Dreaming with the RevGalBlogPals

The RevGalBlogPals ring plays "Friday Five". You can view other fantastic femfaithbloggers' answers on their blogs, which link here and in my sidebar.

1. Share a moment/ time of real encouragement in your journey of faith
I was originally rejected for ordination. The Barnabas responsible for pleading my case to the committee had met with me just once (to talk about himself) and hadn't read my ordination paper. So when they asked what my Christology was, he said, "I don't know." I got the word, and knew it was all over -- that I was out. My grief was horrible.

Hearing the news, my mentor pastor was irate, and went back to the committee with tongue of fire. They reviewed my materials and, early in the morning before the event, approved me. I arrived, in casual street clothes, to watch everyone else and was told I would be getting ordained.

Sitting on the dais, I felt completely inadequate and terrified. My right leg was bouncing uncontrollably, with my then-fiance's hand on it, trying to steady me. He leaned in and told me I could leave, but that God had brought me there and would guide me on. I felt a rush of the Spirit, and went out to take my vows. Still terrified, still crying, but grateful.

God, in the heart and words and body of my mentor pastor and my now-husband kept me going that week.

2. Do you have a current vision / dream for your work/ family/ministry?
Personal dreaming is sort of new for me, and I'm not very good at it. But my vision for my spiritual life and work (which are pretty much one thing) is a tribe of committed disciples, closely living whole together in love of Jesus, loving in his world. I shoulda been a monk.

3. Money is no object and so you will.....

• Buy land and house in the South for my husband and start a retreat for pastors and others. Sports bar included.
• Finally replace my car.
• Get more dogs and cats.
• Give a lot to kids without stable home lives.
• Travel.

4. How do you see your way through the disappointments? What keeps you going?
Sounds cliche: prayer. Not the extended kneeling and beseeching, but the steady surrender to and embrace of God. Husband is a very very big help.

And, honestly: good wine. Often French.

5. How important are your roots?
Don't really have any (other than growing up in CA), so have had to create them and discover tendrils of possibility in the soil. It helps to know that, at base, I am the daughter of God. That's roots enough for me right now.