An Invincible Summer - A Woman's Journey

I am, as you must be aware, looking for a job. I saw an ad recently for an accounting tech at George Fox University. It sounded great. I had all the qualifications but one. I have all these: A commitment to working with a diverse population of people is essential; demonstrated experience in this area is preferred. 2-3+ years of experience in payroll. Highly motivated, autonomous and proactive with a genuine interest in employee experience. The ability to maintain confidentiality, display discretion and protect the privacy of information. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Demonstrated professional attitude and excellent customer service skills. Demonstrated strong attention to detail, organizational and analytical skills in business setting. Must have permanent and unrestricted work authorization in the United States. But the one I don't have is: Evangelical Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement o...

Today we attended a church service at Saint Eustache in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.  The church has wonderful French gothic architecture and gorgeous windows. It’s current form was built between 1532 and 1632. The Inside artwork is stunning but darkened by years of being on a busy street as well as candle and incense burning.  Inside this massive church there are towering arches overhead with rays of sunlight coming from every direction. The choir is singing and though they are few considering the size of the church, their voices fill it well. The congregation, which is not over 150, are dwarfed by the sheer size of the place. I’m watching some parishioners on their knees on the solid, cold marble floor and wonder how hard it will be for some to rise. Interesting to watch an older women stand at an immense pillar with her forehead against it as if in penance.  Don’t know if that is a common occurrence or not.  As the priest spoke, in French of cour...

My youngest and I went to coffee last night. We chit chatted about light stuff....this and that....nothing too important. And then I did it, FINALLY. I have been meaning to talk to her for a good long time but didn't have the opportunity or, perhaps, the courage. Before my life started over, while we were still deep within the craziness, I got a call from Jen. Jen was the assistant youth pastor at the church my little one attended. My girl was probably about 13, Jen was maybe 19. The two of them had built a friendship and Jen seemed to be a positive influence in my girl's life. She called me very upset, needed to come and speak to me and the Secret Keeper. I tried to talk to her on the phone but she was insistent. We made arrangements and Jen showed up at the appointed hour. We all sat in the living room in the house that held my heart, my girl looking incredibly uncomfortable, and got to the issue at hand. Jen informed us that my girl had confided in her that years ...

Sunday was a great day at church. The latest series is basically about bridging the gap between science and faith and how we, as Christians, can reconcile both. Challenging and thought provoking. We have grown to love this little church in a way that has surprised and delighted. Having done the rounds to quite a few churches in town, the first time we visited here the pastor was starting a series that basically addressed many of the questions that I have had my entire adult Christian life. The questions that always made me feel like an outsider when the other ladies in the room were taking-in the information like grape kool-aid (ok, ok....not a nice way to put it). Since then, we've never looked back...this is home. The pastor, Bob, is highly intelligent and well read and is able to assemble a difficult message in an approachable manner. Often times, when the Boy Scout and I leave the building, we look at each other with a great big WOW! Feeling grateful for this new c...