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.

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.

Fun Friends

Kimberg, Anster, Bottster, SKF

Recently, 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! :)

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!

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 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.

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...

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.

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 Kentucky who has since become "my" team – it’s funny how certain things stay with you. During my freshmen year in college, I couldn't wait to visit his family during my spring break and show him my bracket. Before I made it to their house that week, he suddenly passed away. Every year at this time, those memories resurface and I'm thankful that I had the chance to know him and his family.

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...

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.