Farewell, Elemenz Cafe

If you live in Kandern (and maybe even if you don't!), you undoubtedly know how much I enjoy Elemenz Cafe.  I first heard of Elemenz on the eve of 2012, a few months after its opening.  How had it taken me months to discover this place?!  Its tasty bagel sandwiches and flavored coffee drinks soon became staples, and the flickering candlelight set the stage for many meaningful moments.

My mentor, Candy, and I savored Latte Macchiatos while talking about life.  Sometimes I'd slip away from school for a few precious minutes of alone time during my afternoon prep period to draw or journal.  My roommates and I had a favorite table by the window, where we would chat over a meal or catch up on grading.  I sampled "hot berries" ice cream and "Miss Chocoholic" muffins with my high school small group girls.  At Elemenz, I deepened friendships and even formed new ones, including a friendship with the cafe manager and her roommate.  (Shout-out to Melina and Ramona, who have inspired me with their passion for serving Jesus!)  This week when the shortcut road to Elemenz was closed, I even took the long way around to get to my favorite cafe.

You can see why the announcement of Elemenz's closing rocked my world. 

Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration.  But saying farewell to my favorite cafe has caused me to reflect.  You see, Elemenz has become more than a place to eat...

"Das Leben Lieben.  Love Life."  The cafe motto reminds me that Jesus came to give me abundant life (John 10:10)!  Even more, He has given me eternal life and has called me to love Him with all my heart (Matthew 22:37).

The call to hospitality.  I loved being able to connect with other people at Elemenz.  A meal at Elemenz almost guaranteed a long conversation, too.  Yet my calling to "show hospitality" is not contingent upon whether the cafe remains open (1 Peter 4:9).  I know that I can continue to connect with others, perhaps in new ways, by opening my own home and heart.

The warm, inviting atmosphere.  I frequented Elemenz not because of its great food, but because I could feel at "home" in its comfortable seats.  I think it's important to have places like this that feel safe and secure.  However, even when I am way out of my comfort zone and far beyond the familiar, the arms of my Father provide an even greater warmth.  There is an open invitation to just come, and He will give rest (Matthew 11:28).  And this is the only place that we can truly feel "home" forever (Hebrews 11:13-16).

So, as Elemenz closes its doors to the public today, it is a bittersweet farewell.  No more Apple Pie Lattes or Cranberry Turkey sandwiches.  Although I'll miss this cozy cafe, I am thankful for the wonderful meals and conversations I've enjoyed there.  Even more importantly, I resolve to remember these lessons which have seeped into my soul over the past year and a half.  Thanks, Jesus, for Elemenz.

You and I: Intimacy

In February, there was a panel event for high school small groups of girls about identity, reminding students and leaders alike that God has created us and His grace defines who we are.  

Last week, we had a follow-up panel called "You and I: Intimacy."  Nearly sixty high schoolers sipped fruit smoothies as they listened to our panelists.  Melissa and her husband have two daughters, and her husband teaches high school Bible.  Taylor was an RA for the past two years and now works as a high school guidance counselor and leads a small group.  Valerie is a recruiter for the personnel office and has a two-year-old to keep her busy.  Finally, Michelle is an RA at a guys dorm and getting married (to another BFA staff member) this summer.  

These four women shared their thoughts and experiences about what it means to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ and what it looks like to be pursuing God on a daily basis.  They shared some practical ways that they worship God and get to know Him more.  I appreciated their vulnerability and genuine commitment to Christ.  What a great encouragement for us all!

Please pray for my small group, as we continue to think about and prayerfully consider how to apply what we heard at the panel.  I am planning a mini-retreat for my girls later this month to take time to pray, read Scripture, and worship through song and silence.  Pray that God is glorified with our choices and priorities in each day.

The frame used for the event advertisement was taken from Hello Literacy.

Twenty-five!

So, I'm officially a quarter of a century old.  And I feel 100% blessed!   I'm so thankful for this community I call "home" for now, for my past "homes," and for the many amazing friendships I've made along the way.

Again, I quote my favorite Psalm:

"Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup;
You make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body will also rest secure,
because You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will You let Your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."
Psalm 16

I love the Campbell girls!

My lovely small group girls (minus Brianne!)

Birthday week buddies - Happy early birthday, Megan!

My wonderful roommate made me feel so loved on my birthday!

My awesome sixth grade class!