First Day On The Job

(taken at the National Cathedral, hanging out before the meeting at St. Alban's)

It started when I poured orange juice into my cereal.... ahhh...

But then I ground some coffee beans and had a glorious quiet time in Isaiah 3 and a chapter from Elizabeth Elliot's "Keep a Quiet Heart."

It really isn't my first day on the job. I've technically been "working" on the ground here in D.C. since the 9th of September - but this was the first day of the first week of school meetings.

Tonight was the D.C. Upper School meeting, which currently combines high-schoolers from St. Alban's and National Cathedral - about 12 students tonight. We decided this year to host the meeting on campus, which we hope will attract more "drive-bys" (students who stop in for the pizza.. and then will hopefully stay).

Tonight was a great meeting. After "getting-to-know-you" introductions, and a traveling Pictionary game, Kendra led a study on the Psalms, specifically Psalm 19:1-6. We spoke about how we can get to know God through creation, and how He desires a relationship with us.

My favorite line from the evening came from a 10th grade boy from St. Alban's, a rower. Kendra asked, "How have you seen God in creation?" He replied, "Ok, this might sound kind of cheezy, but have you ever seen a newborn baby?"

This is NOT what I expected from the mouth of a 10-graders. This kid is awesome. Of course, all these kids are awesome, and they remind me again of what a privilege it is to have a front-row seat, watching God in their lives.

A Need for Older Women

This morning I was acutely aware of my need to pour out my heart to an older woman. Though I have an amazing confidant in my mother, and have women I can call - it means a lot to have someone HERE. The busyness and excitement of D.C. which continue to thrill and encourage can make it very easy to put this kind of thing off, but there are still things (there always will be) for which I need immense wisdom and prayer.

Elizabeth Elliot included this quote in her book, "Keep a Quiet Heart," which encouraged me greatly as I begin regular school meetings this week:

"Say not you cannot gladden, elevate, and set free; that you have nothing of the grace of influence; that all you have to give is at the most only common bread and water. Give yourself to your Lord for the service of men with what you have. Cannot He change water into wine? Cannot He make stammering words to be instinct (imbued, filled, charged) with saving power? Cannot He change trembling efforts to help into deeds of strength? Cannot He still, of old, enable you in all your personal poverty 'to make many rich?' God has need of thee for the service of thy fellow men. He has a work for thee to do. To find out what it is, and then to do it, is at once thy supremist duty and thy highest wisdom. 'Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.'" (Canon George Body, b. 1840)

I'm excited to see who comes along. In New Haven I had former workers in the Middle East, like me. This week I hope to attend a community group from my church on Thursday, and maybe begin meeting in a "triad" from church as well - "a group of three people (women) that gathers weekly over a set period of time for intensive discipleship through prayer, transparency, accountability and Bible study." -that sounds intense! But I am assured that God will provide what I need as I seek it.

D.C.

I'm finally here. I moved about a week and a half ago to an apartment in Capitol Hill that I almost cried over when I entered the threshold. It's awesome. We have 3, yup 3 porches, and the third is a huge one right outside my bedroom. I feel secure and stable here in a way I didn't in New Haven. Perhaps it was because I thought I might move out after a year because of the conditions, but I'm glad I stuck it out :)

D.C. is wonderful. Every day brings me new things to be excited about - whether it's new, secret, tucked-away parks, driving through Rock Creek Park, or seeing the hustle and bustle of Columbia Heights; I still can't get over the excitement of living here. I can walk/run to the Capitol building from my house - and once I get a little more in shape, I'm going to venture down to the Potomac and jog along the river.

My roommates are fantastic. Eden is a nurse practitioner, who's family has had a long history of FOCUS involvement in the GWA (Greater Washington Area). She was in a small group, my first year in New Haven, with my two other co-workers while she was at nursing school. Monica, my other roommate, I have adored since I had her in my freshman bible study (as a sophomore) which I led during my senior year at Davidson. We share similar experiences from our study abroad semesters in Ecuador; as well as many college friends in the area. She is also a nurse practitioner who knew Eden while at nursing school.

My church is awesome. Eden told me about it last year and it sounded like the vibrant, Spirit-seeking church I was attending in New Haven - plus the background in Anglican tradition I love, sound teaching, and a lot of young people! The crazy thing is that my freshman and sophomore year roommate in college, and a friend from my growing up years in Philly also attend the church!

And FOCUS was officially "kicked off" today with a lovely picnic at Fletcher's Cove this afternoon. I was overwhelmed by the support and interest that students, parents, and volunteers showed. We are going to have a fabulous year! I drove 4 students from Episcopal High School (a boarding/day school in Alexandria, VA) to the event, and we're trying to start a meeting there soon. The school is as yet unwelcome to FOCUS meetings on campus.

Of course, I'm intimidated by the year ahead. This is much more student contact than I've ever had before, and I'm going to have to plan my time well to make meetings on time around D.C. traffic patterns. But I feel sent here.

Last week at church, the pastor preached on Paul's time in Corinth. He said how it's no accident that we are in D.C. Whether we're here for an internship or a job, God has CALLED us to this city for a specific reason, for as long as He has appointed us here. I feel God's hand on me here - from picking my roommates and apartment; to garnering the support, enthusiasm, and contacts to begin ministry here. I am extremely thankful.

I pray for myself to be as dependent on God equally in the hard and easy times. And I just pray I can be faithful and find joy during my time here.

Last Talk of the Summer (Middle School Adventure B) (on the Holy Spirit and "going home" after camp)

What is your favorite sport? (field hockey, crew)

Do you have a memorable coach?

What were qualities about these coaches that made them magnificent? (dedication, personal attention) (Ms. Buggy, Mrs. Kanopka)

Imagine your coach leaving right before one of your most important games of the season

Imagine how helpless you would feel

Jesus’ disciples faced a similar predicament –

Night before Jesus dies on the Cross, He tells them that He will die, be raised again, and then go to heaven

Remember: they had given up 3 years of their lives to follow Jesus; their leader was leaving; they weren’t “Christian pro’s” (fishermen, tax collectors, normal)

Jesus doesn’t leave them alone – He gives them a promise that is ours as well – if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have the Holy Spirit.

2 main things: Who the Holy Spirit is – and then the tools that the Holy Spirit uses to draw us closer to God

First, let’s READ John 14:15-18, 23-27 – to hear what Jesus has to say about the Holy Spirit

This is great news to the disciples who thought they would have to go on alone after all that Jesus had taught them; facing real opposition (remember, all of them but one was killed for believing in Jesus)

We will most likely NOT face death in our lives because of our faith – but we need the SAME assurance that Jesus gives these disciples

Go back to the sports analogy. Imagine if your coach’s instruction, encouragement, and discipline were living inside of you.The Holy Spirit is God living inside of you. This is so much better than a coach!

The Holy Spirit is part of what’s called, the Trinity – God the Father, God theSon, God the Holy Spirit

No perfect analogy to describe this concept

Let me tell you a personal story of how the Holy Spirit has helped me

My junior fall semester in college I spent in Latin America – beauty and poverty

My time there was really difficult emotionally

Stuff I experienced there affected me really deeply.

One of the lies I was believing while I was there: I am ALONE.

One of the first things Jesus says about the Holy Spirit – Spirit of Truth

What’s the opposite of truth? LIES

What are some of the things Jesus says to counter this LIE of being alone?

Truth #1: v.16 “this Counsellor will be with you forever”

REMINDER – I have to write things on my hand all the time. One of the ways the Holy Spirit sends us messages and reminders of truth is through reading the Bible. Sometimes I’ve read a part of the Bible, and felt like the ink was still wet – like God was speaking directly to me. That is the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit also works to give us PEACE in the midst of difficult circumstances. Jesus says specifically in the verses we just read that He gives peace that is different than the world gives.

What does that mean? The peace in this world, we usually have to work for – it takes effort on our part to get peace and quiet in our lives, and it is often beyond our controlThe peace the Holy Spirit gives comes OUT OF our relationship with God that is NOW at peace. If we have accepted Jesus into our Lives – we KNOW who’s in control, and we KNOW He is good.

This last part of my talk is to talk about the TOOLS that the Holy Spirit can us to draw us closer to God

- as I mentioned, reading the Bible reminds us of truth and teaches us more about God – imagine if someone you really loved had written a bunch of love letters, it would be silly to store them all away and never read them – The Bible tells us about who God is, how He feels about us, and what He’s done for us. If the Holy Spirit is our coach, reading the Bible is like reading the play-book

- We’ve been talking about having a relationship with God, and this happens by getting to know Him – just like you would with any new friend. Remember how maybe the first time you talk to a friend on the phone it’s kind of awkward, you’re not used to their voice – but if you talk to them often – you get to recognize their voice! It’s like that with God – the more time you spend listening to Him in prayer and reading His word, the more you will recognize His voice. He will tell you when you are wrong, and when you are right. And most of all, He will remind you, like I said, that you are loved by Him

- Another tool: Fellowship. Fellowship is simply a fancy word spending time with other Christians. The purpose is to encourage us in our faith and relationship with God. Just like God designed us to be in relationship with Him, He desires us to be in relationship with each other – relationships that are based on Him. It’s like spending time with your teammates. You can’t play a game very well if you don’t know your teammates. It also makes the game so much more enjoyable. If they are Christians, they also have the Holy Spirit, so like in a game, they will also remember the “coach’s” instructions and encouragement.

- Lastly, God calls us to love one another – not just our teammates, but others who don’t know God. And one of the ways we can love them is to tell them about God and what He has done in our lives. One thing that is so fantastic about the Holy Spirit is that it can create change in us that others notice before we do – and that can make them want the peace and the joy that we have because Jesus is King in our lives. Remember how a leader told Rihanna how much she had changed since her last camp? That’s the Holy Spirit at work in her!

Guys – I want you to know that you are not alone. Like Heather said, the invitation to know God is waiting for you. And once you RSVP, the Holy Spirit begins working in your life and will be with you forever

I’m going to close with Isaiah 43:1-3 “This is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob; He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, you God, the Holy One of Israel.”