"West Virginia- mountain momma...

take me home, country roads". Everyone sing! Okay, maybe I'm the only one who knows this John Denver tune.

Yesterday I was out with the "Outdoors" small group with 9 others from NCC. We hiked in GW Nat'l Park on the border of W. VA and VA. It was so beautiful out there and a great time to take in some of God's creation. It really refreshed me for my week. It also gave me an opportunity to soak in some much needed sunshine and perhaps too much. Check out my ridiculous sock tan that I am proudly sporting at work today!

Anyone else have a different kind of encounter with God this weekend they'd like to share?

Favoritism

Hello everyone! My mom is visiting for a few days, so I will not be at group this week. However, I just have been meditating some on the idea of favoritism that James 2 addresses. This week I have really been thinking about how I treat people and my motivations behind my words and actions. James 2 was uncomfortable for me to read. Why? Probably because I realize I need to look at how I treat people a bit closer. Do I have selfish motivations as to why I kind or help a person out? Or, do I only help people less fortunate than me when I know I will be recognized by others for doing so? Service. Selfless service. That's what was speaking to me some as I was reading this passage. I want no part of "me" motivations to be involved when helping and serving others. That is my prayer.

James Chapter 2- Part 1

This week we are doing James chapter 2:1-13. Here are discussion questions to guide your study.

1) Why is it inconsistent for a believer "in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ" to show favoritism? What leads a person to treat rich people better than poor ones?

2) Who are currently leading the the attacks on Christianity? Are they well-off, well-educated people or poor people? How should htis affect our attitudes and actions (2:1-7)? Should we discriminate against the rich?

3) Study how Jesus treated the poor and the working class. (Luke 5:27-31, 14:12-14, 15:1-7) How is this a model for you and how can you follow it?

4) Why does breaking one of God's laws make us guilty of breaking the whole (James 2:10-11)? Consider what we are saying about God when we break a law.

5) What will happen to those of us who have not shown mercy to the needy and why? (James 2:13; See also Luke 6:37-38)

6) In the context of 2:1-13, what kind of mercy is James saying we should practice?

7) What one truth from 2:1-13 impresses you as something you need to apply?

Kenya Pictures

Here are some pics from my Kenya trip. I can't remember who I sent these to so I figured I'd just put up a link.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=z4eyg51.axav54kl&Uy=-i6hrwx&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=583745172528_827946827109

Wisdom in the midst of "trials"

Wisdom in the midst of trials can be a difficult virtue to truly attain especially when our own minds want something but God's purpose and final deliverance is different than ours, we ask for wisdom but not for our purpose but for the purpose that we are the agents of God, and we are here to handle trials in the best possible way that will reflect how he wants us to not only to face the trials but as Christians we carry a higher responsibility that we must demonstrate with wisdom and character. Therefore, as Christians to earn wisdom we must not "expect to be treated fairly in this life. [because] people will say and do hurtful things [tho those who don't deserve] [rather we must] try to view those trials as an opportunity to grow in grace" and trust that the ultimate goal is to stay close to God, and that the only way for us to view them in a Godly way is by acquiring [His] truthful "wisdom" which Is summarized into "Love everyone and judge no one" learning to do those two things is one of the most challenging tasks but by practicing them is that we can attain true "wisdom" to handle almost everything in a joyful manner

I hope my small reflection can help, a while ago I was praying very hard as to how could I serve the Lord better and how could I truly reflect Jesus in my life, so I prayed for wisdom, etc, etc, and then after a few days I continue to ask thesame question and the two words of "Just love everyone and judge no one" came to my mind so I said "just that its easy" but it is not,

Look forward to see everyone on Thursday and hope you have a great week

God Bless

James Chapter 1

It was great to see everyone on Tuesday and get to know you all a little better. I'm looking forward to this summer's group! Below you will find some study questions to guide you through Chapter 1 of James. We will go over some or all of the questions and any other comments, obeservations, or applications you may come up with.

1. How do you normally feel and respond when you have to face a trial?


2. In the middle of discussing trials, James mentions wisdom(1:5). What does wisdom have to do with facing trials? Why should we pray for wisdom, not just perserverance?


3.How can you cooperate with God in accomplishing the purposes for which He is allowing this trial (1:3-4)?


4. James 1:8 What does it mean to be double-minded?


5. Have you ever felt that God was putting you into temptation? If so, what gave you that impression? (James 1:9-18)


6. Why doesn't human anger bring about the righteouness that God desires (James1:20)? What is often wrong with our anger?


7.How is a man who hears without doing like a man who looks in a mirror and later forgets (1:23-24)?


Looking forward to seeing you all next week.

Have a great weekend!

What a joy!

It was such a joy to come to group Tuesday and meet all the new women and reunite with other girls! I am really excited for what this summer and our study of James has to bring. I love resting in the thought that it is not just by chance that each person came to group on Tuesday....He had it planned from the beginning! I look forward to growing with everyone this summer!

Happy almost birthday Lydia!

thank you

hey ladies, i'm going back Indonesia this noon, yup this is the end of one chapter from my life’s journey.

I have a great time with our small group and learned lot of things. so grateful that I may know all of you. This group sooo crazy .. I luv it !

Thanks for sharing journey of desire, supporting me and make me feel like at home. I’ll keep blogging and give you update soon. And for Lisa, can't thank you enough, including for invited me to this group. C O O L !
the old leaders, thanks a lot ! for new leaders good luck and keep rockin'.
Have a great summer time =) I'll miss you all !
ok time to go, so thanks everyone and take care .

Almost time to kick off our summer small group!!

Hey everyone! Looking forward to seeing everyone this coming Tuesday (June 5th) at Daphne's! Hope everyone has a great weekend. Gear up for a fun summer diving into the book of James! Kristen will be back from Kenya and I am sure she will have some great stories to share with everyone. When doesn't she??

Mungu Akipenda

My trip to Kenya is finally here! I'm off with 21 other NCCers to International Christian Centre in Nairobi. I am very excited and ready to go. A big THANK YOU to each one of you for all your support! I have never felt so drenched in prayers and blessings from so many people. I would not be on this journey if it wasn't for this wonderful group of women in my life pushing me, encouraging me, and strengthening me in the ways that you have.

If you miss me so much you just can't stand it =) ...you can follow along with what our group is doing on our Kenya blog. http://theaterchurch.com/missions/kenya

See you June 5th!

Congratulations, Lanre!

Everyone happy, happy!

Back to Blogging!

I'm welcoming myself back to the blog!! It has been awhile. I am really looking forward of co-leading this summer's study on James with Kristen. It is going to be challenging and of course a lot of fun!!

"Reunited and it feels so good..."

What a fun night of good food, good friends, and great laughter! We all enjoyed catching up with Lanre and hearing her Abuja adventures. It's good to have you back girl! We also had a great time sharing funny stories and learning new talents! ;-) We were sad to say goodbye to Nita who will be heading back to Indonesia June 5 but are so glad that she was able to be a part of the group this semester. Here are a couple pics of last night from Nita's camera.

Lisa, why are you hiding?

What is up with my ridiculous side swoop of the hair? Feeling totally 80's apparently.

And Lisa is hiding again!

Looking forward to this summer. We will meet on Tuesdays instead of Mondays and will trek through the book of James together!

No Satisfaction:

I opened up the Wall Street Journal at lunch today to do some reading and came across this article on the front page of the Personal Journal section entitled "No Satisfaction: Why What You Have Is Never Enough". The next few sentences read..."We may have life and liberty. But the pursuit of happiness isn't going so well." It goes on to say "Experts offer two explanations... We aren't built to be happy.... We're bad at forecasting". That's it! That's how the "experts" explain the desire for man to be happy, feel purpose, love life. How sad. They are missing the entire point of life... To know the One that created you and understand that our longing comes from a desire to be connected to Him as we were meant to be. I feel like we spent the last semester talking a lot about this. I just felt the article was so sad and shallow. Read it for yourself. I'd love to hear your comments!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117805835593488773.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks

Thank you

Ladies: Thank you for all of your support and prayers. I feel very blessed to be in this group.

Don't forget, dinner this Sunday at 6p.m.!

Happy birthday to Kimberly! Happy birthday to yuuu!!

Good

Something from the chapter this week really resonated with me. John says that Jesus' hunger validates ours... that we don't have to be ashamed or try to minimize our hunger, or deep desires. He goes on to say that because our hearts have been ransomed and bought over by Christ, our true hearts are good... in our core, where the Spirit of God lives, we are indescribably good because our Father is.

That is so freeing and challenging to me! Freeing because I can admit that I want more and I don't have to feel guilty about it. Also, freeing because I know that the bad desires are not my true self... the old man has died! It is challenging, though, because often, the manifestations of my hunger aren't good... but they can be!

I don't know, those thoughts just makes me so happy! :)

No more Monday blues

Monday night was just what I needed. I came in feeling frustrated & defeated and left feeling encouraged and hopeful. Thanks for a great discussion and time of prayer!

Happy Easter, dear friends!

Yesterday, I woke up with lines from the old hymn playing over and over in my head "Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia" I could only remember bits and pieces of the whole song, but I kept repeating over and over "Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!"

Something in my spirit was just so joyful over those two phrases and I knew it was something beyond Jesus' resurrection (I know how blasphemous that sounds, that there might be something else to excite me beyond salvation. Hang on, I can explain...)

When Christ died on the cross, he took away the permanence of death. Those God-birthed dreams, passions, hopes, aspirations, opportunities, and relationships that look as though they might be dead and buried... those that the enemy has rolled a stone over and proclaimed gone don't have to be. As the believing beneficiaries of the power of resurrection that our Lord bought for us, we can proclaim LIFE (abundant life) and vitality into any situation! Death is temporary... if God can raise Christ-- He can surely resurrect His purposes over our lives, no matter how dead they feel inside us... no matter how lifelessly we feel we are pursuing those things.

Christ our Lord is risen; the hard part's been done... we can claim and operate in that power! Hallelujah!

Restoration

Hey ladies! So it's a little late in the week but I wanted to say thanks for everyone who was able to make it on Monday. We had a good discussion about chapter 7 of our book. It was a tough one to tackle but here are just a few very general points that we talked about. We missed those of you who couldn't make it and hope to see you next week!

• Having an eternal perspective shapes our desires here on earth
• Through the Holy Spirit working in us, we are given glimpses of God's perfections- glimpses of heaven
• The idea of heaven should evoke excitement within us. The idea of a place where all is restored and perfect. We have no sin or shame separating us from God and there is no brokenness, insecurities, fears, or self doubt.
• Heaven is meant to be mysterious- we don't have to have it all figured out. We choose to live by faith and not by sight; to believe the unbelievable.

We also heard some great testaments about God's faithfulness to answer prayer in the lives of our friends. Some praises include Carmel's new job! Laura & Jess getting a new wonderful roommate! And my financial debt under God's control! Thank you Jesus for listening and caring about the needs of all the women in our group and revealing answers in your perfect timing.

See you all next week!

Greetings from Nigeria!

Hey ladies!

I have been meaning to blog, but it's been hard to put into words all the things I want to say...

I am well--- really, really well, actually. Being here is so good for me. I am learning what it really means to want this career that I have chosen. For me, anyway, it is easy to latch on to a desire and claim that I want it really badly and yet not be willing to make the sacrifices or put in the work to make that desire a reality-- even when God is giving it to me.

Work is going well. It is hard enough being your own boss, talk less of managing other people... some mornings I wake up and wish someone else were giving the orders. I am trying to remember that Someone Else is and only through Him will anything get done, talk less of getting it done well.

Adjustment has been a non-issue! Honestly, my life here is very much the same as life there-- minus seeing all of you... but I am still very much connected and accessible via email and phone. Lisa keeps me posted regularly, too. My dad managed to squeeze in a half day to see me this week, which was such a treat and my aunt and I have a standing date on Sundays (to watch West African Idol!!!). I get to talk to my cousins and grandmother often, and might be able to get some time off around Easter to see more family, and party in Lagos!

I think I have found a church home here-- House on the Rock Church... the demographics are very similar to NCC's, so can you say handsome single men?! I am keeping up with you on our study, and often wish I had bugged Daphne's apartment so I could listen in on Monday nights!

Prayer requests: Please keep praying for the political situation here and upcoming elections April 14th and 21st. There have already been some demonstrations and police force in some areas. Pray for peace, pray for a calm transition... Also, please pray for God's direction on next steps for when I return. I have a couple phone interviews lined up for next week, so pray along with me for discernment and for a heart to trust God.

Much much love,
L

Pictures!

Hi everyone,

Finally got around to uploading my pictures from my trip to Vietnam and Australia -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/11151982
Still learning to manage this site; pictures will make better viewing sense if you click on the albums on the middle-right of the page.

Enjoy!

As you all know, Godspell is coming to NCC in a few weeks.

Godspell, a musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, comes to the Ebenezers stage March 30-April 8.
Set in modern times against the backdrop of the DC metro system, Godspell tells the story of Jesus and his disciples and the history-changing community that they formed.

Tickets are $10 General Admission. Tickets purchased online will be held at will-call. Tickets also on sale at Ebenezers (check or cash only).

Here are the performance dates:

Friday, March 30 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 1 at 2:00 pm
Sunday, April 1 at 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 5 at 8:00 pm
Friday, April 6 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 7 at 10:00pm **Easter Vigil Performance
Sunday, April 8 at 2:00 pm
Sunday, April 8 at 6:00 pm

Let me know if you plan to come to either the Friday, March 30th or Friday, April 6th. We should grab dinner before the show!

Where I've Been

Those of you who know me may have observed or been told by me that there has been a heaviness in my soul over the past several months and a struggle with God about a sadness within me. I felt restless for change. I was fairly quiet during our prayer request times in the fall semester and even now because of it. I couldn't put into words what I needed prayer for. I've been taking comfort in the Psalm below which explains where I'm at. The good news is I am moving out of this phase and find that I am bracing myself for change that God has been preparing me for.

Psalm 42
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?" These things I remember
as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"
My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Dilemma of desire

So, chapter 2 asks what we do when the past and fears make it hard to desire again.

I am so comforted by God's promise; no matter what life has done to our hearts, to our desires

Ezekiel 36: 26 "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. "

I am convinced that, as Peter quotes David saying, the secret to continuing to live in hope, is looking to God and recounting his past blessings in my life and in the lives of others around me.

Acts 2:25-27 ..."'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave"...

If you dont have the a copy of the book/guidebook....

Feel free to download Chapter 2 and 3:

Chapter 2 Journey of Desire Searching for the Life We Have Only Dreamed Of

Chapter 2 Journey of Desire Guidebook and Journal

Chapter 3 Journey of Desire Searching for the Life We Have Only Dreamed Of

Chapter 3 Journey of Desire Guidebook and Journal

See you next week!

Now, here is some desire!

Ladies, thoroughly enjoyed your input and our discussion last night. Thank you for investing so much and being so engaged in this study-- I am confident all of our effort will bear much fruit!

I just wanted to share a glimpse into what David desired...

Psalm 63: 1-8

1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me....

Look it up, David wrote this when he was in the Desert of Judah... I am challenged to have my thoughts align more with his...

I have found that this daily devotional is a great tool: http://www.268generation.com/thirsty/thirsty_journal_frameset.htm

Desire

Hey guys-

Well I finished the first chapter/journal study. It was pretty challenging for me to answer the questions. Did you guys learn anything new about yourself? Or something you knew about yourself but it was just now brought again to your attention?

I learned that I still have never gotten over the pain of my past. My father was an alcoholic, and and my homelife was pretty hard. My mother was always busy trying to meet all my father's needs, and my brother and I were left to teach ourselves about life and grow up on our own with no direction or love. I look back on my life not with nostalgia, but with resentment. I need to learn to let the past go. I wish I had had a family who had loved and nurtured me. At least I can take away something good from the exprience: I know the kind of parent I will never let myself become.

I also learned I have a lot of unrealized desires, many of which are Godly and pure, but I am scared they will never be realized (such as doing humanitarian work abroad, knowing God intimately, knowing MYSELF intimately, finding the peace that God has promised His children, etc).

I also learned that I am the kind of person who, if things are not right, I want to fix them right away and if I can't, I get very upset. I am a very proactive person, and it's hard for me just to be like well this is the way things are, do the best you can. I am unable to settle, I am always striving to make things better. For example, it's hard living in DC, I can't find a sense of community, it's loud, dirty (just like any other city), and I wish I could move to a small town out west. But I can't. I am here, and think that God brought me here for a reason, but it's hard to be like well God, you brought me here but I don't want to be here, please take me away! :) It's like, I want God to challenge me and I want to grow and be content no matter what my circumstances are, but my DESIRE to live elsewhere, to have a more meaningful job, to establish a small core group of friends, is ALWAYS there. So what do I do then?

Just some thoughts. :) I am looking forward to seeing everyone again tomorrow night!
Jennifer

Seats in a theater...

If you were at Union Station last Sunday, you noticed we had a little seating problem. There are great new snazzy seats in the Union theaters, but there are 75 fewer of them!

We knew we were going to lose some seats, but weren’t told it would be that many. Dozens of people were standing, and about 50 people were turned away from each service.

So– here’s what we are asking. For next week (and maybe the next couple weeks), please consider coming to our 7:07 Ebenezers service or 10:30 Ballston service.

The church is working very hard on a solution to this, and will be surveying the congregation this weekend to determine when/where to add a new service. But in the meantime, we would really appreciate any sacrifices you could make to attend one of these other services.

DEsiRE, dEsIrE, DeSiRe

Monday night was great; thank you all for participating and sharing so openly. We spent the night talking about different kinds of desire, what desire, passion and longing mean to us, what Godly desire is... and Justin Timberlake! For those who weren't able to make it (we missed you) and as a recap, I've posted some of the verses we discussed:

Psalm 103: 2, 5 "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Luke 6:21 "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied"

Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Isaiah 26: 8 "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts"

Hebrews 12:3 "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

James 1:14 "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."

I think I left some verses out so if you remember your verse from Monday and want to share it here, post it as a comment.

It Was Great Meeting You All!

I just wanted to say I enjoyed meeting all of you last night. I am looking forward to getting to know you this semester, and growing in Christ-likeness.
Jennifer

NEVER MIND! BACK ON TRACK FOR THIS MONDAY

I apologize for flooding your mailboxes this weekend. It turns out I will be back for small group on Monday. If you are all still willing and able, let's go ahead and meet this week after all. Daphne's place, 7pm. Monday February 5, 2007. Call me on my cellphone with questions or concerns: (517) 214-6535. Bring your books on Monday evening if you have them... looking forward to meeting the new people and seeing old faces!

SMALL GROUP ON MONDAY CANCELLED

Unfortunately, Lisa and I have to cancel group this Monday. Lisa is out of town and I have to be in Baltimore for a family emergency. We are really sorry about this-- and have been looking forward to seeing you all again for so long... Please start reading chapter 1 in the book and do the first chapter in the guidebook, also. We'll pick it all up next Monday, February 12, 2007- same place, same time.

If your books have not been delivered to you yet, please contact Lisa or I during the week and hopefully we can get the extra photocopies of the chapter that we have to you.

Again, we apologize for the inconvenience... Have a wonderful week, all! Can't wait to see you!

-L&L

T-minus 7 days!

Oh I just can't wait... Group starts next MONDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2007 at 7pm at Daphne's place.

If you haven't ordered your books for this semester yet-- get on the ball! Go online and order yourself a copy of BOTH

1. The Journey of Desire :Searching for the Live We've Only Dreamed of

AND

2. The Journey of Desire Journal & Guidebook: An Expedition to Discover the Deepest Longings of Your Heart

You should be able to get both books, new and shipped to you, for less than $20. If you have problems or questions, please let us know.

BTW: Grab a copy of the Small Group Atlas at church this weekend and see how many times you spot Lisa and I! :)

See you all on Monday!

No Service at Union Station on Sunday

There is a flooding issue at Union Station, so there will be no service at Union Station this weekend. Union Station Sunday services are moved to Ebenezers.

Here is the schedule for this weekend:

Saturday Night
5:05 pm at Ebenezers
7:07 pm at Ebenezers

Sunday Morning
9:45 am at Ebenezers
11:15 am at Ebenezers

10:30 am at Ballston

Lanre and I will be going to Ebenezers Saturday 7:07 pm service.
Hope we'll see some of you there tomorrow!

God on Broadway

Looking for a fun activity on a cold Friday night?
Check out God on Broadway tonight at 8 pm at Ebenezers!





God on Broadway is a musical revue highlighting spiritual themes from popular Broadway shows.

Featuring songs from Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion King, Godspell, Hairspray, Carousel, The Secret Garden, Big River, and many more! For more information, contact ryanzempel@hotmail.com

Are you ready for this quote?

"It is not so true that 'prayer changes things' as that prayer changes us, and then we change things." - Oswald Chambers

"God Grew Tired of Us"

Last night I saw the movie "God Grew Tired of Us" at our headquarters here in our auditorium. NGS produced the film. It's about the "Lost Boys" of Sudan who had to flee Sudan due to civil war and how there are thousands of them with no parents or families just stuck in a refugee camp in Kenya. Some get chosen to come to the U.S. It followed the lives of 3 of the boy, Tom, Daniel, & Panther, into the U.S. It was really moving, eye opening, and fascinating. After the film two of the "lost boys" were available to meet at a reception. Anyway, it's going to be showing in DC starting this weekend. I recommend it.

I found myself experiencing a lot of different emotions... frustration at God for allowing that kind of thing to happen, feeling blessed to live here and yet frustrated by our country at the same time, inspired to learn more about and how to help, and excited to join NCC on an overseas mission trip this summer. =)

Check it out! I'll go see it again if anyone would like to go. It will make for a good discussion afterwards.


http://www.godgrewtiredofus.com/

I am not the same...

A recent article in Discipleship Journal proposes 10 questions we can ask to make sure we are still growing spiritually... Check the full article out

Interesting and a good reminder to take pulse.

1. Are you more thirsty for God than ever before?
2. Are you more and more loving?
3. Are you more sensitive to and aware of God than ever before?
4. Are you governed more and more by God's Word?
5. Are you concerned more and more with the physical and spiritual needs of others?
6. Are you more and more concerned with the Church and the Kingdom of God?
7. Are the disciplines of the Christian life more and more important to you?
8. Are you more and more aware of your sin?
9. Are you more and more willing to forgive others?
10. Are you thinking more and more of heaven and of being with the Lord Jesus?

What do you think?

Fun Pictures!

Ladies,

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!

A quick update on our angel tree gift. Lanre, Jenny and I were able to deliver our gifts on December 16th. Unfortunately, the kids were not there, but we did see some of their pictures. Very cute kids!! The grandmother was very sweet and very thankful. It was great that we can be a blessing to them! Thank you to to all of you!

Also, here are some pictures of our gift to Pastor Mark. (complete with snow and Benaiah) He sent a huge thank you email to our group. He thoroughly enjoyed it!

My Desire for 2007

It's almost a new year and that generally means it's a good time to reflect and come up with some goals for the next year.

I had an interesting conversation with my sister-in-law over Christmas. We were discussing some of the friends in my life who are not Christians. She really challenged me to see them as eternal beings and souls that need to be saved.

Too often I let fear determine the destination of my conversations with these friends. For a moment there is an opportunity to share about my Jesus, my faith, my assurance, and I let fear steer my words towards an "easier" subject... or, I'll water down my words like, "I'll pray for you". Not that prayer is a bad thing (clearly!)...but I think sometimes I over use the phrase and skim over the words that should be said.

I just look back on this year and wonder how many times God may have been watching me saying "Okay, Kristen, here's a good opportunity to talk about My love..." and I drop the ball. Even when it is so clear that a friend needs His love so very badly, I selfishly keep my mouth shut.

Maybe my 2007 goal should be as PM says, to not be afraid to look like a fool! If I truly care so deeply about these friends in my life, I should be more concerned about where they are going when this life is over. Hell is real and the suffering is eternal.

I'm looking forward to having you girls continue to challenge me in my walk with Christ and I ask you to help keep me accountable in this area.

Happy New Year!

Fun Praise

I have a fun praise that I want to share with everyone!
I bought a co-worker a copy of In a Pit and gave it to her yesterday. She is someone who I just love and has been in my prayers for awhile now.

She called me up today and asked if we could eat lunch together. As it turns out, she read the first chapter of the book last night and had a TON of questions about NCC. She then asked if she could come to church with me sometime.

WOW! What a fantastic tool to open up lines of communication!

I heart NCC.

:)

Anyone psyched for our next journey?

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT SEMESTER STARTS!

I know, I know-- this semester has not even officially ended yet. Clearly, I know this... but STILL! I am sooooooooo excited about "The Journey of Desire" !!!!

"Is desire holy?... the word 'desire' has lost its currency... Our problem is not that we desire too much, but that we desire too little... In the quiet moments of the day we sense a nagging within, a discontent, a hunger for something else. But because we have not solved the riddle of our existence, we assume that something is wrong-- not with life, but with us... Many Christians live with a nagging awareness that if they feel their hunger deeply it will undo them... But to live life fully-- to live life as God meant for us to live-- demands a full recovery of our heart..."

Oh, ladies, I can't wait!

Come on baby light my fire

Does anyone else need a fire lit under their butt?... sometimes I wonder how long a "season" will be.

Friday, December 1 is WORLD AIDS DAY

Join the HIV Hope and Help small group at the World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil at Freedom Plaza at 5:45pm on Friday, December 1.

Following the vigil, the film “Yesterday” will be showing at 7:30 p.m. at Ebenezers Coffeehouse. The film depicts the physical and emotional struggle of a South African family with HIV—a powerful and unforgettable story of overcoming adversity.

Please feel free to attend either or both events and invite others to join us. Contact Lanre for more details or with questions.

Guide Questions: Romans 15 & 16

Here are the questions for Romans 15-16:


1. Paul praises several people in Romans 16: 1-15 for things they have done. What deeds and qualities does he command? Nine out of the twenty seven people Paul names are women. What does this imply about Paul's relationships with women?

2. In what ways is Romans 15:4 relevant to our lives? In Romans 15:4&13, Paul speaks about hope not love or faith. How is hope necessary for the accepting, self denying behavior Paul urges.

3. What is your greatest ambition? How does it compare to Paul's (Romans 15:20)?

4. How can you do for some missionary what Paul wanted the Roman Christians to do for him? (Romans 15:24, 30-32) Why is this kind of help important?


That's a wrap for our study of Romans! What has impacted you the most from this study? What are you taking away from this semester?

Happy After-Turkey Day! =)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Thanks for everyone who came last week! I had a great time catching up with all of you! (not to mention, enjoyed the delicious tiramisu! Thanks, Daphne! =))

This week we will be discussing Romans 13 and 14. (There are no discussion questions for Romans 14. Feel free to bring your questions!)

Also, here is the agenda for the rest of the semester:

November 28th: Romans 13 & 14
December 5th: Romans 15 & 16
December 12th: Christmas Party

Looking forward to see you tomorrow!

Guide questions: Romans 13

Sorry for the delay with these. Here are some questions to ponder for Chapter 13:

1. Why should Christians submit to governing authorities? Should a Christian take part in revolution against an established regime? What about non-violent civil disobedience?

2. In Romans 13:7, Paul tells us to give everyone what we owe him. To whom do you owe taxes and revenue? Respect? Honor? Other debts? How does Luke 20:20-26 shed light on Romans 13:7?

3. Towards laws and public officials, our standard conduct is "give everyone what you owe him"-- this is justice. However, when we deal with individuals in business and private, we have an ever higher standard; we owe a debt that can never be fully paid (Romans 13:8-14). What sorts of actions communicate love to you? How can you do these things for others?

4. What does it mean that "love is the fulfillment of the law" Romans 13:10; compare Matthew 22:34-40?

5. Because of our approaching salvation, Paul tells us to do several things. Explain each of the phrases in your own words:
"wake up from your slumber" (Romans 13:11, see 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8),
"put aside the deeds of darkness" (Romans 13:12),
"put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12, see Ephesians 6:10-18),
"clothe yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14).

Don't forget Catacombs/baptism this Sunday at Ebz: 6pm!

Blog on!

Angel Tree update

So, we've got our kids!!! A little 2 year old boy and a 14 year old girl. Between the two of them, we are going to be spending about $80 total. That breaks down to about $10 each.... so start budgeting toward that... More details to be given at group.

I also wanted to share this really cool story that was on Zonegathering today, from a fellow NCC leader. Check out Omar's story about Angel Tree!

Thinking forward

Sorry to bombard blogsphere with all these details, but this is important. The deadline to submit material to the small group pass book for next semester is fast approaching. We started talking about this in group on Tuesday, but lots of people were not present so I wanted to open it up.

We are trying to think of topics/areas that we would like to explore in group next semester. Feel free to use this space to make new suggestions or to comment. We'll talk more about this on Tuesday also.

Here are some of the ideas we've hit on so far:

- Study Pastor Mark's book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day". We would explore what it means to seize opportunities and see problems as God-ordained situations for our growth and development

- Love Experiments: Working from the principles of the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, explore Biblical and practical applications of loving and serving God, ourselves and our communities (there are several editions of the love languages book for singles, married people, kids, etc. but the 5 principles are the same and we would study and work with those)

- Journey of Desire: Reading through this powerful book about understanding our desires, we would find Biblical support and practical ways to live life out of the passion and purpose for which God has called us.

- Another inductive bible study: old or new testament, Nehemiah, perhaps, Isaiah?

- Captivated: Based on Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge, explore themes specifically for women and our lives.

Let's hear your thoughts and comments; are there topics you want to discuss that aren't listed here? People of the bible you want to explore? Questions you want to dive into? Sound off!!

Guide questions Romans 12

Those of you who were in this group last semester will remember that this chapter is what prompted our journey into Romans this semester. It holds a special place for me because of that and I am really looking forward to discussing this again (and anew) with everyone.

Also, this week's reading of Romans chapter 12 marks our entry into the last section of Romans. In the first 11 chapters, Paul has set out what to believe by highlighting our sinfulness, and how to receive forgiveness through faith. In the last 4 chapters, he talks about how to behave by giving guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen world.

Here are some questions and applications to think through for next week.

1. Name one aspect of the 'pattern of this world' that is currently tempting you to conform to it. Is there any specific way you can apply Romans 12:1-2 with regard to the temptation you named? Make a list of ways you still conform to the world, and ask the Holy Spirit to transform your mind with regard to these. Find Scriptures to meditate on to help you.

2. What kinds of needs are the gifts Paul named in 12:6-8 designed to meet? How could you participate in meeting one or more of those needs? Write down a function in our church or the larger Body of Christ that you either are fulfilling now or are able to fulfill. If necessary, ask God to show you at least one function for which He has gifted you.

3. Based on Romans 12:9, if our love must be 'sincere', should we not do loving acts unless we feel affectionate towards someone? In what ways is Christian love more than just emotion? (See 1 John 3:17-18) Ask God to show you if your love is insincere in any way. Mediate on Romans 12:9-21 and look for opportunities to act in sincere love this week.

4. How can we be sure that our kindness to our enemies stems from sincere love and not a desire to make them feel guilty? (Romans 12:19-20)

Blog on!

More lions

Okay. We've got two choices, two lions. This one is 12 inches (I am hopeless with dimensions, so help me out if you think it is too small or too big...) and it is $11.95.

The Narnia one, below, is 20 inches and $23.99.

If you all can vote on here, I'll get it ordered so hopefully we can get this taken care of.

Guide Questions for Romans 11

Ladies, here are the questions for Romans 11:

1. How is Romans 11:29 an encouragement to you? How can you respond to this encouragement?

2. How does Paul describe God in Romans 11:33-36? Note as many observations as you can. How can you let these truth about God affect your decisions and concerns?
Look for at least 1 concrete way to act on these facts.

3. Do you ever have the attitude Paul rebukes in 11:18, 20,25? Talk to God about this. Meditate on 11: 18-22. How can you act on 11:22?

Blog on!

Angel Tree

Angel Tree is a ministry that buys Christmas presents for children of whom at least one parent is in prison. We get to deliver the gifts and spend some time talking about the Gospel with the family/kids. We discussed participating in Angel Tree as a group on Tuesday, so here are more details to help us make a decision.

What we talked about last week was to sponsor more than one child. What do you think? (There are approximately 10 of us in group right now...) Feel free to comment on what you think we should do. We have to sign up soon.

The cost of Angel Tree Christmas is minimal, approximately $40 per child
reached. Each child is to receive a minimum of two gifts. When we send you the
children's names we will include a suggestion for one fun gift and an article of
clothing that the prisoner picked out using our gift guide. Each gift must be
new and valued at $15-20. We will provide you with a copy of the Angel Tree
Christmas Gift Guide, so you can get an idea of the types of gifts prisoners
will request (dolls, stuffed animals, sports equipment, etc.).

Guide questions: Romans 9&10

Good discussion on Tuesday night, ladies! Here the questions for the next two chapters. Looking forward to next week.

1. Do you feel about anyone the way that Paul feels about the Jews in Romans 9:1-3, if so, what can you do? What does Paul do? How could you acquire and show an attitude toward others' salvation like the attitude Paul describes in Romans 9:1-3?

2. Why is it important to keep God's will and man's responsibility in balance? This week, ask God to reveal how you can participate in bringing His will to pass.

3. Are you ever tempted to regard God as unfair or arbitrary in His dealings with people? Meditate on his sovereignty and mercy in Romans 9:6-29 and Ephesians 1:1-14. How does this chapter in Romans affect your view of God?

4. How is Christ brought up and down in Romans 10:6-7? What does it mean to do this? Why is it unnecessary?

5. Are envy and anger evangelist techniques? (Romans 10:19)?

Stay well! Blog well! :)

Pastor Mark's book, quoted this, I thought I would share. BTW-- the book is AWESOME!

How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers?
or groans
or sigh,
or curses?

Can trembling hands be lifted to you,
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?

Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged
bouquet of words?
Will you accept me, Lord?
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?


- Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder

Guide question: Romans 8

Ladies, thank you for being so real and open on Tuesday (and for letting me be, too)..

Here are the guide questions for next week!

1. In Romans 8:5-8, Paul contrasts the way of life "according to the spirit" with the way of life "according to the flesh". List as many contrasts as you can find.

2. What difference should our hope of ultimate resurrection, both physical and spiritual (Romans 8:11) make to our lives now? Why do you think God saved us "in this hope" rather than giving us our full inheritance of resurrection glory immediately? (Romans 8:24-25) Consider what waiting in hope accomplishes in us.

3. Give a brief definition in your own words of what it means that God foreknew you, predestined you, called you, justified you, has glorified and is glorifying you. (Romans 8:29-30) See John 10:14-15, 1 Cor 8:3, Galatians 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 1 Peter 1:20. Meditate and pray about what God has predestined you to be. Ask Him to give you a fervent desire for this to happen and a peaceful faith that He can accomplish it. Ask Him to show you how you can cooperate with this purpose.

4. Are you aware of the Spirit doing in you what Romans 8:26-27 describes? How is this promise a comfort to you?

Blog on!

Testing...

The last two weeks, we've talked about testing and spent some time thinking about how and why God seems to test us. We talked about how we are supposed to allow our painful times to bring perseverance in the midst of suffering and discussed how hard those concepts are. Our two character studies were Abraham (call to sacrifice Isaac) and then Adam (temptation to eat from the forbidden tree).

So, I've been thinking about being tested quite a lot lately. I hit on something in John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted which has helped me be convinced of what we discussed in group.

Ortberg writes:

"A test is a difficult experience through which a person's true values, commitments, and beliefs are revealed. Test became a very important word in the Old Testament, and the way it is used there reveals something about how endurance develops.
1. It is used only in reference to people of God, never to heathen nations
2. It is applied only to people of faith, never to the ungodly.

Testing is reserved for those in a convenant relationship with God. Even though it is painful, testing in an act of love. Suffering serves to test our faith...

He continues...

"Surely we will experience suffering of one sort or another. Yet the question remains: How will we run the race? Will we finish well? Will we keep the faith? We do not accomplish this from sheer strength of will. The reason we can trust God is that he understands what it is to walk in darkness. One message of the Cross is that God chooses not to stand apart from our suffering. He is not unmoved by the pain of the creatures he loves. He embraces that pain and suffers with us."

I don't know about you, but this encourages me! I guess I don't know who this is going out to besides myself right now, but stay strong! God is near!

Thoughts

I was really encouraged and challenged by our discussion on Tuesday night. It's so interesting to hear the different perspectives each person has on Paul's writing. I found my brain hurting throughout the discussion! There's just so much to take in! Romans alone touches on so many different topics and areas of our lives as Christians. There's this never ending ability to learn more... we will never know all the answers and most of us agreed we don't want to.

I'm so thankful that we serve a God who is the alpha & omega, all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and yes, thankfully, all patient.

Even if we (I) never figure out Romans completely, I think God is smiling on our efforts and enjoying our discussions this semester. =)

Guide Questions for Romans 6:15 - 7:27

1. What evidence can you offer to support or refute Paul's claim in Romans 6:21 that sin has no benefits which outweigh its costs? (see Ecclesiastes 5:10, 15-17; 11:9-12:8)

2. Have you experienced Romans 7:7-11 since becoming a Christian? The Message translation:

... 'The law code had a perfectly legitimate function. Without its clear guidelines for right and wrong, moral behavior would be mostly guesswork. Apart from the succinct, surgical command, "You shall not covet," I could have dressed covetousness up to look like a virtue and ruined my life with it. Don't you remember how it was? I do, perfectly well. The law code started out as an excellent piece of work. What happened, though, was that sin found a way to pervert the command into a temptation, making a piece of "forbidden fruit" out of it. The law code, instead of being used to guide me, was used to seduce me'..

How do we guard against this?

3. What hope does Paul have of deliverance from his struggle against sins in this life? (Romans 7: 24-25) Thank God for providing the way of escape in your struggle against sin.

Looking forward to hearing from you all on the blog and in group. Stay blessed!

Encouraging words from Dad

Hey everybody!

Dad just sent me an email with wonderful encouragement about Romans. I wanted to pass it on to all of you.

"Your work in Romans will shape your perceptions of 'what being grounded in the Word' means to you, every day. Every pavement day."

Here's to hard work seeking after Him! May it filter into our lives - every mundane and every spectacular day.

Guide Questions: Romans 5 - 6:1-14

Really good discussion on Tuesday! We missed a bunch of you that were not there! Hope to see everyone next week! Here are the discussion questions for next Tuesday:

1. Does suffering always produce endurance? Why or why not? How does faith enable a person to let her suffering produce endurance and hope rather than bitterness and despair? How is this fact relevant to you?

2. What hinders you from letting hope fill you with joy in midst of your circumstances? or what keeps you from taking full advantage of your access to God? Pray about this

3 How does Romans 5:1-11 show the Trinity working in harmony? What does each Person do?

4. How can you actively reject the reign of sin in your life this week? How can you offer the parts of your body to righteousness?

5. What two things did Adam introduce into the world and pass on to his descendants? (Romans 5:12) Contrast Adam's trespass and God's gift (Jesus) (Romans 5: 15-19)

Questions about Question #3

Here is what A Commentary on Romans by Charles Hodge says about Romans, Chapter 4:

"The third argument (that Paul makes in this chapter) is designed to show that circumcision is not a necessary condition of justification, from the fact that Abraham was justified before he was circumsied, and therefore is the head and father of all believers, whether circumcised or not (vs. 9-12)."

I know that circumcision was an outward symbol, but wasn't that symbol deemed unnecissary because God's grace was there for everyone? Isn't that what the argument is saying?

If that's so, why do we need outward seals of a Christian's righteousness by faith? Why do we need an outward ratification and guarantee?

I understand that "having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13), but that seems as though it is something that comes upon you when you believe, rather than an act that is done as a ratification and guarantee.

Am I misunderstanding? Anyone have any thoughts? What do you think?

Discussion questions for Romans 4

Here are the questions for next Tuesday. Feel free to post any response or questions to these questions.

No one may boast of his favor with God, for both Jews and Gentiles are declared righteous not because of obedience to God's law but because of faith in Jesus' death. (Romans 3:27). This was a hard idea for Jews to grasp. What about Abraham, the father of the nation, whom the Jews considered the most obedient man there ever was? Surely he had reason to boast of God's approval! Paul knew if he could prove that Abraham had no reason to boast, then the matter was settled for any Jew.


1. How was Abraham able to resist temptation to doubt God's promise? (4:20) What lesson does it offer us?

2. Does Roman 4:17 motivate you to trust God to do anything specific in your life? If so, what are you trusting Him to do?

3. Circumcision was a sign (pointer) and seal (outward ratification and guarantee) of the righteousness Abraham had by faith (Romans 4:11) What are the signs and seals of Christians' righteousness by faith? (See John 13:35, Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47, Ephesians 1: 13-14, 4:30, I Peter 3: 21)

4. How do you plan to apply Abraham's example in your life?

so sorry

hi ladies-

i'm really sorry i won't make it to group this week. I'm still at work at 7:06- casting for movies is taking up my life- BUT i will be there next week-promise. I hope all things go well and I will see you soon.

xxoo!
-kat

As Much Help as I Can Get

Romans is making my brain hurt.

Which is not a bad thing. :)

I wanted to blog to sing the praises of www.biblegateway.com.
What an amazing resource! I've had a difficult time with this lesson and doing a search of Romans 3 in different translations has been a blessing.

Not that I still get it at all.
But, I feel I have more to work with seeing these texts side by side.

It's fascinating how technology has even influenced the study (and discussion) of the Bible! Can you imagine what great theologians could have done with this stuff hundreds of years ago? Or even 50 years ago?

Do you think C.S.Lewis would have been a blogger?! :)

Guide Questions for Romans 3

Here are the study questions for next week! Feel free to blog responses to these questions.

1. How does our unrighteousness bring out God's righteousness more clearly?
(Romans 3:5) Do you feel more lovable and closer to God when you've been doing good things than when you've done wrong? Ask God to help you to put your trust more actively in Jesus' death than in your own performance.

2. How do we find the perfect balance between the law and faith?

3. What excuses do you/the world use to justify sin? Do you agree with Paul's reaction? (Romans 3:7-8)

4. What does "fall short of the glory of God" mean to you? (Romans 3:23)

5. What implication does Romans 3 have for your life?

See you on Tuesday!

Thanks guys!

Hey everyone! It was great to meet everyone last night. I'm just posting this to see if I can technologically savvy enough to make this work. In any case, I look forward to seeing you all again next Tuesday!

Rome or DC, NYC, LA?

While reading about Paul describing the citizens of Rome, I couldn't help but see parallels in the culture I experience on a daily basis here in DC and hear about in cities across the world. It is always amazing to me how relevant these letters are even to us today. I read the first two chapters imagining Paul was writing to us here in DC and the words seemed to jump off the page into my life! Some of it isn't pretty to read through but so necessary. Looking forward to Tuesday's discussion!

Uhhh...Anyone else confused already also?!

So, I've dabbled in Romans before, apparently. I have many things underlined from past readings of various sections, so you would THINK I have some idea of what is going on. Uhmmmm...I was SO just kidding. Just got finished reading the first two chapters and my head is spinning. Wowzah!

All I can say is that I am SO happy that we are all reading this together. Here's to a season of new challenges! (And lots of questions.) :)

Guide questions Romans 1:18-2:29

Here are some suggested questions to help guide you as you read through Romans 1 and 2. Feel free to explore other topics and ideas as the Holy Spirit leads.

1. What does failing to honor and thank God lead to and why? (Rom. 21) Have you ever experienced this in your own life?

2. Can you think of how futile thinking can lead to unwise decisions/actions? Pray that God would reveal any futile thoughts in your life. Journal anything He speaks to you. See Rom. 12:2

3. What does it mean that God gave them over to depravity? (Rom. 1:24)

4. Name some ways in which the created world reveals God's eternal power and divinity. (Rom. 1:18-20) Spend some time journalling outdoors.

5. Have you judged anyone for sin in the past week? If so, why? How can we develop a non judgemental attitude? (Rom. 2)

6. In what ways do you seek praise from men and in what ways from God (Rom. 2:29). How would seeking praise from God alone affect your actions?

Feel free to post questions or comments here or email us if you need further clarification!

Special bulletin!

It was wonderful to meet you all last night. We are sooo excited about the new semester!

Important details:

- We are switching meeting nights to TUESDAYS! We'll still meet at Daphne's, 7pm. Give Lisa or Lanre a call if you need directions

- Bible study resources:
1. Bible gateway: Tons of bible translations, concordance, commentaries and dictionaries
2. Bible dictionaries: Three different bible dictionaries and concordances
3. Crosswalk: Bible translations, commentaries, concordance and dictionaries

- Join hospitality at Ebenezers! The team needs more people as we move to 2 services on Saturday. Its a great way to serve at the church, meet and welcome new people. Come hand out bulletins and help with setup or break-down at the 5:05pm or 7:07pm services! Lanre and Lisa will be there! :) Email us for details.

- Start praying for your target! This is the person you will be interceeding for this semester. We'll have opportunities to share updates throughout the semester.

- Feel free to blog! This is your space too. We want to read what you're thinking, feeling, etc.

Semester begins !!!!

The semester officially starts this week!!! Welcome/welcome back everyone! See you tomorrow at 7pm!

Hang on! Here we go again!

Ladies, are you ready?!

Oh my goodness! I can hardly sit still in my seat today! I am sooo psyched for group to start up again! As many of you have said, the month of August has just felt off-kilter for me too, not meeting for so long has got me shook! :)

We've got some new faces coming in and some old people leaving us, but I believe that God has something new and exciting for us this semester! I seriously can't wait!

Anyone out there feel me?!

Living, Breathing, Aching for the Mission

Carmel shared this about her recent trip with the Baton Rouge mission team:

"There are really no words to decribe the mixed emotions I had on this trip. I tell you what though, the people I met down there are so strong and resilient. I am truly blessed and, unfortunately, it is times of crisis and disaster that have to remind us just how blessed we are. The NCC team (5 of us) helped another team to gut a woman's home, which consisted of tearing down walls, ceillings and taking out anything that was destroyed during the storm/flood. The house had not been touched since last August, so just imagine how much there was to do. We were there for two days and we still did not complete the job, but the other part of the team returned the next day. We also did volunteer projects with a church called The Healing Place in Baton Rouge. All in all, I learned a lot about what it takes to build an entire city and how people feel called to help others. I am so glad that God answered my prayers and took me down there to see the destruction and create hope for a home owner that wanted her life back...The trip changed my life forever and I didn't even have to buy a $1,000 air ticket or get a stamp in my passport for it. The affect of this on me and the rest of that region has yet to be realized."

I have been thinking a lot about God's renown. Basically, that is what living on mission is about right? Making God's love and sacrifice and salvation 'an indelible memory' giving him 'fame that never fades'. (Louie Giglio).

Christy Nockels of Watermark put it this way:

...We can't just wash our hands of this and walk away
And blame the ones before us cus its easier to say
Than to listen to his heart beating for the coming age...

...We are a doorway and window to the truth
We have one passage of time
What will we say then?
How will we live?
This burning passion is a gift...

Pardon our dust!

We are slowly starting the transition from "Summer reflections" to "The Vine Inspirations" for the Fall. This is still an available space for all past, current, and future small group members. Feel free to continue posting insights, reflections, revelations... stay tuned for some fun changes to our blog space!

End of semester party!

We're sorry if you missed last night's party; we had a lot of fun. Fruit punch in fun glasses with umbrellas; luau/tiki decorations; fabulous food; and of course, the shirts! Ladies, if you were not there last night, get in touch with Lisa or Lanre to purchase a shirt-- here's a sneak peek, they are pretty hot! (Thanks to Lisa and Kaarin for spearheading that project)














Its been a great summer and I've learned so much. I can't wait until September. Begin reading Romans in the meantime and keep your eye out for emails in August about our social gatherings! Bring on Fall semester!

Your mission, should you choose to accept...

Task: This month, while we do the Missions Series at NCC, a special missions prayer blog has been set up. The blog has scripture and a challenge for the day; reactions to what God is doing in NCCers through the missions series and trips; and opportunities to pray for missions. The aim is to have all of us log onto the website: nccmissions.net at least once every day for the 28 days of this series.

Personal relevance: Our own Sarah H. just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic-- the website has testimonials and stories from the DR team. Carmel is off to New Orleans this Sunday with a mission team and the website has a list of their prayer requests. In a few days, Michelle, from our group last year, will be joining the rest of the Galapagos team on their mission trip. You and I, without even leaving our neighborhoods or workplaces, are in the very center of a mission field.

I look forward to reading your comments!

Thank Him

I just wanted to share this because it ministered to me this morning. My good friend who I mentioned prayer for on Monday emailed this to me. He is feeling very lost right now and confused about life. He is not a Christian but believes in God and comes from a Catholic background. He told me he reads this every night before he goes to bed and wanted to share it with me. I think it's so cool that just as I hope to minister to him, he in return has ministered to me.

Dear GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the children areasleep and the house is quiet; I thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

It's a tag-team sport!

com·mis·sion n. The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty. To put into active service.

All authority in heaven and in earth has been given to Jesus and yet our Father, in his infinite wisdom, chooses to touch us, ignite us and send us.

It was a great way to wrap up our semester last night. We talked about how we often underestimate the power of our lives. We are invaluable pieces of a network and web of lives that we have the power to influence, challenge and change. We spent some time discussing Dick Foth's message this past weekend about how we can use the power of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness to open people up to the message of Christ.

I was really touched by our discussion about how we can make our mark on the world simply by the way that we invest in the people around us. I was really encouraged by our conversation yesterday! I can't wait for our party on Monday! Come ready for a full-blown summer bash!

Feel free to continue to post any revelations and thoughts here.

The Power of the Mind

Through the past series of sermons and our summer discussions in group, the idea of renewing my mind in Christ Jesus and the implications it has on my ability to be a woman of faith has taken on a greater understanding for me. Not that it was a foreign concept previously, but it's a concept that I am choosing to no longer ignore. The devotional my running group is going through is titled "The Battlefield of the Mind". This is exactly where my battle begins. Everything I do and have accomplished in my life has been a mental decision or frame of mind that I have placed myself in in order to succeed. It should be the same with my faith. In past years my Christian faith was stagnant. I wasn't thinking about what I was doing nor was I practicing spiritual disciplines.

In this week's sermon, Dick Foth referenced that we are in a race! It just hit home with me. Back in my "glory days" (yes I'm so old!) of swimming I was as mentally tough as they came. I was known as a "racer" on my team. Put me in the pressure spot and I would perform. Even though I loved to race I hated practicing! It was so boring to me but without the hours put in and the physical and mental preparation, I would have never been successful. With my faith I feel like it's the same thing. Without the mental preparation of spending time with God, reading His word, praying and knowing His heart, learning from other Christians, I'm not ready for this race!

I want my faith to be in shape and ready to perform when an opportunity arises. I want my mind to be constantly renewed so that I'm moving forward. After all, I've never heard of winning a race by standing still.

Seize the opportunities

This week, our focus is on sharing our faith. Read over Matthew 28: 16-20-- the Great Commission and journal/blog about how we can be a part of that calling to reach the ends of the earth with God's message of hope and love. How do we become missionaries in our daily lives? How do we share our faith with those around us? How do we seize the opportunities that come our way daily, to win others to Christ?

This Saturday begins the missions series at NCC, so I am excited to hear your thoughts/ideas on Monday! Monday will be our last discussion session-- we will spend the following week in fellowship, prayer and worship as we close out the summer semester!

Blog on!

We believe

A powerful night of proclamations and prayer. Here are some of our truths:

We believe:
- God reveals himself to us in new ways all the time;
- God is strategically placing us in the right place at the right time;
- God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us;
- God asks us to step out in faith and will pursue us until we do;
- God is in the business of healing-- pray in expectation and He will answer;
- God's Word is a living document;
- God will make a way;
- God is faithful;
- In Christ alone, will peace find us;
- God has the right to demand every part of our lives;
- True freedom is the freedom to do what God wants us to do!

I challenge us all to claim and proclaim these truths and promises over our lives and our circumstances. Where we are desiring for God to show Himself true in our lives but our faith is lacking, pray that He might also help our unbelief!

Carmel's Birthday

Queen of the Night


Happy Birthday "Caramel"!!

Bringing Him Glory

How awesome was yesterday!? To be a witness of the baptisms yesterday and see the joy and excitement that everyone expressed was simply amazing. It was such a blessing for me even to just be a supporter and encourager. I was looking heavenward during the event yesterday and just thinking how much joy this must bring Him. I imagined Him smiling down saying "These are my Christian soldiers who are renewing their minds and spirits to carry out my works." We are in the business of glorifying God and I can only imagine what joy that brought Him. Congratulations Carmel and Kristen in taking this step. I love you both and I was so glad to share in your joy!!
I believe that there is no greater joy than bringing glory to one who created and breathed life into us!

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

Romans 6:4-5
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."

Today I am getting baptized. I can't express how excited I am. I have butterflies in my stomach. It's those good butterflies that signal the expectation of something good to come. I'm just in awe of where God has brought me in life so far. His guiding hand is so apparent in the path that has brought me to this moment. I just wanted to share my joy with all of you. And the best part is that it's all for Him. I feel it's this awesome opportunity to not only identify myself with something Jesus did but to show Him how much I love Him and that the desire of my heart is to no longer be a closet Christian.

Romans 6:6
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Whoo hoo!)

I believe that God asks us to step out in faith for His glory...sometimes we may free fall for a bit, but like a sky diver knows the ground will be there, so too we can rest assured that our God will be there. It just takes that first step...

Summer reflections

Summer reflections

Learning to Believe

"The Lord will guide you always...and will strengthen your frame." - Isaiah 58:11

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagels; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31

I am learning to believe these verses and claim them as God's promises for my life.

This weekend!!

Here we go! Another busy weekend!

Check out our activities this weekend:

1. Friday Concert-
The Violet Burning will be in concert with special guest Steph Modder.
Suggested donation $10

2. Saturday Dinner at Mimi's
Join us in celebrating Carmel's birthday.
When: Saturday July 15 @ 7:00 p.m.
Where: Mimi's American Bistro
Between 21st & 22nd on P Street left hand side
P is street on dupont circle where the CVS is. Follow down two blocks
It's guaranteed to be a great time! RSVP to Kristen

3. Baptism by the bay on Sunday
Come and celebrate as Kristen and Carmel will be baptized this weekend.
NCC annual picnic and baptism at Sandy Point State Park located off of MD Route 50 (exit 32).
Admission is $6. Games and sports at 3pm, picnic at 5pm, and the baptism around 6pm.
Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Home-made goodies preferred!

Who knows NCC has these amazing talents..

NCC Men in tights











Who knows Elvis and Blue Man know each other? =)

I believe God has a plan for me, and His plan is perfect.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you and plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts
Neither are your ways my ways” declares the Lord
As the heavens are higher than the earth
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And my thoughts than your thoughts


Several months ago, God asked me to surrender and lay down my dream. He asked me to trust and obey Him. Now, the cool part, through a series of situations, God resurrects part of my dream in an amazing way. Beyond my imagination. He showed me that His ways are higher than my ways, His plans and His timing are perfect!!

Seeking obedience...

Last night's small group was amazing. I am really struggling with trying to figure out what being a living sacrifice is all about. Not conforming to the pattern of the world while still trying to be in the world is so overwhelming at times. I am so convicted when I read and meditate on Romans 12 because I see it as our personal responsibility as Christians to renew our minds in order to think more like Him and thus figure out His will for our lives.
This seems sooo big and daunting to take on in a way. But, one thing that I am certain of and that I BELIEVE is that if we seek His will for lives with an honest and open heart than He will not be disappointed in us. If, in the end we are simply seeking to be obedient to Him, He will love us no matter what. I really need to remind myself of that, especially as I am feeling a bit paralyzed in a decision that I have to make. God is good and His love is "bigger than any decision that we think we might screw up!" (quoted from a wise friend)

I stand by what I believe

This week, our assignment is to come up with some "I believe..." statements. As we think about how to share our faith, how to communicate what we hold dear to us-- what is it really that we believe? What is truth? What holds value? What is the constant in our lives?

Our challenge this week is to find bible verses that speak about belief, faith, power of words or that reflect the particular beliefs that we hold.

I believe our discussion on Monday is going to be powerful! Feel free to follow Kristen's lead and let us all know what you believe.

Mercy Me

Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

During our discussion last night of Romans 12 I was able to learn a lot from the way in which the verses spoke to each of us uniquely. I went home especially struck by our discussion of God's mercy in our lives. To offer all I am to God as a living sacrifice seems a daunting task on the surface, but when I put it in the perspective of what Jesus has done for me it becomes the only sensible option. God knows my heart and desires for me to strive to make pleasing and holy decisions in all I do, but He also knows I am in need of his mercy time and time again. God gives me the opportunity to stand in front of him as myself, a picture of imperfect beauty, and hand him a perfect sacrifice through His Son with my name on it.

I believe in Jesus's sacrifice.

A New Definition of Success?

"There is a vitality, alife-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique.

And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.

It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expression.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open...Whether you choose to take an art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story, or live each day from your own creative source, above all else, keep the channel open!" - Martha Graham

I have been thinking about the differences between worldy and spiritual success.

Here is the dictionary's definition of success:

suc·cess ( P ) Pronunciation Key (sk-ss)n.

1. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted

2. The gaining of fame or prosperity. The extent of such gain.

Here is, quite possibly, the Biblical definition of success:

suc·cess ( P ) Pronunciation Key (sk-ss)

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) - We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Is spiritual success putting in practice our Godly given talents? Is it just doing what He calls us to do?

One reason I love the above Martha Graham quote above is the part that states that "it is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions." I see this same sentiment in Romans 12, for it is not about reaching a measure of worthiness. It isn't about comparing your gifts to see if they are paramount. It is just about action.

Graham also talks about "keeping the channel open." Personally, I see this channel as my relationship with God. It is about keeping the lines of communication open, learning about Him, and cultivating a passion, a thirst to know Him better. It is through this connection that we will learn what we are called to do, as well as have continued strength and courage to keep on the course.

All for His glory.

And using our personal talents to glorify Him sounds pretty successful to me.

What happens in variety show stays at variety show

Don't forget that variety show is this Sunday at 6 pm at Club Nation.
1015 Half Street, S.E. (one block from Navy Yard Metro Station (green line))


Hint: I heard Elvis will be performing =)

Additional resources on Visions

We pulled additional resources from Chazown.com for further reflection on our core values, spiritual gifts, and our past experiences. Here is the link:

Chazown Journal and Study Guide

Life Development Plan

In addition, we also discussed the parable of the ten talents in Matthew 25:13-28. Here we are reminded that God desires us to be good stewards of our talents. We talked about reasons why we are hesitant to use/develop God given talents, such as inconvenience, fear of looking foolish, concern for people’s opinion, and not willing to be uncomfortable. We reminded ourselves that we should not be conformed to our world and our culture. Finally, we talked about Psalm 24, where we need to be intentional when we use our God-given talents. We need to use our skills with the right motivation, for the glory of God. How interesting that Pastor Mark recently blog about similar topic, "But I honestly think that humility is what sets the stage for everything God wants to do in our lives. Our job is managing our motives. If our motives are wrong then nothing we do is right. If our motives are right then everything else takes care of itself” AMEN!!

Happy 4th of July!

Thanks again to Kristen and Kaarin for having us over!

Romans 12

So for this next week we are going to focus on Romans chapter 12. We were struck by Pastor Mark's last message about not being conformed to the world... so we are going to do some thinking on that...

check out Romans 12 and journal/blog on!

See you on Monday!