Videos

Today I sat and listened to a conference call.  On the other end of the phone, someone shared a new world of possibilities!  After years of trial and error, I have learned that one of my best tools is videos.  My youth are in a very visual world filled with fast paced scenes and talk.  So, although our discussions seem to be one of their highlights of youth group, they are enhanced by the intermittent video clip to bring them back when they start to have wandering minds.  So, I typically try to find videos to throw in to my discussions.  Sometimes that's easy and sometimes it's not.
But, now, I have been given endless possibilities!  I will have the capability to search through video clips, Bible studies, book studies, and video lessons of some very well known religious leaders and authors.  I will also be able to watch and share training videos with my volunteers.  This opens up a lot of possibilities that I was hesitant to look into before because of cost issues.  I can't wait to explore all of these new opportunities to help my youth grow- and my volunteers- and me too!
But, that's just the beginning!  There is a gap I have seen for awhile.  There is a lot of research that shows the young people college age and up through 30's or 40's are the lowest demographic in church.  It's also true that they are not far from the youth in their video world.  And, we happen to have a gap in offering additional spiritual development for this age group- that small group connection that connects people to each other and helps build consistency and therefore builds stronger relationships with God.  We now have a means to create more opportunities to help this demographic find what they are looking for.
So, where was God today?  He gave us a new way to grow and learn.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Talk

Tonight after work, I met with a friend about some youth stuff.  She had some questions and ideas about some things for the group.  Before we met tonight, I wasn't sure what she wanted to talk about besides something to do with the youth.  As it turned out, we had been thinking the same things and I had already addressed some things that she had wondered about.
I love that I can spend time with people who love youth as much as I do.  And, I love that she cares and respects me enough to come to me so we can talk things through.  If she hadn't, she would have continued to have concerns about something I had already taken care of and she never would have known it was done.  
We went on for the next 2 hours to brainstorm, share, laugh, and listen.  We came up with some great ideas for future meetings and events.  We came up with some ways to handle some situations.  And, we were able to connect and catch up.
One of the greatest parts of my job is the adults I get to meet and spend time with.
So, where was God today?  He was in my friend and in our conversation as we looked for more ways to bring youth closer to Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Week 3

Tonight we did some new things at youth group.  After the last 2 weeks of evaluating the youth group format and activities with the youth and having discussions with both middle school and high school groups, tonight was the night to put some of those things into action.  We changed some things, had some rules put into place, and had our first official question night- which was something we decided on last month.  On the 4th Sunday, they can ask anything and discuss things they feel they need to.  We did this last month with just the high school group and decided to try it with everyone.  It was a success.  I am surprised at the depth of some of their questions and that they feel comfortable enough to ask them.  I am even more pleasantly surprised to hear their answers and discussions.  I let them answer or talk first and then I shared my thoughts.  But, I love listening to them share their faith with each other.  One youth answered a question by sharing what he had heard at confirmation the other day!  I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience these times.
One of the new things was our weekly game time- which was the time opposite our discussion time.  I used to try and do a game every week, but had been discouraged lately and had not been doing them a whole lot. It was frustrating to me that they were never happy with the game- whether it was a game we'd had fun playing before, a new game, a game I'd learned because a lot of other groups I know loved it, etc.  So, last week during our discussion of the surveys, I shared that with them and told them I would love to start playing games again if they could be more positive and open-minded.  I suggested we do games according to the alphabet so last week was "a" and this week was "b" and we'll continue each week by doing brand new games w/ titles starting with that letter.  They were up for it.  This week, we played 3 or 4 games and had a great time!  We laughed, had fun, and I watched them work together, which is a great part of playing games. I look forward to putting this back into our routine and am excited that there was no complaining about the games and I think we'll be ready to broaden our game choices now!
I love that when it comes down to it, I can open up and explain things and they can understand and respect what I say.  There are special things about each age.  But, I definitely love this age group for that reason.  The conversations, the mutual respect, and the ways we can and do learn from each other bless me every day.
So, where was God today?  He was watching as several weeks of discussions and planning was being put into action.  He was in on it every step of the way.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Angel Baby

It's seems impossible.  19 years ago right now I was laying in a hospital room.  My whole world was about to change forever!  Exactly 5 hours later, I was a mother to a precious baby boy, my angel baby.  When he was little I would tuck him in at night and ask him who was my angel baby.  He would giggle and say "I am!" and then I would ask who loved him more than anyone in the whole world and he would say "Mommy!"  Some things never change.  Others do.  He will always be my angel, the one who changed my life and helped me realize it was time to grow up and stop messing up.  He will always be my angel who loves me no matter what, who I love no matter what.  As the years went on, I was blessed with another gift, a great dad for my son.  So, now if I asked him, he would have to say we both love him more than anything.
19 years ago, I didn't know where my life would go.  But, I have loved every minute of time watching my son grow and mature.  Some minutes were harder than others.  And, I'm sure the same will be true in the future.  But, those minutes all add up to the wonderful person he is becoming.  From the time he was born, he was a happy person and had a beautiful heart.  His love and concern for others is evident in so many ways.
He has a lot of things to figure out still.  But, don't we all?
So, where was God today?  He was reminding me of the most precious gift He gave me, my angel baby.
Blessings,
Jennifer 

Wednesday

Tonight as I was leaving the church, I was talking to a parent who just recently started coming to the church. She has 3 sons, 2 of them are youth group age.  This past Sunday was their 3rd time coming to youth group. The first was awhile back and then some health issues kept them from coming for awhile. Now, they've been here 2 weeks in a row.  The 1st week, the older boy didn't say much.  He is autistic, but obviously pretty functioning, but he wasn't ready to talk yet so I just let him listen.  Last week, he responded to questions, laughed, and even played the game, which included a lot of closeness since they had to stay on a balance beam and change their order of people.  I wondered how he would deal with the game, but he did great.
I asked his mom how she thought things went and she was so excited to tell me how he went home and immediately told his dad he loved it!  The last church he was at he was very unhappy and didn't want to ever go.  So, I feel blessed that he is there and that the group has made him feel welcomed.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Neighbor

At 11:58 last night I was sound asleep.  At 11:59, I was hearing my phone ring.  At that hour, my instinct is to answer my phone thinking it must be an emergency.
Earlier in the evening, I had been frustrated with my son for his frequent interruptions during youth group.  Since he is older, I usually look to him to set an example.  Last night, the example he was setting wasn't helping.
So, when I heard his voice on the other end of the phone, I didn't know what was going on.  I said "hello" and he responded with, "hi mom.  Can you pray for my neighbor?"  He went on to share with me about his neighbor who was going through a rough time.  Although they had never really talked before except the random waves hello, they had a conversation that had obviously impacted him.  They had talked for several hours about life, God, church, and who knows what else.  They both shared some things and talked about their churches, inviting the other to participate in things at each others church.  Since Rafael has chosen to sleep a few times rather than come to church, I found this reassuring that even on a day he didn't get up for church, he still knows and shares the importance of church and still feels connected to it.
Rafael started conversing with this man because of an act of kindness he had done.  When the man asked about paying him, Rafael responded by telling him what he had just recently discovered.  Before Rafael totaled his car, he was putting air in his tire most mornings.  Then, somehow, he stopped having to put air in. He didn't realize it at the time, but found out later that this man had gone out in the middle of the night and put a new tire on his car!  Never did he expect anything in return and he probably never thought my son would find out.  What a beautiful way to share God's love!
Although I was woken from a dead sleep, I felt blessed that when my son had something to share, I was the person he called.  I treasure the relationship I have with him and I treasure the young man he is becoming- sometimes slowly, but surely!
So, where was God today?  God must have known that the two of them needed someone to talk to- both to share with and to learn from.  I am grateful for God's hand in my son's upbringing, both when he was young and now that he's older and I can't always be there.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hugs

This morning I walked into the service and was overwhelmed by hugs!  There were several teens by the door when I walked in, then as I walked on I saw more who came up to me to say hi and give me a hug.  We've had new families lately and today was no different, as someone called me over to introduce me to a family she knew with a teen.  They were interested in the youth programs.  Then I saw the new family from last week.  Follow that up with a former youth who is in college but was home visiting, and I had a great morning!
I'm not sure what it is, but new families with teens have been coming to church the last few weeks.  And, they seem to want to get involved.  Maybe it's the New Year.  Maybe they have friends that mentioned the church.  Who knows?  All I know is that my Sunday mornings have been busier than usual lately, but I'm not complaining!
So, where was God today?  He is leading people to His house and I am realizing we better be prepared!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Friday post

This week has been hectic- not so much hectic, I guess, more just different.  The Teen Center is being remodeled.  We have been temporarily moved to the gym.  I thought we would have no teens all week.  Who wants to hang out in a gym instead of computers and video games?  Wow!  Was I wrong!  We have had a ton of teens all week.  Besides the fact that I have been fighting headaches and hearing the constant pounding of basketballs, my week has been great!  And, it has taught me alot.
First, I am happy to know the teens want to be active rather than always sitting playing games.  It has gotten me to rethink some things about the Teen Center and hopefully make some changes.  I am hoping to incorporate some new things that help make the Teen Center a more active place- like gym time during the week at some point- although not sure how long or often.  I am also hoping to get some equipment in the Teen Center- treadmills and bikes are simple things that we can add to help promote being healthy.
When the other gyms filled up, we got an overflow of teens there for open gym.  So, I got to meet and hang out with teens I hadn't met before or that I had barely known before.  This helped me connect and advertise our Teen Night last night- dodgeball- which was a great success.  But, it did something else I never would have thought of.  Of course, I'm making a huge generalization here.  But, I have to say the actual members who came in were more respectful, I didn't have to constantly get on them about their language or behavior, they didn't have attitudes.  Last night, a big group of teens talked about fighting after the Teen Event.  Where they mad at each other?  No- they just wanted to see who would win.  What?!  They were all my Teen Center ones.  So, I guess what I'm getting at is the Teen Center needs to be here.  Whether they come because they don't want to go home or because their parents don't want them home, they need to have a place they know they can come.  And, they need to have a place where they can express themselves but where they know there are boundaries.  And, most important, they need a place where there is someone who is going to consistently be there and consistently enforce those boundaries- whether they realize they like it or not.
Of course, as I said this is a big generalization and I have a ton of kids who come just because they want to play games or check their facebook or meet up with friends.  And, that's what it's all about- helping them all learn to deal in a world with all kids of people.
So, where was God today?  I was dreading this week of bouncing basketballs.  But, God showed me there was a reason for it and I am grateful!  His plans are always better!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hope

Lou was a wonderful man!  He was interesting, educated, and had one of the kindest hearts of anyone I knew.  At a time when I was not overly lovable, he loved me anyway.  Never did he speak meanly or look down on me.  And, he could have.
When I saw him, he would sit and listen.  I was always amazed that he remembered things from the times I had visited before.  And, I would sit and listen to him, too- I mean really listen, not the half listening that we all sometimes do.  He taught me so much just by telling me stories of his life and by being an example of kindness.  He always seemed to find the good in me.
Who was he?  He was my grandma's "friend".  They dated- although I don't think they called it that since they were in their 80's and 90's- until my grandma passed away.  I would visit them both and then when she passed away I visited him.  They would come to watch me play tennis and he gave me rides several times when I had to go some place that was quite a distance away.
Several times, I was struggling financially when my son was young.  I was down to practically nothing.  I never told him that, but somehow he knew.  And, when nobody was looking, he handed me a $20 bill.  I tried to refuse, but knew it was my only hope at the time so I ended up taking it.  I always thought to myself that someday I would make up for that.
He isn't here.  I'm very sad for that.  The last year of his life I didn't get to see him as much because of his daughter.  But, I have to think he knew how much I loved him and what an impact he had on me.  What he never knew was the me I am now.  And, for that I'm sad.  I try to help others and now that I am no longer struggling financially as I was, I try to thank him by giving to random people who are struggling as I was.  It's the only thing I can think of.
So, I have to say that he is part of what made me the way I am today.  His kindness impacted me and gave me something to work towards.  And, his unconditional love was an example to follow.  Some people don't understand me, saying I'm too nice or that I should be harder on some people.  Unfortunately, they never met Lou!  Then they would understand.
So, where was God today?  Today would have been his birthday.  So, today I'm thanking God for the blessing He gave so many about 100 years ago.  And, I am reminded of the example he was and the hope he gave.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Camp

Today as I was working on youth stuff, I was reminded that camp registration needed to be done soon.  I have been hesitant after last year's dilemma of more cabin space than we needed- meaning a bigger cost than we wanted.  Although we ended up joining another group and forming lasting relationships, the cost still burdened us.\
While chatting with a friend, she mentioned another youth leader who wanted to go the same week as us.  After introducing us online, we chatted and decided putting our groups together for camp sounded like a good plan.  Their group is closer than the group we joined with last year and I look forward to building relationships that we can continue even after camp.
So, where was God today?  I am thinking He has plans for camp this year and today was only the beginning.
Blessings,
Jennifer  

Mentors

 Tonight I was working on some random youth stuff.  I spend most evenings chatting with youth online, updating events, posting things, etc.  Tonight, I was also trying to match more confirmands and mentors.  I have several new confirmands as of yesterday and I want them to have their mentor by the next class.  It just so happened that some people I had been thinking about popped up online.  I chatted with them and they said yes!  Only several people have said no.  And, I feel very confident that the mentors and confirmands are matched well.
I have always wanted to have mentors for my youth.  Secretly, I hope it doesn't end at confirmation.  I hope the ties that form during the next few months bond these youth and adults.  There seems to be a period after confirmation that is crucial.  After they join the church, somehow we need to welcome them to their new roll as members and give them a sense of "ownership" in the church in order to keep them connected.  I am hoping that one on one contact with an adult in the church will help with that.
So, where was God today?  I see His hand working in the pairings that have been made- in the confirmands and the mentors who have volunteered their time to help them on their journey.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Questions

I think it's important to always be looking for ways to improve things, to always listen and get feedback about things.  So, tonight, I asked my youth a list of questions about youth group, their relationship with God, and things that keep them from God.  I asked the good and the bad.  I wanted them to tell me what they liked and didn't like.  I told them that since this was their group I wanted their input.
I just went through the answers.  They weren't all the same, but they weren't what I expected.  I'd been hearing some say they wanted to play games more, that things weren't fun.  But, in their answers, they shared that the parts they enjoyed the most were the discussions, the prayer time, and singing.  I don't think anyone mentioned the game nights as their favorite part.  When asked what they would change, they didn't say they wanted more "play time".  They said they wanted more respect shown and for people to listen to each other. This is something that each one there has been guilty of- and especially some of them that mentioned it in their answer.
They talked about what brings them closer to God and what keeps them from God.  Mainly, society or things relating to it are what keep them from God.  That was no surprise- which is why we had been focusing on that before we started our advent lessons.  So, this tells me that I'm on the right track but I have a lot more work to do to help them with this.
There were several new people at youth tonight.  I was really excited to have them.  And, although it might have been slightly different than our normal routine, they seemed to enjoy it and were able to answer the questions.  2 of them are going to be joining our confirmation class.  It's exciting to see growth in the group!
So, where was God today?  He brought new people to the group.  And, He was able to see times and places where the youth feel close to Him.

Car

I got the dreaded phone call this afternoon from my son.  You know, the "mom, I was just in a car accident" kind of phone call.  So, immediately I left my workout and headed to the scene.  He had assured me that he was ok and so was the other driver.  But, until I could see it for myself, thoughts invaded my mind.  The longest 10 minutes was filled with prayers for everyone to be ok.
When I got there, I saw that he was very shaken, but not injured.  His car, on the other hand, wasn't driveable   The other vehicle was driveable and the driver seemed fine.  I'm sure he'll have a few aches and pains tomorrow.  But, nothing serious.  We went to the hospital this evening- probably more for peace of mind than anything else.  Everything checked out fine.
He is going to have a lot of things to pay without a lot of income.  He has a lot of things to figure out in the near future.  He is one that learns things the hard way.  The stereo he just bought seems of little importance now that he'll have to figure out how to get another car.  But, sometimes, we only realize things after we experience them.
I know he probably got tired of hearing it today.  But, all I can say is that I am so grateful to God for keeping my son safe.  Cars can be replaced.  Bills and money come and go.  But, my son is everything to me and I don't know where I would be if I lost him.
So, where was God today?  He protected my son from getting injured.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Workout

I feel so much better when I work out.  I've suffered from headaches all of my life- several different kinds.  I've discovered the causes of a couple.  But, I have also realized that exercising helps avoid and relieve them.  But, somehow, once I get out of the habit, it's hard to get back into it- even though I know it's best for me.
I had been out of the gym for quite awhile.
This Christmas, I was struggling with what to get someone.  She's the daughter I never had and she and her dad were spending Christmas with us.  Then, it came to me.  I had been concerned with her frequent knee issues and complaints when doing much walking.  So, to give her more confidence and hopefully help her issues, I decided to giver her a membership for Christmas.
Knowing nothing about working out, it was obvious it was something I had to show her.  So, not only was it a gift of health, but a gift of time.  Those are the best kinds of gifts as far as I'm concerned.
This is week two.  And, I am quickly realizing that this was a gift to me as much as it was a gift to her.  2 weeks in and we're still going strong.  The more we go, the more fun it is.  And, since I know she is watching me and looking to me for guidance, I know I can't quit this time.  And, I think she is thinking the same thing.  It's awesome to have people in your life who make you want to be a better person.  She is one of those people.
So, where was God today? He was there when we were working out.  And, He knew this was a Christmas gift we both needed.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Game Team

Let me apologize in advance for boring you over the next few months.  I am in the planning stages for the 30 Hour Famine, our Spring Break event, and the mission trip.  So, I'm sure they will all be coming up alot here.
Tonight, I started really putting my thoughts down for the famine.  It's going to be on Good Friday and I'm looking forward to all of the additional things we can focus on because of that.  I have found so many activities and ideas that we can do.  And, because it's a day off from school, we can actually spend the whole 30 hours together!
Last year was my biggest group yet with about 40 including adults.  So, I'm anxious to see how many I will have this year.  It was great being able to separate into groups with adult leaders.  It helped make the large group more manageable and helped build more connections.  But, later when I asked everyone for feedback, I realized not everyone is used to spending that much time actively working with teens.  They needed a break.  When asking for feedback from the youth, they needed more game time.  I use games a lot to show a point, but last year I used fewer games because I had so many other activities to fit in.
As I was thinking tonight, an idea popped in to my head.  I had been wondering how to fit the college group in without making them leaders when they weren't ready but giving them more responsibility.  So, they are now my game team.  They will plan and lead games every so often during the event.  During that time, the group leaders are free to stay but are also welcome to take a break.  If this works out, I have successfully solved three problems with one solution!
So, where was God today?  I'm pretty surethe idea didn't just pop in to my head by itself.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Wednesday- Confirmation

Confirmation started last night.  We usually do it every other year, but since we had a good sized group that was ready, we decided to do it this year even though we had a class last year.  That is exciting to me!
Another church in town had a small group who wanted to do confirmation, too.  So, we are doing the class together.  We have met a few times to discuss and plan what we want to share with the youth.  Rather than buying a curriculum and then being just ok with it, we decided to figure out what we think the youth need to know and then find the best way to teach them each topic.  I am confident this will be the best confirmation class we've had so far!
I am also excited to finally have mentors.  This is something I've always wanted for my youth.  So, having mentors for my confirmands is a great start.  I had my youth write down 3 people they would suggest.  One of my youth wrote down someone I didn't even realize she knew.  Then, after thinking about it, I realized the woman was the person who wrote her letters of encouragement during the 30 Hour Famine last year.  It's always interesting to see what impacts the youth even when we don't know it.  I had been having trouble getting ahold of her and was hoping to have all of the mentors by class last night.  As I was coming in to the church last night, she was walking out.  So, I got to talk to her and she was so touched that this teen had wanted her to be her mentor.  She came back inside to go talk to her.  Their conversation was so sweet.
I am looking forward to the next few months to see what God has planned for these confirmands- and for their mentors.  I am hopeful that they will form relationships that will bless them both and they will both grow spiritually throughout this journey.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Routine

I know I actually went back to work late last week at the Teen Center.  But, my routine was still off.  Today seemed like my real first day back into the swing of things.  Time off is nice- and was much needed.  But, it felt good to get back to my schedule.  As the New Year begins, I am looking at what I want to accomplish in the coming year and where I need to focus.
We talked about that last night at youth so I spent part of yesterday looking up statistics and info on New Year's resolutions.  It seems most last only a few weeks unless there is a plan for the resolution ahead of time.  I don't necessarily have a resolution, but I am forming a plan for the year ahead.  There are some things I want to continue.  There are some things I lost along the way last year that I want to pick back up again.  And, I suppose new things will become apparent and I will add them to my life.
I am excited about the year ahead.  My year for the youth is going to be busy and hopefully full of great opportunities for growth.  My year at the Teen Center looks promising as we are in the midst of a remodel, which shows their commitment to the teens and what I want for them.  Personally, I feel blessed.  I have a new found freedom to do some things I hadn't financially been able to before.  The thought of actually taking a vacation after years of not is something I really never considered before recently.  I am blessed with great relationships with family and friends.  No matter what comes in the year ahead, I feel that with God, my family, and friends, I can face whatever comes my way.
So, where was God today?  He reminded me of the blessings I have.  And, as I start working in this new year, I am grateful for each new year and the new beginnings it presents.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Time

I don't envy teenagers.  I don't wish to go back in time- even if I knew then what I know now.  I'm afraid being a teenager again I would somehow forget it.  Tonight is one of those nights that reminded me of that.  My plans for part of the night changed as I realized I wasn't getting anywhere.  We had really already covered the topic of the evening so there was no point in reiterating it when they obviously had other things on their mind.  I wish teens never dated- but who am I to tell them that since I dated as a teen.  But, it was a night filled with them sharing their stories, all important to them at this moment in time.  And, I think sometimes, that's ok.  I am glad they are open with each other and look to each other for support and advice.
Afterwards, I had a talk with my son.  I can't believe how grown up he sounds sometimes.  The topic could have made him annoyed with me but instead he appreciated me coming to him to clear things up and find out the truth.  Being able to have that relationship with him is a blessing.
So, where was God today?  Somehow, my group stayed together instead of splitting.  God knew that they needed some time together after discussion time to just be together.  And, God has given me such a special gift to have such an amazing son.
Blessings,
Jennifer