Wednesday

Today we had some free time. Most of the groups went somewhere. My group asked to stay on campus and relax, spend time together,  and just have fun. I agreed they were ready for some downtime. So, we just hung out in the dorms, ordered pizza, and relaxed. They enjoyed it a lot.
When it was time for discussion in the evening,  several asked if we could make it short so they could go to bed. Ironically,  as tired as they seem, they usually get their second wind and stay up late. So, we had a discussion on why they came and what they should be focusing on. During the discussion,  one of the youth brought up some scripture that was on the wall of his jobsite. By the end of the discussion,  we had a new goal. For the rest of the week, each evening we shared a scripture verse we had either found during the day or asscripture verse that related to an event that happened during the day. It then became a new way to help us focus on God and find ways to relate to scripture. For the rest of the week I saw my youth searching,  reading their Bibles more than ever before! On the last evening the youth asked if there was a a way to continue their scripture focus. So, we now have a new addition to our weekly youth group time.
A couple years ago, I started candle time to help the youth get more comfortable in praying.  I am hoping that by continuing this scripture for the week, they will get more comfortable with reading their Bibles and find that it does relate to their , lives today.
So  where was God today?  I never would have thought of this idea on my own. But, together,  and with God,  a new tradition has begun.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Tuesday

During any time when teens are together for an extended period of time,  there are bound tobe disagreements. This week was no ddifferent.  But,  actually,  it was somewhat different.   My chaperone for this week was once one of my youth. She is considering a career in ministry, possibly youth ministry. She is in her junior year at college and asked me this summer if she could help me some. This week is her first time being considered an adult by the youth rather than an older youth. I wanted her to experience as many aspects of youth ministry as possible.
So, when she volunteered to talk to the youth about some things,  I wencouraged her to take over. We talked beforehand and I made sure she was ready. But,  I was taking care of something else while she had a discussion with the group. She successfully shared from her life experiences to help the youth understand and realize some things about the currents situation. She has never shared a whole lot with the youth-even when she was part of the youth group.  So, this was a big deal for her to share personal things. So, watching as she has shared,  grown, and gained a new sense of confidence and purpose has been a beautiful thing!  I am excited that she has not only come to chaperone, but has also decided to take this opportunity to learn and explore what a life in youth ministry would be like.
So, where was God today? He gave my chaperone the confidence to share of her life, for this shy young adult to lead a serious discussion with my youth. I look forward to watching her continue to grow in her confidence and faith.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday

This evening, as we were headed in to worship,  a friend called me over and asked me if I had noticed a girl who had just entered the restroom. Evidently,  she had been crying since before dinner.  There were a few of us talking about how to help her and 1 went in to see if she could find out what was upsetting her. With teen girls,  it's always a toss up to know what is wrong. Teen girls and drama go hand in hand sometimes.
A few minutes later she came out and we found out what was wrong. Her crying was due to the devastation she felt at her jobsite that day. She was brokenhearted over the fact that she couldn't help as much as she wanted to. She was working with children and didn't want to see them living in situations they were living in. She thought about how 1 week couldn't make the issues go away. We talked to her and gave her the option to switch jobsites. She told us she would think about it and let us know.
I found out 2 days later that she chose to stay. When asked how it was going she said that she had really connected with a girl and that now she wouldn't trade working on that jobsite for anything. Seeing the passion she had on the first night and the way she was able to process that and use it to help others was awesome!
So where was God today? He put this girl where He wanted her so that He could use her gifts of loving and helping others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

drivers

Last Sunday,  we loaded up t3 vehicles with youth and stuf-lots of stuff. I had 2 people with vans that were willing to drive 3 hours there and then turn around and drive 3 hours home. To me, that's amazing! I am so grateful for people who are willing to take 6 hours of time-7 with loading and unloading-to make sure that my youth have an opportunity to be a part of an awesome week serving. They didn't even get the benefits that come from a week long mission trip. To me, that was definitely an act of love and service. After arriving and settling in, we headed to opening and worship. The music started and I knew this was about to be an amazing week.
So where was God today? He was in the drivers who gave so that my youth could be be blessed by blessing others.
Blessings,
Jennifer

4th

It's the 4th of July! I couldn't help but be reminded of how my life had changed in the last 2 years. It used to be my busiest time of the year. When I was in the retail world, this was our biggest holiday and I had no time to enjoy it. Today was a different story.
I slept in, then went to the parade.  I saw so many of my youth participating and was so proud to see them in so many positive things in the community.
Then, I came home and spent the rest of the day with my husband watching episodes of our new favorite show. Basically,  we enjoyed just being together.
During the afternoon,  I also found out what I will be doing on my mission trip next week. I am now even more excited than I was before! I get to spend the week leading youth to run a day camp! I get to help teens find ways to share God with kids! I can't think of a better way to spend a mission week!
I guess I am just overwhelmed today with how God has worked in my life to get me to where I am today. Looking at my past and my present makes me realize how much He has blessed me and how He has always taken care of me.
So, where was God today? He was with me enjoying the day-just as He has been with me every other day. And, He found a way to give me the gift of working with youth and kids next week for Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer