Review

It's been awhile, I know.  I lost my energy to write while I was fighting the flu and bronchitis.  As I was getting over that, I was playing catch up to get ready for Christmas and then spent the last week celebrating with church activities, family, and friends.  Although I feel it's important for me to write to help me keep focus, somehow, I felt lately is was important for me to spend the energy that I had taking advantage of every opportunity I had to celebrate.
A quick review of events-
While I was sick, I don't know what I would have done without the unfailing love and care my husband gave me.  My son also showed a great deal of care and concern- moreso than an 18 year old tends to at times.  In fact, a change seems to have occurred in him.  His response to things is different and he seems to be more responsible and more at peace in situations.  This is an answer to prayers and ended up being the greatest gift I experienced this Christmas.
I missed the Messiah I had mentioned several times.  I was really sad about that and about missing my family that day.  But, if I had my choice, I'd rather I missed it than my uncle.  It was a great day for so many who enjoyed watching or performing and for that I am happy.
This week has been a whirlwind of family and friends.  I feel very blessed when I spend time with my family and with my husband's family.  We genuinely love and care about each other.  I feel sad for families that don't have that.  And, I realize that it's a beautiful gift to have so many people fill a house with love and laughter.
2 beautiful Christmas Eve services followed a great Sunday service.  I love being at church during the Christmas season and seeing the seats filled.  I wish that was always the case, but if even just a few continue coming after Christmas then that's a good thing.  Sometimes, they just need a little reminder that church is the place to be on Sunday morning.
I started a new tradition this year which I was really excited about.  A couple from church told me about it and gave me a book called Christmas Jars.  It was a great thing for me and I can't wait to continue the tradition year after year.  If you want to know more than that, you have to read the book.  You'll want to do it too!
Today, I had a youth event.  It was actually a girl's day- It's All About You!  We spent the morning focusing on the friends and people who influence us.  We looked at whether they were a positive influence- a Barnabas, Silas, or Timothy in our lives (a mentor, peer, or person we mentor).  This afternoon, we talked about guys, relationships, and our self image.  We had a lot of great discussion and I didn't even show half of the video clips I had because we were so busy talking!  How is it that God has given me the gift of letting these girls trust me with such discussions?  I am humbled to be a leader for things like this.  And, I am grateful.  The day was long and the topics were at times intense.  But, it all went well even though I didn't feel as prepared as I could have been.  Of course, I had more info than needed and I knew God would lead me through the day so I had nothing to worry about.
All in all, even though I spent a few days whining-alot!- I have spent the last couple weeks feeling very blessed, very loved, and seeing God in so many new and wonderful ways.  As we celebrate His birth and look ahead to a new year, I hope you can say the same.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Inspiration

It's amazing how someone you have only seen for 4 days in your life can impact the rest of your life.  But, that is true for me, and a few other people who were blessed enough to be with me on my first mission trip.  I know part of it might be that it was my first experience, but most of it was meeting someone who has the power to inspire people and give them hope.  By sharing his story of facing obstacle after obstacle, and believing God was walking with him to help him through it all, he is able to give everyone around him encouragement and confidence to look to God.
Etched in my memory is a moment in time- sitting in his living room and hearing him talk, hearing him sing with the most beautiful voice, and knowing God was in that room with us.  That week we went to Alabama to help others.  That week we actually got so much more than we could ever give.  We built a ramp for this man.  But, he built up our group and he helped build each one of our spiritual lives.
Lately, I noticed his posts on facebook mentioned that he is having more health issues.  I noticed today he mentioned talking to his hospice nurse.  He was in hospice before we went there a few years ago, but it sounds like he is again.  Before, he got better and was able to leave hospice because God obviously had more for him to do.  I am hopeful that his health improves.  I sent him a message to let him know our group is praying for him.  He responded by telling me the cross we had given him was sitting right next to him.  It had been an idea we thought of while there.  We made a cross out of some of the wood we were using, put a scripture on it, and signed it.  Such a simple thing.  I'm glad he still enjoys it.  And, it reminds me that sometimes it is the simple things that mean the most.
Because of what I learned from him in those 4 days, I am a better person, a better leader for my youth, and a better follower of God.  And, he is a person I would like to be like.  Someday, I hope someone can say that about me- that I was a person who gave them those gifts.
So, where was God today?  He is with this amazing man, as He has always been, walking beside him to comfort him when he needs it.

Joshua 1:9 (

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
(the scripture on the cross we gave him)
Blessings,
Jennifer

Planning

Today I worked on the details for an upcoming youth event.  It's coming up very quickly since it's right after Christmas- and Christmas is coming way too soon!  I've been wanting to have a girl's day out for awhile now and finally figured out that Christmas break is the best time to do it.
We'll be talking about friends and what kind of friends are good to have in our lives as well as what kind of friends we are to others.  Then, we'll be talking about ourselves and how others see us, looking at not their views but our relationship with God that gives us our value and self worth.  Then, the tough part- relationships.  What does God say about how we should act in a relationship.  As crazy as it might sound, I'm really looking forward to this day!  Of course, some goofy games, some laughter, and some time being silly girls will also be a part of the event.
And, something else will be a part of it- actually someone else.  One of my former youth who switched her major this year to focus on youth ministry will be volunteering.  It's the perfect time to introduce her not as one of the youth but as a leader.  Starting the day by looking at who can mentor us will be a great way to help the youth look at her in a different way.  Transitioning from being a youth to being a leader is sometimes tricky on both sides.  So, I'm excited that I can make her part of this event when she can hopefully test the waters of leadership.
So, where was God today?  Somehow as I was planning, the ideas just popped into my head and kept flowing.  The idea to have this college youth help and to include her in the opening discussion on mentors is one of those ideas.  And, I have a feeling God has great plans for her and for this day.
Romans 12: 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Catalogs and Highlights

This has been on my mind but I don't think I ever actually wrote it.  Last Sunday, during the sermon, the pastor brought up the Sears catalog and how many Christmas memories are made looking at the catalog.  It was in reference to the hopes that are created from the toy section of the catalog.  I smiled at the memories.  When my son was little, hours and hours were spent on the couch snuggling up next to his great grandma pouring over each page.  She enjoyed it as much as he did- or if she didn't she never let on.  They would sit and talk about the different toys.  I'm pretty sure he never got them.  And, I'm pretty sure he didn't lack for anything.  His joy was in the time he spent looking at the catalog with her.
A day or two after the sermon, I saw a post on my son's facebook.  It was a picture of a Highlights magazine.  He posted about how he loved sitting and looking at them with his great grandma.  They would read it together and look for the hidden objects.  When he was too young to read, she read it to him.  As he got older, I'm sure they both read it together.
I can't imagine where my life would be without that time in my life I spent with my grandma.  And, my son is now looking back and treasuring that time, too.  It's not the expensive toys or the fancy things that matter.  It's the time they know they are surrounded by love that matters.  I just saw a quote tonight, "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you," Mother Teresa.  If that's the case, my grandma spent every day as Christmas.  And, that has trickled down through her family.  I like the thought of Christmas being thought of year round.
So, where was God?  I saw Him in my grandma as she sat and spent time and made memories with my son.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Forgiveness

Today begins week 2 of advent.  Peace.  When I think of peace, the first thing that comes to my mind is forgiveness.  There is a peace that comes with forgiveness.  So, when I thought of what to discuss tonight at youth, I decided to discuss forgiving others.  It became obvious that I could spend a lot longer than 1 day at youth group discussing this topic.  I probably should.  But, for now, I had only 1 chance.  So, I had to make the best of it and pull out the best things I could find.  Unfortunately, I still didn't have enough time to do it all.
But, the reason I ran out of time was because we had some really great conversations.  I used the same material for middle school and high school.  But, I had totally different discussions.  I love listening to teens and seeing how their minds work.  I showed a video and my high schoolers looked at it in a completely different way than I did.  I realized that it spoke to everyone differently because they felt differently and had different ways to react than I did.  I started the evening with asking everyone to find and hold a random object.  They had to hold onto it throughout the evening.  At the end, I explained how it symbolized how we hold on to anger and how even if it starts out as not a big deal, it continues to feel like a bigger hardship.  Then, I asked them to share how their random object could symbolize anger.  They all had great responses.  It was so insightful.
Possibly, after youth group was even more awesome.  One of my newer youth was struggling with a conflict with several other youth.  A few days ago, she was considering not coming back because of it.  Tonight, after youth group she went and talked to the ones she was having a conflict with and they resolved it.  She felt tonight that she needed to apologize and clear things up and the others showed understanding and forgiveness.  As I took her home tonight, the girl who apologized told me through her tears how happy and relieved she was.  She talked about a weight being lifted off of her.  It was exactly what I had been trying to get across tonight without using those words.
Another youth asked me after youth if I remembered a trip we took 2 years ago.  I told him I did.  He then asked if I remembered him sitting outside for 10 minutes or so.  Unfortunately, I had to tell him I couldn't remember that.  He said he was out there because he had been mad at me.  I asked why and he said he didn't know but after those 10 minutes he wasn't mad- just sad.  I asked why and he said it was the same reason.  As it turns out, he spent 10 minutes of his life mad at me because he thought I didn't care about him and then a short time after he was sad about that.  He can't remember why he felt that way, but luckily, he quickly realized that I did and do love and care about him.  This teen rarely shares anything or shows much emotion at all.  The fact that he offered that information without being prodded was interesting and obviously something tonight led him to share that with me.  If anyone was hard to get used to me as their youth leader, it was him.  So, sharing how the thought of me not caring had impacted him was his way of sharing something  personal with me.  And, I was glad that he quickly realized how untrue his thoughts were and he was then confident that he was loved and cared for.
Overall, tonight was a great night and I feel that tonight's topic really clicked with the youth and the adults.
So, where was God today?  He was at youth group tonight and He was opening hearts and minds to love and forgive.
Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Messiah

The greatest story ever told!  Every year I get to share it with hundreds of people in the most beautiful way imaginable!  This year is no different.  Tonight was our last regular rehearsal for Handel's Messiah.  Next week we rehearse with the orchestra and then dress rehearsal and performances the following weekend.  To me, the season starts when I start singing.  Each year, the first rehearsal is like a reunion.  People I see one time a year are like old friends.  We share a love of God, music, and the experience of singing this Messiah.  And, because of that, we know and understand each other.
A year ago, it was a bittersweet time.  The beauty of the experience was clouded by the poor health of my uncle, who directs, and has directed for 48 years.  It turned out that he was unable to direct and my brother- in- law directed.  Although he did an amazing job, especially on short notice, we were all concerned with my uncles health issues.
Fast forward to now and it seems as though nothing was ever wrong!  Each rehearsal is filled with the joy of the season, laughter, and beauty.  The same stories and reminders about each piece of music are again repeated, bringing a knowing smile to each face.  We know the words and how they should sound, we know the feeling each word should portray, and we know when he wants the words so quiet that half of us just mouth them or we'd be too loud.  We know all of this because each year we hear my uncle's words reminding us.
Tonight, we sang the "Amen Chorus."  Although it's just one word, I have to say it's one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I've ever heard.  I feel blessed and overwhelmed by the time I get to the end of it and usually can hardly finish it, as determined as I am to not miss a moment of it.
So, where did I see God today?  He was at rehearsal with us, listening to the story He created.  And, He's been with my uncle and family this year as we clung to hope and faith to get through to now.  I am grateful for His blessings of health for my uncle this year.
Matthew 6:  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Blessings,
Jennifer  

Chat

The other day, one of my youth sent me a message that a friend of hers needed someone to talk to.  Tonight, after going back and forth trying to get connected, we finally had a chance to chat.  I spent the evening chatting with her about God, the Bible, and her life.  

I had actually met her last year.  At the time she shared some views that seemed to be attention getting.  I didn't get a chance to talk to her in the situations we were in then.  So, I was really surprised when I got the message that she needed someone to talk to.  And, I was grateful for the chance to talk with her.  She had a lot of questions for me.  She had been to several churches and is confused about a lot of things.  What she's not confused about is that she wants to do what is right and to do what God wants.  That is far from the impression she gave me last year.  It was obvious that she has been looking for God.

Several things struck me tonight.  First, I am grateful to my youth who feel they can share God with their friends and have the conversations with their friends.  I am grateful that when there are times they need some help with that they are comfortable asking me and they love their church and want to tell them about it.  Secondly, I love when I have teens who make me think, who challenge me, and who inspire me to look for the answers.

So, where was God today?  He knew that conversation needed to happen.  And, He's been working on getting that to happen for awhile.

Romans 5:1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Blessings,

Jennifer

Hope

It's the 1st day of advent!  Today we focused on hope.  This week we focus on hope.  I am reminded of the many times when I focused on hope not because it was the 1st week of advent but because it was all I had.  Today, it's a much different story.  I am blessed.  My life is good!  I am surrounded by loved ones, I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and am happy with my relationship with God.  I often have to pinch myself to remind myself it's reality that I have 2 jobs I love so much!  

The last few years, I have focused more on advent than ever before.  Since I began working with the youth, I guess, it has become even more important to help them understand the season by living it myself.  So, I make a point of celebrating advent and the weeks significance.  Tonight we talked about hope and I realized something new.  Hope is contagious.  When someone has hope, it gives others hope, too.  I guess I knew that before, but wasn't conscious of it.  Now I look at hope as an even more important thing.  It's not just about me having hope or giving hope to someone else, that 1 person who has hope multiplies that hope by many.  

Tonight, I talked to a girl who has decided to focus on other things besides boys, saying she wants to wait until marriage.  She said she's picky because she wants someone who will treat her right.  That gives me hope.  She said 5 years ago, that was not her plan.  So, I know she has learned and grown in her walk with God.  

So, where was God today?  He is what we look to when we need hope.  He is the one we reach out to. And, He is the one who guides us as He has guided the girl I talked to tonight.

Romans 5: 3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Record

That was intense!  Watching someone in their final hours of sleep depravity, little food, and standing ringing a bell for 60 hours is pretty intense.  What was amazing was seeing that this endeavor brought a community together, gave people a chance to talk about God, and showed people that church isn't always some serious sit down and be quiet kind of thing.  A lot of people hear about what was going on from the news or facebook or a friend.  Everyone was talking about it.  And, they may or may not have stopped out to talk to him, but they were rooting for him, a community all on the same team, cheering together.  Someone said that when they heard a pastor was doing this they were concerned because they assumed he was old.  They got to the place and were surprised to see a young pastor there.  There are so many stereotypes and they need to be broken!  This was definitely a way to get exposure for the church and the Christian community.  As conversations came up about the pastor who was setting a world record, it became easier to say things like "he needs prayers" or "God is definitely with him right now."
In the last few hours, people gathered to support his efforts.  His goal was $5000.  The last I had heard the amount raised wasn't close.  By midnight, he had gone beyond his goal to raise over $6000!  Most of the crowd was from his church, showing what it means to be a church family.  They cheered him on, they brought snacks for the crowd, and gave him pep talks when he needed them.  Some people came that heard about it but had never met him.  Whatever the reason, it was an awesome thing seeing them there to lift him up when he needed it.  And, I'm pretty sure without prayers and people, the struggle would have been too tough to fight.
So, where was God today?  He was in the people who cheered, who prayed, who donated to this cause.  And, he was in the pastor who had a dream, who somehow managed to get through, and in that 60 hours did so much more than ring a bell.
Blessings,
Jennifer