The Portal: Portal-ity Thoughts

I am on a launch team for a new Bible study coming out.  It's called Unexplainable Jesus by Erica Wiggenhorn.  It's a neat opportunity if you ever get a chance to do it.  We were able to receive the book ahead of time and be a part of an online Facebook Group where we work through the Bible study together, have a launch party, and help Erica promote it.  Starting June 11, we can also participate in the online study with a group of women from all over the world.  I'm only on week three, but I am loving it.  I've learned so much already.  In week two, of Unexplainable Jesus, which is a study of the gospel of Luke, I was literally captivated by a word that Erica brought to our attention.  Anyone who knows me knows I love words, so for me to be this excited over one, it must be good!  I love how Erica explains the history, culture, and passages in a way that's easy to understand.   The word is  Syntēréō.  { I ma...

In my last blog post, I wondered if my writing was making any kind of impact.  If I still had something to say, or if your curiosity had been sated.  Maybe the dark details of John's life and death were explained and what I had to say after a year was irrelevant or simply redundant.  I wondered if putting my heart out there and struggling through tears to pen my words was still worth it.  Still impactful. I think everyone who writes struggles with the thought that they don't have anything important to say or their words aren't meaningful or helpful.   As a bereaved parent, it can be a Catch 22 to share our truth.  I can explain how certain things make us feel to help a fellow bereaved parent, and yet, at the same time, alienate someone who feels they might have said something dumb or inappropriate. (Which I do all the time, don't sweat it).  So, while it had been very therapeutic for me to write, I just wasn't sure, that week in particular,...

Today I brought my Dad into the surgery center for a port-a-cath. While I was sitting in the waiting room, I felt compelled to ask the good people of social media for prayer. I typed up the request, and then I hesitated. Why the hesitation? Good question.  I asked myself the same thing. So, I had to do some soul searching. Here's what I came up with, sorry, but I'm keeping it honest here: There is so much heartache in the world; why burden people further. I'm tired of having problems, grief and heartache. No one cares. It might be taken as a need for attention, even though it's not for me. Maybe strong is me handling this myself and keeping it to myself. That handful of people who never post anything personal, but read everything . . .and make you feel stupid for posting. Unwanted advice. Stupid comments. Pat answers. People might ask me about Dad in public and I might cry. But then, I might think about it public and cry anyway. It makes it too real. It make...

Last week our Bible study lesson was on complaining.  Wow, did we have a lot to discuss! It's a great study by James MacDonald called "Lord, Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late."  So, do any of you complain?  Really?  That's fantastic!! 😇  I kinda figured it was just me;)  Okay, seriously, maybe there are a couple of you who are curious about what the Bible says regarding complaining, so this is for you . .  Complaining is sin [missing the mark, failing in regard to God's holy standard and just demands] and God hates it. Tough stuff.  Stick with me. He defines complaining as: "Expressing dissatisfaction with a circumstance that isn't wrong and I'm doing nothing to correct it."     If we ask ourselves, I'm pretty sure we all know in our hearts when we have crossed the line into full on complaining.  Pastor MacDonald talks about the exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt and their time in the wildernes...

Summer.  😎 My favorite time of year.  I've figured out a couple things since my last blog post.   1.  I tend to have more to say when something is bothering me or I'm stressed.  2.  Summer makes me happy, therefore, I clearly have less to say:)   However, something did pop up today that I'd like to address, because it made me think about why I love to do Bible Studies.  I can't remember exactly when I started attending a Bible Study.  It's been a long time!  Time has a way of creeping up on us doesn't it?  I've attended studies at several churches in my area over the last 25 years.  I even facilitated a study for five years at the church where I am currently a member.  Right now I'm jamming with the Baptist girls, and loving it.   But I regress . . .okay, here we go.   First off, I think it's incredibly important to stay in God's word and working through a Bible study keeps you in the page...