My New Best Friend, Logan International Airport

So it's been three days since my flight was cancelled and I am here at Logan enjoying the view... of many other people hopping on planes heading to their final destinations. :)

Oh well! Such is life. I've been frequenting Starbucks, making new friends and getting tons and tons of work done.

Not too bad, but I'm finding that I getting pretty sleepy today. A whole bunch of sitting around isn't good to keep the blood flowing. Typing has become my new form of exercise.

Thank the Lord (really!) for Internet access... even when you have to pay the airport for it. And, for friends who are willing to bring you to the airport, take you home with them and bring you back again. I am a blessed girl! :)

I hope to be enjoying a white Christmas sometime in the next day or two.

No Blizzard in Boston

So I'm still in Boston. Yep, I was one of the thousands of people that were "displaced" by the Colorado blizzard. I'm just a girl trying to get home for Christmas! :) Oh well, life could be worse. At least I'm not in some strange city... I just get to travel between my home and the airport... Although, I've yet to have the opportunity to do that just yet... the Denver airport is still closed.

Here's to the potential for standby and all of the nice people I'll meet while waiting...

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas (!) wherever you're at - home, airport, strange city hotel, or anywhere in between.

Jesus, the Messiah, is born!!! Let's celebrate.

Feels Like Spring

I must say that the weather in Boston is delightful... 50+ degrees! And, tomorrow is supposed to be the same. Hard to believe for my third December in the city; it's a totally new experience. :) I'm rather happy and wanted to share.

Magical Boston

Tis the season for beautiful lights, snowflakes, hot cocoa (or a peppermint mocha, you choose!) and Christmas! I love this time of year and living here in Boston causes me to enjoy it even more. Last week, I was in the Common for the lighting of the Christmas tree (yep, they chose to call it a Christmas tree this year instead of a "Holiday" tree); it was sweet to participate in this 65 year-old tradition in the city.

Although, truth be told, my friend and I grew weary in waiting for the actual lighting of the tree (there was a long program before they flipped the switch), so we headed to Newbury to do a little shopping. As we walked back through the Public Garden, bushes and trees began to light up and I exclaimed, "It's so magical!" I know, I'm a dork.

I've been thinking for a couple of weeks now how much I love Boston. I know that I've written that here before, but sometimes it's so striking... Riding the T to the office, crossing over the Charles River on the Longfellow Bridge and seeing the city reflected in the water when it's calm, the changing of seasons, the people and now, the Advent season. Fabulous!

This week, I caught one whopper of a virus and have missed engaging with the real world outside of my apartment. Boy, I've missed the city! Hoping to get back to magical Boston soon...

The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett

I was encouraged and challenged by the following words during our "Confession of Sin" at church today:

"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
You have brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see You in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Your glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime, stars can be seen
from the deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter Your stars shine.
Let me find Your light in my darkness,
Your life in my death,
Your joy in my sorrow,
Your grace in my sin,
Your riches in my poverty,
Your glory in my valley."

Lately I've been thinking a lot about recognition. I think it's fairly normal to experience some desire to be noticed for the things one accomplishes or the gifts that one has been given. However, when others are given the ability to determine a person's worth in light of these things, every person, I believe, comes up lacking the true and lasting satisfaction of being found worthy as a human. Where do we find our significance? And perhaps more importantly, who determines if we are indeed significant?

Yesterday, I was sharing my thoughts about this with a friend. On a personal note: I have been processing this very thing for a few weeks now. It's not so much the question of where I find my significance or who determines it. For me, both questions are answered in the person of Jesus Christ. He is where I find my significance for life and He tells me that I am significant. I believe Him. BUT I wonder, how do I live this out? You know, it comes back to the faith v. feeling aspect of walking with God.

For instance, I am content where God has me. I love my life - although, it is a bit busy these days. I could not ask for a better job, I have many dear friends and a loving family, and God continually provides for me. Why do I then desire more? Arthur Bennett's words encapsulate this for me... I live in a valley of vision. I see tremendous things from my vantage point and want more. I want to grow, trust, change and experience God's glory in my valley. I want to be more than I am and this leads me to continually strive.

What's funny about this is that the Psalmist instructs, "Cease striving and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Another paradox! God wants me to be obedient, to grow, to change, but He is the one that does this in and through me. He does the work! In the valley I look to His glory. It's not about me. And, in light of this truth and the question of recognition, I find that the answer is... It's not about me. It's about Him. His work. His life.

I'm encouraged by this reality because it does mean that I can be content where God has me. I can trust that He is using me the way He desires to and that should He require something else of me, He will move me in that direction, provide what I need to do what He calls me to do and continue to see Him in the midst of it.

God has used the book of Hebrews to encourage me in this as well. The author describes in detail the way in which Jesus is our High Priest explaining that His Priesthood lasts forever. He came to earth and endured everything that we do, but without sin. Therefore, He relates to us perfectly. He understands our weakness and our sin, yet, He doesn't condemn us. Rather, He takes the penalty for our sin upon Himself and brings us to God. He empowers us to lay aside the world's way of living life and embrace the paradox of the Gospel. And, we get to live in the valley of vision.

How Do You Compare? Take the Typing Test

Here's a little insight into my life at work. I work with many men. They love competition (as do I, so it all balances out). Recently, Ryan was discussing this idea of productivity and making the point that if we all typed a little faster, we would be much more productive. I don't disagree with him, but here' s the catch, at least in my opinion: typingtest.com.

Do you know how many times several of us have logged in to improve our productivity recently?...

I'll speak for myself. Many, many times. And, I suppose that's why I am the current TypingTest Champion in the office. 86 WPM and 98% accuracy (cut me some slack, I missed one word). That's for you, Dan. Can't believe you're letting a woman beat you...

For those of you who have yet to experience the thrill of the typing test, log on today and take a typing test of your very own. www.typingtest.com

Rockin'.

Blizzard!

Well, not here in Boston, but back in Colorado my parents are reporting around THREE FEET of snow in their yard. Wow! I must admit, I'm a little jealous. Tomorrow the Boston area is expecting heavy rain and high winds... I think I'd rather it snow. I was supposed to head to the Cape with some friends, but needless to say, we're rescheduling.

It has been a great few weeks though. I am in my busy, busy season and have been working a lot, but I'm excited for the upcoming conferences. It will be encouraging to see the way that God moves in the lives of our students and staff in the next two months.

And, last week, I was excited to get down to New York to spend time with our team there. I enjoyed connecting with three new staff women and just listening as they unpacked their experience thus far in reaching students. Oh, how I remember those early days on campus (not that I'm THAT old or anything, but it seems like a long time ago). I sympathized with them as I remembered how difficult it can be to find balance in the midst of life -- I was thankful for the opportunity to get to know them. It was a great trip.

Blah

What do DVR'd episodes of BBC's "What Not to Wear," soup, lot's of liquids, vitamin C and "The Return of the King" have in common? All are things I've experienced today from my couch. Following my week of work and fun in sunny Colorado I came back home with a little virus. Super exciting.

All is not lost. Thanks to technology I've done a bit of work today and I did make it into the office for a couple key hours. (Not to mention a little trek out to my chiropractor - man, that works wonders!) And, well, I think I'll have a little more tea...

Snow!

This morning I woke up early to catch a flight... back to Boston. When I opened my parents front door in Colorado I was greeted by swirling, twirling, lovely snowflakes! Beautiful. It was the first snow this fall (for them, not in the high country, of course) and I was so happy to be there to experience it firsthand. Ahhh... Snow.

Mommy for the Weekend?

Yes, last weekend I became the "Mommy" - or maybe just the "Auntie." My friends were out of town and I watched two of their three kiddos, the dog, the snake, the bunnies and had out of town company of my own. It was really fun. I was really sleepy after staying up super late with my friends, but especially at 6 AM or so when the sweet doggie wanted to go outside; and, then again at 7 or 7:30 AM when the eight year old wanted me to, "Wake up, Miss Jess!"

I forget that going to Target to spend a gift card can be such an adventure, or watching an animated movie for the second time at the theatre such a big deal, going to McDonalds is super fun, and being picked up on time at school is so important. :) I realized how much work it is to keep a house clean (which I really do care about) with so much going on, getting everyone out the door on time for church, thinking through what other people need to eat - when it's just me I figure I'll get something eventually.... The list goes on and on.

I also loved that the dog followed me around the house. At one point I looked at him and asked, "Why are you following me around, Shel?" And then it occurred to me, "Oh, right... I'm the 'Mommy.'" So sweet. All to say, I can't help but be grateful for mom's! What incredible work they do caring for their kids and keeping their houses together. I'm thoroughly impressed.

Broncos v. Pats

In Foxboro, Sunday, September 24, 2006.

Denver: 17
Pats: 7

I'm a faithful fan... I still bleed Blue & Orange. Sorry Pats, maybe next time.

Whoa! Long Time No Blog

Weeks have passed and I've barely thought about blogging. I'm in my crazy-busy season at work right now and trying to find some down time as I'm able. Life has been good though. Through some recent reflection (caused by my birthday - isn't it funny how it's often one of the few opportunities people seize to think about life and I do it, too), I've realized that I'm growing. It feels good.

It's a relief to grow through patterns and habits that have shaped my life in negative ways and see what is on the other side. Freedom. I know I'm being a bit vague here, but I've been experiencing peace and joy as I've made some healthy choices for my life recently. The process of growth is often challenging, but God has been teaching me much about the value of honesty, authenticity, humility and the blessing of community. It is neat to see how He uses each of these things to bring about change in my life.

I feel encouraged that Jesus continues to meet me in my brokenness and helps me continue to pursue a life lived in light of the Gospel. I've come to the conclusion that I would far rather see my brokenness with eyes WIDE open than ignore it or live without awareness of it and refuse to grow. I've just been praying that God would continue to keep my heart teachable and tender so, when I encounter my humanity and sin, I would choose to embrace the process and grow. It's messy, humbling, exhausting and difficult, but so worthwhile.

Time with friends has also been encouraging lately. I celebrated my birthday with friends that have become dear to me here in Boston, went to the Sox game a couple weeks back with my old friend, Scott Willingham (Great to see you! "Hi" to the fam!) & the McPeople :), had a fabulous work trip to upstate NY where my long-time friend, Ally joined me and then spent a few days on the backside here in Boston, said goodbye to my friend, Phil as he moved away for work and have more friends visiting soon, plus a trip back to my beloved Colorado is on the horizon.

And, that's life as of late. I'll try to update this post with some pictures in the next week or so. Until later.... I hope you're doing well.

A Thing of Beauty

Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." -- John 8:12

Our office has become beautiful. In just a weeks' time a woman named Joanne has turned a neutral, fairly boring canvas into a stunning and inviting workspace. It has been fun to watch the process of transformation and join in with her as her ideas and dreams came to fruition.

Today, as things were winding down she said, "Okay Jessica, let's look at your space." I'll admit, I was dying to have her give some direction and thought to the placement of pieces she had suggested that I add in and around my new office. One of the paintings that was originally slated to be in our open area needed a home and she asked if I would like to have it. I was thrilled and as we hung it, she pointed out that the artist had inscribed the reference to the verse above near his signature. Joanne told me that when she discovered this reference, she immediately looked it up and it became her "theme" verse for the project. I thought it very appropriate.

One, the end purpose of the work we do here is that students would understand that Jesus is indeed the light of the world and that they might have life. Life is a beautiful thing. Two, Joanne loves beauty. It drives her. I have been so encouraged and refreshed as my associates and I have had the privilege of working alongside her this week. Not only did she care about the project, she cared about our stories. Both were things of beauty to her.

There is something about beauty that moves me. Maybe you feel the same. As I thought about it in light of this project and my conversations with Joanne, I realized why. The world can be an astoundingly ugly place at times. In the midst of the struggles of life, relationships, and circumstances it is not difficult to despair in the darkness. But light... What does light do? It dispels darkness and allows us to see what is real about life.

To think that Jesus says that HE is the light of the world is a tremendous claim. In fact, if you go on to read beyond that one verse in John 8, you'll see that the Pharisees were quite offended by this. Jesus cared deeply that people would not continue stumbling in the darkness. He wanted them to see the light so they could experience life.

How I long to experience life on Jesus' terms, but I must choose to walk in the light. Often I avoid the life that He so freely offers because I desire to do it my way. What's sad about this is that I miss what is beautiful... Him. He is the light of the world. He lived a sinless life, died a grievous death and rose victoriously that we would experience life and cease stumbling in the darkness. Now that is a thing of beauty.

The Count of Monte Cristo

If you have yet to seize the opportunity to read this classic, I would highly encourage it! I just finished the 1,078-page tale last week and loved it (no abridged version for me). Actually, I already loved the book around page 150 and knew I'd desire to re-read it in the future. I think Dumas is a brilliant story-teller and the themes of justice and mercy were poignant. Let me also add here that the film version falls desperately short in communicating the actual story. I used to like it, in fact, I own it. Upon finishing the book I went back and watched the movie and I'm now thinking of selling it on Amazon... Let me know if you'd be interested in taking it off my hands.

Life After Colorado... Two Years Later

It's official! Today I celebrate two years in Boston and I can hardly believe it. I almost forgot the "anniversary" in the midst of this hectic week, but remembered as I was sorting through documents in my effort to switch offices this afternoon. Two years ago, my Mom, Dad and new teammates were unloading the moving truck into my first apartment out here. It was a crazy day and I remember Judy & Corri (who had just moved here with their families from our old region as well) dropping by in the early afternoon with some flowers and stuff for my place. We all were a little wide-eyed as we talked through the change we all had chosen. It was so strange to think that I'd actually done it... Moved clear across the country, taking on a new role, joining this new team that melded the thoughts, ideas and ministry philosophies of two regions together and leaving everything I knew behind.

It has been quite the adventure and I am thankful that God gave me the opportunity to do it. It is hard to imagine what life would be like had I stayed in Colorado. One thing is for certain, this choice has been one of the utmost steps of faith I've taken in my short life and it was a great decision. God has grown me so much through this change. At times I am surprised by how clearly His hand has led me and struck by the grace His has bestowed on me in the challenging times. And, it has been incredible to see His plan for our region unfold as He has caused growth and change in the lives of our staff and students.

Author Janet Hagberg writes, "We do not grow so much by effort or following a formula as we do by being open to the grace of God." When a friend shared this quote with me a few years back I remember the impact it had on my life. I am, by nature, a very formula-driven person. I want things to fit neatly together and to make sense. And, in my relationship with God, I want to feel like I'm measuring up and if I do the right things, then I can experience His grace in my life. If I've learned nothing else in the past two years, I have learned this: it's true, I've grown so much more by simply being open to God's grace in my life than by working hard to "earn" His acceptance. I don't have it all figured out and I've learned that He doesn't expect that from me. He simply wants my heart. In this new city where the rules were all very unfamiliar at one point, I saw that I needed to experience His grace. And, I've grown up in the process of embracing this reality. Its been really, really good.

Things I love about life in Boston:

1. Working in the city in a position where I can grow, with people I like and for a purpose far greater than myself.
2. The Charles River.
3. Friends I've made along the way (some who are still here, others who have already moved away [miss you Bryant's, Anderson's & Almaz!]).
4. Finale for dessert. Stephanies on Newbury for the occasional brunch. Solas/Elephant Castle/The Kinsale for good pub food. Sam LaGrassa's for the reuben. Sebastians/Cosi for a good salad. Naked Fish for seafood. Mariposa Bakery in Central Square for the best mocha I've yet to find in Boston. The list goes on and on! Food is a good thing...
5. My church! CityLife is gospel-centric and the people are authentic. I feel blessed to have "landed" there.
6. My apartment. If you've been there, you know why. I love it...
7. The city and the people in it. Boston is so diverse. I really appreciate seeing and interacting with people who are different than me.
8. The Public Garden in the spring and summer. Fenway anytime. The Boston Public Library in Copley... Oh, I have a book that's overdue... whoops!

I still listen to my favorite Colorado radio station online, miss my family and friends and long to see a sunset over the Rockies throughout the week, but I love my Boston life. Who knows how long I'll be here... When people ask I simply say, "Until the Lord tells me otherwise." In the meantime I hope to thrive and grow by being transformed by the gospel and loving God and others. Here's to the first two years of growth and change and the hope for a tremendous "Year No. Three." Cheers.