tweens

Today was a new adventure for me! Tween Tuesday! 19 tweens showed up for a cookout and games. It was a little crazy, but an organized chaos.
I had met most of the kids at some point, but most were not regulars at our church. So, I had met them in other circles or because they attended once in awhile. There were about 4 I had never met. We divided into 3 groups to make the afternoon more manageable.
We ate and played games that would help them get to know their group members. Soon, I saw them connecting.
Although originally the day was going to be just food and games, I decided to start out the summer event by including some Bible stories. So, each group did a skit based on a parable. They created it, found their own costumes and props, and heard their parable several times. Then, they performed them for each other. Several told me this was their favorite part of the day! So, I am now thinking about ways to include more Bible stories. I love this age and how eager they are to learn!
At the end of our afternoon, I decided we should do candle time, just as the youth does. Their prayers of joy at being there, meeting new friends, and spending the afternoon together were so sweet and sincere! They really took their prayer time seriously, which is an accomplishment for squirrely tweens!
So, where was God today? He directed my plans for this afternoon.
Blessings
Jennifer

food

At youth group, we did a scavenger hunt for our local food pantry. We had 2 groups during middle school and 2 groups during high school. When all was done, we had about 10 bags of food! In my groups,  everyone who answered the door was more than happy to donate food, and usually several items, sometimes a bag of food! Only once did someone tell us no, but the house was being remodeled and I'm not even sure he lived there.  It was a fun way for the youth to help others, and a great way to get out into the community.
So, where was God today? He was in the youth who were being the hands and feet of Jesus, and in the neighbors who willingly gave.
blessings,
Jennifer

camp

So much catching up to do! A week without internet was a wonderful thing- except for the fact I couldn't share it on here! So many amazing things happened at camp last week that I think it would be impossible to share them all. But, I will try to post the highlights.
10 youth and 2 adults joined me on Sunday.  And, the first awesome thing was that my 2 adults were former youth. Watching them grow and mature in their faith to the point of sharing it with the next generation is a great thing for me. They were able to play the role of adult with an added bonus of relating well to the youth because it wasn't long ago that they were in their shoes.  One of the volunteers brought our original inspiration for daily scriptures that relate to our day. This has helped us to continue to stay focused on the Bible and get much more comfortable with it throughout this past year. Usually,  on Sundaynights, when the yyouth looked up their scriptures,  they used Google to find them. Not having internet, this past week gave them a chance to work on their Bible skills. And, they seemed more comfortable with it than I expected.  Each evening when it was time to share scriptures, they already had found them. I feel like making this practice for the past year and daily during trips has really changed something within our group.  Most of the times in the past, even though Bibles were on the list, they didn't have them. This year, they had them, took them to worship,  and used them throughout the week!
10 youth of varying personalities can tend to be a recipe for drama. This year we actually had a drama free week! That's huge! Everyone got along and relationships were strengthened throughout the time together.  There were some that were obviously trying extremely hard to avoid drama-something I hadn't seen from them in the past. This gave us the opportunity to get deeper and closer as a group.  It gave us time to talk about other things instead.  One night,  a 3 hour conversation which started withthe theme of fears brought us all to a level I didn't know could happen. From that conversation of sharing,  tears, and a few laughs, we became a different group.  It was evident from that night forward.
When asked if youth wanted to come forward during worship to pray,  several did, some for prayer and others to support their friends. But, coming forward to open up to God became a healing some needed to have.
One of the activities was a giant swing. This was something they either loved or hated, depending on how they feel about heights. And, although several were nervous,   in the end,with the eencouragement of their group and their faith that they would be ok, all 10 of our youth got on that swing. It took some time and it took some patience,  but, the ways that they encouraged and kept positive for each other was a beautiful thing. Never before had we been able to accomplish that.
On the last night,  worship is a big deal.  Usually, there are tears and even sobbing as they don't want to leave this place. But, on the last night, I predicted something different was about to happen. And, it did. Several in our group weren't able to be up front for the music,  health issues and the flashing lights didn't mix well. So, during the last set, all of our group rushed to the back so they could worship and sing together.  Arms around each other, swaying and praising God as one, this group wasn't crying because they had to leave in themmorning,  they were rejoicing with their friends who would be leaving with them. All of them, even thise who typically don't,  were hugging and just worshipping. It was beautiful!
I can't forget the workshop most of them went to that had them so excited they  kept talking about it, quoting it, and telling how their perspectives were changed. It was about sex, a topic 2s that they need to hear about from a Godly perspective rather than the media, their  friends,  and people around tyem. Hearing them talk about thinking differently after that was awesome!
 So many more things could be said,  so many moments could be shared. But, you get the idea.
So, where was God last week? He was in every moment we were there!!

retreat part 2

This morning when I got up, I went to church to spend some time with my new young friends. When I arrived, they were cleaning up their breakfast mess.
We hung the mural they created throughout their retreat- a blend of drawings, writing,  and origami- I love their creativity! They excitedly shared with me what they had learned after I left. And, we closed with a beautiful expression of encouragement and love being shared by each of them to each other.
These are the moments that 20 years from now they will remember and look back on as a time of impact on their lives. I love watching the lightbulbs go on as they realize things and make connections with God and their lives!
I talked to a parent this evening and she said her son has not stopped talking about his experiences.  That's what we want-young people to get so excited about God that they want to live it out and share it with everyone around them!
So, where was God today? He was in those young people who were so excited to have Him in their lives!
Blessings,
Jennifer

retreat

Tonight I am so excited! I got to spend the evening with some amazing people who shared and expressed God's love in great ways! Their eagerness to learn, to act on, and share God's lovee was truly inspiring to me. It just so happens that they are in 4th and 5th grade.
I got to attend a retreat for 4th and 5th graders with a theme of "fruit of the spirit". This was a great thing for several reasons.  I can see the potential of the young kids as they near my youth group,  I get to connect with them as we start to focus on a tween ministry,  and I get to be a participant instead of being in charge of things. But, besides those obvious joys, there were the moments. One boy was there who I hadn't seen for quite awhile and he was so excited to help in any way he could. Another boy was new to me and also jumped at the chance to be helpful.  One girl gave me hugs whenever she was near me. When we made pizza's,  I came in late since I was getting something else ready. She quickly invited me to join her in making her pizza. As they started writing in their journals, they were frantically writing, drawing,  or thinking about what they had learned. And, when asked,  it was obvious that they had learned. Later, 9 kids were intent on creating their mural to share with the congregation what they were learning.
As I left for the night, they asked if I would be back in the morning.  Definitely! I can not think of a better way to start my morning than hearing about their retreat experiences!
I am blessed as a youth leader to have a strong foundation of kids younger that are coming into youth group soon. I am grateful for the woman who is so experienced and dedicated to the children of the church and sharing God's love with them! Seeing her focused on the retreats throughout this week has just reassured me even more that I am where I am supposed to be and she is where she is supposed to be. And for that, I am grateful to God.
So, where was God today? He was in the hearts and minds of those 4th and 5th graders, and in their leaders.
blessings,
Jennifer

positivity

I can hardly believe it's already Thursday. This week has flown by. And, when I look back, I wonder where it went. It has been a week of planning and analyzing where my group is so I can figure out what to do next.
Today I had a conversation with someone about choosing to be positive. But, I am realizing I haven't been very positive myself this week. So, that needs to change starting right now!
Some pretty great things happened this week. I took 5 youth to dinner, along with the pastor and my intern, to celebrate their faithfulness to the church and the group. For 6 youth to come every Sunday to youth group for a whole school year seems pretty amazing in this time! I have at least 8 tweens signed up for our new summer program and they are all ones who have not come to things in the past, which means this program will potentially bring more youth to the church, and to God! I am consistently seeing my college youth grow and serve in ways I didn't expect to happen. I am connecting with other women who want to serve God by helping teen moms with me. I am connecting with youth who I haven't seen at church for awhile.  And, last but not least, I am preparing to leave for camp in a few days! How can life be any better?
Sometimes, I want the big things, the miraculous events, the obvious answers. But, that's not the way life works- the way God works. And sometimes I get so busy that I forget to stop and be thankful for the abundant blessings He gives every day.
So, where was God today? He was in everything and I am grateful.
Blessings,
Jennifer

outward

Outwardly focused church. What does that even mean? I got several days to discover just that at the conference I attended. Going outside the church to where the people are, finding ways to connect to those who don't normally go to church, and being welcoming and accepting when they do walk in the church doors are all thoughts I had throughout the conference. Hearing from speakers about ways to achieve these things were enlightening. Watching a documentary about dying churches was scary, although it had glimmers of hope.
But, bringing it home was the piece of the puzzle I didn't want to miss out on. What good is a conference if I don't share and use that information. So, it was only natural to use the topic as a springboard for discussion at youth group. I had already begun developing new programs that support this idea. So, the conference reinforced that I was on the right path. That's always helpful. Spending the summer providing opportunities for group building, relationship building, and creating opportunities for inviting others to not seem so scary are all part of my summer plan. Events focused on inviting the community are planned.
But, now what? That was one of the questions I asked my youth. And, after some great video clips challenging them to "do and be church" and to "make church a verb", discussions, and lots of thought, here were their answers.

1) meet somewhere else-go to the ppl -luhr park or other parks
2) apartment clubhouse events-vbs type activities-
3) flyers on apartment doors-
4) monthly community day youth party-
5) backyard get together
6)more community service-mission Monday
7) ask random ppl to go to church
8) distribute Bibles-
9) have spanish church
10) have outdoor service-
11) distribute things door to door-apartment

There are some big ideas here! Some might take awhile and some more thought. Others are pretty simple and can be quickly put into action. But, all of them are ways that we can be an outwardly focused church. So, I am looking forward to what comes next.
So, where was God today? He was helping them come up with ideas to bring His love to others.
blessings,
Jennifer

conference part 2

During the conference I recently attended, I had the opportunity to hear quite a few young people preach. It was an inspiring time for several reasons.  When I was in high school, I had neither the confidence or the motivation to get up in front of a room full of strangers and friends and preach. But, these young people not only had great things to share, they also did it with poise and confidence.
Spending an entire morning listening to sermons is not always the way to have a good time. But, when listening to such a variety of styles and ways to share God's message, it was a great way to spend a morning. Although there was a theme of "stories" that doesn't give a whole lot of direction.  So, it was clearly God at work in their hearts and in their words when the stories they shared seemed to progress as the mornings went on.Back to back messages talked of healing, then came a challenge of sharing God's love followed by a narration of pentacost.
Another great part of the event was hearing introductions by the mentors. They encouraged, shared of experiences, and expressed joy in being a mentor. It's a great part of the young preacher program. It was obvious there was a mutual admiration and support.
In the evening, I attended a dinner where more young people preached. Their excitement was contagious. I was surprised at how quickly the dinner ended. Again, being engaged by their words and confidence in sharing God's message, I enjoyed the evening.
So, where was God today?  He was giving those young preachers the words to say and the confidence to say them.
blessings,
Jennifer

conference part 1

Last week, I was at a conference.  I enjoyed a week of very little internet. Unplugging was an added bonus to an already great week.
I was there as part of the youth ministry team- a group of teens representing youth from churches all over the state. They chose to spend the beginning of their summer vacation talking about church business, God, and what the church should be doing. So, that should give you an idea of how awesome they are.
The theme of the conference was an outwardly focused church. So, that gave us a lot to think about and talk about. But, even more to do! A worship time designed to be open to the community, both business people, families,  and homeless, as well as conference attendees, both from our conference and others at the convention center, was an exciting event! Music, food, activities for all, and balloons showered the street! When I looked at all the pictures I took, I noticed balloons everwhere and it made me smile. Some of the youth were at times a little squirrelly. But, when it came time to hand out postcards and balloons to welcome and invite people, they were so excited! They loved being able to share God with others. Sometimes,  we share God by talking about Him, sometimes by service, and then, by being welcoming, accepting, and loving to all. So, those red balloons represented God's love to all.
One girl was experiencing her first conference, maybe even her first youth event. When it was time for her to eat, tears welled in her eyes. Yes, she was hungry. But, she saw others who were probably so much hungrier. She couldn't help but be pulled to help. She gave up her lunch to give to someone who would have otherwise been hungry. I think that was a lesson God had planned for both of them. She needed that experience to help her understand the compassion and love for another, and the other person probably didn't expect someone so young to be the one to help him that day. I think we all can learn some things from both perspectives of this story.
One of the youth volunteered to be a prayer person. I think that's pretty awesome considering there are even a lot of adults who would not be very comfortable having random people come up to you for prayers.
Another group went around passing out postcard invitations to the community. While walking,  they had conversations with some homeless people and ended up taking them for lunch. The youth had an experience I doubt they will ever forget.  One of the youth shared with me that she now realized that the homeless have stories to tell, they have lives and reasons why they are there. And, homelessness became real to her, the people became real to her. This valuable lessen will shape the way these girls treat people from now on.
The people along the street had a chance to engage in conversations with friends and strangers, listen to Christian music, and have a great time in a positive Christian environment. The weather was beautiful. There was an abundance of food options. And, most importantly,  God was there!
So, where was God today? Without a doubt, He was loving worship on Georgia Street.
blessings,
Jennifer

tweens

Yesterday, I made my first announcement in church about Tween Tuesday. Today,  I posted it on Facebook.  Nobody ever rsvp's! But, by the end of the day, 3 tweens are signed up to be a part of it. Every Tuesday this summer, we will be having activities and field trips to build relationships with tweens in the community.  The 3 that are signed up are somewhat connected to the church but not overly active, never set foot in the church, or have been gone for awhile.  I am so excited to see these 3 groups of people represented in only the first day to sign up!
I also got a check in the mail from a grant I applied for to help with costs! We plan to take field trips which means transportation expenses.
To me, these are all signs that we are following God's plan for where He wants our ministry to go. Expanding or doing different things can always be a time of wondering. But, I feel God in this! So, I am now even more excited to see where it leads.
Our hopes are many, but mainly, to reach the youth of the community around us that seems to not have much direction, and to connect with younger tweens while they still are open to hearing what a life with God in it has to offer them. Hopefully,  they will then want to continue and be a part of youth group and the church.
So, where was God today? He helped to affirm that this is where we should be and what we should be doing.
blessings,
Jennifer

aunt

13 years ago today,  my life changed! I can still remember getting the call, rushing around like crazy,  frantically driving to get there, and then waiting! And waiting... But, finally,  my first niece was born!
There are not too many titles I can think of that are better than the title of aunt. So, that was an awesome day! A month later, I got a lot more nieces and nephews when I married the love of my life. How many times I have been blessed!
Being an aunt, I get to do the fun things and not have to do the tough stuff-painting nails, doing hair, giving loud toys for Christmas and birthdays, and just having fun.
Last summer, I got to spend extra time with my niece since she not only spent a week with me, but also went to camp with me. I got to get to know her even better, see the beautiful person she is becoming, and hear how she is maturing into a loving and caring person. During her week with me, she participated in "mission Monday", a weekly service project oriented activity for the youth. This summer, she is so excited to come back for the week and I honestly think a lot of the reason is so she can do mission Monday! How awesome is that?!
I can't believe 13 years have come and gone. But, I am so happy to see the young lady she is becoming- someone who loves God and loves others.
So where was God today? Celebrating the birthday of one of His children.
Blessings,
Jennifer

weekend

This post covers Friday and Saturday.  Both days I had the joy of time. I am usually so busy with things that I barely have any time left.  But over the past 2 days,  I have been able to sleep in, go out for lunch with my husband,  spend time with family,  read, and relax.
I am grateful for the much needed time and I consider it a gift.  It may be the calm before the storm that is summer,  but it's just what I need to prepare me for the next few months.  And, it's not over since I get to enjoy the rest of this long weekend.  Of course,  doing the youth service tomorrow probably won't be relaxing,  but I am hoping it will be an awesome part of my long weekend anyway.
So, where was God today? He gave me a beautiful day to find comfort,  rest, and joy.
blessings,
Jennifer

introvert

Today was week 3 of the new group I am doing.  It's still a group of people who are waiting for some teens in need of some help, guidance,  and love. So, we spent today continuing to get to know each other and pray for the girls we hope will eventually have the courage to come.
I asked a series of questions today.  One of them got the same answer from several,  and I could have given the same answer.  What do most people here not know about me. They answered "i am an introvert".  I am,  too. I love people and have some great people in my life.  But,  i am not always comfortable in big crowds and in new situations.  As I got older,  I was forced to be in situations that I felt uncomfortable,  but, believing strongly in why I was there gave me the confidence to be there.
So, today reminded me of that. I realized that every person in that room was there for a reason.  And, whether we felt it was a comfortable situation or not, we all made the stretch to be there. But, I think the key in all of this is the confidence in God that since He led us to His plan for us, He would equip us. At least for me, I know that I can be outspoken and outgoing when I am doing His work because it's what I am called to do.
So, those times I would rather sit quietly in a corner and watch,  I trust that God gives me the courage to get up and speak.
So, where was God today? He put a bunch of introverts in a room and gave them the courage to speak,  to share, and to work for Him
blessings,
Jennifer

walk

A few weeks ago during the 30 hour famine,  we did some work for a member of the congregation.  We found out that she is no longer able to walk her dog. Being a dov lover and living nearby,  it seemed a perfect thing for me to walk her dog a few days a week.  Today when I went to walk her I also spent some time talking to the woman.  Before I knew it, 2 hours had passed! We had such a great time chatting and I learned so much about this wonderful person.  I also listened as she asked about several college students,  knowing a lot about them already.  I realized that she has spent her life helping kids,  spending time with them, and even now when she is not in the greatest health she is  still mentoring children.
I was grateful for those 2 hours and look forward to seeing her the next time I walk her dog Life is full of those moments-the amazing times we either take the opportunity to enjoy or we rush on and pass them by. I am afraid I am sometimes so busy I pass them  y. I am working on stopping and enjoying them. Today,  I am glad I did.
So where was God today? He gave me those 2 hours.
Blessings,
Jennifer

vision

Today was a great day! After church, we had our first vision and goal setting meeting.  I have a team of people from different aspects of the church- different services,  a volunteer,  a parent, and today a college student and a youth were also part of the team. Joined with the pastor,  children's ministry director, and me, we had a goal to get things done.
And, we did! What I used to think about and do somewhat on my own now became a group project with imput from some great people who care about our youth. And, what came out of that was some great ideas and plans for our future.  Tomorrow,  I am putting it all together and getting the details in motion. It was evident that God was in that room as we all came to agreements on where the youth program is and where it should be heading.
Then, tonight, I had planned a youth group focused on friends and group building,  something we will work on alot this summer. The youth were encouraged to bring or go get friends and they did! It was awesome to see the youth room full of teens! Several were back after not being there for awhile. One girl I had seen at her choir concert the other night, but hadn't seen at church in a year, decided to start coming again.  Not only did she come tonight but she said she and her boyfriend are coming Wednesday!
I feel prayers for my youth ministry working.
Tomorrow I start working with my summer intern. I am excited about that and can't wait to see what opportunities this brings us both.
So, where was God today? He was in the planning,  in the meeting we had, and with my youth, new and old, who came tonight.
blessings,
Jennifer

restart

Hello, my friend! I decided awhile back that my time blogging had run its course. It never meant I stopped looking for God daily. So many amazing things have happened since I last wrote anything! Mission trip, 30 hour famine, and several youthworker events all were impactful in my life and the lives of my youth.
I also decided to write my own youth curriculum focused on spiritual disciplines. I consistently have used parts of curriculum and added my own thing or done something completely my own, but this time I am writing it all to keep for future use or to share. I am pretty excited about it and thw first 5 week focus went really well!
But, somehow in the midst of all these things, I have been feeling somewhat off. This winter was rough and hurt my group's consistency. Snowstorms almost every weekend made canceling youth group all too normal of an event. But, I don't even think that is it.
The other day, while driving to work, I started thinking and my blog came to mind. I realized that it helped me stay focused, accountable to myself, and reminded daily of God working all around me. Not that I haven't seen it lately, but I think I need to express it as part of my time to focus. And, I think I need this time of writing to slow down at least once a day. Busyness is my blessing and my curse.
So, here I am again. Writing. Looking for God in my daily life.
And, it seems an appropriate time to start again as I am in the process of starting some exciting new things and planning my year ahead tomorrow. We are having our first vision and goals meeting and so some quiet time tonight is probably the perfect way to prepare. At least I hope so. I also spent the day learning and talking about tweens. This new potential for growth in our ministry is exciting and I can't wait to see where it goes!
The other thing I am excited about is a teen mom group that I am starting to lead. This is an area close to my heart and I feel God is leading me to use my experiences to help others. I am also seeing other women who are becoming willing to use their experiences to help others. This is an awesome way of sharing God's love to those who need to feel it.
So, lots of good things happening right now! I see God in the plans and preparing and that's an awesome feeling!
What is not an awesome feeling is my headaches that have been consistent lately. I wake up with one, try to tackle most of my day in denial, and come home to become painfully aware it's still there. This keeps me lacking the energy I want to have and the focus and thoughts I want since at times my brain turns to mush and I forget things. It's frustrating and I know there are many people in much worse situations, but I still don't like it!
I am trusting God will give me an end to this headache cycle, but it would be helpful to me if his timing matched mine. I know that doesn't usually work that way.
So, I am glad to be back here. I look forward to writing again. And, I am not promising daily posts, but I am going to try.
So, where was God today? He was in my workshop, in my travels there and back, and in my decision to finally come back here.
blessings,
Jennifer

plan

I love it when a plan comes together!  I have been looking forward to tonight's youth group for several weeks. I had to postpone it last week due to the weather. So I had an extra long wait.
But,  tonight I had a new volunteer and I was glad she was there to be a part of it. It's exciting when people come up  to me and ask to volunteer!  And,  that's what happened with my new volunteer.  We started the evening with a breathing exercise and meditation.  While checking out YouTube,  I had come across a video that went right along with the meditation I read. So, it really had a lot more impact by putting that all together.  What amazed me was I didn't hear a sound from any of them!  They were all fully engrossed in their own thoughts and meditation.  Throughout the rest of the evening, they went through prayer stations,  which I noticed they took seriously and wrote some really raw feelings.  They also spent time looking through the Bible and choosing a scripture passage to focus on this year. The volunteer leading that station said he was struck by the fact that they were all very comfortable searching for scripture and easily found their passages.  That's awesome to me considering a year ago I know that would not have been the case. The finalsstation was a discussion of questions from an article written by our pastor.  The questions were based on things that would make this year the best year for ourselves,  the church,  our community,  etc. They wrote the answers down so that we can create aa prayer list from it.
I am amazed at how seriously they took each part of our evening and I look forward to 2014, where we can focus on these things.
So, where was God today?  I started out by saying I love it when a plan comes together.  The reason I love it is that when it comes together this well, I know I didn't plan it. And I am grateful that God planned our evening.
Blessings,
Jennifer

dinner

Today was a pretty quiet day. I had nowhere I had to be all day. So, it was nice to have some time to relax.
This evening,  I went to dinner with my son. We had a great time chatting and eating at a local restaurant.  Sometimes I am blown away by the fact that he is almost 20! Tonight,  as we talked,  several times he talked of instances when he had to have adult conversations with people,  where he had to be the grown-up and set the moral example.  And, I am so proud of him for that.  Of course,  being almost 20, he still has a lot to learn, but I think he's starting to grow up enough to know he doesn't quite know everything. But,  I am grateful that the years of being surrounded by church,  a God loving family,  and friends that were mainly from church,  I think some of it sunk in.
So,, where was God today?  He was in my son,, in our conversation,  and in the gift God gave me almost 20 years ago when he was born.
Blessings
Jennifer

Bible

For Christmas there is never anything I reallywant-it's more about spending time with people I love.   But,  when I had been asked several times,  I finally told my husband about something I'd been wanting for awhile-a Bible.  I had several,  but never had a special one I read over and over,  with notes in the margins and something I looked to sentimentally as well as for guidance.
 But,  I didn't think I was actually going to get it, so I was really surprised on Christmas morning when my husband handed me a gift.  We had stopped exchanging gifts years ago. It was the one I wanted,  a parallel Bible.  I quickly got a cover for it to protect it.
 And, then I got an idea. After thinking about how cool it has been to watch my youth talk about scripture verses they like, and knowing the verse my mom taught me that has influenced me so much,  I thought about how interesting and inspiring it is to hear and know the words that speak to someone. So, I decided to ask the people around me to highlight their favorite scripture and put their name by it. I can't wait to read my Bible years from now and still be able to look come across special verses from my loved ones.
So, tonight as I met with several youth and college students,  I asked them to highlight theirffavorite verses. They were really excited and I was really excited that they knew right away what and where the verses were. Earlier in the day, I had been at the hospital waiting with one of my youth as she nervously awaited surgery. She often looks to scripture so I asked her to pick some and highlight them. It was a  great way to get her  to relax and focus on scripture that could help give her some peace.
So, where was God today?  He was speaking to me and also to everyone who wrote in my Bible as they thought about His  special words to them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

new

As a new year begins,  I thought it would be a good time to freshen up the look of my blog.  I haven't updated it since I started it about 2 years ago. So, it was definitely time.
I've spent the last 2 months absorbed in the joy of the holidays. The last few years thanksgiving has been much more meaningful as I spent the month before focused daily on things I am thankful for. The blessings that God has given me are endless and I find this is a great time for me to reflect on that.
When advent came, I was ready to begin the joy of the season. This year,  I decided to create my own sort of advent calendar. Each day I posted a way we could experience or share with others the advent focus for the week, hope,  peace,  joy,  and love. Each year as I lead my youth through this 4 week journey through advent,  I find myself becoming more and more absorbed in advent and less absorbed in Christmas itself.  And, before I knew it, Christmas was here! Then,  it was time to celebrate!  And, besides a few glitches (otherwiseknown as ssickneses) it was a wonderful time. And, it went on until yesterday,  epiphany.  Now, I guess it's time to take the decorations down,  but I'm still enjoying them.
So, now the calendar has turned to a new year.  We rang in the new year with family,  friends,  and youth. I really enjoyed our traditional new year's eve party for whoever wants to be there.
As I look ahead,  I don't have a new year's resolution in mind. I guess I stopped making those a few years ago. There are a lot of things I started this past year and am hoping to continue.  I want to continue getting healthy,  I want to continue reading my Bible,  which I will hopefully finish midyear, I want to continue working towards the goals I set with my youth and keeping myself disciplined to do all of these things. I guess for me, the new year was more like a reminder of what I did this past year and where I want to go this year. A few of those things I was starting to slack in so it was like a new year fresh start.
As the new year approached and I thought about that, I thought of how refreshing that seemed.  And, then I thought of how God can make all things new whenever we ask Him to! How awesome!  We all make mistakes,  we all slack a little at times, and no matter what we do, God gives us another chance to start over.  For that,  I am grateful.
So, where was God today? Giving second chances,  making things new for all of us.
Blessings,
Jennifer