concert

We all have gifts. God has given each of us ways to serve others. What would the world be like if we all used our gifts to serve God and help others?
Tonight I went to a wonderful concert!  It was obvious that the performers were not only extremely talented,  but they absolutely loved what they were doing!  But,  that wasn't what made this concert so special.  It was special because it was directed by God.  Let me explain.
We have a problem in my town.  I'm sure we aren't the only ones. But,  it's becoming too often that I hear of another young person dying from a heroin overdose.  So, when another student died a few months ago, his parents used their grief to begin to make a difference.  From that came their heroin awareness campaign.
Tonight,  the concert helped to raise funds and awareness for that campaign.  The man behind the concert is my brother-in-law, a musician and high school teacher who needed to do something to help. When introducing the concert,  he shared how tough being a teacher and telling students about a loss is. And then he shared that he had an epiphany while driving, luckily avoiding an accident. He decided to use his gift of music to help the cause. God gave him an amazing gift and amazing talent. Luckily,  God also gave him a beautiful heart to use his talent for Him. God told him what to do and he listened.
So, tonight as I sat at the concert,  I thought about the impact it was making.  I heard people who said they came to hear a concert but now they want to do something to help the cause. Mission accomplished.
So, where was God today?  He was in my brother-in-law who listened and answered when called.
Blessings,
Jennifer

cleaning

I started my morning with my now daily walks with my 2 dogs. I had several ideas of what to do today. But,  while walking, I decided I really wanted to clean my house.  How weird is that? But, I got home and started cleaning,  something I hadn't done for awhile since my husband usually does. But, due to my job changes recently, it seems I'm going to be home more right now. So, I thought cleaning sounded like something I could do. After awhile,  my husband got up. After getting his coffee,  he joined in on my cleaning frenzy.  So, we got to spend a very enjoyable day together cleaning and talking. It doesn't matter what we are doing.  I'm just happy to spend time together.
For years,  I've worked a lot.  I tend to enjoy being busy. But, the downside of that is tthat when I'm home,  I'm typically tired. So, although I am sometimes frustrated that I'm not working as much anymore,  I am trusting God and knowing He is in charge.  And, I'm wondering if God is telling me to enjoy the little things at home like spending a day cleaning the house with my husband. So, I plan to do just that and see what happens next.
So, where was God today? He gave me the gift of time today.
Blessings,
Jennifer

joy

Today was a great day! Nothing special happened.  My headache is completely gone. I finished some things at work that I needed to do. And, I spent the afternoon with some really great teens. We walked my dogs and played with them as they romped in the kiddie pool my husband got them.
But, for some reason,  today was filled with joy in the little things and I'm feeling blessed.
So, where was God today?  He was blessing me in so many little ways.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday

At 1:30 this morning I left the hospital,  still not completely better, but in a significantly less amount of pain. I went home and slept until it was time to get up for work. I was surprised that I woke up without an alarm and, although a little tired, I was definitely able to get up and go to work. I am grateful for my husband who took me and sat with me for hours while we waited at the hospital, and to the hospital staff who were very busy but took care of me. There were people there who were obviously in more serious condition than I was. In the waiting room, I heard someone ask the guy with her to pray with her. Another family waited anxiously while doctors took care of their relative who had been brought in by ambulance.
So, where was God today?  He was in the emergency room helping those who needed it and comforting those who needed comforting.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Sunday

This morning,  the youth shared inspiring stories about their summer experiences.  I love watching them poised and confident about their experiences and relationship with God.  They are an example of how we should all be-excited about telling others how God is working in our lives.
I also did something different this time. In the past, I had youth and sometimes a volunteer share. But, I had never had a parent share about the impact events had after their teens returned home. I always hear great things from the parents.  But, never had I heard a story so touching,  so compelling as one of the parents this summer.  I had to ask her to share a very personal story and luckily,  she agreed.  When she finished sharing,  there were not many dry eyes, including mine even though I had heard it before. Not only did she help others to understand the impact camp had made and God had made in her family's lives, but she also inspired some others to consider letting their special needs teens attend youth activities. It was an awesome message.
So, where was God today?  He gave those who spoke the words to say and the courage to say them.
Blessings,
Jennifer
To see the message, check out my facebook or comment for the link.

practice

This afternoon,  I met with a group of my youth to practice our service for tomorrow.  They had asked me if they could share about their summer experiences from camp and the mission trip. As it turned out, tomorrow works out really well. But, due to our schedule,  we didn't have many weeks to prepare once this Sunday was decided on. I figured it wasn't a big deal. Even if they had a month to plan what they wanted to say, they would all end up doing it last minute. So, I knew this afternoon would be very important.
I got there with one youth who I had brought with me. Another was there, too. But, minutes after everyone was supposed to be there, there were still only 3. But, all of a sudden,  a big group showed up. Whew!
So, they wrote what they wanted to say and we went into the sanctuary to practice.  Let me just say I can't wait until tomorrow!  I love hearing what God is doing in the lives of my youth.  And, I love that they are not only willing,  but excited to share it!
So, where was God today?  He gave my youth the words to say and the courage to say them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

yogurt

Today after work, I went to meet a friend for frozen yogurt. She and I met a month ago when we were co-counselors at the middle school camp. We spent several hours chatting,  laughing,  and catching up. She gave me a beautiful artwork that she made. I had seen it when she posted it on facebook and secretly thought, "i would love to have that because it's such a beautiful reminder of how special God made each one of us." To my surprise,  I now have it to look at and remind me daily.
Next week she leaves for college. It struck me as I was driving home how I spent a lot of time with several college age young adults.  At the beginning of the summer I wouldn't have guessed it. But, God definitely had a plan for them to be a part of my summer and for me to be a part of theirs.  As they head back to school and continue on their journey,  I can't wait to see what God has planned for them because they are such amazing young women and such amazing reflections of God.
So, where was God today?  He was in that time of fun and laughter because He knew that was just what I needed.  And, He is in the art to remind me that He loves me.
Blessings,
Jennifer

kindness

The last few weeks I have been dealing with a change in one of my jobs. Even though I know it was something I was good at doing and that it's the result of politics,  on some level I can't help but second guess myself. But, the last couple days, on several occasions,  I have had experiences with people where politics doesn't matter. Being around people who love and appreciate me just for showing them love and kindness helps me realize what is truly important. It has been a good reminder that as long as I do my best to show love to others,  God will take care of me. There will always be people who don't choose to show love and kindness to me or others. But, that's not for me to judge. What I need to worry about is my actions and remembering always that God loves me.
So, where was God today?  He was in those people who I love and who love me.
Blessings,
Jennifer

mission

I woke up this morning at 4am. I typically sleep very well. But the last few days I have woken up at strange times unable to get back to sleep for hours. This morning I gave up and got out of bed. I got ready for my day and felt pretty good even with my lack of sleep.  Then I took the dogs for their walks. I haven't had a chance to do that lately because of my crazy summer schedule. But, it was a great start to my day.
This afternoon was the last mission Monday of the summer. We worked on our new youth room, which I am really excited about. Mission Monday started from the thought that it doesn't have to be a mission week to do service for others. I had youth and adults who came every week to serve others, taking time out of their summer vacation to participate.  It was a great time! We did a variety of projects for a lot of different people. And, we were able to share God's love with others.
So, where was God today? He was in that group who chose to be His hands and feet each Monday this summer.
Blessings,
Jennifer

summer

Summer is over! I know it's not really fall. But, with school starting this week, my summer is coming to an end. And, with that, I am looking forward to more routine. I love summer and everything about it-warmth, being outside, more activities with my teens, and family fun. This was an amazing summer! Spending time going to camps, mission projects and trip, a beautiful wedding, I couldn't have wished for a better summer. After several attempts to keep up with writing this summer, I realized that spending half of the summer gone and in places without internet was making it impossible to keep up. But, now that I'm back, I'm back to writing.
I will sum up this summer by saying I saw God in many ways, in many people and circumstances,  in big and small ways. I spent more time this summer than I ever had the opportunity to spend talking to others about how God had worked in my life and how He could work in their life. What a blessing that has been! I am grateful that God has put me in a place to have those opportunities.
This not only marks a change of seasons for me but a time of other new opportunities. I see God working daily in my life and this past week was no different. I remember my mom always saying when God shuts one door He opens another. And,  that happened this week as I was offered new opportunities just as another seemed to be close to an end. I'm still working through the plan, but knowing God has it all under control has helped me rest easy.
So, where was God today?  He continued to instill in me that His plan is working and that He will always take care of me and my family.
Blessings,
Jennifer