A Barista Unlike Any Other

The other night I headed out to do a bit of grocery shopping. It was a lame Saturday night activity, but I returned the day before from a trip and spent the whole of the day engrossed in the 5th Harry Potter book. I cannot get enough!

Anyway, I went to TJ's and did my shopping and noticed a fabulous Starbucks next door. Wonderful! I did a little grocery shopping, put my stuff in my car, checked the time (8:35 PM) and saw that Starbucks was open until 9. Plenty of time to grab a little extra hot hot chocolate!

Well, upon walking in, one Barista was chatting with the only customer in the store and the other was sweeping. I proceeded to the counter and looked up at the drink menu (as if I was deciding what I wanted...). The Sweeper asked, "Did you want to order something?" I'm thinking, "Um, of course I do... Don't just walk into Starbucks for no reason." :)

From that moment on, the Barista proceeded to try and talk me out of my drink! What in the world! That was a new one, I mentioned. He told me the calorie content of the drink I ordered, asked me why I would come in so late, told me that I could go home and make hot chocolate (even encouraged me to go out and buy Nestle Quick!), etc. I told him that if I was such an inconvenience, I'd help him out by saving him time at the register ... He could give me the drink for free.

And, that's exactly what happened.

What a rare experience at Starbucks. Highly, highly amusing. That Barista gave me a smile.

Let Down

I must admit that I'm a bit troubled today by the lack of consideration one person can show another. This morning, I headed out the door for church and while standing on a lump of frozen snow (it really won't melt!) waiting for cars to pass, looked across the street at my car and noticed that something seemed out of order. I thought, "No, the sun must be hitting it in such and such a way making it appear that there is a rather large dent on my front fender."

Alas, it was not the sun. I surveyed the damage and realized that the person who caused it failed to leave a note. I then called the police department, my insurance company and then, of course, my parents. I needed someone to sympathize with me - although, I must say the people at the police department and the insurance agency were surprisingly pleasant.

I got to church after I finished my phone calls and my pastor preached on the eighth commandment: You shall not steal. Boy, did this sermon hit home for me today. The person that hit my car was unwilling to pay for the damages that they caused to my property. I am going to have to pay my insurance deductible to have my car repaired and the money I spend doing that will not be able to go where it was meant, and really, needs to go. It is an unfortunate situation and honestly, I'm angry. This unknown person has basically stolen money from me.

Most of me wants justice today. I want the person to come forward or I want someone to catch them. I want them to pay for the damages.

Though, my dad reminded me that God ultimately knows who did this and that he will take care of me. That is comforting. I've been a bit introspective today, as well. I mean, this truth of "You shall not steal" applies as much to me as it does to the next person. While I'm angry with this unidentified person, I must remember that God has forgiven me for worse and I must forgive. I have to let it go.

It's not easy. Bothered would be a nice way of putting my emotions today. I know it's okay to move through this and feel what I feel, but I will also look forward to getting over it. After all, it's just a car, it's just money and life is too short to be that concerned by it.

I think the thing that really bothers me most, however, doesn't have to do with the car or the money. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around the fact that someone did this and did not take ownership of their mistake. That's what is really getting to me. And frankly, I feel let down by that person today. I guess I am still an eternal optimist that wants to believe that given the opportunity, people make the right choices. Admittedly, I am a bit naive in saying this - I know I am. And, I know that this is why the Gospel is so important and relevant today.

People are sinful and need forgiveness. We make mistakes, we let others down and on a much more important level, we are separated from the God who created and loves us as a result of our sin. I need the Gospel to penetrate my heart today to forgive. I am grateful that God gives me the opportunity to do this and let the damage done end with my car and my bank account.

A New Love! Harry Potter...

My journey in reading has finally landed me on the widely tread path of Harry Potter. What a series! I've just completed the fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." I know, I'm a laggard when it comes to this trend... And, I'm glad that I didn't miss it. I have found these books to be so imaginative and redemptive. The fourth in the series is my favorite thus far. I literally couldn't put it down!

One of my dearest friends has always expressed her love of the friendships in the story. I agree. It is so tremendous how Harry, Ron and Hermione live life together through the ups and downs of adolescence, not to mention, enduring incredible circumstances. I love the professors, love to hate some of them, think Dumbledore is amazing and wise - he gives people second chances, and find the adventure captiviating.

And, I'm moving on to No. 5 tomorrow. I can't wait to see what comes next...

Amazing Grace: The Movie

Yesterday I viewed a screening of "Amazing Grace," a film detailing the life of William Wilberforce and his plight to abolish slavery in the British Empire. The story was moving and inspiring. It caused me to consider how an ordinary person, passionate for a cause, can change the course of history. It was interesting to see the way John Newton's redemption (a former slave trader who repented and turned to Christ) was later used to build a strong argument against the slave trade, as well. His story starkly contrasts that of William Wilberforce, yet both men used their unique place in life to make a lasting impact. Two stories intertwined.

Prior to the screening, we learned that human trafficking is at an all time high today. Shocking news, when I really think about it. And, something to consider: Lord, what would you have me do with the passions you've given me and the position in which you've placed me?

Please see and support this film. www.amazinggracemovie.com

Looking Forward

Today I am reflecting on the fact that it's 2007. Happy New Year! Have I said that yet? Honestly, I've sort of forgotten that it has arrived and January is almost over now. That went fast.

I've been doing the usual: forgetting to write 2007 on checks and in documents (thank the Lord for Word though... it does this for me and I am better for it). I'm kind-of relieved to think about the New Year. There is much to look forward to and it's exciting to have a clean slate in certain senses (more on that in the near future).

In the technology arena, I'm moving up a notch... I purchased my first Treo today and I'm eagerly anticipating the day when it will arrive. I'm a little stunted in my technology growth, so I feel thankful for friends who will help me. I hear that my life will be better as a result of having it because I'll be able to sync my email, contacts, calendar and tasks -- the latter two were the selling points for me -- and all without the use of a cord (though, I really tried not to get one, but am glad to have been convinced otherwise). Awesome. I think I'll have fun waiving it around my laptop and seeing what happens. My friend assures me that I don't have to wave it, but I think it'll be more fun to do so. :)

Schedule demands have not necessarily eased, but the differences for the spring are allowing me to spend more time with friends and doing some things that I love. It is super encouraging to have time to spend with people again - hopefully I'll be a little more in tune with what's going on with others this spring. I'm reading Harry Potter - it's so good! I get to travel a little for work which is fun. Plus, I'm generally seeking to build margin into my schedule which is a tremendous growth point for me.

In recent news, I will spend the summer in my fabulous home state! I have accepted a leadership role on one of our renowned Summer Projects! God has blessed me with an opportunity to spend the summer in close quarters with students and staff in the gorgeous Rockies. Not only is this a treat for me personally, but I am thankful for the growth and development that the Lord is already causing in my life as a result of taking on this role. It's amazing how something like this can plunge a person into examining one's own life and cause an immediate dependence upon God. I feel completely incapable of leading in this capacity as I see my life from the front row. Yet, God is gracious to me and has entrusted me with this responsibility. I can't wait to see what He has in store!

So, all in all, 2007 is looking good and I'm looking forward to it. I think it's the optimist in me, but I think it's going to be the best year yet. I'll let you know in a few months time.

Tuning In

Last week I finally slowed down. After months of craziness I'd almost forgotten what it was like to have downtime, hang out with friends and think about my life. Since church on Sunday, I've thought a lot about the message I heard on rest.

It's funny how difficult it can be to truly rest. I, for one, find it quite challenging to do so. Part of it is that I really love to work. BUT, this past week I've begun to think about the things that bring life to my life. And, it has been good for me to consider, once again, that work isn't everything.

So, the question I've been asking myself is, "What is life-giving?" And, I've been finding that I have no clue what the answer is for me right now. Things that used to be refreshing feel cumbersome and I'm unsure of what to do next. I've reached the point (again) where I am so out of touch with what's going on inside of me that the day comes where it hits me like a ton of bricks... Something's wrong... I have to take time to tune in and figure out what I'm doing to myself and what I need.

This may sound messed up, but I believe that part of this process is really good. I need to seek the Lord and figure out what He wants to say to me and what He desires for me to do. Hearing from Him can sometimes be challenging though... Sad to say, but I think it’s because I've trained my ear to hear everything except His voice.

I am thankful in these times though. God is so good to meet me and speak into my life. I was reminded this week of what Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30 (The Message):

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Amazing! He wants me to come away with Him to recover my life... He wants to show me how to take a real rest, but notice, life doesn't necessarily stop. A friend has recently asked this question often: "Are you resting?" He knows how busy I've been and my answer remained the same, "Trying to... Maybe in a few weeks." Looking back over these recent weeks, I can see what he was saying now. In the midst of life per normal, was I finding true rest? How is this possible? The passage has a clear answer: By coming to Jesus to recover my life; learning from Him and watching how He does it.

Jesus never forces this on me. He wants me to choose it. He isn't the one that is handing me the heavy load - I'm the one trying to prove myself, trying to move ahead, ignoring the significance of the difficult things, continuing to circulate in unhealthy habits, avoiding conflict, being hard on myself, failing to take time away from the busyness, the list goes on and on. He actually wants me to experience grace; He wants to free me from the heavy load.

It reminds me of the times I travel and need to take the T to and from the airport. My bag always seems heavier on the return trip and I always pray, "Lord, Please let the escalator be up and running!" On a recent trip, I reached my stop and sure enough, the escalators were out! Total bummer. I was walking toward the exit and begrudgingly preparing to lug my suitcase up those stairs feeling tired and a bit put out. I remember saying, "Lord, it would be so nice if someone would offer to help" yet mindful that I live in a city and this isn't always the reality. Just as I reached the base of the staircase, someone from behind said, "Jess, can I carry that for you?" One of my colleagues was on my heels and took the load from me! I was so relieved and very grateful. He even offered me a ride home!

Now, that wasn't a difficult decision for me to make. I was happy as a clam to hand my burden off to my friend and he desired to help me. Jesus does the same for me every single day, but I often tell Him that I'd rather do it myself. Why? I'm still trying to figure that one out. I long to live "freely and lightly," but I also avoid it. I choose to make life harder on myself and I'm grateful that Jesus is there, offering this incredible rest, calling me to tune-in and waiting for me to accept His offer.

I hope to say "Yes" a lot more in 2007 and, once again, discover the life-giving things He will show and provide for me in the midst of the craziness that is certain to come.

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.