Home

There is a song by Michael Buble that I have always really liked. It is called "Home" and it is a beautiful song! This morning I woke up to that song playing on the radio...

"...and I feel just like I'm living someone else's life

it's like I just stepped outside

when everything was going right"

That line really hit me this morning because I truly feel that way when I think about the course my life has taken over the last few months.  Last year at this time I was preparing for my last semester of college without definite plans for after May 17, 2008.  Now I am enjoying a couple weeks home for Christmas and heading home to DC to continue living in a dream come true.  Except that the dream I'm living is better than any dream I've ever conjured up on my own.  You may have noticed that I said I'm home and that I'm heading home...confusing?...well, I've been really thinking about what "home" is.  I have heard that home is where the heart is and if that is true I have a few homes.  Rochester, NY (or wherever my family is) will always be a home for me and now Washington, DC is home for me.  It's great to be able to say that I feel like I'm home here as I sit in the living room of my family's house in Greece, NY.  There are so many memories here and I am content to be here.  However, when I think about flying back to DC I feel content as well.  Life is different there, but I now consider my row house full of 5 girls a home along with NCC and my family there!  How blessed I feel to feel at home whether "home" in NY or "home" in DC because pieces of my heart are embedded in each place!  

If I take a moment to think even deeper about the subject of "home" I am drawn to the idea that if home is where the heart is my home is ultimately not on this earth.  How awesome though that God gives us people and places that we can call home on this earth...I believe it gives us a better understanding of how much greater our home in Heaven will be like.  Even if our physical homes disappear we will never be homeless and that's something to thank God for!

The Day after Christmas

For most people the day after Christmas consists of left overs and sleeping off the events of the day before.  For the Holahan family the day starts bright and early going to mass at Mother of Sorrows, filling almost a whole side of the sanctuary we all sit thinking about Grandpa Holahan in our hearts.  Thirty-two years ago today my dad's father passed away.  This morning I listened o my dad unpack the events of that day and after 32 years his whole family still gets together to remember his life.  A lot of people don't understand this tradition, but I think it started as a way for my grandmother to not be alone on that day and continued as a tradition to celebrate who Grandpa was. Even though I never had the chance to meet him I still love this day of hearing stories and thinking about Grandpa Holahan.  My grandmother is no longer with us either and our family still finds joy in getting together the day after Christmas.  We always go to mass at her church, have breakfast as a family, go to the movies as a family, and have dinner as a family.  It is a full day and one of my favorite days of the year.  I'm so blessed that our family still wants to get together after so many years.  My dad is one of 6 children and each of them remember different things from that day so I always look forward to learning more about my grandfather. I know that Nana Holahan is looking down and smiling in the arms of her husband so happy that her children and many grand children continue to remember each of them on this special day!  

Love you Grandpa and Nana!

the attack of strep throat

Well, I found out shortly after my last post that I had strep throat! I was down for the count for about a week and it was probably the sickest that I've been in a long time, if not ever.  I was able to lay on the couch for about four days straight and the medicine started battling the nasty virus, but it took awhile for me to be back to healthy again.  I had waited so long to go to the doctor that the strep had actually been in my system for about three days prior to the diagnosis.  I'm just glad that I went because it could have been a lot worse if I had waited even a day.  My mom was a hero because I was so sick that it was difficult for me to call around and find a doctor to go to...from NY my mom took care of that for me! She's amazing! 

I am all better now! In fact, I was in NYC this weekend visiting Jack and Jenny! It was so awesome to see them in their new place living their life together as newlyweds! I had a great time and it just got me even more excited to go home for Christmas and spend some quality time with my family!  While in NYC I tried sushi for the first time and Jack and Jenny got their first Christmas tree together! Here are some photos:

In other news...Christmas is around the corner! There are so many organizations out there that offer unconventional Christmas catalogs for giving presents and National Community Church has put out their first Christmas catalog.  NCC is taking 10 mission trips to 10 different countries this year and the Christmas catalog is a way to leave a lasting impression that goes beyond the 10 days that teams spend in the country! There are some great opportunities to bless complete strangers for Christmas and it's a beautiful thing! A lot of us have a lot and don't really need anything more, but there are people in other countries that need basic things to survive from day to day! Maybe think of them while giving this Christmas! How cool would it be to add a complete stranger to your Christmas list? Check it out

ONE WEEK UNTIL CHRISTMAS! I love this time of year...for all it means.  In celebrating the birth of our Savior I think it should cause us to ask ourselves how we can be Christ to others in this time of year especially! What are you doing?

sick

To explain my lack of postings in the past couple of days...I have the flu! :(

I will update soon! In fact, I have a list of things I want to blog about when I'm feeling better! For now...sleep it is!

returning to my mountain

Each month I am assigned a book to read for the Protege Program and this month it was Called Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger.  It was a really great read and I took a lot out of it just about the process of church and keeping the message and vision simple so that people are able to understand and get involved easier.  In our group meeting we talked about how the word simple does not mean easy and that may be why we don't see the words simple and church next to each other in our mind...church is not easy, but it can be simple.  We all need to simplify our lives...defining core values and convictions and making sure everything we do aligns with them.  The same goes with church...if we know why we exist and what the vision is every aspect of the church should be in line with that vision.  I recommend reading it...there is obvious tension throughout it because it's not an easy process, like I said, but it's worthwhile to evaluate life through the eyes of this book even if you're not working in ministry per say.  

My favorite part of the book is when they talk about Moses and how he always went to the mountain to hear from God and be transformed. They were addressing this in context to providing a place for people to have their own mountain top experiences...offering various options and atmospheres as to bring people through the transforming process.  It really hit me personally though and challenged me to find my mountain.  During school I always woke up early because I had class early usually and for my last year because I wanted to get a good parking spot...but it provided an awesome opportunity to spend time with God before people were awake and bustling around the campus.  I often went outside and sat meditating in the morning.  With my job here and having different hours of work I don't always wake up at the same time and I often stay in bed as long as possible.  However, I have made a decision to return to my mountain, setting my alarm for 6am daily and waking up no matter what time I need to be at work.  For the month of December I am going to make sure this happens everyday...waking up at 6am gives me time to go to the gym and have extensive quiet time before venturing out on the streets of DC.  I love when God uses one sentence in a book to affect change in my heart!

So far so good...I love being on my mountain again! Obviously it's not a physical place for me...it's a time! Find your own mountain whether it be a certain time of day or a place of importance to your relationship with God! Join me in the goal of visiting that mountain daily this month!  It will condition you to remain there long after this month is over!

story of my life...

I HATE BUGS A LOT! It's fairly easy to figure this out about me and I am so grateful to have a roommate who will wake up in the middle of the night and A. kill a big bug in my room or B. let me sleep in her room.  Granted I haven't had to wake her up in the middle of the night yet, but I KNOW that she would do it in a heart beat!

Anyway, the other day we were talking in my room and I look over at my wall to find a HUGEEEE and NASTYYYY bug crawling around! Immediately she knew I saw something, walked out of the room and came back with a magazine to kill the intruder.  Not only am I too short to reach the ceiling to kill a bug (even if standing on a higher surface), but I just can't do it.  Well, Crissa hit the bug with the magazine and it fell onto my bed, then into my laundry basket and then finally on the floor where she killed it for good! At that moment I was completely thankful to have such an awesome roommate who knows my limitations and rises to the challenge in order to combat my fears.

sometimes I forget the President lives here

Sometimes I forget that the President lives here.  I've been here for about 3 months now and I'm still in awe of all the monuments and history here, but it's moments like today that I will never forget.  The opportunities here are amazing! Today I volunteered at Saddleback's Civil Forum on Global Health.  Reverend Rick Warren (author of Purpose Driven Life) and his church, Saddleback, hosted the forum at the Newseum in DC.  There he presented President Bush with the first ever "International Medal of Peace" for his work in fighting HIV and AIDS through Pepfar and Malaria prevention.  380 people were invited to this event and it was invite only so it was pretty cool to be a part of it.  I was greeting people in my business suit (I knew that would come in handy some day) and Rick Warren thanked me and gave me a hug for helping out.  Rick had asked Mark if some NCCers could come and volunteer at the event...it was neat to be there and help them!

After I hugged Rick Warren I was on the look out for the President, but the secret service kept a close eye on him.  We were able to go inside and watch the forum though and I was about 10 rows away from the President.  It was so awesome to see him in a more natural setting. He was really funny and you could really see that he loves his wife (he called her 'baby' at one point).  President Bush also talked a lot about his perspective on helping others and he quoted the Bible a few times.  It was obvious that his Faith plays a huge role in his decisions. All in all, it was awesome! I'm pretty sure Bush smiled at me at one point and he may have even winked! I could be wrong, but all I'm saying is that we're pretty tight now! What a great opportunity! Oh yea, and it didn't hurt that the African Children's Choir performed and they are AWESOME and so PRECIOUS! It got me excited to go to Ethiopia! :)

I couldn't take any pictures because I wasn't technically allowed, but check out some shots that Joe Portnoy got...he's a great photographer! 

Christmas Time Is Here

It really feels like Christmas and I absolutely love this time of year! Everything just feels so touched with love. I could listen to Christmas music everyday from now until Christmas day and still feel warm inside whenever I hear "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" or "Hang all the mistletoe, I'm gonna get to know you better this Christmas".  I love ALL Christmas music! One of my favorites is: 

Don't get so busy that you miss
Giving just a little kiss
To the ones you love
Don't even wait a little while
To give them a little smile
A little is enough

How many people are crying
People are dying...
How many people are asking for love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day
Find a way
To give a little love everyday
Don't save it all for Christmas Day
Find your way
Cause holidays have come and gone
But love lives on
If you give on
Love...

How could you wait another minute
A hug is warmer when you're in it
And Baby that's a fact
And saying "I love you's" always better
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter
So don't hold back
How many people in this world
So needful in this world
How many people are praying for love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day
Find a way
To give a little love everyday
Don't save it all for Christmas Day
Find your way
Cause holidays have come and gone
But love lives on
If you give on
Love...

Let all the children know
Everywhere that they go
Their whole life long
Let them know love

I love this song because it really is how we should act all year long. Pastor Mark began a series entitled "Gift" this week and he said something that was really interesting. He said that God gave us the best gift and we are called to re-gift.  We need to tell people and share the love and GRACE that God has given us.  Sure, it's awesome giving presents to people we love, but throughout the year we should find joy in sharing the gift of grace with those around us. 

I welcome in the Christmas season, but I pray it is not just a season for us.  It's cliche, but it can feel like Christmas all year long if we rethink the idea that giving only involves material things.  The true Spirit of Christmas is finding Joy in sharing the most important gift and accepting that ourselves.  

in the grand scheme of things...

This Thanksgiving was so great and relaxing at home with my family! We did miss Jack and Jenny, but knowing that they are doing well is all we needed to know.  I left DC around 9:30pm on Wednesday night on a plane to Rochester. I knew that this plane ride was not going to be normal as soon as I heard the words: "Can I sit here?".  As everyone knows, seats are assigned on the plane in which case my response was "sure...but I think you need a ticket".  The guy looked at me and said "Oh, I have a ticket I was just asking you if you would mind me sitting next to you" to which I responded "you're welcome to it".  Interesting start to a flight.  I had already been on the plane for a little while and had put my book, water bottle, and Ipod in the seat back in front of me ready for take off.  John, the guy sitting next to me, was paged on system because he was transferring from Tampa and his plane got there late.  We made the normal small talk: "Why are you going to Rochester?" "Where did you go to school", etc and then John asked me what I do in DC and I knew the answer to that question would start a conversation.  I explained the protege program to him and told him about NCC and Ebenezers.  He sort of turned his head and smirked a little bit and then he let out his feelings about a church owning a coffeehouse and how everyone has a right to believe what they want, but with so much knowledge it's foolish to say you believe in a 'story'.  

John and I discussed many issues from creationism vs. evolution and the Big Bang Theory to why good people go to hell and why there's evil in this world; from other religions to why God created man.  I could go on, but we touched on everything...we even talked about how he feels one can never know the truth completely because we're always learning new things. It was a great conversation and I know it was one of those divine appointments. He asked me at one point how people learn about "the truth" if they don't grow up in a family that believes and looking back our conversation was an answer to his own question...moments of complete honesty with complete strangers.  

After we landed we said our goodbyes and I started walking towards the gate to see my parents.  Another guy came running next to me and told me that he overheard my conversation, he encouraged me and told me that he enjoyed listening. Then he handed me a small piece of paper with his favorite books that helped him approach conversations like that in a different way.  How cool! Already I had a great trip home and then I started walking really fast because I knew my family was waiting and I couldn't wait to hug them.  

When I got home I realized that I left my Ipod on the seat back in front of me on the plane.  WONDERFUL! I called the airport and we went the next day to check baggage claim, but nothing was turned in.  The man basically told us that those things don't usually turn up.  I was sad, but then my parents reminded me that the excitement and adrenalin I was feeling after that plane ride had my mind other places and in the grand scheme of things, it's small price to pay for the conversation I had with John. My dad called it "collateral damage for the Kingdom".  I hope someone who really wants a pink Ipod gets one because I left mine behind...sure it has my name and favorite Bible verse engraved on it, but maybe it will find itself in the hands of a different Erin. That would be cool!

Sure, there were moments of sadness and I felt like an idiot for leaving my Ipod on the plane, but I know God works out all things for good for those that love Him.  I am so thankful for that plane ride and now I know I will NEVER forget it.  My aunt told me not to talk to any more cute boys on the plane.  When I told her it wasn't that he was cute she told me that he had to be cute if I left my Ipod behind...so I took her advice and just read my book on the way back to DC and I didn't leave anything on the plane.

Harriet

I have been up way too long talking to my roommates and it's time for bed, but I needed to post a before and after shot of Harriet (that's what I named my turkey this morning).  After a couple VERY early morning calls to my wonderful mom I successful cooked my first turkey!

new adventures!

Liz was my roommate for the Alpha Getaway! It was a ton of fun...the room was like a hotel! Anyway, we had our first experience with Sheetz this morning! We had heard a lot about this "gourmet" gas station and it was pretty amazing! We woke up early just so we could check it out! We got some yummy fake french vanilla cappuccinos and on the way out noticed they actually had an espresso bar in the back! We were disappointed, but then we realized that we can just go back another time! I guess people that go to Sheetz a lot don't think it's that great, but it beats any gas station I'm used to by a million...and the people were super nice! It was like a community hang out! Okay...now I'm going over board, but we had fun! Anyone know what a Sheetz is? I had never heard of one til this weekend!  

busy, busy, busy week!

This week has been extremely busy! Let me re-cap the days that have lead to me sitting on my bed exhausted, yet very satisfied and refreshed at the same time.  

First of all I had last Saturday and Sunday off of work which was AMAZING and MUCH NEEDED! Sunday I fell asleep on the couch probably about three times...and I loved it!

Monday I headed to Baltimore with the rest of the staff at NCC for the annual staff planning retreat! It was wonderful! We stayed in a Marriott right on the water and enjoyed each other's company over intentional meetings usually involving food.  I walked to Little Italy a couple of times for some meetings over food and each time it was wonderful! We had some great staff bonding and dreaming time on Tuesday and I really enjoyed hearing what each department is thinking and dreaming about for 2009.  It was a great time of getting away and processing.  Awesome to go as a protege and see how they work through things.  One thing I know for sure...NCC cares about their leaders and the investment of time and money to bring each staff member (and protege) to Baltimore for two days was a great blessing. So glad I was a part of it!

We got back late on Tuesday and Wednesday morning came too soon.  I worked at Ebenezers on Wednesday, but it really felt like Monday.  Wednesday night I went to dinner with a friend and got some things to fill a couple boxes for operation Christmas child.  It was so fun to fill two boxes on my own. Usually I fill boxes with my family or with a small group, but this time I was able to fill two on my own and it was such a blessing. I enjoyed every minute of picking out presents and I'm pretty sure God multiplied the size of my box because there's no way everything should have fit, but IT DID!

I worked on Thursday until close and then got ready for the second retreat of the week.  I packed my overnight bag for Friday and went to bed dreaming about what my turkey would look like.  I woke up and went to work for a bit and then took Michelle's car to the store to get a turkey (hence the dream on Thursday night) to make for the inservice Thanksgiving for the homeless community around DC that we are hosting tomorrow at Ebenezers! I picked out a beautiful bird and I even made a friend in the process...she was looking for the perfect turkey and she comforted me as I embarked on my first experience of making a turkey by myself.  That afternoon I headed to West Virginia for an Alpha getaway!  About 50 people came who are a part of the Alpha course through NCC...a course that seeks to help people discover Christianity in a non-threatening way.  It was an amazing retreat...the facilities were nice, but the transformations made it what it was. I saw so many people raising their hands in worship for the first time, crying during prayer for the first time, asking for prayer for the first time, and overcoming the obstacles that have kept them from believing.  It was powerful and so great to be a part of.  So many questions and God truly met each person where they were.  Not everyone left with a mind blowing experience or even a firm commitment to Christ, but each person left with a better understanding than when they came in.  Alpha is neat because everyone is at a different level and place in their faith so the outcome is not the same for each person...but you see steps taken by everyone and it makes me want to clap for God!

Now, here I sit exhausted and empowered! I'm challenged by the people attending Alpha because I don't want to lose that excitement and curiosity, but it is so easy to do! I pray I would seek God like it's my first time raising my hands in worship every time I do it.  We can become so used to it that we forget how significant it is, but being in a context like this retreat reminds me of just how much that means to God and to me.

I am off to bed.  Getting up early to cook a turkey...pray for me! ;)

packed house for a cause

Last night was a great night at Ebenezers! We were at maximum capacity and it was so cool to see that many people supporting such an important cause! I had only seen To Write Love On Her Arms at a Switchfoot concert so it was great to see them talk about their cause on their own tour.  There was great music and great discussion! At one point Jamie (the guy talking in the picture and the founder of TWLOHA) told a story that really hit me. He was meeting with someone he didn't really know all that well and Jamie was dealing with some stuff in his life and just started crying.  The guy he was meeting with looked at Jamie and said "I'm not afraid of your pain".  That's an awesome response and an awesome concept! We all have things in our lives that we would rather keep to ourselves, we all feel lonely at times, but to have someone say that they are not afraid of what you are feeling is such a relief!  Freedom was offered in that moment along with a profound sense of hope and love.  I pray we can all respond to those around us in that way...that we are not afraid of other people's pain.  He also mentioned a U2 song in which one of the lines says: "we get to carry each other".  It is a privilege to do life with one another...we should not feel burdened by those that God brings into our lives, we should feel blessed to walk alongside them. 

As I looked around the room last night and saw so many people there I thought about the fact that it is a privilege to be in a room with that many people. If you walk through life seeing those around you as a blessing instead of as strangers I think we will all live a little more intentionally and maybe our lives will feel a little more full. Instead of being in a sea of strangers, we are in a web of blessings...God created each person we come in contact with and he called us to community! We may not form life long friendships with every person we encounter, but at least we can say that their life is worthwhile because it comes from God! I think walking to work with a million other people every day on the streets of DC will be different now and my prayers will not be so self-centered if I see the world and the people in it in this way-that I get to carry them.

change of plans

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and my family was supposed to be coming to DC to celebrate here, but I just got a phone call from my dad and it looks like they aren't going to be able to make it here! Thank God for US Air...I was able to book a direct round trip leaving Wednesday evening and returning Saturday early afternoon.  I have to work at Ebenezers until 6:30pm on Wednesday and on Saturday at 3:30pm.  There was only one pairing of flights that worked around my work schedule and there were only a few seats left! God is good and I was able to book them! 

I was looking forward to showing my family around DC, but I really just want to be with them on Thanksgiving so this works out too! I guess they'll just have to come to DC another time so I can show them the city-girl that I am! :)

Thank God for the internet, thank God for planes, thank God for being able to book flights online, thank God for parents who love me and would be willing to drive 7 hours just to pick me up for Thanksgiving if I couldn't get a flight, thank God for His sovereignty, thank God for holding us in His hand, thank God for everything! No matter where I spend Thanksgiving, I'll be happy to just be in the presence of my family! Maybe I need to be in Rochester...there's a reason that everything happens and I'm taking this change of plans with my heart open to see what God has in store!

TWLOHA

On Friday Ebenezers is hosting "An Evening With To Write Love on Her Arms".  To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.  TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. I am really excited about this because the group is really committed to getting the message of hope and love out to people who feel they are hopeless and not worthy of love.  It all started very small with friends longing to help a friend and turned into a huge outreach! They have helped so many people along the way.  There are many ways to support their efforts and I encourage you to read the whole story...

I'm excited we get to partner with them in spreading the word and offering hope!

The adventure continues!

I had a really great week...the last couple of days were extremely fun! Yesterday we had a Leadership Summit and all the leaders of NCC got together and were encouraged by Pastor Mark, Pastor Heather, Pastor Joel and others.  It was a great time of fellowship!  During one of the breaks I hear my name being called and I turn around and see Sara and JT (who I went to school with in Geneseo).  I was so surprised.  Sara moved to Virginia about a month ago and JT was visiting her. It felt so comforting to see faces from home.  Of course I made them take a picture with me! I'm going to hang out with them today and I can't wait to just hear everything that is going on with them.  It's so amazing how God provides those moments of comfort just when you miss something the most.

I worked at Ebenezers until close last night. I never work on Saturday nights (I usually open) so it was a change of pace.  There were moments of craziness, but it was a blessing because the reason for the craziness was that there were 200 people at the first service and 100 at the second!  Praise God! He is doing great things here!  As the night slowed down my favorite cops came in (as they always do). They are the  "segway cops" because they ride on segways around the city.  They always come in, get hot chocolate and check on us before we close.  They have been asking us if they could teach us how to ride the segways and I've always wanted to...last night was my chance....

It was definitely a full day and I was ready for bed at the end, but it was definitely full of fun! :)

God, be the solution!

We sang this song at the end of church this weekend and it was really powerful! With the election tomorrow it is important that we PRAY that God would be the solution! So many people are putting their trust in Obama or McCain to change the world.  We know that only God has the power to bring about the kind of change that the world truly needs.  I absolutely believe that no matter who is elected into office tomorrow God is bigger than the situation and He has ultimate control!

God, please be the solution! I pray that you would lead Your people and redeem this nation for Your glory! Have Your way, Oh God! We surrender to Your solution and we ask that you would help us to be Your hands and feet despite politics!

Join me on your knees...cry out for this nation! It's not just about one day and a new President...it's about everything that's wrong with the nation and everything that is right with God!  We need to be His feet and "run with the solution".

a full day off

Today I have a full day off...no work at all! I love Ebenezers and NCC, but it's important to just have a day of rest and I am definitely doing that today! It's even better that we got to turn our clocks back last night...an extra hour of sleep is ALWAYS a good thing in my book!  

I woke up this morning to voices talking in the kitchen and it reminded me of home.  My parents were always up before me, especially on the weekends, and that sound of familiar voices in the morning just brings me peace.  I'd rather wake up to that than an alarm any day!  It's just a simple reminder that people are there!  

I'm sitting in my chair, drinking coffee with a pile of books and a journal and I feel like I'm back in Rochester sitting in my chair, drinking coffee with a pile of books and a journal enjoying my parent's company!  We would always spend the mornings in devotion together and it is such a great start to the day...being with those you love in the presence of the Lord.  I miss my family, but the cool thing is that we are closer than we think every time we are in the presence of the Lord.  I feel that in prayer we are always closer than we think...despite time and distance.  That's the beauty of relationships built in the Lord...though we may be far physically, our hearts are just a prayer away! God is good and His Spirit is Love...unconditional Love...Love that doesn't stop because of state boundaries, political differences, difficult circumstances, or the busyness of life. That's the kind of Love He wants us to know and share!

JOHN

I'm reading through the book of John and 1 John and memorizing a passage of scripture with the other proteges:

"As a father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.  My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you obey what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I call you friends for everything that I learned from my father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: love each other." 

                       -John 15:9-17

There is so much there. I'm loving reading John straight through because it's so much easier to pick up on the repetition and what he continues to repeat is very important. Not only does John repeatedly talk about things in his gospel...it's obvious that Jesus was constantly saying the same things, we just don't listen sometimes!  He is always talking about life, truth, love, and obedience. I have a lot to work on and I'm thankful for His patience!

still surreal

Here I sit on my couch, sipping coffee, writing letters, watching a movie and journaling and I realize still can't believe that I'm living in DC sometimes.  I'm sitting here writing notes to family and friends and when I put my return address on the envelope I still have the instinct of writing my Rochester address.  It's kind of crazy how time flies because while it still feels so surreal I also feel like I've been here way longer than 2 months.  I'm not the only one...one of the regular customers at Ebz didn't believe me when I said that I've only lived here for 2 months.  It's sort of amazing how easy it is to move and settle in when we put our faith in God.  Left to my own device I would probably not be here right now and if I was here I would still feel like a stranger, but God calls His people and doesn't make them go alone...He goes with them.  No matter where we move, no matter what jobs we take, we can still feel settled in because the God of the universe is always with us no matter where we are.  Regardless of how many awesome people I meet here and the fact that I love my job...without God it would feel less meaningful and I'm sure the peace I have would be anxiety instead! 

Thank you, God, for never leaving your children to go alone...the journey is only made worthwhile when we stop and recognize we're on it with you!

too much information

Today Michelle had someone come into work and teach us about food safety regulations in order to become certified in it.  It was a lot of fun and it's really neat that we'll be food service certified because there needs to be someone that is certified there at all times in case a health inspector comes by.  The certification is good for 5 years nationwide, but only 3 years in DC, Maryland or Virginia.  Anyway, I'm very grateful for her setting this up because it's a very important thing to have in this kind of business.  However, we heard a lot of information today that I just would have rather not known...things that have to do with other food service places that don't follow the rules and what can happen to someone after eating in such a place.  We heard story after story after story that disturbed me and all day long I have found myself analyzing the health of certain situations.  I'm glad that I'm informed, but some of that stuff I just wish I didn't have to see or hear about!  

 Too much information...the man that ran the course told us that Elvis Presley died with 62 pounds of fecal matter in his system! That was just one of the MANY stories that blew my mind.  There were also some interesting stories about ice machines, pop machines, the bathroom, and hand washing practices! I'm glad I'm more educated, but sometimes I'd rather not know! But as they say, now I know so I can't ignore it! I guess the course works because I don't think any of us that took it are going to allow anywhere near what we saw in those videos happen in Ebenezers! In the long run though it didn't stop me from eating...in fact, I went to Fuddruckers tonight after work with a couple of co-workers!

kneeling

You ask me what I think of the war

You ask me what I think it was for

You ask me what I think of our policies

My position-my only position is

Kneeling-my position is

Kneeling-my position is kneeling

You ask me what I think of the Right

You ask me what I think of what's Left

You ask me what I think of your certainties

My position-my only position is

Kneeling- my position is

Kneeling-my position is kneeling

You say I must stand up-for what I believe

But when I stand up-well I'm down on my knees

I'm kneeling-my position is

Kneeling-my position is kneeling

In light of the events happening a week from today when there will be a new President elected it obviously calls to question many issues and opinions.  Being in the Nation's Capital during this time is very interesting because so many people's lives revolve around which candidate in fact wins.  The dynamic has proven to be very diverse.  Many people will talk to you as if they already know how you're voting for...and I'm thinking to myself how do you know when I'm having a hard time deciding.  I have to admit that during the prelims I was feeling strongly one way and I continued to allow my own personal feelings and desires rule my thought process. I looked at the facts, but I was mostly moved by the sway of the people and getting caught up in the atmosphere that is around me.  Over the last week I realized that I never took it to the Lord in prayer and committed it to Him.  Oswald Sanders says in his book on Spiritiual Leadership: "we all know it's indispensable, we know the Scriptures call for it, yet we often fail to pray" I was brought back to this song by Ceili Rain called "Kneeling" and was struck by the idea once again...that our position should be kneeling.  Of course I have opinions about things, but God KNOWS the outcome of November 4th already so why not consult Him in our uncertainties, fears and doubts as we decide who to vote for in a week?  It's interesting because after I started intentionally praying about this my heart changed and my vote will now be different than it would have been.  I'm continuing to pray for this election and the Nation in such an important and scary time in history!  May HIS will be done as we KNEEL and recognize His provision over it all!  

time

It's ironic that my blog is called "time on my hands" when I feel like I don't have much of that lately.  However, while I might not have time on my hands in terms of free time I do have time on my hands in the sense of opportunity.  Last year I was inspired by my dad to meditate on a verse in Ephesians about redeeming the time.  It is found in chapter five verse sixteen:

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time"

I hadn't thought about that verse in awhile, but I have been reading a book by Oswald Sanders called "Spiritual Leadership" and he addresses the issue of time, referencing this very passage.  I was brought back to the many times I thought about this verse and how it related to my life! I have to remind myself every day that I really do have time on my hands because God has me in His. I need to evaluate the best us of my time...redeem the time...cash it in for all it's worth.  God gave us 24 hours in a day for a reason and as Sanders says there is always enough time to do the will of God, we just have to use it wisely!  God is faithful in providing opportunities and resources, our faithfulness is displayed in what we do with what we are given.  

Redeem the time...it truly is on our hands and we will be accountable for what we choose to use that time for.  I know there are better things I could do with my time than I always do, but as I continue to seek God I am confident that He will continue to nudge me and refine me especially in my use of the time He gives me!  Many people say that they cannot find enough time to spend in the word, or praying and meditating, or even find enough time to visit with people.  Sanders quotes someone as saying that he doesn't find the time he TAKES the time...I want to TAKE the time to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God so that at the end of my life I can say that I truly redeemed the time and lived wisely before Him!  

seasons

Even though I am used to seasons changing because it happens all the time I am still amazed at God's creation and the different forms of beauty that it embodies! I feel that it is a good reason to throw a party and that's exactly what we did at the Foxhole (the name of my house) this weekend!  We had a BYOP party...Bring Your Own Pumpkin!  It was great to have different friends from different circles come together with food centered around pumpkins and enjoy one another's company!  There were some hard core pumpkin carvers and it was a great night! It made me very thankful for my house and house mates..I was proud to have people over because I feel so blessed by the situation that I'm in, living in a beautiful house with wonderful house mates! Plus, we had all the candy corn you could ask for...what could be better?

a home for the homeless

"A refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm

This is our God

He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted years

This is our God

Oh....this is our God

A father to the orphan, a healer to the broken

This is our God

And he brings peace to our madness and comfort in our sadness

This is our God

This is the one we have waited for,

this is the one we have waited for

This is our God

He brings glory to the humble and crowns for the faithful

This is our God"

I have been thinking about this song by Chris Tomlin all week! When we read scripture we see Christ meeting people where they are, meeting their needs and touching their heart.  Living in DC it is common to see homeless people when I walk to and from work.  It would be easy to try to avoid them and I sometimes have the impulse to walk very quickly the other way, but God is showing me that although I might not have much to give I can offer love to them.  Before moving here I had a very sheltered view of the homeless, but many homeless people frequent Ebenezers and I learned quickly that although they might not have a home like the rest of us, we can offer them a home every time we interact with them.  Just as the church is not the building and we are called to be the church...I believe that Christ came to be a home for the homeless and as followers of him we are called to be his hands and feet.  Yesterday a woman came into Ebenezers who seemed a little bit out of it and she was stumbling around.  I immediately felt uncomfortable, but God used it as an opportunity to once again break down stereotypes.  She ended up purchasing an orange juice and while I was ringing her out she started smiling and singing the song that was playing and mumbling something about the first time she heard the song.  At that moment I'm sure she had a sense of being "home" and I had a sense of how Christ must have felt when interacting with various people of all walks of life.  It was second nature for him and I believe it needs to become part of our DNA as well!

I'm on my way, but I have a long way to go! Praise God for his faithfulness in opening my eyes and changing my heart! 

feelings

A lot has happened (once again) since my last post! Jenny and Jack got married on October 12th and I was in Rochester for four days for the occasion.  It was GREAT to see my family and friends! It really made me realize and appreciate their presence more in my life, especially coming back to DC and not having them here! I obviously miss them a ton, but one of the greatest realizations that I had on my way back to DC was that I want them to be HERE...so that they could be a part of what is happening in this city! I feel such a strong love for this place already and there is so much to be done here! It's exciting to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself and see God work...my heart is still full of gratitude and awe of the perfect plans of God!

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving when my family is coming down to DC to spend a few days exploring the city and enjoying each other!  Not only that, but I have so much to be thankful for that I feel like every day is Thanksgiving! I am learning so much and really growing spiritually through books that I'm reading and people that I'm talking to and doing life with! It's a challenge when you're so busy doing something that you love to make sure that you are taking time to be still and know that He is God, but I am trying to cherish that time and not forget the reason why I'm here and that is because of the hand of God!

With feelings of love and feelings of missing those I'm far away from stirring around in my heart it is hard to describe exactly the state that I'm in, but all I can say is that God is good and continues to provide! Whenever I hear a familiar voice from home I am reminded of the journey that brought me to this place and I can't help but smile out of love for that person and for the sovereign God we serve!

So, that being said...I think a slideshow of wedding pictures is in order!

So Good

I know that it has been awhile since I posted a blog and I honestly think about it every night before I go to bed, but I have been so busy doing so many things that it just slips away! I guess if I was asked to sum up my experience here thus far using a song it would be "You Have Been So Good" by Paul Baloche.

You have been so good to me

You have been so good to me

I came here broken, You made me whole

You have been so good 

You have been so good

You have been so good to me

You have been so good to me

You have been so good to me

I came here mourning, You gave me joy

You have been so good

You have been so good

You have been so good to me

How can I thank You?

There is just no way...

How can I thank You?

Lord, how can I repay

for Your kindness,

for Your tenderness,

for Your constant presence here with me

You have been so good

You have been so good

You have been so good to me!

While that does not begin to describe the experiences that I have here...it does represent my heart everyday that I wake up and walk to work! Some updates are that I FINALLY got my license (after 4 trips to the DMV) I definitely learned patience and perseverance! I also got a SmarTrip card for the metro...which is basically a sign to everyone that you are no longer a tourist! I went to a Michael Buble concert in Baltimore and had a blast! Last, but not least, I am coming home on Thursday for Jack and Jenny's wedding! :) I have been keeping track of stories in my journal that I am going to post on here because I really have to pinch myself somedays as a reminder that I'm not in a television sitcom!

Look for a new post soon...with juicy stories of my life in DC (aka stories of how amazing God is and always will be)

My life should be a movie...

This week has been a very interesting week! It started off with my birthday which was a lot of fun, but there have been some happenings throughout the week that are so absurd!  I was planning on converting my NY license to a DC license on Monday, but once I got to the DMV I realized it was closed.  On Wednesday we photo copied my license at work for record purposes and the next day when I went to leave for the DMV I realized that I had lost my license.  No joke...I really have no idea where it is! I retraced my steps and had everyone I ran into praying, but it didn't turn up!  Being the optimistic person that I am I decided to go back to the DMV with the photocopy of my license and the other paperwork I had.  Once I got there I took one look at the lady behind the counter and realized that I was not going to be able to get a license that easily! Not only did she say they don't accept photocopied license's, she informed me that while the website said otherwise I need my birth certificate or my passport in order to get a new license.  Well...funny thing is that I lost my passport in the move from NY to DC and my birth certificate is MIA!!! So, I decided that I would just file for a new passport and then use that to get my license, but you need a birth certificate to do that!  This is where the story could either frustrate me or make me laugh...I am choosing to laugh because although it is more difficult for me to get a new license now, it is not impossible and there are greater problems in the world!  If there is one thing I have learned here it is that!  I ordered a driving abstract from NY, filed a report about my lost license, filed a report about my lost passport and then found out that my parents found a copy of a certificate of my birth which will surely help me get my passport or an identification card!  The clincher is that I am coming home on a plane in less than a month and I'm pretty sure ID is required for that!

You're probably thinking that's the end of my story, but it's not!  Thursday night after the DMV extravaganza I worked until close at Ebenezers!  After work I went to eat with a friend and we decided to go to Good Stuff Eatery.  I wasn't aware of this, but Spike from Top Chef owns the restaurant and it is pretty much a block away from my house!  Spike was there Thursday night, Spike talked to us Thursday night, Spike took a picture with us Thursday night!  The picture was taken on my friend's camera and the next day she could not find it anywhere (I'm not kidding).  While I was walking home yesterday I stopped back into Good Stuff Eatery and Spike was there again! He remembered me and searched all over for her camera! When he couldn't find it he took a new picture with me and gave me his card...

Want another reason why I feel like my life is a movie? Take one look at this picture and think about the fact that I walk past it everyday and I think you'll understand....

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

a year older

I had a great 21st birthday and it's not a blur like some 21st birthday experiences! I had a lot of fun at work...we went to the Jim Henson exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute's Ripley Center. It was great to walk around and learn more about his life, his work and his outlook!  I also received a delivery of cupcakes to my desk from my family and that was a great surprise and they tasted so good.  The funny thing is that they sent the cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake and I went there on Monday with a friend, but they weren't open so I wasn't sure when I was going to get a chance to taste the famous cupcakes!  What a great birthday treat!  

After work my roommates took me out for dinner at a great restaurant and we had a lot of fun! The waitress was very nice and she was enjoying the fact that it was my 21st! The food was good and it was great to be there with my roommates!  After that I went out with some people from work and ended the night enjoying Irish music at The Dubliner...and the man sang Happy Birthday to me!  It was a lot of fun!! I will always remember my 21st birthday! Although I missed being with my family it was great to spend it with my new DC family!!!

last minutes being 20

So, it is almost September 16th and that means that I am almost one year older! It's kind of crazy because I remember turning 20 almost a year ago and I never thought that a year later I would be sitting on my pink and blue plaid bed in a house on E St. SE in Washington, DC, but here I am!  Today was another great day in the life of Erin Holahan! I worked from 8-2 at Ebenezers and then went to Georgetown with a friend from work!  Our goal was to go to the DMV to renew my license and switch it to a DC license, but we found out that the DMV is closed on Mondays! Our original mission was not accomplished, but we had good food and a great time together! Then I took the metro to Pentagon City (by myself) and met Crissa (one of my roommates) at the mall! We shopped around for awhile and when our feet grew tired and we accomplished all we wanted to accomplish (and more) we decided to head home.  We got home to the rest of our roommates cooking in the kitchen and we enjoyed each other for awhile, chatting and making food.  It was nice to have everyone together...that doesn't happen often! Crissa and I are waiting until midnight to open a bottle of wine and welcome in the beginning of my 21st year of life (and what a life it has been)!

Birthdays are a great way to remember and reflect on the past and I have to say that I feel so blessed! I have the greatest gifts anyone can ask for and they cannot be bought...I have family and friends who love me and a God who continues to astound me!  There were so many cards and packages waiting for me today when I got home and I am just truly touched by everyone who I have had the chance to "do life" with (as Pastor Mark always says) these 21 lovely years!

Praise God! I love birthdays because I can't help but feel an overwhelming gratitude to God for life, my heart just feels more full and aware of the love that is around me!

Love to all! Cheers!

no homework?

There isn't much going on that is new, but I guess that's probably because I'm getting used to the area and my responsibilities so the "new" stuff isn't so "new" anymore! That's a good thing because it means that I am settling into this new life! Tonight I am heading over to another Protege's house for dinner with the rest of the protege's and that should be a lot of fun!  I'm looking forward to just getting to know everyone better and spend some time with them! One thing that is still weird for me is that I don't have any homework when I come home from work.  It is really relaxing to come home after work and be DONE...I don't bring it with me!  I have had some great time to just enjoy my house and rejuvenate after work! I love to be at work, but when I can come home and do nothing it feels really good!   Sorry to all of you that are still in school...just wait til you know how it feels to not have any homework! I guess I never realized how much of a burden it was to have homework, but now that I don't have any to do it feels like I have so much more time!

Well, that's about it for now! Happy Friday! :)

directed steps

"In his heart a man plans his course,

 but the Lord determines his steps."

     ~Proverbs 16: 9

I have thought about this verse in various contexts and clung to its meaning, but the beginning of this chapter is something that just struck me while reading through this passage once again:

"To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.  All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.  The Lord works out everything for his own ends."

 

These verses can be relevant in many circumstances, but today I feel that they are particularly coming alive in a new way in my life.  The plans that we can make seem innocent because they are only plans that we are not positive will ever come to fruition, but those plans succeed in the hands of God.  Today was an example of my own man made plans and dreams succeeding because I committed them to the Lord.  Today was my first day as a Protege of NCC and I am absolutely overwhelmed, not by information or work, but by joy and excitement!  I am so pumped to be a part of such an amazing team that loves one another with the heart of God. There are some great things happening at NCC and one thing that Pastor Mark said today is that he doesn't want to ever get comfortable because God can do so much more! The church grows in order to give and I just agree so much with the vision and purpose of NCC that I feel so blessed to be a part of what God is doing through them and in each person!

Praise God for a great first day! I go to bed again tonight with the overwhelming feeling that I have to remember every moment and every emotion of every day because I am living in a dream, God is directing my steps...it feels like this experience is a response to the cry of my heart and I can't keep from smiling and thanking! 

seeing God with new eyes

"New places open us up to new experiences.  They get us out of our routine and help us see God with new eyes."

This is an excerpt from Mark Batterson's newest book Wild Goose Chase.  I have been reading this in my spare time...which has not been much, but I have been blessed and this sentence stuck out to me.  Washington, DC has helped me see God with new eyes!  I haven't blogged in awhile purely because I have been non-stop busy!  I arrived a little over a week ago and it already feels like I've been here for an eternity because a million dreams are coming true before my eyes. The weird thing is that as things happen it feels like a dream I never dreamt is coming true, if that makes any sense.  What I am involved in and experiencing here speaks to the depths of my heart and grips me in a way that prompts gratitude and awe.  I find myself laying in bed at night saying "Thank you, God...Thank you, God..." until I fall asleep! That is a great feeling!

 There are so many things to write about, but I guess I'll address the major ones!

1. My roommates are amazing! We had a house meeting tonight and we started in prayer (enough said).  The girl I share the second floor with is great and we have a lot in common...one thing being coffee.  We just put a coffee pot between our bedrooms so that we don't have to walk downstairs to get coffee in the morning!

2.  National Community Church is great and everyone is so welcoming! I start the protege program tomorrow, but I've already had so much fun hanging out and getting to know people!

3.  Ebenezers puts a huge smile on my face!  I have spent a lot of time working at and sitting at Ebz and it is so amazing! I feel home when I'm there and I can't believe I just started a week ago, it's crazy! My mentor is the manager and she is so sweet and helpful!

4. The metro is something that is growing on me and I am taking steps to feeling confident on it!

5. I can walk just about EVERYWHERE!

6. Convoy of Hope was amazing despite the postponement due to Hurricane Hanna.  

Speaking of Convoy, I was so blessed to be a part of such a huge outreach event, joining with so many other churches and organizations to touch the lives and bring hope to those that don't have much at all!  It was so great to see people smiling and enjoying themselves and it really opened my eyes to see God in a different way.  I so enjoyed watching people interact and smile and it was such a mixture of ethnicities and backgrounds that I can't help but think that God smiles whenever he sees boundaries between people deteriorate in His name!  Praise God for the 10,000 + people who waited in line to enjoy the various parts of the Convoy and praise God for the 1,000 ish volunteers who got sweaty and dirty to bless others and were blessed in return! It opened my eyes to see the pain of others and to see the struggles that other people face!  Someone said that the only difference between those in poverty and those that are wealthy is that the pain of those in poverty is visible to everyone else while the wealthy can afford to hide the same pain.  It takes a day like Sunday to remember that there aren't any differences, just perspectives and attitudes.  I walk down the streets more aware of the suffering around me and my passion to help others was only magnified through this event!  It was way bigger than myself or anyone else and that is why it was so amazing because it was all to the glory of God!

Even hurricanes don't stop God's plans...in fact, God uses hurricanes to accomplish His perfect plan!  I'm amazed and overwhelmed with happiness!  I have so much more to write, but that will have to wait until next time (which I promise will be soon) because I need to sleep!  BIG day tomorrow!

living in DC

So, I'm finally here in DC!  I moved in this weekend and my family just let this morning! It is definitely weird to be in a new city, but everyone is so welcoming and I absolutely love Ebenezers and NCC--which is good because that's where I'll be spending a bunch of time for the next year!  My roommates are great and I am looking forward to getting to know them better! I decorated my room and I'm feeling comfortable in the house! Right now I am in Ebenezers sipping an iced coffee and looking out the window at people walking by! I could get used to this! I really just can't believe I'm here right now, but the comfort that I have knowing that God is with me is more than what I need to meet this new adventure with a smile and some courage! I've never been this far away from home and I'm bound to get lonely, but I'm going to remember why I'm here and thank God for His plans instead of running away when it becomes uncomfortable!

Now, lets hope I don't get lost on the way home!

"Capitol City"-Matt Wertz

Listen Close

The monuments are whispering your name

I'm standing strong

Knowing that we'll never be the same

It's getting hard to fake

But as you go your own way

Remember, do not be afraid

Because you're right where you should be 

In, Capitol City

That's only part of the song, but I absolutely love it.  I am moving to Capitol City in a week and that song has been on repeat on my Ipod long before this opportunity came about.  I love the words, I love the feel of the song and now it means even more.  I saw Matt Wertz in concert last night and chatted with him :) He's a great guy, very humble and gracious.  Look him up...and check out his music because if you haven't heard him yet you're really missing out on someone blessed with talent.  This song eases my nerves about the new move and I keep realizing that this opportunity has been a long time coming in many ways and that God has prepared my heart and mind for this chance!! I'm blessed and excited!  :)

my current read

My pastor spoke about this book in a sermon awhile ago and ever since then various people have been telling me to read it.  I finally started it last night and I am already hooked!  The writing is refreshing and so well done that I don't even feel like I'm reading a book, rather I feel like someone is TELLING me a story!  I would suggest picking this book up...from what I hear, it only gets better and at the end you will be very glad that you picked it up!

I don't really have a whole lot to say about it considering I just started it last night, but I'm already recommending that you join in and start reading!

=)

growing up

Sometimes I feel like I'm not old enough to be moving away and doing adult things because it seems like just yesterday that my line of sight didn't extend much farther than the world of high school.  However, there are moments when I realize that I am growing up and it begins to feel real.  Yesterday my mom and I took my sister and her friend to Darien Lake (an amusement park near my house). My sister and her friend spent the whole day riding as many rides as they could while my mom and I laid by the wave pool all day.  At one point I looked at my mom and said "these are the times I realize that I am growing up because I'm content to lay by a wave pool all day without any desire to go on a ride".  I wasn't really there for me anymore, I was there to make sure that Clare and her friend had a good time.  I still like amusement parks, but I'm content to enjoy the sun and the company of a loved one rather than wait in long lines for food and rides.  

I also talked to a very good friend yesterday and that was another realization of growing up.  We're both going to be embarking on new adventures and be apart from one another.  It's weird to think that a year ago we were walking around Geneseo wondering what was ahead of us, but knowing that the comfortable schedule of Geneseo was certain, and now with each day God's plan becomes more clear and it doesn't include that once comfortable schedule.  It's a natural thing...to move away from people and it's really exciting to see what God is doing in other people's lives! Elisabeth Foley once said "the most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart".  How true!

Bridal Shower Day

Well, after months of planning and putting things together creatively, the bridal shower is finally here!  Today we are throwing a shower for Jenny and I am really excited!! This morning I decided to research where bridal showers originated and I found out that the first bridal shower was given to a couple in Holland.  The story says that a young woman fell in love with a poor miller and her father was disappointed in her choice so he refused to give her a dowry.  Because of this, the miller's friends and the rest of the townspeople got together to shower her with gifts to start her new home!  This shower tradition has continued, changing over the years, but still meant to give the couple what they need to start a home together!

It seems even more special to think that the idea of the bridal shower started in such a beautiful way!