shimei’s clan was small, by comparison, was that while he had sixteen sons and six daughters, his brothers weren’t as prolific in their procreation.  Why was that nugget important? Maybe just because it would answer a question, or make someone like me sit with my Bible open while I pondered things.
I have been feeling particularly un-spiritual this past week, so as long as I am reading the Bible, and as long as the Bible causes me to stop and wonder why God put these kind of odd bits in His book, I am still growing in knowledge.
The book that is helping me grow in grace is still, What’s So Amazing About Grace. I have to stop and ponder that one a lot. It is very challenging to me and I highly recommend you grab a copy and read, but be prepared, it should make you stop and think about a thing or two. If it doesn't we need to talk
I am praying for you today. Take some time to read your Bible and let the odd bits catch your attention. Why did God put that in His book?
“Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works.” 1 Chronicles 16:9
Do me a favor and tell me of one of His wondrous works. I’d like to hear what He is doing in your life.

Happy Memorial Day?

It doesn't sound right to say Happy Memorial Day, but I have had several people say that to me.
I am so grateful for those who gave their lives physically, but I want to remember those who have served and lived, and never been the same because of what they have seen and experienced. I cannot even imagine what life is like, day to day, when you have been exposed to the horrors of war.
Thank you seems so trite, but I have no others words. Thank you!
I pray your Memorial Day is reverent, and your heart full of gratitude. The price of our freedom is unimaginable.