So, I realize, and somewhat feel like the majority of my posts are about prayer lately... Thankfully. I am fairly confident this trend will continue for the entirety of 2012, and I am incredibly thankful and excited that this is the season I find myself in right now... Sure beats the last two years.
Anyway, last night my small group finished the book The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. I highly recommend it to everyone. After a whole lot of chatter, a lot of laughter, the leader threatening to move me and the other leader due to our easily distracted focus, and several announcements that lead to tangents about randomness, we finally got into discussing the last 10 weeks and what we have discovered in our small group. We talked about the things we learned, the things we were amazed by, excited by, the prayers we circled, and of course we spent quite a bit of time praying. This time we each took a turn in the center and whoever felt lead prayed until it was quiet for a bit, then we would say amen and switch to the next person.
If you are not a Christian, have never laid hands on someone and prayed for them or been on the receiving end of a moment such as this, I can only imagine the cultish thoughts running through your mind. However, I assure you, this was only of Christ, and if you do not believe in Him, I would love to talk to you more and answer any questions (even if they are about the seemingly cultish practice of laying hands on people and praying), so please feel free to e-mail me (really for any reason) kpbback@gmail.com.
While we have circled and prayed a couple times before, this time it was different because we were praying just to pray over each other, not to lift up any particular problem or issue. What came of it was one of the best and most heart felt hours I have experienced in quite a while. All of our shoulders got tired as we laid hands on one another, and the body heat of everyone so close posed a few challenges, but, the peace and calm that settled over us as we came together on behalf of each other was inspiring and encouraging to say the least. To get in a room with 15 or so twenty or thirty something's and lift each other up in prayer, it truly creates a bonding experience, and to be totally honest is pretty humbling at the same time.
One of the other girls and myself kept "stealing" the other one's prayers which was more than amusing to realize at the end that our hearts were of the same accord, and that both of us were feeling burdened to pray LITERALLY over the exact same things with the exact same wording. Several times I could not help but smile, laugh or fight away tears as people prayed specific, meaningful, and bold prayers over each other. I was amazed at the number of things people remembered to pray for that had been brought up weeks upon weeks ago, and I was encouraged by the unfiltered love and care spoken in the circle.
While I could end this blog post there and feel satisfied that I had covered the topic as a whole, I would be incredibly remiss if I did not mention or talk about what I felt and the impact being in the center of the circle had on me. First, and probably most amusing, having around 15 people's hands on you is.. heavy haha.. But, the entire time everyone was praying I found myself keenly aware of each and every hand on my shoulders, arms and holding my hand. Yet, the most profound thing were the words uttered over me, on my behalf, and into my heart. Honestly words cannot describe the complete humility I felt, and how much I was, and maybe am more so now aware of the fact that I did not deserve that, and some of the things people said were incredibly meaningful, and they had no way of knowing that except for the fact that we serve the same amazing God and the same Holy Spirit talks to us. I laughed at a couple of the prayers (such as me finally being able to get a real bed instead of the air mattress I have been sleeping on for four years), and I was touched by the prayers of thanksgiving for my friendship, laughter, joy, and a slew of other things tucked away in my heart. I was so grateful for the petitions that were uttered for several prayers I have had for a while... And, as silly as it may sound, being a touch person, having everyone lay their hands on me while praying truly changes the impact it had/has on me. :)
Lastly, while I am sad to see the small group end next week, I am really excited and hopeful for the things that God is going to do, has set into motion, and the ways in which He is going to use these friends to not only impact my life and the community around us, but just all of the ways He has set into motion His plans because of this small group and the fervent prayers we have uttered over the last 11 weeks. I am so blessed and I am so thankful that a completely random situation lead me to this place.
The two leaders of the small group prayed for a couple months prior to the start of our group for God to bring the "right" people, God did exactly that. Every single person in our small group was there for such a time as this... and the world will never be the same.
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 17, 2012
Theaterchurch, DC...
Last Sunday I was attending church with the friends I was visiting, the message was not aimed at me, but it was good none the less, the music was good, and the church is doing great things... But even still, I found myself thinking "I miss my church." While I am always talking about how much I love my church it is easy to forget all the many reasons I love National Community Church (aka Theater Church) here in DC...
Thankfully the last several months have allowed me to finally get much more involved than I was for the first year or so I lived here in DC, even still, NCC has always been the one thing I absolutely love about being here. So much so that even the thought of moving away is a bit of a struggle because that means leaving my church. I genuinely appreciate the entire congregation as a whole, I enjoy that all six locations carry a distinctly different culture and feel from the rest, and I love how much I feel like I belong to my location. I have so much respect for our leadership, I am excited and thankful that I get to be a part of their mission, their vision, and I am constantly challenged to do better and be a better steward of what I am given. I have seen some absolutely incredibly approaches to training, praying, sharing, worshipping, and building community, and I am so excited to realize that someday I will likely get the chance to recycle some of these ideas! While nothing is perfect, I am always amazed at how straight forward, open, and humble our pastor (Mark Batterson) is about what he is doing, things God has/is revealing to him. I am inspired by the things that he is passionate about, and I am challenged to grow closer to God every week.
Recently I joined the production team at my location, and arrive a couple hours early every other weekend to set up the sound, lights, and projector. The people I work with both on my team and on the worship team are all incredibly witty and hysterical people which makes for an entertaining morning of setting up! I am so encouraged at not only how dedicated they are to Christ, but also to the community our church provides, I am inspired just by hanging out with them every couple of weeks on Sunday mornings.
Around the time I started helping with production, I also joined a small group, and what an unexpected blessing and encouragement that has become in my life. Between these two groups of people I have a much deeper connection to my church and the community that it provides... But, I have also found myself engaging and being more intentional in my own personal growth with Christ... It is pretty hard to coast when a small group asks questions each week, but even more than that, I find myself intrigued, asking questions, and looking up answers more than I was previously...
I say this all the time, but I love my church! And, lately despite the stresses and the chaos of my schedule I keep coming back to "I am so blessed."
Thankfully the last several months have allowed me to finally get much more involved than I was for the first year or so I lived here in DC, even still, NCC has always been the one thing I absolutely love about being here. So much so that even the thought of moving away is a bit of a struggle because that means leaving my church. I genuinely appreciate the entire congregation as a whole, I enjoy that all six locations carry a distinctly different culture and feel from the rest, and I love how much I feel like I belong to my location. I have so much respect for our leadership, I am excited and thankful that I get to be a part of their mission, their vision, and I am constantly challenged to do better and be a better steward of what I am given. I have seen some absolutely incredibly approaches to training, praying, sharing, worshipping, and building community, and I am so excited to realize that someday I will likely get the chance to recycle some of these ideas! While nothing is perfect, I am always amazed at how straight forward, open, and humble our pastor (Mark Batterson) is about what he is doing, things God has/is revealing to him. I am inspired by the things that he is passionate about, and I am challenged to grow closer to God every week.
Recently I joined the production team at my location, and arrive a couple hours early every other weekend to set up the sound, lights, and projector. The people I work with both on my team and on the worship team are all incredibly witty and hysterical people which makes for an entertaining morning of setting up! I am so encouraged at not only how dedicated they are to Christ, but also to the community our church provides, I am inspired just by hanging out with them every couple of weeks on Sunday mornings.
Around the time I started helping with production, I also joined a small group, and what an unexpected blessing and encouragement that has become in my life. Between these two groups of people I have a much deeper connection to my church and the community that it provides... But, I have also found myself engaging and being more intentional in my own personal growth with Christ... It is pretty hard to coast when a small group asks questions each week, but even more than that, I find myself intrigued, asking questions, and looking up answers more than I was previously...
I say this all the time, but I love my church! And, lately despite the stresses and the chaos of my schedule I keep coming back to "I am so blessed."
Apr 15, 2012
Weddings and Friends...
I made the trip this weekend down to Lynchburg for a wedding of a good friend and his new beautiful bride. I love... LOVE when prayers for healing, restoration.. and companionship are answered entirely perfectly for both people involved.
So excited for them, and so much fun being around friends all day celebrating!
Plus, I really love these girls :)
God is so good.
Plus, I really love these girls :)
God is so good.
Apr 12, 2012
April's Randoms...
I keep starting to write a blog post, and then either sit here blankly staring at my screen or clicking other tabs and quickly escaping my blog to peruse other places on the web... What I find bizarre is that I have a whole lot of things to say (as always), but somehow in the last month I cannot seem to separate them into topics or themes to concisely write about.
So, I gave up trying to mold my mind to fit my blog, and decided I would just share some of the randomness going on in my life lately, and thought I would share a few of the more intimate thoughts too... because it is what I do on my space.
I FINALLY officially started my business (nope the website's not up yet.. it has to be perfect!). You see.. I am getting a double masters degree currently.. One of those masters degrees is a Masters of Business Administration. Do any of my classes include "how to start a business" nope. Not a single one! So, as a lot of what I am doing is trial and error in terms of the best places to do the paperwork, the best lists to follow, the best people to talk to, the best programs to use etc..etc.. It is really hard work, but thankfully I am learning a lot, getting overwhelmed a lot, and talking it through with lots of friends! I am really excited to start this, and I am officially registered with a Tax ID number (EIN), and a business certificate to do business in VA!
I have discovered that while I do a lot of things, I am really one of the laziest people you will EVER meet when it comes to things I do not view as "fun".. Say laundry, dishes, making my bed, reading the Bible or filing paperwork in a timely fashion. Oye.. I need to find a system and routine that works for me.
I have the BEST idea for a practical/techy calendar... The problem is I have no idea how to actually create it because I am neither technical nor educated in engineering... So, I will hold onto my idea until I can find someone who can create what I want.
A friend of mine is getting married this weekend, and I am both amazed at how God works, and rejoicing in the celebration and commitment that is going to take place this weekend!
We found a new roomie to move into our house the beginning of May! We are excited but going to miss the roomie that's moving out.. and maybe slightly dreading the upheaval it will bring to our house as one girl moves out and another moves in.
I. Want. To. Travel. So badly. A couple girlfriends and I are starting to make plans to travel to Costa Rica for Thanksgiving.. there are a lot of cool things to do there!.. So, in preparation, we are beginning to save now so that our finances are in order and do not require a dip into savings or credit card!.. However, I would really love to head back to Africa soon.. or go to Europe soon.. Basically I want to travel around the world a lot in the next couple years.... We shall see I guess.
I have been doing a LOT of thinking lately on "community" and I realized that while everyone needs it in some form or fashion, I genuinely love, thrive, and cherish it when I find it. I love creating community and it really bothers me when it is absent. I thoroughly enjoy creating a place where others have the chance to choose to become a part of a community, and I find entertainment watching it grow... I am really.. REALLY thankful for the community that has sprung up around me over the last few months. So. Blessed.
I have been thinking lately (for whatever reason) how different life will be in a year. I will be finishing up my last class and getting ready to graduate from grad school. I will hopefully be in a new position in my career, and I will likely be living at a different residence than I do now (although the reality is I will likely still be in DC), not to mention with any luck I will be more established with my business and have a decent (but manageable) number of clients!
I have been asked by several people lately if I would consider leading a small group this summer, part of me is definitely interested, another part is worried I would not be able to commit the time needed, and another part is completely unsure of what I would do the small group on.. soo, we will see how that one turns out I guess...
While I have a dozen or so more things bouncing around in my head I will leave this list here for now...
So, I gave up trying to mold my mind to fit my blog, and decided I would just share some of the randomness going on in my life lately, and thought I would share a few of the more intimate thoughts too... because it is what I do on my space.
I FINALLY officially started my business (nope the website's not up yet.. it has to be perfect!). You see.. I am getting a double masters degree currently.. One of those masters degrees is a Masters of Business Administration. Do any of my classes include "how to start a business" nope. Not a single one! So, as a lot of what I am doing is trial and error in terms of the best places to do the paperwork, the best lists to follow, the best people to talk to, the best programs to use etc..etc.. It is really hard work, but thankfully I am learning a lot, getting overwhelmed a lot, and talking it through with lots of friends! I am really excited to start this, and I am officially registered with a Tax ID number (EIN), and a business certificate to do business in VA!
I have discovered that while I do a lot of things, I am really one of the laziest people you will EVER meet when it comes to things I do not view as "fun".. Say laundry, dishes, making my bed, reading the Bible or filing paperwork in a timely fashion. Oye.. I need to find a system and routine that works for me.
I have the BEST idea for a practical/techy calendar... The problem is I have no idea how to actually create it because I am neither technical nor educated in engineering... So, I will hold onto my idea until I can find someone who can create what I want.
A friend of mine is getting married this weekend, and I am both amazed at how God works, and rejoicing in the celebration and commitment that is going to take place this weekend!
We found a new roomie to move into our house the beginning of May! We are excited but going to miss the roomie that's moving out.. and maybe slightly dreading the upheaval it will bring to our house as one girl moves out and another moves in.
I. Want. To. Travel. So badly. A couple girlfriends and I are starting to make plans to travel to Costa Rica for Thanksgiving.. there are a lot of cool things to do there!.. So, in preparation, we are beginning to save now so that our finances are in order and do not require a dip into savings or credit card!.. However, I would really love to head back to Africa soon.. or go to Europe soon.. Basically I want to travel around the world a lot in the next couple years.... We shall see I guess.
I have been doing a LOT of thinking lately on "community" and I realized that while everyone needs it in some form or fashion, I genuinely love, thrive, and cherish it when I find it. I love creating community and it really bothers me when it is absent. I thoroughly enjoy creating a place where others have the chance to choose to become a part of a community, and I find entertainment watching it grow... I am really.. REALLY thankful for the community that has sprung up around me over the last few months. So. Blessed.
I have been thinking lately (for whatever reason) how different life will be in a year. I will be finishing up my last class and getting ready to graduate from grad school. I will hopefully be in a new position in my career, and I will likely be living at a different residence than I do now (although the reality is I will likely still be in DC), not to mention with any luck I will be more established with my business and have a decent (but manageable) number of clients!
I have been asked by several people lately if I would consider leading a small group this summer, part of me is definitely interested, another part is worried I would not be able to commit the time needed, and another part is completely unsure of what I would do the small group on.. soo, we will see how that one turns out I guess...
While I have a dozen or so more things bouncing around in my head I will leave this list here for now...
Apr 10, 2012
Easter 2012...
To be sure to show the latest best pictures of my best friend, his wife and I at Easter...
We had SO much fun, I am so blessed to have them in my life.
Apr 5, 2012
Easter Weekend...
Several years ago after graduating from college, one of my very best friends from college, his beautiful wife, and I were struggling to find time to see each other in the midst of our schedules and the distance between us (well really them see me since they live together haha). We were finally able to settle on Easter weekend because of the extended weekend, and since it's a holiday that none of our families expect us to come home for... Since then we have sort of dedicated Easter weekend as "our weekend" to hang out and spend some much needed quality time together.
I love our weekend, it typically includes a lot of cooking, a whole heck of a lot of YouTube videos, hours upon hours of talking, lots of laughter.. and roller blading (don't judge us haha). Every year I look forward to this weekend knowing that if I do not get to see them over Christmas (like what happened this last year), I will get some good quality time with them for Easter, and above all, we will pick up exactly where we left off. Every year I am so encouraged and re-charged after my weekend with them. I am so incredibly blessed to have made such a wonderful friend in college, and then instead of drift apart or losing him when he started dating his now wife, I was blessed with adding her as another friend. These two are not only amazing individually, but they are such a wonderful example of how to create a loving marriage, and invite others to be a part of their life instead of secluding themselves...
I am always so excited about Easter for so many reasons (it being sort of THE crucial weekend of my belief in Christ), but because I am always reminded of how blessed I am to have these two as my friends :)
I am so excited to see them... in just a couple hours!
One of my favorite pictures of the three of us that hangs in my bedroom haha... Love them :)
I love our weekend, it typically includes a lot of cooking, a whole heck of a lot of YouTube videos, hours upon hours of talking, lots of laughter.. and roller blading (don't judge us haha). Every year I look forward to this weekend knowing that if I do not get to see them over Christmas (like what happened this last year), I will get some good quality time with them for Easter, and above all, we will pick up exactly where we left off. Every year I am so encouraged and re-charged after my weekend with them. I am so incredibly blessed to have made such a wonderful friend in college, and then instead of drift apart or losing him when he started dating his now wife, I was blessed with adding her as another friend. These two are not only amazing individually, but they are such a wonderful example of how to create a loving marriage, and invite others to be a part of their life instead of secluding themselves...
I am always so excited about Easter for so many reasons (it being sort of THE crucial weekend of my belief in Christ), but because I am always reminded of how blessed I am to have these two as my friends :)
I am so excited to see them... in just a couple hours!
Apr 4, 2012
Where Two Are Gathered...
We stood in a circle and prayed, we talked to our savior, thanked Him for blessings, asked for favor, and petitioned for guidance and clarity for things to come. We asked for God's healing touch, for Him to intervene, and to give us words to speak and ears to hear...
I honestly am not entirely sure how long we prayed, but what I do know is, it has been a very long time since I have stood in a circle with friends and prayed about anything and everything on the hearts of those standing next to me.
It is pretty difficult to explain to anyone not there the feelings and promptings you experience when you stand in a circle and praying to the God of the universe... The feelings that wash over you when you know He has heard your prayers is one that has to be experienced, not explained.
While we were praying I was struck by how quickly these people have become my friends, and how quickly we have all chosen to trust one another with prayers and hurts. I am not only amazed, but incredibly grateful to be a part of this group, and to watch the men in the group work to lead and pursue God in ways that so many other men simply choose to remain ambivalent on instead. I know so many truly amazing men, and have been blessed with many of them being related to me or be some of my best friends, but it never stops causing my heart to swell with gratitude to God and pride for the hearts of the men when they earnestly seek God and the role He has asked them to play.
I was humbled by the prayers that the girls prayed over each other and the honesty and compassion that flowed out of each of their mouths. While I know some absolutely amazing women in my life, several of which are my mother, sisters or best friends... These women that stood next to me and the prayers both spoken and those only uttered from the heart were tangible. I was amazed by these men and women who find themselves in a city consumed with power and politics, and yet are able to sidestep all of it to seek first the Kingdom of God. How blessed am I to stand and pray with them and be encouraged by them?
All I could think of throughout the entire time we were praying is how thankful I am to be a part of this group, how blessed I am to get the chance to know these people, and just completely overwhelmed by all of the things God is doing in each one of our lives.
And, all of this because we stood and prayed together...
“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” - Matthew 18:19-20
I honestly am not entirely sure how long we prayed, but what I do know is, it has been a very long time since I have stood in a circle with friends and prayed about anything and everything on the hearts of those standing next to me.
It is pretty difficult to explain to anyone not there the feelings and promptings you experience when you stand in a circle and praying to the God of the universe... The feelings that wash over you when you know He has heard your prayers is one that has to be experienced, not explained.
While we were praying I was struck by how quickly these people have become my friends, and how quickly we have all chosen to trust one another with prayers and hurts. I am not only amazed, but incredibly grateful to be a part of this group, and to watch the men in the group work to lead and pursue God in ways that so many other men simply choose to remain ambivalent on instead. I know so many truly amazing men, and have been blessed with many of them being related to me or be some of my best friends, but it never stops causing my heart to swell with gratitude to God and pride for the hearts of the men when they earnestly seek God and the role He has asked them to play.
I was humbled by the prayers that the girls prayed over each other and the honesty and compassion that flowed out of each of their mouths. While I know some absolutely amazing women in my life, several of which are my mother, sisters or best friends... These women that stood next to me and the prayers both spoken and those only uttered from the heart were tangible. I was amazed by these men and women who find themselves in a city consumed with power and politics, and yet are able to sidestep all of it to seek first the Kingdom of God. How blessed am I to stand and pray with them and be encouraged by them?
All I could think of throughout the entire time we were praying is how thankful I am to be a part of this group, how blessed I am to get the chance to know these people, and just completely overwhelmed by all of the things God is doing in each one of our lives.
And, all of this because we stood and prayed together...
“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” - Matthew 18:19-20
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