Stop

Somehow, time keeps getting away from me!  Sadly, by the time I get home, I'm zoned out.  That is making writing late at night pretty hard.  I have enjoyed making it the way to close my day.  But, that doesn't seem to be working right now.  I fall asleep before the writing happens!  So, I think it's time for me to look at my schedule and see where I can make time for writing before I fall asleep. 
This reminds me of something I think of quite often. (tangent!) My grandma used to pray for her family every night- children, grandchildren, and even great- grandchildren.  She told us that she started one way one night and the opposite way the next so that if she fell asleep before she finished, she'd get to them first thing the next night!  It's funny the things I remember after people I love have left this life.
Ok, so back to now.  I love my life and everything in it.  I feel very blessed and am grateful for each moment, each life I know, and everything that surrounds me.  One of the reasons I started writing this was to make sure I stay focusing on God in my life daily.  It's been almost a year now and I can tell it has definitely made me more aware.  But, I can also tell you it's made me aware of when I'm finding myself too busy to take time out for my own spiritual focus.  And, that is a good thing.  Because, right now, I feel like I need to stop and look at my schedule and where I can take time out for God.  I mean, I know I experience Him daily and I know He is a part of me.  But, I also know that the best way to grow is to sometimes take a break from helping others grow so that I can recharge and grow.  And, that is sometimes where I struggle. 
So, here are some goals I have.   I need to get back to texting my youth their daily scripture.  I'm not sure how I stopped that, but it was a great way to start my day.  And, my youth thought so, too.  I am reading the New Testament and have been on Luke longer than I should have been.  So, it's time to get back to my 3 chapters a day, including posting a verse from them.  And, I think I'll set a time for posting, rather than just before bed.  So, stay tuned to find out what time I decide.  I'm also going to add a scripture verse to the end of my writing again.  I'm not sure how or why that stopped either.
I've been talking to my youth about being Christian every day- not just Sunday.  So, hopefully, by some daily focus time myself, I'll find ways to also help them do the same. 
So, where was God today?  It's Sunday- the day it's easier to focus on Him.  So, today, He took the opportunity to remind me what I should be doing the rest of the week, too.
Psalm 46: 10 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
Blessings,
Jennifer

Car

Lately, I've been looking at cars.  I've spent a few years driving a car I really don't like.  So, having the chance to pick out a car really excited me!  But, after several attempts to find that perfect car in that perfect price range, finding a car was no longer exciting.  Rather, it was frustrating. 
It seems, though, that all of that is pointless.  I gave up my hopes to get a car when I started doing Financial Peace University.  It was then that I realized there were so many other priorities ahead of a car.  And, although it's a possibility now, it's no longer something I should devote so much time to.  Why the change?  I feel I should be more than grateful for the car I have.  And, the truck I was driving a week ago that was hit actually had minimal damage.   Although I'm searching so that I can find a dependable car to drive mainly for trips for my jobs, I don't have to be consumed by the search. God will bless me with the right car at the right time. Until then, I'll work on having patience.  There are people around me who don't have 1 vehicle, let alone 2 or 3.  And, there are people everywhere who don't have food to eat. 
I am blessed.  I don't know how I am so blessed.  We have struggled for years, worked hard for years to live frugally so that we could pay our bills.  And, somehow, suddenly I can breathe easier.  That's a good feeling.  But, it's not a feeling I want to get too used to.  No matter where we go in life, no matter what we have in life, I never want to forget to stop and be grateful for the gifts we've been given.  And, most of those gifts are priceless, family, friends, jobs that I love, and my "extended family of youth"! 
So, where was God today?  He made me stop and think about the blessings I have.  And, he reminded me that it's not the end of the world to not have a car this very second. 
Blessings,
Jennifer

Challenge

It's Sunday!  There are so many things I could write about today because it's Sunday!  I mean, we are all at church, then youth group- usually double checking to make sure I have everything ready for the evening sometime during the afternoon.  So, yes, it's pretty easy to see God during church, during youth group, and in between.
But, tonight we talked about exactly that.  It's not just something we should be looking at on Sunday.  Being a Christian isn't a 1 day a week job.  It's a 24/ 7 job.  And, this year, I'm challenging my youth to focus on that.  I have youth from all different paths.  Some have been coming to church since they were young, others have just started coming.  So, this may be a stretch for some.  But, I think they're ready to be encouraged to go deeper in their spiritual journey and in their level of commitment. 
My youth share during their discussion time and they are always honest with me.  So, when I asked them what it means to be a Christian, they shared their ideas.  Then, when I asked them how they did with each of those descriptions on Sunday, midweek, and then at the end of the week, they gave me honest answers.  Most were very different from Sunday to the end of the week.  So, I know I, too, have a challenge ahead of me.  With so many pressures, so little time to focus on God, and the problems of being a teen, I must find ways to help them realize that God can help them rather than make their life harder- but, also, help them realize that being a Christian means sometimes taking the hard road because it's the right one.  That's my goal for this school year.  I look forward to our time ahead- all the highs and lows of it. 
So, where was God today?  Although I knew what I wanted to say and although I had books and papers to look at, I really didn't use any of them.  God gave me the words and the things I needed to have some really great discussions tonight.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hope

Yesterday, I had to take a sleep test.  Before the test, I had to do a few things, rather not do a few things.  I couldn't have caffeine or chocolate.  And, I couldn't nap, which I've been having to do off an on lately.  So, I wasn't happy about any of those.  Not drinking a pop in the morning wasn't easy.  I didn't have a terrible day, but I did get a slight headache that I'm assuming was related to my lack of caffeine. 
But, today put things in perspective.  I spent some time with someone who is newly fighting her addictions.  She's working hard and focusing every day on keeping away from them.  So, here I was yesterday whining about not drinking a pop when there are so many people who have alot worse things they're working to stay away from.  And, it seems nobody can do it alone- they must be motivated by someone or something.  Usually, I hear people talking about hitting rock bottom- of losing hope.  And it's then when they find hope.  This seemed to be the case of the girl I talked to today.  When she had lost all hope and her will to live, something told her to go to the church.  There was no voice.  There was no shining light.  But, somehow she ended up there.  And, through the people God put in her path when she got there, she found hope.  And, even though it doesn't make her life easier right now to battle her addictions.  Having hope makes it worth fighting for her future. 
So, yes, I whine when I don't get my pop or chocolate at times.  But, it's those that have addictions that they fight every day that have the strength and courage to keep fighting.  And, through the hope they have and others have in them that they continue. 
So, where is God in all of this?  He gives them hope.  He puts people in their path to give them hope.  And, He makes them strong enough to fight and makes it all worth fighting for. 
Blessings,
Jennifer   

Accident

Today did not go how I expected it to go.  After working at the church, I stopped at home, switched vehicles with my husband, and went to the Teen Center.  Monday is always a busy day at the Teen Center.  It's pizza day!  Nothing brings teens together like pizza!  So, after getting things ready for the afternoon, I headed to this weeks pizza place.  Several pizza places donate pizza to the center.  The one I went to this afternoon is the furthest away.  When I got there, there was no pizza ready for me.  Why?  I had mixed up my weeks.  So, I left and went to the right place.
I was almost there.  In fact, I was turning into the parking lot when I realized I was about to be hit by a car.  I was in my pick up truck.  So, I was shocked when I looked at my truck and realized what damage had been done.  The car that hit me didn't look pretty either.  The boy driving got out, along with the girl in the passenger seat.  It was obvious we were all shook up.  But, nobody was hurt- no scratches, no bruises, no injuries. 
So, where was God today?  He protected us and kept us safe from harm.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Thursday

My insurance has a really great benefit.  I have a pedometer and if I walk enough steps, I get rewards.  They make exercising like a game.  Another aspect of it is another website that has different things I'm supposed to do, like filling out health information.  I got an e-mail saying I had a form I needed to fill out by the end of the month.  So, I decided I better just do it.  I hadn't been on that site for awhile.  So, I went on there and filled out the health questions.  Then it evaluated my answers to let me know what I was doing well and what I was doing not so well.  I knew the answer to that before I filled it out.  But, somehow, it took that to get me to open my eyes. 
I have been eating terribly.  Coming home late at night, sometimes it's easier to eat some kind of junk that to eat healthy food.  I was raised eating fruits and vegetables every day.  I like them, especially fruit.  But, somehow, I rarely eat them. 
So, this wake up call has made me realize that what I'm eating is not ok.  I took that late at night and since the next day, I have eaten fruits and veggies at least twice a day.  I talked to my husband and we're both looking at the way we eat so we can grocery shop and make better choices for our health.
So, where was God today?  I think He knew it was time for me to make some changes in my eating habits.  Whether or not that will solve any of my health issues, I know they definitely won't hurt!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Journey's

Tonight at youth group, we wrapped up our summer program and looked ahead to the next year.  I was able to tie the two together.  We talked about what impacted us from the people who shared their journeys.  We talked about how we related to or what we learned from them.  We followed that with talking about our own spiritual journeys.  Asking a teen to share their journey can be a scary thing- although some were quite ready to.  Instead, I asked them questions that would help them articulate their journey.  Hearing their answers and where they had seen God, when they felt close and far rom Him, and who impacted their journey was a great thing.
There was a new girl tonight.  She came to church this morning and I gave her a tour of the youth house.  She just moved here.  So, I was excited to see her there tonight.  I wasn't sure if she would feel comfortable sharing tonight since she had never met any of the others there.  She goes to a school just outside of town and there aren't any other middle schoolers who attend it.  But, she answered them all with a confidence that tells me she felt comfortable both with us and with her relationship with God. 
We ended the discussion with the youth sharing where they would like to see their journey go.  I was thinking short- term- simple things like coming to youth group more or church, etc.  But, the first answer was from a teen who wants to do prison ministry.  I also got youth who want to be misionaries, and one told me she wants her journey to lead her to heaven.  I love watching my youth grow and grasp their understanding of God and their walk with Him.
So, where was God today?  He was there listening and guiding my youth as they contemplated their journey's towards Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Decisions

I spent this weekend at a retreat for youth and youth workers.  We spent most of the time planning a mission trip for next summer.  It seems far away, but there is a lot to figure out before then.  Part of the week will include worship time and music.  So, a lot of time, we focused on the musicians and speakers.  It was so exciting to think about and talk about the possibilities! 
You would think that people from different ages and different backgrounds would not come close to agreeing on music.  But, that was exactly what happened!  To me, that tells me that the musicians we chose weren't really chosen by us.  They were chosen by God. 
Then we moved on to the speaker.  After mentioning several names and some discussion about each one, we came to an easy conclusion once again. 
So, where was God this weekend?  He was in our discussions, in our decisions.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Week 2

Tonight was week 2 of JIF.  Last week seemed to go pretty well so I was hoping this week would continue to go well.  I had done some research in hopes of answering their questions.  I was armed with videos and info. 
I was excited that I had a good group tonight.  A few came from the Teen Center, but 2 left after dinner.  I figure they have to start somewhere so they took the first step.  The others gathered after dinner.  I had a couple I hadn't seen in awhile.  And, my new one from Sunday was back!  Shortly after we started, a few more trickled in.  Of the group, several had at some point proclaimed themselves atheist.  I'm not sure they consider themselves that now.  Their comments didn't lead me to believe that.  But, I was encouraged they were there and encouraged they were participating in the discussion that is set to share with others that God is real and giving positive comments. 
Several of the videos really got their attention.  A couple of them weren't overly exciting, but I think they got the point.  God created everything.  He inspired those who wrote the Bible.  And, this JIF year we're going to be having an open discussion about the Bible and how it relates to them and their thoughts. 
So, where was God?  He was there tonight encouraging discussion and helping His children understand His word.
Blessings,
Jennifer

9/11

I was in my car on my way to work when I heard.  It was a different time for me and I listened to a station that often did goofy things and played random pranks.  So, at first I didn't believe it was real.  Then, I heard in their voices that it wasn't a joke.  By the time I got to work, I realized everyone else was in the same state of shock that I was in.  We all sat dazed, watching or listening to whatever we could.  Shortly after I arrived at work, the second tower was hit.  The devastation and fear was unbearable. 
My dad was working in Chicago at the time and I couldn't hear fast enough that he was on his way home.  Part of everyone's fear was that we had been attacked in our own country and we didn't know where it might happen next.  Chicago was definitely a likely target. 
In the days and weeks that followed, so many emotions came to everyone-  sadness at the loss of so many people, fear for what might come next, and anger at those who created the terror.  But, there was something more that came from that day.  There was hope.  There was a sense of unity and patriotism.  There was a willingness to help and give and work together for each other.  People sometimes question where God is in these disasters.  My answer is this.  God gave us free will.  Unfortunately, some use it for evil.  But, we are blessed by those who then chose to use it for good.  I saw God in those moments after that tragedy.  There were stories of courage, bravery, and love.  That's where God was that day- doing everything He could to walk beside those who desperately needed Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Patient

I am a caregiver type.  I am not a good patient.  When someone else is hurting, I try to do whatever I can to make them feel better.  When I am sick or in pain, I become a big baby.  And when I don't know what's wrong, I am overcome with anxiety.  The Internet doesn't help since it always brings up the worst case scenarios.  But, still, I continue searching, hoping I'll figure it out.
So, lately, that has been on my mind.  Several strange, seemingly unrelated, symptoms have caused me to resort to Internet searches.  I did actually go to the doctor, the hospital, and then the pharmacy for lots of new meds.  A possible diagnosis was given with the promise of further results after testing.  Then, more symptoms came the next day.  So, after several days of leg pain, weakness, and months of fatigue, shortness of breath, and random swelling in random places, I am still at a loss and still waiting for a firm diagnosis.  And, I'm probably driving my nurse practitioner crazy.  But, I'll see her again in 2 days to hopefully find out more.
So, as much as I like to be busy doing things all of the time and as much as I like to take care of things, I am realizing sometimes that's not possible.  That's frustrating to me.  Midday naps are relaxing when they are used as the epitome of luxury but annoying when they are necessary! 
So where was God today?  He's with me, helping me adjust and with the health care providers taking care of so many people who depend on them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Back

I realize I've taken a week off from writing.  But, I haven't taken a week off from looking for God every day.  I was gone for several days and enjoyed time with friends.  God gave me such a blessing of peace and love these few days.  And, God knew my friend needed a friend then, too.
This week I prepared for my first week of the new school year for my youth.  Wednesday night was awesome!  I came prepared to do a new curriculum that I wasn't sure they'd be excited about.  Last year, the study was too laid back at times.  So, I decided this year to have a more focused Bible study time.  To my surprise, not only did they accept that, but they asked for more!  I introduced the plan for the year and they questioned whether we were going to have an "on the surface" discussion or if we were going to really have deep discussions where they could really dig into what they wanted to talk about.  What we decided was that we'd use the curriculum as a base and then I'd pull more stuff for us to really dig into. Of course, it's more work for me, but it's more rewarding and interesting to me, too!  I can't wait to hear their thoughts and help them learn to have a better understanding of God's word.  We discussed the fact that some of their friends like to call themselves atheists in middle school.  And, we talked about ways we could help their friends understand Christianity better by knowing more about the Bible.  That way, they can relate to what their learning about better.
The next day, I woke up with the same health issue I'd had a couple weeks ago.  I called my nurse practitioner and they got me right in.  Even though I had very random and seemingly unrelated symptoms, she was able to give me an idea pretty quickly about what is going on with me.  I'll know more soon.  But, hopefully, I am on the mend with the new meds she gave me!
Saturday, I went to a workshop on confirmation.  I have so many ideas now!  I can hardly wait until January when we'll be starting a new class!
Afterwards, I went to a wedding.  It happened to be near my in- laws so I stopped over there.  I had a great talk with my mother- in- law.  God was definitely in on that discussion and really gave me some things to think about.
Tonight was our annual photo scavenger hunt.  I was really looking forward to it and so were my youth.  I got to church and saw 2 youth already there- 45 minutes early!  One is always there early and the other one was someone I knew from the teen center.  He seems to have an inconsistent homelife and, although he hasn't been in trouble, I am guessing he could go either way.  He showed up at the church earlier in the afternoon and luckily our children's ministry director was there and told him about youth group!  He went on our scavenger hunt and seemed to have a fun time.  When he was leaving, I started telling him about our Wednesday programs and he said several of the youth had already told him he needed to be there!  I love my youth!  They were welcoming and inviting and just plain awesome!
So, that's the basics of the last week.  I'm back from my writing hiatus and looking forward to sharing my God sightings with you daily.
Blessings,
Jennifer