Volunteer

I've known her for most of her life. She's 20 now. After graduating from high school with a life skills certificate, she chose to continue learning for another year. Then, she was too old to continue in the program. I was amazed so see her growth and maturity throughout the program.
Last year, she asked if she could volunteer in the church office one morning a week. Knowing she had experience with several job training things, and that she had matured into a great young lady, I was happy to have her start. Her first day there she was eager to learn and do whatever was asked of her. After she went home, she told her mom she needed some office clothes for her day at the office. She definitely dresses better and more professional than I do now! :)
Earlier this month, she asked if she could add another day to her volunteering. Of course, I thought it was great! Here is someone who could get a job but who has chosen to volunteer at the church instead. What a blessing!
Today was the first day I got to work with her for her whole day due to scheduling the last few weeks. What a joy! When I got there, she was decorating the bulletin boards and office doors for Valentine's Day. She was so excited and proud of her work! When she was done with that, she worked in the youth room and I was so grateful. She had no problem vacuuming and cleaning off tables, something I never find time to do. Then we carried some heavy things up to the attic and not one complaint.
It's such a joy to see someone happy to do whatever needs to be done- willing to sere however she can!
So, where was God today? He was in my volunteer who joyfully did what she could to help the church.
Blessings,
Jennifer  

Connections

I spent most of the day working on plans for summer activities. I can't wait for vacation Bible school and camp!
I love the weekly activities that help to build and maintain relationships and commitments to God. But, growing up, camps and retreats were instrumental to my faith journey. So, I love the opportunities and possibilities that these events can bring! VBS was always fun and always is an exciting week where the whole congregation can work together to reach out to the children of the community. That is an awesome thing to think about! So, I love dreaming and planning for these events.
Today, I talked to people about camp and am excited that we may need a bigger cabin because we don't have enough room! Our connections with other churches is expanding and I love that our youth can connect with teens all around them who are going to be experiencing the awesomeness of camp with them!
While working on VBS, I started to list the people we would need- which came out to about 50. This seems like a long list, but I am already starting to fill it. So, I am envisioning 50 adults loving children of the community throughout the week! How cool is that?! I ordered our VBS package at a greatly discounted price. Then, I went online and posted on some of my church facebook pages asking if anyone had any of the extras. Several people have already responded with offers of their cool extras! Cool decorations and supplies- here we come. So, that leaves more of our budget for some of the other necessities to help make the week fun and inviting for the kids.
Lastly, I got a confirmation for the last link to the spring break mission trip. The 3 day trip means we are staying at a lot of churches along the way there and back. So, I've been busy confirming all of the places. The last one just confirmed tonight!
I love that the Methodist Church is a connectional ministry! By connecting with other churches, we are all able to bring more children and youth to know and build a relationship with God! We also get a chance to build relationships with each other.
So, where was God today? He was in the connections He helped bring together.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hallway

Monday is my long term planning and event planning day. I could spend days doing this because I love event planning! I also have a lot of ideas that I need to work on getting past the idea stage. But, today I spent most of the time on the upcoming events that are just around the corner.
But, I got to spend some of my workday meeting with some awesome people who are so supportive of the children and youth of the church. I can't imagine being able to do what I do without them all!
Last spring, we began to remodel our youth area. We actually moved and expanded into two rooms. Through that move, several other things were forced to move. All ended up being for the better! The nursery area is now remodeled and our preschool rooms moved and are also really great!
But, now it has made some other areas stand out with their clutter and unwelcoming feeling. So, today we met to talk about some ideas to revitalize the next area! The hallway where the children's classes are is the first place children and families see when they go to Sunday school class or our Wednesday class. It's truly the first impression of what we are offering for our children. So, the welcoming atmosphere is vital to the programs.
Through one of the awesome people at the meeting, a beautiful picture of Jesus is being donated! It will be surrounded by pictures of all of the children who attend the church programs. I am grateful for the love and generosity of this gift.
Other aspects of this area are also in need of some help. This falls under the committee of one of the other awesome people at the meeting. I am so grateful for the support of her and her committee who work to make things happen. And, knowing that they want to see a more welcoming space for our children and families is such a blessing!
So, where was God today? He was in the people who I talked to who showed their love and support for helping the children learn about Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Overnight

Sunday's post
Today, I spent most of the day at church. Most Sundays I start at 7:40 and end my day around 10 pm. Sometimes I get a couple hours in the afternoon for a little relaxing. But, not always. So, Sunday's posts will probably not appear until Monday!
Today I was thinking alot about the upcoming mission trip. After spending Saturday night looking at Rockport info, I couldn't help getting excited about going there to help, but also getting anxious for all of the details to be definite.
I had contacted a big Methodist Church along the route we are taking. It seemed to be about the distance we wanted to travel that day. They had said they would get back to me, but that was awhile ago. So, I was getting anxious and doubtful that they wanted us to stay there. After years of planning mission trips, I have figured out when churches are excited about serving by hosting youth mission trip groups and those churches who would rather not have us there. In talking to one of the families that is connected to the education ministry, I was reminded that they used to live in Texas. She mentioned it was too bad we couldn't stop in the town they lived in and stay at their former church. After our conversation, I checked the route and realized there was an alternate route right through the town!
I talked to her and she contacted the church by sending my mission trip info email. The immediate response was that they would have to check but would love to have us and they even offered to serve us dinner or ice cream depending on when we arrived. (Do they already know me?!) How awesome is that?!
Of course, arrangements still have to be finalized, but it seems obvious that this is where God is leading us to stay. I love getting confirmation from Him that tells me what to do and tells me I am on the right track.
So, where was God today? He was in the planning and in the conversations for the trip. And, He was in the church who is showing us love by welcoming us on Easter Sunday.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Relief Camp

After a great day of spending time celebrating my son's birthday, I came home and decided to do some work on the upcoming mission trip. I have everything in my head, but wanted to get it written down. After getting all of the travel arrangements down, the participants, and some other random plans, I started wandering around the internet. As I mentioned the other day, I felt led to go to Rockporte very recently so I am behind on the official details. I know there are lots of work opportunities and places setting things up, so I haven't been worried. I have learned that when we are led by God to go somewhere during our mission trips, He also provides all the details. And, when He does, it's way more awesome than I could plan! So, I have been working and listening for God to direct me.
So, tonight I was randomly looking at places online to see where they were organizing volunteers. I came across a few places but nowhere that jumped out at me. I saved a few spots, but didn't message anywhere. Then I came across another one. It was a facebook page and I decided to message them, knowing they were closed and I would not hear anything until next week. But, I was wrong. They immediately messaged me back! They have work for us, a place to stay, and will provide food for us! How awesome is that?!
So, it gets even more awesome! the place we are working for is a place that was started by a family who wanted to help. So, they started a relief camp on their property. We will be able to work with the people and talk with the people who need help the most! We will be spending the week alongside the people we are helping!
I will call them Monday and get more details and confirm everything, but it seems like it's going to be an awesome week! It will be a new experience for all of us!
So, where was God today? Of course He was in the celebration of my amazing son. Then, He was in the details of our mission trip!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Breakfast

This morning, I had breakfast with a great youthworker friend of mine. We meet monthly to catch up, encourage each other, and sometimes to vent. Having someone who understands what I'm going through, who asks me about my spiritual life, who prays for me, and who listens is such a blessing in my life!
Today we met and I left as I always do- feeling uplifted and at more peace than when I arrived.
So, where was God today? He was in the breakfast time I had with a great friend.
Blessings,
Jennifer 

meetings

What a great day! After a few hours in the office this morning, I had a meeting with someone from a place that has lots of resources for churches- education, finances, people, etc. So, we began by chatting a but and it was amazing to realize how many people we had in common- friends, family, ministry people from here and even where I grew up! It really is a small world! As we talked, we were pausing to say "so then you must know....". Definitely a great icebreaker to share about so many common friends.
Then, she shared about the ways they could help our church and ministry. We talked about ideas, possibilities, and ways to head toward our goal. I'm not completely sure what that is yet, but some of the opportunities she mentioned might be ways to help figure that out!
After that meeting, I got to visit with someone I had not seen for awhile. She seems to be doing better than the last time I saw her and it was a great visit! I'm feeling like she is on the right track and making some good life choices.
Then, tonight I went to the education committee meeting. I had a long list of things to talk about but I knew they wouldn't all be talked about. But, that was ok because I was excited to share whatever I could. And, I knew there were other things to talk about. The meeting lasted about 3 hours. But, even though it was long, it was 3 hours of sharing, laughter, and stories- building relationships- right along with planning, visioning, and getting things done. I left the meeting feeling excited and energized for the things to come! That says a lot for a meeting that ends at 9pm! I shared some of the ideas I have for the children's ministry and was happy that it was well received. And, others had ideas which is always a great thing!
During the meeting, several shared why they started coming to the church. It was such a blessing hearing their stories. It made us think about ways to make others feel welcome.
So, where was God today? He was in the meetings that made up my day.
Blessings,
Jennifer

phone call

A few weeks ago, I got a call from a man who had been visiting the church for several weeks. He was caring for his sister-in-law who was in hospice. Her funeral was last Friday. Although she hadn't been a part of the church, her funeral luncheon was hosted by women from the church.
He had heard that we were planning a mission trip to Houston. His daughter lives in Rockport and they had gotten hit hard by hurricane Harvey. Not being as big as Houston, they weren't getting the help as much as Houston.
Prior to his call, I had been worried about our plans. It seems Houston is in need of more skilled workers- plumbers, electricians, drywall people. Our group is not any of those things. So when I got the call, it was definitely something I checked on right away! I called the local church youth leader who was very helpful, I looked at the maps to see he travel plans, and I talked with the other volunteers to hear their opinions. It was obvious things were falling into place.
Today, I called the man's daughter who lives there. She shared about the devastation from hurricane Harvey. She shared about how her students were displaced due to the storm. And she told me about the churches helping with the recovery. And then she said something awesome! She talked about the blessing of people so far away wanting to come help them. And, she talked about how God worked great things through her aunts illness and passing- not that he planned it but He can bring great things from all circumstances. And, at that point in the conversation we were both a little teary. I assume tears of sadness for her loss of her aunt as well as tears of joy for the kindness of strangers and the hope that it brings. I am not sure, but realizing the awesomeness of God probably had a lot to do with my tearyness.
So, where was God today? He was in the phone calls that put His plans into action.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Conversations

Today was filled with great conversations with great people! I got to talk to people who are so dedicated to helping children and youth learn to know God loves them...and helping them learn how to follow God's path.
I love my job! I love spending time with children and youth and being a part of their journey. But, as much as I love my job and as much time as I spend focused on helping them, I know there is no way I could do it by myself. I love that there are so many people and personalities and so many interests in the volunteers. That way, the different personalities and interests of the youth are sure to find adults who have something in common with them.
Today I got to have conversations about the hurricane experience, the mission trip, girls day and guys day, the children's programs, and ideas for future activities. I feel so blessed to have so many opportunities and so many awesome people to share them with.
So where did I see God today? He was in the people and the conversations I had.with them.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hurricane Scripture

I've spent the last few hours watching hurricane videos. Don't get me started on the animal rescue ones! And the sound videos are terrifying!
Why would I spend my time doing this? Well, in a couple months, March actually, we are doing a hurricane experience. You may have read my stories about the 30 hour famine. This year, we are doing this instead. We will spend time learning and understanding what it is like to stay in a shelter and live through a hurricane. In February, I will be going to Houston to volunteer with a group from the church. In April, I will be taking the youth on a spring break trip to serve the ares of Rockport and Sinton Texas. So, this hurricane experience will help them prepare and understand what the people they will be serving have been through.
So, after spending some time planning the schedule, I moved on to details such as music and videos for the event. And, as I watched the videos I lost track of time and continued to watch video after video of storm damage, rescue, and survivor stories. Then I started a search for God in the hurricane. That video list was shorter. And the videos that were actually about the hope and love of God was an even shorter list. But, I clicked on a video by a guy sharing his story of how God worked in mysterious ways during hurricane Irma. It was about 30 minutes so about halfway in I decided to listen while beginning my search for scriptures for the event. I found scriptures of hope, comfort, and encouragement. But, then I came across Romans 8:28 and thought it was perfect for our Saturday devotion if I used the video. His story of God working in Him and through him and the scripture of God working for good in all things was perfect! Just a few minutes after I typed up the plans for the devotion, I heard the scripture verse on the video! Clicking back to watch, the scripture was on the screen! How cool is that? It was like an affirmation that this was what I am supposed to share and this is the scripture I need to use.
So, I guess my morning devotion is all set!
Want to see the video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arjuSEip6tw
So, where did I see God today? He was in the planning of this event and He was in the details helping me figure out how to share what He wants me to share.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Out

Every year I pick a word to focus on. Last year, it was thanks. The year before, it was encourage. This year, my word is "out". So, it's a little less obvious than the other years. What does it mean?

Well, right now I am sitting at a coffee shop working- hoping to reach out to the people in the community by not spending all of my time inside the church walls.  This morning, I met with the preschool director to schedule monthly time with the preschool kids- thinking outside of the box to connect with kids and families.  My afternoon plans include several emails to volunteers and parents to reach out to the awesome people who are dedicated to being a part of the ministry at the church.  And, in an effort to be more outgoing in my faith and share, I am restarting my blog. Living out my journey by looking for God in everything is much easier to do when I make a more conscious effort to watch for God, knowing I will need something to write about during the day. 

I hope you can enjoy my daily blog. But even more, I hope it helps you look for God in your daily life. We see Him in the big stuff, but sometimes we forget He's also in the little stuff.

So, where was God today? He was in the people who encouraged me to write- to share my stories. I encourage you to share your stories! Leave me a comment and tell me where you saw God today!

Blessings,

Jennifer