"The curtain it closed and it felt like the end. But your blood caught the fall and took away every sin. Even though men deny, you're the only sacrifice that loved us enough. You loved us so much, Lord, that you gave your life. See, you saved my life."
When I hear these words, I am drawn back to the brokenness of this world and those who live in it - us. And on a day like today, Good Friday, I take a moment (well, actually I take the whole day...) to dwell on one of the most (if not THE most) significant events that I believe changed the course of humanity.
FACT: We live in a broken world. Just look around you. I used to struggle to understand this and often questioned how this God-dude fit into the whole picture. But over the years I have come to believe brokenness doesn't make sense without God.
I can't understand brokenness outside the context of sin. (Cos that's what sin is.) And to know sin, I need to know God. But the beauty of this is that once I understand sin in the light of God, (the one from whom sin tears us away from,) I am immediately exposed to the love and forgiveness that happened on this day, Good Friday. So while Good Friday reminds us of pain, separation and hurt, I cannot dwell on this sadness for more than a moment when the truth of sacrificial love and salvation come bursting into my darkness and give me the hope that makes my brokenness bearable.
And all because He loved me enough.
This is what I believe. Hope that's ok with you.
By the way, that song I quoted at the start is "Hero", by Kirk Franklin. Check it out. He's one of my favs...
Love.
J x
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Unpretty emails.
I assume that most of you who read this will know that I work in the area of Volunteer Coordination. My organisation is on the brink of launching a new project that would see our volunteers mobilised into a dark area of our city with the long-term view of making it a safer environment for the community.
It’s a big project, and it’s not pretty. And this week I was presented with the first of many challenges: how to distribute the information to the team in a way to get the ‘best’ response. This is not easy! So here's what I did...
I stressed over it, and spent ages fiddling around with email templates, searching for the perfect picture to illustrate the content, wrote draft after draft…. All because you only get one shot to launch an idea. One chance to pitch a sale. You can't make a second first impression.
But then I thought...
I am not presenting a PRODUCT.
I am presenting a MISSION.
Whatever sales tactics I was trying to employ are not welcome here. (I don’t even have a marketing degree, so who am I fooling anyway??)
Before I go on, let me also say this: Professional marketing is required in the world we live in. And I do believe there is a place for it in our churches and ministry fields as well. But in this instance I said NO to the flashy colours, funky logos and hyperlinks and decided to keep it real. And unpretty.
The content was real. The purpose and the need behind the project is black and white. So I decided my email would be too. It wasn’t pretty, but neither was what I was writing about.
So while it may not have been very appealing to those who prefer the pretty emails with the visual effects, I am sure that those who truly want the information would be happy to get it in whatever format it was delivered.
Keeping it real. And unpretty.
Jess xx
(If you'd like to find out more about what I do, this project I'm talking about, or anything else, email me at jessica@encounteryouth.com.au or visit our website.)
It’s a big project, and it’s not pretty. And this week I was presented with the first of many challenges: how to distribute the information to the team in a way to get the ‘best’ response. This is not easy! So here's what I did...
I stressed over it, and spent ages fiddling around with email templates, searching for the perfect picture to illustrate the content, wrote draft after draft…. All because you only get one shot to launch an idea. One chance to pitch a sale. You can't make a second first impression.
But then I thought...
I am not presenting a PRODUCT.
I am presenting a MISSION.
Whatever sales tactics I was trying to employ are not welcome here. (I don’t even have a marketing degree, so who am I fooling anyway??)
Before I go on, let me also say this: Professional marketing is required in the world we live in. And I do believe there is a place for it in our churches and ministry fields as well. But in this instance I said NO to the flashy colours, funky logos and hyperlinks and decided to keep it real. And unpretty.
The content was real. The purpose and the need behind the project is black and white. So I decided my email would be too. It wasn’t pretty, but neither was what I was writing about.
So while it may not have been very appealing to those who prefer the pretty emails with the visual effects, I am sure that those who truly want the information would be happy to get it in whatever format it was delivered.
Keeping it real. And unpretty.
Jess xx
(If you'd like to find out more about what I do, this project I'm talking about, or anything else, email me at jessica@encounteryouth.com.au or visit our website.)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The bench doesn't need me...
Since my recent beachside relocation, I have come to enjoy some quiet moments on the bench at the end of my street. This is a special bench, and not just because it sits right on the edge of the beach, overlooking the water - it’s a perfect spot at sunset – my bench is special because it requires nothing from me, or you for that matter…
The bench doesn’t need me…
… to look good. So I don’t have to worry about the way I look, my outfit, my hair, my weight,…
… to listen. So I don’t have to pay attention.
… to lead or teach. So I don’t have to have any answers.
… to pay up front. So money isn’t an issue here.
… to be anywhere by a certain time. So my time is my own.
… to make conversation. So I can sit in silence.
During my time on the bench, I am everything I need to be, and have everything that I need.
So if you’re like me, and get a little overwhelmed with life sometimes, go sit on a bench by the beach for a little while (or your “beach bench” equivalent) and let yourself just be un-needed for a while.
"Do try it"... (said in the voice of that guy from the Dilmah ads...)
The bench doesn’t need me…
… to look good. So I don’t have to worry about the way I look, my outfit, my hair, my weight,…
… to listen. So I don’t have to pay attention.
… to lead or teach. So I don’t have to have any answers.
… to pay up front. So money isn’t an issue here.
… to be anywhere by a certain time. So my time is my own.
… to make conversation. So I can sit in silence.
During my time on the bench, I am everything I need to be, and have everything that I need.
So if you’re like me, and get a little overwhelmed with life sometimes, go sit on a bench by the beach for a little while (or your “beach bench” equivalent) and let yourself just be un-needed for a while.
"Do try it"... (said in the voice of that guy from the Dilmah ads...)
(One of the many sunset views I've been able to enjoy lately.
Beachside living is awesome)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Recent lessons learned...
When I started writing this post it was only meant to be brief. I soon realised this was going to be difficult. So instead of writing a thesis, I will post it somewhat incomplete and focus just on some thoughts I have encountered these past few days.
... When my baby niece smushes her open mouth into my cheek, smothering me in her version of a sloppy wet kiss, it’s disgusting. But awesome. And I totally love it.
... Hillsong isn’t so bad. So say what you will, think what you want of it, and me, but I believe they are a genuine hearted bunch of passionate people that defy their critics and serve BRILLIANTLY. Kudos, Hillsong. Massive kudos.
... My long-term love of gospel music and recent involvement in a gospel choir has made it difficult to completely enjoy contemporary Christian music these days. While music style is not, and shouldn't be, a barrier for spiritual connection, I’d happily sing a Kirk or Israel tune over the latest United release. Does anyone know a church in Adelaide that does good gospel music? Haha...
... I am a very strong woman and make no apology for saying that. Not anymore, anyway. I’m also no longer afraid of my strength and have made the choice to not hold back from growing in this regard for fear of becoming too intimidating. If someone is intimidated by a strong woman, that is their problem, not hers.
... Our biggest fears reveal what we value the most. A simple and obvious statement, but one that resonated within me this weekend.
... Just because you’re waiting for something, doesn’t mean you are crippled from doing anything else while you wait.
... There is always a wall between you and your potential. The question is: What are you doing to do about breaking through that wall?
... Sydney doesn’t heaps do it for me anymore. No offence to those who call Sydney home, it’s a great city. But it doesn’t rock my world. It’s busy, dirty, a little unfriendly, and full of smokers. Ugh. Maybe I need to get out into the suburbs more… Looking forward to getting home to RADelaide. ;)
And finally… and probably most importantly...
... I have been underestimating myself. Which means I have been underestimating the one who created me. This is so not cool.
Hope you enjoyed that.
Love.
J x
... When my baby niece smushes her open mouth into my cheek, smothering me in her version of a sloppy wet kiss, it’s disgusting. But awesome. And I totally love it.
... Hillsong isn’t so bad. So say what you will, think what you want of it, and me, but I believe they are a genuine hearted bunch of passionate people that defy their critics and serve BRILLIANTLY. Kudos, Hillsong. Massive kudos.
... My long-term love of gospel music and recent involvement in a gospel choir has made it difficult to completely enjoy contemporary Christian music these days. While music style is not, and shouldn't be, a barrier for spiritual connection, I’d happily sing a Kirk or Israel tune over the latest United release. Does anyone know a church in Adelaide that does good gospel music? Haha...
... I am a very strong woman and make no apology for saying that. Not anymore, anyway. I’m also no longer afraid of my strength and have made the choice to not hold back from growing in this regard for fear of becoming too intimidating. If someone is intimidated by a strong woman, that is their problem, not hers.
... Our biggest fears reveal what we value the most. A simple and obvious statement, but one that resonated within me this weekend.
... Just because you’re waiting for something, doesn’t mean you are crippled from doing anything else while you wait.
... There is always a wall between you and your potential. The question is: What are you doing to do about breaking through that wall?
... Sydney doesn’t heaps do it for me anymore. No offence to those who call Sydney home, it’s a great city. But it doesn’t rock my world. It’s busy, dirty, a little unfriendly, and full of smokers. Ugh. Maybe I need to get out into the suburbs more… Looking forward to getting home to RADelaide. ;)
And finally… and probably most importantly...
... I have been underestimating myself. Which means I have been underestimating the one who created me. This is so not cool.
Hope you enjoyed that.
Love.
J x
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Braced for battle...
It's the time of year again, and I'm in Sydney for Colour Conference once more.
On the one hand I am excited about the weekend ahead, and have some amazing memories and lessons learned from previous Colour Conferences. (This is my fourth, and I love it every time) However, I can’t deny that a couple of hours out of our first session, I’m a little afraid. Why? Because the enemy awaits and the battlefield is set… No, not the spiritual enemy, but an emotional enemy. I’m talking about the Christian culture that celebrates marriage and occasionally finds wives innocently bragging about their amazing husbands and all the amazing things about marriage… Leaving us single chicks feeling rather uncelebrated and unqualified as women.
As per a previous blog post I have mentioned that I haven’t always found it easy to be a twenty-something single Christian female. Over time I have processed most of these feelings and can happily say I am in a place where I am ‘ok’ being where I’m at in life. However, on the brink of one of the largest Christian Women’s conferences in the world, I can’t help but feel I am about to enter a battle; the battle of being ‘ok’ in a room full of passionate (and mostly married) women, who look for jewelery on your left hand right after they smile and say hello… Yes, it happens. And no, I don’t have any bling on my ring finger. Unfortunately. Man I really love bling... ;)
On the one hand I am excited about the weekend ahead, and have some amazing memories and lessons learned from previous Colour Conferences. (This is my fourth, and I love it every time) However, I can’t deny that a couple of hours out of our first session, I’m a little afraid. Why? Because the enemy awaits and the battlefield is set… No, not the spiritual enemy, but an emotional enemy. I’m talking about the Christian culture that celebrates marriage and occasionally finds wives innocently bragging about their amazing husbands and all the amazing things about marriage… Leaving us single chicks feeling rather uncelebrated and unqualified as women.
As per a previous blog post I have mentioned that I haven’t always found it easy to be a twenty-something single Christian female. Over time I have processed most of these feelings and can happily say I am in a place where I am ‘ok’ being where I’m at in life. However, on the brink of one of the largest Christian Women’s conferences in the world, I can’t help but feel I am about to enter a battle; the battle of being ‘ok’ in a room full of passionate (and mostly married) women, who look for jewelery on your left hand right after they smile and say hello… Yes, it happens. And no, I don’t have any bling on my ring finger. Unfortunately. Man I really love bling... ;)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Christmas story told thru facebook... a must see...
Ever wondered what the story of Jesus' birth might look like if it happened in the days of facebook and social networking...? Check this short video out...
You can also look up Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1 - 2:20...
Merry Christmas everyone. xoxo
You can also look up Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1 - 2:20...
Merry Christmas everyone. xoxo
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The trouble with being a 27 year old, single, female, Christian in Adelaide…
All the descriptive words in the title of this post describe me. I am all of that. And before I go off on my rant, here’s my disclaimer…
(1) Life is good. I’m not unhappy.
(2) This isn’t about some self-indulgent, personal vent. I know I’m not the only one who experiences this and I don’t mind admitting that life can be tough sometimes, even amongst the good times.
I expect none of this will be news to anyone, but I don’t think it hurts to just put it out there… Just saying…
I turned 27 in August - - I recently discovered that I have grown up with a core-belief that it’s expected to be married by your mid-twenties. Hence, my birthday this year brought up some discomfort with being single. Should I be feeling that I’ve been ‘left on the shelf”? NO! Are you kidding me? But do I feel it anyway? Yes, sometimes. The truth is the majority of people in the ‘real-world’ don’t get married until their thirties. Having said that, there were times when marriage looked like a serious possibility and as much as it hurt to walk away at the time I am happy with where I am at now, compared to where I could have been. I also acknowledge that it’s only in recent years that I’ve truly started discovering who I am and what I’ve been created for. I can’t imagine what life would be like as a young married person not knowing what I now know about myself.
I’ve been single for a while now - - Do I get lonely? Yep. Do I like admitting that? Of course not. No one does. ‘Cos life is meant to be perfect with Jesus at your side right? I wish. Truth is, life isn’t perfect as a Christian, but it does make the difficult times a lot more bearable. Knowing that I have a hope and faith that allows me to cast my burdens onto someone stronger than me. So the loneliness can really suck sometimes but being single has its ‘ups’. I must admit I enjoy having the freedom with my spare time that doesn’t exist when you have to factor someone else into it all the time.
I am a girl… duh... - - Do I dream about the day when I get to walk down the aisle? Sure, sometimes. But I wonder if that might still be the case if weddings, marriages & brides weren’t celebrated such a way that it leaves us single women feeling so uncelebrated just cos our left ring finger remains so bare. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never truly succeed in life until my surname changes and I’m a part of the young-married’s club.
I am a Christian and I live in Adelaide - - We all know it’s a small town. As if it isn’t hard enough as it is to meet someone new, I gotta narrow it down even more by looking for someone with the same faith and love for Jesus… Now, when you meet someone new it’s hard to not automatically go into sussing-out-mode (or be temped to face-stalk them) because you know that person is rare. What’s worse is that you feel like all the non-single people in the room notice when two eligible single people are having a nice chat in the church foyer or at supper one night. If you are one of those people that like to look, stare and talk, please let me ask nicely – Stop it. It’s annoying and puts unwanted pressure on the friendship to be something that probably isn’t destined to be anyway. 90% of the time we all just want to be friends anyway. (And yes, I believe that it’s possible to have a healthy friendship with other single guys in this world. So if you see me having coffee with someone don’t assume it’s a date, please.)
Why did I bother to write this? Maybe cos I think someone needs to say it, so we’re all aware that is isn’t easy and maybe, just maybe, we could be a little more sensitive to wherever we’re at in life.
If you’re married, congratulations. I’m a little bit jealous of you. If you’re single, then rock on. Enjoy it while it lasts. ‘Cos while I’m happy to admit that I don’t want to be single, it can be lots of fun and I believe firmly that marriage is forever so once my single days are over, they are well and truly over.
Just saying…
(1) Life is good. I’m not unhappy.
(2) This isn’t about some self-indulgent, personal vent. I know I’m not the only one who experiences this and I don’t mind admitting that life can be tough sometimes, even amongst the good times.
I expect none of this will be news to anyone, but I don’t think it hurts to just put it out there… Just saying…
I turned 27 in August - - I recently discovered that I have grown up with a core-belief that it’s expected to be married by your mid-twenties. Hence, my birthday this year brought up some discomfort with being single. Should I be feeling that I’ve been ‘left on the shelf”? NO! Are you kidding me? But do I feel it anyway? Yes, sometimes. The truth is the majority of people in the ‘real-world’ don’t get married until their thirties. Having said that, there were times when marriage looked like a serious possibility and as much as it hurt to walk away at the time I am happy with where I am at now, compared to where I could have been. I also acknowledge that it’s only in recent years that I’ve truly started discovering who I am and what I’ve been created for. I can’t imagine what life would be like as a young married person not knowing what I now know about myself.
I’ve been single for a while now - - Do I get lonely? Yep. Do I like admitting that? Of course not. No one does. ‘Cos life is meant to be perfect with Jesus at your side right? I wish. Truth is, life isn’t perfect as a Christian, but it does make the difficult times a lot more bearable. Knowing that I have a hope and faith that allows me to cast my burdens onto someone stronger than me. So the loneliness can really suck sometimes but being single has its ‘ups’. I must admit I enjoy having the freedom with my spare time that doesn’t exist when you have to factor someone else into it all the time.
I am a girl… duh... - - Do I dream about the day when I get to walk down the aisle? Sure, sometimes. But I wonder if that might still be the case if weddings, marriages & brides weren’t celebrated such a way that it leaves us single women feeling so uncelebrated just cos our left ring finger remains so bare. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never truly succeed in life until my surname changes and I’m a part of the young-married’s club.
I am a Christian and I live in Adelaide - - We all know it’s a small town. As if it isn’t hard enough as it is to meet someone new, I gotta narrow it down even more by looking for someone with the same faith and love for Jesus… Now, when you meet someone new it’s hard to not automatically go into sussing-out-mode (or be temped to face-stalk them) because you know that person is rare. What’s worse is that you feel like all the non-single people in the room notice when two eligible single people are having a nice chat in the church foyer or at supper one night. If you are one of those people that like to look, stare and talk, please let me ask nicely – Stop it. It’s annoying and puts unwanted pressure on the friendship to be something that probably isn’t destined to be anyway. 90% of the time we all just want to be friends anyway. (And yes, I believe that it’s possible to have a healthy friendship with other single guys in this world. So if you see me having coffee with someone don’t assume it’s a date, please.)
Why did I bother to write this? Maybe cos I think someone needs to say it, so we’re all aware that is isn’t easy and maybe, just maybe, we could be a little more sensitive to wherever we’re at in life.
If you’re married, congratulations. I’m a little bit jealous of you. If you’re single, then rock on. Enjoy it while it lasts. ‘Cos while I’m happy to admit that I don’t want to be single, it can be lots of fun and I believe firmly that marriage is forever so once my single days are over, they are well and truly over.
Just saying…
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