Today was my last Thursday meeting with Palmer . . .

. . . there is kingdom work to be done and we will do it.

I really can't make much sense of words tonight . . . so I will share with you the first words Mark Palmer shared with me . . .

June 28th 2004
Jen-

Although it doesn’t feel like it, you are in a very good place right now. The questioning, the searching, the doubting, the agitation; the sorrow, the hopelessness, the anger...I’ve found more often than not that those are the emotions that God meets us in. It’s been my experience that most of the the things that “good” people tell us not to feel are exactly the things that we should be feeling. The way of Jesus is so untidy and confusing sometimes. “Take my yoke upon you” doesn’t mean everything gets easy, it means that you actually have a half way decent hot at living the life of discipleship without losing your mind in the process.

Wow, this isn’t very encouraging. But I really mean it to be. You’re not alone. I was exactly where you are (still am in a lot of ways). I wish I would have asked these questions at 20 instead of at 25. You are better off for it.

I love being part of a community of people in their early 20’s who are asking these questions. I love helping them navigate this road. It’s not about “emerging this” or “postmodern that”. It’s really just about leaving everything and following Jesus, and seeing how long you last. Sorry, that was a little bit sound-biteish.

Let me know how I can help. I want to encourage you in your journey.

palmer

"Some of the most endearing, glorious times in life are birthed from sharing messy moments with those who are closest to you. There is something within the human spirit that aches to merely exist without the effort of looking as if one has it all together. Appearing strong when in reality you are a broken vessel is quite conceivably the most tiring and discouraging feat we could possibly attempt. There is a rare liberation that surfaces when we let our guard down in the midst of those who would never send us out the door to find our way home alone. "
~From an article in Relevant Magazine

WAKE UP

Moving forward . . .

The past few days have been quite amazing . . . there is quite a bit to share, but I am too tired to even begin tonight.

However I will share that I really had a awesome evening . . . the highlight of which was blowing out the four candles on my birthday cake (which was lovingly made by Trey & Kerri), after a beautiful rendition of the traditional "Happy Birthday" which was sung to Eric and I, by the people gathered at 827 Northwest Blvd tonight.

I am really grateful for the people that make up my life . . . more than words could express.

I do the believe my twenty-second year will be the best year yet and I am excited for the future . . .

. . . our future together.

You ought to believe in something in life,
believe that thing so fervently that you will stand up with it till the end of your days.
Martin Luther King, Jr.