Sept. 8

So, I'm back to blogging again. It's been a while since I've been on here and I attribute that to being overwhelmed (in an entirely good way) with the many things that have taken place since I last wrote.

As of tonight I have been dating a wonderful man for 8 months. We actually met two summers ago on a FOCUS camp where I was too emotionally-zoned out to notice him - and he was too focused on the kids to get to know me :) Fair enough. But when I was making prospective trips down to D.C., spring of '10, he had his eyes on me, and called dibs for me to be at the FOCUS meeting where he was volunteering. In the fall, let's just say we kept it professional - emails and calls about meetings and Bible studies. But a lunch date in November was really more than just a lunch date, and he would trek across the D.C. metro area to talk to me at parties when he could really only be there for a half-hour max. Then there was Brookwoods, which "sealed the deal." As he ministered to kids on the slopes, my middle-school girls were noticing that something was up between us. The last day of camp these girls asked me, and I might have told them a little bit too much information. Needless to say, the drive back on the bus from New Hampshire to New York City was filled with their jeering and poking fun at our "love." Aside from the middle schoolers, the time I got to spend with Luke on the bus proved that he was more than a good date, but a man that cared deeply about my salvation, and how I was growing closer to God through circumstances in my life.

Tonight we began a "Discipleship Academy" through our church - Church of the Resurrection in D.C. We meet with 10 other people at the church office for about 9 months on Thursday nights and go over various aspects of the Christian faith. Tonight we began a teaching from one of our pastors on The Apostles's Creed.

Also tonight, we were given a quote from Jonathan Edwards in the midst of some discussion about the concept of the Trinity: "There was an eternal society or family in the Godhead, in the Trinity of persons... it seems to have been God's design to admit the Church into the divine family as his son's wife."

Matthew, one of our pastors, also responded to a question concerning the mystery of why the Bible talks so little about the Trinity, though it is such an important concept. He said it would be like for him trying to describe his wife: He would never be able to describe or define her in a way that would do her justice. There is so much to her and it would be almost impossible to explain her fully to anyone. That is why perhaps, he said, the Bible leaves out a "definition" of the Trinity.

I'm going to look forward to these weekly teachings - this oasis of edification.

This Christmas

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog. Life in DC has been fast-paced and action-packed - and yet this schedule and routine that I have invigorates and excites me in a way that not many seasons of life have before. I participated in many fun activities this past Christmas season. It snowed right before Christmas, which transformed the already beautiful National Mall into a winter wonderland. It was just enough snow to abate mass hysteria in a city that really doesn't see snow that much. I went to a delightful Christmas concert in the National Cathedral featuring St. Albans School, National Cathedral School, and a St. Alban's college from Pretoria, South Africa. The highlight of that concert was watching the lower school choirs mimic the choreography of the South Africans from their perch in the nave balcony. I also participated in my own church's Lessons and Carols service. My mom and good friend from Philly drove down that day to see me! In addition, I entered in two very special times of prayer that a guy from my church organized for Advent. A couple of us from our church met at his house on the hill to pray to ready our hearts for advent. We used the Book of Common Prayer and then a devotional.

I left about a week before Christmas to drive north to Philly to spend the week there with my family. My brother and sister-in-law came in right before Christmas from Boston. The break was super-relaxing and quiet.

Brookwoods, the FOCUS middle school Winter House Party in New Hampshire started with a bang, but I will leave that update for another blog entry...

Political Awareness

Ever since I've moved to D.C. my political awareness has been uncovered, like shoots coming up out of the ground after a long winter. I took a looong hiatus after coming back from the West Bank because my heart was dangerously polarized on several issues, and to spend any amount of energy on the stances I had taken after time in the Middle East would have wasted time.

However, coming here has given me freedom again to explore these interests. Time has healed a lot of what was "roughed up," and now I'm in a city where it is normal to explore these things. After having been so affected by anger and hatred in a war-zone, God seemed to shut out all other options except to "love your enemies." And in my heart, whenever I thought about my time there, that's what I tried to do.

I don't know if I'm ever going back there again, but I know that as I revisit these issues and begin to discuss them with people (like a guy from my church who just came back from a trip to Israel/West Bank), I have to keep certain things in mind, as I was reminded this morning as I read a quote from Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew." He says:

"A political movement by nature draws lines, makes distinctions, pronounces judgement; in contrast, Jesus' love cuts across lines, transcends distinctions, and dispenses grace. Regardless of the merits of a given issue - whether a pro-life lobby out of the Right or a peace-and-justice lobby out of the Left - political movements risk pulling onto themselves the mantle of power that smothers love. From Jesus I learn that, whatever activism I get involved in, it must not drive out love and humility, or otherwise I betray the kingdom of heaven."

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.”