Sunday

I still sometimes wonder how I got so lucky. Today is one of those days. I think about my job and how much I  love what I do and am amazed that I get paid to do something I love so much! I get to spend time with great people,  get to have inspiring conversations with people,  get to share in people's lives and help them along their journey toward God,  and have a lot of fun!
Today,  I got to do all of those things!
So, where was God today?  Everywhere!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Saturday

Today was just a really great day. I started the day by walking my dogs. It typically brightens my day when it starts out walking them. How can it not when I see how happy they are when I spend 20 minutes with them?
Later in the afternoon,  a teen texted me who I have been praying about.  She has some struggles and the last time I had talked to her she wasn't in a great place.  I had let her know she was loved and welcomed anytime and made sure she knew no matter what forgiveness was always possible.  And, then I had to wait.  So, finally she reached out. We ended up going to dinner and then movie night for teens at a local church.  At dinner,  she was able to tell me what happened and take responsibility for her actions,  looking for waysto mmake things right.  She still has struggles-her homelife keeps going against her. But,  I am excited she is looking towards the right path again.
So, where was God today?  He was with me, giving me the words to say to help this teen.
Blessings,
Jennifer

MRI

Today I had an MRI.  It was scheduled a few weeks ago when I was suffering from constant headaches.  I have never had one before but I have been with my husband several times when he was getting one. It made him nervous when he had to have one, so I was nervous about getting one this morning.
So as they rolled me into the tube,  I closed my eyes,  thinking that would help me not think about being in such a tight space.  Then the sounds started and it was extremely loud!  I'm not good with noises-white noises drive me crazy.  This was like extremely loud white noise.
So, I did the best thing I could think of to calm me down and drown out the sounds.  I started praying,  repeating over and over in my head, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I talked to God about a few other things,  but mainly,  I used that scripture verse to help me and calm me down,  reminding me that I could do anything because I have Him with me.
So, where was God today?  He was helping me, comforting and calming me.
Blessings,
Jennifer

judgment

Last week,  I wrote about how God had shown me the value of what I'm doing right now even though I'm not at the teen center every day. Yesterday,  they posted on Facebook looking for someone to do my job. I am grateful for my realization last week so that I could be more at peace with the situation.  Since they haven't had a conversation with me about replacing me, I am confused at their actions.  I am saddened by their lack of concern for the teens that may turn to trouble if another option isn't given.  The new plan doesn't include them being welcomed at the teen center.
But,  this is a time when I know I have to trust God,   knowing that He will take care of me and of my teen center kids by providing some way to help them. What I am also struggling with is something I rarely ever struggle with, almost to a fault.  I am tolerant of everyone and do my best to always show unconditional love. Today,  it has been difficult not to judge. I realize it's not my place to do so, but it has been popping up today.  Seeing so many people being mistreated is just not sitting right with me. I know i am supposed to turn the other cheek, but it's hard to let things go.
So, where was God today?  He kept me from saying or doing some of the things in  my head. And,  I'm planning to continue relying on Him to keep me in line.
Blessings,
Jennifer

weekend

I was so excited on Friday getting ready for my lock-in! It was the first actual one that was that wasn't part of a 30 hour famine. So, I was looking forward to something different.  The focus of the event was to have group building activities to help the group connect.  So, I had something planned that I have wanted to do for years.  We went to a challenge course and the best part was I wasn't in charge.  I was a participant-part of the group.  It was a day of  meeting new people,  having new experiences,  getting through some rough times,  stretching limits,  and building relationships.  They all had a great time-even if they had times of panic about doing something they may not be excited about,  we accomplished all of the goals and ended the day feeling great about themselves and each other. Mission accomplished!
Afterwards,  we went to a bonfire hosted by a church member.  She made lots of great food,  had a big fire,  and outdoor activities for the youth.  After dinner,  one of the youth got her guitar and started playing while several joined in by singing.  Before I knew it, we were all singing songs and then telling scary stories-typical bonfire fun. It was a perfect evening.
The next morning,  we hosted coffee hour for the congregation so that they could see our new room.  It was a great morning of talking to people about the youth,  seeing how  many people of our congregation support the youth!  I had people offer their time, ask what the youth still needed for their room,  and state that they are  going to strongly support the summer camp programs after hearing from the youth.
So where did i see God this weekend?  One of my volunteers told me if we talked at youth group about where we saw God on Sunday,  he saw God in the congregation and their love and support for the youth.  I agree!  This was a weekend when I can't think of a moment when I didn't see God. 

encounters

I have been praying a lot about where God wants me to be. 2 years ago, I felt strongly that God wanted me to run the local teen center,  to get it going and help teens who needed a positive environment.  I left my job of 11 years and went where He led me. I  met some great teens who just needed someone who believed in them.  I loved being there. Some days were crazy and hectic,  others were quiet and boring.  But,  for all those times I got to connect with teens who needed a listening ear, it was worth it.
It's basically been 5 months since I was there. Their "restructuring" has gone on longer than it would if they intended to do what needs to be done.
So, lately I've been asking God what He wants me to do. This week, every day I have had some sort of encounter that I would not have had if I was at the teen center.  I've been to sports activities where I talked to parents of a potential new youth,  I even ran into someone at the grocery store who recognized me from working at the church where her child goes to preschool. She wanted to know more about the youth group for her older son. I've been able to volunteer and connect with youth I wouldn't normally see.
I've been feeling guilty.  I love my life right now! I'm home with my family more, I can take time out to write,  I've been able to start a "read the Bible in a year" devotional,  and I have time to take better care of myself.  But,  I've been feeling guilty that if the teen center reopens and I don't go, id be abandoning those teens.  But,  as I was walking my dogs this morning,  my best time to think and pray,  I felt like He was using these daily things to tell me it's ok. I feel like He is telling me to take this time to focus on the things that I am doing and to look at all of the potential around me. So, that's what I am going to do-continue looking for ways to share God,  not for what I'm not doing but what I can do.
I just have to keep listening to Him.  I'm pretty sure He will let me know if I'm on the right track.  For now, I will enjoy the time I have to connect more with my youth,  spend more time with my family,  and take care of myself spiritually,  emotionally,  and physically.
So, where was God today?  He helped me see what I think He has been trying to tell me for awhile now.
Blessings,
Jennifer

goals

This week,  I sat down and put pen to paper the thoughts in my head.  In my mind,  I know what I want for my youth ministry this year. I even planned out how to pursue the goals I have.  But,  having them just in my head doesn't give anyone else a chance to help me pursue them and it doesn't give me accountability.  So, on Monday I wrote out these 5 goals.
1-help the youth get more comfortable reading and relating to the Bible.
2-help the youth continue getting more comfortable with prayer (this is a continuing goal from last year that has been very evident in of improvement)
3-help the youth be able to talk about God with their peers and invite them to church
4-have contact with at least 30 youth and college students weekly
5-send something personal to 2 college/out of town youth every month-in addition to college boxes
So, I decided to see how many youth I come into contact with in a week,  including through technology but with the majority being face to face. From Sunday through Thursday,  I had conversations with at least 33 youth!  It wasn't a huge turnout last Sunday so I wasn't sure how many I would see. But, I am excited to think that I had at least 33 opportunities to connect already this week! That doesn't include youth that aren't part of my group. How awesome is that? ! Sunday nights are important,  but so are those relationships that build every day.
So, where was God today?  He is helping me focus and helping me realize the blessings and responsibility I have as a youth director.
Blessings,
Jennifer

connected

When I started at the teen center,  I met a teen who had recently moved to the area.  He came almost every day. I chatted with his parents when they came to pick him up and they were very supportive of the teen center.  Suddenly,  he stopped coming.  When I ran into his stepmom a few months later,  I found out he moved to another city to live with his mom.  He was a great kid with a lot of potential if he could stay on the right path. I
Since then, his dad and stepmom moved to that city and regained custody.
Last week, I found out his father passed away,  leaving his stepmom custody of him. Being too young to pass away so suddenly,  I can't imagine the shock and loss his family feel right now. I have been thinking of them wondering how I could help, thinking I need to reach out but not knowing how when I'm so far away. Then it came to me! I know a great youth leader in the city he moved to! I hesitated at first,  wondering if it would sound awkward.  But,  the least she could do was say no. So, I sent a message to his stepmom and asked if she was interested in connecting with the leader. She responded that she would love to get him involved and info was exchanged.  Of course,  my friend was more than willing to connect and offer support and welcome him.
I am grateful for the connections I have made through the Methodist church.  I have always enjoyed and gained knowledge and support from them.  But,  I had never thought about it as a way to help the youth. Now,  I have found a new way to help others.
So, where was God today?  He helped me connect people who needed to connect.
Blessings,
Jennifer

sheep

Sometimes I pour into someone and then have to let go, using my only tool left.  Luckily,  it's the most powerful one. Yes, sometimes all we can do is pray.  That has been the case with someone lately.  After years of ups and downs in His relationship with God-usually to an extreme,  I lost touch with him. Since I would usually see him almost every day, I knew that some of his bad choices had probably caught up with him. It saddened me to think he was struggling.  But,  I hoped for something to change.
This morning as I walked in to church,  a friend told me he was here. I went to him and hugged him, letting him know that he was welcomed and loved.  He looked like I had never seen him-clean and rid of the things his body had been subjected to. We talked for a bit and he shared about some of his experiences. Then he got distracted by his dad walking in the room. He excitedly told me his dad was here. He had only shown up on a few special occasions so it was a pretty big deal.
Tonight he came to youth group and asked me if he could share with the group.  I agreed.   He talked about making bad choices and paying the consequences-that he never wanted to do that again.  He said he prayed every day and asked God for a second chance and he was grateful that he got it.
I am hoping this time it will stick,  that he will remember that his choices choose his path. But,  at least I know that in a time when he was struggling,  when all his choices failed him, he knew to turn to God. He knew that he could pray to God for help and was assured God answered him. I wish I could give all my youth a trouble free life.  But that would not be possible.  What I guess the real goal should be is to give them tools to find God when they are lost-to give them something to come back to when they need something to rely on. And, to make sure they know that they are always loved.
So, where was God today?  He was celebrating the return of His lost sheep.
Blessings,
Jennifer

parade-Saturday

Although I have been talking about my reunion this weekend,  I have to admit that for some reason,  I was even more excited this morning when I found out my nephew was in a parade with his boyscouts. Not living nearby,  I miss out on lots of those cool moments.  So, today when I got to be there,  it made my day!
After the parade,  we made a quick stop and then spent the afternoon at my parents doing absolutely nothing.  I mean nothing!  It was awesome!  My sister and I napped while my nieces and nephew played.  Then we watched tv shows about puppies and kittens.  It was just what I needed.  The evening ended with a trip out for dinner.  I have been on a special diet because of my headaches so eating hasn't been so much fun lately-although definitelyworth it ssince I'm on day 6 of being headache free. But,  when I looked at the menu,  I found something I really enjoyed. Spending time with family was even better than the food.
So, where was God today?  I saw Him in my family and the time I spent with them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

people-Friday

Tonight I went to my class reunion. I had no idea what to expect and I was a little nervous that I wouldn't recognize people.  Luckily,  I was able to recognize people and they recognized me. During the evening,  several people told me I  looked the same as I did in high school. That got me started thinking.  I may look similar,  although I didn't have any grey hair in high school,  but I feel like a totally different person now. We are all different people now. It didn't matter if we weren't friends in school,  we shared something in common. I noticed I wasn't the only one not drinking,  in fact,  more were not drinking than those drinking.  We talked about our  families,  our jobs, our lives.   But,  I didn't feel anyone was "showing off" like they had something to prove. All of that didn't seem to matter-who was more successful than who. We have all been through a lot in the last 20 years.  I enjoyed catching up with people from my past.
On the other hand,  I am surrounded now by people I choose to have in my life, whether they live near or far, that give me joy, hope, and love.  In the last 20 years,  I  have met a lot of people.  And, there are people I have kept in my life because they make me want to be a better person.  The people who tried to pull me down,  I ended up letting go of. I can pray for them and wish them the best without becoming a victim in their efforts.
I guess this reunion has put me  in a reflective state of mind lately.  And, today it's helping me realize just how grateful I  am for  the people God put in my  life! If you are reading this,  I am sure that there is some way I am grateful for you.
So where was God today?  I guess He gave me a chance to stop and think about all of the  amazing people He has put in  my life.
Blessings,
Jennifer

path

It's day 2 of being headache free. That's a big deal after the month I've had. I'm not completely sure why they came or why they have gon. But,  I do know that right now I am extremely aware of everything I put into my body, I am making a more conscious effort to exercise once or twice a day,  and am pretty happy with life in general.
I feel I have more time to enjoy life now than I ever had. And, even though I am not working 24/7 we are doing ok in the financial department.
It's the beginning of our year for my youth and I feel I have new goals and ways in place to achieve them.  I would love to see more youth there on a consistent basis and would love them to bring their friends.  But,  I'm hoping that will happen as the year goes on.
I'm not sure what my point is in this post. I guess since my class reunion is tomorrow I've been thinking about my life.  And,  the only conclusion I can come to is that I feel truly blessed.  I'm not where I thought I would be 20 years ago when I graduated.  Instead,  I'm where God planned for me right now. And, I can't argue with Him.
So, where was God today?  I guess I'd have to say He is guiding my path.
Blessings,
Jennifer