Posts tagged as:

Real Life

The Comparing Game

by Jessica on September 20, 2010

I have to admit one of the reasons I’m aiming for quiet this week is that I’m queen of the comparing game. Don’t even get me started on just how good…just know that if we were to go head to head I’d win. Hands down.

But really, it is such an easy trap to fall into. And we all do it.

You compare. I compare. We all compare. But it’s not as much fun as screaming for ice cream.

It’s probably Satan’s easiest tactic in hindering God’s mission for our lives, especially if you’re a woman.

Why?

We want to be reassured that we are loved, we are needed, and we are worthy.

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This week a few women shared their struggles and insight in this “game” and I thought I’d pass it along to you:

Stop Comparing!, TeriLynne of Pleasing to You

Your Plan, Alicia of Confessions of a Snowflake (guest post @ Some Girl’s Website)

How Do I Quit Comparing?, Karen of Faith, Family, & Fibromyalgia

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The answer all boils down to two words,

Follow Him.

Tagged as: Real Life, The Comparing Game

{ 4 comments }

Coming home.

by Jessica on August 6, 2010

in Real Life

I was only supposed to pick up a book from my pastor’s wife for a giveaway I’m planning later this month. What I didn’t expect was the emotions fueled by the faces.

It was the first night of a conference my home church puts on. As I made my way to the office my friend Shay and I were stopped a few times by familiar faces. Familiar stores. My old MOPS mentor who recently lost her husband and after years of faith prayer and witness he opened his heart to Jesus not long before he died. I missed that. I missed sharing their family’s grief and being there for them.

The longer I stayed at the church as people arrived and volunteers ran last minute errands, I kept telling Shay, “I’ve got to find so-and-so and say hi. Then we’ll leave.” She was supposed to take me home and then come back for the conference. Fifteen minutes before the conference started I called my husband and told him I wanted to stay.

And as we joined in worship I found myself quite emotional in my response. I didn’t know exactly why. I’d blink back tears that ultimately refused to stay down. Everywhere I looked there were faces and stories and family. I began to miss this place, these people more than I had let myself realize.

I miss the freedom of worship unhindered by a schedule. I miss hearing Bryan sing. I miss the random hugs and knowing glances. I miss the honest-to-goodness “How are you doing?” I miss the my junior high kids who’ve made their way to high school and even college. I miss the spirit of freedom that permeates this place. I miss the joy.

I was becoming more and more conscious of my tears as I tried to discreetly wipe them away. A few more songs pasted and I wondered, Why was I so concerned if people saw me cry?

These people know me. They know my faults and my strengths. They’ve shared life with me. Mourned with me, rejoiced with me. Called me out when I needed to be called out, held me when I needed to be held. Encouraged me, enriched me, spoke truth in my life. They’ve prayed over me, shed tears for me…why did I need to hide from them?

They’ve seen me. They know me. What are they going to hold against me? We’ve been broken together, desperate together, crossed the world together, been redeemed and restored together. What are a few tears but the truth?

I miss them. I miss this place. I miss this atmosphere.

The bad thing about being immersed in seminary culture is that sometimes the awe and sheer wonder of Jesus is lost amidst the doctrine and theology, the right answers and prayer requests. (None of which are bad, but sometimes the focus can become so narrow that the one thing is left on the blurred edge.) Instead of freedom to stand in awe and worship there’s the three scheduled songs and no more. Little time for the Holy Spirit to move…to lead. Amongst the future pastors, missionaries, and church leaders the passion is put on hold while the credits are earned.

And my soul thirsts.

Standing there amidst a hungry and broken people I cried. This is what I missed. This is what I have neglected. This is where I yearn to be…face to face with Jesus. Just standing in awe and wonder, lost in gratitude…overwhelmed.

This is home.

Tagged as: home, Real Life, worship

{ 6 comments }

Tips for Flying from a Seasoned Vet

by Jessica on July 28, 2010

in Real Life

photo credit

I’ve decided I’m either a flying snob or Nazi. I can’t decide which one yet, but after traveling countless hours through nearly every major airport in the country and across a few continents air travel has become quite routine. I even have the little spiel the flight attendant’s make at the beginning of each flight memorized.

My husband pointed out today as we were making our way through the airport that I lack emotional intelligence when it comes to flying. Decoded what he’s saying is that when it comes to air travel my compassion goes out the window.

Why? It’s just something I’ve done my whole life. Seriously. I went on my first flight at 6 months and had a passport by my first birthday. Let’s just say I’ve been around the block a time or two.

It’s not new to me anymore. I could probably do it in my sleep, so I lack compassion when people bumble through lines, give evil glares to families with kids, and cut in front of you as you’re waiting to get on the plane.

(Seriously people…they call families with young children at a special time for a reason. If you don’t want to be bothered with kids just wait like the good airline attendant asked you instead of trying to rush past me while I’m folding up my stroller–got it? Thanks.)

Obviously, now of these should be an excuse for me to not be compassionate….I’m working on it. But airports seem to bring out the worst in me.

So all day today as we were flying from Louisville to San Diego (with a pit stop in Phoenix) I kept thinking of all the travel tips I could share. So why not?

Now, please…don’t be offended. Some of these may seem very obvious, but many of these are things I see in people each time I fly.

Don’t be afraid. Flying is safer than driving in a car. So if you fear your plane is going to come crashing down just remember you’re more likely to die in a car accident than to die in a plane crash.
Be prepared. Know which airline you’re flying, how much luggage you can check (and for what price), what is considered a carry-on, TSA’s rules for carrying liquids, and where to find gate/departure changes. Oh…and yes, you do have to take your shoes off when going through security and no your carry-on will not fit through the security conveyor belt standing up (saw that one today).
Listen to the airline attendants. They will tell you when you need to board over the loud speaker. You don’t need to crowd the counter–leave it open for people who are trying to get stand-by flights, gate check tickets for their strollers, or other questions. And please, wait until your section is called before boarding the plane. This is one of the things I love about Southwest is that they are not afraid to tell someone it’s not their turn and to go back and wait. (Can you tell I’m a stickler for following rules?)
Follow the carry-on rules. Please, please, please. I hate it when I see someone with a carry-on suitcase, purse, and three shopping bags. What do these people not understand about the two-limit rule? Be considerate of other passengers and consolidate or check bags. You’ve only got the space underneath the seat in front of you and a bit of overhead space to share.
Don’t fear the airport transfer or layover. After traveling both in national and international airports I’m convinced that all airports are pretty much the same. Just follow the signs to the next terminal and be aware that in some of the larger airports (say Dallas/Ft. Worth or Atlanta) you may have to take a tram to get to your next terminal. Prepare yourself by looking in the back of the airline magazine in your seat pocket to see the layout of your arriving airport. You’ll find these for most major airports. If not ask a flight attendant before landing, most are on the same flight rotations and familiar with the airports they fly into. Even international airports are easy…I’ve yet to be in one where the signs aren’t in English.
Be nice to people traveling with children. I have flown with my son about six times since he was born and each time we get nasty looks from other travelers as if we’re just trying to make their life more difficult by traveling with kids. We already know it’s hard to travel with kids. I mean…we’re the ones carrying the extra bags, juggling slings or strollers with sippy cups, and holding the crying (or overly active) child. We know it’s hard, because we’re the ones doing it. So be kind. Offer a helping hand…and for Pete’s sake leave the evil eyes at home. (Not all people at airports have the “evil eyes” there are plenty of mom’s and grandma’s, businessmen missing their kids, and other parents traveling that are more than willing to give you a hand or at least compassionate eyes that say, “I’ve been there too.”)