Speakers

Information overload!  Today was the second day of my youth conference.  I love getting to spend 2 days learning, becoming reenergized, and motivated to be a better person!  Today, I heard several amazing people talk.  And, by hearing their stories, I am inspired to continue my journey with my youth, knowing even on the tough days, God is working for their future.
The first speaker had us all stand up with outstretched arms and take 3 deep breaths.  Then we repeated this, "I have the mark of greatness upon me.  Life is full of greatness and endless possibilities.  I deserve the best."  He recommends doing this 3 times a day for 30 days and encouraging others to do it, too.  So, tomorrow is day 1!  By telling youth they have the mark of greatness no matter how they are currently acting, he says we have the power to change their lives.  I believe that's true.  Everyone has potential no matter what situation they are in.  I feel God used this session to give me, as well as everyone else there, tools to help change lives by encouraging and empowering youth.
The other speaker who inspired me today was a teacher- not just any teacher.  She was the person who inspired the movie "The Freedom Writers" after she published a book written by her students about their lives in violent neighborhoods surrounded by drugs, gangs, and death.  She motivated these students to read, write, and achieve their goals.  To hear her story, rather the stories of the youth who had her as a teacher, is a blessing.  She never gave up on her students.  She worked to figure out ways to teach them in ways that they would understand and care about what they were learning.  But, I think the key is that she made them realize that she actually cared in them and believed in them.  And, I think that's what any teen wants.  Her classroom was their place to feel safe and whole, to be seen and to see what else is out in the world.
These last 2 days, God has been in the flashes of inspiration, the tidbits of knowledge I can use to help my youth, and the words of encouragement and wisdom I heard from the speakers.
Habakkuk 1:5
[ The Lord’s Reply ] The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.
Blessings,
Jennifer