Recently, I was hanging out with a couple friends and catching up on life. I don't know how we got on the topic, (isn't that how it always happens?) but at one point Shaun began telling us about his experience at church in North Carolina. He has been attending the Saturday evening service at a small church and upon a recent visit, the woman at the door greeted him by asking, "Oh, aren't you Shaun...?" She actually used his last name, too. He hadn't been attending this church for very long and really didn't know anyone.
Of course, we chimed in and said, "Well, did you fill out a comment card?" (We were thinking it might not have been that weird.)
He explained that, yes, he had filled out a comment card, but more importantly, when she said this to him, it occurred to him that he was probably the only new person. Interesting.
So, he continued telling us that he took his seat and the service commenced. Throughout the message, Shaun noticed that the Pastor was frequently speaking directly to him, especially when he was talking about those who might be investigating the Christian faith.
Let's pause here. Shaun is a believer. He grew up in a Christian home, was heavily involved with CCC in college, loves the Lord and has compassion for those who don't know Jesus.
So, every few minutes the Pastor would look at Shaun and speak about knowing Jesus. At the end of the message, the Pastor indicated that he was going to pray a prayer and that if anyone (again, looking at Shaun) was interested in knowing Jesus, he/she could pray with him.
At that point, Shaun looked at his watch and realized he must leave to meet a friend with whom he'd made dinner plans. Yep, right in the middle of the prayer he stood up and left, knowing that they probably thought he "wasn't ready" to engage in a relationship with Jesus.
I can just imagine the prayers of the church staff... "Lord, please bring Shaun back to church and Lord, please help him to come to know you." Hopefully Shaun will introduce himself to the Pastor sometime soon...
Monday, August 06, 2007
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Kinko's: Full of Kinks
Yesterday I was helping my friend, Kate with her wedding programs. We did the design, proofed the file and headed to our neighborhood Kinko's to get them printed. Seems like a fairly normal thing to do, yes? It was a debacle.
When we arrived, we asked the staff to print the programs, fold and staple them together. Something we thought Kinko's did for customers. Instead of doing so, they directed us to the computer stations to print our own programs indicating that they would fold and staple them once we were finished with the printing.
We then asked where we might print the program from Publisher. They directed us to a computer. Kate inserted her credit card and was being charged online time, only to discover that Publisher was not available on this particular system. We mentioned this and the staff informed us that Publisher was not on that computer. Very helpful.
Once we figured out the computer stuff (there is much more to the story at this point, but I'm skipping ahead to save time), we indicated that we wanted them printed digitally (not copies of the original copy). They informed us that it would be around $2.00/each, but that the machine they would use to do so was broken. After over an hour in the store, we left without any programs.
We left. We went to Xpedx and purchased paper and then headed to the UPS Store and opened the file. They printed the programs on our paper, double-sided, folded and stapled (the machine did all of the work!). It took a little over 30 minutes. They charged us $0.16/each. We saved over $300. Remarkable.
When we arrived, we asked the staff to print the programs, fold and staple them together. Something we thought Kinko's did for customers. Instead of doing so, they directed us to the computer stations to print our own programs indicating that they would fold and staple them once we were finished with the printing.
We then asked where we might print the program from Publisher. They directed us to a computer. Kate inserted her credit card and was being charged online time, only to discover that Publisher was not available on this particular system. We mentioned this and the staff informed us that Publisher was not on that computer. Very helpful.
Once we figured out the computer stuff (there is much more to the story at this point, but I'm skipping ahead to save time), we indicated that we wanted them printed digitally (not copies of the original copy). They informed us that it would be around $2.00/each, but that the machine they would use to do so was broken. After over an hour in the store, we left without any programs.
We left. We went to Xpedx and purchased paper and then headed to the UPS Store and opened the file. They printed the programs on our paper, double-sided, folded and stapled (the machine did all of the work!). It took a little over 30 minutes. They charged us $0.16/each. We saved over $300. Remarkable.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Staff Conference Snippet
Steph, Megan, Ally, Joanna, Me
A friend asked yesterday, "What was your favorite part of the conference this year?" My response mirrored those of the other three women to which the question was presented... People!!
It was such a joy to spend a couple weeks with some of my best friends on the planet. It reminded me of the love I have for the Campus Crusade staff community. It's like a big family and there were many people to connect with, share life and process all of the things that God is doing in, through and around us. I love that I get to walk with Jesus and serve Him with such amazing people. I so appreciated the q-time with these cherished women... Love you Al, Ally, Angie, Em, Erin, Joanna, Megan! And, so happy to have brief catch up sessions with you Andrea, Becky, Christine, Claire, Kim, Jilliebean, Shelley, Tawny!!!... We need more time!... I'm SO blessed by the Lord because you're my friends.
Monday, July 09, 2007
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye...
VSP is over... Well, over for the staff. The students remain there trusting God to move in their lives and through their lives. It's an exciting time for them and I can't wait to see all that He does.
Yesterday, I drove away from our staff retreat in Steamboat and cried most of the way to Silverthorne. Saying goodbye has never been my strong suit - especially when it is meaningful to me personally. I tend to get quiet and lose my words even as I feel loss deeply. (If you know me, you know this is a big deal! :)) I would say that God restored part of my heart that has been "missing" the past couple of years in Boston this summer. He allowed me to open up, enjoy Him, enjoy others and ultimately, let people in to see who I am again.
As I continue to process it, I know that I've withheld part of myself in Boston. Our staff team shared highlights from the summer on Saturday night, and I said (probably not for the first time) that I hadn't laughed so much in two years. It was so freeing, refreshing, encouraging, yet it didn't lack challenge. The Lord brought up some things in my life - patterns that I have in relationships and how I view Him - and I realized something important... I've grown. God has brought a greater sense of balance and hope to my heart in those places and I saw it tangibly at play this summer. And, this person that I've "rediscovered" needs to go back to Boston and live it out there now.
Today, of course, I am heartbroken to be away from these friends that became so dear to me in such a short period of time. I am sad that we're no longer living life together in Vail and that we've all gone our separate ways. This was my favorite project team to date and I so wish that we could have had more time. And, isn't that the case in our lives when we experience something so good? I reminded myself this morning that God created us for this kind 0f community - that was His plan! - and why should I be surprised when I grieve its loss.
I want to say thank you... To the Lord, of course for His tremendous love and provision in my life and to our team for loving, enjoying, encouraging, praying for, believing the best about, serving and challenging me. Amy, Beth, Brett, Chance, Darci, Demarick, Jenade, Jo, Liz, Luke, Mike and Phil, I will miss working with you day in and out and am hoping and praying for His very best in your lives in the coming days, weeks, months... You are dear to me and I am so grateful for you!
And, as an aside, you are always welcome in Boston! ... For vacation or feel free to move there. :)
Monday, July 02, 2007
And, the Rest of the Story
Fast week 2007. We challenged our students and staff team to take a corporate fast based out of Isaiah 58. There, we find an explanation of fasting that pleases God. The most substantial lesson I learned as we prepared for this fast and studied this passage was the outward focus of the fast itself. It's for others. No doubt that we experience blessing in the midst of a fast, yet God desires for us to sacrifice on behalf of others -- to break the binds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, free the oppressed, break every yoke, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, bring those in who have no shelter.
I was amazed at the lesson God taught me as I entered into this fast. Although it wasn't my first fast, it was my favorite. I appreciated the opportunity to pray for the people of the Vail Valley and invite the Lord to do the things listed in Isaiah 58 in their lives. In fact, as the week went on, our students saw first doors opening for kingdom conversations at work. It was exciting to see God move in the lives of our students, staff and residents of the Valley.
My week took an unexpected turn three days into the fast (Wednesday). A dear friend, Kate came to visit me and we spent some time walking around Vail Village and catching up. Just the day before, I shared with the staff team that I felt at peace, refreshed and encouraged in the midst of the fast. I was tired, but ultimately, I felt great. My friend and I made our way to Starbucks in the Village to grab a drink and as soon as I paid at the register, I looked around the store and everything looked really strange. I began to experience nausea and thought I might throw up. I made my way to the restroom and almost passed out while waiting in line.
Several minutes later, I composed myself and headed back out to meet Kate. I sat down at the table and felt weaker than I'd ever been in my life. I told her that I should probably eat something, but couldn't even do that. Finding myself back in the restroom, I began experiencing tremendous pain in my abdomen. I spent a while in there and finally made my way back into the cafe. At this point, I told Kate that I felt that I needed the paramedics and that we should call the project Operations Director for help.
Shortly thereafter, spread out on a comfy chair with my legs up on another, our Ops guy arrived and then the paramedics. I was in such pain that I kept my eyes closed to avoid taking in anything else that I'd need to process - I needed to focus on breathing through the pain. I remember hearing someone say, "Is that our girl?" Then, he was kneeling near me asking if there was any possibility of pregnancy... Nope... Eyes still closed. After a few minutes and hearing more people enter the store, I opened my eyes to see Ryan from the Bachelorette kneeling beside me! He was the one asking the questions and checking my vitals! He was very kind, as were most of the other paramedics and Vail fire personnel.
Essentially, I told them that I had been fasting - they didn't look pleased, but I had been taking good care of myself with plenty of water (between 96 and 128 oz. per day). They took me to the hospital saying that I was dehydrated, but interestingly enough, didn't think enough of it to give me an IV. On the way out of Starbucks, I discovered the Fire Chief offering his arm and helping me to the ambulance. He told me that my blood pressure was 90/60. No wonder I couldn't move! :)
At the hospital, they ran some tests, discovered some things and ordered a CT Scan. Nothing looked abnormal, so they sent me home with some short instructions. It was a most adventurous day. What is most interesting about all of it to me is the fear I experienced in the midst of the pain and low blood pressure. I remember praying, "Lord, I'm so scared, I need you to help me. I can't do this." I've never been so afraid in my life.
Later, I thought back to a dream I had on Sunday night at the onset of the fast. Without going into detail, the dream left me awake in the middle of the night experiencing a tremendous sense of fear. I knew when I came to my senses that this was a spiritual dream and that this fear was not from God. As I thought about the circumstances that transpired in Starbucks, I knew that this was no ordinary situation. For one, my condition changed as if someone had flipped on a light switch. One moment I was totally fine, the next I was about to pass out. The fear associated with what happened caused me to consider that this situation was, much like my dream, very spiritual.
At the end of the day, I recognized God's goodness in caring for me in the midst of the fear. I knew that he allowed this to happen for a reason and that our corporate fast would not be well received by the enemy. It's not often that I recognize spiritual warfare, but there was and is not a better explanation. In and through it all, I experienced the Lord's presence. And, we have continued to see God's work as a result of this fast. My prayer has been and continues to be that God would truly free those who are bound in the Valley. That many people would know the freedom that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and, that they would experience literal healing, freedom and provision in their lives.
What does it look like for me to come alongside those who are hurting? I will continue to ask this question. I trust that God will continue to show me. It is a blessing to know him...
I was amazed at the lesson God taught me as I entered into this fast. Although it wasn't my first fast, it was my favorite. I appreciated the opportunity to pray for the people of the Vail Valley and invite the Lord to do the things listed in Isaiah 58 in their lives. In fact, as the week went on, our students saw first doors opening for kingdom conversations at work. It was exciting to see God move in the lives of our students, staff and residents of the Valley.
My week took an unexpected turn three days into the fast (Wednesday). A dear friend, Kate came to visit me and we spent some time walking around Vail Village and catching up. Just the day before, I shared with the staff team that I felt at peace, refreshed and encouraged in the midst of the fast. I was tired, but ultimately, I felt great. My friend and I made our way to Starbucks in the Village to grab a drink and as soon as I paid at the register, I looked around the store and everything looked really strange. I began to experience nausea and thought I might throw up. I made my way to the restroom and almost passed out while waiting in line.
Several minutes later, I composed myself and headed back out to meet Kate. I sat down at the table and felt weaker than I'd ever been in my life. I told her that I should probably eat something, but couldn't even do that. Finding myself back in the restroom, I began experiencing tremendous pain in my abdomen. I spent a while in there and finally made my way back into the cafe. At this point, I told Kate that I felt that I needed the paramedics and that we should call the project Operations Director for help.
Shortly thereafter, spread out on a comfy chair with my legs up on another, our Ops guy arrived and then the paramedics. I was in such pain that I kept my eyes closed to avoid taking in anything else that I'd need to process - I needed to focus on breathing through the pain. I remember hearing someone say, "Is that our girl?" Then, he was kneeling near me asking if there was any possibility of pregnancy... Nope... Eyes still closed. After a few minutes and hearing more people enter the store, I opened my eyes to see Ryan from the Bachelorette kneeling beside me! He was the one asking the questions and checking my vitals! He was very kind, as were most of the other paramedics and Vail fire personnel.
Essentially, I told them that I had been fasting - they didn't look pleased, but I had been taking good care of myself with plenty of water (between 96 and 128 oz. per day). They took me to the hospital saying that I was dehydrated, but interestingly enough, didn't think enough of it to give me an IV. On the way out of Starbucks, I discovered the Fire Chief offering his arm and helping me to the ambulance. He told me that my blood pressure was 90/60. No wonder I couldn't move! :)
At the hospital, they ran some tests, discovered some things and ordered a CT Scan. Nothing looked abnormal, so they sent me home with some short instructions. It was a most adventurous day. What is most interesting about all of it to me is the fear I experienced in the midst of the pain and low blood pressure. I remember praying, "Lord, I'm so scared, I need you to help me. I can't do this." I've never been so afraid in my life.
Later, I thought back to a dream I had on Sunday night at the onset of the fast. Without going into detail, the dream left me awake in the middle of the night experiencing a tremendous sense of fear. I knew when I came to my senses that this was a spiritual dream and that this fear was not from God. As I thought about the circumstances that transpired in Starbucks, I knew that this was no ordinary situation. For one, my condition changed as if someone had flipped on a light switch. One moment I was totally fine, the next I was about to pass out. The fear associated with what happened caused me to consider that this situation was, much like my dream, very spiritual.
At the end of the day, I recognized God's goodness in caring for me in the midst of the fear. I knew that he allowed this to happen for a reason and that our corporate fast would not be well received by the enemy. It's not often that I recognize spiritual warfare, but there was and is not a better explanation. In and through it all, I experienced the Lord's presence. And, we have continued to see God's work as a result of this fast. My prayer has been and continues to be that God would truly free those who are bound in the Valley. That many people would know the freedom that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and, that they would experience literal healing, freedom and provision in their lives.
What does it look like for me to come alongside those who are hurting? I will continue to ask this question. I trust that God will continue to show me. It is a blessing to know him...
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Winding Down
Hard to believe it, but our time (as staff) in Vail is just about to end. It has been the most rewarding, encouraging and refreshing few weeks that I have experienced in quite a while. I feel so grateful to God for the gift he has given me in this summer assignment.
The past few weeks have been full since my last post. We've hiked, rafted, sought to connect with people in the Valley, fasted (story to come in another post), experienced great connection through our men's/women's weekend, shared our faith, prayed and truly, we have seen God move.
In fact, I am taking a minute to type while we wait for our adventure race teams to come back to "home base" - today we've sent students and staff out to do about 30 miles of swimming, hiking, biking and taking part in mental challenges as well. I was along the course for a while and am taking a minute to breathe while they work their way back home. I do like my job. :)
Here are some photos of recent times with these new friends...
Me and Darci out in Vail Village
Jenade, Chance, Me & Darci out in the Village
The women of VSP 2007 - head of the Gore Creek Trail
Candy & Me on the Gore Creek Trail - she's such a sweet student!
Shannon, Lyndsey, Angela and Jo at the Whailer's Concert
Jenade, Chance and Me at the Whailer's Concert
The past few weeks have been full since my last post. We've hiked, rafted, sought to connect with people in the Valley, fasted (story to come in another post), experienced great connection through our men's/women's weekend, shared our faith, prayed and truly, we have seen God move.
In fact, I am taking a minute to type while we wait for our adventure race teams to come back to "home base" - today we've sent students and staff out to do about 30 miles of swimming, hiking, biking and taking part in mental challenges as well. I was along the course for a while and am taking a minute to breathe while they work their way back home. I do like my job. :)
Here are some photos of recent times with these new friends...
Me and Darci out in Vail Village
Jenade, Chance, Me & Darci out in the Village
The women of VSP 2007 - head of the Gore Creek Trail
Candy & Me on the Gore Creek Trail - she's such a sweet student!
Shannon, Lyndsey, Angela and Jo at the Whailer's Concert
Jenade, Chance and Me at the Whailer's Concert
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Vail!
(Me, Chance, Luke & Jenade in Vail Village)What could be better than spending the summer (at least a good portion of it) in Vail, Colorado with a team of tremendous staff, loads of fun students with a purpose greater than all of us combined? Nothing, quite honestly, in my opinion. :) I'm having an incredible time and although I'm quite busy, the change has felt more like vacation than work. That's a good thing.
And, I remember... I love my job.
This summer, we're engaging with the people in the Vail Valley in some unique ways. We're trusting God to work in our lives and through our lives to bless the community, grow us in our faith and open doors for us to talk about the Kingdom. Our focus and prayer is that we would be a humble group of people that really seek to have the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5). We so desire to serve and love on those around us. We are asking God to connect us with people who are on a spiritual journey (all people, really) so we can come alongside them in that process and we're hoping and praying that many people will meet Jesus and understand, on a heart level, the love of God through him in their lives today.
I'm so blessed and thankful for this time away from the routine of the city to encounter the Lord, enjoy his creation (people and the gorgeous Rockies), and spend some time really listening to his voice this summer. How awesome to be back home, training these staff and students and enjoying the Lord.
Some highlights:
Teva Games - We spent the afternoon talking with people in Vail about life and spirituality.
The Samples - I am old, officially. When I shared my enthusiasm with our students that The Samples would be playing in Vail Village during the Teva Games, I received blank stares in response. I, however, enjoyed part of the show and returned to my "youth" for 45 minutes. :)
Snow! - Yep, you read that correctly! June 7th & 8th, we awoke to find snow flying outside of our condo windows. Yesterday, during a hike with our staff team, we couldn't believe our eyes as part of the mountains were hidden behind a snowstorm! It was awesome and we were a little chilly. Pictures to come later. My batteries died.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Typical Colorado.
In New England people have told me, "You don't like the weather, wait a couple of hours..." In Colorado, we tend to say, "You don't like the weather, wait a couple of minutes..." :) And well, here we are on May 24th and it is SNOWING. Yep, the snow is sticking, too. Need I remind those reading that it's almost June? I mean, summer is just a few weeks away, right?
We went from sun to rain to sleet to snow today. I can't imagine what the high country will be like next week when I arrive in Vail (it snowed there yesterday). There is always a weather related adventure in my beloved home state. Typical Colorado.
We went from sun to rain to sleet to snow today. I can't imagine what the high country will be like next week when I arrive in Vail (it snowed there yesterday). There is always a weather related adventure in my beloved home state. Typical Colorado.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Fun Friends
Kimberg, Anster, Bottster, SKFRecently, we had a surprise birthday celebration for our friend, Christina. Here are a couple of the fun friends at the party. I am so blessed to have such friends in Boston! Note to self and friends in CG: when lighting candles for the surprise birthday cake, wait until you're certain that the birthday girl is close at hand... One of many good lessons I continue to learn in my life! :)
Friday, May 04, 2007
A Recap of Weeks Gone By... Final Installment
I mentioned our "new event" we held in April in my previous post. Last month, we gathered the women in the Northeast together for a women's conference. A time to connect with the Lord and one another... A time, prayerfully, to be refreshed and to rest. In the midst of bronchitis, the Lord met me in some sweet ways. One thing I took away from the time was this image:
When I arrived home from our conference, I sifted the internet for this photograph. The title is "Woman with Seven Children" and it was taken during the Great Depression. Our speaker used this image in one of her talks and it moved me. She asked us what we saw...
I saw a brave woman. Someone who had been through so much and seemed to have a tender determination to make it. She seemed strong. Her children clung to her for support and she sat looking into the distance, perhaps the future, with her face forward.
I LOVE this image. It has continued to minister to my heart and at times, I'm not sure why. I continue to think about her. What did she go through during those times? What did she hope for in the future? How did she do it?
It's not often that an image or piece of art so consumes my thoughts and my heart, but this one did. I'm going to enjoy the journey of processing what this image means to me. How I love it!
When I arrived home from our conference, I sifted the internet for this photograph. The title is "Woman with Seven Children" and it was taken during the Great Depression. Our speaker used this image in one of her talks and it moved me. She asked us what we saw...
I saw a brave woman. Someone who had been through so much and seemed to have a tender determination to make it. She seemed strong. Her children clung to her for support and she sat looking into the distance, perhaps the future, with her face forward.
I LOVE this image. It has continued to minister to my heart and at times, I'm not sure why. I continue to think about her. What did she go through during those times? What did she hope for in the future? How did she do it?
It's not often that an image or piece of art so consumes my thoughts and my heart, but this one did. I'm going to enjoy the journey of processing what this image means to me. How I love it!
A Recap of Weeks Gone By... Part II
Conferences, Conferences, Conferences... This was my life in April. I had three, virtually back-to-back, events. In the wee hours of the morning in which our first event, our new event, was to begin, I awoke and knew that I had bronchitis. Boy, that was a morning! I was on the Cape, went back and forth between two health-care facilities hoping to find a doctor that would prescribe antibiotics. By 10:15 AM I was back and running our staff meeting. At 2:30 PM our conferees began to arrived and as they say in the 'Biz, "The show must go on" and it did.
A week later, the last two events came and went and I was ready to see my friends! I'm not sure if I've mentioned recently how much I love Boston, but here's a new reason:
Art In Bloom
A few weeks ago, three of my favorite girlfriends and I headed to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) for their annual "Art in Bloom" exhibit. Every year, area garden clubs are invited to interpret selected pieces in the museum and interpret them using flowers, plants and as we discovered on-site, other interesting objects like... artichokes! :)
It was a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Boston. Pictured to the left, me and my friend, Alexis.
Here are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:
A week later, the last two events came and went and I was ready to see my friends! I'm not sure if I've mentioned recently how much I love Boston, but here's a new reason:
Art In Bloom
A few weeks ago, three of my favorite girlfriends and I headed to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) for their annual "Art in Bloom" exhibit. Every year, area garden clubs are invited to interpret selected pieces in the museum and interpret them using flowers, plants and as we discovered on-site, other interesting objects like... artichokes! :)It was a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Boston. Pictured to the left, me and my friend, Alexis.
Here are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:
A Recap of Weeks Gone By... Part I
There was tragedy in Virginia. At times, I find it so difficult to embrace the reality of the brokenness in the world. An optimist at heart, I can't help but hope that things get better. However, I know that the only solution to our brokenness resides in the person of Jesus Christ who came and lived a blameless life, died on a cross and rose from the dead three days later sealing humankind's freedom from sin and death forever. It is through a thriving, love relationship with Jesus that we can know God and have hope in the midst of our brokenness. That is what encourages me as I process the evil that exists in our world. I am so sad for the families of all of the victims. My prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Almost May...
I have much to catch up on here on the ol' blog. Hopefully I'll get to more of it this week. April was the most eventful month since December and life is good. Today I'm thankful for good friends (Happy Birthday, C!) and the promise of summer... It's just around the corner. There's a lot to look forward to in the coming days and months. I'm heading out west for a while and enjoying my last week here in Beantown... More in the next couple of days...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Small, Significant Faith
Monday around 7 PM I was on my way home from the office, riding the T and reading a letter. We passed Central Square and I put the letter aside and pulled out my mini Bible - it's a good time to catch up on what the Lord is saying :) - and started to read a Psalm. The girl sitting a couple seats away on my left leaned over and said, "Are you a Christian?"
Stop there. I'm in Boston, remember? This doesn't happen very often and I wasn't sure what was coming next.
I replied, "Yes, I am a Christian." She went on to say that she reads verses on the T, too. I asked if she was a Christian (you never know...) and she said that she was, but had walked away from God for a while and made some choices that didn't help her relationship with him. She went on to say that she was in the process of figuring that out and wanting to know him.
She asked me what I do for a living. Funny question. I bet she didn't expect my response.
"Actually, I work with students, well, more in operations these days, but with a Christian student ministry," I shared. I asked if she worked in the city. "No, I'm a student." And, she clarified that she goes to Harvard. Wow... Harvard. It was the next stop on the T; and, thinking time was short, I asked if she liked it.
"No."
I haven't heard that response from a Harvard student before. We went on to talk about faith and how walking with Jesus is a process... a journey. We talked about his love and how he wants us to know him and makes that possible. And then she shared something that I've been thinking about for days...
"Actually, I have been praying that God would allow me to meet Christians in Boston. And I keep meeting Christians."
You might wonder what was so significant about this statement. I did. And it continues to stay with me. Here is this sweet third-year student who is trying to figure out what this relationship with God looks like again and although her faith is small, it's significant.
God is answering her prayers!
Now, that is something.
What a challenge and encouragement to me in my faith. God answers prayers. She is seeing the tangible evidence of this in her life and it's faith-building. It reminded me how I long to see God do this in my own life. The question I face is this: Am I willing to ask? Am I willing to believe that he will answer? Am I willing to wait on his timing?
I so appreciate the Lord allowing me to be apart of the answer to her prayer and, even moreso, am grateful for the lesson. Faith, even small faith, is significant. God hears and he responds.
Stop there. I'm in Boston, remember? This doesn't happen very often and I wasn't sure what was coming next.
I replied, "Yes, I am a Christian." She went on to say that she reads verses on the T, too. I asked if she was a Christian (you never know...) and she said that she was, but had walked away from God for a while and made some choices that didn't help her relationship with him. She went on to say that she was in the process of figuring that out and wanting to know him.
She asked me what I do for a living. Funny question. I bet she didn't expect my response.
"Actually, I work with students, well, more in operations these days, but with a Christian student ministry," I shared. I asked if she worked in the city. "No, I'm a student." And, she clarified that she goes to Harvard. Wow... Harvard. It was the next stop on the T; and, thinking time was short, I asked if she liked it.
"No."
I haven't heard that response from a Harvard student before. We went on to talk about faith and how walking with Jesus is a process... a journey. We talked about his love and how he wants us to know him and makes that possible. And then she shared something that I've been thinking about for days...
"Actually, I have been praying that God would allow me to meet Christians in Boston. And I keep meeting Christians."
You might wonder what was so significant about this statement. I did. And it continues to stay with me. Here is this sweet third-year student who is trying to figure out what this relationship with God looks like again and although her faith is small, it's significant.
God is answering her prayers!
Now, that is something.
What a challenge and encouragement to me in my faith. God answers prayers. She is seeing the tangible evidence of this in her life and it's faith-building. It reminded me how I long to see God do this in my own life. The question I face is this: Am I willing to ask? Am I willing to believe that he will answer? Am I willing to wait on his timing?
I so appreciate the Lord allowing me to be apart of the answer to her prayer and, even moreso, am grateful for the lesson. Faith, even small faith, is significant. God hears and he responds.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Tourney Time!
Ahhh, March! The weather is warming (at least for the moment), the Charles' ice has melted, trees are beginning to bud and spring is on its way. I'm loving the new daylight savings time! Longer days are here again... Although, after a recent business trip, I am a bit on the slow side having transitioned three hours instead of two. But, life is good because the Tourney is finally here!!!
Have you filled out your bracket today?
Only about an hour twenty to go... My stomach always goes into knots because I tend to care about how my bracket stands in comparison to others. But really, what fun would the Tourney be without a little anxiety? :) I love it.
This time of year always reminds me of a favorite teacher who passed away early in my college career. Mr. Main introduced me to the Men's Tourney in high school and to
So, here's to you Mr. Main! And, here's to one of my annual highlights, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I can't wait to see what happens this year...
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