Benediction

Back in...2009, I believe (okay I wasn't going to go into THIS much detail, but I can't help myself); I met an outstanding young lady, Tera Barrick. At the time I was living in Prescott, and an active member of the YMCA right across the river in Hastings. One Wednesday evening, after work I went to the Y to attend a cycling class before I went to play volleyball. Tera was on the bike next to me. I won't lie, I noticed her right away...not in a creepy way, but because there aren't many 20 something, athletic females at this YMCA - it was quite refreshing! So we started chatting, if you know Tera that won't come as a surprise. And she asked if there was anywhere to play volleyball around here...so I explained as a matter of fact, I was going to play tonight, and that she should come. Sure enough she was game, so she followed me over to the Prescott Middle School and so our friendship started. Tera, if you are reading this - I love you and MISS YOU terribly. We started to hang out in and out of the Y, as well as volleyball open gym; and let me tell you this girl was my angel. Having just moved from LaCrosse where I constantly had friends and teammates around, I hadn't really made many new friendships in the area. And was in need.

She was a physicians assistant at the hospital in Red Wing, and originally from Near Des Moines, Iowa. I can't tell you how lucky I was/am to have her in my life. Shes an articulate, caring, fun loving, active, intelligent, funny, and positive woman. We went on many walks, coffee dates, shopping trips, workouts, etc..etc. Turns out we had a couple connections from the LaCrosse area as well. Another commonality we had, was our faith; although neither of us had found a perfect fit in a church in the area. Both of us were looking for youthful, contemporary, up beat Lutheran Church. (I'm finally getting to my point!). We traveled to some of the bigger neighboring cities to church hop. One church we visited was Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, MN. Little did I know at the time, I would soon be moving to Eagan and would be falling in love with this church. I mean, Easter By the Lake (there are 2 campus') has a basketball court IN the worship hall. ;)

When I try to think about what it is exactly that made me fall in love with Easter, I think it was the music. Most of the services have a full band and talented musicians, and song selections that you can find on the popular christian rock/worship radio stations. Straight up, good music. Reason #2 (in no particular order), I fell in love with Easter was seriously the 'warm-fuzzies' I got when I attended. I was in a new city, with not many friendships - but when I walked into that church...I was SO welcomed and felt right at home. One of the reasons for this was Pastor Kris. Talk about a Godsend. I still don't know how she remembers so much information about all of the members of her congregation; myself included. Thirdly, or fourthly...where ever I'm at, Pastor Kris has thee most beautiful, elegant, and inspiring voice. When she prays aloud in service with a little guitar accompaniment, it could bring me to tears any day, not just when I'm PMS'y. So needless to say. I'm so blessed to have a church family like I do at Easter.

As if I didn't need another reason to love Easter Lutheran, along came Benediction. A post-modern worship service, with amazing music, raw questions, discussions, and usually cool videos during the sermon. And, its at 5:00 on Sunday evenings; perfect for my work or sleeping in schedule. At Benediction tonight, I was thinking of how much I would LOVE to share the Benediction experience with anyone and everyone I know. I think I had goosebumps on at least 4 occasions because of how inspiring and beautiful the music is. Its seriously like a FREE concert every Sunday night. One of the musicians that participates is 'Heatherlyn'. Please check out her music. You won't be disappointed.

And as for sharing Benediction, I'm extending an open invitation to anyone to join me! But for those of you who can't I'm planning on using my Sunday evening blog to reflect on the passages and ideas discussed. But since I've rambled for long enough this evening, I'll leave you with one though for tonight.

[For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."'] Everyone is your neighbor, and God is your neighbor; therefore how we love others, is how we love God. How are you loving God? Are your actions towards your neighbors actions of love?

Oh and P.S. Tera has since moved back to Des Moines and although we don't get to chat nearly enough, I still claim her as one of my dearest friends. And I feel SO blessed that God brought her into my life.