Weekend

I’m on the train right now.  5 hours from now, I’ll reach my destination.  I’m excited to spend the next few days with one of the most inspiring people I know.  When we met, I was drawn to her outgoing personality and her ability to make people laugh.  I found her to be a beautiful person inside and out.  She was easy to talk to and fun to be around. 

As I got to know her, I realized I could learn a lot from her.  We met through a local home school group.  I was new to the home school thing and she had been doing it for years already.   I had no clue what I was doing and I soon learned many things from her.  And, I was grateful as my son got older that she offered to have him join her daughter for science.  Dissecting chickens, deer heads, and who knows what else, was much better at her house than mine!  We shared curriculum, talked about the ups and downs of teaching our kids, and ventured into the scary world of teaching high school together.   But, there was so much more to our friendship.
I watched as she lived her life completely surrendering to God.  I had always been a Christian and followed His path.  But, I’m not sure everyone knew that.  What I mean is this.  I had my family and church life and then I had my work life.  I had separated the 2.  I watched as she took every opportunity to share God with others.  It wasn’t as though she pushed God on others, but in the way she lived, God was evident and gave her opportunities to share.  I wanted that.  I wanted that deep connection and ability to share my faith.  Through her and through circumstances, I was able to find that.  When my husband got sick, I found strength in God.  And, through the inspiration of my friend, I was able to share that with others.  Through discussions with her, my faith and spirituality has grown.  Seeing her deal with struggles and seeing her faith has helped me realize what I need to do. 
We don’t always talk now that she lives far away.  Busy families, jobs, and life sometimes gets in the way.  But, I have been grateful for our friendship that stands up to that distance.  Even if we don’t talk, we both know the other is there the moment we need them.  And, when we do talk, there is no time that has gone by.
So, where is God today?  He’s giving me these next few days of time.  I don’t take that gift often.  And, I feel blessed that I have it to spend with my friend.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Flood

Tuesday night, I was able to attend a meeting that I normally couldn’t go to due to work.  But, my schedule was different this week so I got to go and hear all about an exciting event that’s going to be coming up.  Flood 2012 is an event in October that was started by a youth pastor in town.  It was a vision he had years ago and he felt recently that now is the time.  The 3 day event will be for teens throughout the county but will take place in my town.  It will feature popular Christian bands and several awesome speakers.  2 of the speakers are famous sports guys who have turned their lives to God and use their fame to inspire and encourage others to follow Him.  The one is a youth pastor.  The other speaker will be the youth pastor who had this vision.  I can’t wait to hear what God has to say through these people.

Another exciting thing is that the event will start in the schools.  Although it’s not allowed to speak about God in school, the 2 sports guys speak in school about their lives and give a positive message.  They will excite the students and encourage them to make good choices and do the right thing.  Then, they’ll mention the evening events that will be about God and Christianity. 

This 3 day event in October is going to be big!  Bye going into the schools, we have the potential to reach 9000 teenagers!  There are so many things to be done.  There are so many volunteer opportunities.  And, funding is always an issue.  But, that also means there are so many churches and community members have a chance to show their love and support for our youth.  Sitting in that room and meeting even more youth leaders, I was blessed to chat with others who have the same love and devotion for our youth.  I was also impressed by how organized and well run everything seems to be so far.  They seem to have thought of everything.  And, this has come together very quickly from the time it was decided to go ahead and do this now rather than a year from now.   That tells me that God has out the right people in place for the right tasks.  And, He is behind this adventure.

I can’t wait until Flood 2012!
So, where was God today?  He’s helping to guide our youth to Him through the voices and action of others.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Patient

Today was not the day I was expecting.  I love Sundays!  Church is always a highlight of my week.  And, youth group is another.  So, when I set out for church this morning, I realize it was my stubborn streak leading me there.  Last night, actually early this morning, my face started to swell.  By this morning, it was evident something wasn't quite right.  But, I really wanted to be at church.  So, I went, hoping to get through the service and then head to the ER to find out what was going on.  I didn't make it.  But, before the service, I met someone who has 2 boys interested in youth group.  So, I think it was definitely a good thing I was there!  I talked to the mom for awhile and feel like she was happy to talk about her boys coming to youth activities. 
Shortly after that, I headed to the ER.  I'm fine now.  I am tired because of the meds.  But, they assume it was an allergic reaction to something- we don't know what. 
It's ironic that a day after I share my story of my husbands health, I am the patient and he is the caregiver.  But, today, that was the case.  And, today, I had friends and family show me their love and support.  They were a blessing to me in many ways. 
From the time I started youth, one of my goals was to not be the sole adult in my youth's church life.  I've tried to give them a chance to build relationships with people in the church so that the group wouldn't be "my group" but the church's group.  As much as I argued and didn't like not being there tonight, that plan paid off tonight s several of the other adults jumped in to lead the group.  It drove me crazy not being there, but not because I didn't trust the adults- I just missed my group! 
Sitting at home, I slept, watched tv, and popped on facebook now and then.  A chat popped up shortly after I saw a post from a young woman asking for strength from God.  She asked me to pray for her.  I mentioned her indirectly last night.  I hadn't heard from her in a long while because of her family's not understanding of our situation.  But, tonight, when she needed prayer, I was glad to be there for her.
So, where was God today?  I feel He led me to church- to help this new family find a way to connect with the youth.  I feel blessed that God surrounded me with love and support.  And, I feel blessed that when I can't lead my youth, I know there are others who can.  And, lastly, I feel I was supposed to be there when this young woman needed me.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Gifts

11 years ago, my husband and I got married after realizing we were destined to be together after only a few short months.  A few years ago my life was forever changed.  It continued to change for several years.

Our simple, happy life was turned upside down not 1, not 2, but 4 times.  My husband had major health issues.  I’ll never forget the feeling after his first heart surgery- those moments that turned into hours next to him when he came out of surgery- as he was trying to tell me with his eyes how much pain he was in and the nurses telling me there was nothing they could do until the breathing tube could come out.  I’ll never forget my amazement that 5 days later we were on our way home- 2 days before Christmas.  That year we had the most amazing Christmas- feeling joy just from the fact that we were home and together.  A year later we were facing another heart surgery.  It seemed unreal, but luckily this one was not as scary.  It was also not as long of a recovery time.  After that, things seemed to head back towards a “normal life”.

That’s when I got the call.  “He’s going to be ok, but he’s on the way to the ER.  There was an accident.”  I actually beat the ambulance to the hospital.  He had broken his back in 3 places.  Because of his recent heart surgery, they couldn’t operate.  So, they put him in a back brace hoping he would heal.  He didn’t.  A few months later, there was no option but surgery- rods and brackets and screws now hold his back together.  Although they “fixed” his back, he is forever in pain. 

At a time of struggle, I grew closer rather than further from God and my family.  At a time when I could have been angry, I chose to look at the blessing of life for my husband, and for our family.  When I was forced to fight for everything we had and to do whatever it took to make our family survive, my stubborn streak served me well.  Living day to day financially was not fun.  Taking a second job was a tough decision.  But, God blessed me by saying “I know times will be hard, but now is the time I need you to fulfill your calling.”  I was blessed to finally have the job in youth ministry that I had been dreaming of for years. 

For the last few years, I’ve been able to work 2 jobs I love because my husband has been able to stay home and take care of things.  We were able to continue to home school until our son graduated.  And, we have been blessed to find a way of life that suits us well.  Some people don’t understand our world and that’s ok.  I don’t understand the way some other people live.  Because of knowing how it feels for us to be judged, it helps me remember not to judge others even though I don’t understand.  It has helped me sympathize with others going through struggles- physically, financially, emotionally, or as a supporter of someone struggling.  I’ve dealt with them all.

We’ve lost friends.  We’ve lost family.  But, did we really?  I have been blessed with the most supportive, wonderful people surrounding me!  Those are the people God put in my path to help me through.  They are the ones who challenged me and encouraged me and my family, reminding me that I was loved.

I’ve mentioned on here before about financial peace university.  It really helped us when we were dealing with medical bills and living on a lower income.  It helped us rethink our finances and I am amazed at the turnaround since we took the class.  A year after the class, I changed jobs.  Without the class, I would not have been able to make such a significant change.  Now, almost a year after that, it’s going to be helping us again.  After years of struggling and fighting for it, God has blessed us with a gift.  Although we had been hoping for it, it came suddenly and unexpectedly.  And now we will be using our financial peace knowledge to think wisely in the near future.   I would rather have my husband healthy.  But, that’s not our life right now.  So, I am grateful that God has given us a way to make our life a little easier.

Tonight, we enjoyed dinner at a friend’s with several other guests.  My husband was able to be there.  We had a great time.  To me, that was a gift.  Some might look at all of the times I go places by myself.  But, I feel blessed that sometimes, my husband feels up to joining me.  And, when he can’t, he understands that I still want to go and that’s ok with him. 

So, where was God today?  This week, actually, He gave us a gift.  And, tonight, He gave me the gift of spending a great evening out with my husband and friends.

 Blessings,                                                                                                                                                                 Jennifer

Planning

So many things coming up!  I've got new curriculum to teach, workshops and retreats, events to plan, and teens to connect with.  Looking back on today, I can't pinpoint one moment where I saw God.  Lately, throughout the day, I work on my calender and plans for this fall.  And, as I plan each event, I get excited about them!  Some are fun events, some are for spiritual development, some are a little of both.  But, in each one, I see potential.  And so, I look forward to the year ahead- to each moment I work towards bringing others and myself closer to God. 
Today, a girl told me when she grows up she wants my job.  I couldn't argue with her.  I agreed that I not only have 1 amazing job, I have 2 amazing jobs!  It still seems unreal to me that I am living out my dream.  Being able to do what I love and take care of my family at the same time is something I never thought possible.  But, as I have learned, All things are possible through God.
So, where was God today?  He was in my planning for this year.  He gave me this gift of my life as it is now.  And, I am forever grateful for the blessings He has given me.

Journeys

Tonight ended my summer youth group.  Each summer, I invite people to come and share their spiritual journeys.  I ask people from different walks of life who have very different journeys, and who are in very different places in their journey.  This gives my youth a picture of themselves- hopefully realizing they can find their path, they can stray and refind their path, and they can help others along their journey, also.
I enjoy these stories as much as the youth.  They give me new perspectives on people and help me realize new things about people.  It helps my youth to see that people they know as adults were once teens with real life issues and struggles.  So, I feel blessed that for the last few years I've been able to have people come and share and that I've never had a problem finding people to come share their journeys.
This summer was no different.  And, I am grateful to God and to each one of them for their gift to my youth.  Sharing their journeys were a blessing to my youth and I look forward to encouraging my youth to walk their own journey.  I am hoping as part of this, they will become more aware of their own walk with God. 
So, where was God?  He was at each meeting, giving my speakers the words to say that my youth needed to hear.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Pastor

I don't usually take requests.  In fact, I never do.  But, because I've had several conversations about this and because someone then asked me to write about it, and because I just realized something else, I'll try to tie it all in together.
Maybe it's because it's a time of transition for most youth workers that the subject came up.  The beginning of school means a new year for most of us.  But, I ran into a friend the other day who is not as blessed as I am in an area of their ministry.  A few days later, I was chatting with a friend who works with many youth workers and she seems to hear more stories like my youth worker friend than like mine.  So, I feel I have to share.  I am spoiled.  I fully realize and acknowledge that I have been blessed in my youth ministry.  Why?  Well, among many reasons, I have amazing support from my pastor.  Before I was at my present church, I attended a church where I felt my first calling to youth ministry.  After sharing that with the pastor there, I was very discouraged.  To her, I would never be good enough because I didn't have enough school behind me.  So, after awhile, I gave up.  When I started going to my present church, and was starting to feel that tug again, I had those thoughts in my head that I could never be good enough because I didn't have a piece of paper telling me I was.  But, that was not the reaction I got from my pastor.  And, over time, I realized that he was different than my former pastor.  Everything I said and did wasn't questioned and that he trusted me.  Of course, if I ever have a question, he's always ready to listen.  And, when I don't know what to do in a situation, he always helps me figure out what to do. 
In the past few years, I've had some pretty successful ideas, some pretty unsuccessful ideas, and some pretty crazy ones, too.  He's always there to help me sort them out.  And, somehow, he does it in a way that helps me rather than makes me feel bad like I had been accustomed to before. 
I'm not the only one who thinks this way.  The congregation respects him and what he has to say.  So, because he supports youth ministry so well, it trickles down throughout the congregation.  I am always amazed at the support we get for fundraisers, mission trips, or requests we make.  But, I guess I shouldn't be since they are watching the example that he sets.
Tonight, the youth who shared with me a few weeks ago that she was feeling called to youth ministry shared that she had changed her major and had just told her parents.  But, she hadn't told them her intentions to use her sociology to eventually go into youth ministry.  She had also told the pastor of her church.  She attends my youth group but another church.  Her pastor wasn't supportive.  Her parents were less than thrilled.  Tonight, she shared it with my guest speaker and with me.  We, on the other hand, were both  encouraging her to continue to follow where God is leading her- wherever that may be.  It was awesome how my guest speaker, who had only met her, could also be encouraging and helpful to her.  It was definitely a moment that was meant to happen.
So, as I thought about that after we left tonight, I was struck by my 2 experiences.  I am hopeful that I can be like my current pastor- encouraging, loving, and wise- as I go through my journey as a youth leader.  The possibilities of my youth are endless.  But, I need to listen for God's direction, as my pastor evidently does in His journey.
So, where was God?  I see Him in my pastor, who was put in my path to help lead me to where I am today.  And, I am hopeful that God is putting me in the path of others to lead them also. 
Blessings,
Jennifer 

Status

Continuing playing catch up...
Thursday, my dad was admitted to the hospital after having some issues that probably stemmed from very high blood pressure.  He has had TIA's before- best described as a mini- stroke.  So, when he told my mom what was happening, she knew what to do immediately.  They headed to the ER and he was later admitted for several days of tests and observation. 
He came home yesterday and is doing well.  I went to see him Saturday and spent a nice day visiting my family and going out for dinner with my parents after he came home from the hospital. 
That in itself is a blessing to me.  I love my family and really enjoy spending every moment I can with them!  I don't have enough of those moments so I treasure the ones I get. 
The other thing this made me realize is one of the wonderful things about this age of technology.  My mom called me to tell me my dad was in the hospital and as soon as we hung up, I went on facebook and asked for prayers for him.  I noticed just after that my mom and sister did the same.  Between the 3 of  us, I was amazed at how many responses we got- people offering to pray for him!  I know some people aren't fans of the social media.  But, this weekend, I saw great things because of it.  People I wouldn't normally pick up the phone and call or that I wouldn't normally see found out my dad was sick and were able to lift him up in prayer.  And, the comfort of that is a beautiful thing.
So, where was God?  He was listening to so many people praying for my dad and He was with my dad helping him get better and come home.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Trip

A few weeks ago, a dear friend of mine suffered a very tragic loss.  Her father died suddenly.  Instinct told me to drop everything and go.  I started making plans to leave immediately.  A few hours later, it was evident that was not going to happen.  At first, I was frustrated.  When I see someone hurting, I want to be there.  After a conversation, I realized maybe that was not the best decision.  When something like that happens, family and friends surround each other and , as I remember times like that, it's like being in another world.  As I thought more, I realized it would be later that would be tough- when my friend may not be surrounded.  So, I settled down and waited.
This week, I realized God had given me the right time.  Rather than leaving work and responsibilities when I wanted to go, He gave me a time when I had nothing I was supposed to be doing- when I was off work already. If I had gone a few weeks ago, I would have rushed there and back in a very short trip.  Instead, I'll be able to spend several days there and really have a chance to spend real time with my friend and her family.
So, where was God today?  This is just another reminder to me of when God's plan is so much better than mine!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Office

Thursday, I had a few hours in the afternoon free.  I had been trying to connect with someone about a program we're looking at doing together.  Finally, we were able to meet for coffee and chat. 
During our conversation, she mentioned that she was looking for an office.  We happened to be right across from an office that was for rent.  It had been previously occupied by a friend of mine who worked for another non profit organization.  It turns out, she had been wanting to call her and had lost her number.  She knows some women looking for volunteer hours and thought it would be the perfect organization for them.
By the end of the conversation, she had called the woman, talked about the office space they will possibly be renting, talked about the volunteers that would be working possibly as soon as the next day, and were discussing other ways they could partner in their efforts to help others. 
So, where was God on Thursday?  It was nothing to do with our meeting.  But, obviously God had more plans than we thought.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Snacks

This week has been an adjustment back to my old schedule.  Although I enjoyed my summer schedule, I must say I welcomed not getting up at 5am every morning!  I miss my young friends from summer camp.  But, I look forward to spending more time with my teens again. 
As part of my job this past week, I had to make contacts with people from the community.  One thing I learned early on is that to attract and keep teens, you need to feed them!  As I started last winter, I had an idea that I never had a chance to complete.  But, now, I am working hard to make it a reality.  Since there is no finding for the center, there is no additional money to feed them.  But, I believe that as a community, we can definitely take care of that.  More specifically, as a Christian community, we can definitely take care of that!  So, what I have asked is for churches to volunteer 1 week a month to donate fruit, chips, and homemade cookies.  We don't need alot.  But, it means a lot to the teens.  And, it's a way churches can be a part of something positive in the community- a good way they can reach out.  The way I see it, it's a win- win!
So far, I have 2 churches scheduled and several who are getting back to me.  I love seeing the way God uses me in both of my jobs to do His work!
So, where was God this week?  He was helping me, inspiring me, and opening up doors.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Shopping

Today I went school supply shopping.  Yes, I'm done with school shopping.  But, it's a great time o load up on things for our next mission project- Operation Christmas Child.  We fill shoe boxes with things for children all over the world to get for Christmas.  It's a way to share God's love with children who don't know Him.  It's a great way to get lots of people involved in helping- some fill shoe boxes, some donate so we can buy things for shoe boxes, some donate certain items for shoe boxes.)
(that was just a free commercial for anyone interested in a great mission project- as well as the intro for tonight's post)
While I was about to check out, a youth ran up to me excitedly to say hi.  She came by the teen center a few times last year.  She was wanting to start a group to help prevent bullying.  I could tell when I talked to her that she was a young person who was not going to just stand by- she is going to help in the community.  I talked to her when she was at the teen center, but she hadn't come all summer.  So, today, seeing her so excited to see me was very promising for the upcoming school year.  I look forward to watching this youth as she finds her way to make a difference in the community. 
Blessings,
Jennifer

Consistency

Tonight was youth group.  I love doing the events like last weekend, love doing camp and mission trips.  But, there's just something about good old youth group.  It's rare that we don't have it- usually a major holiday.  And, that's because I want consistency for my youth- and because I love it, too!  But, tonight, I heard several of my youth talking about how important it was to have it every Sunday- to know that even if they were gone for awhile, they would know that every Sunday night, there was youth group.  That started a long conversation about youth group, other denominations, moving on past high school into the young adult world, and other random things. 
Basically, I sat with several youth for a couple hours as they talked to me about their thoughts and feelings on things.  We laughed and joked, but they shared things with me that not all youth would share with adults.  But, actually, I think they just wanted someone to listen to them- to know that someone wanted to listen to them- not to give advice or judge- just to listen. 
Sometimes, I wonder if my discussions are what needs to be discussed or, if they're tired of my summer series of hearing people share their spiritual journey's. But, tonight, one youth told me that she was glad because she knew what to expect when she came every week. Of course we do silly games and fun stuff. But, she likes knowing someone is coming to speak in the summer and we'll have discussions on topics during the year.
This has been a tough week for me.  I've been tired and had health issues.  I've had to deal with my son "acting 18".  And, there were times I just wanted to avoid everyone and crawl in bed.  But, tonight, God showed me that I'm doing something right.  He showed me that those moments matter.  I know it's usually the big moments that get talked about- camp, trips, concerts.  But, hearing that those little moments matter, too, was just what I needed to hear tonight. 
So, where was God today?  He was at youth group, speaking through our guest tonight.  And He was in my conversation afterwards.  He knew my youth needed me and that I needed them, too.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Summer

Awhile back, I posted about a little girl who always looked sad at the beginning of the day.  I talked about how she always sought me out and we seemed to connect, and how her smile would light up the room.  This is the last week of camp and I'm sad I won't see her all of the time now. 
But, tonight as I talked to her mom she asked me what church I go to.  I had mentioned several times that I was a youth leader.  A friend of hers had gone to Vacation Bible School and also knew me from camp.  She had mentioned she thought she saw me there.  So, I talked to her a little about my church.
A while into our conversation, she mentioned her neighbor also went there.  When she told me her name, I was excited.  It was the person who I can honestly say is the most welcoming person to visitors in our church.  In fact, I'm pretty sure she was the first person who really talked to me when I was a visitor. 
This afternoon's conversation was no accident.  This summer's job was no accident.  As I look to the last 2 days of camp, I have seen several ways that God has worked in these past few months.  One family has come to church the last 2 weeks another went to Vacation Bible School, and now another family who really needs some love and support is thinking about visiting. 
So, where was God today?  He was working on His plan to bring a family closer to Him by the people He is putting in their path.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Cedar Point- Monday

Today was spent walking, screaming, having instances of being scared to death, and getting too much sun.  It was awesome!  We spent 1 1/2 days at Cedar Point.  There were 32 of us.  We started going 3 years ago.  We got 1 cabin the first year, 2 cabins the 2nd year, and 2 cabins and 2 hotel rooms this year.  I'd say that's a pretty good yearly increase. 
Everyone had a great time and we all got there safely, and got home safely.  Every youth brought 1 food item and we ended up having plenty of food for our whole trip and even brought food home with us.  Some youth went there not knowing anyone very well.  But, by the end of the trip they were all good friends.  But, one thing that was a blessing during the trip was my volunteers.  Having that many youth in a place that big and busy is a difficult thing to manage.  I had 8 other people there to help me do that.  Seeing so many other adults that made a commitment to the youth those 2 days was a wonderful thing.  They spent time with them, bonded with them, and made connections that will last a lifetime.  Years from now, the youth will say to the adults... "remember when we went on that ride together?"  Those connections are a huge thing.  It's great that I am connected to the youth.  I should be.  But, to give the youth other connections to the church is really what it's all about.  And, this was a great opportunity to do that. 
So, where was God today?  He made sure we were safe.  He made sure we had a great time.  But, most of all, He made sure we began to build lasting connections with adults in the church.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Message

It's not often I'm speechless.  Today I was.  This morning, my youth shared about their camp experiences during church.  We didn't practice much and I never really told them what to talk about.  Usually, we discuss what we had done and they pick things to talk about.  This time, I just decided to tell them to write what they wanted to say and that we'd met the day before to figure out what order and timing for Sunday.
Hearing their thoughts and the impact of their week at camp was overwhelming.  Seeing that they were not only able to understand it, but also that they were able to share it was amazing!  Several of my youth are extremely nervous about getting up in front of people.  A new girl had never done anything like it before and when I told her mom we were doing it she kind of laughed and said that probably wasn't going to happen.  It did and she was great!  Another youth is extremely confident in any situation.  If I need something done, I know I can always count on him.  Today, it was a different story.  As he started to share his great message, he became overwhelmed with emotion and was unable to finish.  I stepped up there as he walked away in tears and finished.  The congregation had to hear what they were already seeing- he was touched that week by God's love in his life and the relationships he built with others that week. 
The last one to speak gave me goosebumps.  I actually sat up front looking out at the congregation because I wanted to be there for the youth as they spoke but also because I wanted to see their reaction to the messages.  When he started out with the statement "There are a lot of people who don't know God- maybe some people in this room that don't know God.", he probably had the attention of everyone in that room.  As he went on to say if someone asked him who God was he would tell them about camp, as he shared the feeling of worshipping, singing and praising Him with everything he had, surrendering to Him, he stated many didn't know what to call that feeling.  "I call that God." 
So, where was God today?  He was in my youth who shared another step along their spiritual journey with the congregation today.
Blessings,
Jennifer 

Volunteers

Yesterday, I found out that the thing I had volunteered for, and some of my youth had volunteered for, started at 6am not 8am.  Imagine my joy!  I had to tell 5 teens we were meeting at 6am on their next to last Saturday before school starts!  2 girls have just moved in with their cousin who regularly attends youth and church.  They decided they had nothing better to do so they would join us. 
So, this morning, 7 youth joined me in helping with a triathlon.  We parked cars, stuffed bags, registered people, handed out water, and took ankle timers off of sweaty ankles and put them in order on the board.  After the race was over, we all loaded up the semi with everything from the race.  By then, it was really hot, we were all exhausted, and ready to be done with everything.  Or so I thought.  As I was taking 4 of them home, including the 2 who just decided last night to join us, we passed the building they were dropping the stuff off at.  They asked if I could drop them off there instead so that they could help some more!  Earlier in the day, several had commented on how great they were.  One guy said they didn't ask when are we going to be done, rather he asked what else could he do.  They didn't complain.  They just kept going.
As people commented to each other about their hard work, I heard others comment that they were youth from my church.  To me, that was a wonderful time of outreach and showing how Christians should be.  Today, they were perfect examples of what we are taught to be- giving everything we have without complaining.  When they represented the church today, they were a shining reason for others to check out what it's all about.
So, where was God today?  He was in my youth as they shared His love by serving others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Conversation

This is a 2 days in one post. It started last night. I came home from work to several of my youth on their way to have a bonfire. Since the fire ban ended, we've been making up for lost time. I was really tired but I know they are about to go back to school soon and they want to hang out as much as possible. Just after I got home, I got a phone call from a friend and by the time I got off the phone, I planned to go sit at the fire for a few minutes and then head to bed. 5am comes really early!

Shortly after I got there, another youth came. I could tell instantly that something was wrong. She looked sad and upset. She hardly said a word for quite awhile. Through their random conversations, she finally started to open up. Before I knew it, she and I had walked away from the rest of the group and she was pouring out her heart to me, sharing her dreams with me, and telling me things she just needed to talk about. It was an amazing conversation with an amazing girl. She has so much potential to use her gifts, her talents, and her pain to help so many people. She has a devotion to God and to serving Him that is to be admired and used as a model to others. Sadly, she is sometimes misunderstood. And, sadly, I don't think she yet realizes her potential, but I see glimmers of hope and confidence in her. Last night, as she shared her dreams for her future, she was excited and I became excited for her.

It was a conversation I couldn't end. She had finally opened up and I wasn't about to close her. So, we stood there, being bit by mosquito's, with the motion light going off and on every few minutes, just talking for 2 hours. I finally realized she was being eaten alive by mosquito's and we went in to get bug spray. By then it was 11:30. She had said all she had to say and we agreed to keep in touch about the conversation. I went to bed hardly able to fall asleep thinking about the past 2 hours, but also anxious to fall asleep since I would have to get up soon.

This morning was not like the last few mornings I've had. Instead, I got up easily. Earlier in the week, I could barely get up because I was so exhausted. As I was rolling out of bed I was calculating when during the day I could come home and take a nap. Today, there was no time for a nap. But, I didn't feel I needed one. My only explanation is this. God knew I needed to be there last night to listen. So, it was as if He had taken care of me this morning because I had taken care of her last night. I don't think we can make deals with God and I don't mean it to sound that way. I mean it to sound as if He made sure to take care of me today.

So, where was God yesterday? He made sure we connected, knowing she needed to talk and I could be there for her. And, where was God today? He took care of me so that I could have a good day even with very little sleep.

Blessings,

Jennifer