New Blog for new stories

It is time to shake things up, so I started a new blog where I will be sharing things that I am learning, stories from my journey both personally and in ministry as well as posting more of my photography.
Come and check it out.

fittingintothestory.wordpress.com

It's (always) a beautiful day in the neighbourhood pt.2

More reasons why I love this community:

Reason #4:Bicycles
The preferred method of transportation around here is the bicycle, all year round, and especially once the snow leaves the streets. Even if people own a car, many choose to cycle to work/school/everywhere. House porches, outside restaurants and coffee shops, on the fences along the sidewalks, and apartment building hallways are all filled with bikes, the most treasured possession of many. There is a certain community around cycling in this area, where you are 'in' so long as you own a bicycle and pull it out for a spin once in awhile. It is not uncommon for friendships to form simply on the basis of admiring another bicycle. Though I greatly admire the cyclists and bike-enthusiasts that populate this downtown community, I remain an outsider without a bicycle.





Reason #5: Great Neighours
From experience and observation, this is a community where you actually see and know your neighbours. People spend a lot of time outside walking, sitting on their front porches, or gardening, so it is easy to become familiar and acquainted with those people and families living around you. Growing up for most of my life in a suburb outside of the city, I never knew the people in the house next door or would even be able to recognize anyone who lived on the same street. I appreciate that I now can walk down the street, wave and greet many by their name. I am also spoiled in having some close girlfriends live three doors down, friends in the apartment across the backlane and on the corner of the block - all within talking/shouting distance.

My house (White with a wooden porch) is separated only by two houses and a blossoming crab-apple tree from the girls house. Cute, right?









Reason #6: Music
If you have not picked up on it yet, this beautiful neighbourhood is highly artistic, filled with musicians, artists and many creative types, making for quite the cacophony of color, expression and sound. Now with nicer weather, more people outside, and open windows, music comes from every direction - whether it be from porch steps and impromptu jam sessions with neighbours and passing pedestrians, to buskers on the sidewalks, to authentic record players floating melodies out of apartment windows, to churches chiming hymns though the streets, the downtown traffic white-noise becomes engulfed by another symphony.

Buskers serenading with great folk music

Westminister United Church chimes hymns

Reason #7: Old Houses
Perhaps the first thing that intrigued me about this neighbourhood are the old, historic homes. I sometimes get caught up in thinking and imagining what this community would have looked like in the time when all the houses were being built, and get drawn away into dreaming of a time long past. Brightly colored doors and trim, large windows and porches make this definitely a different looking neighbourhood, and I absolutely love it!

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Reason #8: Location
Nestled between Wolsely, Downtown Winnipeg, Osbourne Village, the West End and River Heights, West Broadway is within walking distance of the Manitoba Legislature and the entire urban centre of the city - the best dining, cafe's, shops, businesses, entertainment, and only ten minutes from the University of Winnipeg (where I spend much of my time). Another reason why bicycles are so popular, it is not really necessary to own a vehicle when everything is within walking and biking distance, or even a short bus ride.

It's (always) a beautiful day in the neighbourhood (part 1)

Enjoying my first spring/summer in the city includes discovering and enjoying the things that I love about my downtown neighbourhood. For some, this it is considered a 'rough' area of town, definitely sentenced to a bad reputation, but I uncover new things everyday that I love about this community, and become more and more convinced that I would like to stay in this area for a very long time. Let me share with you some of the top reasons I love the West Broadway and Wolseley are of Winnipeg.

Reason #1: Cafe's and Bakery's

This community is packed full of precious and irresistible holes-in-the-wall to pick up the best bread, baking and latte's in Winnipeg! My favourite, for more than one reason, not the least of which being that it is two blocks from my front door, is Stella's Bakery. Either sitting on historic church pews and vintage sewing-machine stools inside, or on wooden benches at bistro tables on the sidewalk, this is the perfect place to speak deeply with a friend, find inspiration for writing, or have the best seat to people-watching. I have to admit and take some responsibility for getting many other people addicted to this spot as well.

Reason #2: Trees
The streets lined with well-aged oak and elm trees make canopy's of foliage like big green umbrellas. Looking out my bedroom window puts me eye-level with dense leafy branches, and it's all I can see up and down the street for blocks. This is a neighbourhood that passionately fights for any and all the "green causes" with gusto, greatly influenced by their surroundings and making it a breathtaking place to live.

Reason #3: Gardens and Compost
Speaking of things green, recycling and composting are causes highly championed in this area, with community gardens and composting places every couple of blocks, transforming empty lots into beautiful, life-giving spaces. This is the one on our block:

 

       Vintage chairs and rocking horses invite the community to congregate and enjoy this little garden together, and encourage the whole family to get involved.

More reasons and pictures to come!

Snakes, Snakes, & more Snakes

Caitlin getting her Converse ready for the day. Graeme already ready.

This was a day filled with 'firsts' for me. It began with a Breakfast of Champions prepared by Caitlin and I, to which the boys happily arrived at 9:30am to help consume before we took a bit of a road trip to Narcisse Snake Dens.

Armed with camera bags, iPhone directions, and a large cooler bag filled with snacks and a picnic lunch, we were pumped for this adventure. Well, I was a bit unsure. From what I had heard, we were heading to a place with the largest populations of snakes in one place in the whole world. Thankfully, they are just red-sided garter snakes, but still I did not know how I would do when actually faced with them within touching distance. To break the ice, the first snake we found was a very tiny one on the path and I held my first snake. Not the best, but not the worst experience either, and I did not freak out.  Traveling along the pathways to the different snake dens, it was incredible to see so many snakes all in one place. I took my first pictures of snakes as well.

First snake picture

Joe very pumped about the little guy on his arm.

Try to count these guys!

At the final snake den, we were surprised to see two men down on the ground level in a den with the snakes with camera gear galore! From listening in to the conversations, we found out that they were actually from the Discovery Channel's Planet Earth team, and shooting for an upcoming 2012 feature including these snakes. That was really exciting, and my first encounter with a real life, really cool film crew.

Discovery Channel

Angry lady

Capping off the time at Narcisse with our prepared picnic lunch, we headed back into the city. Fabulous.

Graeme resting from all the excitement.

"Manitoba on the Cheap" Summer: The Adventure Begins

For the first time as an adult, I will be spending most of my summer in the city. Though I will miss living on a wilderness island, I am excited for the opportunity to explore and enjoy my home town and province. Alongside some good friends, we have created a list and schedule for what we are calling, "Manitoba on the Cheap"....our summer of exploring for as cheap as possible.

We had our kick-off event two weeks ago with a trip to the zoo. At a pricey $5 for admission, we justified our spending by saying we wanted to go big for our first day of the "Manitoba on the Cheap" adventure. Hours of taking pictures and starring at big cats culminated with a BBQ at Caitlin's house and a game of Clue. What seemed reminiscent of a ten year old's birthday party agenda, it was a fabulous way to kick off the summer. Many adventures and laughs to come!

Caitlin and Joe snapping pics, Graeme and Tiffany observing.

Entry 5: Picture(s) that makes you Laugh

 Unable to choose only 1 picture to share that makes me laugh, I decided to narrow it down to 1 location that holds a plethera of funny memories for me: CAMP! Having spent 5 summers on a wilderness island in Northwestern Ontario, first as a staff/cabin leader, and then as a full-time director, I have anthologies worth of pictures and stories of the things we got into. Though I was not usually the instigator of the funny events, I was definitely around to laugh to the point of losing my voice. Here is a tiny sampling of some of the pictures that make me remember and laugh over and over again.

 

One of this past summer's highlights was filming and photographing the "Espresso Bomb" documentary. This picture was during a warm afternoon of "espresso competitions," that included playgrounds, large boats, Russian accents and our "sunday  best" outfits.

August 2007. The first summer starting as a Director at camp, I got to work with an incredible female leadership team to run the "Cash Island Girls Camps." Before this opportunity, I did not really know any of these women but a remote wilderness island, with only girls, makes people go a little crazy and really show their true selves. This was our "Directors Picture" at the end of the camp session.

After spending a couple of weeks directing the "Cash Island Camps," in 2007 where we began to know each other, I learned that Caitlin really liked hip-waders. Perhaps because they are so stinkin' cute and fashionable, but she was always the very first person to volunteer for any job, no matter how disgusting, as long as hip-waders were involved. This is one of the qualities that made me want to be best friends with her. We are never without adventure or a reason to laugh.

I am not at liberty to say what we were up to, what the situation was that we were by the lagoon, or why Caitlin needed to be in giant hip-waders, but it was definitely necessary, and definitely memorable.

 

Here is another set of pictures that are difficult to find words to describe; I just shake my head now and laugh. There was lots of cardboard, epic music, warriors and spectators. This was also one of the first things that helped Graeme and I become friends, as he was the inventor of both of our costumes/armor, which he proceeded to destroy in the course of the battle, almost taking my arm off with "Bang-ga-lore." I came out of it with all my limbs, thankfully, but a giant bruise that eventually took over most of my arm.

 

Besides the obvious enthusiasm in this picture, this captures one of the many times throughout the past three summers that Caitlin and I retreated to my office on time off to release some stress and over-tired energy by making crazy videos. Again, I am not at liberty to say what all happened, but these moments usually ended with me straining my vocal chords from laughing so much. 

The Joy of Baby-sitting

A great evening was spent baby-sitting Zoe, the little girl of the family I live with, and we decided to make some videos to show mom and dad when they got home.

Chocolate Pudding vs. ABC's from Janelle Stevens on Vimeo.

Dental Hygiene Theme Song from Janelle Stevens on Vimeo.

Exciting Luke18 Spring Update Newsletter!!

Hello Everyone!


Here is the link to the latest update about Luke18 Project in Winnipeg. There is much going on and to give God glory for! As God continues to move on college campuses, we will continue to meet through the end of the semester in April, and then excitedly look forward to training opportunities in the summer and the potential of planting more prayer furnaces in the fall. Please read and prayerfully consider prayer and financial support. There is great need for support in all areas for the continence of this ministry as we partner with God in this way on university campuses.

Blessings, and enjoy
(There are a lot of pictures!)

Spring 2011 Newsletter

Great Joy in Weakness - Sermon

 There have been many opportunities in the past months to teach and preach, mostly at the Elmwood MB Church in Winnipeg where I grew up. Here is a link to the most recent sermon from the series of "The Joy of the Lord." It is on the joy found in weakness, and the gift of fasting to our lives.

Great Joy in Weakness

I will be preaching again this Sunday at Elmwood and look forward to sharing from the passage of John 15. Maybe I will post that sermon on here as well. 

Just a Word

It has been silent on the writing front, not because of lack of desire to put expression and words together, but because something is going on deep inside my soul where God is taking time to write on my heart. What is He writing? Is it a novel? A commentary? A poem? No, it is just a word.

"Humility says, "Lord, I am empty without Your fullness; I am broken without Your wholeness; I am helpless without Your strength; I am clueless without Your wisdom. Apart from You I am nothing. I need You! I need You so desperately that I am pouring myself out to You here in the secret place...

God dignifies us - with sonship, glory, acceptance, royalty, purpose, significance, wealth, honor, salvation, wisdom, revelation, understanding, status, character, holiness, victories - sot that we might enjoy the highest privilege of casting it all at His feet."

(Bob Sorge, Secrets of the Secret Place)

Entry 4: A pic of your most treasured item

 A picture of your most treasured item

My most treasured item is the Word of God. Yes, this is a shot of the Bible I am using right now, however, it is not the physical book that is the treasure, but the living, inspired words that fill it and that are being written on my heart and mind.

Sermon Tattoos

This quick blog post is to ask for prayer. I am sharing this morning in the worship service at Elmwood MB Church, and I will probably be talking about my tattoos.  Many people don't know that I have them let alone expect me to talk of them from the stage on a Sunday morning in a Mennonite church!!

I have been asked to share on the lifestyle choices I have made over the last couple of years; why I choose to live the way I do. Part of that has been the decision get three tattoos in the last two and a half years. They are deeply significant and have been a part of God's redemptive work in my life.

Please pray for grace to speak words clearly and accurately that bring glory to Jesus, and for me to have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Please also lift up this congregation, many of whom are very against tattoos, that they would also have ears to hear and eyes to see the Holy Spirit beyond the surface.

Entry 3: Cast of favourite show

Picture of the cast of your favourite show:
I know I will get flak and teasing for this (except from you Caity...)

 Heartland

Here is a show that I have followed for the last couple of years - the most consistent I have ever been with a show. I don't watch much TV, but when I do, I like tuning into this Canadian drama based in Alberta about a family farm. One of my favourite things about the show is that they talk about things in Canada, referencing cities and places I have been, seeing Alberta license plates, it is one of the cleanest (no swearing, minimal violence save for the times when cowboys need to defend their honor or their woman, and little-to-no sex. Awesome!) .... and the fact that there are a lot of big trucks! I always wanted to be a farmer/rancher and used to dream about learning to ride and own a horse. C'est la Vie. I will just watch this Sunday night show, and pull out my plaid shirt and fake cowboy boots.

Entry 2: My sister sister

 Entry 2: A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

(Why I'm doing this)

Easy.

My sis. Or as we call each other, "Sister sister."

For almost 23 years, either in the same house or not, she is my best friend. Though I see her maybe only once a week, texting or calling occasionally, we have always been close. There were a couple of years there where it was a little unclear if we would make it liking each other, let alone even wanting to be in the same room. We must have been 5 or younger, when I once got upset with her for taking a Barbie or not doing exactly what I wanted her to, so I hit her. Not missing a beat, she bit my bum. Pretty sure we got spanked. That's how I remember it going down, or at lease the story I made up in my head to tell mom. Then again, most of my childhood is one hazy recollection, and it's Michelle (or Meech as I call her), who reminds me of stories, adamantly insisting that I was present there even if I don't remember.

I definitely threw my weight around as the eldest, making her play only the games I wanted to, only allowing the dolls to say what I wanted them to, and getting the first crack at the best dress up clothes. One of our favourite games was playing "Wedding." I would chose the prettiest lace table cloths or fabric pieces out of the linen closet and Meech could have the leftovers. She didn't argue. I would get to play with my prized "flower-girl accessories" from when I was 3, and Meech had to do with whatever we could find, like the large basket centrepiece that was as big as she was. And she didn't argue.

I knew she looked up to me, and I often used that to my advantage. However, years later, I recognized what a honor that was, how blessed I was by her, and that I wanted to be a good role model. More than that, over the years, I have learned to look up to her as a beautiful, confident woman of God, who has a heart the size of Africa (where she dreams of doing mission work with children). The Lord blessed us by having us be in the same family, but more so, as sister in Christ who get to spend eternity together loving Jesus....how wonderful to have a "Sister sister."

Entry 1: Pic of me and 15 facts

Entry 1 of my 30-blog challenge (read about it here: "Accepting the challenge").

15 Facts

(In random order and of varying depth and interest)

 1. I am called to live fully abandoned to Christ and spend my life serving Him no matter what He asks or where He leads.

2. I used to tell my mom every day that I wanted to be "Famous!" Now not so much.

3. In elementary school, I took Toastmasters and gynmastics. The public-speaking paid off, but the gymnastics....

4. At the age of 8, when asked what we wanted most, I said, "A Horse." My sister answered, "A Van!" 

We got a brother. 

5. I went into university focusing on Math. I graduated with English, History and Biblical&Theological Studies. I have a degree in 'writing papers.'

6. Sports I've been involved in (even if for just a day or two): Track & Field (Relay, Javelin, Discus, Shot Put), Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Triathlon, Swimming, Sailing, Snowboarding, Canoeing (I think it counts). Sports I dream of being involved in: rowing, rock climbing.

7. I have been Pocahontas, Queen Esther, an inflatable pumpkin, and Laura Inglis for Halloween.

8. I have made claims of every Psalm in the Bible being "My Favourite!" Similar claims made of "Favourite Book" to Isaiah, Revelation, Psalms, Ephesians, John, Acts, and Song of Solomon.

9. I sing and pray out loud when walking down the street.

10. My great-grandfather's (on Dad's side) name: Nicholas Demitrios Stephanopolus

11. Until 16, I dreamed of becoming Queen, so that I could command people to let me into their house so I could see what it looked like on the inside (I have this thing about home architecture and design, and the queen could totally throw her weight around to be a snoop, right?!)...plus, I could wear ball gowns everyday if I wanted - because I would be the Queen.

12. I really like shopping, or pretending to shop, though it used to be one of my greatest fears.

13. If I ever have kids, I think 12 is a good number...means one spare for the family soccer team. If they would be all boys, I could name them after the tribes of Israel, or trade out some of the less favorable associations with names like "Enoch," "David," "Zion," "Gideon," "Isaiah," or "Hudson(yes, not biblical, but awesome)." Just sayin'.

14.  Nicknames include: Jan, Janney, J-Bird, Nell, J, Nup-Nup, Nubins, Nupster, Janelley, Janelley-Bean, Num-Nut, Tub-Tub, Cup-Cup, Nub-Nub, Nip-Nip, and Chinelle. I do not respond to the ones crossed out.

15. I sometimes wear fake glasses.

Accepting the Challenge

A dear, sweet friend of mine has been doing a 30-day blogging challenge and it got me thinking. On a recent weekend trip home from college, she told me over gourmet pancakes of this journey of blogging short comments and pictures daily that has made her think of topics or answers to questions she has not faced before or had to articulate. It's only a month commitment, but is an exercise in consistency and being challenged to think through different topics. I accept the challenge, though will be taking longer than a month. I simply commit to doing 30 blog posts on the following list.
Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you miss doing
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of your last meal
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Take a look at my friend's site to see how her challenge is going (I'm even in one of them!):
http://spiffyintuition.blogspot.com/

Awakening the dawn, regularly

Simple update:
With Luke18 Project at the University of Manitoba, we are starting 6am prayer meetings.  The first one was this morning, the second one tomorrow, and will continue every Wednesday and Thursday until the end of the semester.

I'm a morning person, so I like early prayer meetings, but 4:45am alarms are a bit harsh. It's an hour that I have rarely seen, but I have a feeling it will become like a good friend in no time.

This morning, without seeing anyone else on campus, four of us sat/knelt in a room and worshiped Jesus, asking for God's heart for the campus, and experienced the tangible Presence of the Holy Spirit and the love of the Father.  It was pretty incredible.

We will be seeing more of 6am in the future, and I am excited to awaken the dawn as we take our place as watchmen on the wall.

I know Superheroes

There is a unique band of superheroes who take up residence in a very unsuspecting place: Winnipeg, Manitoba (affectionately known as "Winterpeg"), and are growing in number every year. Their superhero acts are displayed every day, all over the city, with many Winnipegers taking them for granted.  Who are these brave, sometimes masked, clothed in MEC apparel, perhaps slightly crazy, superheroes?

They are known as Winter Cyclists!!!

With temperatures dipping into the -40〫Celcius (for my American friends, this is also -40〫Ferenheit) range this past week, these superheroes did not slow down in their endeavors because of the dangerous windchill warnings, but rather took it as a challenge or dare to exercise their powers. Crazy? Perhaps, but you have to admire their persistence and determination!  Risking their lives on treacherous roads, laughing in the face of potential frostbite and injury, they peddle on.


They are brave, and I say "Thank you" for your powers that help reduce carbon emissions and being the champions of environmental stewardship in this city, putting your lives on the line. You really are "Superheroes!" ..... just...be careful.
 

 

"Jesus is driving the bus, and He's CRAZY!!!"

"Jesus is driving the bus, and He's CRAZY!!!"

The phrase left my mouth, louder, and before I had anytime to think it through or discern whether this was the correct time or place for such an exclamation. Thankfully I had a very understanding friend across the table burst out laughing... not out of insensitivity, but because she totally knew what I meant and the history of the context! I quickly noticed that there were other patrons in the coffee shop around us who began to chuckle and smirk, giving away the fact they had been eavesdropping. I contemplated making a loud general statement to clarify that I wasn't being blasphemous, but just for a moment, and then moved on.

Those who are familiar with Sanctuary House of Prayer will know that there is lengthy prophetic history to the establishment of night and day prayer in the city of Winnipeg.  One of the great words of encouragement to our house was a picture of Jesus driving a big yellow school bus.  The explanation goes to say that the bus is the prayer movement, or the establishment of house of prayer/night and day prayer, and that Jesus is in complete control of what it will look like.  Psalm 127:1 "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." The prophetic pictured continued to show that when the bus was going uphill, it was barely moving, and when driving downhill, Jesus would step on the gas.  On the outside, it looked out of control and dangerous, or unwise.  But Jesus was driving and He knows what He is doing.  His plans, timing and will are perfect.

From what has seemed to be a very slow and exhausting battle uphill in the last season of my life, with little confirmation of moving forward, has in a moment felt to shift and change!  Since the start of the new year, my life in the natural and in my journey with God has accelerated, to the point where from one day to the next, it feels and looks totally different.  In the last two weeks, I have had more opportunities to speak and teach, to have strategic meetings and decisions just happen in an instant, and an increased desire, hunger and grace to be in the Word, to spend time in His Presence and ability to hear His voice.  That is a gift from God, and a huge answer to prayer.  I would believe in miracles on that fact alone.  And I dare to believe that my experience over the last couple of weeks is for me alone, but for our community and anyone who will agree with what the Spirit is doing right now in our city.

I am keenly aware that the Lord is up to something in my life, and corporately for the Church in Winnipeg, and though we all go through different seasons of the soul, I am prepared to say "yes" in this time to Jesus driving the bus, even if it seems crazy!

When God Goes to Starbucks

Jokingly on campus yesterday, some students and I off-offhandedly discussed the face of most of the evangelical church culture in North America, determining that Jesus really likes Venti Starbucks beverages and has an iPhone4.  

I admit (and should probably confess) to contributing greatly to that general stereotype.  I have weekly staff meetings at the SBux location down the street, where three of us sit, with drinks in hand, for hours with three iPhones on the table, sometimes we pull out the Bible, or at least open our App for that.  Without a work area in my room until recently, a Chapters SBux location was dubbed "my office," where I met with friends, students, supporters, read, emailed, worked on "things," sometimes being productive.  

It may be true of other cities other than Winnipeg, but Starbucks locations across the city are largely staffed by trendy, Christian young adults who get to say "hi" to their pastors and leaders on a weekly basis and recognize the regular church folk whom they see more often in the cafe than in the foyer on Sunday mornings. They serve the Christian community their caffeine, as they work their way through college degrees, or more appropriately through the years of "figuring out what God wants me to do with my life." I know many of these barristas, and truly like and appreciate them, thinking they are some of the coolest people, and that God will, and does, work through them in their workplaces.  

I have a theory about Sbux barristas and the future of the prayer/missions movement in North America... but that is for another time....

I also have a theory about spending less time "hanging out" in Sbux...but that is a work in process...

And there is that unread apologetics book on my self for years, "When God Goes To Starbucks" or the inspirational, "Gospel According to Starbucks: Living with a Grande Passion"... Which brings us neatly back to Jesus consuming large doses of caffine while staying on top of his social networks via the latest Apple technology...

But today, God showed me that sometimes He does go to Starbucks.

Here's the proof:

A year ago, I arranged a sweet set up at a corner window table in the cafe. Grande Mocha light-water Americano Misto: Check! MacBook Pro: Check! Earbuds: Check! Worn leather NKJV Bible: Check! iPhone3GS: Check! Coil-bound journal: Check! Scarf: Check!  I was geared up for some serious God-time/work/fellowship.  Friends and staff members came and went as I scheduled their allotted appointments.  Refill. Check Twitter. Flip to Ephesians. Flip to Psalms. Flip to the maps.

A girl studying at the "accessible table" justifiably needed the extra table-top space to spread out the giant high-level Calculus and Physics textbooks, in French!, and to litter the floor with bags for books and work-out clothes.  We had exchanged some polite half-smiles throughout the afternoon when we caught each other blankly staring off before quickly looking down and feigning focused productivity.

Finally, she initiated conversation.  Having overheard some comments from my meetings, she made connections to having similar interests.  I countered with a remark on her intense and impressive study burden.  We exchanged some general remarks, trying not to raise our voices too loudly over the tables between us. Something flashed through my mind for half-a-second. "Go over there and talk to her." I ignored it.  Classic.

Re-considering, I went and sat down with her instead of contemplating another drink fix.  My heart beat rapidly, possibly because of the caffeine overdose, or maybe because of uncertainty of what God was asking of me. We talked easily for a long time.  We had much in common, and realized all the 3-Degrees of separation between us.  She shared openly about her life, and some of the hard questions going around in her head and heart.  I recognized the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, and thankfully chose this time to listen and obey.  I told her some of my testimony; where God has taken me from and the journey of healing, freedom, deep relationship and true joy that I was on.  Tears came easily on both sides, and I weakly offered to pray for her. Taken aback by her approval, I prayed simply and unknowingly, just hoping that God was doing His thing.

She had to leave to get to the gym or to work or to class or to get away or something.  I went and packed up my office and went home.  Honestly, I didn't really think much more about it.  Not that I didn't care about the girl, or thank God for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone a bit and hopefully act obediently to His invitation, but this was not the only time this has happened to me.  There have been other opportunities at Starbucks, and other places, to respond to the still, small Voice, that encouraged me to step out of my "Christian-Hipster Bubble" and actually obey to living out the Kingdom (in very little ways) and talk or pray with people.  I just chalked this up as another practice run for bigger opportunities to come. Plus, I never saw any of those people again, and definitely never heard of God doing anything because of those moments.  To be honest again, I didn't have any faith that it really meant anything.

Imagine my surprise and stinging pride when I received a forwarded email about a month ago from one of those common-friends of the girl in the Sbux months earlier!  It read:

Would you by chance have Janelle's mailing information for me? I had the most inspirational talk with her at a coffee shop last year that really got my life back on track and I was hoping to get in touch with her this Christmas season. 

Today, I had the opportunity of meeting once again with her, though not at a Sbux, where we spent hours talking, sharing about life, and I got to hear about what God has been doing in her life.  She is a noticeably different person and choosing to live differently since I saw her last winter.  My heart beat wildly, this time not because of a caffeine high, but because I know God was speaking to me again and showing me a picture of what He can do when I stop just focusing on my coffee cup, look up and act when He speaks.  He was telling me about the greatness of His grace, salvation and love despite my lack of faith.  It was a rare, divine moment, where God let me see a bit of His bigger picture and plan, and how my obedience is important.

 Thankfully, God goes to Starbucks, even when I don't recognize Him or have faith that He can do anything! 

*Note: Please know that I am not trying to make any kind of statement against Starbucks, or Christians going to Starbucks, or Christian young people trying to figure out what they are supposed to do with their lives while working at Starbucks, or doing your daily Bible reading plan on your iPhone while at Starbucks.  Blessings on you if you fall into any or all of those categories.  Blessings on you if you don't fall into any of those categories.  May God's Spirit rest upon you wherever you go, and in whatever conversations you have. May you bear the image of Christ and be a light to the world. Have faith.

Michael W. Smith says it best

A poignantly bittersweet moment was spent  saying good-bye to my dearest friend Christina tonight. 

The Lord brought us together over three years ago at a Onething Regional conference held in Winnipeg, where I heard about the International House of Prayer for the first time, had my first taste of the prayer movement, first saw a picture of people my age living radical loves abandoned to Jesus like I never could have imagined, and when my heart first was awakened to the calling on my life as an intercessor.  Christina was the one, while at the book table, who gently and patiently began to explain and walk me through what I was experiencing in the place of prayer and worship during the conference, what the heck "harp and bowl was," why a 24/7 expression of prayer and worship was important in a city, and invited me to come check out Sanctuary House of Prayer.  October 28, 2007 was my first Sunday at SHOP.  My life has not been the same since.  That weekend put me on a trajectory I could never have imagined, to eventually have me spend time living at IHOP, coming on staff with SHOP, being a full-time intercessory missionary, and becoming best friends with Christina.

The Lord blessed me with a season of living at IHOP-KC in the fall of 2008, where as it would turn out, Christina was doing an internship/training semester and was already rooming in the same home I moved into.  It was that fall semester at IHOP that the Lord had us get to know each other, where I would pepper her with questions and doubts about the end-times and book of revelation (which again, she gently and patiently walked me through, pointing me mostly to seek out the Lord in prayer and Scripture about those issues), knit our hearts together as friends and sister in Christ as we drank QT iced-coffees and walked around the plaza, and set up the next couple of years of journeying together in Winnipeg. As much as that season was for us individually to spend time alone in the presence of God and be transformed by the Word, it was also for the formation of an integral friendship that would prove to be a major way that He worked in my life.  Christina has been one of those rare friends that come to us in life that know the good, the bad, the really ugly, and help keep God's perspective first and foremost no matter what either of us looks like in the moment.  She shines with the beauty and love of Jesus all the time.

My first weekend living in KC in 2008.  Christina brought me along with some of her Commission classmates to try "disc golf" for the first...and last time.

I'm guessing this was during a meal out with SHOP friends who came to visit IHOP while Christina and I were down there.  Can't exactly remember.

Christina's last day of her Commission term Nov 2008.  We were sad to say goodbye that day too.

 When together, we give detailed descriptions of each day since we last talked and not just texted, we laugh, discuss the destiny and future of entire cities, dream of what God is doing in our lives and the lives around us, dive deep into parts of the Word that we have been studying, drink coffee, compliment each other on nail polish colors, tear up over a frustration, talk about our roller-coaster emotions, sing on an intercession set, talk and plan about going down to IHOP again, laugh and sing (often at the same time...or trail off a sentence to sing a line of song and then go back into the previous sentence not missing a beat.  We are not fazed by this anymore. It's normal), prophesy over one another, speak truth, pray, give each other encouragement cards, share newest blog finds or Prayer room archive sets, laugh some more, sing some more, more details about the day, more emotions, more coffee, wave at each other in the prayer room, and hug at each greeting.  It has been a gift to have this dear and beautiful woman of God only a 10 minute drive away.

We have spent much time in Kansas City together from living there in fall 2008, to numerous trips over the past two years.  Now she will be there for good, and I will have a place to stay in when I come! I say farewell to Christina as she moves to Kansas City to be a part of the International House of Prayer and work at a hospital part time with hope in my heart and prayers on my lips as she faithfully steps in line with the will and calling of God.  Skype dates are already planned, and trips to see her in the works for the next couple of months.  It won't be the same, but I bless her and admire her faithfulness and abandon to the voice of the Good Shepherd.

There are no other words that I can say, so it is here when Michael W. Smith says it best (Definitely sang this loudly feeling like a 7 year old again listening to the cassette tape in my kitchen, teared up while doing so, laughed, and then wrote it in a farewell encouragement card.  Christina and I both laughed when I gave it, sang a line together, hugged and said goodbye tonight):

Packing up the dreams God planted

In the fertile soil of you

I can't believe the hopes He's granted

Means a chapter of your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always

It won't even seem you've gone

'Cause our hearts in big and small ways

Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever

If the Lord's the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never

'Cause the welcome will not end

Though it's hard to let you go

In the Father's hands we know

That a lifetime's not too long

To live as friends

And with the faith and love God's given

Springing from the hope we know

We will pray the joy you live in

Is the strength that now you show

We'll keep you close as always

It won't even seem you've gone

'Cause our hearts in big and small ways

Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Us getting ready to head into one of the last Awakening meetings at the FCF building, during a trip to IHOP in October for Christina's interview at the hospital.

Christina and I celebrating New Years Dec31, 2010 at the Onething 2010 conference in KC just a few weeks ago. No other way I would have wanted to bring in the New Year - to celebrate all God has done and will continue to do.