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.

 I've been contemplating on crazy busy-ness and appreciated Yolanda's (yolanda-highergrounds.blogspot.com)  positive perspective in response to Terri's (terri-treasures.blogspot.com) posting last week.  Yolanda referred to our many tasks as 'God opportunities.'  As I am painting (13 hours today!) on the house next door getting it ready for the market, I have been listening to some great musically reminders of how much God loves us.  I have been particularly touched by the old hymn, "It is well with my soul."  "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'"  And, that the Lord has washed away, "my sin, not in part, but the whole."  Making what could be drudgery, and a seemingly unending task, into several hours of devotional time has been a settling thing for my soul.  It seems a good lesson - sometimes we don't have to choose between busy-ness and God. May you surprise yourself with how often you can make space for God in the midst of your busy-ness.

Dawn

Hey, I tested the link myself, and it worked!  Also, something must be glitched in my computer, because I did NOT post at 4:42 a.m. my time! I wonder where the computer thinks I live.

Here's a direct link (I hope) to Terri Tiffany's blog terri-treasures.blogspot.com so that you can more easily access her posting about blogging which she entered a few days ago.  Someone let me know if it works, please.  Thanks.

If you're thinking of starting a blog or "blogged" down at the moment, go to the link on the right "Terri's Treasures" - she has a great posting on keeping your blog alive.

Had a chance to read my book to another author today.  It always encourages me when the responses are so favorable.  She liked the fact that I kept the text in the 3 1/2 year old voice, used authentic photos from our photo albums, and didn't shy away from the reality of "Grandpa sleeping in a box."  

The author is Helen Cepero and her book, published by InterVarsity Press, is called "Journaling as a Spiritual Practice."  As with my book, you can find it on Amazon.

Another ICRS comment

As I walked by one of the gift booths, a woman asked if I wanted a candle.  She then noticed my button provided by the publisher.  It read, "Ask me about my book" and had a picture of the book cover attached.  She quickly got the attention of her partner with the exclamation, "This is the woman who wrote the book about children and death!"  Of course, I signed a book for her on the spot.  The next day as I was walking by the same booth, she motioned for me to stop and said, "We read your book last night. We love your book!"  And I love her reaction!

Overheard at ICRS

At my book signing on Tuesday afternoon of the ICRS, a man holding a small piece of paper with a few titles on it stood in line. As he walked away after receiving my signed book he said, "Oh good, I got 'Grandpa.' If I hadn't gotten 'Grandpa', I would have been in big trouble!"

Terri Tiffany is having a book giveaway contest.  Find out about in on her blog - just click on the link terri-treasures in my favorite blogs list.

A special thanks to Terri Tiffany for introducing me to the blog idea and helping me wade my way through it.

Dawn

ICRS

As I told my publisher, this was the most wonderful "out of body" experience I have ever had.  Many times I felt as though I were watching someone else doing the things I was doing.  Thankfully, it really was me!  And thanks to everyone who so positively received my book.  I  hope I never quite lose the awe of it all.