"Our Story" interview

http://www.ourstorymn.com/19_spirited.html

Interview

My daughters have chastised me, because I haven't written on my blog for a long time. It is not because "nothing is happening."  I have been working through some ideas for highlighting my book. 

By clicking on the link, you will see an interview recorded for my hometown's cable show, "Our Story."  For each show, Cathy Hounshell does a segment called "Spirited Away" -- focusing on the spiritual aspects of our lives.  I was privileged that my book was the chosen topic for one show.

Coming up for Air

I realize it has been a long time since I have posted - got bogged down with completing renovations and moving into the house next door, Christmas festivities, and a January 3 wedding of my oldest daughter.

My husband and I are discovering that whether it be property (that we own and would like to rent or sell), publications (we each have a book out), or potential ministry areas, our most deficient area is marketing.  

We would appreciate any helpful hints in ways to promote our endeavors.

Dawn   

About the subject

Bethany is now a summa cum  laude university graduate with a dual degree in history and biblical studies.  Her first theological question, at age 3, was "Mom, why aren't there any girls in the Bible?" She continues to be an astute observer, thinker, and articulator.  Her eventual goal is to teach in a seminary but not without getting in touch with the "real" world.  She is now working part time at a bakery and part time teaching swimming lessons at a health center in Chicago as she wades through the application process to volunteer with a peace making organization in Jerusalem. From nearly being lost before birth and from a car/bike accident at age 7), she has been twice saved. Like Mary the mother of Jesus,  I have often "pondered these things in my heart."  What high and holy plans does God have for this child of His?

About the Illustrator

"Talk to Me, Grandpa" is a Fullerton women endeavor -- about Bethany, written by Dawn, and illustrated by Amy.  Amy has been interested in design and art from childhood.  One of her first projects was the lovely collection of red crayon apples drawn on a newly painted white living room wall!  In high school her passion was architecture, so for 1 1/2 years she studied in the architectural program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and worked for an architect in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a summer.  The passion waned and revived again when, after getting an associates' degree in business, she entered North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. There she was able to experiment with a variety of art forms as an art and Spanish major.  Currently she is completing her master's degree in Spanish at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Her thesis about the works of Goya combines both interests.   

One of my passions is worship dance.  At a particularly difficult time in my life - with years of backed-up "stuff" - I was desperate enough to come to Jesus. I was expecting a very good tongue-lashing and a recitation of all of my sins.  Instead, in my mind's eye, I found myself just inside the door of large ballroom.  Jesus reached out his hand to me, looked at me with a twinkle in his eye that washed away all of my dread, and said,"Shall we dance?"  What is significant about this is that I grew up in a religious culture where dance was prohibited. Although I inwardly loved to watch graceful dancing, in honor to the Lord, it did not really bother me to not be able to dance.  In my healing picture, the Lord and I twirled and twirled around that ballroom for what seemed like hours, but I am sure was just a few moments of meditation. Every time since, when I have come to the Lord in confession, sorrow, anxiety, etc., He has simply said, "Let's dance."  The experience gave new meaning to the myriad of times the Israelites turned their back on God but as soon as they came humbly to him, He changed his mind about the wrathful things He had planned for them and welcomed them with joy and forgiveness.  For me, confession and forgiveness are the most powerful unique aspects of Christianity among the world religions.

Inspite of having no dance background, I am now part of a worship dance team, Sacred Steps, at our church.  This weekend we put on a one-day seminar, our first attempt.  The sweetness of the Holy Spirit's presence glided over us, so that the whole day became a worship experience for our team as well for the participants (all 11 of them!).    

Dawn

P.S.  Prayer is powerful. My husband did not have to have surgery. He came home Friday, and he preached this morning.  He does have to abide by a limited diet for several days - he can eat anything as long as it can be pureed.  Last night he had pureed beef stew.  It looked gross, but he assures me that it tasted how it was supposed to!

Sometimes God makes His own space for us in our busy-ness - and shuts us down.  I spent much of last night in the emergency room with my husband. Fortunately nothing life threatening, but he has to stay in the hospital for a few days, and they will decide tomorrow whether or not he needs surgery.  Prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.