Oh, North Central...

Aaron and I did not attend the same college. He went to North Central Bible College (now North Central University) and I went to Bethel College (now Bethel University)...[an aside - think it's sort of funny when schools get fancier names]. Now, looking back I'm quite sure one of the things that saved us was the fact that we were at different schools with different groups of friends, however there was a time when I was seriously contemplating transferring to be closer to him [read: to ensure he was staying away from all the cute girls in the music department].

Throughout our college years I got the change to hang out at NCU a ton. I got to know a ton of Aaron's friends and teachers - and even started bringing my Bethel friends to Wednesday night Praise Gathering even when Aaron was on the road, which became my own thing. For me...there was something about North Central's chapel and the songs that were written and sung out of that place. We sang songs by graduates who I had never met (or had yet to meet), songs by my husband (I'll give anyone a prize who can name the song of Aaron's still sung there), and songs by non-NCU people...but there was just something about the annointed worship within that chapel. Or was it something else. I'm not doubting the fact that God's presence is absolutely there and He moves in great ways through the students and worship there. However, my life at that point - my struggle, my brokenness, my confusion and my utter dependence on God. My loneliness, which drove me into a place of constant conversation with Him...a place of oneness with my Father that hadn't been experienced before or since then. I journaled (writing letters) daily, I sought every opportunity to be in His presence - especially worship settings - that I could and was just SO hungry. I experienced a lot of hurt and joy in those few years, and yet my memories in that chapel are such sweet ones. I feel like sharing this memory should lead somewhere...and there should be some profound 'conclusion' or 'teachable moment' to end this blog, but there isn't. Maybe that makes me shotty writer, maybe that just makes me a real human...but I love that I have a season like that in my life to look back on and know what truly walking with the Lord looked like at that time. I know we are called to always be broken, to always walk with God, yada-yada...however, there's something about being shaken to the core (in this particular instance it was because of a boy...who shall remain nameless :) ) and trying to recover, or even just figure out how to wade through whatever the circumstance that makes that certain season of one's walk with God just a little sweeter. Similarly - my first months as a new mom were that way as well.

Anyway...ALL of the above hit me like a freight train this past Monday night standing in North Central's chapel for Dave Pedde's 'farewell' concert singing...

'we enthrone you with our praises, we enthrone you in our lives, we enthrone you king of the ages, we enthrone you - you are Christ.' [probably my all time favorite Dave Pedde song!]

For the memories and the change over the past 10 years - I am grateful!

Easter...and my Dad.

If you grew up in the church listening to Christian music in the 80's - you were more than likely a fan of Sandi Patty, or in my case...a kid who's parents loved Ms. Patty, but you did not care for her less than "pop" style of music. However, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Sandi because of a sweet tradition between my Dad and I that began as a result of one of her songs...

In 1986 Sandi Patty's 'Morning Like This' album was released. The title track 'Morning Like This' is an Easter song - very cheesy sounding instrumentals (which anyone who knows me knows I have a great love for all things cheesy AND nostalgic), but very cool lyrics!

"Was it a morning like this? When Mary walked down from Jerusalem? And two angels stood at the tomb, Bearers of news she would hear soon. Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice To feel you again? Over and over like a Trumpet underground, Did the earth seem to pound: “He is risen” over and over in a never ending round “He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”

[this is just a snippet...]

Not sure how or when it started, but as far back as I can remember on Easter morning my Dad would come in very early and wake me up saying "Jessica...can you hear it? Do you hear it?" As a little girl excited to be up early w/ Dad I'd jump out of bed going "WHAT...HEAR WHAT? I DON'T HEAR ANYTHING!" And he'd say something to the effect of...lyrics above. Grass singing. Earth rejoicing...like a trumpet underground, etc. Fast forward to the teenage years when he'd come in and ask me that and 1) I'd be a typical annoyed teen who didn't want to be woken up for anything & 2) I'd groan and roll my eyes because I knew exactly what he meant. "Yeah OK, Dad...yup, I hear the grass." This is not an earth shattering or inspiring story - I am sure. But the reason I even bother to blog about it - is this. My Dad still does it today. Only now it's via text and I absolutely love it. Like clock work - every Easter, around 5am or so...my phone will buzz. I still have last year's saved on my phone "Can you hear it? The earth seems to shout HE is risen. I love you. Dad."

I love my Dad, and though our relationship has seen peaks and valleys...I'm amazed at the sense of bellonging and security I feel when he does things like this. [hmm...even typing that phrase spins up another blog entry.] But it's not just about my Dad...

I pulled up the lyrics to that song today again. I keep reading and re-reading.

I'm embarassed to admit that the season leading up to Easter is more often than not consumed with thoughts on what we'll all wear to church rather than taking time to reflect on the events that ACTUALLY happened, which necessitate the reason for reflection/celebration. Think I'll intentionally continue chewing on that over the next couple of days.

Happy Easter!