Ascending Soul

The following questions are listed on Focusonthefamily.ca as dinner-time conversation starters for communication-deprived families. But as I read them, they intrigued me. What would I answer? Even if no one reads this, I will now educate myself on some of who I think I am: 

• What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done? >Walked down the aisle to marry Wayne.
• Has God been teaching you anything new lately? >That the Church is God’s people, not a building, or a sermon, or Sunday school; that loving God and serving others is the life He wants for me, not a life run by rules and regulations, and feelings of guilt. Nonetheless, I will not cease to gather with others (Hebrews 10:25) in the community of fellowship and worship.
• If you could learn a new skill or talent, what would it be? >To play the harp and the piano…well.
• Do you want to have a family of your own someday? Why or why not? >I already have a little family with Wayne and baby Dora. My heart’s desire is to be a domestic goddess, “queen of my domain,” Iron Chef Kew and the best mom in the world to as many little angels as the Lord sees fit.
• What do you think it would have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples? > Phew – loaded question! I think it would have been mind-boggling, heart-swelling, emotional, overwhelming, terrifying, and the most wonderful, peaceful feeling in the world.
• What’s the best dream you’ve ever had? > I don’t know. I don’t keep a dream journal or anything.
• Is there anyone at school or church that you look up to or want to be like? If so, why? > At church, I’d love to be like Sandra, whose last name I don’t even know, but who always has a compassionate smile on her face, a keen interest and understanding of what she’s hearing and Who she is worshiping, and a spirit of joy that pours outward onto others. I see many people like this, actually, but Sandra is different. She is humble. She is demure. She is stunningly beautiful. And she is fun.
• Why do you think God created families? As Dr. Tim Kimmell told me earlier this year in an interview, families are a microchosm (sp?) of the world, a place where we can test out our reactions to others, practise forgiveness, be vulnerable, serve one another and learn to live in harmony. It is for character building.
• What do you think your biggest fear is? > Physically: Falling to my death or being stabbed (really gruesome, I know, but it’s true.); Emotionally: Rejection
• What other countries in the world would you like to visit someday? As many as possible. I mean that.
• What do you think an angel does all day? Worship and serve God!
• What’s your favourite hobby or interest? Cooking and decorating. Also, writing, whether others see the product or not. And reading.
• If you could fly, where would you go and what would you want to see? > I would fly over the north and south poles and I’d want to look down on Paris and the Sahara.
• What do you like best about your family, and how can you make your family even better? > I like best that we love to chat while gathered around a table, sharing a meal. It’s so comfortable and warm. To make it better, I pray that one day, in the home of my parents and in-laws, God would also be a welcome guest.
• What was the best part of your day today? >Having lunch with Dora. I truly love her.
• What do you think are good ways to talk to your friends about Jesus? >Testimony, testimony, testimony. I don’t believe the Lord gives us individual stories to keep all to ourselves.

On another note, I sent Julie a link to Helium.com today, a “community of writers who are revolutionizing publishing.”  (Check it out for yourself.) I think I’ll eventually begin to post articles there. Meantime, here is the thread of our email conversation…as we sit 15 ft. from one another: 

Me: Cool opportunity for instant publication in a supportive environment! 

Julie: Cool! This is something I would actually try. Are you a member? 

Me: Not yet. :) Maybe if I ever have something to write about… 

Julie: Here are a few topics for you to write about:  Puppies. Red hair. Train conductors. See! It’s easy.  I will write about: Dumb blonde jokes.  Nerdy husbands.  Why The Sound of Music is the best movie ever. We’re going to be their newest superstar writers! 

Me: I also could write about:  “Thesauri” Serving stupid drunk people.  Tall women who wish they were taller but wear stilettos instead.  Why The Princess Bride, Dutch Blitz, Capture the Flag and Settlers of Catan are quasi-definitions of the word: Christian. You could also write about:  Moving incessantly.  American spelling. Flesh-coloured sauces. Equinox.  I think we’re on a roll…  

Me (again): …this is starting to sound like the game board on a Jeopardy show…  “I’ll take Flesh-coloured sauces for $800, Alex…” 

Julie: I think we should both blog on this topic. I could come up with a big list.  

So here I am, blogging about it. As I think of them, I’ll try to list the many issues and topics God brings to my mind that I could write about.