Ottawa – The Spiritual Journey

Wow guys – I’m sorry about my inconsistent blogging! I’ve been pretty good about blogging every day but with traveling and being sick and work being busy – the blogs remain in my head for a few days longer than I’d like! But as promised…here is the spiritual journey I took to and from Ottawa, Ontario last weekend.

Chris and I have had our hearts set on London for a while. We weren’t quite sure why but we figured that we would do all in our power to be prepared for anything God might want to do. So this past winter we got our passports (can’t be sent if you can’t get in!). Well the passports came in…and a few weeks later an offer to visit Canada appeared in front of us. “Sure!” was our automatic response. There was something about Canada that just seemed…appealing. We didn’t care the cost or time, we just knew that we wanted to go (I give Joel partial credit for this…being all Canadian and cool). Anyway, as the trip approached the excitment grew. Something inside of me knew that I’d fall in love with the city and the people. And as most of you know, it happened. I’m in love haha.

Rachelle and Tyler amazed me. It was so great to spend a weekend with 2 people who are so incredibly in love with Jesus that they can’t help but talk about him all of the time. Walking up and down the streets of downtown Ottawa Rachelle thought nothing of speaking in a normal tone about how awesome Jesus is for saving her. She shared her testimony and was eager to hear ours. And man, Tyler is even bolder and louder for Jesus than she is! Tyler amazes me. He’s just this cool guy with such an amazing heart and passion. A guy who has literally seen miracles and knows the power of God. He lives his life with boldness. Seriously. This couple is amazingly contagious. Within minutes of being with them something inside of me felt humbled. “Why aren’t I like them? Why does my voice resemble a whisper IF the name of Jesus comes off of my tongue in a public place? I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE THEM.” Rachelle greets EVERYONE. She doesn’t get offended if she walks into a store and someone doesn’t say hi to her because she’s already said hello to them with a smile and joy that should be trademarked.

It got me thinking…if we truly believe that Jesus is king and we’re really trying to take our town/city/state/country back from the devil…why do we let unbelievers determine what we do and say? I’ve never heard anyone pray over food in a restaurant as loud as Tyler did Sunday morning. He’s not afraid of what people think. In fact. He knows what people think and is doing everything he can to change their minds.

And then there is the rest of the HEAT Worship Team. Each person individually is on their own amazing adventure through being a Christian. It was so great to sit around with them, listen to their stories and have discussions with them about books, movies, music, ministry and God.

HEAT really taught me about freedom and boldness. Normally I’m a shy worshipper. I go into my own little world and move around a little but mostly just lift my hands and praise God in my head and heart. HEAT taught me to worship God with EVERYTHING I am…and that includes my body. I was jumping around the dance floor with freedom that I haven’t felt in a long time. Free to dance. Free to sing and to shout and to be myself. I just closed my eyes, focused on God and went to that secret place where I was free.

The last thing I want to say is that this trip made me realize how little I pray and carry Jesus with me. Of course I believe in Him and love Him but I realized that a true Christian has Jesus inside of him/her at all times. A true Christian thanks Jesus for the smallest of things, not just the biggest. When someone is in love, they can’t stop talking about the person they’re in love with…shouldn’t we be the same with God? If we say that we love Him, we should be acting like we LOVE him. We need to be praying constantly if that’s what it takes to not forget about Him.

Anyway, I can’t think of a pretty way to end this blog so I’ll end it by saying this: Thank you Ottawa. You changed my life.

Ottawa – The Spiritual Journey

Wow guys – I’m sorry about my inconsistent blogging! I’ve been pretty good about blogging every day but with traveling and being sick and work being busy – the blogs remain in my head for a few days longer than I’d like! But as promised…here is the spiritual journey I took to and from Ottawa, Ontario last weekend.

Chris and I have had our hearts set on London for a while. We weren’t quite sure why but we figured that we would do all in our power to be prepared for anything God might want to do. So this past winter we got our passports (can’t be sent if you can’t get in!). Well the passports came in…and a few weeks later an offer to visit Canada appeared in front of us. “Sure!” was our automatic response. There was something about Canada that just seemed…appealing. We didn’t care the cost or time, we just knew that we wanted to go (I give Joel partial credit for this…being all Canadian and cool). Anyway, as the trip approached the excitment grew. Something inside of me knew that I’d fall in love with the city and the people. And as most of you know, it happened. I’m in love haha.

Rachelle and Tyler amazed me. It was so great to spend a weekend with 2 people who are so incredibly in love with Jesus that they can’t help but talk about him all of the time. Walking up and down the streets of downtown Ottawa Rachelle thought nothing of speaking in a normal tone about how awesome Jesus is for saving her. She shared her testimony and was eager to hear ours. And man, Tyler is even bolder and louder for Jesus than she is! Tyler amazes me. He’s just this cool guy with such an amazing heart and passion. A guy who has literally seen miracles and knows the power of God. He lives his life with boldness. Seriously. This couple is amazingly contagious. Within minutes of being with them something inside of me felt humbled. “Why aren’t I like them? Why does my voice resemble a whisper IF the name of Jesus comes off of my tongue in a public place? I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE THEM.” Rachelle greets EVERYONE. She doesn’t get offended if she walks into a store and someone doesn’t say hi to her because she’s already said hello to them with a smile and joy that should be trademarked.

It got me thinking…if we truly believe that Jesus is king and we’re really trying to take our town/city/state/country back from the devil…why do we let unbelievers determine what we do and say? I’ve never heard anyone pray over food in a restaurant as loud as Tyler did Sunday morning. He’s not afraid of what people think. In fact. He knows what people think and is doing everything he can to change their minds.

And then there is the rest of the HEAT Worship Team. Each person individually is on their own amazing adventure through being a Christian. It was so great to sit around with them, listen to their stories and have discussions with them about books, movies, music, ministry and God.

HEAT really taught me about freedom and boldness. Normally I’m a shy worshipper. I go into my own little world and move around a little but mostly just lift my hands and praise God in my head and heart. HEAT taught me to worship God with EVERYTHING I am…and that includes my body. I was jumping around the dance floor with freedom that I haven’t felt in a long time. Free to dance. Free to sing and to shout and to be myself. I just closed my eyes, focused on God and went to that secret place where I was free.

The last thing I want to say is that this trip made me realize how little I pray and carry Jesus with me. Of course I believe in Him and love Him but I realized that a true Christian has Jesus inside of him/her at all times. A true Christian thanks Jesus for the smallest of things, not just the biggest. When someone is in love, they can’t stop talking about the person they’re in love with…shouldn’t we be the same with God? If we say that we love Him, we should be acting like we LOVE him. We need to be praying constantly if that’s what it takes to not forget about Him.

Anyway, I can’t think of a pretty way to end this blog so I’ll end it by saying this: Thank you Ottawa. You changed my life.

Canada Trip: Facts & Stories

So for those of you in the dark, Chris and I went up to Ottawa, Ontario in Canada this past weekend. It was our first time out of the country (well, except a cruise I went on in high school) and we had such a great experience. The car ride up was filled with beautiful trees and deep spiritual conversation. Then we crossed the border and had the excitement of seeing new road signs and landmarks we had never seen before. Around 8pm we parked at the St. Paul’s church where we were meeting everyone, across from the beautiful Gasthaus Switzerland that we were graciously given a room for the night by our hosts, HEAT Worship House.

Within minutes a very excited Rachelle came out to greet us and help us into our room. We then spent the night with Rachelle and Tyler setting up for the weekend and getting a tour of downtown Ottawa. Within the first hour in Ottawa I fell in love with the city. It’s clean and beautiful and unlike the city I know (NYC) it’s not crowded and doesn’t smell bad. I love the bilingual aspect even though I don’t speak a word of French and the architecture is amazing. The people are friendly and filled with life and seem really artistic and passionate.

It was a really fun night is quite the understatement, but is the only thing that seems to come to mind at the moment.

Due to some alcohol loving young b&b neighbors, we didn’t get much sleep.  So Saturday was a LOOONG day. It started with a wonderful homemade breakfast at the inn and the best coffee I’ve ever had. It then continued with lunch at a cute healthy Cora’s Restaurant and then a visit to the Christian Book Store that James works at. We spent a while hanging out and looking at things around the store. We talked about the things of God and the irony of a gay book store being across the street. But eventually James had to get back to work and Rachelle had to get some things done so Chris and I were left with the afternoon to wander around the city.

Ottawa is the best of both worlds. It’s a beautiful city with lots of things to do and look at…museums and shopping, food and coffee…but within the city is grass and paths to ride bikes. Tunnels to walk under while looking at art and buildings to tour around. Sidewalks of houses and people walking dogs right next to boutique stores and farmers markets. And just minutes away are suburbs and parks…Canadian nature as they call it It really makes me reconsider my “I hate cities” mentality. Maybe I just hate New York City lol. And I’m not insanely thrilled with Philly either (sorry all you PA kids!).

Anyway, Saturday night was the “rave” – Psalm 119. It was a great time of dancing, art, God and worship. It’s hard to explain what it was like so look for the pictures and videos coming soon in another post! The rave ended at 2:30am and by the time we were done cleaning up and back at Tyler’s, it was 5am. We got to hang out with their core group eating ribs and rice and talking about God and books and their vision for HEAT. Although we were beyond tired, it’s definitely a day that I will never forget.

Sunday we woke up (after 4 hours of sleep) and had brunch at a Vietnamese Restaurant. We had Pho soup for the first time and mmmmm we need to find some closer to home! We then went to Rachelle’s to pick up her dogs and go to a park in Quebec. Although only there for a short time, it was a very enjoyable outing. I was amazed how quickly the signs changed from English/French to only English!

So around 3:30pm Chris and I said our goodbyes and headed back to NY. Although exhausted, our trip home was as great as the one there. It’s so wonderful being married to your best friend. Not only can we joke around and listen to music, but we have some of the best conversations I’ve ever had.

And about those Canadians…guys…you blessed us tremendously.  In the next few days I’m going to blog about the deeper spiritual aspects of our trip but for now I’ll just say: I can’t believe we only just met you all. I’m not used to having such immediate, deep connections with people…it was a real treat. We can’t wait to see you all again and hope you keep in touch!

Coming Soon…!

Hey ya’ll! This past weekend Chris (deeflash) and I traveled out of the country for the first time! We took the 7+ hour drive to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and spent the weekend with some really amazing people. I can’t wait to tell you about it but seeing as we got about 8 hours of sleep randomly in the 3 days we were in Canada and just 5 hours last night, I’m a bit pooped. So here’s what to come this week in me4thought:

• Pictures from The Gates in Harleysville, PA
• New Music Tuesday:Hillsong London
• Our Canada Trip – Facts/Stories
• Insight/Inspiration from Canada
• and whatever else God leads me to write about!

So while you eagerly await these blog posts, check out the ministry we got to be a part of while in Ottawa: Heat Worship House.