I spent most of my day with three Jr. High girls.  And there were so many moments, with those girls giggling in the back seat of my car, weaving in and out of the shelves at Powell’s, snapping selfies in the sun, that I saw Jesus.

It wasn’t always in the most obvious or blatant places, but he was there.

When three girls unashamedly, without fear of judgement or derision, were fangirling and nerding out over things that they enjoy.  I saw Jesus, because I know how rare and special a moment like that is. I remember being a Jr. High girl and wondering if my interests were cool enough not to be mocked.
When the girls were talking about how beautiful and “on fleek” the make-up was of a particular girl they went to school with.  I saw Jesus, because instead of falling into competition or judgement or comparing, they were chatting innocently about how talented she was.

When the girls scattered across Powell’s, not even looking up from their books as we walked back to the car.  I saw Jesus because they were building their minds, expanding their imagination, and their capacity for wonder and empathy.
​
So I hope today you can take time to see Jesus, to be reminded of him in the people and places around you. Because sometimes he does show up in unexpected places. 

With the announcement of a Frozen sequel, you can bet the Frozen fever isn't going away any time soon! So we can either fight it or steer into the skid. Here's a little something to help cope the next time the strains of "Let it Go" fill your home!

Why?  He sent me an email from Texas saying he was visiting for the weekend and wanted to borrow a tent and sleeping pad.  I turned down his offer of references or an ID to hold on to and let it fly.  Stuff is just stuff after all and I just made a new friend.

Last night I got to provide a hotel for a mom and son who had an injury on a trip to Washington.  And I got to be friends with Jackie and Roy.  Roy had a cool alligator hat and a big grin and Jackie was moving with 5 (?) cats.

 Yesterday I got the amazing honor of spending four hours with an Iraqi refugee family.  I got to be the smile and hands who delivered bin after bin of basic household goods and linens provided by Jesus followers from all over PDX.  

Without a doubt giving is a amazing.  I stood there yesterday basking in the glow of a family being shown generous hospitality and I told Jesus, "Thank you, this is better than Christmas."  Meaning of course the opening of material presents, not the entrance of God into this world. :)

I look on ten new relationships and I realize I've gotten far more than I gave.

​Pastor Pete