Ringing

As I write I hear ringing.  I've heard a lot of ringing today.  But, definitely not as much as some people.  A friend of mine, a pastor from another Methodist church in town, is attempting to set a world record for bell ringing for the Salvation Army.  He started at noon today and is hoping to ring for 60 hours.  Yes, 60 hours! He gets a 5 minute break to ear or use the restroom and he can accrue them if he doesn't use them.  But, other than that, he must be standing and ringing.  That takes a lot of will power.
He has a livestream going so that he has proof of the constant ringing.  And, people can send him messages through it and he can respond.  Why ring a bell for 60 hours?  Well, I can't speak for him.  But, I do know that 2 reporters stopped by while I was there, customers stopped to talk to Him about the Salvation Army and about his church, and he is raising money and awareness for the Salvation Army.  I also see family and friends stop by, encourage him on the livestream, and bring him hot chocolate or other drinks.  The store he's at has graciously offered him a spot in front of a fireplace and been great hosts.
To many, hearing the bells is a sign that Christmas is upon us.  Children ask their parents for change and they proudly drop it in the bucket.  To many, I think it's their first experience of giving to those in need- to understanding loving others at Christmas.  I've seen what the Salvation Army can do to change the life of a family- to give them hope.  And, sometimes, that is all they need to get them on their way to a better life.
So, it may be a ringing bell.  It may be a few coins.  This may be a world record.  But, truly, it's so much more.  It's hope for a family. It's hope for a community.  To a child, or maybe even some adults, it's learning what life and love is all about.
So, where was God today?  He's listening to the ringing bell and he's sending angels to watch over the bell ringer.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Lesson

Tonight was JIF.  We haven't met for our discussion time for quite a few weeks due to the holiday and getting shoeboxes done.  I was out of my planning routine and getting sucked in to planning for events coming up.  So, all of a sudden, I remembered I had to plan!  It's a pretty straightforward Bible study as long as I go by the book, which I usually don't.  So, I read through the lesson and then had to head to the Teen Center.
Basically, I was counting on God and the skitguys to get me through.  As we started, I was excited to have 3 new people there!  My plan to start off by reviewing what we had been talking about didn't go so well since half the group was new or not regulars there.  So, we quickly moved on.  It was our first time talking about Adam and Eve and sin- always a fun topic for teens.  We started by discussing sin, what some of them are and how sinning effects others.  They were talking and contributing but not wholly into the discussion.  I could tell I was losing some of them.  So, it was obviously time for skitguys.  Two guys do skits based on Christian topics and my teens love them!  Some are pretty serious and others are hilarious.  I pulled up the website and they cheered.  I typed in Adam and Eve and up came a skit.  It was hilarious!  It also gave a pretty good synopsis of the story, although some of it was obviously their interpretation.  Yep, thanks to the skitguys, I had their complete attention again.  We then talked about some of the false things people say about the story, and then went on to talking about our own sins.  It was then time for them to take some quiet time to reflect on their own lives and some changes they might want to make.  It was actually quiet!  That's an accomplishment.  While they were reflecting, the thought occurred to me to pull up Lifehouse Everything.  It's a video about Jesus and how no matter what mistakes we make, Jesus is always there and He is reaching out to us.  I wanted to end the evening reminding the youth that even though there is sin, there is hope because Jesus died for us.  It wasn't part of the lesson, but I felt it needed to be.  So, as I started the video, they all came back to the room and watched quietly.  Then, we closed with a few thoughts on the video and I asked for a volunteer to pray.  One of the new girls volunteered and said a beautiful prayer.  Afterwards, she came to me and asked me for a Bible.  I gave her one and could tell she was very happy to have one.
So, where was God today?  He gave me the words to say, the videos to play, and the teens who needed to hear them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Dinner- Tuesday

Tuesday I met with my Coping With Anger teens.  It's amazing to see changes from only a few weeks!  Today we listened to a meditation cd.  It reminded me of my youth.  Sometimes at youth group we would listen to our youth leader as she would do a meditation reading.  I did one during the mission trip last spring and then it went in to envisioning spending time with Jesus.  The youth enjoyed it and I had planned to do more.  This was a good reminder to do it again soon at youth group.
After the group, the other leader and I went out for dinner and discussed our plans for the next group.  She is one of those people who is always animated, who you always know what she's thinking because she tells you.  And, she is an inspiring person who loves God and finds ways to share is with others.  The waitress we had was someone my friend had talked to before.  And, as the evening went on, it was evident the waitress had gone through some hard times.  But, her faith and love for God was what had kept her going.  And, now she did everything she could to keep her relationship with Him and teach her children to do the same.  It was a great evening!  It reminded me to always keep paying attention to the times we can use to share God with others.  We don't have to be at church or at a church function.  We can be at a store or restaurant and hear God nudging us to share His love with someone.
So, where was God today?  He was at dinner with us.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Time

What a great holiday week!  I feel so blessed to spend time with my family.  I love the time we share together.  But, for years, I was preoccupied.  Being in the retail world, I had to think about all of the things I had to do and make sure everything was where it was supposed to be for the big food holidays.  So, this year, since I'm not in the retail world, I can focus on the real world.  I had a much more enjoyable time and didn't have to leave in the middle of things to go to work.
I love being able to focus on Thanksgiving for a month.  I love Christmas.  But, I don't want to rush it and skip over Thanksgiving.  So, doing the Thanksgiving Challenge has helped me stay focused on the blessings I have.  And, I must say, I have many!  1 month isn't enough!  Seeing others post about their blessings is also part of my joy.  Realizing and sharing in the joys of others is a wonderful part of the celebration.
Tonight, we talked at youth about Thanksgiving.  It's unusual that we had the chance after Thanksgiving.  Typically, the Sunday after Thanksgiving seems to be the 1st Sunday in advent.  But, this year, we have an extra week.  So, we talked about how to look at Thanksgiving as a time to be thankful for God's blessings rather than the day before black Friday.  They all agreed that black Friday hurt the spirit of Thanksgiving if we let it.  It was great to see them understand what really matters.
During announcement time, I shared all of the upcoming events.  They seemed excited about all of them!  We have a busy 2013 ahead of us.  But, I was nervous about the idea of not traveling far during spring break.  Once they knew we were still going to shower, they were excited about staying at church and having a week long event here.  I know it will be an amazing week.  But, getting them to know that ahead of time was the key.  But, with God behind it, I'm sure I have nothing to worry about.
So, where was God?  This jumble of things is all the random thoughts I have about where God has fit in to my holiday week.  I was able to focus on Him and His blessings, I had time to spend planning some future events, and, I was able to have some discussions with my youth about all of it.  And, thanks to God's plan for my life, I had the time to do it all.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Methodist Swag

I know it's fall and winter is just around the corner.  I know tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  But, I also know time goes very quickly and I need to get going on some events for next spring!  So, for some reason, today was the day.  They had been in my mind for awhile.  But, I hadn't put anything down and hadn't really voiced my ideas to make sure they made sense to someone other than me.
I now have them on the church calendar and have the excel file created- which means I'm well on my way.  As I was thinking about a schedule, I realized I needed to have a focus in order to figure out the best way to schedule.  So, I started searching online for lock- in themes and retreat themes.  Nothing real came up.  Then, it came to me!  But, to explain it I have to go back a few days to last Sunday.
During the sermon, the pastor talked about a conversation he had recently had with someone about church.  The pastor said he possibly had a chance to say 3 or 4 sentences to someone when they asked about going to church.  That thought had stuck with me afterwards.  Fast forward to yesterday.  I was having a conversation with my boss at the Teen Center and he asked me about being Methodist.  I thought about it and told him a few random things that may or may not have made sense.  Then, I brought out a chart I happened to have with me that showed the differences between different denominations.  Afterwards, I thought I could have responded so much better.  I could have told him about the 3 general rules of Methodism- 1) Do no harm 2) Do all the good that you can 3) Stay in love with God.
So, today as I was thinking of a theme, it suddenly came to me.  What a perfect theme- being Methodist!  We'll be doing mission projects, which would have a focus on rule 1 and 2.  And, we'll be focusing on spiritual development a couple days, which would be rule 3.  Now, to make it exciting to my teens.  Last year we went to New Orleans so that's pretty tough to beat- especially staying in town.  So, I needed something a little more exciting to call it besides "The 3 general rules".  And, then it came to me- Methodist Swag!  In case some of you are wondering...urban dictionary- Swag- "the way someone presents themselves"- so we'll be focusing on presenting ourselves as Methodists- 1) Do no harm 2) Do all the good that you can 3) Stay in love with God.
So, there it is.  Spring Break week long event- Methodist Swag!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Campus Life

Tonight was campus life at the Teen Center.  I finally had a chance to stay during it rather than leaving when it started.  I love when they start coming in!  There are so many and they are all so excited to be there!  The leader has been doing it for a long time and it's evident that he loves what he's doing and that the teens love him.
After a few ice breaker games, they had a discussion.  They all sat on the floor and listened intently.  There were no side chats, no interruptions, no distractions.  They all wanted to be right there hearing what he had to say about Jesus!  That is a beautiful sight.
My Coping with Anger class is now right before Campus Life.  So, one of my middle schoolers that is working hard to choose the right path, but having trouble always doing it, is in that class.  She stayed for Campus Life and, although she seemed nervous because she didn't know anyone, I know the leader made her feel special by letting her stay.  And, I know that she benefited by listening to his message.
So, where was God today?  He was in that room with all those teens who came to hear about Him.  And, He gave the leader the words to say so that they would listen, understand, and get closer to Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Party

Tonight was our 2nd annual Thanksgiving party at youth group.  Last Sunday, youth called people who had helped them along their spiritual journey and invited them to be a part of the party this Sunday.  They wrote them thank you letters for tonight.  The youth didn't all have adults there tonight, several adults weren't able to be there and several youth weren't there last week when we invited people.  But, it didn't really matter because we all did things as a big group.  It was nice to see the group of all ages there together.  There were several new people there tonight.  So, although it didn't give them a good picture of what a typical youth night  is, it did give them a chance to mingle with everyone and get to know the group since we had some games, chat time, and snacks.
We also went to the community Thanksgiving service, which happened to be at our church.  It was pretty full in the sanctuary.  It was a great thing to see so many people from so many different churches worshiping together!
One of the new youth was a teen that I met last winter at the Teen Center.  She has had some rough times, but it seemed they were cries for help more than anything.  She came to pie night Wednesday and contacted me today about youth group.  I've been trying to get her to come for awhile now.  She enjoyed the party and the sermon seemed to be written just for her.  And, it seemed she was soaking it all in.  Afterwards, some people from the church talked to her and someone came up to her that knew her.  She had accompanied her for her choir solo last year.  This teen needs all of the positive reinforcement she can get so seeing that encouragement and then seeing her invited to join the youth choir was a perfect thing.
So, where was God today?  He was there tonight, knowing my youth who needed Him, and He was there in those who He put in their path.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Saturday

Tonight I went to a performance at a local high school.  They were doing the musical Footloose.  I probably saw the movie years ago, but didn't really remember a whole lot of it.  So, I was looking forward to seeing some of my youth and looking forward to seeing the musical.
I got there early so I had a chance to sit and watch as people poured in to watch their favorite student on stage.  The auditorium was packed for a 3rd night in a row.
As I sat and watched the show, I could tell everyone up there was focused and excited to be a part of it.  At this moment in their life, this musical is everything to them.  I remember that time in my life- when we did youth drama at church. I ate breathed and slept those plays and acts.  It feels good t be a part of something great.  As the show ended, the excitement on stage was obvious.  Their gratitude for those leading them was evident, although the leader was humbly quick to duck off stage.
It all got me to thinking.  How do we get that excited?  In school, I remember being that excited and I see that hasn't changed.  But, what if everyone stayed that excited, that focused, and worked that hard for the greatest thing there is- a relationship with God and sharing that message with others.  How awesome would the world be?!  It has stuck in my mind and I'm not quite sure what to do with it.  If anyone has an idea, I'm ready to listen.  But, somehow, if we were able to motivate people to consistently stay as devoted as they do to things like performing that musical, I think life would be better in this world.
So, where was God today?  I think He was in these youth, giving them a sense of purpose and something positive, a hope.  And, I think He has more planned for them.  I also think there will be more to this to come, when I figure out ways to bring it to life for Him.
Psalm 107:31 (NIV)

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Blessings,
Jennifer 

Serving

Today I spent time working on shoeboxes.  I look forward to spending the majority of tomorrow with shoeboxes, too.  It's amazing how something as simple as a shoebox can change a person's life.  Today, people from the church brought more things to fill shoeboxes, helped stuff shoeboxes, and got things ready for me to fill more tomorrow.  All of the boxes will be sent to children who wouldn't normally get any gifts this Christmas.  It's a way to introduce God's message of love to them.
This is our 3rd year of doing this service project.  As the due date comes close, I always fear that we won't have any to turn in.  But, I should know better.  Our church is a loving, supportive congregation that whenever given the opportunity to help others, they come through. And, I know underneath it all, God is guiding them.
While I was working on shoeboxes, my friend was busy cooking.  She spent the day cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for the congregation.  What struck me was the joy she had while she was cooking- the joy she had at the thought of giving to others.
So, where was God today?  He was in the hands and feet that were working to give to others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Back

I know it's been awhile.  I think I spent a week in hibernation.  Between time at work and sleeping, it consumed most of my time.  I was fighting migraines or the remnants of migraines throughout the week.  It happens without explanation every once in awhile.  Sunday they disappeared as mysteriously as they came.  And so, I feel human again.
I am continuing my Thanksgiving Challenge by sharing something I'm thankful for each day.  It brightens my day to see others sharing, too.  If nothing else, by reading those posts, you can know that each one is a way God has touched my life by all of the blessings He has given me!
Just because I didn't write doesn't mean I didn't see or experience God.  I just fell asleep before I had a chance to write about it.  And, at this point the thought of writing to catch you up on each day overwhelms me. So, you'll have to take my word for it.
I will say I'm excited about some conversations I had lately, I'm excited about some plans coming up for my youth, and I'm excited that the Thanksgiving and Advent season are upon us.  It seems to be coming rather quickly!
If I had to sum up last week and where God was in my life, I'll say this.  There are things in my life that consume me.  I have a calling to help the youth find their place in life, follow the right path, and find their relationship with God.  I have a need to connect with friends, to do what I am asked to do to help them in any way I can.  I have a desire to grow my relationship with God in order to be a stronger person for myself and others.  In a time in my life where I have weeks like last week- where work and sleep take up my existence- there is a big gap.  I need to get dressed in the morning, eat, have millions of things taken care of that I just can't do.  And, for that, God gave me the most kind, loving, considerate man who has dinner ready no matter what time I get home, clean laundry, and my heating blanket turned on so I don't get cold.  It's all of the little things in life that often go without words that shouldn't.
My husband works hard every day to make sure I'm able to do the things I need to do.  And, if he didn't, I wouldn't be able to do any of them.
So, where was God this past week?  He was, and is, in the blessing of having a husband who loves and cares for me and makes me a better person.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Sunday- BITE

Tonight at youth group, we talked about things from Acquire the Fire.  It's part of our discussion for the next 3 weeks.  Tonight, we talked about something they handed out during the event.  BITE stands for Bible, Internal, Topical, and External.  So, we discussed ways to get closer to God using the things listed under each of those topics.  We then talked about ways we could help each other with the things we need to focus on.  At the end of the evening, one of my youth spoke up and said they really liked the discussion and thought it was really helpful.  I'd like to say that happens every week- but it doesn't.  The other thing I noticed was that as I was leaving, I didn't pick up a bunch of papers.  They actually took them home!  That says a lot.
During our middle hour, we did our new part of the evening.  I had someone who had volunteered to share a testimony anytime so I had told her she could do it tonight.  But, I realized this morning that she had forgotten.  She told me she would do it anyway.  But, later this afternoon, I got a text from a youth asking me if she could share tonight.  So, I had her share.  Another girl also asked to share tonight so they both did.  They both shared their struggles and how their faith is helping them.  They are both still struggling at times.  It was a beautiful way of asking for encouragement and looking to the right people in the right ways.  This time has now become an important part of our group after only 2 weeks.
So, where was God today?  He was at youth group hearing how the youth are working at getting closer to Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Saturday- Sister

You can call this Saturday or Sunday.  My sister's birthday is Sunday, but was celebrated with family on Saturday.  She's the only person my age (well a few years older ;) ) that has known me my whole life and has loved me- even when I wasn't very lovable.
I grew up looking up to her and I was pretty lucky to have such a good person to look up to.  I am amazed at her love and patience for others.  Her devotion to her family and her devotion to raising her children in a Christian home is something I have always looked to as an example.  She works hard to have family time and to make memories with her kids- trips to museums, to the zoo, fun activities, etc.  She is always there when I need her- to make me laugh, to listen, to encourage me.  I have always been able to depend on her.
She is an awesome aunt to my son.  From the time he was born, she was the best aunt she could be.  The bond they have is a wonderful thing.  He has a better life because of her.  He looks to her as an example and guide.  Of course, she gave him all the loud toys, too.  But, she also encouraged him to play the bass- which is a big part of is life.
When I was young and not making the right choices, she love me anyway.  I knew she didn't approve.  But, I think it's important to have someone who can hold you accountable and love you anyway.
Today I want to say thank you to my sister for guiding me, encouraging me, and being the best big sister anyone could have.
So, where was God today?  I see her in my sister and in the ways she shares God with others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Friday- Lunch

I have a friend who was having a rough day- a rough time lately.  I happened to text her today just to say hi. It's not often that I have a lot of free time.  But, today I had a few hours.  So, I asked her to lunch.  I had before but we both keep pretty busy and had never been able to.
So, today, we finally had a chance to get together.  I think it was exactly what we both needed.  We had a good time chatting and catching up.
Even though she has been going through some things, she still found time to bake cupcakes for teen night.  She is truly an amazing person and a blessing to many.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Thursday- Challenge

I started a little early this year, but actually, today is when I usually plan to start.  The Thanksgiving Facebook Challenge has begun!  I love opening my facebook and reading people's posts about what they are thankful for.  It's a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving and a great way to change an attitude to look at the good things in life.
Last year, it was so much fun to watch it spread out to random people.  I know there are people who don't like technology.  But, it's things like this that can make it a positive thing rather than a negative thing.
God has given me so many blessings in my life.  30 days are not enough, but it's a start.  Thanking God for everything He has done helps me to remember everything He has done.  And, sharing it with others hopefully encourages them to realize the blessings in their lives.
So, where was God today?  Thankfully, He was everywhere and His blessings are everywhere.
Psalms 67:3 (CEB)

Let the people thank you, God! Let all the people thank you!

Blessings,

Jennifer

Class

Today during church I started to feel a little cloudy.  Shortly after that, I started seeing flashes.  I got my medicine from upstairs in my office as soon as I could.  But, I knew it would take awhile to kick in.  I went back downstairs and sat though the rest of the service. Afterwards, I lead a youth class.  We discuss the sermon from that morning.  I knew I had several youth who planned on staying.  I was thinking to myself that it mind end up being an interesting class because I was still pretty spacy.
On our way up to class, one of my youth came up to me and asked if he could lead the class.  I see wonderful things in the heart of this boy.  But, on the outside he tends to hide it by either being goofy or doing what he can to upset his 2 older sisters until they are all mad at each other.  It depends on the day whether he will actually participate in the class discussion.  So, I was surprised when he asked to lead it.  I told him he had to lead a discussion on the days service and he said that was what he wanted to do.  So, I agreed.  I was grateful for a chance to sit back and let someone else lead, although I was still slightly hesitant.
Class started and I opened the discussion by introducing him and stating that the floor was his.
He began by asking everyone there to share about the scripture for the morning.  Several did and he added to their thoughts with his own ideas about the scripture- how it helped him.  He went on to talk about the videos that were shown and asked group questions that everyone answered.  Then, we got to the sermon discussion.  He had a list of questions in his head and the group discussed them all.  The service went a few minutes longer today, but we were still talking when it was over.
He definitely had a lot he wanted us to discuss.  He felt strongly about some of the things we talked about.  We had gotten into a discussion about being thankful and how people in other countries are sometimes more grateful than we are even though we have so much more than they do.  He even brought it up tonight at youth group.
I'm pretty sure if I had led the discussion today it would not have been as involved or meaningful as the discussion he led.  I was grateful for him today.  I was also amazed that even though this youth sometimes has a tendency to purposely drive people crazy, everyone respected that he was leading the class.  There was no arguing the entire time- no siblings mad at each other!
So, where was God today?  He was in this youth who felt something today and was strong enough to share it with others.
Galatians 4:18However, it’s always good to have people concerned about you with good intentions, and not just when I’m there with you. 
Blessings,
Jennifer