Step

Tonight, before I left work, there were 2 girls still at the Teen Center.  One of the girls is typically not the nicest person to others.  But, lately, she has gradually opened up and has seemed nicer to others and more accepting of me.  When the girls asked why I close early on Wednesdays I told them I close to go to my church.  The girl then said she's atheist.  The other girl half heartedly agreed.  I asked them if they considered themselves atheist or agnostic- whether they didn't believe God existed or whether they just weren't sure.  They said they weren't sure.  We then continued on with a conversation about religion, their families, and the one girl shared about how she has moved from her mom to another family member because her mom doesn't want her.
Tonight was the beginning of what I hope is a continuing conversation with these girls.  It has taken me a year to get this far and it may take me another year to get much further.  But, each step is a step closer to them healing from a lot of hurt and anger and a step closer to a relationship with God.
So, where was God today?  It's been a long time coming, but, He's there waiting for them to believe in Him again.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday/ Tuesday Achievement

On Monday I talked to one of my parents.  One of my youth, her son, has been working toward something for awhile now.  It took him a lot of hard work and was a very competitive thing.  To accomplish his goal, he had to be interviewed by some professional, well educated people.  This interview was a potentially intimidating time.
As I talked to his mom afterwards, she shared with me that when he went to his interview, he took his Bible into the waiting area with him.  He told her that he has prayed and read the Bible more in the last few weeks than ever before.  How cool is that?!  At a time when he needed guidance, encouragement, and strength, he turned to God.
After the interview, he and his mom prepared to wait a week for the results.  Luckily, they didn't have to.  He found out last night that he achieved his goal!  When his mom talked to him about it he responded that he knew he would get it.  Why, she asked.  "God", he responded.  He had put his trust in God to get him through this and to help him achieve his goal.  His faith gave him the confidence to know he would.
I wish all of us, young and old could follow the example of this young man and his faith and devotion to God.  No words can express how proud I am to know him.  I look forward to seeing what else God has planned for his life because I am sure he is going to be following His plan.
So, where was God today?  I saw an example of the trust we should all have in Him in this young man.  I'm sure God is proud to have Him as a son.
Blessings,
Jennifer

EAT!

Today as I was working out, I was thinking about my plans for tonight.   I wasn't even really thinking about our famine coming up.  Then my mind wandered to it.  I was thinking about how the youth decided this year to give to places that are educating others to help them become self sufficient.  I'm really proud of them for the effort and thought they put into it.  I also thought about how we use the 30 hours to not only raise money but also awareness of poverty and problems the world faces.  Then, as my mind continued to wander, I thought about how the 30 hours is not just a fundraiser, but also a time to help the participants discover new things and new ways to experience God and help the world around them by using their gifts this year.
That's when it hit me.  I've been struggling to come up with a theme for this year.  I'd sat down several times and come up with a few that were ok.  But, nothing jumped out at me.  But, as I thought about the 3 goals of this year's famine- Education, Awareness, Transformation- I realized the 1st letter of each word spelled a key word of fasting.  Our official theme/ slogan of this year's famine is "Let's EAT!" Let's Educate!  Let's create Awareness!  Let's Transform ourselves and others!
So, where was God today?  He gave me that to focus on.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Distractions

Tonight's theme for youth group was "unplugged".  We focused on distractions.  The opening exercise was to have them get in groups and talk about something while many distractions were going on.  Then, they switched groups and the distractions were eliminated.  When I asked them both at middle school and high school times to share how each one was different, both groups couldn't tell me.  They are so used to having distractions surrounding them that they don't notice them anymore.  This isn't the first time I've done something like that and got the same results.  So, the discussion material didn't all make sense.  Instead we spent time taking about the fact of being surrounded by distractions and what we can do to still work towards getting closer to God.
Last week was the first week using this Lenten curriculum and it felt awkward.  This week, because the discussion wouldn't have made sense, I was able to change it based on their lives as we went on.  We ended up having a really great discussion and they were able to see how some distractions are keeping them from God.  They were also able to figure out things that can help remind them of God's presence in their lives.  Each person picked something as a reminder of God's love for them or as a reminder to spend some time talking to God throughout this week.  One youth will be talking to God twice a day while she brushes her teeth, another will be reminded God loves her when she sees the color blue, another will think of God when he sees a random act of kindness.  There were so many different ways they will be reminded this week.  One even chose their main distraction as their reminder of God.  I love when a discussion really clicks and they find ways to use it right away.
I brought up starting my day with sending them scripture and how it's my goal to send it every weekday, but sometimes I get distracted, too.  I was surprised at their strong reaction to that.  When I started doing it, I wasn't sure they would like it.  I thought maybe it would end up being an annoyance, almost like their daily spam text.  But, as it turns out, they look forward to it and are really bummed when I don't send it for some reason.  I told them to let me know and that I was human and distracted sometimes so I need to be held accountable too.  I'm almost tempted to not send it just to see how many reminder texts I'll get tomorrow!  But, I will send it.  And, I find it encouraging to know they look forward to that moment in their day to read the Word of God.  I feel blessed to share it with them.
So, where was God today?  He was in our discussion and He led it tonight since it went the way He needed it to go and the way my youth needed it to go so that they could work towards a closer relationship with Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Saturday- Skating

Today I spent time with my family.  I got to see a play my nieces and nephew were in.  I haven't always been able to do that.  But, I'm really trying to take time out for the little things like that.  In truth, they aren't so little.          Just seeing their faces light up and the hugs they ran to give me made me realize that it wasn't so little.  And, as several of my nieces and nephews are getting older, and my son is getting older, I am realizing that time goes so quickly- the times when their faces light up because you come to see their accomplishments.  So, today, I watched their play.
Afterwards, we ate lunch and headed to the ice rink.  A few weeks ago, my sister and I decided to wait rather than combining it with other things going on during a birthday celebration.  Since my son was able to come this time, I thought the odds of 3 to 2 seemed better than me helping them ice skate for the 1st time by myself sounded much better.  So, after the 1st rink had canceled skating, we ended up at another rink.  My one niece didn't seem too excited about skating so we decided to wait to get her skates so she could decide if she really wanted to skate.  The other 2 were eager to skate.  We got their skates on and they were ready to go.  During that time, my other niece watched and decided she was ready.  So, my son took the 1st 2 and I helped the other 1 get skates on and then we headed out on the ice.
The oldest, who is scared of many things was probably the most eager to skate, which surprised me.  She did really well as long as she didn't think about the possibility of falling.  Watching my son's patience as he helped her around the rink was a beautiful thing.  She went around several times before she decided she was ready for a break.  She then spent time enjoying watching others skating.
The younger niece started out scared to even try.  But, after watching for awhile, she decided to try and she did great, too.  After each time around, she said it was her last time around.  Then, before I was 1/2 way around the rink, she was back on the ice skating again.
My nephew was really excited about skating and thought it was going to be easy since he had skated before.  But, he quickly found ice skating and skating are a little different.  He fell down- alot.  But, I don't remember him stopping for pretty much the whole 2 hours.  And, we started by saying by him, as we did with all 3.  But, we figured out he was much better when he was off skating by himself.  I'm not sure if it was because he wasn't distracted then or because he knew he had only himself to depend on rather than leaning on us or a wall.
So, where did I see God today?  I saw Him in my 4 skating buddies-  my older niece who has many fears but still tried.  And, although she did really well, she found encouraging others was where she was happiest, my youngest niece who at 1st was too afraid to try but then decided to follow the example of others and although at times thought she was going to give up, kept trying, and in my nephew who was eager and captured every moment he could, no matter how many time he fell down.  And, I saw God in my son who was patient and loving, a kind and gentle leader and teacher.  I think we can all see these characteristics in our lives, in others, and in our relationships with God and others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Boy

I'm finally back in my regular Teen Center after a month of remodeling.  They are not done and things aren't all back where they belong.  But, today was the first day I felt almost back to normal.  And, I could tell my teens did, too.  They seemed calmer and happy to be there.  There are some changes that have come along with the remodel.  And, it will take some getting used to.  But, they seemed ok with the new rules.
Somehow, they often start calling me mom.  There's a boy who has been coming for awhile now who just started calling me mom.  He easily gets angry or upset.  And, at times, he talks as if the world is out to get him.  He often gets worried because he calls his mom and she doesn't answer.  He immediately assumes his mom has been arrested for fighting.  So, I'm realizing why he acts out.  And, I'm realizing that all he wants is a mom figure who he can count on to be there and not be angry.
It's because of teens like him that I know this is where I'm supposed to be.  It's not about the new rules or the politics or even the people I work with that sometimes drive me crazy.  It's about my teens who need someone to be consistently showing them unconditional love- along with boundaries of what is ok and what isn't.
So, where was God today?  He knew I needed a reminder.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Sunday

This afternoon, I had to do something that I wasn't looking forward to.  My husband and I had to tell our son  that he has a pretty large debt for a car accident he was in awhile back.  I was worried because for a 19 year old, this is a pretty major setback.  What am I saying?  At any age, adding debt is a setback.
But, there was another part of this conversation.  On the same day we got the letter about it, he got an e-mail about an amazing opportunity!  A couple years ago he had served a summer for Americorp doing a summer term for Habitat for Humanity.  He has now been invited to apply for a half year position in California creating trails for the Backcountry Trails Program.  They will take 18 of the 25 they invited to apply.
A few months ago, he was disappointed that he wasn't going back to the camp he'd been at last summer.  I told him then that God had other plans for him.  Now, I am wondering if this will be His plan.
The conversation went well.  I am amazed as I watch my son grow in maturity by taking responsibility for his actions.  I wish life was easy and that he didn't sometimes have to learn things the hard way.  But, as I watch him grow because of it, I realize it's needed.  As I sit here writing, I realize that's probably what God thinks a lot of times.  He wishes we didn't have to learn things the hard way, but He knows we do.  And, as we make mistakes in life, we hopefully learn to follow Him.
So, where was God today?  I feel He is unfolding His plan for my son's life.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Dance

Friday night is Teen Night twice a month.  And this was a big event tonight- a Valentine Dance!  The girls could come early to have their hair and makeup done.  An upscale resale shop even donated dresses for them to borrow! A restaurant donated food, a store donated tons of flowers, and volunteers came to help, take photographs, and DJ.  It was a great time and it was all possible because of the kindness of others.
One of the girls that did hair is someone I met a few weeks ago.  She was sad, angry and obviously hurting.  But, when I saw her earlier this week, she was better and mentioned hoping to go to cosmetology school.  I asked her to come and she came right on time to help!  Somehow, we were able to connect and I moved one step closer to getting her to trust me.  It seems she has a good heart, it's just breaking a little right now- I just haven't figured out why.
There were so many great things about the event.  It was a great time for the teens, but it was also a great way for others to use their gifts to do something for others.
So, where was God today?  He was in all of the people who gave of their gifts and things so that the teens could have a great time.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Stranded

Today is Ash Wednesday.  I decided to fast today.  I also started to post a daily challenge.  Today I was supposed to pray for my enemies.  I feel blessed that it took me awhile to think about who I had to pray for. I try hard not to make enemies.  But, each day will be an interesting challenge and help me continue to be aware of opportunities.
Because it is Ash Wednesday, our regular programs for tonight were canceled.  So, even though I was done with work at 5, I didn't have to be anywhere until the service at 7.  I had thought about staying and working on some other things or working out, although that probably wouldn't have been a good idea without eating.  Then, about 20 minutes until I was done, I got a phone call from a friend.  Her car was broken down and she needed help because her husband, mother-in-law, and step daughter were stranded.  So, I knew exactly what I was going to be doing.  When I got off work, I picked her up, picked up her family and took her mother-in-law home.  I got to their house to drop them off about 10 minutes before I had to be there.
It was amazing that this happened today.  Wednesday evenings are always busy.  And, I rarely have a couple hours to kill.  But, today was one of them.
So, where was God today?  He was in the circumstances and I had the ability to help someone in need.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Lent

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.  The thing I have thought about in the past is it's the beginning of Lent- a time to give something up or a time to do something more.  And, it's 40- plus Sundays- days until Easter.  That about sums it up.  I mean, I know it's a time of reflection and repentance.  But, I haven't gone out of my way to make Lent more meaningful in my life.  This past Sunday, the sermon was "Face to Face", focusing on Moses encounter with God and the light that shone in him afterwards.  We were challenged to look for face to face encounters with God this Lenten season and to shine our love for God so that others see it.  In fact, we were told not just to try to do that, but to expect it.  So, I am really looking forward to Lent.
Actually, I have been anxiously awaiting tomorrow all week!  Several things have been put in my path lately that are making me look forward to Lent and Easter this year more than ever.  A few weeks ago, one of my volunteers and I decided to create an experience for the youth the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.  It was a great evening for everyone as I shared a few days ago.
Shortly after we planned last Sunday's experience, I saw a post about free curriculum for Lent- 8 Weeks of Noticing God More by Sticky Faith.  It's focus goes along with what I write about every day in new and wonderful ways that will hopefully help my youth grow and continue growing even after Lent.  It's 8 weeks of helping them develop spiritual disciplines that will enhance their relationship with God and help them to see God work in their own lives.
Then, last Saturday while visiting family, I came across something that my brother-in-law had brought home from church.  It was a list of things to do each day during Lent- challenges to help us think outside the box and find ways to share and experience God.  Since then, I've been anxiously awaiting Ash Wednesday so I can start my new facebook challenge!
Today, I saw another post about a Lent photo challenge.  There is a word a day and people are supposed to take pictures of their interpretation of that word.  I'm no photographer, but it looks like a great way to focus and share Lent.
So, I honestly haven't decided if I'm "giving up something".  And, I haven't decided what I should add to my routine besides the facebook challenge things I plan on doing.  But, whatever God leads me to do, I am sure He will let me know!
So, where was God today?  He's getting ready to see me face to face and I'm so excited!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Quiet

Tonight was the result of several weeks in the planning.  After one of my volunteers and I met a couple weeks ago, we decided to have an evening of quiet time and reflection on the next Sunday she and her husband were scheduled to come.  That was tonight.  So, we met an hour before the group started so we could get ready.  We lit candles, had music playing, had a table with scriptures, journals, and some other things to help them focus.
Earlier this week, I came across an article about lent and making it a season of change- focusing on prayer, fasting, generosity, and forgiveness.  So, in order to help them stay focused, we spent the hour by reading some things from that article.
We also asked them to think about the question "Why are we here," both during the reflection time and afterwards.  In our middle time, they were divided into 4 teams and they made posters with that theme.  Each team really got in to their artwork.  Some drew, some wrote words, some were the ideas behind the art.  But, they all participated.  We spent longer than planned because they were enjoying it and seemed to really be getting a lot out of it.
I observed several things I loved.  First, I noticed how complimentary they were to each other, encouraging each other.  Next, I noticed how well they seemed to be working together.  When they finished their posters and shared them with the others, I saw how proud they were.  And, I was struck by the fact that they all had the same question but their thoughts were so unique.  I loved how they used their own perspectives and experiences to answer the question.  Some of their thoughts were- Christ is watching us- are we watching Him?  We are here to have a relationship with God.  Why are we here- in a world that's free from persecution while so many others are persecuted?  Love, peace, hope, happiness, community, etc.
So, where was God today?  He was there listening as the youth spent time talking to Him.  And, He was there watching as they shared about their journeys and relationships with Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Saturday- Birthday

I spent the afternoon and evening with my sister and 2 nieces and nephew to celebrate my nieces birthday.  After a week of asking her what she wanted to do to celebrate, she decided on going to a big mall about 40 minutes from where they live.  This seemed funny to me because she's not into clothes shopping and she's too young to hang out at the mall by herself or with friends.  In a few years, I could see this being something she would want to do.  But, not now.

I've heard several times from different family members that she is a "mini me".  I am guessing it's her perpetual motion that reminds them of me.  She's always busy doing something, constantly moving.

But, that's my niece!  Expect the unexpected!  She is spunky and silly.  She let's you know what she's thinking.  She also has a beautiful heart.  She is thoughtful and loving.  When I visit without my husband, she is the one who seems to ask where he is and how he is.  She doesn't seem to care about what people think, but she does care about people.

She's young.  But, I hope she continues to savor these moments- her youth, her spunky, silly, beautiful, loving moments that she has blessed so many around her with.  I see so much potential for greatness in her! 

So, where was God today?  As I think about today, celebrating her birthday, I celebrate the gift God gave the world when she was born.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Plan

Today I was working on quite a few different things.  With so many events coming up, I seem to be blurring their planning together.  The good thing is that what I can't fit in to one event, I can put in the next one.
This Sunday is going to be an interesting youth group.  I was putting finishing touches on the plans today and I'm really excited about it!  It's a great way to introduce coming in to a season of Lent.  The other day, I saw a post on facebook from a youthworker about some free curriculum that would be perfect for Lent.  When I checked it out, I found it to be perfect for my group.  So, we'll start that the next Sunday and end it the week after Easter during Methodist Swag week.  It focuses on noticing God more and ways we can find to do that.  So, this week, as an intro to that, they're going to have some time to think about what Lent means and the changes they might want to make.  The next couple of months will be a time when we can discover how they can make those changes to develop a closer relationship with God.
The majority of my planning today was for the famine and Methodist Swag week.  They seemed so far away, but I know that time will creep up quickly.  Somehow things seem to be making sense and falling in to place easily.  I made several connections today for things we will be doing during the week and they all seemed excited about what I want to do.
So, where was God today?  I felt reassured that this is what we should be doing because things have been going in to place.  I am grateful for that reassurance.  I'm sure there will be bumps along the way, but I'm sure God will be with me then, too!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Planning

Today while at work, I got a call from one of my parents.  She was at a grocery store and wanted to know if there was anything the church needed for groceries.  How cool is that?  I didn't have anything specific in mind, but told her about an event we have coming up that we'll have to feel a lot of people.
A little while later, she arrived at the church with so much food it took several trips to bring it in!  I now have a great start to my meal planning for our spring break week at church.
Later, when I went to work at the Teen Center, I finally had a chance to talk to someone about something extremely important.  During spring break week, we will need to take showers and had been hoping to use the facilities where I work.  They also have a pool that would be great for one of our evening activities.  And, we are looking for opportunities to serve the community.  So, we are now going to have a chance to do all 3 there!  I am still looking for more community service opportunities, but I'm not worried.  I know that God will lead me to a place where we need to be.
So, where was God today?  He is helping me and guiding me to lead an amazing week for my youth!
Blessings,
Jennifer   

Snow

Today was a snow day.  That meant I didn't have to work this afternoon after I was done at church.  But, since the youth didn't have school, there were several that had told me they were bored throughout the day.  It's funny how they say they don't want to be at school but when school is out they don't know what to do.  I think most of them spent the day online or watching random tv shows.
So, after being at the church, I headed to get ice cream w/ a youth.  We got the idea to go sledding, but it was a little too late.  It was close to being dark and I didn't think it would be a good idea.  So, we decided to go to the church to build a snowman.  We called a few others to meet us there.  We were the first to arrive.  When the other carload got there, the mom came barreling toward me and we tumbled into the snow, laughing so hard I could hardly get up.  As it turned out, the snowman never got built, but we all got covered in snow and we had a great time playing!  I needed that.
I had a list of things to do- work out, grocery shop, pay bills, etc.  They didn't get done, but the list will be there tomorrow.  The chance to play and be silly with friends doesn't happen often enough.  And, for my youth I think they need to see that fun doesn't have to include electronics.  It can be spending time with friends in the beauty God created- His own snowy playland!
So, where was God today?  He was there giving me a chance to play, to have a snowday!

Online

There was a big snowstorm coming... well maybe.  So, I was torn about having youth group tonight.  I am typically one to not care about the weather.  I really will drive through anything.  But, I am not the only one that would be driving.  And, I know most of my youth would be anxious to come to youth group whether it's snowing or not, even when their parents didn't want to.  So, I didn't want to have youth group and cause a conflict between any youth and their parents.
I had everything all planned out for the evening.  It's the beginning of famine time.  I had about 5 short videos to show about the lives of some children who had to deal with poverty.  Then we were going to talk about them.  Then, there are some decisions about the famine that have to be made- what do we do with the money, how do we raise the money, etc.
I don't know where the idea came from, but I realized tonight could very easily be done online.  The video links could be posted, the discussions could be done in a facebook chat on our group page, and even the game for tonight could be transitioned into a game we could play online in a chat.  So, I had a back up plan other than canceling. But, around 2 I started panicking- messaging, texting, and posting to find out what people thought my best option was.  The main answers were either way is fine.  I wanted something definite, but I didn't get an overwhelming majority either way.
As 3:30 approached- the deadline for when I said I would post the decision- I still had no idea.  That's when a friend gave me the best advice.  She told me to pray about it.  Now, why didn't I think of that?  So, that's what I did- with 15 minutes until decision time.  Into my head came the reminder that all of my videos were online and I was counting on the sometimes failing internet at the youth house.  Then, I thought about how easy this discussion would be compared to most times as an online discussion.  But, it wasn't until I got back online that God's answer was a definite.  The first status I read when I got back on was from a girl who had just witnessed a car accident in front of her.  She was saying you don't realize how precious life is until you witness something like that and how scary it was.  I took that as a reminder that accidents happen and with possible dangerous conditions, we were all staying home.
So, we had youth group online.  The discussion was great, the turnout was great, we got to include friends who had moved away or are in college away, and everyone was able to watch the videos, and we were able to make the decisions we needed to make.  The game was amusing- Capture the Otter.  We even had candletime.
So, where was God today?  Although the snow hasn't come yet, I think there must have been a reason for us to connect online rather than go out tonight.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Newsletter

The other day, I was getting the church newsletter done because it had to get printed and sent out.  When I was almost done, I got info for another page.  But, the way the newsletter is set up, I need an even number of pages.  So, I needed something for another page.  So, I decided it was time to come clean.  I am not one to share this blog with everyone in the world.
I guess it started as a personal journey and I wanted to make sure I would stick with it.  Since beginning, I have gone in spurts of daily writing and every few days.  My longest stretch happened when I was sick, so I am giving myself a break there.  But, it has become both an outlet and part of my spiritual discipline to write so I no longer fear I will break the habit completely.  So, that excuse to share it is nonexistent.
My other fear was that I would offend someone by writing or, moreso,  not writing about them.  There are so many things I could write but don't.  There are days it's hard to choose what to write.  So, there is a chance I would choose to not write something that happened.  The last thing I would want would be for someone to come up to me and ask me why I didn't write about an experience I had with them or something they did.  And, I want to feel free in my writing to not worry about who reads what.  For safety and privacy, I never use names or specific places.  But, I would never want someone to be mad at me for using them in one of my posts either.  To date, neither of these have happened.  And, I have gradually added people to the list of people who know this blog exists.  So, going with the "so far, so good" philosophy, I can feel secure that I will not offend anyone who reads this for the right reasons.  If I offend anyone, I suppose it would be the start of a conversation that might end very interestingly after sharing my journey.  Or maybe they will just choose not to read it anymore- which is ok too.
I guess the main thing is this.  I felt it was time to let go of this fear and open up and share my journey.  I did it quickly- like tearing off a band-aid.  There was no time between finishing the newsletter with the page and beginning to print.  In the next few days, they will all be out.  The people I e-mail the newsletter to have already received it.
So far, I've had several comments about it- which I think is a first.  I write a youth update every month and don't think I've ever had a comment.  They were positive.  In fact, one person sent me a very touching e-mail that blessed my day yesterday.  In the past couple weeks, several people had mentioned they read my blog that I had no idea read it.  So, I think that warmed me up for this.
So, where was God?  I think He was telling me there was someone who needed to hear what I have to say.
Blessings,
Jennifer